This is a list of characters from the
Greyhawk
Greyhawk, also known as the World of Greyhawk, is a fictional world designed as a campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy roleplaying game. Although not the first campaign world developed for ''Dungeons & Dragons''—Dave Arneson ...
campaign setting
A campaign setting is usually a fictional world which serves as a setting for a role-playing game or wargame campaign. A ''campaign'' is a series of individual adventures, and a ''campaign setting'' is the world in which such adventures and ca ...
for the ''
Dungeons & Dragons
''Dungeons & Dragons'' (commonly abbreviated as ''D&D'' or ''DnD'') is a fantasy tabletop role-playing game (RPG) originally designed by Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson. The game was first published in 1974 by TSR (company)#Tactical Studies Rules ...
''
fantasy
Fantasy is a genre of speculative fiction involving Magic (supernatural), magical elements, typically set in a fictional universe and sometimes inspired by mythology and folklore. Its roots are in oral traditions, which then became fantasy ...
role-playing game
A role-playing game (sometimes spelled roleplaying game, RPG) is a game in which players assume the roles of player character, characters in a fictional Setting (narrative), setting. Players take responsibility for acting out these roles within ...
.
A
Acererak
Acererak was a powerful
wizard who became a
lich
In fantasy fiction, a lich (; from the Old English , meaning "corpse") is a type of undead creature.
Various works of fantasy fiction, such as Clark Ashton Smith's "The Empire of the Necromancers" (1932), had used ''lich'' as a general term fo ...
, and later a
demilich.
Publication history
Acererak first appears in the original ''
Tomb of Horrors
''Tomb of Horrors'' is an adventure module written by Gary Gygax for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' (''D&D'') role-playing game. It was originally written for and used at the 1975 Origins 1 convention. Gygax designed the adventure both to chal ...
'' adventure (1978) by Gary Gygax as the main adversary. One of the areas in the Tomb is a "Chapel of Evil", described as "obviously some form of temple area - there are scenes of normal life painted on the walls, but the people have rotting flesh, skeletal hands, worms eating them, etc."
Gygax, Gary
Ernest Gary Gygax ( ; July 27, 1938 – March 4, 2008) was an American game designer and author best known for co-creating the pioneering role-playing game ''Dungeons & Dragons'' (''D&D'') with Dave Arneson.
In the 1960s, Gygax created a ...
. ''Tomb of Horrors
''Tomb of Horrors'' is an adventure module written by Gary Gygax for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' (''D&D'') role-playing game. It was originally written for and used at the 1975 Origins 1 convention. Gygax designed the adventure both to chal ...
'' (TSR, 1978) The adventure described him as "a human magic-user/cleric of surpassing evil" who took the steps necessary to preserve his life force as the lich, Acererak."
The boxed set adventure ''Return to the Tomb of Horrors'' (1998) by Bruce Cordell included a small booklet titled "The Journal of the Tomb", which notes that the character Desatysso discovered that Acererak "owed much of his power" to Tenebrous.
[ Cordell, Bruce R. '']Return to the Tomb of Horrors
''Return to the Tomb of Horrors'' is a boxed set Adventure (Dungeons & Dragons), adventure module for the ''Dungeons & Dragons, Advanced Dungeons & Dragons'' role-playing game released in 1998 by TSR, Inc.
Plot summary
This module expanded signif ...
''. Renton, WA: TSR, 1998 Cordell's article "Return to the Tomb of Horrors" in ''
Dragon
A dragon is a reptilian legendary creature that appears in the folklore of many cultures worldwide. Beliefs about dragons vary considerably through regions, but dragons in western cultures since the High Middle Ages have often been depicted as ...
'' #249 (July 1998) mentions that "While alive, Acererak built an unholy temple to a now deceased power. When the project neared completion, he slew every worker, excavator, and consecrating priest who had assisted in the temple's construction." The article notes that the result of Acererak's work was the dungeon crawl detailed in the ''Tomb of Horrors'' module. In the article "Open Grave" by Bart Carroll and Steve Winters for the "D&D Alumni" column in ''
Dragon
A dragon is a reptilian legendary creature that appears in the folklore of many cultures worldwide. Beliefs about dragons vary considerably through regions, but dragons in western cultures since the High Middle Ages have often been depicted as ...
'' #371 (January 2009), the authors interviewed Bruce Cordell about the ''Return to the Tomb of Horrors'' adventure, where he revealed that he developed the origins of Acererak "as a persecuted tiefling child to his development as a wizard and priest of Orcus, to his creation of his tomb that was actually a test to winnow souls". The fourth edition adventure also titled ''Tomb of Horrors'' (2010) by
Ari Marmell
Ari Marmell is an American novelist and freelance role-playing game writer.
Novels
His first novel, ''Gehenna: The Final Night'', was published in 2004 by White Wolf Publishing. ''Agents of Artifice,'' a media tie-in novel set in the Magic: The ...
and Scott Fitzgerald Gray mentions in the introduction that "Acererak resurfaced as a worshiper of Orcus, using the cult's resources to construct a number of lairs and tombs - the most infamous of which would become known as the Tomb of Horrors. Some sources claim that Acererak was using Orcus's worshipers to complete his own schemes, and that he felt no true loyalty to the demon prince."
[ Marmell, Ari. '']Tomb of Horrors
''Tomb of Horrors'' is an adventure module written by Gary Gygax for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' (''D&D'') role-playing game. It was originally written for and used at the 1975 Origins 1 convention. Gygax designed the adventure both to chal ...
'' (Wizards of the Coast, 2010) The introduction goes on to say that "Once he attained lichdom, Acererak ceased paying homage to Orcus, lending credence to the notion that his worship had never been more than a means to an end."
Acererak is featured in the novel ''
Ready Player One
''Ready Player One'' is a 2011 science fiction novel, and the debut novel of American author Ernest Cline. The story, set in a dystopia in 2045, follows protagonist Wade Watts on his search for an Easter egg in a worldwide virtual reality ga ...
'' by
Ernest Cline
Ernest Christy Cline (born March 29, 1972) is an American science fiction novelist, slam poet, and screenwriter. He wrote the novels ''Ready Player One'', '' Armada'', and ''Ready Player Two'' and co-wrote the screenplay for the film adaptation o ...
.
Relationships
Acererak is the son and ally of the
balor
In Irish mythology, Balor or Balar was a leader of the Fomorians, a group of malevolent supernatural beings. He is often described as a giant with a large eye that wreaks destruction when opened. Balor takes part in the Battle of Mag Tuired, a ...
Tarnhem, a worshipper of
Orcus
Orcus ( la, Orcus) was a god of the underworld, punisher of broken oaths in Etruscan and Roman mythology. As with Hades, the name of the god was also used for the underworld itself. In the later tradition, he was conflated with Dis Pater.
A ...
, and an apprentice of
Vecna
Vecna ( ) is a fictional character appearing in the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy role-playing game. Vecna has been named one of the greatest villains in ''Dungeons & Dragons''.
Originally appearing in the ''Greyhawk'' campaign setting, Vecna ...
. In life, he was the enemy of a
paladin
The Paladins, also called the Twelve Peers, are twelve legendary knights, the foremost members of Charlemagne's court in the 8th century. They first appear in the medieval (12th century) ''chanson de geste'' cycle of the Matter of France, where ...
of
Pelor
This is a list of deities from the Greyhawk campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy role-playing game.
A
Al'Akbar
Al'Akbar is the Baklunish demigod of dignity, duty, faithfulness, and guardianship. His symbol is a cup and eig ...
named Pentivel, and the wizard-architect who designs his tomb is called Morghadam. He is revered by a group of wizards known as the Covenenticle of Acererak. The necromancers of Skull City, former followers of Acererak, go on to form a group known as the Votaries of Vecna, making a new home in the Black Spire on the
Plane of Shadow
The planes of the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' roleplaying game constitute the multiverse in which the game takes place. Each plane is a universe with its own rules with regard to gravity, geography, magic and morality. There have been various offic ...
.
The githyanki necromancer Kastya Zurith-Movya seeks to return the true Acererak to existence as an ally against his people's lich-queen.
Home
The
Tomb of Horrors
''Tomb of Horrors'' is an adventure module written by Gary Gygax for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' (''D&D'') role-playing game. It was originally written for and used at the 1975 Origins 1 convention. Gygax designed the adventure both to chal ...
is long Acererak's home in undeath. As a demilich, he moves to the demiplane of Moil to complete his grand plans.
There is a shrine of Acererak, in the form of a five-foot statue of a humanoid skull, on the second layer of
Pandemonium
Pandæmonium, Pandemonium or Pandamonium may refer to:
Literature
* Pandæmonium (''Paradise Lost''), capital of Hell in John Milton's epic poem ''Paradise Lost''
* ''Pandaemonium'' (history book), a book by Humphrey Jennings, published posthum ...
.
History
Acererak the Devourer is described as a
cambion
In European mythology and literature since at least the 19th century, a cambion is the offspring of an incubus, succubus, or other demon with a human. In its earliest known uses, it was related to the word for change and was cognate with changelin ...
, the result of an ancient conjurer summoning a demon, a
balor
In Irish mythology, Balor or Balar was a leader of the Fomorians, a group of malevolent supernatural beings. He is often described as a giant with a large eye that wreaks destruction when opened. Balor takes part in the Battle of Mag Tuired, a ...
named Tarnhem, far beyond his ability to control. Tarnhem devours the conjurer and takes his human
mother
]
A mother is the female parent of a child. A woman may be considered a mother by virtue of having given childbirth, birth, by raising a child who may or may not be her biological offspring, or by supplying her ovum for fertilisation in the cas ...
by force.
Acererak's mother survives her son's birth, but she is killed by a torch-wielding mob ten years later. The boy is rescued by none other than
Vecna
Vecna ( ) is a fictional character appearing in the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy role-playing game. Vecna has been named one of the greatest villains in ''Dungeons & Dragons''.
Originally appearing in the ''Greyhawk'' campaign setting, Vecna ...
, the Whispered One, who kills the advisors urging him to kill the child; instead, he takes on the half-demon as an apprentice. Even then, ten-year-old Acererak loathes life, looking forward to becoming
Undead (Dungeons & Dragons), undead like his master. During Vecna's siege of Fleeth, the lich is severely wounded and rescued by Acererak. Vecna subsequently promotes the cambion.
It is unknown if Acererak is present when Vecna is betrayed by
Kas the Bloody-Handed
This is a list of characters from the Greyhawk campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy role-playing game.
A
Acererak
Acererak was a powerful wizard who became a lich, and later a demilich.
Publication history
Acererak ...
in the fourth century before the
Common Year
A common year is a calendar year with 365 days, as distinguished from a leap year, which has 366. More generally, a common year is one without intercalation. The Gregorian calendar (like the earlier Julian calendar) employs both common years ...
, but at some point, he moves to the Vast Swamp where he constructs a lair for himself, colloquially known as the
Tomb of Horrors
''Tomb of Horrors'' is an adventure module written by Gary Gygax for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' (''D&D'') role-playing game. It was originally written for and used at the 1975 Origins 1 convention. Gygax designed the adventure both to chal ...
(and described in an adventure module of the same name). While still alive, Acererak builds a subterranean temple complex in the name of Orcus, burying its architect and all of its workers within. Eventually, Acererak succumbs to the lure of
lichcraft, and has himself buried in a labyrinthine tomb, where he commits himself to his studies and, eventually, demilichdom, abandoning his body for the planes beyond. Many adventurers over the years attempt to raid Acererak's tomb, but it is believed that none are able to destroy him, despite some claims.
The sequel module ''
Return to the Tomb of Horrors
''Return to the Tomb of Horrors'' is a boxed set Adventure (Dungeons & Dragons), adventure module for the ''Dungeons & Dragons, Advanced Dungeons & Dragons'' role-playing game released in 1998 by TSR, Inc.
Plot summary
This module expanded signif ...
''
retcon
Retroactive continuity, or retcon for short, is a literary device in which established diegetic facts in the plot of a fictional work (those established through the narrative itself) are adjusted, ignored, supplemented, or contradicted by a subse ...
ned and expanded on the setting. At some point, a group of
necromancer
Necromancy () is the practice of magic or black magic involving communication with the dead by summoning their spirits as apparitions or visions, or by resurrection for the purpose of divination; imparting the means to foretell future events; ...
s settle the area outside the tomb, creating a community of sorts known as Skull City. Acererak's tomb is revealed to be a mere antechamber to the demilich's true dwelling, the lost city of Moil on the border of the
Negative Energy Plane
The planes of the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' roleplaying game constitute the multiverse in which the game takes place. Each plane is a universe with its own rules with regard to gravity, geography, magic and morality. There have been various offic ...
, where he had spent thousands of years working on a process to fuse his essence with the plane and gain control over all
Undead (Dungeons & Dragons), undead throughout the multiverse.
According to the 3rd edition ''
Tome of Magic
''Tome of Magic'' (abbreviated ToM) is a handbook of rules and guidelines for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' role-playing game. As its name implies, it is a supplement to be used to expand the magical options available in the game. It was first releas ...
'', Acererak, following his destruction by adventurers completing the Tomb of Horrors, passes on to become a vestige - an ineffable, amoral entity which can be summoned and bound by characters known as Binders. Acererak grants his summoner lich-like powers, including immunity to cold and the ability to speak with the dead.
According to the adventure "Prisoner of the Castle Perilous," Acererak created a simulacrum in the Negative Energy Plane to torment Saint Pentivel, an old foe from his mortal life. This simulacrum eventually transforms itself into a complete being through the aid of an artifact known as the ''Soul Machine''.
In 4th edition D&D, Acererak appears in the book ''Open Grave: Secrets of the Undead'' as a member of the Undead Hall of Infamy. He also features in a sidequest in the adventure ''Revenge of the Giants'' and in the 4th edition remake of Tomb of Horrors as central antagonist.
Other
Acererak is referenced in a piece of Omega Tech in a Gamma World adventure, ''Factory of Misfit Omega Tech'', specifically the Hunting Knife of Acererak. Its hilt is studded with green and red soul gems.
Acererak is also referenced in the novel ''Hero'' written by R.A. Salvatore, released in 2016. The reference is made when talking about Malcanthet, the Queen of the Succubi, and the deal she had made with Acererak involving a demonic mirror that traps souls. Acererak uses those souls to feed his undeath.
Aegwareth
Aegwareth is a human
shade. A former Elder Hierophant
Druid
A druid was a member of the high-ranking class in ancient Celtic cultures. Druids were religious leaders as well as legal authorities, adjudicators, lorekeepers, medical professionals and political advisors. Druids left no written accounts. Whi ...
, Aegwareth lived at
White Plume Mountain
''White Plume Mountain'' is an adventure module for the ''Advanced Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy role-playing game, written by Lawrence Schick and published by TSR in 1979. The 16-page adventure bears the code "S2" ("S" for "special"). The adv ...
until -800
CY, when he was slain by the
wizard Keraptis
This is a list of characters from the Greyhawk campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy role-playing game.
