Race: Human
Sex: Male
Faction: The Harpers / Mystra
Rating: 9.1
Alignment: Chaotic Good
Arena Status: Active (S2)
Elminster Aumar stands as one of the most iconic and powerful wizards in the Forgotten Realms universe. Revered as the Chosen of Mystra, the goddess of magic, Elminster has lived through centuries of pivotal events, wars, and magical upheavals. His name echoes from the Sword Coast to the eastern lands of Thay, embodying an enduring legacy of wisdom, heroism, and unrelenting determination.
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| Elminster Aumar, The Old Mage |
What Is Elminster's Role in the Forgotten Realms Universe?
Elminster Aumar is a central figure in Forgotten Realms. His significance transcends his legendary magical abilities; Elminster is a sage, mentor, and champion of Mystra’s Weave. He has been instrumental in thwarting countless threats to Faerûn, from maleficent wizards to extraplanar incursions.
Appearing across multiple novels, such as Elminster: The Making of a Mage and Elminster in Hell, and in role-playing game campaigns for Dungeons & Dragons, Elminster represents the archetypal high fantasy wizard. These stories delve into his early life, transformations, adventures, and his service to Mystra. In the Baldur’s Gate and Neverwinter Nights series, Elminster occasionally aids adventurers, offering quests or critical advice.
What Are Elminster's Origins and Key Life Events?
Elminster was born in 212 DR in the kingdom of Athalantar, a land ruled by tyrannical mage-lords. His early years were marked by tragedy when his family was slain by these oppressive sorcerers. Driven by a desire for justice, Elminster initially despised magic. However, an encounter with Mystra, the goddess of magic, led to his transformation into her Chosen and set him on the path to mastering arcane arts.
Key events in Elminster’s life include, The Fall of Athalantar, where Elminster rallied allies to overthrow the mage-lords, reclaiming the kingdom but choosing to abdicate in favor of a trusted knight. Mystra guided Elminster through profound trials, including a period where she transformed him into a woman to deepen his understanding of magic and life. Throughout his long life, Elminster has battled formidable foes, such as the Zhentarim, the malaugrym, and the Red Wizards of Thay.
What Are Elminster’s Magical Abilities?
Elminster’s mastery of magic is unparalleled, thanks to his millennia of study, innate intelligence, and his status as Mystra’s Chosen. His connection to the Weave grants him extraordinary powers, including the ability to channel silver fire—a raw, divine energy of creation and destruction.
Elminster is particularly noted for his expertise in metamagic, counterspells, and shaping elemental forces. He is rumored to know every commonly available spell in Faerûn and wields unique spells of his own design, such as Elminster’s Effulgent Epuration and Elminster’s Evasion.
What Are Elminster’s Personality and Motivations?
Elminster is a complex character whose personality oscillates between wily humor and profound gravitas. He is fearless, forthright, and deeply empathetic, often serving as a mentor to younger adventurers. Despite the immense burden of his responsibilities, Elminster remains grounded by his love for Faerûn’s people and his commitment to preserving freedom and beauty in the world.
Why Is Elminster Considered a Legendary Figure?
Elminster’s legend is built not just on his magical feats but also on his role as a caretaker of Faerûn. From creating powerful magical items to influencing the course of wars, his actions have shaped the Realms for centuries. Stories of his exploits, such as his daring infiltration of Shadowhome and his battles against the Zhentarim, have inspired countless songs and tales.
Elminster’s enduring appeal lies in his humanity amidst his godlike abilities. His flaws, losses, and moments of vulnerability make him relatable, even as his heroism places him among the greatest champions of fantasy literature.
Elminster Aumar's Raw Power
Elminster Aumar’s raw power as a wizard and Chosen of Mystra places him among the most formidable entities in the Forgotten Realms and beyond. His mastery of the arcane arts, coupled with his unparalleled magical knowledge and connection to the Weave, forms the cornerstone of his immense capability in combat scenarios. While his physical strength is relatively mundane compared to some fantasy titans, his magical ability and combat prowess elevate him to an extraordinary level. Across the spectrum of raw power, Elminster earns a rating of 9.0 out of 10—a recognition of his immense magical potency and battle-hardened expertise.
