The Old Ways
Echoes of a fallen age where magic walked the world differently.
The Old Ways refer to the ancient traditions, magical practices, and cultural customs that predate the current era of the Realm of the Elderlings. Primarily associated with the fallen First Empire and the mysterious Chandrian, these ways represent a time when magic was understood differently than in modern universities. Scholars and historians often speak of them with caution, as knowledge from this period is fragmented, forbidden, or shrouded in myth.
- Origin
- First Empire Era
- Status
- Lost / Forbidden
- Primary Association
- Chandrian & Ancient Magic
- Current Prevalence
- Rare / Suppressed
- Key Texts
- Fragmented Archives
- Known Practitioners
- Ancient Orders (Extinct)
Lore & Background
The University teaches modern magic as a science, yet whispers of the Old Ways linger in its deepest archives. Elodin and other masters hint that true power once required a connection to the natural world that has since been lost or forgotten. This divergence between old tradition and new study creates tension among scholars who seek to understand the Chandrian's origins. To practice these ways openly is dangerous, as they are often linked to the events that destroyed the First Empire.
In Their Own Story
The candle flickered low in the silent archive, casting long shadows against stacks of leather-bound tomes. A scholar traced a symbol etched into a crumbling page, one that did not match any known script from the current age. Dust motes danced in the light, but the air felt heavy, as if the room itself remembered something forgotten. He closed the book quickly, feeling a chill that had nothing to do with the drafty window. Some histories were meant to stay buried.
Reader's Guide
Scholars distinguish between established fact and legend when discussing this era. It is confirmed that the First Empire existed and fell, leaving ruins across the continent. However, specific details about their magic remain speculative. University records confirm the Chandrian appeared after the fall, but theories linking them directly to Old Ways practices are debated. Oral histories from Vintas or other regions often exaggerate these connections for dramatic effect. Travelers should avoid seeking out ruins associated with this period without guidance. Local superstitions regarding 'cursed' lands often stem from remnants of these ancient traditions.
Did You Know?
- The Chandrian are widely believed to be connected to the collapse of the First Empire.
- Modern University magic is considered distinct from the practices of the Old Ways.
- Some artifacts from this era are kept in restricted archives due to their dangerous nature.
- Legends suggest that certain Fae contracts predate even the current understanding of magic.
More in Lore & Mythos
Elsewhere in the Realm of the Elderlings universe
Spotted an error? Know more?
This is a living reference — every entry is fact-audited, and reader corrections feed straight into our audit queue. Suggest an edit · See this site's audit record