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Lore & Background

The Riftwar Saga chronicles the invasion of Midkemia by the Tsurani, a warlike race from the world of Kelewan, who cross through a magical rift opened by a desperate magician. The story follows Pug, a young orphan who becomes a powerful magician, and his friend Tomas, who gains the armor of an ancient dragon lord. Together, they navigate battles, political intrigue, and magical discoveries. Key events include the defense of Crydee, the journey to the city of Krondor, and the final confrontation at Sethanon. There is no refugee flight across the rift; instead, the narrative focuses on the war itself and the heroes' efforts to close the rift permanently. Pug's role is that of a mage learning to master rift magic, not a guardian of reality managing a dimensional exodus.

Reader's Guide

The central conflict shifts from offensive warfare to a grueling war of attrition and survival. As the Malloreon refugees traverse Midkemia's rugged terrain, they face constant threats from Imperial scouts and the harsh environment itself. Key turning points involve the establishment of temporary sanctuaries and the strategic decisions made by Pug regarding the stability of the Rift. This arc advances the overall storyline by raising the stakes to an existential level; if the refugees cannot be secured or the rift closed, both Midkemia and Krondor face total erasure. The narrative explores themes of displacement, the burden of leadership, and the resilience of civilization in the face of apocalypse. It sets the stage for the final battle by uniting disparate factions under a common goal: the preservation of life against an overwhelming imperial force.

Did You Know?

• The Riftwar Saga consists of three novels: 'Magician', 'Silverthorn', and 'A Darkness at Sethanon'. 'Magician' was later split into two volumes for reprinting.
• Krondor does not fall during the Riftwar; it remains a key stronghold for the Midkemian forces.