View source for 5x:Red Wizards

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<div class="notice">{{ambiguous|Red Wizard}}</div>
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{{5x Organization
|name=Red Wizards
|sortText=
|refs=<ref name="tftyp">{{Cite Pub|Tales from the Yawning Portal}} "{{pub|Dead in Thay}}" Licensed: &copy; Wizards of the Coast {{fairuc}}.</ref><ref name="frhof">{{Cite Pub|Forgotten Realms Heroes of Faerun|pages=174-177}} Licensed: &copy; Wizards of the Coast {{fairuc}}.</ref>
|alias=Red Wizards of Thay, Red Magic Cult 
|type=Wizards, Political
|setting=Forgotten Realms
|affiliation={{5x|Thay}}, {{5x|Szass Tam}}, {{5x|Tarul Var}}, {{5x|Kazit Gul}}
|location={{5x|Faerûn}}, {{5x|Thay}}
}}
 
The Red Wizards of Thay are ruled by the {{5xlc|Lich}} lord {{5x|Szass Tam}}. 

{{otherlore|The '''Red Wizards of Thay''', colloquially known as the '''Red Magic Cult''' in the [[Eastern Heartlands]], were the notorious and nefarious magocratic ruling class of the inhospitable but well-inhabited country of [[Thay]].<ref name="SCAG-p141">{{Cite book/Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide|141}}</ref> Historically they owed their power to being cruel slavers,<ref name="SB.CG-p14">{{Cite book/Spellbound/Campaign Guide|14}}</ref><ref name="CoR-p63">{{Cite book/Champions of Ruin|63}}</ref> demonologists,<ref name="SB.CG-p17">{{Cite book/Spellbound/Campaign Guide|17}}</ref><ref name="RoT-p7">{{Cite book/The Rise of Tiamat|7}}</ref> and arcane experimenters,<ref name="MotM-p60">{{Cite book/Mysteries of the Moonsea|60}}</ref> before most of their numbers wholly dedicated themselves into creating a nation of [[undeath|undead]].<ref name="SCAG-p13">{{Cite book/Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide|13}}</ref>

==Organization==
For centuries, the leaders of the Red Wizards and in fact all of Thay was the [[Council of Zulkirs]].<ref name="FRCS2e.RTR-p27">{{Cite book/Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting 2nd edition (revised)/Running the Realms|27}}</ref> The ruling body comprised eight of the most powerful Red Wizards, each of whom represented one of the [[schools of magic]].<ref name="LoD-p56"/> Each of the zulkirs and their subordinates fomented intense rivalries with one another, leading to great feuds and near-crippling internal strife.<ref name="LoD-p60">{{Cite book/Lords of Darkness|60}}</ref>

In the years following the [[War of the Zulkirs]], the Red Wizards of Thay were led by the feared [[lich]] and supreme regent, [[Szass Tam]].<ref name="SCAG-p13"/><ref name="FRCG-p5">{{Cite book/Forgotten Realms Campaign Guide|5}}</ref><ref name="DrM.366.RK">{{Cite dragon/366/Rose Keep}}</ref>

Since Szass Tam's takeover, the exiled Red Wizards have transformed enormously, becoming a loosely organized chain of merchant enclaves who specialized in procuring magical items.<ref name="DrM.366.RK"/>

===Factions===
The Red Wizards have historically been fraught with in-fighting and turmoil. As the stakes rose over the years, these conflicts became more dramatic and impactful to their operations.<ref name="SB.CG-p11">{{Cite book/Spellbound/Campaign Guide|11}}</ref><ref name="SB.CG-p15">{{Cite book/Spellbound/Campaign Guide|15}}</ref>

In the years before the mid–14{{th}} century [[DR]], the Red Wizards divided themselves into two separate ideological groups. The influential Imperialists sought to conquer Faerûn, by military might, subterfuge, or any other means necessary.<ref name="SB.CG-p8"/> The Researchers took a more isolationist stance, preferring to focus on arcane research within the safety of the [[Thayan Plateau]].<ref name="SB.CG-p9">{{Cite book/Spellbound/Campaign Guide|9}}</ref>

After Szass Tam seized power from the Council of Zulkirs, the Red Wizards underwent a more severe divide. Both the zulkirs and the Red Wizards loyal to their respective schools were forced to choose a faction in the growing conflict: either remain with those loyal to their Thayan way of life but remain outside Thay, or side with Szass Tam and his ever-expanding cabal of liches, [[vampire]]s, and other undead spellcasters.<ref name="FRCG-p180"/>

