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History
Originally hailing from Human lands and ancestry a great many Humans (now known
as Erudites after Erud their leader) fled to Odus, after having become disillusioned by the
war-like natures of their Human and Barbarian cousins. On Odus they have since built a
huge, beautiful and majestic city, gleaming with polished marble and
magical symbols and runes. It is famed throughout Norrath for its massive
library and collection of texts, with one of the most comprehensive collections
on the whole of Norrath.
While Erudites put a great emphasis
on developing their intellect and researching the Arcane, they seek knowledge
and enlightenment rather than power and status. The Erudites refuse to be
influenced by the temptations of their research and a great many who chose to
study forbidden texts on necromancy and black magics were banished and
established a separate sect in the city now known as Paineel.
Though those who were banished study
dark and what may be considered evil magics, Erudites are not an evil race. They
have no respect for the Ogres and Trolls and dislike the methods and beliefs of
the Dark Elves. Many spend a great deal of time and effort on reflection and
meditation and despite a superior attitude and serious demeanour, are often
intelligent and wise. Erudites understand the boundaries of keeping a civilised
society and while they prefer not to socialise with those outside their own
race, are quite capable of interacting on good terms with others. Erudites often
befriend those who become their companions on quests and expeditions but tend to
have a harder time in understanding the Barbarians and Dwarves.
Erudites
as a whole
are perhaps the most magical of all the known races, every example of their race
has at least a little control
over the magical forces and it is rare for them not to have a sound knowledge of
the Arcane. Erudites are not found in any of the more physical professions and
though Erudite Paladins and Shadow Knights are not unheard of it is far more
common to see an Erudite Enchanter, Mage or Wizard.
Erudites, in a similar fashion to the High Elves, believe themselves to be
intellectually superior to the other races
and are often disliked, at least at first because of this attitude. While
naturally very intelligent, they are only by experience a wise people and are
often unforgiving and even inconsiderate of those they may consider a 'lesser'
being. Their pursuit of knowledge and enlightenment is perhaps the only real
religion that all Erudites follow with total dedication but they are known to
worship many of the 'good' and 'neutral' dieties.
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