Strength
Elminster’s physical strength is not an area where he excels. While capable of basic physical feats required of an adventurer, such as wielding a staff or engaging in brief physical confrontations, his muscular power pales in comparison to supernaturally enhanced or martial characters. Elminster relies on his magical prowess to compensate for his lack of brute force, often enhancing his physical capabilities through temporary enchantments when the situation demands.
In pure physical terms, Elminster’s strength remains within the limits of an average human male of his age and condition. Without magical enhancement, he would not be able to lift heavy objects or engage in prolonged hand-to-hand combat. This subcategory is his weakest in terms of raw power, earning him a modest score in this aspect.
Magical Ability
The cornerstone of Elminster’s raw power lies in his magical ability. As the Chosen of Mystra, he possesses a direct connection to the Weave, allowing him to manipulate arcane forces with extraordinary precision and potency. His spellcasting repertoire includes an exhaustive array of offensive, defensive, and utility spells. Elminster is capable of conjuring devastating meteors, unleashing waves of elemental destruction, countering rival spellcasters’ magic, and crafting intricate wards capable of withstanding even the most advanced magical assaults.
Elminster's status as a Weave anchor amplifies his raw magical power further, granting him the ability to stabilize and manipulate magic in ways few can comprehend. His use of silver fire, a divine energy granted by Mystra, places him in a rare category of casters capable of unleashing near-godlike energy to annihilate foes or heal allies. While many wizards can specialize in one or two schools of magic, Elminster's mastery spans nearly all recognized arcane disciplines.
Combat Prowess
In combat scenarios, Elminster’s effectiveness is bolstered by his combination of physical and magical skills, though the latter significantly outweighs the former. He is a seasoned battle mage who has survived countless wars, duels, and extraplanar conflicts. His adaptability in combat allows him to quickly analyze opponents, identify weaknesses, and exploit them with precision. Whether he is facing hordes of foes or singularly powerful adversaries, Elminster’s command of the battlefield is unwavering.
His combat style integrates spellcasting with clever tactics, such as using illusions to misdirect enemies, summoning creatures to divide their attention, and employing environmental manipulation to gain the upper hand. Though he does not rely on physical weapons, Elminster’s skill with his staff and his ability to enhance it with magical energy make it a formidable tool in close quarters.
Elminster Aumar's Tactical Ability
Elminster Aumar’s tactical ability reflects his centuries of experience as a strategist, improviser, and resource manager in the complex and perilous world of the Forgotten Realms. As one of the most accomplished mages and statesmen in Faerûn, his approach to conflict transcends raw power, emphasizing strategy, adaptability, and resource utilization. Across fantasy universes, his tactical acumen earns a solid rating of 8.5 out of 10. While he is a master strategist and planner, his reliance on the Weave and certain allies slightly limits his standing when compared to the most self-reliant tacticians.
Strategic Mind
Elminster’s strategic mind is one of his defining attributes. He possesses an innate ability to analyze and understand the complexities of battlefields, political landscapes, and multi-dimensional threats. His role in the defense of Myth Drannor during its formative years demonstrates his skill at navigating intricate alliances between elves and other races, all while countering internal and external opposition. These efforts show his long-term vision, as he helped lay the groundwork for a realm that balanced cooperation and autonomy among its inhabitants.
Elminster’s command of magical strategy further bolsters this subcategory. His understanding of counterspells, traps, and wards often enables him to neutralize foes before conflicts escalate. His calculated decisions during the Harpstar Wars exemplify his ability to leverage allies and time against superior foes, such as the malaugrym, while minimizing collateral damage to Faerûn.
Resourcefulness
Elminster’s resourcefulness in conflict scenarios is unparalleled. His ability to adapt to sudden shifts in battle, utilize unconventional tools, and exploit weaknesses in adversaries defines his role as a pragmatic problem-solver. His time spent in the Nine Hells, surviving torture and eventual escape under dire circumstances, showcases his ability to operate effectively in unfavorable situations. Without access to the Weave, he relied on guile, improvisation, and the careful timing of limited magical reserves to escape his captor’s grasp.
