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Bayaz, also known as "The First of the Magi" and the "First Magi", is an enigmatic ancient wizard with eyes and ears seemingly everywhere. Having lived in isolation in his library for centuries, he's now considered a legendary figure in The Union, famous for founding the realm. He has a major role in the First Law trilogy of grimdark fantasy books, and also appears in The Heroes.

Biography[]

Bayaz and the fall of Juvens and Kanedias[]

During the ancient era known as the Old Time, Juvens took on Bayaz as his initial apprentice, imparting upon him the teachings of the High Art. However, their relationship soured when Juvens also accepted another pupil, Khalul from Kanta. From the outset, Bayaz and Khalul clashed, consumed by pride and envy, even as Juvens expanded his circle of apprentices, eventually forming the Order of the Magi with a total of twelve members.

Following the devastation of the conflict with Glustrod, Juvens intervened in the escalating feud between Bayaz and Khalul, fearing they would destroy each other. Sending them to separate libraries he had constructed—one in the north for Bayaz and one in the south for Khalul—Juvens hoped to temper their animosity, but instead, it fueled their desire for revenge. Seeking greater power, Bayaz turned to Juvens' brother, Kanedias, for further instruction in the High Art.

Though Bayaz proved valuable to Kanedias's endeavors, the Maker guarded his secrets with fierce jealousy, leaving Bayaz embittered by his refusal to share knowledge. In his quest for forbidden knowledge, Bayaz uncovered Kanedias's greatest secret: his daughter Tolomei, isolated and untouched by human contact, created solely to assist her father's experiments. Bayaz and Tolomei formed a romantic relationship, and she revealed her father's plans to harness the power of artifacts from The Other Side, remnants from the era of Demons, despite violating the First Law.

Despite his initial intent to inform Juvens of Kanedias's transgressions, Bayaz hesitated out of fear for Tolomei's safety. When Kanedias discovered their relationship, Bayaz fled, narrowly escaping death. Seeking refuge with Juvens, Bayaz was sheltered by his former master, but Kanedias soon followed, leading to a deadly confrontation resulting in Juvens's demise, allegedly at the hands of Kanedias.

Swearing vengeance, Bayaz rallied the Magi to wage war against Kanedias, except for Khalul, who blamed Bayaz for Juvens's death and refused to participate. Despite their combined efforts, the Magi could not breach the defenses of the House of the Maker. In a final desperate act, Bayaz persuaded Tolomei to betray her father, leading to Kanedias's downfall and the deaths of both him and Tolomei.

Bayaz and the Union[]

Centuries later, in the fragmented realm of Midderland, Bayaz approached King Harod, offering his guidance to unify the region. Demonstrating his mastery of the High Art, Bayaz gained Harod's trust and became his chief advisor, orchestrating diplomatic maneuvers and military campaigns that eventually led to the formation of The Union.

After Harod's passing, Bayaz withdrew from active involvement but pledged to return when needed, leaving a vacant seat on the King's Closed Council. Operating under various aliases, Bayaz continued to exert clandestine influence over The Union, manipulating its affairs through proxies such as Valint & Balk, the influential banking institution secretly owned by him.

Now in his twilight years, Bayaz resides in the Great Northern Library, dedicating his time to scholarly pursuits and training new apprentices. Despite his efforts to maintain stability within The Union, tensions have arisen between him and former allies like Shenkt.

Recent years have seen Bayaz aiding the ascent of chieftain Bethod in The North, leveraging his arcane abilities to secure Bethod's rise to power in exchange for a single favor granted to Bayaz.

The Blade Itself[]

Bayaz dispatches his apprentice Malacus Quai on a mission to locate the renowned warrior Logen Ninefingers, who is believed to be wandering somewhere in the rugged wilderness of The North. Upon Logen's eventual arrival at the Great Northern Library, he is swiftly followed by Calder, the youngest son of Bethod, the newly crowned King of the Northmen. Calder demands Bayaz's presence and acknowledgment of his father's authority over The North. In response, Bayaz dismisses the young ruler with a mocking laugh and a brief demonstration of his magical prowess, emphasizing his refusal to take commands from subordinates.

The following day, Bayaz informs Logen of Bethod's impending visit and offers him a weapon for protection. In the armory, Logen selects a simple sword crafted by Kanedias, the Master Maker. When Bethod arrives accompanied by his son Scale and the sorceress Caurib, tensions escalate as Bethod seeks Bayaz's stance on the looming conflict with The Union. Despite verbal exchanges, Bayaz rebuffs Bethod's attempts at alliance, solidifying their enmity.

Departing the library alongside Logen and Quai, Bayaz's group is ambushed by Bethod's forces en route to Adua. Displaying his mastery of the High Art, Bayaz retaliates with destructive force, leaving him drained but victorious. Arriving in the bustling city of Adua, Bayaz guides Logen through its urban expanse, providing attire suitable for their upcoming endeavors.