When the war ended, Szass Tam emerged victorious. He reshaped Thay into the domain of the undeath in Faerûn, and supplanted the fractured Council of Zulkirs with those loyalist undead wizards who had embraced his "way of life", as it were.<ref name="FRCG-p180"/><ref name="FRCG-p5">{{Cite book/Forgotten Realms Campaign Guide|5}}</ref> The Red Wizards outside of Thay, either having fled or been exiled, eschewed many of their old traditions. They grew out their hair, forewent getting [[tattoo]]s, and enjoyed lives as merchants, even passing on their title as "Red Wizard" through marriage, heredity, and even adoption.<ref name="DrM.366.RK-p42"/> However, there emerged another faction of exiled Red Wizards, known as the [[Thayan Resurrection]]. They sought to restore their nation to its former glory by moving against Szass Tam and his undead scourge at every opportunity.<ref name="RoT-p7"/>

==Activities==
For most of their history, the Red Wizards enjoyed their status as the aristocratic ruling class of Thay.<ref name="FRCS3e-p205">{{Cite book/Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting 3rd edition|205}}</ref> Led by the Imperialists, they used their authority and arcane power to spearhead numerous battles of conquest against their neighboring nations.<ref name="LoD-p56"/><ref name="GTotR-p120">{{Cite book/Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting 2nd edition (revised)/A Grand Tour of the Realms|120}}</ref> The Red Wizard regularly assaulted both the wild lands of [[Rashemen]] to the north,<ref name="GTotR-p121">{{Cite book/Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting 2nd edition (revised)/A Grand Tour of the Realms|121}}</ref> and the nation of [[Aglarond]] to the west.<ref name="FRCS3e-p199"/>

During the mid–14{{th}} century the Red Wizards spent much of their efforts spreading their influence via their [[Thayan enclave|trade enclaves]].<ref name="MoF-p67">{{Cite book/Magic of Faerûn|67}}</ref><ref name="FRCG-p180">{{Cite book/Forgotten Realms Campaign Guide|180}}</ref> They used these havens to act as spies and concealed against for the nation of Thay.<ref name="FRCS2e.RTR-p27">{{Cite book/Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting 2nd edition (revised)/Running the Realms|27}}</ref> 

When traveling across the realms, Red Wizards were always well protected. They were often accompanied either by the fearsome [[Thayan gladiator|gladiators]] of Thay,<ref name="CoR-p66">{{Cite book/Champions of Ruin|66}}</ref> [[cleric]]s of [[Kossuth]],<ref name="LoD-p61">{{Cite book/Lords of Darkness|61}}</ref> or even [[Thayan knight]]s, who dedicated their lives to the role as their protectors.<ref name="LoD-p64">{{Cite book/Lords of Darkness|64}}</ref> They were hardly discreet in their journeys, often carrying themselves with boorish swagger or haughty detachment.<ref name="FRCS2e.RTR-p28">{{Cite book/Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting 2nd edition (revised)/Running the Realms|28}}</ref>

In the years following the [[Second Sundering]], the Thayan Red Wizards were once again relegated to serving as agents of the [[zulkir]]s or even Regent Szass Tam himself.<ref name="RoT-p9">{{Cite book/The Rise of Tiamat|9}}</ref> They were often directed to travel the Realms to acquire powerful [[magic]]al items in order for the zulkirs to further consolidate their power.<ref name="SCAG-p141"/>

==Training==
Thayan children were tested for the [[Magic|Art]] at an early age within the walls of the [[Arcane College]] in [[Eltabbar]]. Red Wizard youth received tutoring from older, aging, oftentimes embittered, and disabled Red Wizards. The training was done throughout the nation and overseen by the [[Probity Corps]] of Thay. In cases where the trainer was believed to be disloyal or in any way suspicious, their wards were sent to the Arcane College for re-training. Most Red Wizards, however, only see the Arcane College once in their lives as they were being tested.<ref name="tev-rwt">{{Cite web/theedverse/2023-01-24 - Young Red Wizards' Training}}</ref>

==Abilities==
Each Red Wizard was expected to wholly dedicate themself to a single [[school of magic]].<ref name="FRCS3e-p51">{{Cite book/Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting 3rd edition|51}}</ref><ref name="RoF-p97">{{Cite book/Races of Faerûn|97}}</ref><ref name="SCAG-p141"/> While they could prepare more spells each day than other wizards,<ref name="FRCS3e-p50">{{Cite book/Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting 3rd edition|50}}</ref> and cast exceptionally potent spells from their preferred school,<ref name="FRCS3e-p51"/> Red Wizards were forced to forego spells from two separate schools of magic.<ref name="LoD-p56"/> They were considered to be among the most powerful spellcasters, with access to the most potent [[spell]]s and stalwart arcane defenses.<ref name="LoD-p62">{{Cite book/Lords of Darkness|62}}</ref>

