Empathy was once a very popular practice within the areas of
Arethil dominated by humankind. Most noble families would keep a house Empath and there were great schools in all the major
cities. Nobles would bring family members they felt needing "emotional balance" as an Empath could temporarily drain negative emotions and harness them as a source of magical energy. Lord Ruttegaust was said to bring his eldest son to an Empath almost daily as the heir had already sired almost twelve common bastards and needed his
Desire quelled.
As cities grew so too did the resource pool of Empaths. Great schools grew alongside large dynasties of the past. An Empath was often welcome for their balanced and logical advice over their abilities. But over time older arts became less popular. The fashion was the magical arts developed by the new colleges.
Humans experimenting, tinkering and documenting. Nobles had scholars instead of empaths.
Slowly a stigma grew about the practise. The term "leaching emotions" started to be used. Rumours grew that an empath could take your cherished memories away. The schools closed, one by one. Some houses kept empaths on, but they did so quietly.
Now the practise is generally passed down one to one. Empaths are found wandering the land, rarely advertising their profession.