Seal of Krondor

Lore & Background

Deep within the history of the Kingdom of the Isles, the Tear of the Gods was discovered as a naturally occurring magical gem, not forged by any mage. It is said to resonate with the ley lines beneath the city, but its primary function is as a key to the city's treasury and vaults, not to manipulate invisible barriers. During the events of 'Prince of the Blood', the Tear became a symbol of authority and access. As political tensions rose, the control of this object determined who could unlock the city's most secure holdings. The magic surrounding it is volatile; if misused, it could potentially endanger those who rely on its unlocking power. This duality made it a target for spies, assassins, and sorcerers alike, each believing they could harness its power to tip the scales of power.

Reader's Guide

The Seal of Krondor operates on principles of high-level ward magic, requiring a wielder with significant magical aptitude or a specific bloodline connection to activate its full potential. It is not a weapon in the traditional sense but a control mechanism for the city's defensive grid. Its primary limitation is that it cannot be used by just anyone; unauthorized attempts often result in magical backlash or failure. The artifact responds to intent, meaning a wielder with treacherous motives may find their commands ignored or twisted by the magic itself.

In the context of the war, the Seal's impact was decisive. By controlling the flow of defensive energy, it allowed Krondor to withstand sieges that would have otherwise breached the walls instantly. However, its power is finite and tied to the magical health of the city; if the city's ley lines are severed or corrupted, the Seal loses its efficacy. Unique lore suggests the Seal was created during an era before the current empire, possibly by a coalition of mages who foresaw future conflicts. It remains one of the few artifacts that can alter the outcome of a siege without direct combat.

Did You Know?

• The Tear is often described as reacting to the emotional state of its user, making it unpredictable in the hands of the unstable.
• The Tear of the Gods does not appear during the Riftwar; it is introduced in the later novel 'Prince of the Blood', which takes place after the conflict.
• The Tear of the Gods is a unique magical gem that predates the Riftwar, not crafted from rift materials.