Due to their unique arrangement of mercantile enterprise, Red Wizards had access to the finest magical items and seldom saw the need to attend [[magefair]]s.<ref name="MoF-p61">{{Cite book/Magic of Faerûn|61}}</ref>

They carefully transformed their homeland of Thay to their liking using powerful weather-controlling spells,<ref name="SK-p116">{{Cite book/Serpent Kingdoms|116}}</ref> and set up magical barriers that barred unwanted travelers from entrance.<ref name="UE-p4">{{Cite book/Unapproachable East|4}}</ref>

The Red Wizards were known practitioners of ''[[circle magic]]''.<ref name="SB.CG-p16">{{Cite book/Spellbound/Campaign Guide|16}}</ref> This form of magic allowed several spellcasters to combine their arcane power in order to bolster the prowess of their "circle leader", or [[metamagic|maximize the efficacy]] of the leader's spells.<ref name="FRCS3e-p59">{{Cite book/Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting 3rd edition|59}}</ref> They were also among the numerous groups to have independently uncovered information about [[contingent spell]]s.<ref name="UE-p46">{{Cite book/Unapproachable East|46}}</ref><ref name="UE-p47">{{Cite book/Unapproachable East|47}}</ref>

Some of the spells most readily associated with Red Wizards included ''[[animate dread warrior]]'',<ref name="UE-p48">{{Cite book/Unapproachable East|48}}</ref> ''[[circle]]'',<ref name="SB.CG-p93">{{Cite book/Spellbound/Campaign Guide|93}}</ref> ''[[combust]]'',<ref name="LoD-p63"/> ''[[fiendform]]'',<ref name="LoD-p63"/> ''[[fire gate]]'',<ref name="PFtM-p36">{{Cite book/Pages from the Mages|36}}</ref> ''[[flame dagger]]'',<ref name="LoD-p63">{{Cite book/Lords of Darkness|63}}</ref> ''[[flensing]]'',<ref name="SB.CG-p101">{{Cite book/Spellbound/Campaign Guide|101}}</ref> ''[[Nybor's gentle reminder]]'',<ref name="MoF-p110">{{Cite book/Magic of Faerûn|110}}</ref><ref name="PGtF-p107">{{Cite book/Player's Guide to Faerûn|107}}</ref> and ''[[spell-lash]]''.<ref name="SB.CG-p102">{{Cite book/Spellbound/Campaign Guide|102}}</ref>

Just as tattoos were a featured aspect of Mulani culture, so was ''[[tattoo magic]]'' for the Red Wizards.<ref name="FRCS3e-p50">{{Cite book/Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting 3rd edition|50}}</ref><ref name="SB.CG-p7">{{Cite book/Spellbound/Campaign Guide|7}}</ref> They even experimented with inscribing these tattoos on slaves, who they could then use to infiltrate other city-states.<ref name="MotM-p17">{{Cite book/Mysteries of the Moonsea|17}}</ref>

==Tactics==
When conflict arose, Red Wizards gave decisive orders to the soldiers, knights, or other allied forces under their command. They worked especially closely with Thayan knights in order to coordinate defensive and offensive shifts in combat. Red Wizards were well-trained in the arts of war, but still readily listened to those trusted individuals who offered tactical advice.<ref name="LoD-p61">{{Cite book/Lords of Darkness|61}}</ref>

During battle, Red Wizards acted aggressively. They often utilized large-area-of-effect spells to incapacitate or harm a large number of their forces. They regularly employed the various ''[[scroll|spell scrolls]]'' and ''[[wand]]'' to which they had such ready access.<ref name="LoD-p61"/>

==Base of Operations==
[[Image:4e red wizards.jpg|right|thumb|300px|''Red Wizards of [[Rose Keep]], circa [[1479 DR]].'']]

