First, I conclude that Sulman is a high ranking wizard in the royal court. Roland's letters refer to him as an advisor, yet he is also aware that he is a "Master of Air". While Tanir is referred to as "Chief Sorceror", which I take to mean the top mage, I assume that there are numerous casters in the court, not just one. In any case, caster or advisor, Sulman is clearly at the highest rung at court, being part of the king's inner circle. There's no higher position one can attain.

Yet despite his elite position and the power it offers, both from the office itself as well as influence at court, not to mention the best pay, food, and accomodations in the land, he is somehow unsatisfied with all this.

1) What on earth is he unhappy about, enough to betray the king?

2) If he is so unhappy, why not leave?

3) After the devils arrive, how on earth did Xenofex learn of Sulman's unhappiness AND get in contact with him? Did he cast a Detect Traitor spell?

Let's move on. At the start of the game, we're told that we not only found Roland's five letters, but also a letter from Xenofex to Sulman, found on Sulman's corpse. The letter says that he is now a high priest of the second circle.

4) Whether the second circle is desirable or not, can it possibly be better than what he has going?

5) The letter states that he'll get 1000 gold at New Sorpigal. Are you kidding me?! 1000 gold?!? He abandons his office, betrays his king, lures the bulk of Roland's army into defeat, with the king, Tanir and Ragnar all being captured, moves Xenofex's timetable up by two years, and all he gets is this lousy t-shirt?!?

6) What's more, he's going to await orders from Andover Potbello?? Sulman has single-handedly practically destroyed the Ironfist kingdom. What the hell has Potbello done to place him higher? This is the guy too afraid to take on a few bats and snakes for his precious candelabra?

7) This archmage (you must be an archmage to master air magic) is somehow a total pushover for goblins. Many believe that Sparks is THE best low level spell out there, so an air master should have been able to take care of tons of goblins without breaking a sweat. How on earth was he killed?