To the fine denizens of Discworld, the phrase “May you live in interesting times” is a curse. No one wishes to hear those words, especially not Rincewind. The distinctly unmagical sorcerer has barely survived more than a few “interesting times” and he isn’t looking to experience any more. But when a request for a “Great Wizzard” arrives in Ankh-Morpork via carrier albatross from the faraway Counterweight Continent, Rincewind is named emissary.

The Agatean Empire’s current ruler is on the brink of downfall, and chaos is all but certain to arise in the wake. For some incomprehensible reason, someone believes Rincewind will have a mythic role in the war and the ensuing bloodletting. Cohen the Barbarian and his extremely elderly Silver Horde are already hard at work planning for the looting and pillaging.

Anyone can be a hero, but there’s only one Rincewind—and he believes he owes it to the world to keep that one alive for as long as possible.