The Old Ones
The forgotten architects whose ancient power fuels the modern conflict between worlds.
The Old Ones are a mythological race of ancient beings who predate the current human empires and even the arrival of the Malloren in the known world. Within the lore of Midkemia and Krakoon, they represent the primordial architects of magic, responsible for establishing the arcane ley lines that mages like Richard Rahl draw upon today. Though rarely seen or directly encountered in the present timeline, their influence permeates history through ruins, artifacts, and forbidden knowledge. Kith Melora, during his training of the young mage, often references them as a cautionary tale regarding the dangers of unchecked power and the fragility of the barriers between worlds.
- Role
- Ancient Progenitors of Magic
- Affiliation
- None / Pre-Empire Era
- First Appears
- Referenced in Magician (Lore)
- Status
- Vanished or Dormant
- Known Locations
- Ruins within Sethanon and Malloren lands
- Relation to Rifts
- Associated with the original stabilization of magic
Lore & Background
Scholars in the libraries of Sethanon whisper that the Old Ones were not merely powerful mages, but entities capable of shaping reality itself. Their civilization collapsed or retreated eons ago, leaving behind structures that defy conventional engineering and magic systems that are difficult for modern practitioners to replicate safely. Many believe their disappearance was linked to a cataclysmic event involving the Rifts, suggesting they may have been the first to breach or seal the dimensional barriers. The legacy of these beings is double-edged; while their artifacts grant immense power, they often carry curses or instabilities that threaten the user's sanity. This duality makes them central to the motivations of antagonists seeking ultimate control over magic, as well as sages who wish to preserve the world from such volatile forces. Their existence challenges the current understanding of history in Midkemia, proving that the human kingdoms are merely recent tenants on a stage built by older, more dangerous masters.
In Their Own Story
The wind howled through the broken archway, carrying dust from a thousand years. Elara hesitated before the pedestal, her hand trembling as she reached for the obsidian shard embedded in the stone. It hummed with a frequency that made her teeth ache, a song not of this world. As her fingers brushed the surface, visions flooded her mind—towers of light piercing the sky, beings of pure energy walking among stars, and then, silence. She pulled back, gasping, realizing the artifact was not a tool, but a warning left by those who came before.
Reader's Guide
The history of The Old Ones provides essential context for the Riftwar Saga's magical conflicts. Their disappearance created a vacuum of power that allowed the Malloren to rise and eventually clash with humanity. In Magician, Kith explains that modern magic is merely an echo of their original work. This knowledge drives characters like Richard to seek deeper understanding rather than simple force, influencing his approach to the war against Krassan's forces. The artifacts left behind by The Old Ones often become focal points for conflict in A Darkness at Sethanon. Factions vie for these relics, believing they hold the key to controlling the Rifts or defeating the Malloren threat permanently. Understanding their origin helps explain why certain magical barriers exist and why some spells are forbidden. It grounds the fantasy elements in a deep history that affects every decision made by the protagonists.
Did You Know?
- Some scholars believe The Old Ones created the first Rifts before sealing them away.
- Kith Melora studied their texts extensively during his time at Sethanon.
- Artifacts attributed to them are often unstable and dangerous for modern mages.
- Their ruins are sometimes mistaken for Malloren construction due to similar advanced technology.