The Old Kingdoms

Lore & Background

Historical accounts within the saga describe a period where Midkemia was not a single kingdom but a patchwork of smaller realms, each vying for dominance through both steel and sorcery. These Old Kingdoms often fell victim to internal strife or external magical catastrophes, leading to their eventual consolidation under stronger rulers like King Keren's ancestors. The presence of dragons during this era is noted in ancient texts, but they were always rare and formidable, not common inhabitants. In Kelewan, the Tsurani Empire rose to power independently; their rift magic was developed by the Assembly of Magicians, not directly tied to any predating civilizations. The decline of these old powers coincides with a gradual restriction of magic in Midkemia, shifting society from a time of widespread sorcery to monarchs relying on armies and regulated magical orders.

Reader's Guide

Before the current nations of Midkemia rose, the land was fractured into numerous smaller realms known collectively as the Old Kingdoms. These states were often ruled by powerful sorcerers who wielded magic openly alongside kings and knights. Historical records suggest a time when dragons walked freely among men, serving both as allies and destroyers of civilization. The decline of these kingdoms is attributed to the Great Rift's instability and subsequent wars that drained magical energies from the world.

Many ancient cities were buried beneath the earth or lost to the sea during this turbulent era. In Kelewan, similar old powers existed before the Tsurani Empire consolidated control, creating a parallel history of magic and conquest across the rift. The transition from these fragmented states into unified kingdoms like Krondor took centuries of warfare. Magic became restricted, leading to the rise of the Order of Magi as guardians rather than rulers. This shift fundamentally changed how societies viewed power and defense.

Did You Know?

• The restriction of magic to specific orders was a gradual process, not a sudden shift from mages ruling as kings.
• Ruins from this period are often found deep within the wilderness or beneath modern cities.
• The Tsurani Empire's rift magic was developed by the Assembly of Magicians, not derived from ancient Kelewan civilizations.