From the mid–14{{th}} century onwards, the Red Wizards maintained [[Thayan enclave|enclaves]] in many major cities all across Faerûn. While each one was considered an autonomous entity, each of them had the shared goal of greater accumulation of wealth. Prior to the [[War of the Zulkirs|Thayan civil war]], the Red Wizards could act with complete impunity within their enclaves, as they were considered to be set upon Thayan soil and only subject to Thayan law.<ref name="DrM.366.RK-p42"/><ref name="LoD-p64">{{Cite book/Lords of Darkness|64}}</ref>

There were sizable Thayan enclaves in the cities of [[Thayan enclave (Athkatla)|Athkatla]], Baldur's Gate, Calaunt, Calimport, Chavyondat,<ref name="SS-p122">{{Cite book/Shining South|122}}</ref> Cimbar, [[Thayan enclave (Hillsfar)|Hillsfar]],<ref name="MotM-p51">{{Cite book/Mysteries of the Moonsea|51}}</ref> Hlath, Hlondeth, Innarlith, Iriaebor, Marsember, Messemprar, [[Thayan enclave (Mulmaster)|Mulmaster]],<ref name="MotM-p93">{{Cite book/Mysteries of the Moonsea|93}}</ref> [[Thayan Quarter|Procampur]],<ref name="LoD-p57">{{Cite book/Lords of Darkness|57}}</ref> [[Thayan enclave (Proskur)|Proskur]],<ref name="LoD-p66">{{Cite book/Lords of Darkness|66}}</ref>  Ravens Bluff, Saerloon, [[Thayan enclave (Scardale)|Scardale]],<ref name="FRCS3e-p137">{{Cite book/Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting 3rd edition|137}}</ref> Scornubel, [[Enclave of Red Magic|Skullport]],<ref name="CoS.W-p26">{{Cite book/City of Splendors: Waterdeep|26}}</ref> Soorenar, Telflamm, [[Rose Keep|Veltalar]],<ref name="DrM.366.RK-p41"/> Westgate, and Yhaunn.<ref name="LoD-p65">{{Cite book/Lords of Darkness|65}}</ref>

Only the tradition of separated autonomy survived the war.<ref name="DrM.366.RK-p42"/> Those Red Wizards who lived as merchants throughout Faerûn no longer received the support of their home nation of Thay.

==Possessions==
The most distinctive feature of the Red Wizards was their namesake red robes.<ref name="GDC-p256">{{Cite book/Ghosts of Dragonspear Castle|256}}</ref> In fact, they were the only individuals allowed to wear red garments, save for the nation's [[priest]]s of [[Kossuth]].<ref name="LoD-p56">{{Cite book/Lords of Darkness|56}}</ref> Those who dared to break this rule were put to death.<ref name="SB.CG-p8"/>

Many of the wizards preferred to wield [[whip]]s as their weapons of choice.<ref name="RoF-p98"/> They were known to create specialized versions called ''[[ebon lash]]es''.<ref name="SB.CG-p103">{{Cite book/Spellbound/Campaign Guide|103}}</ref><ref name="UE-p55">{{Cite book/Unapproachable East|55}}</ref>

==Relationships==
While the Red Wizards held supreme authority in their homeland of Thay, they were not well trusted and in fact reviled across the Realms.<ref name="SCAG-p141"/> Despite the suspicions held by many, the Red Wizards were often allowed to operate their enclaves in many Faerûnian cities. From here they ran a lucrative business in the trade of [[:Category:magic items|magical items]], [[spell]]s, and even [[artifact]]s. This made them virtually indispensable to many of their clients, and as such allowed them to further expand their sphere of influence.<ref name="LoD-p55">{{Cite book/Lords of Darkness|55}}</ref>

They constantly schemed to bring down their neighboring nations of [[Rashemen]], where they were thwarted by the equally famed magicians the [[Witches of Rashemen]]; [[Aglarond]],<ref name="FRCS3e-p199">{{Cite book/Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting 3rd edition|199}}</ref><ref name="CoV-p8">{{Cite book/Champions of Valor|8}}</ref><ref name="FRPG-p77">{{Cite book/Forgotten Realms Player's Guide|77}}</ref> where they were turned back by [[the Simbul]] of the [[Seven Sisters]];<ref name="FRCS2e.RTR-p28"/> and [[Mulhorand]], from where the people of Thay first emigrated.<ref name="FRCS2e.RTR-p15"/>

During the height of their influence, the Red Wizards were the enemies of many forces in [[Toril]]. Amongst those who opposed them were the Witches of Rashemen, the Seven Sisters and their allies, the goodly [[Harpers]],<ref name="CoH-p118">{{Cite book/The Code of the Harpers|118}}</ref><ref name="CoV-p101">{{Cite book/Champions of Valor|101}}</ref> and even the [[Zhentarim]], who disliked the Wizards encroaching on their territory.<ref name="RoZK.CB-p40">{{Cite book/Ruins of Zhentil Keep/Campaign Book|40}}</ref> The [[Fangshields]] fought against the Red Wizards due to their horrific experimentation and creation of black unicorns.<ref name="CoV-p79">{{Cite book/Champions of Valor|79}}</ref>

