The Red Wizards
The arcane architects of Malloreon's defense and imperial will.
In the context of The Riftwar Saga, the term 'Red Wizards' is often used by fans to describe the mages affiliated with the Imperial College of Magic in Krondor, though this specific moniker is not a primary canonical faction name. These individuals serve as the magical backbone of the Mallorean Empire, wielding arcane power for defense, espionage, and warfare. Their presence is central to the conflict between Midkemia and Tsurani forces.
- Affiliation
- Malloreon / Imperial College
- Role
- Magical Support & Defense
- Location
- Krondor (Capital)
- Leadership
- High Mage of Krondor
- First Appears
- Magician: Apprentice
- Status
- Active throughout the Saga
Lore & Background
The relationship between these mages and the military command was often tense but necessary. They provided critical support during sieges and battles, such as at Sethanon or Krondor itself. Pug's journey highlights both the potential of this order and its internal struggles with tradition versus innovation. By the saga's end, their role evolved to maintain stability in a fractured world.
In Their Own Story
The tower loomed against the twilight sky of Krondor, stone cold despite the summer heat. A mage stood at the balcony, robes fluttering in the wind that carried the scent of river and smoke. Below, the city slept, unaware of the shadows gathering on the horizon. He raised his hand, feeling the hum of the earth's ley lines beneath his fingertips. The Emperor needed power; the Empire would have it, even if it cost him his soul.
Reader's Guide
The leadership structure revolves around the High Mage of Krondor, who reports directly to the Imperial Council or the Emperor. During the war, their political goal was the preservation of Malloreon's sovereignty against Tsurani invasion. Military capabilities included teleportation, elemental attacks, and magical barriers. However, they were limited by the need for focus and preparation time compared to physical armies. Internal conflicts often arose between traditionalists who valued secrecy and those willing to use magic openly on the battlefield. By the saga's end, the College remained a pillar of stability. While specific titles varied, their transformation saw them shifting from purely defensive roles to active guardians of the realm against lingering threats.
Did You Know?
- The Imperial College trains mages from childhood to ensure loyalty and discipline.
- Pug is one of the most famous graduates associated with this magical tradition.
- Magic use in public was strictly regulated by Mallorean law during the war.
- Tsurani mages often opposed these Krondor-based practitioners directly.