The disciplined mind can overcome any obstacle. Discipline is the key to responsibility, which is the key to goodness. We are good because we are responsible. Because we are disciplined.
| Eari | |
|---|---|
| |
| Vitals | |
| Leader | Cecian the Calm |
| Positions | Eari Archmaster, Eari Master, Eari Sage, Eari Mage, Eari Pupil |
| Sub-groups | Eari High Council, Joint Illition Directorate |
| Founded | EE 1470 |
| Founder | Boloro of Avendel |
| Motto | Trulina ei Sforita. |
| Status | extinct |
| Headquarters | Earian Institute of the Arcane |
| Locations | widespread |
| Items | Eari Stones |
| Texts | The Erimidian,Codex Antifexa |
| Ceremonies | |
| Deities | |
| Statistics | |
| Appearances | Eulogy for Magic |
| Mentions | |
The Eari were one of the few remaining orders of magic users prior to the Great Purge. At the outset of the Second Age, they were only one of two generalist magic orders, being vastly outnumbered by the Draol order. Prevailing sentiments at the time were that the Eari were the "good" school of magic, as they often mixed their brand of magic with the divine. They also forbid teaching of the illicit arts in their institute, and garnered a reputation to for being extremely responsible with their power. This reputation was mostly due to their strict adherence to the Ygwer Code, an ethical standard that they did not create but ultimately came to identify with. Their motto was Trulina ei Sforita, which means "Wisdom and Temperance" in High Vinthish. They were headquartered from their primary school at the Earian Institute of the Arcane in the kingdom of Meralia. The last Eari Archmaster was Cecian the Calm, who was at the time considered the greatest wizard of their time. Their emblem was a white interlocking seven-pointed star over a field of blue.
Trademark Style
The Eari school of magic preferred to use magic in smaller bursts, which forced them to use magic in wiser, more economical ways than their Draol counterparts. They most often used it for things like healing, protection, and enchanting things.
Levels of Mastery
There were several levels of mastery among the Eari, more than the other schools. One began their studies at the Institute as an Eari Pupil. Only after completing several years of rigorous study in a variety of disciplines would one then graduate to Eari Mage, which mirrors the progression of the Draol. At that point they were free to go off on their own to continue their own studies, or make a living however they saw fit using their skills. If one was skilled enough, they might be asked to then teach; in this case they would achieve the rank of Eari Sage. This rank also applied to those who wanted to study and advance the breadth of knowledge. Sage was basically a scholarly role. Those who wished to pursue advisory roles within courts were required to attain the rank of Eari Master, which was the highest level of mastery. The highest ranking, however, was that of Eari Archmaster, who essentially served as head of the order and oversaw the academy. This was a positional title only, though it was possible for the Archmaster to be of a higher proficiency than other Eari; such was the case with Cecian the Calm.
History
The order was founding by Boloro of Avendel in EE 1470 in response to the growing number of incompetent magic disciplines popping up. The only ones of note, according to Boloro, were the specialty schools. Boloro, who had previously trained under the Runesworn and had attained the rank of Runemaker, wanted to impart some of their ideas onto a more generalized curriculum. In addition to this, he sought to legitimize the practice of magic by creating levels of proficiency, which would help gain the public's trust. At the time, most magic was taught on a master-apprentice basis, like artisans. Boloro saw that this limited students, as their reputation would somewhat be tied to that of their teacher. The other dominant factor in the creation of the Eari order was the recent 1st Great War, which demonstrated that magic ought not be used to subjugate people. Boloro wanted to create something that could be trusted.
Founding Tenets
The order was founded on a number of key tenets, which set them up for establishing a trusted and positive reputation. These tenets were laid out in a text called the Erimidian.
- Fex should be used with restraint. Temperance prevents excess.
- Fex should be used with sound judgement. Discipline prevents recklessness.
- Fex should be used with a kind heart. Justice prevents suffering.
The core principles were still taught until the Purge, but when the Ygwer Code came into prominence, the Eari adopted it without hesitation, as it would only enhance their pursuit of excellence and goodness.
The Great Purge
It was the Eari order who first saw the existential threat of the rise of the Scions of Geth, a rebel faction of the Draol. Upon realizing the size of the threat, the Eari convinced King Helden 3 of Iselmor to call a Meeting of Lords, where they were able to convince the world leaders to eliminate the Scions.
Official Narrative
During the Great Purge, the Eari order self-eliminated in order to prevent the world from being obliterated through irresponsible use of magic. The final seventeen Eari destroyed themselves to make the Eari Stones, which would catch and trap magic so that it could never again be used. They left behind a set of instructions for how to safely use the stones, which was called the Codex Antifexa. This would all be explained by Cecian (who was then the last remaining Eari alive) during a Meeting of Lords that led to the Meralian Accord. Cecian gave an impassioned speech on the clear and present danger of magic, and convinced enough of the present attendees that total elimination of magic was necessary for the survival of the world. Thereafter, he explained the Codex, and how they would utilize the relics provided by the Eari to perform their noble task. His last act was to demonstrate the power of the Eari Stones by having one brought into the chamber, where he martyred himself to the Tal Calar who wielded the Inar-Stone. Because he was considered the most powerful wizard of the age, the effectiveness of the relics would not be called into question.
Key Texts
- The Erimidian - founding doctrine and key tenets, written by the founder.
- Codex Antifexa - textbook specifically written for the Tal Calar.
Trivia
- An Eari healer named Pertus once took some interest in a young boy from Terga, but he declined an invitation when he discovered the boy was deaf. That boy turned out to be Atury.