A
Acererak
Acererak was a powerful wizard who became a lich, and later a demilich.
Publication history
Acererak ...
, who took White Plume mountain for himself. Aegwarth now exists as a
shade.
Alhamazad the Wise
Alhamazad the Wise is a powerful human
wizard of
Baklunish
Greyhawk, also known as the World of Greyhawk, is a fictional world designed as a campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy roleplaying game. Although not the first campaign world developed for ''Dungeons & Dragons''— Dave Arneso ...
descent, and one of the newest members of the
Circle of Eight
Greyhawk, also known as the World of Greyhawk, is a fictional world designed as a campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy roleplaying game. Although not the first campaign world developed for ''Dungeons & Dragons''—Dave Arneson ...
. He is an elderly Baklunish man who walks with a limp, dresses in plain robes, and covers his shaved head with a simple turban. Alhamazad is a good friend of
Mordenkainen
Mordenkainen is a fictional wizard from the ''World of Greyhawk'' campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' roleplaying game. He was created by Gary Gygax as a player character, only months after the start of Gygax's Greyhawk campaign, and ...
, whom he has known for over twenty years. He is wary of
Drawmij
This is a list of characters from the Greyhawk campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy role-playing game.
A
Acererak
Acererak was a powerful wizard who became a lich, and later a demilich.
Publication history
Acererak ...
, and holds great antipathy for
Warnes Starcoat
This is a list of characters from the Greyhawk campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy role-playing game.
A
Acererak
Acererak was a powerful wizard who became a lich, and later a demilich.
Publication history
Acererak ...
. Kermin Mind-Bender of the Boneheart once served as Alhamazad's apprentice, but the two are now enemies.
Moore, Roger E
Roger E. Moore (born July 11, 1955, in Winchester, Kentucky) is a designer of role-playing games. He is best known for his long-running tenure as editor of ''Dragon'' magazine and was the founding editor of ''Dungeon'' magazine.
Early life
Moor ...
. ''Return of the Eight
''Return of the Eight'' is an adventure module for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy roleplaying game, set in the game's ''World of Greyhawk'' campaign setting. The module was published by Wizards of the Coast in 1998 under its recently acquired ...
'' (TSR, 1998).
Animal Lord
Animals Lords are powerful creatures of
neutral good alignment that live on the
Outer Plane
In the fantasy role-playing game ''Dungeons & Dragons'', an Outer Plane is one of a number of general types of planes of existence. They can also be referred to as ''godly planes'', ''spiritual planes'' or ''divine planes''. The Outer Planes are ...
of the
Beastlands
In the fantasy role-playing game ''Dungeons & Dragons'', an Outer Plane is one of a number of general types of planes of existence. They can also be referred to as ''godly planes'', ''spiritual planes'' or ''divine planes''. The Outer Planes are ...
. In the game, each animal lord is a humanoid being, powerful like a
celestial
Celestial may refer to:
Science
* Objects or events seen in the sky and the following astronomical terms:
** Astronomical object, a naturally occurring physical entity, association, or structure that exists in the observable universe
** Celest ...
paragon or
demon prince, that represents all animals of its chosen type. For example, there is a Mouse Lord, a Lizard Lord, and a Hawk Lord. The most well-known animal lord is Rexfelis, the Cat Lord.
Arnd
Arnd, also known as Arnd of Tdon, was a legendary
Oeridian
Greyhawk, also known as the World of Greyhawk, is a fictional world designed as a campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy roleplaying game. Although not the first campaign world developed for ''Dungeons & Dragons''—Dave Arneson ...
hero who lived ages ago, before the
Great Migrations
''Great Migrations'' is a seven-episode nature documentary television miniseries that airs on the National Geographic Channel, featuring the great migrations of animals around the globe. The seven-part show is the largest programming event in t ...
. "A humble priest from the south," he is famed for establishing the first
paladins
The Paladins, also called the Twelve Peers, are twelve legendary knights, the foremost members of Charlemagne's royal court, court in the 8th century. They first appear in the medieval (12th century) ''chanson de geste'' cycle of the Matter of F ...
of
Heironeous
This is a list of deities from the Greyhawk campaign setting (Dungeons & Dragons), campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy role-playing game.
A
Al'Akbar
Al'Akbar is the Baklunish demigod of dignity, duty, faithfulness, and gua ...
among the Oeridian tribes. He is also known as a possessor (in more ways than one) of the
artifact known as the ''Invulnerable Coat of Arnd'', which he wore while leading a rebellion against the wizard Virtos. It is said that Arnd's spirit still inhabits the armor that bears his name, attempting to aid the poor whenever possible. Arnd is credited with writing ''Unknown Movements of the Universe'', a wizardly spellbook. However, as a priest Arnd is probably not the author of the book in question, unless he was multi-classed. It is possible there was a wizard called Arnd separate from the legendary priest. Arnd of Tdon was named after Don Arndt, a player in the first ''
Greyhawk
Greyhawk, also known as the World of Greyhawk, is a fictional world designed as a campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy roleplaying game. Although not the first campaign world developed for ''Dungeons & Dragons''—Dave Arneson ...
'' campaign.
Azalin
B
Bigby
Bigby was created by
Rob Kuntz as a low-level non-player character evil wizard in the early dungeons of Greyhawk in 1973.
Gary Gygax
Ernest Gary Gygax ( ; July 27, 1938 – March 4, 2008) was an American game designer and author best known for co-creating the pioneering role-playing game ''Dungeons & Dragons'' (''D&D'') with Dave Arneson.
In the 1960s, Gygax created an ...
's character, the wizard
Mordenkainen
Mordenkainen is a fictional wizard from the ''World of Greyhawk'' campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' roleplaying game. He was created by Gary Gygax as a player character, only months after the start of Gygax's Greyhawk campaign, and ...
, encountered Bigby. The two wizards engaged in combat; Mordenkainen managed to subdue Bigby using a ''charm'' spell, and forced Bigby to become his servant. Kuntz ruled that Bigby would be Mordenkainen's servant as long as he remained under the ''charm'' spell, but until Gygax, through roleplaying, had won Bigby's loyalty, the evil wizard would remain a non-player character under Kuntz's control. After a long time and several adventures, Mordenkainen managed to convince Bigby to leave his evil ways behind, and Kuntz ruled that it was safe to remove the ''charm'' spell, since Bigby had changed from an enemy to a loyal henchman; therefore Gygax could use Bigby as a player character. For a time after this, Kuntz ruled that all the names of Mordenkainen's future henchmen had to rhyme with Bigby. This resulted in Zigby the dwarf; Rigby the cleric; Sigby Griggbyson the fighter; Bigby's apprentice, Nigby; and Digby, who eventually replaced Bigby as Mordenkainen's new apprentice.
Thereafter, Gygax developed Bigby into a powerful wizard second only to Mordenkainen, and eventually Bigby became one of the original members of Gygax's
Circle of Eight
Greyhawk, also known as the World of Greyhawk, is a fictional world designed as a campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy roleplaying game. Although not the first campaign world developed for ''Dungeons & Dragons''—Dave Arneson ...
, a group of adventurers made up of eight of Gygax's own characters.
When Gygax wrote
TSR's ''AD&D Players Handbook'', he borrowed Bigby's name to describe a series of "hand" spells (''Bigby's crushing hand'', ''Bigby's grasping hand'', etc.). This custom continued on in later versions of D&D, with over two dozen "hand" spells eventually ascribed to Bigby.
When Gygax was forced out of TSR in 1985, he lost the rights to most of his characters, including Mordenkainen and Bigby. Bigby is one of the famous mages of the Greyhawk setting whose spells were included in the 1988 ''
Greyhawk Adventures
''Greyhawk Adventures'' is an accessory for the ''Advanced Dungeons & Dragons'' (''AD&D'') ''World of Greyhawk'' campaign setting.
Contents
''Greyhawk Adventures'' contains information about Greyhawk deities, clerics, major non-player characte ...
'' hardbound.
Bigby was reintroduced as a member of a repurposed
Circle of Eight
Greyhawk, also known as the World of Greyhawk, is a fictional world designed as a campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy roleplaying game. Although not the first campaign world developed for ''Dungeons & Dragons''—Dave Arneson ...
in 1989 in ''
The City of Greyhawk
''The City of Greyhawk'' is a boxed set accessory for the World of Greyhawk campaign setting, part of the ''Advanced Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy role-playing game. It was designed by Doug Niles, Carl Sargent, and Rik Rose, and published by TS ...
'' boxed set, where he appeared as part of a cabal of nine wizards who sought to balance the forces of Good and Evil in the world. He also appeared in the adventure ''
Vecna Lives!
''Vecna Lives!'' is an adventure module for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy roleplaying game, set in the game's ''World of Greyhawk'' campaign setting.
Plot summary
The adventure concerns the lich Vecna and his disembodied hand and eye—both p ...
'', where he was temporarily killed by an ancient warlord armed with the ''hand and eye of
Vecna
Vecna ( ) is a fictional character appearing in the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy role-playing game. Vecna has been named one of the greatest villains in ''Dungeons & Dragons''.
Originally appearing in the ''Greyhawk'' campaign setting, Vecna ...
''. When TSR decided to reboot the ''World of Greyhawk'' campaign setting in 1991,
Carl Sargent
Carl Lynwood Sargent (11 December 1952 – 12 September 2018) was a British parapsychologist and author of several roleplaying game-based products and novels, who used the pen name Keith Martin to write ''Fighting Fantasy'' gamebooks.
Early life ...
moved the storyline of the setting forward a decade to 585
CY, the year after the end of a continental war called the
Greyhawk Wars
Greyhawk, also known as the World of Greyhawk, is a fictional world designed as a campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy roleplaying game. Although not the first campaign world developed for ''Dungeons & Dragons''—Dave Arneson ...
. By this time, Bigby had returned to life via the agency of a ''clone'' spell, and was once again a member of the Circle, now known as the Circle of Five after the deaths of
Tenser
In the ''World of Greyhawk'' campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons '' roleplaying game, Tenser is an archmage who strives to rid the Flanaess of evil. Tenser is a former member of both the Citadel of Eight and the Circle of Eight.
In ' ...
and
Otiluke and the treason and departure of
Rary
This is a list of characters from the Greyhawk campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy role-playing game.
A
Acererak
Acererak was a powerful wizard who became a lich, and later a demilich.
Publication history
Acererak ...
.
Bigby remained a potent character in subsequent versions of the Greyhawk setting, which updated the storyline to 591 CY.
Bucknard
Bucknard is a powerful human
wizard, and former member of the
Circle of Eight
Greyhawk, also known as the World of Greyhawk, is a fictional world designed as a campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy roleplaying game. Although not the first campaign world developed for ''Dungeons & Dragons''—Dave Arneson ...
. In ''
Dungeon
A dungeon is a room or cell in which prisoners are held, especially underground. Dungeons are generally associated with medieval castles, though their association with torture probably belongs more to the Renaissance period. An oubliette (from ...
's''
Age of Worms
The ''Age of Worms'' Adventure Path (or simply ''Age of Worms'') is the second Adventure Path for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' role-playing game, published over twelve installments from July 2005 through June 2006 in ''Dungeon'' magazine. A campai ...
adventure path, Bucknard is referred to as "Balakarde". He is described as affable, esteemed, talented and powerful, yet stubborn and headstrong. He has one known sister, Maralee, and is also a former member of the Circle of Eight.
In 556
CY, Bucknard's sister and adventuring companion, Maralee, was slain by sons of
Kyuss
Kyuss ( ) was an American rock band, formed in Palm Desert, California, in 1987. The band disbanded in 1995, and since then, members of Kyuss have gone on to form or play in several notable bands including Queens of the Stone Age, Fu Manchu, D ...
. Bucknard took her death (and seeing her devoured by ghoulish worms) hard. Depressed for years, he emerged from his depression to become one of the most potent wizards of his generation. He had dedicated himself to one overriding task: the destruction of Kyuss. In 571, Bucknard became one of the founding members of the Circle of Eight, as
Mordenkainen
Mordenkainen is a fictional wizard from the ''World of Greyhawk'' campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' roleplaying game. He was created by Gary Gygax as a player character, only months after the start of Gygax's Greyhawk campaign, and ...
invited some of the most prominent mages in the
Flanaess
Greyhawk, also known as the World of Greyhawk, is a fictional world designed as a campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy roleplaying game. Although not the first campaign world developed for ''Dungeons & Dragons''—Dave Arneson ...
to join him in a successor organization to the
Citadel of Eight
Greyhawk, also known as the World of Greyhawk, is a fictional world designed as a campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy roleplaying game. Although not the first campaign world developed for ''Dungeons & Dragons''—Dave Arneson ...
.
At the height of his powers, Bucknard began deeply obsessing over occult manuscripts relating to the Worm God and his cult. He grew increasingly secluded and paranoid, no longer confiding even with close friends like
Tenser
In the ''World of Greyhawk'' campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons '' roleplaying game, Tenser is an archmage who strives to rid the Flanaess of evil. Tenser is a former member of both the Citadel of Eight and the Circle of Eight.
In ' ...
. Abruptly resigning from the Circle of Eight in 579 CY, he traveled to Alhaster to research his theory that the
Ebon Triad
The ''Age of Worms'' Adventure Path (or simply ''Age of Worms'') is the second Adventure Path for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' role-playing game, published over twelve installments from July 2005 through June 2006 in ''Dungeon'' magazine. A campai ...
cult had been created there as a front for the cult of Kyuss. Lashonna, the town's most knowledgeable expert in the occult, agreed to meet with him and directed him to the Wormcrawl Fissure, where he was captured by
Dragotha
This is a list of characters from the Greyhawk campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy role-playing game.
A
Acererak
Acererak was a powerful wizard who became a lich, and later a demilich.
Publication history
Acerera ...
. The following year, after months of torture, Bucknard finally died at the hands of his own undead sister, upon Dragotha's orders. Bucknard's soul shattered into three separate ghosts, representing his artistic, scholarly, and vengeful sides, which haunted the Fissure for decades afterwards. In 581, Bucknard's position in the Circle was filled by Jallarzi Sallavarian.
Bucknard crafted the magic item Bucknard's Everfull Purse, which is essentially a leather pouch or small bag that refills itself each morning. Each such coin purse can replicate a different number of coins or gems, depending on which type of bag it is.
Gygax made mention of whom this magic item was named after and why in an
EN World
EN World, also known as Morrus' Unofficial Tabletop RPG News, is a British-owned tabletop role-playing game news and reviews website founded in 2000, which grew from the earlier "Eric Noah's Unofficial D&D 3rd Edition News" site (which was activ ...
thread: "Bucknard was an NPC I created out of whole cloth. He was based on a neighbor of mine when I was a lad, a Mr. Bucknall. He had a great garden, an apple tree with five different kinds of apples, and he knew astronomy well, assisted me with my 100 power telescope. He did use a small change purse, and from it he would extract a small coin to give to me now and again."
Bucknard authored ''Inexplicable Reflections''.
