Mallorean Invasion Campaign
A magical rift tears open the sky, summoning an alien army to conquer a divided world.
This narrative arc encompasses the opening conflict of the Riftwar Saga, primarily chronicled in the novels Magician and The Prince of the Blood. While often associated with Mallorean territory due to the initial landing zone, the campaign depicts a massive invasion OF Midkemia by the Tsurani Empire through a magical rift. It serves as the foundational war that unites the fractured kingdoms of Krondor and Malloreon against an existential threat from another world.
- franchise
- The Riftwar Saga
- primary_books
- Magician, The Prince of the Blood
- key_protagonists
- Pug, Tomas of Krondor
- antagonist_faction
- Tsurani Empire
- setting
- Midkemia (Krondor and Malloreon)
- outcome
- Rift closed; Midkemian victory
Lore & Background
The war is not merely physical but magical and psychological. The Tsurani utilize their own sorcery and superior naval technology to threaten the continent's coastline. Central to the lore is the role of the Kraken, a powerful entity that aids the invaders initially before shifting allegiances. The campaign establishes the geopolitical landscape for future sagas, cementing the alliance between Malloreon and Krondor under King Malloren and King Keren.
In Their Own Story
The air tasted of ozone and burning pine as the sky above the borderlands split open. Tomas tightened his grip on his sword hilt, watching the unnatural violet light bleed into the twilight. Beside him, the Mallorean banners snapped in a wind that smelled of salt and distant oceans. They knew what came through that tear in the world—shadows with steel eyes and ships without sails. There was no time for fear now; only the duty to hold the line until the magicians could seal the wound between worlds.
Reader's Guide
The arc begins with Magician, where Pug returns to Midkemia after years of training in another realm. He discovers his home world is under attack by the Tsurani through a rift. The story follows his reintegration into society and the formation of an alliance against the invaders. The narrative continues in The Prince of the Blood, shifting focus to Tomas as he seeks the Kraken's help while Pug confronts the magical source of the war. Key turning points include the formation of the Midkemian alliance and the eventual closing of the rift. Thematically, the arc explores duty versus personal desire, the cost of war, and the responsibility that comes with power. It sets the stage for the broader Riftwar Cycle by establishing the relationship between magic users and the military.
Did You Know?
- Pug originally hails from another world before returning to aid Midkemia during this campaign.
- The rift was opened accidentally due to magical experimentation gone wrong in a distant land.
- King Malloren of Malloreon plays a pivotal role in uniting the kingdoms against the Tsurani.