The only real source for the distribution of character classes is Eqcasters realm, which has extensive lists of characters attached to the site. This is highly subjective of course, as it doesn�t cover the entire EQ population. Verant have released some figures on the relative popularity of character classes, but not specifically for Erudites, although there is no reason why such statistics could not appear in the future. From what has been released, coupled with a bit of research (basically the /who all commands over a period of three months), the following tentative conclusions can be drawn.
There are only seven character classes available to Erudites, but a very large distinction. Erudites are most known for their Intelligence, making them superlative spellcasters. This is reflected in the character class choices, as the four �pure� magic-wielding types are a great deal more popular than the three �melee� types. There�s not a lot of difference between the top four, then there is a long gap, and then not a lot of difference between the bottom three. We have, in effect, an �upper� and a �lower� division!
Wizards are unquestionably the most popular choice of character for Erudites, possibly making up as much as a quarter of the total. With the recent introduction of critical damage on Wizard spells the class is, if anything, only going to gain in popularity. What attracts people to Wizards is that they can do a lot of direct damage, very quickly, and with extremely mana-efficient spells.
Wizards: 23-25%.
Enchanters probably just shade Magicians for the number two spot (although it�s quite close). Both are ideal careers for Erudites but the Enchanter seems to be considered just a bit more �marketable�. Their range of �mesmerise� spells is highly regarded by groups and Enchanters are considered almost indispensable for mid to high level raids. Magicians have by far the best pets but not, it seems, such a natural �slot�.
Enchanters: 20-21%.
Magicians: 19-20%.
Overall Necromancers are the second or third most popular character class in the game, and Erudites are regarded as one of the best choices for the class. Necromancers are good at soloing, particularly adept at duelling, and their corpse finding capabilities can make them a lot of friends (and money). Erudite Necromancers also benefit from the excellent Paineel newbie zone, so it�s a bit surprising to find them at the bottom of the �upper division�.
Necromancers: 16-18%.
Clerics are not counted as pure magic-users but they live on healing, not hitting monsters. They are also the only Erudite character class that can be either Heretics or loyal to Erud�s vision. These two factors probably explain why they top our �second division�. Erudites have enough wisdom to make very acceptable Clerics. They probably only seem rare in comparison to the legions of spellcasters.
Clerics: 9-10%.
Overall Shadow Knights are not a popular character class (only bards are played less) and people who choose Erudites stay away from them just as much as anyone else. Shadow Knights use Intelligence rather than Wisdom, which explains why they are the more popular of the two Erudite �tank� classes. They are also better at soloing, which is just as well, as negative faction restricts their movements considerably.
Shadow Knights: 6-8%.
Paladin is easily the least common profession for Erudites. As a matter of fact, Erudite Paladins are just about the scarcest character class/race combination there is (the main competition being the Gnome Cleric). The recent introduction of new Paladin races is probably going to make them proportionately even less common. Compared to the versions of other races, the Erudite Paladin has little real compensation for much poorer statistics, which can make things a bit of a slog at mid levels.
Paladin: Less than 5%.