Another example of his resourcefulness is his use of disguise and shapechanging spells to outwit his enemies. While these abilities technically fall under the domain of magic, his skill in applying them creatively—such as infiltrating hostile strongholds or deflecting assassination attempts—speaks to his ingenuity. However, Elminster's resourcefulness often stems from his profound magical knowledge, making it difficult to separate his wit from his arcane arsenal.
Resource Arsenal
Elminster’s resource arsenal is vast, spanning artifacts, alliances, and arcane tools acquired over millennia. He has access to some of the most powerful items in Faerûn, including his eversmoking pipe, enchanted staff, and various Weave-enhanced relics. Beyond material possessions, his network of allies—from the Harpers to Mystra’s Chosen—provides unparalleled access to intelligence, reinforcements, and specialized skills.
Elminster’s leadership role within organizations like the Harpers illustrates his ability to coordinate resources effectively. He regularly deploys agents and adventurers to deal with threats he has identified, using their strengths to accomplish tasks that even he cannot address directly. Despite this advantage, his dependence on these external forces occasionally puts him at a disadvantage when facing isolation or betrayal, slightly lowering his rating in this subcategory.
Elminster Aumar's Influence
Elminster Aumar’s influence across the realms of Faerûn and beyond is profound, cementing his position as one of the most persuasive and awe-inspiring figures in all fantasy universes. As a chosen of Mystra, the Sage of Shadowdale wields immense sway not only through his words and actions but also through his legendary reputation and the respect (and fear) he commands from friends and foes alike. His influence earns a formidable 9.0 out of 10, reflecting his extraordinary ability to inspire, manipulate, and shape the events around him through sheer presence and tactical interpersonal engagement. However, minor limitations in direct charisma versus reputation prevent a perfect score.
Persuasion
Elminster’s ability to persuade others is a hallmark of his success in navigating the political and magical landscapes of Faerûn. While his dialogue often carries a sharp wit and a disarming charm, his true skill lies in the ability to convince even the most stubborn individuals to see reason or act in their best interest (even when it aligns with his own). His extensive experience in diplomacy with various factions—be they elven courts, mage guilds, or wary adventuring companies—highlights his mastery of interpersonal influence. For instance, during his time in Myth Drannor, he swayed skeptical elven leaders to accept a human within their ranks, forging bonds that eventually led to groundbreaking alliances between elves and other races.
Elminster’s natural conversational ability is augmented by his deep understanding of the motivations and weaknesses of those he speaks with. However, while his words carry weight, his tendency to lean on his reputation for final persuasion can sometimes detract from his personal charisma.
Reverence
Few characters in the Forgotten Realms can claim the level of reverence Elminster commands. As Mystra’s favored Chosen and one of the greatest sages of Faerûn, his name is synonymous with wisdom, power, and guidance. Entire kingdoms have sought his counsel, and his presence alone can alter the dynamics of a room. This reverence is not limited to allies; even his enemies recognize the depth of his knowledge and the dangers of underestimating him. His role as a caretaker of the realms, always working to preserve balance and protect against existential threats, has made him a near-mythic figure.
Elminster’s reverence also stems from his longevity and the vast number of lives he has touched over centuries. Whether mentoring young adventurers, guiding wayward Chosen, or defending Faerûn from catastrophic dangers, his actions have left an indelible mark on the world. However, the very weight of his reputation can sometimes isolate him, as mortals often revere him as an untouchable legend rather than a relatable figure.
Willpower
Elminster’s willpower is legendary, bolstered by his role as Mystra’s Chosen and his experiences enduring countless hardships over his thousand-year life. From resisting the seductive pull of immense arcane power to standing firm against the manipulations of deities and extraplanar entities, Elminster’s inner strength is unyielding. A prime example is his survival during the Time of Troubles, when he operated effectively without access to the Weave, demonstrating an indomitable spirit and resourcefulness even when stripped of his usual powers.
