Sethanon
An ancient Midkemian city wrapped in shadow and forgotten magic.
Sethanon is an ancient city on the continent of Midkemia, rooted deeply in pre-Krondor history and arcane mysteries. Though not a modern capital, the site carries heavy weight in lore as a place where remnants of old magic survive long after earlier empires collapsed. In the Riftwar Saga narrative, Sethanon drives conflict that exists separate from the Kelewan threat. It highlights dangers hiding within human lands, forcing intervention by the High Mages to maintain stability.
- Type
- Ancient City
- Location
- Midkemia
- First Appears
- A Darkness at Sethanon
- Status
- Active during Saga events
- Key Figure
- Pug (High Mage)
- Era
- Post-Riftwar Conflict
Lore & Background
The history of Sethanon predates the current political boundaries of Krondor, suggesting it was once a center of power during the Old Empire era. Its architecture and layout reflect an older style of construction, often described as weathered by time and touched by magical influences that defy standard explanation. During the events following the major wars with Kelewan, Sethanon became plagued by a supernatural corruption known simply as the Darkness. This phenomenon was not tied to the Dragon Lords directly but stemmed from older sources within Midkemia itself. The High Mage Pug led an investigation into these disturbances, uncovering rituals and artifacts that threatened to destabilize the region. The resolution of the crisis at Sethanon reinforced the role of the Mage's Tower as a guardian against all forms of magical chaos, not just foreign invasion. It stands as a testament to the idea that peace is fragile and requires constant vigilance over history's dangerous secrets.
In Their Own Story
The wind howled through the broken arches of the old plaza, carrying dust from centuries of neglect. Pug stood at the edge of the shadowed square, his cloak heavy against the chill. The stones beneath his boots hummed with a faint vibration, a sensation that had no place in a dead city. He raised a hand, feeling the pull of the darkness gathering behind the walls. It waited for him, patient and cold, hiding in the cracks of the world where light refused to reach.
Reader's Guide
The existence of Sethanon serves as a stark reminder that the Riftwar did not eliminate all threats lurking within Midkemia. While the Dragon Lords were defeated and Kelewan severed, ancient places retained their own perils independent of the major conflict. This city stood before the rise of Krondor and Tolusa, holding secrets from an era when magic was less regulated by any central authority. Its resurgence in lore highlights the heavy responsibility placed upon High Mages like Pug to patrol beyond the safety of the capital cities. For characters within the saga, Sethanon represents the unknown history buried beneath modern kingdoms and treaties. It teaches that peace requires constant vigilance against shadows that predate current alliances and political borders. The investigation there solidified the understanding that magic is a tool of both creation and destruction, regardless of where it originates. This historical context deepens the saga's themes regarding legacy, duty, and the enduring cost of wielding power in a fractured world.
Did You Know?
- The city lends its name to one of the primary novels in the Riftwar Cycle sequel series.
- It is one of the few locations where the High Mage operates outside the Mage's Tower directly.
- The magical corruption found there was distinct from Kelewanese sorcery.