Magelords
Overview: No group is more hated or feared in the Eight Kingdoms and surrounding area than the Magelords. Originally the Magelords were the rulers and leaders of old Aare and were key to bringing it to its height, but also to its fall. The fall decimated the nobility and wiped out the Royal family. Magelords tried to re-establish their rule in Aarenis with indifferent results. At best, they had to conceal what they were. Magelords who wished to rule openly crossed the Dwarfmounts and conquered Fintha and Tsaia. The local inhabitants, of mostly Old Human stock, were virtually enslaved as serfs. The Magelords were overthrown in the Girdish rebellion and, since then, magery has been outlawed in both Fintha and Tsaia. Fintha is a theocracy centered around Gird. Tsaia is no friendlier to Magelords as they are banned from the Royal family and positions of trust. Besides using their positions to abuse others, Magelords turned from benevolent users of all arcane abilities at the beginning of Aare to practicing the sacrifice of innocents and the worship of the darker gods, especially Liart. Magelord families still exist though they publicly declare they do not practice magery and are faithful worshipers of respected Gods...
Player Characters: Not a class open to player characters for obvious reasons. A player character as a Magelord would be killed as soon as he/she revealed their powers and the source of that power. Magelords draw on their own life essence to perform spells. Rest will recuperate that loss. However, facing steadily dwindling powers, Magelords have augmented their power by draining the life essence of other creatures - especially sentient races. A 'reformed' Magelord character would still face the dangers and penalties of an evil Magelord combined with the potent threat of being killed by the other Magelords (who would feel the good character has betrayed them). In Game terms, they are essentially a race of sorcerers.
Appearance: Magelords have tried to keep their 'bloodlines pure' over time. However, there has been 'contamination' of physical traits - so appearances can vary. But, Magelords tend to have light brown skin and straight black hair. Their eyes are slightly almond shaped and tend to be brown. They are of a slightly lighter skin colour than the other people of old Aare. Interestingly enough, the Magelords are Old Humans are very similar in appearance...
Locations: The Magelords have spread throughout the Eight Kingdoms, the surrounding area, and across the Eastern Ocean. They conceal what they are from the rest of the population - or, at least, they ensure they leave no witnesses.
Known Characteristics: Most characteristics are listed above. Magelords keep a careful track of their bloodlines as they believe 'contamination' results in a weakening of their powers. While most people view the Magelords as a minor threat, many scholars and leaders know the Magelords are looking for ways to regain their positions of power.
Rumoured Characteristics: It is rumoured there are surviving descendants of the Royal Family of Old Aare. They would feel entitled to the rulership of Old Aare, Aarenis, and the Eight Kingdoms. Other rumours include a secret organization of Magelords who commit murder, treason, and other crimes to help ensure their return to power. This group is also supposedly assassinating leading arcane and clerical magical users to prevent competition and/or discovery of Magelords and their conviction/death. It is also rumoured those with Magelord blood can become wizards - and that some wizards are disguised Magelords. Finally, there is a legend that Magelords worked with elves, wizards, dwarves, clerics, and Old Humans to destroy a great evil in the distant past. What that evil was varies from tale to tale...
Human Genetic Groups (Overviews)
Overview: No group is more hated or feared in the Eight Kingdoms and surrounding area than the Magelords. Originally the Magelords were the rulers and leaders of old Aare and were key to bringing it to its height, but also to its fall. The fall decimated the nobility and wiped out the Royal family. Magelords tried to re-establish their rule in Aarenis with indifferent results. At best, they had to conceal what they were. Magelords who wished to rule openly crossed the Dwarfmounts and conquered Fintha and Tsaia. The local inhabitants, of mostly Old Human stock, were virtually enslaved as serfs. The Magelords were overthrown in the Girdish rebellion and, since then, magery has been outlawed in both Fintha and Tsaia. Fintha is a theocracy centered around Gird. Tsaia is no friendlier to Magelords as they are banned from the Royal family and positions of trust. Besides using their positions to abuse others, Magelords turned from benevolent users of all arcane abilities at the beginning of Aare to practicing the sacrifice of innocents and the worship of the darker gods, especially Liart. Magelord families still exist though they publicly declare they do not practice magery and are faithful worshipers of respected Gods...
Player Characters: Not a class open to player characters for obvious reasons. A player character as a Magelord would be killed as soon as he/she revealed their powers and the source of that power. Magelords draw on their own life essence to perform spells. Rest will recuperate that loss. However, facing steadily dwindling powers, Magelords have augmented their power by draining the life essence of other creatures - especially sentient races. A 'reformed' Magelord character would still face the dangers and penalties of an evil Magelord combined with the potent threat of being killed by the other Magelords (who would feel the good character has betrayed them). In Game terms, they are essentially a race of sorcerers.
Appearance: Magelords have tried to keep their 'bloodlines pure' over time. However, there has been 'contamination' of physical traits - so appearances can vary. But, Magelords tend to have light brown skin and straight black hair. Their eyes are slightly almond shaped and tend to be brown. They are of a slightly lighter skin colour than the other people of old Aare. Interestingly enough, the Magelords are Old Humans are very similar in appearance...
Locations: The Magelords have spread throughout the Eight Kingdoms, the surrounding area, and across the Eastern Ocean. They conceal what they are from the rest of the population - or, at least, they ensure they leave no witnesses.
Known Characteristics: Most characteristics are listed above. Magelords keep a careful track of their bloodlines as they believe 'contamination' results in a weakening of their powers. While most people view the Magelords as a minor threat, many scholars and leaders know the Magelords are looking for ways to regain their positions of power.
Rumoured Characteristics: It is rumoured there are surviving descendants of the Royal Family of Old Aare. They would feel entitled to the rulership of Old Aare, Aarenis, and the Eight Kingdoms. Other rumours include a secret organization of Magelords who commit murder, treason, and other crimes to help ensure their return to power. This group is also supposedly assassinating leading arcane and clerical magical users to prevent competition and/or discovery of Magelords and their conviction/death. It is also rumoured those with Magelord blood can become wizards - and that some wizards are disguised Magelords. Finally, there is a legend that Magelords worked with elves, wizards, dwarves, clerics, and Old Humans to destroy a great evil in the distant past. What that evil was varies from tale to tale...
Human Genetic Groups (Overviews)