[ Brown, Anne. '' Player's Guide'' (TSR, 1998).][Heard, Bruce. "Spells Between the Covers." '']Dragon
A dragon is a reptilian legendary creature that appears in the folklore of many cultures worldwide. Beliefs about dragons vary considerably through regions, but dragons in western cultures since the High Middle Ages have often been depicted as ...
'' #82 (TSR, 1984).[ Moore, Roger. ''The Adventure Begins'' (TSR, 1998).][Pett, Richard. "The Prince of Redhand." ''Dungeon'' #131 (Paizo Publishing, 2006).]
C
Company of Seven
The Company of Seven is an adventuring group whose members later achieved great fame and power in the world of
Oerth
Greyhawk, also known as the World of Greyhawk, is a fictional world designed as a campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy roleplaying game. Although not the first campaign world developed for ''Dungeons & Dragons''— Dave Arneso ...
. While they were together, the Company of Seven explored many worlds and planes, some previous unknown. Several of the company became demigods or hero-deities, and all of the company have spells and magic items named after them. In 318
CY the Company of Seven discovered the lost Flan citadel of Veralos and returned with a wagon-load of wondrous treasures. It is not known when, how, or why the Company of Seven disbanded.
The members of the company were:
*
Zagig Yragerne
This is a list of deities from the Greyhawk campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy role-playing game.
A
Al'Akbar
Al'Akbar is the Baklunish demigod of dignity, duty, faithfulness, and guardianship. His symbol is a cup and ei ...
, a master wizard who joined (some say formed) this adventuring group early in his career.
*
Keoghtom, a jack of all trades who mastered magic, hunting, alchemy, and the Old Lore of the bards. Keoghtom was Zagig's closest confidante and the most inventive of the group.
*
Murlynd
This is a list of deities from the Greyhawk campaign setting (Dungeons & Dragons), campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy role-playing game.
A
Al'Akbar
Al'Akbar is the Baklunish demigod of dignity, duty, faithfulness, and gua ...
, a paladin of
Heironeous
This is a list of deities from the Greyhawk campaign setting (Dungeons & Dragons), campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy role-playing game.
A
Al'Akbar
Al'Akbar is the Baklunish demigod of dignity, duty, faithfulness, and gua ...
and an insatiably curious artificer. His grasp of technology improved immeasurably when he traveled to
Boot Hill
Boot Hill, or Boothill, is the given name of many cemeteries, chiefly in the Western United States. During the 19th and early 20th century it was a common name for the burial grounds of gunfighters, or those who " died with their boots on" (i.e ...
on an unknown
Material Plane
The planes of the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' roleplaying game constitute the multiverse in which the game takes place. Each plane is a universe with its own rules with regard to gravity, geography, magic and morality. There have been various offi ...
world, and acquired his famous pair of revolvers.
*
Nolzur, a skilled illusionist and alchemist who applied his magic to his incredible artistic ability, creating pigments and paints that allowed him to perform wonders.
*Quaal, a ranger of
Flan
Flan may refer to:
*Flan (pie), an open sweet or savoury tart, the most common UK meaning
*Flan cake, a Filipino cake topped with crème caramel and caramel syrup
*Flan de leche or ''crème caramel'', a custard dessert with clear caramel sauce, th ...
descent whose interest in useful spells and magic, as opposed to sheer arcane power, served the company in good stead.
*
Heward
Heward is a surname. Notable people with the surname include:
* Anthony Heward (1918–1995), RAF commander
* Brian Heward (1935–2012), English footballer
* Dag Heward-Mills (born 1963), English-born evangelist etc. in Ghana
* Ian Heward (bo ...
, an accomplished bard whose mastery of both song and spell allowed him to channel powerful magic and incredible music through his instruments.
*
Tasha
Natasha (russian: Наташа) is a name of Slavic origin. The Slavic name is the diminutive form of Natalia.
Notable people
* Natasha, the subject of '' Natasha's Story'', a 1994 nonfiction book
* Natasha Aguilar (1970–2016), Costa Rican sw ...
, a young apprentice wizard with a morbid sense of humor. Though few alive know it, Tasha was actually the legendary archmage known today as
Iggwilv
Iggwilv is a fictional wizard from the ''Greyhawk'' campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' roleplaying game. She was created by Gary Gygax.
Iggwilv is characterized as a selfish, evil-aligned magic user with much power and a penchant fo ...
, who went on to become the Witch-Queen of
Perrenland
Greyhawk, also known as the World of Greyhawk, is a fictional world designed as a campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy roleplaying game. Although not the first campaign world developed for ''Dungeons & Dragons''—Dave Arneson ...
, mother of
Iuz
This is a list of deities from the Greyhawk campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy role-playing game.
A
Al'Akbar
Al'Akbar is the Baklunish demigod of dignity, duty, faithfulness, and guardianship. His symbol is a cup and ei ...
, and sometime lover of the demon prince
Graz'zt
In the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy role-playing game, "monsters" are generally the antagonists which players must fight and defeat to progress in the game. Since the game's first edition in 1974, a bestiary was included along other game man ...
.
[ Bulmahn, Jason, James Jacobs, and ]Erik Mona
Erik Mona (born April 1974) is an American game designer who lives in Seattle, Washington.
Career
Mona was the Managing Editor of issues 1 and 2 of the '' Oerth Journal'', an online publication devoted to the ''World of Greyhawk'' campaign setti ...
. ''Expedition to the Ruins of Greyhawk
''Expedition to the Ruins of Greyhawk'' is an adventure book for the 3.5 edition of the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy role-playing game. The adventure is set in the game's World of Greyhawk campaign setting, specifically in and around Castle ...
''. Renton, WA: Wizards of the Coast, 2007.Holian, Gary
Greyhawk, also known as the World of Greyhawk, is a fictional world designed as a campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy roleplaying game. Although not the first campaign world developed for ''Dungeons & Dragons''—Dave Arneson ...
. "Places of Mystery: Spinecastle and Veralos." Dragon
A dragon is a reptilian legendary creature that appears in the folklore of many cultures worldwide. Beliefs about dragons vary considerably through regions, but dragons in western cultures since the High Middle Ages have often been depicted as ...
#293/Living Greyhawk Journal
The ''Living Greyhawk Journal'' was a periodical published by the Role-Playing Games Association (RPGA) as a stand-alone magazine from 2000 to 2004. It was published by Wizards of the Coast. The publication was intended to supplement the RPGA's ''L ...
#9. Bellevue, WA: Paizo Publishing, 2002.Holian, Gary
Greyhawk, also known as the World of Greyhawk, is a fictional world designed as a campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy roleplaying game. Although not the first campaign world developed for ''Dungeons & Dragons''—Dave Arneson ...
, and Rick Miller. "Treasures of Greyhawk: Magic of the Company of Seven." Dragon
A dragon is a reptilian legendary creature that appears in the folklore of many cultures worldwide. Beliefs about dragons vary considerably through regions, but dragons in western cultures since the High Middle Ages have often been depicted as ...
#359. Bellevue, WA: Paizo Publishing, 2007.
Cat Lord
The Cat Lord, or Master Cat, is the mysterious ruler of cats and a lord of Balance, in the ''
Dungeons & Dragons
''Dungeons & Dragons'' (commonly abbreviated as ''D&D'' or ''DnD'') is a fantasy tabletop role-playing game (RPG) originally designed by Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson. The game was first published in 1974 by TSR (company)#Tactical Studies Rules ...
''
roleplaying game
A role-playing game (sometimes spelled roleplaying game, RPG) is a game in which players assume the roles of player character, characters in a fictional Setting (narrative), setting. Players take responsibility for acting out these roles within ...
. The ''Epic Level Handbook'' included, as an optional rule, the possibility that he is a quasi-deity. In
Gary Gygax
Ernest Gary Gygax ( ; July 27, 1938 – March 4, 2008) was an American game designer and author best known for co-creating the pioneering role-playing game ''Dungeons & Dragons'' (''D&D'') with Dave Arneson.
In the 1960s, Gygax created an ...
's
Gord the Rogue
Gord the Rogue is the protagonist in a series of fantasy novels and short stories written by Gary Gygax. Gygax originally wrote the novels and short stories to promote his ''World of Greyhawk'' campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' ro ...
series, he is called Rexfelis. The original male Cat Lord first appeared in the original first edition ''
Monster Manual II
''Monster Manual II'' is the title shared by two hardback rulebooks published for different versions of the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' (''D&D'') fantasy roleplaying game.
''Advanced Dungeons & Dragons''
''Monster Manual II'' was a 160-page hardcover ...
'' (1983). As ruler of all cats since that position has existed, the Cat Lord bears the respect and fealty of felines from house cats to smilodons. Even hybrid beings like weretigers and wereleopards are loyal to him. In the ''
Monstrous Compendium
The ''Monstrous Compendium'' is a series of accessories for the ''Advanced Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy role-playing game released from 1989 to 1998. The title was then used for a series of 5th Edition ''Dungeons & Dragons'' supplements released ...
'' for the ''
Planescape
''Planescape'' is a campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy role-playing game, designed by Zeb Cook, and published in 1994. It crosses numerous planes of existence, encompassing an entire cosmology called the Great Wheel, as dev ...
'' setting, the Cat Lord is presented as female.
D
Dragotha
Dragotha is a powerful
Undead (Dungeons & Dragons), undead dragon
A dragon is a reptilian legendary creature that appears in the folklore of many cultures worldwide. Beliefs about dragons vary considerably through regions, but dragons in western cultures since the High Middle Ages have often been depicted as ...
known as a
dracolich
This is the list of ''Advanced Dungeons & Dragons'' 2nd edition monsters, an important element of that role-playing game. This list only includes monsters from official ''Advanced Dungeons & Dragons'' 2nd Edition supplements published by TSR, In ...
and a major player in
Dungeon's Age of Worms
The ''Age of Worms'' Adventure Path (or simply ''Age of Worms'') is the second Adventure Path for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' role-playing game, published over twelve installments from July 2005 through June 2006 in ''Dungeon'' magazine. A campai ...
adventure path. Dragotha was formerly a powerful red dragon, the mightiest consort of
Tiamat
In Mesopotamian religion, Tiamat ( akk, or , grc, Θαλάττη, Thaláttē) is a primordial goddess of the sea, mating with Abzû, the god of the groundwater, to produce younger gods. She is the symbol of the chaos of primordial creati ...
. At some point Dragotha offended his mistress, and was forced to leave
Avernus
Avernus was an ancient name for a volcanic crater near Cumae (Cuma), Italy, in the region of Campania west of Naples. Part of the Phlegraean Fields of volcanoes, Avernus is approximately in circumference. Within the crater is Lake Avernus (').
R ...
. Making his way to
Oerth
Greyhawk, also known as the World of Greyhawk, is a fictional world designed as a campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy roleplaying game. Although not the first campaign world developed for ''Dungeons & Dragons''— Dave Arneso ...
, Dragotha fell in with
Kyuss
Kyuss ( ) was an American rock band, formed in Palm Desert, California, in 1987. The band disbanded in 1995, and since then, members of Kyuss have gone on to form or play in several notable bands including Queens of the Stone Age, Fu Manchu, D ...
, and eventually became a dracolich and Kyuss' greatest servant. Dragotha's lair is thought to lie in the Wormcrawl Fissure, near Rift Canyon.
More historical information is given in the second edition
RPGA
The RPGA (also called the Role Playing Game Association and the RPGA Network at various times), was initially part of the organized play arm of TSR, Inc and later of Wizards of the Coast. From 1980 to 2014, it organized and sanctioned role-playing ...
Adventurer's Guild Tournament module, Dragotha's Lair (
Bruce R. Cordell
Bruce Robert Cordell (born 1968) is an American author of roleplaying games and fantasy novels. He has worked on ''Dungeons & Dragons'' games for Wizards of the Coast. He won the Origins Award for ''Return to the Tomb of Horrors'' and has also wo ...
, 1999, 2001). According to this history, Dragotha was forced into quiescence (inactivity) by
Keraptis
This is a list of characters from the Greyhawk campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy role-playing game.
A
Acererak
Acererak was a powerful wizard who became a lich, and later a demilich.
Publication history
Acererak ...
, the infamous wizard featured in the module
White Plume Mountain
''White Plume Mountain'' is an adventure module for the ''Advanced Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy role-playing game, written by Lawrence Schick and published by TSR in 1979. The 16-page adventure bears the code "S2" ("S" for "special"). The adv ...
using a magical device called the Crown of Mortality. According to the third edition ''White Plume Mountain'' web enhancement "Outside the Mountain is Just as Dangerous as Inside" (Robert Wiese, 2006), Dragotha was a black dragon (not a red dragon, as mentioned above) before becoming undead.
An expedition to Dragotha's lair is told in the song "The Claws of Dragotha", which is believed to have been penned sometime in the 5th century
CY. Dragotha is mentioned in a pictorial map featured in the White Plume Mountain module: "Beyond to the lair of Dragotha, the undead dragon where fabulous riches and hideous death await."
Drawmij
The name "Drawmij" entered ''
Dungeons & Dragons
''Dungeons & Dragons'' (commonly abbreviated as ''D&D'' or ''DnD'') is a fantasy tabletop role-playing game (RPG) originally designed by Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson. The game was first published in 1974 by TSR (company)#Tactical Studies Rules ...
'' canon through the spell ''Drawmij's Instant Summons'', and was formed by reversing "
Jim Ward", the name of one of
Gary Gygax
Ernest Gary Gygax ( ; July 27, 1938 – March 4, 2008) was an American game designer and author best known for co-creating the pioneering role-playing game ''Dungeons & Dragons'' (''D&D'') with Dave Arneson.
In the 1960s, Gygax created an ...
's players. By Ward's own account, the spell originated during a session in Gygax's original Greyhawk campaign during which the players were stranded in a dungeon; Ward's character owned a magical item which would have rescued the party, but had left it in an inn before setting out. Ward remarked to Gygax that wizards should have access to a spell which allowed them to recall any item in their possession to their hand; Gygax promptly devised ''instant summons'', which did exactly that.
There has been some confusion over whether Gygax created the name in homage to Ward or Ward's character; though it is known that Ward played a character named Drawmij at one time, some sources claim the name of the wizard he was playing at the time ''instant summons'' was created was "Bombidell", not Drawmij. This leaves two theories as to how the name got started:
*Ward named his wizard character "Drawmij" from the outset, and the spell simply used the name of Ward's character.
*Gygax devised the name for publication purposes, as the name "Bombidell" was derivative of the
Tolkien
John Ronald Reuel Tolkien (, ; 3 January 1892 – 2 September 1973) was an English writer and philologist. He was the author of the high fantasy works ''The Hobbit'' and ''The Lord of the Rings''.
From 1925 to 1945, Tolkien was the Rawlins ...
character
Tom Bombadil
Tom Bombadil is a character in J. R. R. Tolkien's Tolkien's legendarium, legendarium. He first appeared in print in a 1934 poem called "The Adventures of Tom Bombadil", which also included ''The Lord of the Rings'' characters Goldberry (Tom's wi ...
