A Study of the Magister

As for Jhesiyra, I think you found all the source I can think of. And the Magister is a series of people. You see, the reward for beating the Magister is usually (if you survive) becoming the Magister. If neither combatant survives, then Azuth chooses the next Magister. To be honest with you, that is all the information I have. I would guess that what the duel is, depends on the mage who is currently the Magister. I mean, would you want to be known as the archmage who was once the Magister? Also, at high level there are lots of spells for magical combat: anti-magic shell, prismatic spells, etc. etc. Generally I would say that most combats go until the death - either by accident or design.

As for duties, the Magister is what mages show their apprentices and say: "This is what you'll be one day-if you study hard enough." I would say that the magister has a glamorous job but no real duties or income. Of course, what ruler would like to say, "I was talking to my court wizard the other day - you know, the Magister - and he said..." I am sure some rulers would love to have the magister in their back pocket. This could be another reason what Magisters are loners. BTW, another off-hand comment by Ed Greenwood last GenCon was the Weave and magic in general is a very "female" thing. That is, mages of high level are more likely female than male. But (it is my perception) that most Magisters are male. Perhaps it is a testerone thing?

The Magister, FR4, does not detail an NPC. Instead it is a collection of Realm-based magic items and unique spell and spell books. No mention is made in the book except:

"...'The Magister' is a title born always by a single worker of the magic arts chosen by the goddess Mystra as her personal champion. Elminster has vividly told me the details of the choosing of the latest Magister, one Noumre'a, in the year 1354; her present whereabouts and powers remain mysterious."

"'Of old, the mouths of Mystra made known to all who have Power, this: that by the blessing of the goddess, one mage shall be the lady's champion, and the master of magery. This one, called the Magister, does not rule, but rather wanders the Realms doing as desired, for good or ill; and in time is cast down by other mages, and the mouths of Mystra shall name a new Magister. Thus the Art shall live and grow, in strife and mystery, and never know the stifling yoke of law nor of authority. And the Art shall grow stronger, for magely ambition grows with skill-in-art, and those waxing stronger will seek out incumbent weakness; from strife-of-art shall come greater strength. In the proper choosing of an enemy, each Magister brings glory, and greater strength, to the office. And in the seeking of that office, each magic brings glory, and greater strength, to the Art."

1. Increased spell research abilities-hey, with Azuth and Mystra has your personal guardian angels, think of the spells you could research.
2. The ability to change magical specializations. One month the Magister could act like and enchanter. The next, a fire mage, the next a normal straight mage. Decisions to change "specializations" depend on circumstance and whim of the Magister.
3. Increased proficiency with the Weave. This might manifest as a -1 to all saves against the Magister's spells.
4. A permanent know school spell active to the Magister. IOQ, he/she can look at you and he would know what schools of magic you specialized in.
5. The ability to recognize and identify magical sigils, symbols, and writing.

1. IIRC from Making of a Mage, the reigning Magister kicked butt against the Mage Lords, and they were pretty powerful themselves. (That is, some were at least 18th level and casting 9th level spells.) Hence I would guess that the Magister casts all spells "perfectly". Effectively he can choose the results of any die rolls required. If he wants to cast a fireball, he can choose the damage to be all 1's (just a warning shot) or all 6's or anything in between.
2. I would also imagine the Magister knows a lot about the history of spell and magical item research. This would give him the effect of a permanent legend lore ability on any magic item or spell. (Using it on a spell might give info on its creator, the original reason it was created, variants that exist, who has it currently if it's rare, effects, and limitations.)
3. I would imagine that the Magister is chosen in spell battles run according to the rules in High Level Campaigns. The reigning Magister would probably have some bonuses, but I don't remember the rules well enough to speculate.Also, it was suggested that it is the Magister that "bans" spells.

1. Jhesiyra Kesthellharp. One of Halaster's apprentices, she gave up after Halaster's Test, and went to Myth Drannor and eventually became the Magister... (Campaign Guide to Undermountain, page 5)
2. The Magister that appears in the novel Elminster, the Making of a Mage (pages 84-89), who answers a challenge to his powers and destroys a bunch of powerful magelords.
3. The present Magister, Noume'a (referenced in FR4 The Magister and appears in the novel Cloak of Shadows).
4. Two Magisters are referenced in Polyhedron #72 (page 29) : Lauthdryn "Hurler-of-Stars", that went alone into the Vast in search of a rogue Archmage in order to bring him to justice, and Aralagath Tarsil that succeeded him. I would say that this happened around 1290-1300 DR.
5. A Magister spoke directly with Mystra in a knoll in Shadowdale that nowadays is a holy place (Shandril's mother, Dammasae is buried there; she was an Incantatrix and also had Spellfire). See the novel Spellfire, pages 356-357, and Poly #117 for Incantatrix courtesy of Eric Boyd.