During a meeting with the Closed Council, Bayaz demands recognition of his position as the First of the Magi, only to face skepticism and mistrust from the council members. Disillusioned by their lack of gratitude for his past contributions, Bayaz expresses his bitterness before departing.

In the midst of the night, Logen encounters a mysterious woman in their quarters, followed by a sudden burst of magical energy. Bayaz, weakened by his exertions, speculates on the identity of the intruder before succumbing to exhaustion. The next day, Inquisitor Glokta confronts Bayaz, accusing him of deception regarding his claims as the First of the Magi.

Attending a contest between Jezal dan Luthar and Bremer dan Gorst, Bayaz manipulates the outcome using his Art, while Logen observes with disdain. Arch Lector Sult and Glokta conspire to challenge Bayaz's legitimacy, prompting Bayaz to confidently produce the key to the House of the Maker as proof of his identity.

Guiding Logen, Jezal, and Glokta to the House of the Maker, Bayaz unlocks its doors, revealing its eerie interior. Amidst their preparations for a journey to Shabulyan, Bayaz tests Ferro Maljinn's abilities, leading to a confrontation and ultimately convincing her to join their quest for vengeance against the Gurkish.

As their group assembles, Bayaz selects Jezal as the final member, compelling him to join their expedition to the Edge of the World. Despite setbacks and confrontations, Bayaz remains resolute in his pursuit of his mysterious goals, even as tensions rise and enemies close in.

Before They Are Hanged[]

Bayaz and his assembly of heroes arrive at Calcis, a city within The Old Empire. Governor Salamo Narba summons the newcomers to his hall, expressing concern about their presence. Bayaz outlines his intention to venture beyond the river Aos, but Narba highlights the bridges' inaccessibility due to conflicts among rival warlords and self-proclaimed Emperors: Sabarbus, Scario, and Goltus. Seeking to maintain Calcis's neutrality, Narba insists that Bayaz vacate the city within three days, but Bayaz becomes irritable and insists on an immediate departure.

Setting out from Calcis toward Darmium, Ferro questions Bayaz about their destination, the First Law, Khalul, and The Seed. Bayaz, visibly annoyed, refuses to provide detailed answers, only alluding to The Seed as Ferro's path to seeking retribution against the Gurkish. Ferro's trust in Bayaz dwindles further.

During the journey, Bayaz lectures Jezal on history and rulership, much to Jezal's boredom. Meanwhile, Logen grumbles about the lack of meat, prompting Ferro to demonstrate her remarkable archery skills by swiftly downing three birds in flight. Bayaz attributes Ferro's proficiency to her lineage, as she descends from Demons.

Eventually, Bayaz announces a change of plans, diverting their route to cross the river Aos at Aulcus instead of Darmium, to the dismay of his companions.

Later, Ferro notices riders trailing them. Taking refuge in ruins, they evade the riders but encounter an obstacle—a massive log blocking their path. When the riders confront them, demanding their compliance with Emperor Cabrian's summons to Darmium, Bayaz becomes aggravated and unleashes a display of his magical abilities. However, he loses control, resulting in Bayaz's unconsciousness and Quai's explanation about the risks of using the Art.

In Bayaz's absence, Logen assumes leadership as they continue toward Aulcus, where they encounter a battlefield strewn with corpses. The arrival of Magus Zacharus complicates matters, as he warns Bayaz of the dangers posed by Goltus's actions. However, Bayaz rejects Zacharus's offer of assistance, emphasizing his singular focus on obtaining The Seed.

Upon reaching Aulcus, a deserted yet majestic city, Bayaz leads them to the Imperial Senate, where they encounter Shanka lurking within. Bayaz's intervention causes a collapse of the surroundings, allowing their escape, albeit at the cost of Logen and Ferro's disappearance into a crevice.

Reuniting with Logen and Ferro, Bayaz leads them across the Broken Mountains to the Great Western Library, where they are greeted by Magus Cawneil. However, tensions arise during dinner as Cawneil confronts Bayaz about past grievances, leading to a contentious exchange. Bayaz inquires about the boat to Shabulyan, a task entrusted to Cawneil by Juvens.

The group sails to Shabulyan, where Logen invokes the Spirit to obtain a stone purportedly from Juvens. However, Bayaz's fury erupts when he discovers the stone to be a deception by Kanedias. Declaring the journey a failure, Bayaz confronts the disappointment of his companions.

Last Argument of Kings[]

Upon returning to Adua, Bayaz initiates the methodical construction of a heroic narrative around Jezal dan Luthar, spreading tales of his supposed valor in The Old Empire. He publicly praises Jezal's integrity, notably when he intervenes to protect a mistreated beggar from city guards. As they part ways, Bayaz hints at future collaboration with a knowing smile.

