Most Esteemed Mages,

   I would most strongly urge you to drop this matter, for meddling in the affairs of the Ring of Five can only bring disaster and ruin to the unwary mage. To serve as a warning to any who would press the matter, or at least to sate those who would hunger for knowledge of that which does not concern them, I will reveal what I may about this most secretive group.

   If my information is correct (and it usually is) the Ring of Five was formed only twenty years ago, ironically, in response to my own activist endeavours (let that serve as a warning to others so inclined.) These mages number among the most powerful extant artificers in all the  Flanaess. In fact, I can think of only a handful of archwizards that could rival them (names which I am obviously unwilling to divulge at the moment.) As for their leader, well, I will not confirm any of the rampant and ill-considered rumours, but it is well known that Zagig Yragerne and the demigod, Zagyg are one in spirit, if not in person. Together, these five mages form the most powerful sorcerous cabal known to exist, despite the fact that they do not often share each other's company. But be warned, even I would not cross any of these formidable wizards by detailing their extensive personal situations (that is, what little I may know of them.) Suffice to say, that any one of them is my match in the Art, and the anger of any two could spell an end to my indiscretion, forever.

   Besides Zagig, the following archmages are known to number among the group:  The Black One of the Valley of the Mage, the self-styled Exalted One, is an earnest member of the Ring of Five. This Aerdi's hunger for lost magic (and it is whispered, the secret of the longevity of Zagig Yragerne) assures his continued participation. His purposes are not universally dark, but his own interests always supercede any others. The curious be warned, to venture into his Vale is to court death.

   If the rumours are to be believed, Leomund the White is also amongst this group (though his participation astounds me.) This powerful mage has not been heard from in years and it was presumed that he had long left the mortal world for the vastness of the outer multiverse. Now it seems that he has thrown in his lot with Zagig.  Considering the company he must keep, and his generally benevolent reputation, I cannot think of what drew him so.

   Next in the group (and perhaps second only to Zagig in influence) is the truly peerless archmage, Serten of Rel Astra, arguably the most powerful and influential of the independent mages of the former Great Kingdom. I believe Serten to be foremost among the shadowy masters of the Art behind the Sorcerer's Nexus, headquartered in the city of Rel Astra. This elusive mage was a known rival of Leomund the White, further confounding my understanding of the internal dynamics of this group.

   Finally, (and of most concern to me) the Ring of Five suffers the presence of the Bakluni, Tuerny the Merciless. Unfortunately, I know him well, for I have personally clashed with him on many occasions for this wily old mage of the Court of the Red Sultan of Zeif is a true villain (I suspect him of being a lich, but have failed to unmask him as of yet.) Without Old Rary in Ket, I fear the outcome of any future confrontations. Together with the other members of the Ring of Five, his diabolical plots could prove devastating. I pray that Zagig knows the full import of his actions. For the present, I will say no more on this delicate matter, but will continue to observe any developments closely.

   The foolhardy mage (and his companions) who endeavour to seek out the Ring of Five are far more likely to cross somatic components with the apprentices of these Archmages, rather than with the elusive Primaries themselves. These younger mages may seem fair game, but have a care, for all is not as it may appear. In concert, they are more than a match for any archmage. It is certain that any who seek to penetrate the unplumbed depths of Castle Greyhawk are sure to raise their ire, but their enigmatic plans are rumoured to be exceedingly more far reaching than that (Zelcon, for instance, returns regularly to the city of Rel Astra via a permanent gate underneath the castle. I would pay dearly to know what he carries back.) Alas, certain places are closed even to me, so I cannot reveal details of the works beneath that infamous edifice. 

   You have been warned! Keep away from that which you do not understand. I hope your  curiosity has been sated. Keep to yourselves and your own and the Art will live on.

Boccob's favor! Ralishaz's indifference!

                                        - Mordenkainen