ZU
The ancient and wise Men of Zu are considered by many to be the teachers of the races. They are regarded as the final word on matters of politics, philosophy, and magical theory. This kind of a reputation has led to widespread arrogance amongst the Zu, who (though less vain than the Elves) believe the natural world to be beneath them and subject to their whim. Though they are powerful sorcerers, wise philosophers, and studied scholars, the Zu as a people have yet to see themselves as only a small part of Mana’s greater flow.
This isn’t because of ignorance or wickedness, but rather an unpleasant side-effect of their unbound curiosity. Their scholarly bent leads them to pursuits that others would consider perverse or unnatural. Their argument is that fear and superstition have no part of true progress; scientific development must be free from social taboo.
Zu have a natural predisposition towards magic, despite their apparent disdain for the natural order. They are connected to Mana in a way that few other species are and all Zu use magic in their every day lives in some form or fashion.
Nicknames: Elders, Mystics, Geezers (derogatory)
Disc of Origin: Zu
Stereotype: Wise, distinguished and serene
Appearance: Zu all go bald upon reaching adulthood (though they may still grow facial hair which
is invariably white). Their eyes are varying shades of gray and brown their skin is tanned, leathery and wrinkled. Zu grow to be 6-7 feet tall and are usually very thin and lanky. They have pointed ears of varying shape depending on gender and family (females usually have shorter ears and noble’s ears tend to point more horizontally than vertically).
Life: Zu are pseudo immortals; that is to say, they will not die by any natural process but can be killed through violent conflict, hence the race’s aversion to fighting. Zu give live birth after 14 months of pregnancy. A Zu female gives birth only twice during her lifetime – once to a male, and once to a female. Because of this, the race is careful to preserve and teach each child to the utmost. From ages 0 to 50, Zu are regarded as children. On his 51st birthday, a Zu’s hair falls out and he is considered to officially be an adult. Many rites of passage revolve around the Zu’s hair falling out. The oldest living Zu is Luminara’s mayor, Al-Jaidus who has been alive since the latter half of the Third Age.
Disadvantages: Zu have an extremely strong connection to Mana But with such a strong connection, there are certain disadvantages. Any time a Zu botches a Feat related to spell-casting, they create something called Backlash. To put it in simple terms, Backlash is reality fighting against being re-shaped by Mana. This Backlash will take one of 4 forms: (when a Zu bothches a Magery Feat, roll 1d4 to determine the Backlash Effect)
1.An Antimagic Field is created and no spells or magical artifacts can be used for 12 hours within a one mile radius of where the failed spell was cast.
2.The spell fizzles out and has no effect at all.
3.The spell overloads and has double the intended effect at double the Mana cost. If the cost cannot be paid in Mana, it must be paid in Life points. (this can potentially kill)
4.Instead of the intended spell, a totally random spell (from any branch) is cast. This spell is chosen by the Judge.
Notes: The Zu are pragmatists, not idealists. They can often come off as cold, logical and uncaring due to their concern with facts over conjecture. Zu are very canny, observing a situation from all angles and analyzing every move before they consider making one. They are excellent strategists and leaders from a mathematical standpoint. But their lack of personal touch can make even the most loyal subjects falter beneath them. While many Men look to them as teachers and leaders, their character has come under criticism as of late. For where some see the effectiveness of their cool heads and the genius behind their every move, others see the cruelty with which they judge and sentence the Jur-Al, and their reckless pursuit of dangerous magic in the name of progress. Many Zu celebrate non-religious festivals (most Zu are atheists or deists at best) that honor the accomplishments of their people and the sacrifices made by their forefathers to establish a land and people devoted to freedom and knowledge. Families gather together during these times of dancing, feasting, and song. Zu’s elite throw extravagant parties that (while tame by some race’s standards) are wildly hedonistic in comparison to the outdoor celebrations in parks and yards where the commoners gather. Zu are also reviled by the few Petty gods that still reside on their world for the near extinction of their kind during The Purging of the First Age. During this time, the Zu and their subjects systematically hunted down and destroyed any Little god they came across – even those who had never sought worship or harmed the mortals of their domain. Those Little gods who still remember this event harbor a great hatred towards the Zu and make every attempt to harass them from the shadows.
Playing a Zu: No doubt about it, the Zu are one of the absolute best races for playing a Mage. Their racial gifts pave the way nicely for a well-rounded Mage who can cast from multiple Branches with ease. When role-playing as a Zu, remember that they are incredibly smart, logical and calculating but their decisions and beliefs can seem cruel and heartless. Though they are certainly not without emotion, their heads govern their actions, not their hearts.
Common Names (Male): Aldus, Arvel, Belthasar, Dantes, Diel, Gaspar, Ipshanti, Melchior, Rucien, Son, Yolo, Zyn
Common Names (Female): Adel, Animosa, Ikke, Ines, Karmina, Nadin, Nemphindor, Nerissa, Rucianna, Suva, Zym
Common Family Names: Al Asparna, Al Endora, Al Ipshanti, Al Oredas, Ibn Hisset, Ibn Nahir, Ibn Sina, Ibn Tartu. Family names either start with “Al” if the next part of the name begins with a vowel or “Ibn” if the next part of the name begins with a consonant.
Bonus
+3 Power Points
+1 Intellect
+1 Power
Racial Advantage
Arcane Aptitude: Zu may inherently know three Rank 1 (neophyte) Spells from any branch of Magic. These three Spells may all come from the same branch or a mix of different branches.