, and Ward subsequently created a new character, Drawmij.
Drawmij is 63 years old in 591
CY, although he appears to be a young man in his late twenties or early thirties. His hair is sandy blond and his eyes are so blue that they are nearly purple. He stands six feet tall and weighs 172 pounds. His features possess an undefinable unsettling quality, and more than a few of those who know him have perceived something subtly different about him each time they meet - the shade of his eyes, his height, even the thickness and curl of his hair.
Rary
This is a list of characters from the Greyhawk campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy role-playing game.
A
Acererak
Acererak was a powerful wizard who became a lich, and later a demilich.
Publication history
Acererak ...
calls these his "troubling inconsistencies".
Drawmij wears magical robes of cool colors, favoring
elven designs.
For the last decade or so, Drawmij has focused on the theories of chronomancy, magic involving the manipulation of time. He has grown increasingly eccentric of late.
Drawmij is a member of the Circle of Eight. He has a close connection to Duke
Luschan of
Gradsul, who may be a relative of his. Drawmij also spends time with the Hierophant
Sverdras Meno, a druid of the
Old Faith
This is a list of deities from the Greyhawk campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy role-playing game.
A
Al'Akbar
Al'Akbar is the Baklunish demigod of dignity, duty, faithfulness, and guardianship. His symbol is a cup and eigh ...
who oversees the
Azure Sea.
Drawmij has many contacts among the minstrels and bards of
Celene, though few in the capital of
Enstad
Ola Enstad (10 November 1942 – 2 August 2013) was a Norwegian sculptor.
Biography
He was born in Lesjaskog in Oppland, Norway. Enstad first studied architecture at the Norwegian Institute of Technology in Trondheim. Enstad attended the Norwegi ...
admit to knowing him. Drawmij has few known agents, but he knows much more about
Keoland
Greyhawk, also known as the World of Greyhawk, is a fictional world designed as a campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy roleplaying game. Although not the first campaign world developed for ''Dungeons & Dragons''—Dave Arneson ...
and its client states than it seems like he should.
Drawmij has an enduring hatred of
Jaran Krimeeah
Jaran ( fa, جاران, also Romanized as Jārān) is a village in Pir Kuh Rural District, Deylaman District, Siahkal County, Gilan Province, Iran
Iran, officially the Islamic Republic of Iran, and also called Persia, is a coun ...
, the Mage of the
Valley of the Mage
A valley is an elongated low area often running between hills or mountains, which will typically contain a river or stream running from one end to the other. Most valleys are formed by erosion of the land surface by rivers or streams over ...
, and is forever trying to persuade other members of the Circle of Eight to help him kill the wily archmage once and for all. Jallarzi Sallavarian has suggested to
Otto
Otto is a masculine German given name and a surname. It originates as an Old High German short form (variants ''Audo'', ''Odo'', ''Udo'') of Germanic names beginning in ''aud-'', an element meaning "wealth, prosperity".
The name is recorded fro ...
that Drawmij's true enmity is for
Tysiln San, Jaran's mistress, though the reasons for this are unknown.
Drawmij only grudgingly accepted the addition of
Warnes Starcoat
This is a list of characters from the Greyhawk campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy role-playing game.
A
Acererak
Acererak was a powerful wizard who became a lich, and later a demilich.
Publication history
Acererak ...
and
Alhamazed to the Circle of Eight, and argued against the inclusion of
Theodain Eriason
This is a list of characters from the Greyhawk campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy role-playing game.
A
Acererak
Acererak was a powerful wizard who became a lich, and later a demilich.
Publication history
Acererak ...
. Since losing that fight, however, he has treated Theodain's presence with bland acceptance.
Drawmij is reputed to live in a cavernous underwater fortress beneath the
Azure Sea, 150 miles south of Gradsul in Keoland, where he deals with
merfolk
Merfolk or merpeople are legendary water-dwelling human-like beings. They are attested in folklore and mythology throughout the ages in various parts of the world.
Female merfolk may be referred to as mermaids, although in a strict sense mermaid ...
, whales, dolphins, and many other denizens of the ocean. This fastness was once the dwelling of the druid Sverdras Meno. He visits the
Free City of Greyhawk
The Free City of Greyhawk, also known as Greyhawk City and the "Gem of the Flanaess," is a fictional city-state in the ''World of Greyhawk'' campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy roleplaying game. Since the setting was original ...
as little as possible, finding it stifling and distasteful, but visits Gradsul regularly. Drawmij possesses a magical metal boat he can pilot underwater.
E
Eclavdra
Eclavdra is a powerful, exceptionally beautiful
drow
The drow ( or ) or dark elves are a dark-skinned and white-haired subrace of Elf (Dungeons & Dragons), elves connected to the Subterranea (geography), subterranean Underdark in the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy roleplaying game. The drow have ...
priestess of
Lolth
The drow ( or ) or dark elves are a dark-skinned and white-haired subrace of elves connected to the subterranean Underdark in the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy roleplaying game. The drow have traditionally been portrayed as generally evil and ...
, Eclavdra is known for her cruelty and complex scheming, and her total lack of compassion. She eliminates rivals before they can become threats. In
Gary Gygax
Ernest Gary Gygax ( ; July 27, 1938 – March 4, 2008) was an American game designer and author best known for co-creating the pioneering role-playing game ''Dungeons & Dragons'' (''D&D'') with Dave Arneson.
In the 1960s, Gygax created an ...
's ''
Gord the Rogue
Gord the Rogue is the protagonist in a series of fantasy novels and short stories written by Gary Gygax. Gygax originally wrote the novels and short stories to promote his ''World of Greyhawk'' campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' ro ...
'' novels, Eclavdra is depicted as incredibly beautiful, with jet black skin, violet eyes, perfect breasts, and silvery or snow-white hair. However, she is as evil as she is beautiful.
Eclavdra is the leader of House Eilservs and the most powerful priestess of Lolth. Her former consorts include Derakhshan and the
demon lord Graz'zt
In the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy role-playing game, "monsters" are generally the antagonists which players must fight and defeat to progress in the game. Since the game's first edition in 1974, a bestiary was included along other game man ...
. She also has a son, Athux. With Stalmin Klim she helped create the
Slave Lords
Greyhawk, also known as the World of Greyhawk, is a fictional world designed as a campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy roleplaying game. Although not the first campaign world developed for ''Dungeons & Dragons''— Dave Arneso ...
. The Slave Lord
Edralve is her former protégé. A native of the city of
Erelhei-Cinlu
The drow ( or ) or dark elves are a dark-skinned and white-haired subrace of elves connected to the subterranean Underdark in the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy roleplaying game. The drow have traditionally been portrayed as generally evil and ...
and member of House Eilservs, Eclavdra has served other powerful entities in the past, notably the
Elder Elemental Eye
In the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy roleplaying game, Tharizdun () is the god of Eternal Darkness, Decay, Entropy, Malign Knowledge, Insanity, and Cold. He originated in the ''World of Greyhawk'' campaign setting but has since also appeared in ...
and
Graz'zt
In the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy role-playing game, "monsters" are generally the antagonists which players must fight and defeat to progress in the game. Since the game's first edition in 1974, a bestiary was included along other game man ...
. For at time, she could be found at
Iuz
This is a list of deities from the Greyhawk campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy role-playing game.
A
Al'Akbar
Al'Akbar is the Baklunish demigod of dignity, duty, faithfulness, and guardianship. His symbol is a cup and ei ...
's court, acting as an
ambassador
An ambassador is an official envoy, especially a high-ranking diplomat who represents a state and is usually accredited to another sovereign state or to an international organization as the resident representative of their own government or sov ...
. After Eclavdra's alliance with the Elder Elemental Eye jeopardized Lolth's attempt to bring the world of
Oerth
Greyhawk, also known as the World of Greyhawk, is a fictional world designed as a campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy roleplaying game. Although not the first campaign world developed for ''Dungeons & Dragons''— Dave Arneso ...
into the
Demonweb Pits
In the fantasy role-playing game ''Dungeons & Dragons'', an Outer Plane is one of a number of general types of planes of existence. They can also be referred to as ''godly planes'', ''spiritual planes'' or ''divine planes''. The Outer Planes are ...
, she fell out of favor with her goddess. Her consort Derakhshan, seeing which way the wind was blowing, gave away details on her stronghold's defenses to her enemies among the other drow houses, though Eclavdra escaped. She regained Lolth's favor by seducing and eventually betraying Graz'zt. Athux, a powerful half demon drow, was the child born of that union. Eclavdra now serves as Lolth's chief diplomat, as well as the supreme mortal ruler of her organization and religion. Lolth admires ambition above loyalty, and thus Eclavdra is one of the most favored denizens of the
Abyss
Abyss may refer to:
* Abyss (religion), a bottomless pit, or a passage to the underworld
Film and television
* ''The Abyss'' (1910 film), a Danish silent film starring Asta Nielsen
* ''The Abyss'' (1988 film) (''L'Œuvre au noir''), a French- ...
.
Eclavdra is a major villain in Gygax's ''Gord the Rogue'' novels. She also has a clone in the series, Leda, who becomes Gord's lover. In the novel ''Against the Giants'', Eclavdra was killed. In the novels, it is revealed that Nemis the mage was once her servant, but is no longer.
Created by Gary Gygax, Eclavdra first appeared in ''
Hall of the Fire Giant King
In architecture, a hall is a relatively large space enclosed by a roof and walls. In the Iron Age and early Middle Ages in northern Europe, a mead hall was where a lord and his retainers ate and also slept. Later in the Middle Ages, the grea ...
'' (1978). Eclavdra was initially depicted as the high priestess of the
Elder Elemental God
In the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy roleplaying game, Tharizdun () is the god of Eternal Darkness, Decay, Entropy, Malign Knowledge, Insanity, and Cold. He originated in the ''World of Greyhawk'' campaign setting but has since also appeared in ...
. In Gygax's ''Gord the Rogue'' novels, she is shown to be in the service of the
demon lord Graz'zt. In later ''Dungeons & Dragons'' sourcebooks, Eclavdra is shown as having "returned" to the worship of Lolth. In ''Iuz the Evil'', she is the ambassador to Iuz for both Graz'zt and Lolth simultaneously. ''Fiendish Codex I: Hordes of the Abyss'' has her betraying Graz'zt in return for Lolth's accolades. Eclavdra is given a statistics block in Lolth's entry in the 4th edition ''Monster Manual 3'', as an exarch of Lolth.
[Gygax, Gary. '']Against the Giants
''Against the Giants'' is an Adventure (Dungeons & Dragons), adventure module written by Gary Gygax and published by TSR, Inc., TSR in 1981 for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy role-playing game. It combines the G series of modules previously ...
'' (TSR, 1981).[Gygax, Gary. '']Queen of the Spiders
''Queen of the Spiders'' is an adventure module for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy role-playing game. It was published by TSR, Inc. in 1986 and is a compilation of seven previous related modules, often referred to as a "supermodule." Togeth ...
'' (TSR, 1986).[Gygax, Gary. ''Sea of Death'' (New Infinities, 1987).]Reynolds, Sean K
Sean K. Reynolds is an American professional game designer, who has worked on and co-written a number of ''Dungeons & Dragons'' supplements for Wizards of the Coast, as well as material for other companies.
Early life and inspiration
Sean Reyno ...
. '' Against the Giants: The Liberation of Geoff'' (TSR, 1999).Sargent, Carl
Carl Lynwood Sargent (11 December 1952 – 12 September 2018) was a British parapsychologist and author of several roleplaying game-based products and novels, who used the pen name Keith Martin to write ''Fighting Fantasy'' gamebooks.
Early life ...
. ''Iuz the Evil
''Iuz the Evil''
is a sourcebook for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy role-playing game that describes the realms of the evil demi-god Iuz in the game's ''World of Greyhawk'' campaign setting. The sourcebook bears the code WGR5 and was publ ...
'' (TSR, 1993).
Edralve
Edralve is a
drow
The drow ( or ) or dark elves are a dark-skinned and white-haired subrace of Elf (Dungeons & Dragons), elves connected to the Subterranea (geography), subterranean Underdark in the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy roleplaying game. The drow have ...
priestess of
Lolth
The drow ( or ) or dark elves are a dark-skinned and white-haired subrace of elves connected to the subterranean Underdark in the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy roleplaying game. The drow have traditionally been portrayed as generally evil and ...
, former protégé of
Eclavdra
This is a list of characters from the Greyhawk campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy role-playing game.
A
Acererak
Acererak was a powerful wizard who became a lich, and later a demilich.
Publication history
Acererak ...
, and former
Slave Lord. A native of Erelhei-Cinlu, Edralve was an exile from that city for some time during the late 560s to early 570s. By 574
CY, however, she had joined with Stalman Klim and other persons of malicious intent to form the Slave Lords, settling in the hidden city of Suderham in the
Pomarj
Greyhawk, also known as the World of Greyhawk, is a fictional world designed as a campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy roleplaying game. Although not the first campaign world developed for ''Dungeons & Dragons''—Dave Arneson ...
. After the Slave Lords lost power in 580 CY, Edralve left the organization and returned to Erelhei-Cinlu.
Eli Tomorast
Eli Tomorast is a
wizard and the primary antagonist in the
Mordenkainen's Fantastic Adventure
''Mordenkainen's Fantastic Adventure'' by Robert J. Kuntz and Gary Gygax is an adventure module for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' role-playing game, published by TSR, Inc. in 1984. It originally bore the code "WG5" and was intended for use with ...
module
Module, modular and modularity may refer to the concept of modularity. They may also refer to:
Computing and engineering
* Modular design, the engineering discipline of designing complex devices using separately designed sub-components
* Modul ...
. Described as a gaunt human with black hair and facial hair, his forearms and hands have been replaced by those of an unknown demon, giving him additional powers which make him a more powerful adversary in the module. In the original adventure, published in 1984, Tomorast had little background, and served only as the owner of the ''Tome of the Black Heart'', an artifact which Eli discovered in the Lost City of Elders somewhere to the east.
In the original module's timeline, Eli is slain by
Mordenkainen
Mordenkainen is a fictional wizard from the ''World of Greyhawk'' campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' roleplaying game. He was created by Gary Gygax as a player character, only months after the start of Gygax's Greyhawk campaign, and ...
, who was the character run by
Gary Gygax
Ernest Gary Gygax ( ; July 27, 1938 – March 4, 2008) was an American game designer and author best known for co-creating the pioneering role-playing game ''Dungeons & Dragons'' (''D&D'') with Dave Arneson.
In the 1960s, Gygax created an ...
. Mordenkainen was also printed in the module as a pre-generated character for players to use if they wished. In 2004, ''
Dungeon
A dungeon is a room or cell in which prisoners are held, especially underground. Dungeons are generally associated with medieval castles, though their association with torture probably belongs more to the Renaissance period. An oubliette (from ...
