Mallorean Invasion Campaign

Lore & Background

The war is not merely physical but magical and psychological. The Tsurani utilize their own sorcery and invade via a magical rift, bypassing sea travel entirely and rendering their navy irrelevant. Central to the lore is the struggle between the Kingdom of the Isles and the Tsurani Empire, with key figures like Prince Arutha and the magician Pug. The campaign establishes the geopolitical landscape for future sagas, cementing the alliance of all Midkemian nations—not just the Western and Eastern Realms, which were already part of the same kingdom—under King Rodric (later King Lyam) and Prince Arutha.

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 is a native of Midkemia, originally from Crydee, and becomes a central figure in the war.
• The rift was opened accidentally due to magical experimentation gone wrong in a distant world.
• Prince Arutha of Krondor plays a pivotal role in uniting the kingdoms against the Tsurani.