Wizards’ Conclave
Overview
The Wizard’s Conclave is a pivotal transitional novel in the Dragonlance timeline, set immediately after the conclusion of the War of Souls trilogy. The world of Krynn is reeling from the return of the gods and the collapse of the orders of High Sorcery, and this novel explores how the magical community struggles to rebuild in a world that has fundamentally changed.
The focus is on magic, politics, legacy, and leadership, especially within the Orders of High Sorcery (Red Robes, White Robes, Black Robes). The book serves as both an aftermath to the War of Souls and a launching point for a new magical order.
Main Characters
Dalamar Argent – Formerly the most infamous Black Robe and apprentice to Raistlin Majere. Dalamar is at the heart of this story—a disgraced, once-exiled figure who now seeks to unite the shattered Orders and restore magic’s place in the world. He’s pragmatic, ambitious, and more nuanced than ever.
Justarius (posthumous influence) – The former head of the Red Robes, whose absence creates a power vacuum. His legacy and past decisions haunt the narrative.
Belden – A Red Robe who represents the more moderate and moral-minded mages who still believe magic can be a force for good.
Ulin Majere – The son of Palin Majere and grandson of Caramon Majere. A powerful sorcerer and descendant of Raistlin’s line, Ulin becomes a central figure in the tension between High Sorcery and Wild Sorcery.
Other minor wizards and contenders – Characters from each order, as well as political and divine influences, who are jockeying for control or relevance in the new magical age.
Plot Summary
The novel opens in the devastated aftermath of the War of Souls, when the gods of magic—Solinari, Lunitari, and Nuitari—have returned, and the Orders of High Sorcery, long fragmented and weakened, must decide how (and if) to reunite.
The Tower of Wayreth, long the seat of magical power and wisdom, stands empty. The old hierarchy is gone. Many wizards are dead or have turned to sorcery (the ambient, non-god-based magic that rose during the gods’ absence). There is chaos in the magical community.
Dalamar, previously cast out for pursuing forbidden knowledge and consorting with the dead gods, returns with a mission to rebuild. He seeks to reform the Conclave—the ruling body of the Orders of High Sorcery—and unite the three orders once again. But his reputation makes him a controversial candidate.
Complicating matters, the emergence of sorcery and mysticism—new forms of magic independent from the gods—has led many to abandon the Orders altogether. Ulin Majere, a gifted sorcerer with a storied heritage, becomes the symbol of this magical crossroads. He wants nothing to do with the old orders and views their return as backward.
As the story unfolds, political rivalries, magical power struggles, and philosophical debates dominate. Each Order has its own goals:
- Black Robes seek to control the situation and reassert dominance.
- White Robes want to protect magic from being abused and perverted.
- Red Robes aim to balance the two extremes—but without strong leadership, they falter.
Meanwhile, Dalamar’s rise is challenged by both his former enemies and the changing world. He must manipulate, persuade, and confront his past to prove himself.
A key turning point comes when Dalamar proposes a new vision for the Conclave—one that embraces change, includes sorcerers like Ulin, and opens the Orders to the new magical landscape rather than resisting it.
The climax sees Dalamar successfully reforming the Conclave, not as a return to the old structure, but as a new alliance, where tradition and innovation can coexist. His success is hard-won, morally murky, but ultimately paves the way for magic to flourish in the new age.
Themes
Rebuilding After Collapse – The novel is all about picking up the pieces. The Orders of High Sorcery are like a ruined temple: rich in legacy, but broken by time and events. Dalamar’s journey mirrors this.
Tradition vs. Innovation – There’s a deep tension between High Sorcery (god-given, structured magic) and sorcery/mysticism (personal, intuitive magic). Ulin and Dalamar are foils in this conflict.
Redemption and Leadership – Dalamar, once seen as a traitor and pariah, becomes the unlikely architect of magical salvation. His arc is one of personal redemption through service and vision.
Power and Balance – The philosophical core of the Orders—balancing good, evil, and neutrality—is put to the test in a new world. Is balance still possible? Is it even desirable?
Legacy and Lineage – The Majere bloodline looms large. Raistlin’s shadow hangs over both Dalamar and Ulin, challenging them to either surpass or repeat his fate.
Tone & Style
Douglas Niles delivers this story with a measured, cerebral tone, appropriate for a book centered on scholars, spellcasters, and councils. The pacing is deliberate, with the focus less on combat and more on dialogue, magical theory, diplomacy, and philosophical tension.
That said, the stakes are high and the tension simmers. While not an action-adventure tale, The Wizard’s Conclave is rich in moral ambiguity, high fantasy politics, and mystical atmosphere.
Reception
The Wizard’s Conclave received praise for:
- Reinvigorating the magical lore of Dragonlance
- A nuanced portrayal of Dalamar
- Showing maturity and complexity in the magical orders
However, readers unfamiliar with the War of Souls trilogy or broader Dragonlance lore may feel a bit lost. It’s not the best “starter” novel—but for fans of the setting, it offers crucial context and closure for major arcs.
Final Thoughts
The Wizard’s Conclave is a thoughtful, lore-rich, and pivotal novel in the Dragonlance saga. It offers insight into how Krynn’s magic adapts and survives, with Dalamar stepping out of Raistlin’s shadow to become a leader in his own right.
It’s recommended for:
- Fans of the Orders of High Sorcery
- Readers who enjoy political/magical worldbuilding
- Those invested in Dalamar’s long arc
- Anyone wondering what happens after the gods return