The Order of Malik-Duer is an ancient society and widely regarded across the known and civilized world. It is comprised entirely of mages and sorcerers from all walks of life and all lands, but only those who pass the trials may become one of them. The order was started in the first age by a wizard known as Malik, who once ruled a kingdom of his own in the southern lands of Oriador. Malik was a powerful wizard who sought knowledge in all things and dedicated his life to the study of magic and principle. It was his research that formed the basis of many of the theories that are practiced today.

The order's main purpose is to seek out knowledge of all things magical, including artifacts, magical items, spells and even the research of sages and other mages. The order's members are scattered all across the world, secluded in tall towers and immersing themselves in research and experimentation. It is common to hear tales of magical experiments gone awry or failed attempts at spell creation at the convention that is held once a year in the heart of the southern lands of Oriador, in Drac-Lannan.

Anyone who uses magic is welcome, though few advocates join their ranks because of the differences in their use of magic. Most mages consider advocates to be inferior to themselves and shun the methods of some. The council is governed by a single mage representing a single discipline, each the master of their path. As is common in many orders, any member may challenge a master in a magical, non-lethal duel using only ones' spells and wits. There are strict rules for this duel banning the use of magical artifacts as well as other, more devious techniques. The winner is elected to the council forthwith, until another challenger comes to meet them after one years time, to prevent a chaotic shifting of power. The loser may of course, issue another challenge after one year has passed. Rarely does anyone wish to challenge one of the masters.

The Order has survived for nearly two-thousand years because of their academy where new recruits who show great skill in wielding magic are brought. It is one of the few places in the world where one can learn the art of sorcery from true masters. To be invited to attend the academy, an applicant must be sponsered by a mage, usually his tutor who is not required to belong to the order. The applicant must then pass a series of brutal tests to gain entrance. If the council accepts them, they are assigned to a scholar who is willing to accept an apprentice. If no scholars are available, the student must return home and apply again in another year.

When the council convenes its annual meeting, determined applicants will meet outside the academy at the Bazaar du Magus and enter into a series of contests against other applicants. The top five students are taken into the academy without question. It is the only way of getting into the academy without requiring a sponsor or passing the other tests. During the 'mage-faire', applicants are judged on aptitude and skill with spell-casting. The winner of the contest is automatically entered, where the other four are judged from the top ten. If anyone is caught cheating, they are banned from the academy forever.

The Bazaar du Magus has become a tradition since it was first held, becoming somewhat of a legend amongst mages in far off lands. Travelers come from all over the world to attend and to see the amazing display of magical skill across the plain where it is held. Many of the members care little for outsiders, perferring only to hold heir competition for good sport, but they have accepted the lure of the place and tolerate it. A number of the more dubious personalities seek to rid the academy of this competition all together, preferring to shorten the list of potential enemies.

• Targa - master of the mind.
  
• Gonchar - master of the thurmaturgy.
  
• Horus - master of illusion.
  
• Yasmine - master of alchemy.
  
• Kelliam - master of sorcery.
  
• Corinne - master of life and light.
  
• Belsarius - master of death and shadow.
  
• Venilor - master of entropy.
  

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