Darlington Blade is a down on his luck con man who comes upon a well dressed corpse on the outskirts of a remote town. Figuring that he can use the fine attire more than his mortal acquaintance, he appropriates its clothing and accessories. Much to his surprise he receives a hero's welcome in the town and is immediately appointed guardian mage (to succeed his alleged tutor who died recently). The townsfolk have mistaken him for a powerful young wizard and expect him to act accordingly. Darlington, ever the con man and not wanting to forsake the cushy VIP treatment that he has been receiving, feels he can pull it off.