The Legend of the Dwarven Mage

I hung my head in shame. I'd been caught. There was nothing I could do."

— Trapslik, The Dwarven Mage

It lurked in the shadows, skulking around, careful not to be seen. Not like this. It had to find somewhere secluded to perform a transformation spell. It entered the copse a dwarf. It left an elf.

Summary

Early in the beginnings of the formal and recognised Elven Mage Tournament, a dwarf by the name of Trapslik entered the competition using a transformation spell. He had the power to make it last hours before having to reinforce it. After winning by miles at freehand, wand and staff combat, he reached the final. He defeated his opponent with a stunning display of skilled wizardry before knocking his enemy unconscious. At the ceremony, as always, the chief warlock presented him with his prize. What the dwarf didn't know was that a new tradition had been introduced - an almost baptismal style submerging in pure magic. He entered the mist and elf. He emerged a dwarf. The magic cleansed all other spells including his transformative one. The elves were outraged. A dwarf. A mage. It was unacceptable. He was banished to Hego, never to return.

Historical Basis

A dwarf did enter the competition however there is no evidence that he won. He managed to fool the adjudicators, but it is most likely an opponent, whilst duelling, used a powerful shield spell that knocked out all magic. Around the same time, the early government banished a dwarf to Hego for 'unmentionable reasons regarding magic and wizardry'.

Spread

Most elves and some dwarfs are aware of this tale however it is unmentionable, a widespread taboo. This is down to the fact that the elves despise the fact a dwarf beat them at their own game, and the dwarfs think that magic is primitive and not for their kind.

Variations & Mutation

Some elven versions state that the dwarf, unable to harness the power of magic fully, miscalculated and turned to a dwarf during the ceremony. He was unable to cast a spell for that length of time and couldn't re-enchant himself.

Cultural Reception

Some liberal, open-minded dwarfs are more accepting of the story along with some fair, just elves. It defined the Elven Mage Tournament as rules where written down and enforced strictly from then on. It is however very important for the only remaining dwarf magi who reside in the Great Rift, a valley that separates Koboldia and Tsvergan.

In Literature

All known accounts of this event where burnt however few children's stories contain this legend. These books are only found in dwarf-elf houses and are there to show a select few people that dwarfs and elves are equal.

In Art

Many paintings contain subtle links to the event that even evade symbologists.

Date of First Recording

1548UMY

Date of Setting

1545UMY

Related Species

• Dwarf
• Elf