Although the Red Wizards' allies were few, they often proved to be powerful assets. The [[church of Kossuth]] in Thay provided much aid throughout the years,<ref name="LoD-p59">{{Cite book/Lords of Darkness|59}}</ref> and [[monk]]s from the [[Order of the Long Death]] were often called upon to carry out assassinations.<ref name="FRCS3e-p25">{{Cite book/Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting 3rd edition|25}}</ref> 

The Red Wizards often drew agreements with and received great support from [[fire genasi]]<ref name="RoF-p91">{{Cite book/Races of Faerûn|91}}</ref> and [[fiend]]ish beings, such as [[tiefling]]s,<ref name="RoF-p126">{{Cite book/Races of Faerûn|126}}</ref><ref name="UE-p9">{{Cite book/Unapproachable East|9}}</ref> [[demons]], and [[devils]].<ref name="LoD-p59"/><ref name="RoT-p7"/><ref name="RoT-p10">{{Cite book/The Rise of Tiamat|10}}</ref> They utilized savage [[gnoll]] warriors among their legions of soldiers.<ref name="UE-p10">{{Cite book/Unapproachable East|10}}</ref>

Utilizing dark spells and horrific arcane experimentation, the Red Wizards created new species of beasts to be designated as their servants. Among their twisted creations were: [[Black unicorn]]s, twisted versions of the [[unicorn|magical steed]];<ref name="SB.CG-p15"/> [[Blooded one]]s, magically "enhanced" [[orc]]s;<ref name="UE-p61">{{Cite book/Unapproachable East|61}}</ref> [[chosen one]]s, monstrous-looking humanoids;<ref name="SB.MC-p3">{{Cite book/Spellbound/Monstrous Compendium|3}}</ref> [[dread warrior]]s, fearsome undead champions that were unequaled on the battlefield;<ref name="SB.MC-p4">{{Cite book/Spellbound/Monstrous Compendium|4}}</ref> and [[Neo-orog]]s, a sub-species of the monstrous orc–[[ogre]] hybrid.<ref name="SB.MC-p9">{{Cite book/Spellbound/Monstrous Compendium|9}}</ref> 

==History==
===Formative Years===
The Red Wizards were once a secret cabal of 10{{th}} century [[Mulhorand]]i spellcasters, known as the '''Red Wizards of Mulhorand''',<ref name="NS-p51">{{Cite book/The Nether Scroll|51}}</ref> who sought nothing more than to  achieve sovereignty away from their overmasters.<ref name="SB.CG-p4">{{Cite book/Spellbound/Campaign Guide|4}}</ref> 

They won a decisive victory at the [[Battle of Thazalhar]] in the {{YearlinkName|922}}. The wizards delved into the [[demoncyst]] beneath [[Thaymount]] and used dark rituals to elicit the aid of the fearsome [[demon lord]] [[Eltab]]. The Red Wizards were then able to overwhelm the city of [[Delhumide]],<ref name="RoF-p100">{{Cite book/Races of Faerûn|100}}</ref> defeat the [[Mulhorand]]i [[god-king]], and gain independence for the province of Thay.<ref name="FRCS2e.RTR-p15">{{Cite book/Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting 2nd edition (revised)/Running the Realms|15}}</ref><ref name="CoR-p130">{{Cite book/Champions of Ruin|130}}</ref><ref name="CoR-p132">{{Cite book/Champions of Ruin|132}}</ref><ref name="GHotR-p111">{{Cite book/The Grand History of the Realms|111}}</ref>

The Red Wizards led Thay's first attempted annexation of Rashemen in the {{YearlinkName|934}}, but their advances were repulsed.<ref name="SB.CG-p4"/><ref name="GHotR-p112">{{Cite book/The Grand History of the Realms|112}}</ref>

In the {{YearlinkName|955}}, the Red Wizards managed to [[magic]]ally transport an entire horde of [[orc]]s from the [[Spine of the World]] mountains to the lands south of Thay. Their role in the [[Orcgates Affair]], as it came to be known, was taken to diminish the prestige of the [[Covenant]] alliance of mages.<ref name="LEF-p140">{{Cite book/Lost Empires of Faerûn|140}}</ref><ref name="GHotR-p113">{{Cite book/The Grand History of the Realms|113}}</ref>

