Tsurani Sorcery

A path divided: the Greater and Lesser arts that define an empire's magic.

In The Riftwar Saga, Tsurani Sorcery is revealed not as a monolithic force, but as a complex system divided into the Greater and Lesser Paths. While the story centers on Midkemia, it establishes that Kelewan, the Tsurani home world, possesses a rich magical tradition. The narrative highlights the rarity of mastering both paths, noting that Pug is the first and only magician to master both the Greater and Lesser Paths. Macros the Black is a Greater Path magician who did not master the Lesser Path. Pug achieves mastery of both paths after his Greater Path abilities are neutralized by a mind-dampening hood while he was a prisoner of the Tsurani; however, his use of the Lesser Path comes later after being freed and trained by the Tsurani.

Quick Facts

First appears: Silverthorn

Reader's Guide

Tsurani Sorcery is governed by a strict hierarchy within the Assembly of Magicians on Kelewan. Practitioners are categorized by their path: those who use the Greater Path and those who use the Lesser Path. Manipulating rifts requires specific skill, as seen when Pug creates a new rift to return to his old estate with two companions posing as priests. To survive in this system, one must navigate the political landscape of the Emperor's court; failure can lead to being declared an outlaw or captured by Warlords. A key turning point for practitioners is the ability to access knowledge through research, such as using Macros's books to solve magical problems. The narrative also highlights that Tsurani sorcerers can be bound by their own laws and political ambitions, as seen when Hochopepa is willing to aid Pug but they are captured by a Great One loyal to the current Warlord.

Did You Know?

The ancient enemy speaking in ancient Tsurani who can perceive through barriers of time is not a canonical element of the Riftwar Saga.
Acaila is indeed a leader of the Eldar, serving as the Speaker of the Eldar.