The Runelords were seven powerful wizards who controlled the Iskari Empire for thousands of years and dominated the continent of Ikharos.
The Runelords were an integral part of the lost Iskari Empire,which was founded more than 7,000 years ago by Il-Khazar Caridan; who became its First Emperor.
As the Empire grew beyond the bounds of Emperor Il-Khazar's ability to control, both militarily and administratively, he divided his empire into seven large Districts.
Il-Khazar then appointed seven powerful wizards as governors of those seven regions. These wizards were known as the "Runelords."
The Runelords grew to become the seven most powerful and ambitious men anywhere in the Iskari Empire. Over the centuries, the seven Runelords began to secretly conspire to secure ultimate power for themselves, and waited for their opportunity to overthrow Emperor Il-Khazar.
This opportunity appeared when the Emperor, in advanced old age after having ruled the Empire for more than four centuries, was mysteriously killed and his palace destroyed in a suspicious magical explosion.
The seven Runelords then seized the opportunity and subjugated all those loyal to Il-Khazar; including his only son, Il-Khezet, who became the, so-called, "Puppet Emperor."
It has never been revealed which of the seven Runelords was actually behind the assassination, and all Imperial records relating the incident were later destroyed.
As time went on, the seven Runelords were not satisfied with rule of their respective Imperial Districts and soon each plotted to someday become ruler of the entire Iskari Empire. There are many legends about the strife within the empire that was caused by these rivalries between the Runelords.
Legends say each of the seven Runelords specialized in a single school of magic and possessed a mighty weapon which not only served them in battle, but also became a symbol of their rule.
Also, it became a long-standing tradition that each Runelord had one Apprentice, who learned from his master and would replace him upon his death. The Runelord apprentices were themselves powerful wizards, and fiercely loyal to their individual masters.
Unfortunately for the Runelords, and all the people of Ikharos; The Iskari Empire was destroyed in the year 1137 of the Third Age, when a meteor shower came down from the sky and impacted the continent, utterly destroying the Empire and its Runelord overseers. This cataclysmic event was called Skyfall.
The seven final Runelords, their Imperial District Capitals, and their last known Apprentices are listed below:
- Alaznist; the Runelord of Wrath, who ruled the city of Arakhan. His last known Apprentice was Xalias
- Belimarius; the Runelord of Envy, who ruled the city of Invidia. His last known Apprentice was Sadrakus
- Karzoug; the Runelord of Greed, who ruled the city of Shalast. His last known Apprentice was Rorskan
- Sorakan; the Runelord of Lust, who ruled the city of Kharzad. His last known Apprentice was Volanskyr
- Xanderghul; the Runelord of Pride, who ruled the city of Cyr. His last known Apprentice was Xandervhal
- Zuthan; the Runelord of Gluttony, who ruled the city of Ghatash. His last known Apprentice was Zyrak
