Mystic Sorcerers

Lore & Background

The source describes three distinct paths of magic: the Greater Path, the Lesser Path, and the path of the Sorcerer. Macros the Black is not restricted to one path but follows all paths, acting as a mentor to Pug. Pug is described as neither a Lesser nor Greater Path magician, but like Macros, he is a Sorcerer limited only by his own abilities which match those of Macros himself. Kulgan is a magician who trains both Arutha and Lyam as children. The magic system includes the Tsurani Black Robe magicians on Kelewan, where Pug is trained after being captured and enslaved. The source notes that Feist acknowledged the Tekumel setting from M.A.R. Barker's Empire of the Petal Throne as the source for much of Kelewan, including the Tsurani Empire and the pantheons of 10 major and 10 minor gods.

In Their Own Story

Pug, an orphan from Crydee, was chosen to study with the Master Magician Kulgan. His courage won him a place at Court and the heart of a lovely Princess, but he was ill at ease with normal methods of magic. During a raid to examine the Tsurani rift machine, Pug was captured and taken to Kelewan as a slave. There, his talent for magic was discovered, and he eventually became a Black Robe magician, known as Milamber. Near the end of the saga, Macros the Black recites an autobiography to Pug and Tomas in A Darkness at Sethanon, claiming to have been born on a distant planet and to have lived for time immemorial. Macros can see the future but claims he is limited to his actions and must play a defined role.

Reader's Guide

To understand the Mystic Sorcerers, one must know the key figures. Pug, the orphan from Crydee, becomes Kulgan's apprentice and later the most powerful magician in Midkemia save for Macros the Black. Macros the Black lives on Sorcerer's Isle, a small island surrounded by treacherous currents and many rocks. He is the most powerful and knowledgeable magician in Midkemia and Kelewan, following all paths of magic. Kulgan is the Master Magician who trains Pug, Arutha, and Lyam. The magic system includes the Greater Path and Lesser Path, with Sorcerers like Macros and Pug transcending these categories. The source also mentions that the Tsurani Empire on Kelewan has Black Robe magicians, and that much of Kelewan's background comes from Tekumel.

Did You Know?

• Pug is known as Milamber on Kelewan.
• Macros the Black's birthname is Hawk.
• Macros claims to have been born on a distant planet and to have lived for time immemorial.
• Feist acknowledged that the Tekumel setting from M.A.R. Barker's Empire of the Petal Throne was the source for much of Kelewan.
• Pug is described as neither a Lesser nor Greater Path magician, but a Sorcerer limited only by his own abilities which match those of Macros himself.