When magic was first shown to be real during the Otherspace War, interstellar society was shaken to say the least. What had once been considered the trappings of outmoded superstitious thought was now being promoted as the only way to truly defeat the Others. Over the cycles, the people of the Confederacy and the Independent Races have accepted the existence of magic. However, not all forms of magic are held in equal regard. And while the majority of the population has accepted magic as magic, some have tried to rationalize it by attempting to shoehorn it into a quasi-scientific model. There is also the small but persistant minority that regards magic as little more than an elaborate scam. Below are notes on common opinions about different types of magicians, listed from highest regard to lowest. Though they can vary per each individual, the following are typical of the average sentient.
Combat Mage: When the existence of magic was revealed, combat mages were prominent on the frontlines of the Otherspace War. Afterwards, they've gained equal fame for being active in the rooting out of cults.
Elementalist: The power of the elementals is very handy in the refreshing of the air and water reserves of a space station. In fact, probably the only reason why they aren't held in higher regard than combat mages is because the motives of the elementals are suspect. This is because encounters with them without an elementalist present tend to be less than friendly.
Alchemist: The ability to produce magic items like potions and spell locks which can be used by ordinary sentients has become a much soughtafter service in the Confederacy and among the Independent Races. However, this also makes alchemists the most despised type of magician among skeptics.
Sorcerer: If any arcane profession could be said to be regarded with relative indifference, it would be that of the sorcerer. The versatility of their magic means that the actions of the individual sorcerer matter more than the profession as a whole.
Void Shaman: Like elementals, the motives of void spirits are regarded with suspicion. Unlike elementals, void spirits don't provide their mortal associates with magics useful in keeping a spacebound society running. Rumors of void spirits that have manifested as starships have enhanced concerns about what they're up to.
Summoner: Anyone who would deliberately yank a demon out of Otherspace to do their bidding is not likely to receive sympathy from most folks. In fact, the only reason summoners are tolerated is because they're the only ones who can perform exorcisms.
Necromancer: A more despised form of magic is not likely to be found. The fact that several of their magics involve the use of corpses in one way or another serve to make the profession all the more repulsive for most folks.