| Name | Berwyn |
|---|---|
| Age | Unknown |
| Species | Venin |
| Status | Alive |
| Rank/Title | General, Sage of the Venin |
| Signet | Dream Walking |
| Eye Color | Red |
| Hair Color | Slicked-back, thinning dark hair |
| Appears in | Fourth Wing (2023), Iron Flame (2023), Onyx Storm (2025) |
Contents
Biography
Berwyn is a Venin sage and general, also known by aliases such as The Sage and Dark Wielder. His early life is unknown.
He first appears at the Battle of Resson, where he climbs the clock tower seeking the lure rune—he survives its incineration by Tairn. In later books, he plays a more central role, including “turning” Xaden Riorson into Venin.
Berwyn’s relationship with Xaden is complex. He mentors Xaden (wishing to make him his initiate), even though Xaden is wrestling with the consequences of being “turned”.
Physical Description
Body & Build
- Gaunt, skeletal frame with sharp cheekbones and hollowed features
- Eerily youthful face despite cracked lips and a wasted appearance
- Tanned arms with gnarled, bony hands and fingers
Hair
- Slicked-back, thinning dark hair
- White scalp visible beneath the strands
Eyes & Skin
- Dark, eyelash-less eyes rimmed in red, described as soulless
- Distended red veins spiderweb across his temples and cheeks
- Lips cracked and dry, skin marked by shadows in the hollows of his face
Clothing & Gear
- Wears hooded, floor-length robes typical of high-ranking Venin
- Robe colors vary: purple at the Battle of Resson, blue at Basgiath, maroon in nightmares
- Carries a staff resembling a long red cane made of misshapen wood
Powers
- Veninism — Berwyn channels magic directly from the source rather than through a dragon or gryphon, marking him as a powerful Venin Sage, the equivalent of a General.
- Blue Fire Wielding — He wields a unique form of fire, distinct from rider signets, manifesting as blue flames that can be hurled like daggers.
- Pain Projection — Capable of forcing raw power into enemies to inflict overwhelming pain.
- Gravity Manipulation — With his staff or by raising his palm, Berwyn can lift opponents into the air, slam them to the ground, or knock objects out of the sky.
- Shields — Creates protective barriers of power.
Signet
Revealed in Onyx Storm, Berwyn’s signet is Dreamwalking. This ability allows him to enter and manipulate dreams, granting him access to information, control, and psychological influence over his targets.
Abilities
Fighting Adaptation — Like all Venin, Berwyn can quickly adjust to an opponent’s combat style.
Immunity to Dragonfire — Venin cannot be killed by dragonfire. However, Andarna’s unique fire weakens this immunity, allowing Venin to be slain by conventional means. While Theophanie managed to shield against Andarna’s fire, it is uncertain if Berwyn shares this ability.