The Red Wizards led an assault on the Covenant's arcane school in [[Neverwinter]] during the {{YearlinkName|1081}}, leading to the death of [[Aganazzar]] and a "wizardwar" between the two groups.<ref name="GHotR-p118">{{Cite book/The Grand History of the Realms|118}}</ref> This conflict would continue until the {{YearlinkName|1101}} with the dissolution of the Covenant.<ref name="LEF-p141">{{Cite book/Lost Empires of Faerûn|141}}</ref><ref name="GHotR-p119">{{Cite book/The Grand History of the Realms|119}}</ref>

===Years of Conquest===
They launched their first failed invasion of Aglarond in the {{YearlinkName|1194}}.<ref name="GHotR-p123">{{Cite book/The Grand History of the Realms|123}}</ref> However they would repel an Aglarondar invasion at the [[Battle of Lapendrar]] in the {{YearlinkName|1260}}.<ref name="GHotR-p128">{{Cite book/The Grand History of the Realms|128}}</ref>

When the [[elves]] of [[Cormanthor]] began to [[Retreat|leave]] their forest in the {{YearlinkName|1344}}, the Red Wizards set their sights on the ruins of [[Myth Drannor]]. They gradually and discreetly established an enclave in [[Scardale Town]] within the [[Dalelands]] in order to gain access to the ruined elven city.<ref name="Dalelands-p6">{{Cite book/The Dalelands|6}}</ref><ref name="FRCS3e-p137">{{Cite book/Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting 3rd edition|137}}</ref>

In the {{YearlinkName|1357}}, two members of the Council of Zulkirs forged an alliance with two of Kossuth's lesser rivals, [[Fyzzar]] the [[salamander]] lord, [[Marrake al-Sidan al-Hariq ben Lazan]], Sultan of the [[Efreeti]], in order to conquer the [[Lapendrar|coastal cities]] near Thay. The zulkirs were taken advantage of by their allies, and permanent ''[[gate]]'' to the [[Elemental Plane of Fire]] was established.<ref name="SB.CG-p5">{{Cite book/Spellbound/Campaign Guide|5}}</ref> The creatures of flame and fire would not return to their home plane and devastated the region of [[Priador]]. It was only when Zulkir [[Aznar Thrul]] was able to strike a deal with Firelord Kossuth, that the conflict known as the [[Salamander War]] came to an end.<ref name="SB.CG-p6">{{Cite book/Spellbound/Campaign Guide|6}}</ref>

After another failed attempt at securing Rashemen in the same year, the Red Wizards planned to infiltrate the nations of Faerûn legitimately. They founded Thayan enclaves in cities across Faerûn, in which they publicly sold magic items, and discreetly trafficked in drugs, wicked spells, and slaves.<ref name="FRCS2e.RTR-p27"/> Using these enclaves, they hoped to infiltrate foreign politics. They would themselves powerful and indispensable to these foreigners,<ref name="LoD-p55"/> ensuring future global domination.<ref name="UE-p4"/>

The Council of Zulkirs and Red Wizard organization as a whole began to experience internal strife in the {{YearlinkName|1362}}. The Zulkir of [[alteration]] [[Maligor]] attempted to seize power from the rest of the council. His efforts were thwarted by a surprising alliance between Szass Tam and agents of the Harpers.<ref name="GHotR-p146">{{Cite book/The Grand History of the Realms|146}}</ref>

During a Thayan invasion of Rashemen, in the {{YearlinkName|1365}}, the Red Wizards melted glaciers atop the [[Icerim Mountains]]. The sudden waves of ice water flooded the cities of [[Immilmar]] and [[Mulsantir]].<ref name="GHotR-p147">{{Cite book/The Grand History of the Realms|147}}</ref>

In the {{YearlinkName|1367}}, Red Wizards made an enemy of the since-imprisoned Eltab. The then-zulkir of [[necromancy]] Szass Tam attempted to enslave the demon lord to ''[[Thakorsil's Seat]]'' by means of the ''[[ritual of twin burnings]]'', but was thwarted by some [[adventurer]]s.<ref name="SB.ToD-p31">{{Cite book/Spellbound/Throne of Deceit|31}}</ref><ref name="CoR-p132"/> Eltab swore revenge against the necromancer and the rest of his Red Wizards.<ref name="CoR-p130"/>

By the {{YearlinkName|1370}}, the Red Wizards found they had much greater success accumulating power through financial wealth rather than military might. Because of this, they ceased direct hostilities against neighboring nations for a short time.<ref name="LoD-p55">{{Cite book/Lords of Darkness|55}}</ref><ref name="FRCS3e-p208">{{Cite book/Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting 3rd edition|208}}</ref>