'' magazine published "Maure Castle" in issue #112. This was an update to the original module, and presented a continuation of Eli's story. In the update, Eli was resurrected by a
gnoll cleric
Clergy are formal leaders within established religions. Their roles and functions vary in different religious traditions, but usually involve presiding over specific rituals and teaching their religion's doctrines and practices. Some of the ter ...
of
Yeenoghu
In the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy role-playing game, "monsters" are generally the antagonists which players must fight and defeat to progress in the game. Since the game's first edition in 1974, a bestiary was included along other game man ...
who sought the power of the ''Tome of the Black Heart'' and its guardian, Kerzit. In this update, Eli, is bent on revenge against Mordenkainen and his associates.
Little is known of Eli Tomorast's early years. What is known is that at some point, he visited the Lost City of the Elders, possibly as a member of a Seeker expedition, where he discovered the ''Tome of the Black Heart'', a powerful artifact which gave Tomorast the ability to summon and control a powerful demon named
Kerzit
In the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy role-playing game, "monsters" are generally the antagonists which players must fight and defeat to progress in the game. Since the game's first edition in 1974, a bestiary was included along other game man ...
. Tomorast set up Kerzit as a false god in order to expand his power, and provided sacrifices to the demon. In the 550s
CY, Tomorast led a band of renegade Seekers to the ruins of
Maure Castle
Maure Castle is a fictional location in the World of Greyhawk setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy role-playing game. Maure Castle is a massive castle and dungeon complex located in the Duchy of Urnst.
Publication history
Maure Castle wa ...
, which he successfully entered and began looting. However, Tomorast had an ulterior agenda as well, for he wished to establish a concealed place to summon Kerzit. In the 560s CY,
Mordenkainen
Mordenkainen is a fictional wizard from the ''World of Greyhawk'' campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' roleplaying game. He was created by Gary Gygax as a player character, only months after the start of Gygax's Greyhawk campaign, and ...
and his companions
Bigby,
Riggby
This is a list of characters from the Greyhawk campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy role-playing game.
A
Acererak
Acererak was a powerful wizard who became a lich, and later a demilich.
Publication history
Acererak ...
, and Yrag delved into the dungeons to face off against Tomorast and his Seekers, seemingly killing Tomorast and several of his men and making off with many of the choicest treasures of the subcomplex. However, Tomorast was not dead for long—he was raised by a cleric of the gnoll
demon lord Yeenoghu
In the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy role-playing game, "monsters" are generally the antagonists which players must fight and defeat to progress in the game. Since the game's first edition in 1974, a bestiary was included along other game man ...
. Soon, with a revamped Seeker organization, Tomorast began delving deeper into the secrets of the castle, recently even finding some communication between the outlying complex he has occupied and the main dungeon complex under the castle proper. Tomorast eventually discovered a way into the true dungeons of Maure Castle, and set about gathering the power required to take his revenge.
Erac's Cousin
Evard
Evard, also known as Evard the Black, is a neutral evil archmage responsible for developing such spells as ''Evard's Black Tentacles''. Evard is known to operate from the
Sheldomar Valley
Greyhawk, also known as the World of Greyhawk, is a fictional world designed as a campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy roleplaying game. Although not the first campaign world developed for ''Dungeons & Dragons''—Dave Arneson ...
, where he deals as an information broker. He is an enemy of
Mordenkainen
Mordenkainen is a fictional wizard from the ''World of Greyhawk'' campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' roleplaying game. He was created by Gary Gygax as a player character, only months after the start of Gygax's Greyhawk campaign, and ...
. Evard is a man of sturdy build and average musculature, with pale skin and long dark hair. He wears rich clothing, often belted with a white sash, and a large purple gemstone hangs from his throat. He is a charming man with a ready grin. Evard was originally a minor noble in the March of Bissel. He came to be a very successful broker of information, and many sages and loremasters send him knowledge in return for solving vexing questions of their own. If he doesn't know something, someone in his network does. He is ambitious and cunning, and will readily betray his allies if it suits him. He can be found in any of the major cities of the Sheldomar. In addition to the commonly known spell, ''Evard's Black Tentacles'', Evard has also developed the following spells: ''Evard's All-Seeing Worm'' and ''Evard's Menacing Tentacles''. Evard is known to have authored the following works: ''Legendary of Phantoms and Ghosts''.
[Holian, Gary, ]Erik Mona
Erik Mona (born April 1974) is an American game designer who lives in Seattle, Washington.
Career
Mona was the Managing Editor of issues 1 and 2 of the '' Oerth Journal'', an online publication devoted to the ''World of Greyhawk'' campaign setti ...
, Sean K Reynolds
Sean K. Reynolds is an American professional game designer, who has worked on and co-written a number of ''Dungeons & Dragons'' supplements for Wizards of the Coast, as well as material for other companies.
Early life and inspiration
Sean Reyno ...
, and Fred Weining
Frederick Weining is among those credited for design of the ''Dungeons & Dragons Gazetteer'' and the ''Living Greyhawk Gazetteer'', both published by Wizards of the Coast. He has also authored or co-authored a number of ''Greyhawk'' articles for t ...
. ''Living Greyhawk Gazetteer
The ''Living Greyhawk Gazetteer'' (''LGG'') is a sourcebook for the ''World of Greyhawk'' campaign setting for the 3rd edition of the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' roleplaying game. Despite the title, the ''Living Greyhawk Gazetteer'' is not exclusive ...
'' (Wizards of the Coast
Wizards of the Coast LLC (often referred to as WotC or simply Wizards) is an American publisher of games, primarily based on fantasy and List of science fiction themes, science fiction themes, and formerly an operator of retail stores for ga ...
, 2000).
G
Gord the Rogue
I
Iggwilv
Iuz
J
Jallarzi Sallavarian
K
Kargoth
Kargoth, more commonly known as Saint Kargoth, is a death knight of great power. He is also known as "the Betrayer", and "King of the Death Knights". His symbol is a glowing green skull. Saint Kargoth is of massive size and build, standing seven feet tall. His skeletal features are a baleful, glowing green color thanks to the fiendish surgeries and grafts his patron
Demogorgon
Demogorgon is a deity or demon
associated with the underworld. Although often ascribed to Greek mythology, the name probably arises from an unknown copyist's misreading of a commentary by a fourth-century scholar, Lactantius Placidus. The conc ...
has subjected him to. He rides a glowing green chariot drawn by six
nightmares
A nightmare, also known as a bad dream, Retrieved 11 July 2016. is an unpleasant dream that can cause a strong emotional response from the mind, typically fear but also despair, anxiety or great sadness. The dream may contain situations of d ...
. Saint Kargoth possesses the ''Bilious Sphere'', a corrupt parody of the ''Orb of Sol''. Saint Kargoth is a powerful servant of Demogorgon steeped in the politics of the Abyss. He is the mortal foe of Saint Benedor of the Ashen Hand, who was chosen over Kargoth to lead the Knight Protectors of the Great Kingdom. Kargoth is worshipped (along with the other original death knights) by the Sunsebb Sodality and regarded as a saint by renegade elements in the church of
Hextor
This is a list of deities from the Greyhawk campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy role-playing game.
A
Al'Akbar
Al'Akbar is the Baklunish demigod of dignity, duty, faithfulness, and guardianship. His symbol is a cup and eig ...
. Saint Kargoth is currently contending with
Murlynd
This is a list of deities from the Greyhawk campaign setting (Dungeons & Dragons), campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy role-playing game.
A
Al'Akbar
Al'Akbar is the Baklunish demigod of dignity, duty, faithfulness, and gua ...
over an artifact known as the ''Quannon''. Saint Kargoth dwells in ''Kolurenth'', a stone fortress atop a rocky pinnacle protruding from the sea in the Demogorgon's realm of ''Gaping Maw''. While the death knight is often away on business involving the
Prime Material Plane
The planes of the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' roleplaying game constitute the multiverse in which the game takes place. Each plane is a universe with its own rules with regard to gravity, geography, magic and morality. There have been various offic ...
, his fortress always hosts important human visitors. A sickly brown pool in Kargoth's private quarters is a two-way portal to Demogorgon's palace of ''Abysm''.
Formerly a 2nd to 3rd-century
CY Torquann
nobleman
Nobility is a social class found in many societies that have an aristocracy. It is normally ranked immediately below royalty. Nobility has often been an estate of the realm with many exclusive functions and characteristics. The characteristi ...
and
paladin
The Paladins, also called the Twelve Peers, are twelve legendary knights, the foremost members of Charlemagne's court in the 8th century. They first appear in the medieval (12th century) ''chanson de geste'' cycle of the Matter of France, where ...
of
Heironeous
This is a list of deities from the Greyhawk campaign setting (Dungeons & Dragons), campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy role-playing game.
A
Al'Akbar
Al'Akbar is the Baklunish demigod of dignity, duty, faithfulness, and gua ...
known as Lord Kargoth of
Mansbridge
Mansbridge is a suburb on the northern perimeter of Southampton, England. The area is named after the Mans Bridge which spans the River Itchen. For a considerable time, this was the southernmost crossing point of the river, before the constru ...
, Kargoth was born 141 CY in the
Great Kingdom of Aerdy. After Benedor was chosen over Kargoth to lead the Knight Protectors, Kargoth's jealousy and bitterness allowed him to be seduced by the demon prince
Demogorgon
Demogorgon is a deity or demon
associated with the underworld. Although often ascribed to Greek mythology, the name probably arises from an unknown copyist's misreading of a commentary by a fourth-century scholar, Lactantius Placidus. The conc ...
, who granted him the power he craved by transforming him into the first death knight in 203 CY. Kargoth, in turn, gathered thirteen fellow Knight Protectors to his cause, who were also transformed into death knights by Demogorgon.
Kargoth formerly lived at Castle Fharlanst, located on the
Aerdi
Greyhawk, also known as the World of Greyhawk, is a fictional world designed as a campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy roleplaying game. Although not the first campaign world developed for ''Dungeons & Dragons''—Dave Arneson ...
coast between Winetha and Roland, until it was destroyed by the Knight Protectors of the Great Kingdom in 247 CY. Kargoth's betrayal is regarded by many as the beginning of the end of the Knight Protectors. Kargoth's famous sword, ''Gorgorin the Shatterer'', was lost when he battled the legendary Hainard of the Whiteguard.
[Holian, Gary. "The Death Knights of Oerth." ''Dragon'' #290 (]Paizo Publishing
Paizo Inc. (originally Paizo Publishing.) is an American role-playing game publishing company based in Redmond, Washington, best known for the tabletop role-playing game ''Pathfinder Roleplaying Game, Pathfinder''. The company's name is derived ...
, December 2001).[Holian, Gary. "Demogorgon's Champions: The Death Knights of Oerth, part 2." ''Dragon'' #291 (Paizo Publishing, January 2002).]
Kas the Bloody-Handed
Kas the Bloody-Handed was the most trusted lieutenant of the despotic
lich
In fantasy fiction, a lich (; from the Old English , meaning "corpse") is a type of undead creature.
Various works of fantasy fiction, such as Clark Ashton Smith's "The Empire of the Necromancers" (1932), had used ''lich'' as a general term fo ...
Vecna
Vecna ( ) is a fictional character appearing in the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy role-playing game. Vecna has been named one of the greatest villains in ''Dungeons & Dragons''.
Originally appearing in the ''Greyhawk'' campaign setting, Vecna ...
, and wielder of the ''Sword of Kas''.
After many years of loyal service to Vecna, Kas eventually betrayed his master. It is said that the sword itself whispered to Kas, convincing him to slay his master and usurp his power. The battle destroyed Vecna's Rotting Tower, and cost the lich his left hand and eye. Kas himself was flung across the multiverse to Vecna's
Citadel Cavitius on the
Quasielemental Plane of Ash. The time he spent so close to the
Negative Energy Plane
The planes of the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' roleplaying game constitute the multiverse in which the game takes place. Each plane is a universe with its own rules with regard to gravity, geography, magic and morality. There have been various offic ...
changed him into a
vampire
A vampire is a mythical creature that subsists by feeding on the Vitalism, vital essence (generally in the form of blood) of the living. In European folklore, vampires are undead, undead creatures that often visited loved ones and caused mi ...
, and he decided he would be called "Kas the Destroyer".
The first edition of ''Dungeon Master's Guide'' does not specifically state that Kas severed Vecna's hand and eye, only that they, and the ''Sword of Kas'', were the only objects that survived the battle. ''Vecna: Hand of the Revenant'' depicts the lich losing his left hand and eye to destructive magic casts by priests of
Pholtus
This is a list of deities from the Greyhawk campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy role-playing game.
A
Al'Akbar
Al'Akbar is the Baklunish demigod of dignity, duty, faithfulness, and guardianship. His symbol is a cup and eig ...
(presumably to be restored at a future point in the story). Numerous third edition sources state with certainty that Vecna's hand and eye were severed by Kas's blade. Sources are also not in complete agreement as to when or how Kas became a vampire, as some state he gained his dark gift before his betrayal, while others state that he gained it after.
When Vecna was defeated during his bid for control of
Oerth
Greyhawk, also known as the World of Greyhawk, is a fictional world designed as a campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy roleplaying game. Although not the first campaign world developed for ''Dungeons & Dragons''— Dave Arneso ...
, Kas was freed from his centuries of imprisonment, only to find himself facing a shapeless wall of mist. When it cleared, he was master of the domain of
Tovag, across the
Burning Peaks from Vecna's domain of
Cavitius. Kas waged an endless
war of attrition
The War of Attrition ( ar, حرب الاستنزاف, Ḥarb al-Istinzāf; he, מלחמת ההתשה, Milhemet haHatashah) involved fighting between Israel and Egypt, Jordan, the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO) and their allies from ...
with Vecna's forces in the hopes of retrieving the ''Sword of Kas'' from Vecna's citadel, where he erroneously believed Vecna held it.
The Burning Peaks cluster did not appear in the 3rd Edition Ravenloft Campaign Setting, because
White Wolf Game Studio
White Wolf Publishing was an American roleplaying game and book publisher. The company was founded in 1991 as a merger between Lion Rampant did not license characters that are explicitly tied to other D&D campaign settings.
When Vecna escaped from Cavitius, both realms were destroyed (explaining, in-fiction, their absence from 3rd edition). Kas was caught up in the destruction and very nearly obliterated; he survives only as a vestige, a soul outside time and space whose powers can be used by
binders
Ring binders (loose leaf binders, looseleaf binders, or sometimes called files in Britain) are large folders that contain file folders or hole punched papers. These binders come in various sizes and can accommodate an array of paper sizes. The ...
.
Kas is known to have authored ''Legendry of Great Arms and Fabulous Heroes''.
In the adventure ''Die, Vecna, Die!'', a death knight calling himself "Kas the Bloody-Handed" serves Vecna in the deity's palace in
Ravenloft
Ravenloft is a campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' roleplaying game. It is an alternate time-space existence known as a ''Demiplane, pocket dimension'' or demiplane, called the Demiplane of Dread, which consists of a collection of la ...
. This death knight is not the true Kas, though he believes himself to be, and his real name is not given. This false Kas seeks to redeem himself for "his" betrayal of Vecna centuries ago.
