Scholars of the Arcane

Oerth, more than any other known world, is noted for its wizards. Names such as Tenser, Mordenkainen, Bigby, and Melf are the stuff of legend across the multiverse. Whether they lived centuries in the past, or are still walking the earth today, such mages have developed dozens of specialized spells, skills, and traditions that have become available to others. 

It is often not the case that wizards belonging to these traditions have actually studied under these legendary wizards, although it is entirely possible. It is far more likely that they studied under someone who studied under someone who studied under someone (and so on) until the originators of these schools of magical thought become the originators of a new tradition. Those whose lineage is closer to the source take such as a great source of pride, especially when dealing with those whose connection to the source of their tradition is removed by more degrees of separation.

Though practitioners of arcane magic through study and discipline can be found in every corner of Oerik, the prevalence and nature of wizardry vary greatly depending on the region and its cultural attitudes toward magic. While wizards are common and respected in some lands, they are tightly controlled or viewed with suspicion in others.

In cultures where wizardry is more accessible and decentralized (such as the Baklunish lands), a wide array of schools and academies now offer instruction, fostering vibrant magical traditions that differ from nation to nation. Beyond these institutions, countless individual masters take on apprentices as they always have, teaching the art of spellcraft in a more personal and tailored manner. This diversity allows for a rich tapestry of magical styles and philosophies to flourish across the land.