Wizard

A wizard is an individual who has learned to manipulate reality through formula that channel the power of Mystra's decaying body. For players, becoming a wizard is one of the Paths To Power.

Reception of Wizardry
Almost universally the practice of wizardry is feared and despised. Those who have encountered wizards afflicted with arcane madness and survive often believe all wizards to be deranged, dangerous individuals or even demonically possessed. Even if not threatened outright, a public wizard within a community is likely to be reported to an inquisitor.

Most clerics of Julian advocate the killing of wizards due to their desire for arcane cleansing, though some may tolerate the existence of morally upright wizards.

Culture
Wizard culture is one of secrecy and isolation. Large groups of wizards draw the attention of inquisitors and increase the chances of at least one wizard in the group being afflicted with arcane madness. Because of this, few established wizard traditions exist.

When two wizards meet, it is polite for both to maintain a firm grip on their foci (a wizard willingly dropping his foci could be interpreted as a sign of madness) and to engage in small talk with the intention of learning if either wizard has been afflicted with madness, is under the thrall of an inquisitor, or is otherwise unknowingly hostile. It is not considered impolite or even threatening for wizards to discuss ways of killing one another, but merely as a form of practical precaution.

History
The first known wizard was discovered in the 16th year in the Age of Decay. After her death the knowledge of wizardry spread across the world, becoming a global practice.

Wizards of Note

 * Waylai: Wizard prodigy. Inventor the "Waylai" domain of spells, whose simplicity and elegance allow them to be memorized easily.
 * Mai Hean: Ostensible inventor of wizardry.
 * Barren-Shard-Molken-Shredded: Responsible for the invention and spread of many standard offensive spells used by wizards today.