Keraptis
Keraptis is an
evil
Evil, in a general sense, is defined as the opposite or absence of good. It can be an extremely broad concept, although in everyday usage it is often more narrowly used to talk about profound wickedness and against common good. It is general ...
wizard, and the main antagonist of the module ''
White Plume Mountain
''White Plume Mountain'' is an adventure module for the ''Advanced Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy role-playing game, written by Lawrence Schick and published by TSR in 1979. The 16-page adventure bears the code "S2" ("S" for "special"). The adv ...
''. Little is known of the early life of Keraptis. Perhaps as early as c. -1500
CY, he established himself as protector of the
Flan
Flan may refer to:
*Flan (pie), an open sweet or savoury tart, the most common UK meaning
*Flan cake, a Filipino cake topped with crème caramel and caramel syrup
*Flan de leche or ''crème caramel'', a custard dessert with clear caramel sauce, th ...
enclave of Tostenhca in the Griff Mountains. By c. -1100 CY, the wizard was driven out of the settlement. Circa -800 CY, Keraptis took over White Plume Mountain, near Rift Canyon, with an army of
gnomish
A gnome is a mythological creature and diminutive spirit in Renaissance magic and alchemy, first introduced by Paracelsus in the 16th century and later adopted by more recent authors including those of modern fantasy literature. Its character ...
warriors, personally slaying the previous guardian of the mountain, the
druid
A druid was a member of the high-ranking class in ancient Celtic cultures. Druids were religious leaders as well as legal authorities, adjudicators, lorekeepers, medical professionals and political advisors. Druids left no written accounts. Whi ...
Aegwareth. Keraptis dwelt in White Plume Mountain for nine centuries afterward, finally abandoning his lair sometime in the 100s CY to further his research.
By the late 5th century CY, a band of adventurers known as the Brotherhood of the Tome stole the magical weapons Blackrazor, Frostrazor, Wave, and Whelm from White Plume Mountain. Realizing they needed protection from further such raids, the gnomes of the mountain opened up Keraptis' old laboratory, deploying magic that rewrote the personalities of those who read it with partial copies of Keraptis' own. The result was the first False Keraptis, a gnome who truly believed itself to be the original. Though this False Keraptis eventually died, further ones came into being: Nightfear, Spatterdock, Killjoy, Mossmutter, and Zhawar Orlysse all believe themselves to be the one true Keraptis.
Keraptis authored ''Pyronomicon''.
L
Lashonna
Lashonna is a silver dragon vampire and the highest ranking cleric to the god Kyuss. Centuries ago, she was slain by Dragotha, the dracolich and most powerful servant of Kyuss. However, upon her death, the dark god resurrected her as a vampire.
Over the centuries, Lashanna became the most devoted servant to Kyuss to the point of declaring herself his wife when the Age of Worms arrives. She is jealous of her god's favoritism of Dragotha, yet too weak to act against the dracolich. Along with an avolakia Mahuudril, she founded the Ebon Triad, a cult that believes Erythnul, god of slaughter, Hextor, god of tyranny, and Vecna, god of secrets, are three parts of the one evil god. In reality, however, known only to herself and Mahuudril, the cult's activities empower Kyuss and help usher his propheized Age of Worms. She holds great influence over the kingdom Redhand in the Bandit Kingdom and its ruler Prince Zeech, where she makes her home, appearing as a beautiful elven woman.
Lashonna is a major antagonist in the Age of Worms campaign.
Leomund
Leomund, also known as Leomund the Red, is a clever and practical archmage and former member of the
Circle of Eight
Greyhawk, also known as the World of Greyhawk, is a fictional world designed as a campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy roleplaying game. Although not the first campaign world developed for ''Dungeons & Dragons''—Dave Arneson ...
. ''
Greyhawk Ruins
''Greyhawk Ruins'' is an adventure module for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' (''D&D'') fantasy role-playing game. It was published in 1990 by TSR, Inc. for the second edition ''Advanced Dungeons & Dragons'' rules.
Publication history
WGR1 ''Grey ...
'' names him as a rumored member of the Ring of Five. He always kept his whereabouts circumspect, but it is thought he once lived in Medegia.
Leomund, an immigrant from the East, was already ancient when he joined the Circle of Eight in approximately 571
CY. He retired from the Circle in 576 CY, citing other compelling uses of his time. He was replaced by
Otiluke later that year and has been seldom heard from since, and not at all in recent years.
Leomund developed the
spells
Spell(s) or The Spell(s) may refer to:
Processes
* Spell (paranormal), an incantation
* Spell (ritual), a magical ritual
* Spelling, the writing of words
Arts and entertainment Film and television
* ''The Spell'' (1977 film), an American ...
Leomund's Hidden Lodge, Leomund's Lamentable Belaborment, Leomund's Secret Chest, Leomund's Secure Shelter, Leomund's Tiny Hut, and Leomund's Trap. He authored or co-authored ''Architecture'' (with
Mordenkainen
Mordenkainen is a fictional wizard from the ''World of Greyhawk'' campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' roleplaying game. He was created by Gary Gygax as a player character, only months after the start of Gygax's Greyhawk campaign, and ...
), ''Forgotten Arts of Oratory Magnetism'', ''Thesis on the Planes of Anti-Matter'', and ''Transcendental Impenetrabilities''.
Leomund is the creator of "Leomund's plate and cup". Made of engraved silver, gold, or platinum, these finely crafted dishes produce delicious meals and alcoholic drinks on command, at variable frequencies per day depending on the nature of the item. After use, they must be cleaned with sweet or holy water once a week or permanently stop functioning.
Leomund was the player character of Len Lakofka, who has stated vehemently that his character was never a member of the Circle of Eight. Instead, in the ''Oerth Journal'' #10, he suggested that the Circle member was an impostor whose true name was "Guy Gas". The class levels, birth date, and alignment attributed to him above come from Lakofka's ''Oerth Journal'' article, and must be considered apocryphal.
Moore, Roger E
Roger E. Moore (born July 11, 1955, in Winchester, Kentucky) is a designer of role-playing games. He is best known for his long-running tenure as editor of ''Dragon'' magazine and was the founding editor of ''Dungeon'' magazine.
Early life
Moor ...
. '' Greyhawk: The Adventure Begins'' (TSR, 1998).
Loran
Sir Loran is a former human knight of
Sunndi
Greyhawk, also known as the World of Greyhawk, is a fictional world designed as a campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy roleplaying game. Although not the first campaign world developed for ''Dungeons & Dragons''— Dave Arneso ...
who became a death knight. Loran is eternally haunted by the spirit of his murdered wife.
Before his death, Loran was the final
Lord
Lord is an appellation for a person or deity who has authority, control, or power over others, acting as a master, chief, or ruler. The appellation can also denote certain persons who hold a title of the peerage in the United Kingdom, or ar ...
of Trollpyre Keep, a minor estate located in southern Sunndi, near the Vast Swamp. An evil, twisted man who hid his true nature behind a mask of honor and stoicism, Loran sought to be known for founding a great warrior-household. To this end, Loran took Lyra, a beautiful dancer, as his wife, but she bore him a daughter instead of a son. Enraged, Loran slew his wife, daughter, and the midwife, using his magic blade, Trollpyre's Defender. Loran's mother-in-law, a priestess, put a curse upon Loran—he was to die painfully in battle, then rise as one of the
Undead (Dungeons & Dragons), undead, and be haunted by the spirits of his wife and daughter for all eternity. Upon rising as a death knight, Loran was unable to sire children, and thus his line died with him.
Some time after his transformation, Loran lured a troupe of wandering performers to his keep and tortured them to death. This act succeeded in drawing him into the mists of
Ravenloft
Ravenloft is a campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' roleplaying game. It is an alternate time-space existence known as a ''Demiplane, pocket dimension'' or demiplane, called the Demiplane of Dread, which consists of a collection of la ...
. Eventually making his way to Cavitius, Sir Loran entered
Vecna
Vecna ( ) is a fictional character appearing in the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy role-playing game. Vecna has been named one of the greatest villains in ''Dungeons & Dragons''.
Originally appearing in the ''Greyhawk'' campaign setting, Vecna ...
's service. However, Lyra and her child were also there, and continued to haunt him.
Lorana Kath
Lady Lorana Kath is a death knight, one of the 13 who betrayed the Knight Protectors of the Great Kingdom. In the game, Kath was once a cleric of Hextor of great power, and she is considered the catalyst for the betrayal of the Death Knights through her seduction of
Lord Kargoth. Lady Lorana Kath augments her skeletal visage with gruesome masks made from the severed faces of young maidens. She often accessorizes her plate armor with a bloody apron and bridal veil.
Within the Greyhawk world, Kath was known as a powerful priestess of
Hextor
This is a list of deities from the Greyhawk campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy role-playing game.
A
Al'Akbar
Al'Akbar is the Baklunish demigod of dignity, duty, faithfulness, and guardianship. His symbol is a cup and eig ...
in life and was admitted into the Knight Protectors in an unorthodox manner, as a recognition for her medical skills on the battlefield. However, Kath was possessed of a scheming and ambitious mind, and desired to marry herself to a leading Aerdi noble to aid in her pursuit of power in the Great Kingdom. She was betrothed to Prince Moranvich in 196, but the engagement soon fell apart. After the death of Knight Commander Lord Nidramon the Hextorian in 202 CY, Kath began to court the favor of Lord
Kargoth
This is a list of characters from the Greyhawk campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy role-playing game.
A
Acererak
Acererak was a powerful wizard who became a lich, and later a demilich.
Publication history
Acererak ...
, a powerful
Heironean who most felt would be chosen as Nidramon's replacement. However, when the Council Gallant instead chose Sir Benedor Monlath of Chathold, Kath was there to fan the fires of Kargoth's rage. After Kargoth failed to overcome Benedor in a duel at the later's investiture in 203 CY, he was seduced by the
demon lord Demogorgon
Demogorgon is a deity or demon
associated with the underworld. Although often ascribed to Greek mythology, the name probably arises from an unknown copyist's misreading of a commentary by a fourth-century scholar, Lactantius Placidus. The conc ...
, who transformed the mighty paladin into
Oerth
Greyhawk, also known as the World of Greyhawk, is a fictional world designed as a campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy roleplaying game. Although not the first campaign world developed for ''Dungeons & Dragons''— Dave Arneso ...
's first death knight. Kargoth soon assembled thirteen of his fellow Knight Protectors, including Kath, to plot revenge. Kargoth led his allies on a raid of the Temple of Lothan near Rel Deven, in order to seize an ancient
Oeridian
Greyhawk, also known as the World of Greyhawk, is a fictional world designed as a campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy roleplaying game. Although not the first campaign world developed for ''Dungeons & Dragons''—Dave Arneson ...
artifact known as the ''Orb of Sol''. Using foul magic granted to him by Demogorgon, Kargoth used the ''Orb'' to deliver his allies to his master, transforming them into death knights as well, and also to unleash a great demonic horror known as Arendagrost, Maw of the Abyss, upon the land. Kath, unlike Kargoth, has no interest in advancing the plans of Demogorgon, and still considers herself a priestess of Hextor. She maintains an estate to the northwest of the Stringen region of the
North Kingdom, where she amuses herself with research into the Ur-Flan and their necromantic practices. It is said that Kath's research into these ancient sorcerers led her to develop the means to create animi, the unique undead servitors of Ivid V in the last years of his reign. Kath supposedly created the process as a means of reversing the transformation invoked upon herself.
Lum the Mad
Baron Lum the Mad is a mighty
Oeridian
Greyhawk, also known as the World of Greyhawk, is a fictional world designed as a campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy roleplaying game. Although not the first campaign world developed for ''Dungeons & Dragons''—Dave Arneson ...
warlord whose power was at least partially due to his possession of the artifact known as the Infernal Machine. Lum was betrayed by his former general, Leuk-o, when the latter came to possess the artifact later known as the ''
Mighty Servant of Leuk-o''. Their final conflict left a large area wasted. A mysterious mist appeared, and Lum plunged through a dimensional rift to the plane of
Limbo
In Catholic theology, Limbo (Latin '' limbus'', edge or boundary, referring to the edge of Hell) is the afterlife condition of those who die in original sin without being assigned to the Hell of the Damned. Medieval theologians of Western Euro ...
, where Lum waited for centuries, his connection to the machine leaving him unable to die. The machine was housed in the fortress Rifter, near Rauxes, until the city was destroyed in 586 CY, quite likely due to the machine's wild influence.
Baron Lum lived a life obsessed with war and conquest, trained for it from boyhood, when he was rewarded for thinking and planning but punished for frivolous behavior. His first experience with the love of the opposite sex was twisted, painful, and empty. He grew to be a handsome man with rugged features marred with only a few scars. More than eight centuries ago he discovered the sword Druniazth, an artifact sacred to
Tharizdun
In the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy roleplaying game, Tharizdun () is the god of Eternal Darkness, Decay, Entropy, Malign Knowledge, Insanity, and Cold. He originated in the ''World of Greyhawk'' campaign setting but has since also appeared in ...
. He wielded it against Ur-Flannae sorcerers of the Thelwood, but lost it during the fray. He spent the rest of his time on
Oerth
Greyhawk, also known as the World of Greyhawk, is a fictional world designed as a campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy roleplaying game. Although not the first campaign world developed for ''Dungeons & Dragons''— Dave Arneso ...
searching for it, the effort slowly driving him insane.
Years later, while exploring a castle his armies had conquered, he came across the ''
Machine
A machine is a physical system using Power (physics), power to apply Force, forces and control Motion, movement to perform an action. The term is commonly applied to artificial devices, such as those employing engines or motors, but also to na ...
'' that would bear his name, a horseshoe-shaped nightmare of black metal, festooned with levers, dials, sockets, wires, and plugs. Through trial and error, he learned to manipulate it, learning more about its functioning than even the wisest sages have since then. If he was mad before, the blasphemous technology of the device drove him over the edge, but it also brought him great power. With his disciplined troops and his new powers, he carved out a mighty fiefdom. It is said that, with the machine, he brought no fewer than 50 new species of monsters into the world. He thought nothing of barrages of fire that annihilated large numbers of his own troops, so long as he carried the day. His reign was one of cruelty and horror, but it is credited in part for the impressive Oeridian successes in the days before their victories over the rival
Suel and
Flan
Flan may refer to:
*Flan (pie), an open sweet or savoury tart, the most common UK meaning
*Flan cake, a Filipino cake topped with crème caramel and caramel syrup
*Flan de leche or ''crème caramel'', a custard dessert with clear caramel sauce, th ...
were assured.
Lum's reign approached its twilight when his formerly loyal subordinate, General Leuk-O, discovered the ''Mighty Servant'' artifact in the Belching Vortex that would become known by his name. Some believe the ''Mighty Servant'' and the ''Infernal Machine'' were created by the same otherworldly artificer, and the appearance of them both so close together was no coincidence. It is said the quasi-deity Krovis awoke from his sleep during this period to help bring Lum's tyranny to an end. With the power of the ''Mighty Servant'', Leuk-O gathered a host that matched Lum's own. The two armies clashed many times before their final battle, when Lum disappeared. The fate of Leuk-O is unknown.
