Macros the Black is an ancient magician.
He found the dragon Rhuagh with his servant in order to learn the dragon's magic so that it could not be lost. Afraid that he came for his riches, Rhuagh battled for days but was unable to defeat him; Rhuagh then taught him as much as he could for three years and became his first human friend.
Macros also taught Rhuagh about healing the wounds of the heart and mind, and how to respect all life. Before leaving, Macros left a last gift for him, a magic rod to be used upon the dragon's death, so that no bones should be left for the scavengers.
300 years before the Riftwar, while the persecution of magicians was in its height in the Kingdom, he retreated on Insula Beata where he lived as a hermit. His reputation was darkened thereafter, especially by sailors. After that, nobody sailed to or from that island.
Before the Riftwar, his island was visited by Arutha, Kulgan, Meecham, Galdan and Pug who were exploring Villa Beata while their ship Storm Queen was stranded. After having an encounter with Pug, introducing himself as a hermit, he offered his staff to Kulgan as they left. While they were returning to the ship, they suspected the true identity of the hermit, and Pug found parchment inside his clothes with a message of Macros.