His willpower extends to his capacity to resist external manipulations, whether they come from magical mind control or the psychological toll of centuries of loss and responsibility. Elminster’s ability to maintain his agency and pursue his goals despite these challenges underscores his formidable mental resilience.
Elminster Aumar's Resilience
Elminster Aumar’s resilience is one of his defining traits, marking him as one of the most enduring figures in the Forgotten Realms and across the fantasy multiverse. From surviving physical assaults and magical devastation to enduring profound losses and existential crises, Elminster’s ability to recover, adapt, and persist places him among the most resilient of all characters. His resilience earns a 9.5 out of 10, reflecting his extraordinary capacity to withstand adversity across all planes of existence while acknowledging that his reliance on Mystra’s favor at certain times slightly tempers the perfection of his independence.
Physical Resistance
Despite not being primarily known for his physical capabilities, Elminster’s ability to withstand physical harm is impressive. Through a combination of innate endurance and the protective enchantments he wields as Mystra’s Chosen, he has survived countless battles and dangerous scenarios. His body has been ravaged by time, yet he continues to endure, showing remarkable toughness for one of his age and experience. This resilience has allowed him to withstand the toll of endless magical duels and the wear and tear of his adventuring life.
Elminster’s physical resilience is further enhanced by his use of defensive magic, such as protective wards and spells that deflect or absorb damage. These abilities enable him to endure even devastating physical assaults that would obliterate less-prepared individuals. Although he cannot match the raw physical resistance of characters whose power is derived purely from physical might, his combination of preparation and fortitude ensures that he can survive nearly any attack.
Magical Resistance
Elminster’s resistance to magical effects is unparalleled, owing in large part to his status as Mystra’s Chosen and his intimate connection with the Weave. His innate defenses allow him to shrug off magical assaults that would incapacitate or destroy other powerful wizards. This magical resilience has been demonstrated repeatedly, whether in battles against archmages, extraplanar beings, or deities themselves.
Elminster’s understanding of counterspelling and the mechanics of magical dueling further bolsters his resistance. He not only withstands magical attacks but often turns them against his enemies, using his profound knowledge of the Weave to unravel or redirect hostile magic. His survival during catastrophic events, such as the Time of Troubles and the Spellplague, attests to his almost supernatural ability to resist and adapt to even the most destructive magical forces.
Longevity
Elminster’s longevity is extraordinary, both as a testament to his physical and magical resilience and as a defining aspect of his character. Born in the Year of the Awakening Magic (212 DR), he has survived for over a millennium, navigating the tumultuous history of the Forgotten Realms while outlasting countless enemies and allies alike. His lifespan has been extended not only by the direct intervention of Mystra but also through his mastery of magic, which allows him to sustain himself and recover from otherwise fatal injuries.
Elminster’s longevity is not merely a matter of survival but of thriving amidst adversity. He has endured the loss of friends, lovers, and even his goddess, yet he continues to play an active role in the defense of Faerûn. His ability to endure personal tragedies without succumbing to despair or madness underscores the depth of his resilience. While other characters might falter under the weight of centuries of loss and responsibility, Elminster remains a steadfast protector of the Realms.
Elminster Aumar's Versatility
Elminster Aumar is renowned not only for his raw magical power but also for his exceptional versatility. Elminster’s adaptability, breadth of skills, and ability to thrive in diverse scenarios across the multiverse are unmatched. This versatility earns him a rating of 9.5 out of 10. While there are rare instances where he may rely heavily on certain forms of magic or divine favor, his capacity to innovate, adapt, and prevail in varied contexts establishes him as one of the most versatile characters in all of fantasy.
Adaptability
Elminster’s adaptability is perhaps his most defining characteristic. Over the course of his millennia-long life, he has seamlessly transitioned between roles: from warrior and thief to priest and mage, and even ruler and hermit. Each transition reflects his ability to learn, grow, and succeed in entirely new environments and disciplines. His time spent disguised as the female priestess Elmara, for example, highlights his capacity to adapt not only his skills but also his identity to suit the demands of the moment.