Lum and his Infernal Machine have been featured in the computer games ''
Baldur's Gate II: Throne of Bhaal'', as being imprisoned in Watcher's Keep, and briefly at the end of ''
Planescape: Torment'' when the final
boss
Boss may refer to:
Occupations
* Supervisor, often referred to as boss
* Air boss, more formally, air officer, the person in charge of aircraft operations on an aircraft carrier
* Crime boss, the head of a criminal organization
* Fire boss, a ...
refers to a time when the
Nameless One "danced sorceries with Lum the Mad".
M
Melf
Melf, also known as Prince Brightflame, is a
grey elven archmage, and was originally a
player character
A player character (also known as a playable character or PC) is a fictional character in a video game or tabletop role-playing game whose actions are controlled by a player rather than the rules of the game. The characters that are not control ...
of
Lucion Paul Gygax
Ernest Gary Gygax ( ; July 27, 1938 – March 4, 2008) was an American game designer and author best known for co-creating the pioneering role-playing game ''Dungeons & Dragons'' (''D&D'') with Dave Arneson.
In the 1960s, Gygax created an ...
in
Gary Gygax
Ernest Gary Gygax ( ; July 27, 1938 – March 4, 2008) was an American game designer and author best known for co-creating the pioneering role-playing game ''Dungeons & Dragons'' (''D&D'') with Dave Arneson.
In the 1960s, Gygax created an ...
's home campaign. Melf is a native of the elven kingdom of Celene, and is recognized by many as the leader of the
Knights of Luna.
In Gary Gygax's 1986 novel ''
Artifact of Evil
''Artifact of Evil'' is a 1986 fantasy novel by Gary Gygax, set in the world of Greyhawk, which is based on the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy role-playing game.
Plot summary
''Artifact of Evil'' was the second novel to feature Gord the Rogue. Go ...
'', Melf is also known as Melf of the Arrow. He seems to acknowledge that Melf is not his real name, but says "it is a simple name, as good as any."
Melf was one of the original
player characters
A player character (also known as a playable character or PC) is a fictional character in a video game or tabletop role-playing game whose actions are controlled by a player rather than the rules of the game. The characters that are not control ...
that explored
Gary Gygax
Ernest Gary Gygax ( ; July 27, 1938 – March 4, 2008) was an American game designer and author best known for co-creating the pioneering role-playing game ''Dungeons & Dragons'' (''D&D'') with Dave Arneson.
In the 1960s, Gygax created an ...
's dungeons of
Castle Greyhawk
Castle Greyhawk is one of the central dungeon settings in the fictional ''World of Greyhawk'' campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' roleplaying game. The Castle was originally developed by Gary Gygax, for his own campaign and later deta ...
. He was created by Gygax's son, Lucion Paul (Luke) Gygax.
Melf is 5'8", 147 lbs, and about 200 years old (appearing in his late 20s in human terms). He changes his appearance from time to time, though he always appears as an elf. 1983's ''
The Shady Dragon Inn
''The Shady Dragon Inn'' is an accessory designed for the Basic Set or Expert Set of the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' role-playing game. It was published by TSR, Inc. in 1983. Written by Carl Smith, ''The Shady Dragon Inn'' is a supplement used to ...
'' describes his counterpart Peralay as "left-handed, blond, hazel-eyed, and large for an elf (5'8", 148 lbs.)." It says furthermore that Peralay's shield is decorated with "the hunting hawk symbol of his clan" and that his sword, ''Gnoll-Cleaver'', was forged long ago by
dwarves.
Prince Brightflame is a strong believer in mediation, diplomacy and open communication, and thus some believe him to be naive. Charming and urbane, Melf enjoys good food, culture, and agreeable persons of the opposite gender.
Melf is vastly knowledgeable and experienced. He specializes in
Iuz
This is a list of deities from the Greyhawk campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy role-playing game.
A
Al'Akbar
Al'Akbar is the Baklunish demigod of dignity, duty, faithfulness, and guardianship. His symbol is a cup and ei ...
and buried evils, and is strongly opposed to both Iuz and the
Scarlet Brotherhood
Greyhawk, also known as the World of Greyhawk, is a fictional world designed as a campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy roleplaying game. Although not the first campaign world developed for ''Dungeons & Dragons''—Dave Arneson ...
.
An ally of
Mordenkainen
Mordenkainen is a fictional wizard from the ''World of Greyhawk'' campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' roleplaying game. He was created by Gary Gygax as a player character, only months after the start of Gygax's Greyhawk campaign, and ...
and a former member of the
Citadel of Eight
Greyhawk, also known as the World of Greyhawk, is a fictional world designed as a campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy roleplaying game. Although not the first campaign world developed for ''Dungeons & Dragons''—Dave Arneson ...
, in ''Artifact of Evil'' Melf is said to have sworn fealty to Mordenkainen, and he carries the holy symbol of
Fharlanghn
This is a list of deities from the Greyhawk campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy role-playing game.
A
Al'Akbar
Al'Akbar is the Baklunish demigod of dignity, duty, faithfulness, and guardianship. His symbol is a cup and eigh ...
. Melf is also a cousin of Queen
Yolande of
Celene. He has also been depicted as fighting side by side with Prince
Olinstaad Corond of
Ulek, presumably during a 586 counteroffensive to regain Principality lands lost to the Empire of the
Pomarj
Greyhawk, also known as the World of Greyhawk, is a fictional world designed as a campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy roleplaying game. Although not the first campaign world developed for ''Dungeons & Dragons''—Dave Arneson ...
during the
Greyhawk Wars
Greyhawk, also known as the World of Greyhawk, is a fictional world designed as a campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy roleplaying game. Although not the first campaign world developed for ''Dungeons & Dragons''—Dave Arneson ...
.
Although secretive and protective, Melf is on good terms with luminaries such as
Kieran Jalucian, King
Belvor IV of
Furyondy
Greyhawk, also known as the World of Greyhawk, is a fictional world designed as a campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy roleplaying game. Although not the first campaign world developed for ''Dungeons & Dragons''— Dave Arneso ...
, and the rulers of
Dyvers
Greyhawk, also known as the World of Greyhawk, is a fictional world designed as a campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy roleplaying game. Although not the first campaign world developed for ''Dungeons & Dragons''— Dave Arneso ...
, Highfolk, and the
City of Greyhawk. He and Mordenkainen have much respect for each other, but the two do not cooperate, at least not anymore. The mayor of Highfolk town,
Tavin Ersteader, is a former apprentice of Melf.
Melf is on good terms with the
Fellowship of the Torch
A fellow is a concept whose exact meaning depends on context.
In learned or professional societies, it refers to a privileged member who is specially elected in recognition of their work and achievements.
Within the context of higher education ...
, and is often seen in the company of
Kirilarien Allavesse when in
Greyhawk
Greyhawk, also known as the World of Greyhawk, is a fictional world designed as a campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy roleplaying game. Although not the first campaign world developed for ''Dungeons & Dragons''—Dave Arneson ...
.
Melf was also listed in ''
Greyhawk Ruins
''Greyhawk Ruins'' is an adventure module for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' (''D&D'') fantasy role-playing game. It was published in 1990 by TSR, Inc. for the second edition ''Advanced Dungeons & Dragons'' rules.
Publication history
WGR1 ''Grey ...
'' as one of the rumored members of the
Ring of Five.
A Prince
Archosian Brightflame of Celene is mentioned in ''
Fiendish Codex I: Hordes of the Abyss''. This other Prince Brightflame is more than 150 years older than Melf and currently a heroic general battling
demons
A demon is a malevolent supernatural entity. Historically, belief in demons, or stories about demons, occurs in religion, occultism, literature, fiction, mythology, and folklore; as well as in media such as comics, video games, movies, anime, ...
in the
Abyss
Abyss may refer to:
* Abyss (religion), a bottomless pit, or a passage to the underworld
Film and television
* ''The Abyss'' (1910 film), a Danish silent film starring Asta Nielsen
* ''The Abyss'' (1988 film) (''L'Œuvre au noir''), a French- ...
.
There is some apocryphal evidence that Melf and Warduke may know each other. In 1983's ''
The Shady Dragon Inn
''The Shady Dragon Inn'' is an accessory designed for the Basic Set or Expert Set of the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' role-playing game. It was published by TSR, Inc. in 1983. Written by Carl Smith, ''The Shady Dragon Inn'' is a supplement used to ...
'' (a
Mystara
Mystara is a campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy role playing game. It was the default setting for the "Basic" version of the game throughout the 1980s and 1990s. Most adventures published for the "Basic" edition of ''D&D'' ...
-based supplement for Basic D&D), Warduke is mentioned as being a member of the same adventuring party as an elf named "Peralay," both of whom had action figures for TSR's 1983 toy line. The fact that the Peralay figure was originally released under the name "Melf" and Warduke's resurgence in ''
Greyhawk
Greyhawk, also known as the World of Greyhawk, is a fictional world designed as a campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy roleplaying game. Although not the first campaign world developed for ''Dungeons & Dragons''—Dave Arneson ...
'' continuity provide a topic of apocryphal interest.
According to ''
From the Ashes'', Melf represents the Knights of Luna in Greyhawk. The ''
Greyhawk Player's Guide
The ''Player's Guide'', also known as the ''Greyhawk Player's Guide'' or the ''Player's Guide to Greyhawk'', is a sourcebook for the ''World of Greyhawk'' campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' role-playing game. Written by Anne Brown, th ...
'' says he is currently living in exile from Celene, sometimes in the City of Greyhawk.
Melf is responsible for developing such spells as Melf's Acid Arrow, Melf's Unicorn Arrow, and Melf's Minute Meteors.
Melf is known to have authored or co-authored the following works:
*''Treatise of Universal Astronomy''
*''Weapons of the Ether'' (with Mordenkainen)
In 1983, a Melf action figure was released as part of
LJN
LJN Toys Ltd. was an American toy company and video game publisher based in New York City. Founded in 1970 by Jack Friedman, the company was acquired by MCA Inc. in 1985, sold to Acclaim Entertainment in 1990, and dissolved in 1994. The toy d ...
's ''Advanced Dungeons & Dragons'' toy line. However, the figure was eventually renamed as "Peralay."
Mordenkainen
Murlynd
N
Nerof Gasgal
Nerof Gasgal is the Lord Mayor of the
Free City of Greyhawk
The Free City of Greyhawk, also known as Greyhawk City and the "Gem of the Flanaess," is a fictional city-state in the ''World of Greyhawk'' campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy roleplaying game. Since the setting was original ...
, also known as Greyhawk City. He has held this position since 570 CY. He is also the Assistant Guildmaster of Greyhawk's Guild of Thieves.
Nerof Gasgal was born 540
CY in Greyhawk. At some point, he joined the Guild of Thieves, which was then under the leadership of Guildmaster Arentol.
In 570 CY, Gasgal became Lord Mayor of Greyhawk (it is assumed that he was a member of the Directing Oligarchy prior to that). One of the youngest mayors in Greyhawk's history, Gasgal and his allies on the Directing Oligarchy (who include Org Nenshen, his best friend, former partner, and guildmaster of the Thieves Guild) brought great changes and dynamism to the city government, including reforming the city's currency.
Gasgal has led Greyhawk for almost three decades, bringing the city to victory over its enemies, expanding its territory, and increasing its wealth. In fact, Gasgal is regarded as one of Greyhawk's greatest mayors, second only to
Zagig Yragerne
This is a list of deities from the Greyhawk campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy role-playing game.
A
Al'Akbar
Al'Akbar is the Baklunish demigod of dignity, duty, faithfulness, and guardianship. His symbol is a cup and ei ...
.
Nolzur
Nolzur is an illusionist and alchemist (and former thief) once part of the famed
Company of Seven
This is a list of characters from the Greyhawk campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy role-playing game.
A
Acererak
Acererak was a powerful wizard who became a lich, and later a demilich.
Publication history
Acererak ...
. After many adventures, he rose to the status of quasi-deity. As a member of the Company of Seven, he adventured with
Zagig Yragerne
This is a list of deities from the Greyhawk campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy role-playing game.
A
Al'Akbar
Al'Akbar is the Baklunish demigod of dignity, duty, faithfulness, and guardianship. His symbol is a cup and ei ...
,
Heward
Heward is a surname. Notable people with the surname include:
* Anthony Heward (1918–1995), RAF commander
* Brian Heward (1935–2012), English footballer
* Dag Heward-Mills (born 1963), English-born evangelist etc. in Ghana
* Ian Heward (bo ...
, Keoghtom,
Murlynd
This is a list of deities from the Greyhawk campaign setting (Dungeons & Dragons), campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy role-playing game.
A
Al'Akbar
Al'Akbar is the Baklunish demigod of dignity, duty, faithfulness, and gua ...
, Quaal, and
Tasha
Natasha (russian: Наташа) is a name of Slavic origin. The Slavic name is the diminutive form of Natalia.
Notable people
* Natasha, the subject of '' Natasha's Story'', a 1994 nonfiction book
* Natasha Aguilar (1970–2016), Costa Rican sw ...
. He still has not forgiven Keoghtom.
Nolzur began his career in Radigast City in the County of Urnst as a thief. His early travels took him to many places, including
Blackmoor
Blackmore is a village in Essex, England.
Blackmore or Blackmoor may also refer to:
* Blackmore (name), a surname (including a list of people with the name)
* Blackmoor, Hampshire, a village in the East Hampshire district of Hampshire, England
...
and the
Pirate Isles. He joined Zagig Yragerne's Company of Seven, accompanying them on wild adventures in the early 300s
CY.
He journeyed with Murlynd and Keoghtom to the Cold Marshes in search of ruins of a civilization of sorcerous amphibians. There the three adventurers battled a lich-queen known as the Weird of the Cold Heath. Nolzur argued that they should keep her disease-causing staff for use as a weapon against
Iuz
This is a list of deities from the Greyhawk campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy role-playing game.
A
Al'Akbar
Al'Akbar is the Baklunish demigod of dignity, duty, faithfulness, and guardianship. His symbol is a cup and ei ...
, but Keoghtom decided to reverse its effects instead, creating an item known as ''Keoghtom's Staff of Purification''.
Nolzur and Keoghtom's differences became irreconcilable more than a century ago when, according to repute, Keoghtom borrowed one of Nolzur's formulas in order to aid the creation of his famed ''Keoghtom's Ointment''. This caused a permanent wedge in the Company of Seven, and the group went their separate ways. Nolzur went into seclusion, Zagig retired to his
castle
A castle is a type of fortified structure built during the Middle Ages predominantly by the nobility or royalty and by military orders. Scholars debate the scope of the word ''castle'', but usually consider it to be the private fortified r ...
, and Murlynd and Keoghtom left the
Oerth
Greyhawk, also known as the World of Greyhawk, is a fictional world designed as a campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy roleplaying game. Although not the first campaign world developed for ''Dungeons & Dragons''— Dave Arneso ...
behind to explore other planes of existence.