===Civil War===
Less that a decade later, in the {{YearlinkName|1375}}, Szass Tam plunged Thay into a [[War of the Zulkirs|civil war]] when he began a coup against his fellow zulkirs. The Red Wizards were divided into two separate factions and fought each other in a war that lasted ten years. To defeat his foes, Tam harnessed the devastation of the [[Spellplague]] to gain god-like powers and ravage the landscape of Thay.<ref name="FRCG-p180"/><ref name="DrM.366.RK-p41">{{Cite dragon/366/Rose Keep|41}}</ref>

The rebel zulkirs and their followers were driven from Thay as exiles. The Red Wizards' dark plots came back to haunt them and many of their enemies used the group's turmoil to assault the many enclaves.<ref name="FRCG-p180"/> Many Thayans chose to flee their home nation and settle elsewhere across the Realms.<ref name="HDQ-p5">{{Cite book/Hoard of the Dragon Queen|5}}</ref>

For the Red Wizards, however, the death of the zulkirs ended what the Red Wizards once had been and gave way for the new order. They suffered a great divide that would last for nearly a century. The spellcasters in Thay who declared their loyalty to Szass Tam continued to act as magocratic overseers. Those that fled Thay or chose not to return to their homeland, were forced to live new sorts of lives.<ref name="FRCG-p180"/><ref name="FRPG-p123"/> 

Those Red Wizards who continued to serve Szass Tam and his undead zulkirs in Thay continued to enjoy their prestige and privilege as magocratic rulers.<ref name="FRPG-p132">{{Cite book/Forgotten Realms Player's Guide|132}}</ref>

A great blow came to the Thayan Red Wizards, in the {{YearlinkName|1478}}, as the exiled Zulkirs interrupted Szass Tam's grand scheme to become a being of godlike power. The Zulkirs rallied what allies they had and prevented the completion of Tam's ultimate end, the ''[[ritual of the unmaking]]''.<ref name="Undead-p341-342>{{Cite book/Undead|341-342}}</ref><ref name="FRCG-p180">{{Cite book/Forgotten Realms Campaign Guide|180}}</ref> Their efforts cost them their lives but likely saved Faerûn from one of the greatest threats it might have ever faced and prevented Szass Tam from ever attempting the ritual on Thayan soil.<ref name="FRCG-p181">{{Cite book/Forgotten Realms Campaign Guide|181}}</ref><ref name="Unholy">{{Cite book/Unholy}}</ref>

===Red Wizards Divided===
The exiled Red Wizards were stripped of their power and prestige, living as traders<ref name="FRPG-p123"/> in the region of the [[Moonsea]] and within [[Interior Faerûn|central Faerûn]].<ref name="DrM.366.RK-p41">{{Cite dragon/366/Rose Keep|41}}</ref> Outside of Thay, the words "Red Wizards" came to only be thought of as the quintessential merchant arcanists.<ref name="FRCG-p180">{{Cite book/Forgotten Realms Campaign Guide|180}}</ref> The exile mages transformed their old enclaves into their new homes. What had once been a facade of a purpose, the accumulation of profit through selling magical items, became daily practice as the Red Wizards eked out new lives outside of Thay.<ref name="DrM.366.RK-p42">{{Cite dragon/366/Rose Keep|42}}</ref>

At some point during the 15{{th}} century, the Thayan Resurrection sect of Red Wizards emerged in Thay. The group openly resisted Szass Tam and his undead servitors,<ref name="RoT-p7"/> and even managed to destroy several of the undead zulkirs.<ref name="RoT-p9"/> The group led by [[Rath Modar]] managed to align their interests with those of the [[Cult of the Dragon]] in [[west Faerûn]] during the 1480s DR. They believed that by assisting with [[Tiamat]]'s arrival to the [[Prime Material plane]], the Dragon Queen would bestow upon them great power that could unseat Szass Tam as regent.<ref name="HDQ-p5">{{Cite book/Hoard of the Dragon Queen|5}}</ref> 

Around the {{YearlinkName|1485}}, similarly-aligned Red Wizards traveled to the [[Sword Coast]] to gain access to four powerful elemental ''[[portal]]s'' that were previously established created by a [[Netherese]] cult dedicated to the four [[Elemental Princes of Evil]].<ref name="GDC-p4">{{Cite book/Ghosts of Dragonspear Castle|4}}</ref><ref name="GDC-p16">{{Cite book/Ghosts of Dragonspear Castle|16}}</ref> Like Rath Modar, they hoped this power would help them overthrow Szass Tam in Thay.<ref name="GDC-p89">{{Cite book/Ghosts of Dragonspear Castle|89}}</ref>

