The Master of Past and Present

Introduction

Raistlin Majere is one of the most complex and tragic figures in Dragonlance, a man whose unquenchable ambition, unmatched intelligence, and deep-seated bitterness led him down a path of darkness, power, and ultimately, self-discovery. Born as the sickly twin of the strong and kind-hearted Caramon Majere, Raistlin spent much of his early life being mocked, belittled, and overshadowed. Yet, within him burned a fierce will, an intelligence that refused to be dimmed, and a desire not just to survive, but to rule over those who had once looked down upon him.

Over the course of his journey, Raistlin would rise to unparalleled magical power, face the gods themselves, and nearly remake the world in his own image. But beneath the black robes and cutting sarcasm, beneath the cruelty and cunning, there lay a wounded soul—a man who, despite everything, still held fragments of love and loyalty within him.

Physical Appearance

Raistlin is a striking figure, though not in the way of warriors or kings. His presence commands attention in a way that is both haunting and unsettling.

His skin is gold, the result of his brutal Test of High Sorcery, which left him both physically frail and permanently changed. His eyes are like hourglasses, a magical curse that forces him to see the slow decay of all things, robbing him of the ability to witness beauty or joy. His hair, once a dull brown, turned pure white after his brush with death and power beyond mortal comprehension.

He is thin and gaunt, barely able to support his own weight without his staff, and is frequently plagued by coughing fits and physical weakness. However, despite his frailty, his presence is formidable, radiating intelligence, danger, and an eerie sense of inevitability.

Personality and Traits

Raistlin is driven, ruthless, and brilliant. His mind is razor-sharp, his wit as deadly as any blade, and his ambition limitless. He values intelligence above all else and despises weakness, seeing it as a disease to be overcome or eradicated.

He is a master of deception, a manipulator who understands people’s desires, fears, and ambitions and plays them like a skilled musician. His words are often laced with sarcasm and cruelty, yet when he speaks, people listen.

Despite his seeming cruelty, Raistlin is not devoid of emotion. He is capable of loyalty, even love, though he often sees such emotions as weaknesses to be purged. His relationship with Caramon is deeply complicated, defined by resentment, dependence, and an unspoken, almost painful love.

Deep down, Raistlin seeks respect—not through love or friendship, but through power. He does not want to be loved; he wants to be feared.

Abilities and Magic

Raistlin is one of the most powerful mortal wizards to ever walk Krynn. His magic is his weapon, his shield, and his salvation.

His spells are devastating, his mastery of illusion and necromancy unparalleled. He is capable of ripping souls from bodies, summoning deadly fire, and bending reality to his will. He excels in deception, conjuring illusions so lifelike that they can drive men mad.

But his greatest ability is his mind. Raistlin learns faster than any other wizard, understanding magic on a level that even the greatest archmages fear. He is a master strategist, always five steps ahead, always prepared for betrayal.

His greatest flaw, however, is his fragile body. Unlike warriors, he cannot survive long battles or withstand physical punishment. His power is vast, but it comes at the cost of constant physical suffering.

Equipment and Artifacts

Raistlin carries several legendary magical items, each enhancing his already terrifying abilities.

The Staff of Magius, a relic from his Test of High Sorcery, is both a weapon and a conduit for his immense magic. It allows him to fly, shield himself, and unleash devastating spells.

The Dragon Orb, a powerful artifact that can control dragons, was one of his most dangerous possessions. However, its use came with great risk, requiring immense willpower and cunning to avoid being consumed by its power.

Raistlin also possesses several ancient spellbooks, including those of Fistandantilus, an infamous lich, whose knowledge helped Raistlin rise beyond mortal magic.

Character Arc and Evolution

Early Life: The Sickly Twin

From birth, Raistlin was sickly, weak, and constantly in Caramon’s shadow. While his twin was strong, popular, and admired, Raistlin was mocked, bullied, and belittled. His only solace was his mind, his thirst for magic and knowledge.

Recognizing his potential, he was sent to train under the mage Antimodes, eventually earning a place to take the Test of High Sorcery—a brutal trial that would shape his destiny.

The Test of High Sorcery: A Curse and a Gift

Raistlin’s Test was unlike any other. He was forced to betray Caramon, an illusion designed to test his loyalty to himself over others. At the end of the Test, he was changed forever—his skin turned gold, his eyes cursed to see only decay, and his body weakened beyond repair.

But he had survived, and that was all that mattered.

The War of the Lance: From Pawn to Power

During the War of the Lance, Raistlin fought alongside the Heroes of the Lance, using his growing power to influence events. While the others sought to save Krynn, Raistlin sought something greater—knowledge, power, and the destruction of those who had once mocked him.

By the end of the war, he had abandoned his companions, seeking to carve his own path toward godhood.

The Legends Trilogy: The Dark Ascension

Raistlin’s true rise to power came after the war, as he sought to replace Takhisis and become a god himself.

• He defeated the ancient lich Fistandantilus, stealing his knowledge and absorbing his power.
• He entered the Abyss, challenging Takhisis herself for dominion over Krynn.
• He nearly succeeded, but in the end, he chose to sacrifice his ambitions to save Krynn from eternal darkness.

This choice marked the final evolution of his character—from a selfish, power-hungry mage to a man who understood the weight of godhood and the price of power.

Relationships and Key Interactions

Raistlin’s relationships are complicated, filled with both love and betrayal.

His bond with Caramon is the most defining—one of brotherly love, resentment, and dependence. Caramon idolized him, protected him, and, in the end, had to let him go.

With Crysania, the cleric of Paladine, he found a kindred spirit, someone who loved him despite his darkness. But in the end, he abandoned her, choosing power over love.

His rivalry with Takhisis was legendary—she saw him as a pawn and then as a threat, realizing too late that he was the only mortal who could have truly dethroned her.