This adaptability extends to combat and survival situations. Whether facing planar entities, ancient liches, or political intrigue, Elminster can quickly assess his surroundings, improvise solutions, and exploit opportunities. His mastery of shapechanging and polymorph spells further exemplifies his adaptability, allowing him to take on different forms to escape danger or infiltrate hostile areas. Even when deprived of his usual magical resources, he has shown the ability to survive through wit, cunning, and sheer determination.
Luck
Elminster’s life is marked by a string of improbable events that consistently work in his favor, suggesting that luck plays a significant role in his versatility. From narrowly escaping death to encountering allies at just the right moment, Elminster’s fortune often places him in advantageous positions. However, this is not blind chance; rather, it is his ability to capitalize on lucky breaks and turn them into long-term advantages that sets him apart.
Whether stumbling upon a magical artifact or outwitting an opponent due to an unforeseen error on their part, Elminster's innate ability to turn the tides in his favor demonstrates a level of luck that borders on supernatural. This luck often serves as a hidden edge in his adventures, ensuring that even in the direst circumstances, he can emerge victorious.
Shaved Knuckle in the Hole
Elminster’s “shaved knuckle in the hole” represents his uncanny knack for revealing a hidden advantage or utilizing an unexpected skill at critical moments. This aspect of his versatility is rooted in his unparalleled knowledge of magic, history, and strategy. For instance, when faced with opponents who wield unfamiliar or forbidden magic, Elminster often counters them by drawing upon ancient or esoteric spells that even his adversaries may not anticipate.
Moreover, his deep connection to the Weave often grants him access to unique abilities that others cannot replicate. Whether wielding silver fire, exploiting a flaw in the fabric of magic, or uncovering an ancient ritual to seal away a powerful foe, Elminster consistently surprises even the most prepared enemies. These moments showcase his ability to keep a metaphorical “ace up his sleeve,” further cementing his reputation as a master of the unexpected.
Elminster Aumar's Alignment
Elminster Aumar is a human of the Chosen of Mystra, hailing originally from the kingdom of Athalantar in the Forgotten Realms. Born a prince but cast into a life of hardship, he rose to become one of the most renowned wizards in Faerûn. Over the course of his extraordinary life, spanning over a thousand years, Elminster has held roles as diverse as thief, priest, warrior, and archmage. His profound connection to the Weave, the source of all magic in Toril, is central to his identity, as is his role as one of Mystra’s Chosen, tasked with protecting and nurturing magic itself.
Elminster is associated with several factions, most notably the Harpers, a semi-secret organization dedicated to maintaining balance, protecting the innocent, and combating tyranny. His longstanding affiliation with Mystra and his role as one of her Chosen place him firmly within the power structure of those devoted to preserving the integrity of the Weave. Additionally, Elminster has formed alliances with numerous individuals and groups, including the Knights of Myth Drannor and other prominent forces for good across Faerûn.
Elminster’s actions consistently reflect a dedication to the greater good. He actively opposes tyranny, injustice, and the exploitation of magic for selfish or destructive ends. His affiliation with the Harpers exemplifies his commitment to defending the oppressed and preserving freedom across the realms. Even when operating from the shadows or taking morally ambiguous actions, his ultimate aim is to safeguard Faerûn and ensure the responsible use of magic.
Elminster’s long life has granted him a profound understanding of loss and sacrifice, making him deeply empathetic to the struggles of others. His relationships with mortals often reflect a nurturing and protective nature, and he regularly takes on apprentices or aids struggling adventurers. Despite his immense power, he does not abuse it for personal gain but instead uses it to serve the needs of the Realms.
While Elminster upholds the values of justice and goodness, he frequently disregards traditional authority, societal norms, and rigid laws when they conflict with his goals. His chaotic nature is evident in his willingness to bend or outright break rules if it means achieving a better outcome. For example, Elminster often undermines corrupt rulers or organizations, sometimes using deception or unconventional methods to achieve his objectives.
Elminster’s chaotic tendencies also emerge in his playful, irreverent personality. He delights in outwitting his enemies and enjoys manipulating events behind the scenes to ensure a favorable outcome. However, his actions are never capricious; they are carefully calculated to serve a greater purpose, even if his methods are unorthodox or seem reckless to others.
