Wu Jen

Wu jen are akin to wizards in a land where there are no wizard colleges and mentorship is hard to find. Some reject the structures and traditions of their societies, becoming hermits or traveling mystics in distant lands. These are most likely to be found acting as makeshift shamans for the tribes of Purang in Malatra.
Many wu jen powers are similar to those of the shugenja. Where they differ is in their relationships to people. Shugenja are rooted in society, serving as spiritual leaders and advisors. Wu jen are often withdrawn and solitary, focusing on personal power and self improvement. Nevertheless, they serve important roles as advisors to the emperor of Shou Lung.
Like samurai and shugenja, wu jen often enter the Realms via caravans and diplomatic missions from Shou Lung, Wa, and T'u Lung. They act as magical support in the same manner as wizards of the Realms. Unlike samurai and shugenja, however, wu jen frequently leave their employers to venture into the world. Their chaotic natures lead them to abandon ties to hierarchies, instead going off on their own to expand their personal power.
Wu jen in service to the Emperor are another story altogether. They enter the Realms in many of the same ways that other service-based characters do. They frequently serve on missions for the Emperor or another Shou noble. Sometimes, even these wu jen 'defect', but it is more unlikely than among their unaligned brethren.
Wu jen are among the most likely classes to have members that originate from outside of Kara-Tur. The vast majority of wu jen learn their craft from a single mentor. The rejection of social stricture by many wu jen means that they are more willing to teach non-Eastern students than are members of other Eastern classes. There is even talk in a few major wizard colleges of studying the nature of the five elements system to see if there is validity to the method. Such discussions are currently occurring at Candlekeep and at wizard colleges in Waterdeep, Gheldaneth, Silverymoon, and even in Thay. The Thayans have seen the ease with which wu jen manipulate the energies of their spells and seek to learn the secret behind this facility.