The Red Wizards of Rasar are a formidable and deeply mistrusted group within Seregon, originating from the fallen Kingdom of Rasar. Known for their notorious past as the magocratic ruling class of Rasar, the Red Wizards were once feared as slavers, demonologists, and practitioners of dark arcane arts. Their history is steeped in cruelty and power, and despite the collapse of their homeland, they remain a potent force in the world, particularly in Seregon. They are located in the Rasarian Enclave.
Their leader is Lythra Lurraiza.
The people of the former nation of Rasar refer to themselves as Rasarian.
Origins and Background
Before their kingdom's fall, the Red Wizards wielded immense power over the Rasarian Sea and its surrounding territories. Their downfall came at the hands of King Karsis the Great, who annexed parts of Rasar and subjugated them with his Immortals of Karsis. When the zombie apocalypse swept the land, the remaining kingdom of Rasar was took weak to resist. This defeat left a deep-seated hatred for dragonborn in the hearts of the Red Wizards, as the Immortals were heavily comprised of dragonborn warriors. Even in their diaspora, this animosity continues to shape their interactions and alliances.
Current Activities
In their current state, the Red Wizards have turned their focus toward trade as a means of survival and influence. They have become shrewd merchants, dealing in highly sought-after magical items, spells, and artifacts. This trade has made them indispensable to many powerful figures in Seregon, despite the general disdain in which they are held. Their expertise in magic and their extensive knowledge of ancient and rare items make them valuable allies or, more often, necessary evils.
The Red Wizards use their trading operations as a front for their true agenda—spreading their influence and gathering intelligence. Their caravans and trading delegations are often accompanied by formidable protectors, including the fearsome gladiators of Rasar, Clerics of Set, and Rasar Knights. This entourage is both a show of strength and a means of ensuring their safety in foreign lands. They travel with an air of haughty detachment or boorish swagger, fully aware of the fear and respect they command.
Relations with Other Groups in Seregon
Temple of Set: The Red Wizards have a long-standing relationship with the Temple of Set, which has provided them with support and resources over the years.See Rasarian Enclave for more information.
General Population: Among the citizens of Seregon, the Red Wizards are largely despised. Their reputation as cruel slavers and demonologists precedes them, and their haughty demeanor only exacerbates the mistrust. However, the magical items and services they offer are so valuable that many are forced to tolerate their presence. This uneasy relationship creates a dynamic where the Red Wizards are both shunned and sought after, depending on the needs of the moment.
Other Nobles and Traders: The Red Wizards' dominance in the trade of magical goods puts them in direct competition with other noble houses and merchants in Seregon. This competition often leads to tensions, and while the Red Wizards are not above using underhanded tactics to maintain their market share, they are also aware of the need to maintain certain alliances. Their expertise in the arcane and their willingness to supply rare items give them leverage in negotiations, but it also paints a target on their backs.
Dragonborn: Due to their history with King Karsis and the Immortals of Karsis, the Red Wizards harbor a deep resentment towards dragonborn. This animosity can manifest in various ways, from outright hostility to subtle acts of sabotage against dragonborn individuals or interests. In Seregon, where dragonborn may have integrated into society, this prejudice can lead to conflicts, both overt and covert.
Challenges and Adaptations
Since the fall of their homeland, the Red Wizards have been forced to adapt to a new world where they are no longer the unchallenged rulers they once were. This has led to changes in their once-exclusive order. Historically, the Red Wizards only admitted members of their own ethnic group, but the diaspora has forced them to reconsider this stance. In recent times, they have been more willing to bring in talented individuals from other backgrounds, provided they prove their loyalty and usefulness to the order.
Despite these challenges, the Red Wizards remain a powerful and enigmatic force in Seregon, their influence extending far beyond their dwindling numbers. Their presence is a reminder of a dark and dangerous past, and their actions suggest they are far from done shaping the future.