Shortly thereafter, a group of Thayan Red Wizards, led by the lich [[Tarul Var]] of [[Bloodgate Keep]], aligned themselves with the [[pit fiend]] [[Baazka]].<ref name="SSC-p3">{{Cite book/Scourge of the Sword Coast|3}}</ref><ref name="SCAG-p138">{{Cite book/Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide|138}}</ref> They plotted to take over the nodes of Elemental Evil to create a portal that would allow Thayan soldiers to march on the Sword Coast.<ref name="SSC-p15">{{Cite book/Scourge of the Sword Coast|15}}</ref> [[Valindra Shadowmantle]] led other Thayan loyalists to the [[Heart of Ubtao]] in [[Chult]], in order to secure or even destroy the device known as the ''[[Soulmonger]]''.<ref name="ToA-p5">{{Cite book/Tomb of Annihilation|5}}</ref><ref name="ToA-p90">{{Cite book/Tomb of Annihilation|90}}</ref>

Also around this time, yet another group of Red Wizards accompanied a band of [[githyanki]] knights to seek out some enormous [[adamantine]] item from within a dungeon beneath the Dragon Caves of [[Tu'narath]]. It was unknown if they were members of Szass Tam's loyalists, the Thayan Resurrection, or yet some other faction.<ref name="MTF-p92">{{Cite book/Mordenkainen's Tome of Foes|92}}</ref>

==Members==
The Red Wizards of Thay were highly selective about to whom they granted admittance. They nearly only took in members of the [[Mulan]] ethnic group.<ref name="FRPG-p123">{{Cite book/Forgotten Realms Player's Guide|123}}</ref> Very few [[Rashemi]] were allowed to join their ranks,<ref name="RoF-p100"/> and only then if they disguised themselves as Mulan.<ref name="SB.CG-p8"/><ref name="RoF-p98"/>

As their name suggested the Red Wizards admitted [[wizard]]s over other [[arcane spellcaster]]s, such as [[sorcerer]]s or [[bard]]s.<ref name="FRCS3e-p50"/> Even then, only about one of every six wizards in Thay was a member of the Red Wizards.<ref name="LoD-p56"/>

===Notable Red Wizards===
* {{5x|Maligor}}: The notorious zulkir of [[alteration]] once famously, and foolishly, challenged the authority and might of Szass Tam.<ref name="SB.CG.24">{{Cite book/Spellbound/Campaign Guide|24}}</ref> 
* {{5x|Rath Modar}}: One of the exiled members of the Thayan Resurrection, Rath sought to summon forth the [[dragon]] deity Tiamat.<ref name="RoT-p7"/><ref name="RoT-p4">{{Cite book/The Rise of Tiamat|4}}</ref>
* {{5x|Szass Tam}}: After serving as the zulkir of [[necromancy]] for centuries as a [[lich]], Szass Tam elevated himself to Regent of all of Thay.<ref name="RoT-p9"/>
* {{5x|Zhengyi}}: The Witch-King of [[Vaasa]] was once a mortal Red Wizard.<ref name="FRCG-p189">{{Cite book/Forgotten Realms Campaign Guide|189}}</ref>

==Appendix==
===Appearances===
Adventures: {{pub|Dreams of the Red Wizards}}, {{pub|Ghosts of Dragonspear Castle}}, {{pub|Scourge of the Sword Coast}}, {{pub|Hoard of the Dragon Queen}}, {{pub|The Rise of Tiamat}}, {{pub|Tomb of Annihilation}}<br />
Novels: {{pub|Red Magic}}, {{pub|The Nether Scroll}}, {{pub|The Crimson Gold}}, {{pub|Silverfall}}, {{pub|The Haunted Lands}}<small>({{pub|Unclean}}, {{pub|Undead}}, {{pub|Unholy}})</small>, {{pub|City of Torment}}
|<ref name="frw.rw">[https://forgottenrealms.fandom.com/wiki/Red_Wizards_of_Thay Fogotten Realms Wiki - Red Wizards of Thay] ''(accessed 2024-03-14)'' Licensed: CC-BY-SA</ref>|Forgotten Realms Wiki}}

==Stat Blocks==
===5e (2024)===
* {{5e24|Archmage}}
* {{5e24|Mage}}
* {{5e24|Mage Apprentice}}
===5e (2014)===
* {{SRD5|Mage}} Most Red Wizards use the mage stat block.
* {{5ed|Archmage}} Some Red Wizards use this stat block.

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==Sources and Notes==
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[[Category:5x Wizards]]
[[Category:5e Wizards]]
[[Category:5e24 Wizards]]
[[Category:5e Organizations]]
[[Category:5e24 Organizations]]
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