Listen to this Article

Not every hero in Dota 2 feels as though they’ve lived up to their own expectations. Some strive for inner peace and serenity, some strive for fame and fortune, some lust for might and power, but some – some simply want to step out of their fathers shadow. In this weeks Dota Lore Spotlight, we present to you the story of Rubick, the Grand Magus.

The world of Dota 2 holds certain individuals in high regard, even if they do not appear in the game themselves. Some names live on through what they have passed down through the ages, be it valuable objects, magics, or even their offspring. Sorcerers, warriors, artisans, and others have built lasting legacies for themselves, but no legacy rivals that of Aghanim.

Aghanim was an exceedingly powerful wizard, with the abilities of a demi-god. He also crafted Aghanim’s Scepter, a legendary artifact that further empowers abilities of the hero who carries it. But the most noticeable impact his legacy has on the world of Dota 2 is the fact that he left behind a son, who would go on to become a Grand Magus in the world of wizardry.

Rubick was never like other sorcerers. The magic in Dota 2 is hard to grasp – any average mage can cast a spell or two, some mages study long enough to become a wizard, and with more knowledge comes more potential for casting spells. The highest title one might achieve in the world of wizardry is the Magus rank, a renowned title reserved for only the most talented mages the world has to offer. While wizards around the world study all their lives to build up a modest repertoire of spells, Rubick possessed the ability to subtly study and subsequently replicate any magic he observed.

Wizardry in Dota 2 is extremely hazardous, and the community is ripe with assassinations and backstabbing in order to climb the ranks. The best way to learn new magics and practice your spells, is to fight other sorcerers, thus magic duels were perfectly common among the mages of the world. Rubick was a renowned duelist and scholar, and naturally, a prime target for liquidation. However, any attempt at his life was met with effortless deadly retribution, and Rubick quickly grew bored of the unimaginative attacks. Thus, he donned his battle-mask, and announced that he intended to kill a Magus.

Maguses however are extremely protective of their circle, thus when it became known that Rubick intended to kill one, they all banded together to protect the members of their rank from harm. Every Magus in the land fell upon Rubick with a torrent of arcanery, but to their surprise, their own magics seemed to be turned against them. Seeing friendly spells striking their own in the midst of the chaos instantly caused great confusion in the Magus ranks. The mages mistook Rubicks arcane assault for deceit, and turned on each other completely ignorant of Rubicks special brand of recycled spellcasting.

After the magical pandemonium, wizards lay strewn around the battlefield, with many having fallen to the spells of an ally being used against them. The challenge had sated Rubicks lust for greater excitement, and none dared argue with him when he proposed to the council that he be named the Grand Magus of the order. Subsequently, Rubick has gone on to seek out new arcanery, and further build on his knowledge and reputation. Rank and title aside, heroes seem to primarily acknowledge him for being the son of Aghanim – urging him to one day stop pursuing arcane proficiency, and step out of his fathers shadow by following a different path.

For the latest in gaming and entertainment, be sure to like Gaming Historia on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and Instagram. You can also support us via Patreon, which allows us to create better content for our audience.