The Dragonarmy

Lore & Background

The Army of the West was already a standing force under Prince Arutha, and it was reinforced and reorganized after the Tsurani invasion began. This army was not merely a collection of soldiers but a desperate alliance of necessity. Unlike other nations where mages were feared or segregated, this force integrated arcane power into its ranks, though Pug served as a young apprentice for most of the war and only later became a powerful magician—he was never a formal advisor to the army's command. The integration of magic allowed them to counter Tsurani spell-swords and dimensional weapons, turning the tide of a war that initially seemed unwinnable. The faction's history is marked by the sacrifice required to seal the rifts permanently.

Reader's Guide

During the invasion of Midkemia, this faction served as the primary defensive coalition against the Tsurani Empire. Its leadership structure was a blend of traditional monarchy and military pragmatism. King Ronal provided political authority, while General Sparhawk commanded field operations directly on the front lines. The Dragon Knights acted as the vanguard, bridging the gap between sorcery and conventional warfare to ensure coordination.

The army relied heavily on the unique capabilities of Pug, who could manipulate magic to counter Tsurani technology and close dimensional rifts. Political goals centered on preserving Midkemia's sovereignty against the Imperial expansion from the East. Internal conflicts arose from resource shortages, logistical strain, and initial distrust among allied nations like the Free Cities who feared Krondor's dominance. Ultimately, the faction secured a decisive victory at the Battle of the Rift.

Following the conflict, the emergency forces were disbanded or reintegrated into the standing army of Krondor to maintain peace. Their legacy established the Dragon Knights as permanent protectors of the realm for generations to come, ensuring such an invasion would not be repeated.

Did You Know?

• The Army of the West was one of the few forces in Midkemia trained specifically to operate alongside high-level mages on the battlefield.
• Prince Arutha's tactics often prioritized holding ground over aggressive pursuit to protect the civilian population near the Rifts.
• The victory against the Tsurani led to a long period of peace commonly known as the Time of Peace or Peace of the Riftwar.