Elminster Aumar is best described as Chaotic Good. His alignment reflects a deep-seated commitment to doing what is right and protecting the world of Toril from forces of tyranny and destruction. However, his methods often subvert conventional norms and hierarchies, as he prioritizes moral outcomes over strict adherence to laws or traditions. As a human of exceptional longevity and one of the Chosen of Mystra, Elminster’s alignment is influenced by his role as a guardian of magic and a defender of balance in the Forgotten Realms. His affiliations with factions like the Harpers further emphasize his alignment as a force for freedom, justice, and the greater good. Pride and Prophecy keeps an updated character alignment matrix across all planes of existence.
Elminster Aumar's Trophy Case
PPET Rankings
| Season | Rank |
|---|---|
| 2 (2024-2025) | TBD (of 204) |
Overall Conclusion on Elminster Aumar and Position Across Planes of Existence
Elminster Aumar’s position as a 9.1 in our power rankings across all fantasy universes is a reflection of his extraordinary versatility, raw power, and significance not only within his own universe but as a character whose impact resonates across planes of existence. This rating places him in the upper echelon of the most powerful characters we have analyzed, representing a near-peerless combination of magical might, resilience, and tactical acumen.
At the core of Elminster’s rating is his unparalleled command of the Weave, the fundamental source of magic in the Forgotten Realms. His abilities as one of Mystra’s Chosen grant him unique powers, such as the use of silver fire, which is a manifestation of pure magical energy. Elminster’s mastery over counterspells, metamagic, and high-level spellcraft allows him to manipulate magic at a level few can comprehend, let alone match. His extensive arsenal includes spells capable of shaping the elements, countering the deadliest attacks, and accessing other planes of existence.
Unlike many who are defined solely by raw power, Elminster’s magical abilities are complemented by an intellect that spans millennia of experience. As a sage and scholar, he has accumulated knowledge of almost every spell ever devised in Faerûn and beyond, giving him an unmatched strategic advantage in combat and preparation. This breadth and depth of expertise cement his position as a peerless arcane powerhouse.
Elminster’s longevity and survival through countless apocalyptic events speak to his remarkable resilience. He has endured the Time of Troubles, the Spellplague, and even imprisonment and torture in the Nine Hells, emerging each time to continue his mission as a defender of magic and balance. His role as a Weave anchor makes him intrinsically tied to the stability of magic itself, granting him a durability and endurance that transcend ordinary mortality.
Elminster’s ability to recover from existential threats and adapt to crises demonstrates a fortitude that enhances his placement among the top-tier characters. His physical resilience may not rival that of divine or draconic entities, but his magical resilience and ability to withstand near-total destruction place him in the same league as immortal beings.
Elminster’s influence is not confined to the Forgotten Realms. He has shaped the course of history on Toril, founded and supported pivotal organizations like the Harpers, and forged alliances with some of the most powerful beings in existence. His interplanar adventures, such as his conflict with the Malaugrym and his participation in the Second Sundering, demonstrate his ability to operate effectively beyond the material plane.
Elminster’s reach extends into other worlds, where he has guided and influenced events. These interdimensional forays highlight his status as a character who transcends the boundaries of his native universe, further justifying his high ranking.
Elminster’s personality and moral complexity elevate him beyond a mere repository of power. As a Chaotic Good character, his actions are guided by a desire to protect freedom and balance, even if it means breaking laws or defying authority. His wit, wisdom, and compassion make him a figure of hope and inspiration, while his willingness to make difficult sacrifices underscores the depth of his character.
The 9.1 rating reflects a combination of factors: Elminster’s mastery of magic, his unparalleled knowledge and versatility, his resilience in the face of existential threats, and his far-reaching influence. Few characters in fantasy universes can claim such an extensive impact across multiple dimensions of power. While there are rare individuals who may match or exceed his raw strength in specific domains, Elminster’s comprehensive abilities and legacy make him a definitive entry in the top tier of our rankings. Pride and Prophecy keeps an updated power ranking across all planes of existence. This will only be sortable on desktop viewing. The below table shows a summary within the same plane of existence of this article.
