A History of the Eth (Rift Lore)  

The Eth are a tribe of humans who adapted to the harsh southern deserts by becoming master survivalists and taming their environment through magic. During the Blood Storm Wars, this inquisitive and fiercely scholarly race discovered a means to harness sourcestone as a fuel for eldritch war machines. After the construction of the Ward and the return of peace to Telara, these proto-technologies saw application in all areas of life.

Yet the Vigil soon demanded that sourcestone technology be abandoned. Though it meant being cast from the gods' sight, the people of Eth refused. In spite of the Vigil, they further conquered their environment, and built an Empire of conglomerated city-states ruled by brilliant sorcerer kings. The power and influence of the Eth spread throughout Telara, fueled by the wonders of sourcestone.

Unfortunately, their technology fell into the clutched of insidious dragon cultists, and the Eth empire fell soon thereafter. Rather than risk the Blood Storm's release, the Eth buried their wonders in the sand and destroyed all record of their forbidden techniques.

Though reduced once again to a nomadic life in the desert, the Eth persevered, using magic to find new ways to adapt. They continue to value scholarly dedication and inventive approaches to problems old and new.

Following the fall of their empire, many Eth sought asylum with their longtime allies, the Bahmi. Others spread through the verdant lands of Mathosia. Though taken in as scholars and court magicians, the Eth were generally distrusted by the more pious races.