Dungeons & Dragons Red Wizard Miniature

In Dungeons & Dragons, a Red Wizard refers to a member of a powerful and notorious group of spellcasters from the land of Thay, a region within the Forgotten Realms campaign setting. These wizards are part of the Red Wizards of Thay, an elite organization known for their mastery of arcane magic, particularly necromancy, evocation, and transmutation. They are typically depicted as ruthless and power-hungry, seeking to expand their influence over the world through magical dominance and political manipulation.

The Red Wizards wear distinctive red robes, which signify their allegiance to Thay and their organization. Thay itself is a magocracy, meaning it is ruled by magic-users, with the Red Wizards occupying the highest echelons of society. Szass Tam, a powerful lich and the most prominent figure among them, serves as the Zulkir of Necromancy and is often the primary antagonist in stories involving Thay.

The Red Wizards are also infamous for their use of slavery, dark rituals, and consorting with fiends and undead to achieve their goals. In some campaigns, they serve as the quintessential villains, plotting to conquer neighboring lands or seeking powerful magical artifacts to increase their might. However, not all Red Wizards are purely evil; some may seek redemption or have more nuanced motivations, adding depth to their character.

In gameplay, Red Wizards can be encountered as enemies, and sometimes as potential allies, depending on the nature of the campaign. Their intricate political structure, combined with their formidable magical abilities, makes them a versatile and often dangerous group in Dungeons & Dragons lore, embodying the darker side of arcane magic.