Dark Magic

Lore & Background

The Order of Magi in Midkemia teaches strict discipline to prevent corruption, viewing uncontrolled power as inherently dangerous. Conversely, Malloreon mages prioritize results over ethics, often employing rituals that accelerate mastery at great cost. This ideological clash fuels the magical warfare seen during the conflicts between the two realms.

In Their Own Story

The air grew heavy, smelling of ozone and old blood. The Malloreon mage raised his hands, fingers weaving a pattern forbidden on the other side of the rift. Shadows coalesced around him, not as a trick of light, but as living tendrils drawn from his own vitality. He did not ask permission of the Source; he took what was needed.

Reader's Guide

Practitioners deemed dark often bypass standard safety protocols to achieve faster or more destructive results. This includes rituals involving life force extraction or necromancy, which are strictly prohibited by the Order of Magi. Major artifacts associated with this path are rare but include focus items forged in Malloreon that channel power without regard for the user's well-being. These tools often require blood sacrifice to activate.

Did You Know?

• The source does not mention any concept of 'Dark Magic' in The Riftwar Saga.
• The source describes Pug as a magician who becomes a Black Robe on Kelewan, but does not label his magic as 'dark'.
• Macros the Black is described as the most powerful magician in Midkemia and Kelewan, following all paths of magic, but no 'dark' path is specified.
• The source states that Feist's original Dungeons & Dragons campaign involved an invasion of Midkemia by Tekumel, which influenced the background of Kelewan, but no 'Dark Magic' is mentioned.