Meeting with Yoru Sulfur, Bayaz instructs him to advance to the next stage of their plan. Shortly after, a peasant uprising erupts near Keln, led by a figure known as The Tanner, who is revealed to be Sulfur in disguise. Bayaz orchestrates a meeting between Jezal and the revolt's leaders, where Sulfur swiftly accepts modest concessions, leading to Jezal's triumphant return to Adua. However, the celebration is cut short when King Guslav unexpectedly dies.

During the election for the new King of the Union, Bayaz intervenes to unveil King Guslav's illegitimate son, Colonel Luthar. Despite objections, Bayaz manipulates the votes in favor of Jezal, securing his election as the new High King. Despite his newfound power, Jezal remains under Bayaz's influence, even agreeing to end his relationship with Ardee West and marry Princess Terez of Talins.

As war looms with the Gurkish invasion, Bayaz confronts General Malzagurt and Mamun, offering terms that escalate tensions. Determined to acquire weapons from the House of the Maker, Bayaz leads a mission while Ferro discovers The Seed. In a confrontation, Tolomei reveals her true identity and fights with Yulwei, forcing Bayaz and Ferro to flee, leaving Yulwei and Tolomei locked in the Maker's house.

In the Square of Marshals, Bayaz employs The Seed's power to devastating effect against the Gurkish forces, displaying a callous disregard for collateral damage. After the battle, Bayaz meets with Glokta, revealing his ownership of Valint & Balk and offering Glokta complete authority over the Closed Council.

Before departing Adua, Bayaz delivers a final directive to King Jezal, compelling him to obey Glokta without question. When Jezal hesitates, Bayaz uses his Art to assert dominance, revealing painful truths about Jezal's lineage and character. Overwhelmed, Jezal agrees to comply, and Bayaz departs, accompanied by Yoru Sulfur and The Seed.

The Heroes[]

As the Union once again clashes with the North, Bayaz emerges in the Union encampment. Despite his official retirement, he appears to "observe" Lord Marshal Kroy's campaign against the Northmen. Encouraging Kroy to abandon his cautious tactics, Bayaz advocates for a direct confrontation with King Black Dow, introducing his new invention, rudimentary cannons, to bolster the Union's arsenal.

During the second day of battle, Bayaz tests his cannons alongside the aged Adepti Denka and Saurizin. Their second attempt strikes the standing stones known as the Heroes, claiming the life of Dow's lieutenant Splitfoot and causing significant confusion and casualties among the ranks of both sides, against the objections of the Adepti.

When Black Dow proposes a peace negotiation, Bayaz adamantly insists on continuing the conflict upon learning of the Gurkish agent Ishri's involvement with Dow.

On the third day, following the failures of Mitterick's cavalry charge and Jalenhorm's assault, Lord Marshal Kroy reluctantly seeks peace, despite Bayaz's disapproval. After the terms of peace are agreed upon, Kroy resigns from his position. Finree dan Brock, Kroy's daughter, confronts Bayaz in anger, but he reveals that her husband will be appointed as the new Lord Governor of Angland, leveraging her ambition to secure compliance.

Ultimately, Calder is abducted and brought before Bayaz, who unveils his hidden agenda for orchestrating the conflict over the Heroes. The entire battle and its casualties served merely as a pretext for Bayaz to manipulate the leadership dynamics in the North. With Dow eliminated, Bayaz envisions Calder as his pawn on the Northern throne, provided he eliminates his brother Scale.

A Little Hatred[]

Bayaz continues to exert his influence over both the Union and the North. While his rival Khalul appears to have been vanquished in the south, Bayaz faces challenges from Zacharus and Cawneil in the west. Meanwhile, his apprentice Sulfur engages in intrigue across various domains, aligning with Savine in Adua, Calder in the North, and Prince Orso in Valbeck. Bayaz personally journeys to Adua to attend a celebration, arriving on the same vessel as Rikke. King Jezal and Arch Lector Glokta still regard him with fear; one advises his son to never oppose Bayaz, while the other urges his daughter to reject any overtures from him.

Personality[]

At the outset of the series, Bayaz presents himself as a sagacious paternal figure, akin to the archetypal mentors Gandalf or Merlin, guiding our valiant knight and rugged barbarian through their exploits with seemingly noble intentions of toppling Khalul's oppressive reign in the south. However, subtle hints early on suggest a darker truth: the Spirits hint at the Magi's cunning and hidden agendas; Logen perceives a steely resolve behind Bayaz's eyes during their initial encounter; and Bayaz's frequent outbursts betray a volatile temperament.

Yet, as the narrative unfolds, Bayaz's facade crumbles, revealing a power-hungry, narcissistic manipulator. Despite his lofty rhetoric of righteousness and noble quests, his true motivations lie in personal vendettas and self-aggrandizement. When faced with adversity, he flouts moral constraints without hesitation. His insatiable lust for power and delusions of moral superiority lead him to commit a series of atrocities, ultimately mirroring the very tyranny he purportedly opposes. In the end, he stands no different from his nemesis Khalul, both callously exploiting people, nations, and erstwhile allies in their petty conflicts.