Nolzur's reclusiveness has caused his fame to fade in recent decades.
Nolzur created Nolzur's marvelous pigments and Nolzur's orb.
Nystul
Nystul is an archmage and member of the
Circle of Eight
Greyhawk, also known as the World of Greyhawk, is a fictional world designed as a campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy roleplaying game. Although not the first campaign world developed for ''Dungeons & Dragons''—Dave Arneson ...
. He is also the most famous native of the Duchy of
Tenh. At one time, Nystul had an apprentice named Janina.
Nystul developed the spells Nystul's Magic Aura, Nystul's Undetectable Aura, Nystul's Blacklight Burst, Nystul's Blackmote, Nystul's Blazing Beam, Nystul's Crystal Dagger, Nystul's Crystal Dirk, Nystul's Dancing Dweomer, Nystul's Dancing Werelight, Nystul's Enveloping Darkness, Nystul's Expeditious Fire Extinguisher, Nystul's Flash, Nystul's Golden Revelation, Nystul's Grue Conjuration, Nystul's Lightburst, Nystul's Radiant Arch, and Nystul's Radiant Baton. He authored ''Libram of the Great Paravisual Emanations'' and ''Metaphysics of Mathematics''.
Nystul is one of the famous mages whose spells were included in the 1988 ''
Greyhawk Adventures
''Greyhawk Adventures'' is an accessory for the ''Advanced Dungeons & Dragons'' (''AD&D'') ''World of Greyhawk'' campaign setting.
Contents
''Greyhawk Adventures'' contains information about Greyhawk deities, clerics, major non-player characte ...
'' hardbound.
[Brown, Anne. '']Player's Guide To Greyhawk
The ''Player's Guide'', also known as the ''Greyhawk Player's Guide'' or the ''Player's Guide to Greyhawk'', is a sourcebook for the ''World of Greyhawk'' campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' role-playing game. Written by Anne Brown, th ...
'' (TSR, 1998).[Holian, Gary, ]Erik Mona
Erik Mona (born April 1974) is an American game designer who lives in Seattle, Washington.
Career
Mona was the Managing Editor of issues 1 and 2 of the '' Oerth Journal'', an online publication devoted to the ''World of Greyhawk'' campaign setti ...
, Sean K Reynolds
Sean K. Reynolds is an American professional game designer, who has worked on and co-written a number of ''Dungeons & Dragons'' supplements for Wizards of the Coast, as well as material for other companies.
Early life and inspiration
Sean Reyno ...
, and Frederick Weining
Frederick Weining is among those credited for design of the ''Dungeons & Dragons Gazetteer'' and the ''Living Greyhawk Gazetteer'', both published by Wizards of the Coast. He has also authored or co-authored a number of ''Greyhawk'' articles for t ...
. ''Living Greyhawk Gazetteer
The ''Living Greyhawk Gazetteer'' (''LGG'') is a sourcebook for the ''World of Greyhawk'' campaign setting for the 3rd edition of the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' roleplaying game. Despite the title, the ''Living Greyhawk Gazetteer'' is not exclusive ...
'' (Wizards of the Coast
Wizards of the Coast LLC (often referred to as WotC or simply Wizards) is an American publisher of games, primarily based on fantasy and List of science fiction themes, science fiction themes, and formerly an operator of retail stores for ga ...
, 2000).[Mona, Erik, and Gary Holian. "Wheels within Wheels: Greyhawk's Circle of Eight." '']Living Greyhawk Journal
The ''Living Greyhawk Journal'' was a periodical published by the Role-Playing Games Association (RPGA) as a stand-alone magazine from 2000 to 2004. It was published by Wizards of the Coast. The publication was intended to supplement the RPGA's ''L ...
'' #0 (Paizo Publishing
Paizo Inc. (originally Paizo Publishing.) is an American role-playing game publishing company based in Redmond, Washington, best known for the tabletop role-playing game ''Pathfinder Roleplaying Game, Pathfinder''. The company's name is derived ...
, 2000). Available online
/ref>[ Jim Ward (game designer), Ward, James M. '']Greyhawk Adventures
''Greyhawk Adventures'' is an accessory for the ''Advanced Dungeons & Dragons'' (''AD&D'') ''World of Greyhawk'' campaign setting.
Contents
''Greyhawk Adventures'' contains information about Greyhawk deities, clerics, major non-player characte ...
'' (TSR, 1988).
''Backstab'' magazine contributor Kaneda considered Nystul one of the greatest magicians from the Greyhawk campaign setting.
O
Obmi
Obmi, sometimes called Lord Obmi, is a murderous mountain dwarven fighter and member of Iuz
This is a list of deities from the Greyhawk campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy role-playing game.
A
Al'Akbar
Al'Akbar is the Baklunish demigod of dignity, duty, faithfulness, and guardianship. His symbol is a cup and ei ...
's Boneshadow. He has iron grey hair, has a taciturn personality, and delights in playing power games. Originally from the Crystalmists, he is known as "the Hammer of Iuz" due to his use of the dwarven throwing hammer, and "Obmi the Wily" for his cunning. He appears in the Gord the Rogue
Gord the Rogue is the protagonist in a series of fantasy novels and short stories written by Gary Gygax. Gygax originally wrote the novels and short stories to promote his ''World of Greyhawk'' campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' ro ...
novels as an enemy of Gord, Leda, and Eclavdra
This is a list of characters from the Greyhawk campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy role-playing game.
A
Acererak
Acererak was a powerful wizard who became a lich, and later a demilich.
Publication history
Acererak ...
.
Obmi is sometimes accompanied by a deranged grey elf
An elf () is a type of humanoid supernatural being in Germanic mythology and folklore. Elves appear especially in North Germanic mythology. They are subsequently mentioned in Snorri Sturluson's Icelandic Prose Edda. He distinguishes "ligh ...
fighter/mage
Mage most commonly refers to:
* Mage (paranormal) or magician, a practitioner of magic derived from supernatural or occult sources
* Mage (fantasy) or magician, a type of character in mythology, folklore, and fiction
*Mage, a character class in s ...
named Keak and a gnomish
A gnome is a mythological creature and diminutive spirit in Renaissance magic and alchemy, first introduced by Paracelsus in the 16th century and later adopted by more recent authors including those of modern fantasy literature. Its character ...
illusionist/ rogue named Gleed. In the past, Obmi was a slave of, then advisor to, the fire giant king Snurre Ironbelly.
Obmi's early history is unknown. He is known to have been a slave
Slavery and enslavement are both the state and the condition of being a slave—someone forbidden to quit one's service for an enslaver, and who is treated by the enslaver as property. Slavery typically involves slaves being made to perf ...
of the fire giant king, Snurre Ironbelly of the Hellfurnaces from 546 to 551 CY. By 551 CY, Obmi had proven his worth as an advisor, and served King Snurre for the next twenty-five years in that role. In 576 CY, Snurre's hall was raided by adventurers. Obmi escaped by masquerading as a dwarven prince
A prince is a male ruler (ranked below a king, grand prince, and grand duke) or a male member of a monarch's or former monarch's family. ''Prince'' is also a title of nobility (often highest), often hereditary, in some European states. Th ...
. Shortly after his escape, Obmi joined the service of Iuz.
Creative origins
Obmi first appeared in Gary Gygax
Ernest Gary Gygax ( ; July 27, 1938 – March 4, 2008) was an American game designer and author best known for co-creating the pioneering role-playing game ''Dungeons & Dragons'' (''D&D'') with Dave Arneson.
In the 1960s, Gygax created an ...
's original Castle Greyhawk
Castle Greyhawk is one of the central dungeon settings in the fictional ''World of Greyhawk'' campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' roleplaying game. The Castle was originally developed by Gary Gygax, for his own campaign and later deta ...
campaign between 1972 and 1973, where he was placed in an old magical laboratory in the center of the third level of the dungeon. Gygax gave him ''boots of speed
Seven-league boots are an element in European folklore. The boots allow the person wearing them to take strides of seven leagues per step, resulting in great speed. The boots are often presented by a magical character to the protagonist to aid ...
'', a ''dwarven thrower'', and several gnoll henchmen. He also had a magical device that shot a ray that teleported the PCs to another part of the dungeon if they failed their saves. After many unsuccessful attempts, the PCs (the Citadel of Eight
Greyhawk, also known as the World of Greyhawk, is a fictional world designed as a campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy roleplaying game. Although not the first campaign world developed for ''Dungeons & Dragons''—Dave Arneson ...
) finally destroyed the device, but Obmi escaped. Their hatred of Obmi did not diminish.[Gygax, Gary. '']Hall of the Fire Giant King
In architecture, a hall is a relatively large space enclosed by a roof and walls. In the Iron Age and early Middle Ages in northern Europe, a mead hall was where a lord and his retainers ate and also slept. Later in the Middle Ages, the grea ...
'' ( TSR, 1978).
Otiluke
Otiluke was an archmage. He was slain by Rary
This is a list of characters from the Greyhawk campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy role-playing game.
A
Acererak
Acererak was a powerful wizard who became a lich, and later a demilich.
Publication history
Acererak ...
in Harvester 584 CY, at the close of the Greyhawk Wars
Greyhawk, also known as the World of Greyhawk, is a fictional world designed as a campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy roleplaying game. Although not the first campaign world developed for ''Dungeons & Dragons''—Dave Arneson ...
.
''Backstab'' magazine contributor Kaneda considered Otiluke one of the greatest magicians from the Greyhawk campaign setting.[
]
Publication history
Otiluke is one of the famous mages of the Greyhawk setting whose spells were included in the 1988 ''Greyhawk Adventures
''Greyhawk Adventures'' is an accessory for the ''Advanced Dungeons & Dragons'' (''AD&D'') ''World of Greyhawk'' campaign setting.
Contents
''Greyhawk Adventures'' contains information about Greyhawk deities, clerics, major non-player characte ...
'' hardbound.
Otto
Otto is a powerful human wizard, and member of the Circle of Eight
Greyhawk, also known as the World of Greyhawk, is a fictional world designed as a campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy roleplaying game. Although not the first campaign world developed for ''Dungeons & Dragons''—Dave Arneson ...
. Otto is short and rotund, with shoulder-length curly hair, and a well-groomed mustache. He tends to dress in fine, expensive garb. Originally a priest
A priest is a religious leader authorized to perform the sacred rituals of a religion, especially as a mediatory agent between humans and one or more deities. They also have the authority or power to administer religious rites; in particu ...
of Boccob
This is a list of deities of ''Dungeons & Dragons'', including all of the 3.5 edition gods and powers of the "Core Setting" for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' (''D&D'') roleplaying game. Religion is a key element of the D&D game, since it is require ...
in Almor, Otto soon found he had an uncanny knack for wizardry, and became quite skilled in the arcane arts. At the secret prompting of Mordenkainen
Mordenkainen is a fictional wizard from the ''World of Greyhawk'' campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' roleplaying game. He was created by Gary Gygax as a player character, only months after the start of Gygax's Greyhawk campaign, and ...
, he became a henchman of Robilar
This is a list of characters from the Greyhawk campaign setting for the '' Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy role-playing game.
A
Acererak
Acererak was a powerful wizard who became a lich, and later a demilich.
Publication history
Acer ...
for a time. Otto is a lover of fine food and music. He owns a manor in Greyhawk City
The Free City of Greyhawk, also known as Greyhawk City and the "Gem of the Flanaess," is a fictional city-state in the ''World of Greyhawk'' campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy roleplaying game. Since the setting was original ...
's Garden Quarter, where he is a generous patron of the arts.
In Gary Gygax
Ernest Gary Gygax ( ; July 27, 1938 – March 4, 2008) was an American game designer and author best known for co-creating the pioneering role-playing game ''Dungeons & Dragons'' (''D&D'') with Dave Arneson.
In the 1960s, Gygax created an ...
's original ''Greyhawk
Greyhawk, also known as the World of Greyhawk, is a fictional world designed as a campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy roleplaying game. Although not the first campaign world developed for ''Dungeons & Dragons''—Dave Arneson ...
'' home game, Otto was a denizen of the second level beneath Castle Greyhawk
Castle Greyhawk is one of the central dungeon settings in the fictional ''World of Greyhawk'' campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' roleplaying game. The Castle was originally developed by Gary Gygax, for his own campaign and later deta ...
. Robilar, Tenser
In the ''World of Greyhawk'' campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons '' roleplaying game, Tenser is an archmage who strives to rid the Flanaess of evil. Tenser is a former member of both the Citadel of Eight and the Circle of Eight.
In ' ...
, and Terik encountered him while adventuring there. Otto was subdued by Tenser, but decided to work for Robilar. He subsequently gained levels rapidly, rarely straying from Robilar's side. In the original campaign, Otto was chaotic neutral and reached 18th level as a single-class magic user of chaotic neutral alignment.
Otto is known to have authored or co-authored the following works: ''Aestrella'' (a magical aria of his composition) and ''Arcane Manipulations of the Entourage''. Otto is responsible for developing the commonly known spell ''Otto's irresistible dance''. Many of the spells he has created are specialized by sound, sonic, or musical motifs. Otto has also developed the following additional spells: Otto's chime of release, Otto's crystal rhythms, Otto's drums of despair, Otto's gong of isolation, Otto's imperative ambulation, Otto's silver tongue, Otto's soothing vibrations, Otto's sure-footed shuffle, Otto's tin soldiers, Otto's tonal attack, Otto's tones of forgetfulness, and Otto's warding tones.Gygax, Gary
Ernest Gary Gygax ( ; July 27, 1938 – March 4, 2008) was an American game designer and author best known for co-creating the pioneering role-playing game ''Dungeons & Dragons'' (''D&D'') with Dave Arneson.
In the 1960s, Gygax created a ...
. ''Players Handbook
The ''Player's Handbook'' (spelled ''Players Handbook'' in first edition ''Advanced Dungeons & Dragons'' (''AD&D'')) is a book of rules for the fantasy role-playing game ''Dungeons & Dragons'' (''D&D''). It does not contain the complete set of ru ...
'' (TSR, 1978).
''Backstab'' magazine contributor Kaneda listed Otto among the greatest wizards from the Greyhawk campaign setting.[
]
R
Rary
In the ''World of Greyhawk
Greyhawk, also known as the World of Greyhawk, is a fictional world designed as a campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy roleplaying game. Although not the first campaign world developed for ''Dungeons & Dragons''— Dave Arnes ...
'' campaign setting
A campaign setting is usually a fictional world which serves as a setting for a role-playing game or wargame campaign. A ''campaign'' is a series of individual adventures, and a ''campaign setting'' is the world in which such adventures and ca ...
for the ''Dungeons & Dragons
''Dungeons & Dragons'' (commonly abbreviated as ''D&D'' or ''DnD'') is a fantasy tabletop role-playing game (RPG) originally designed by Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson. The game was first published in 1974 by TSR (company)#Tactical Studies Rules ...
'' roleplaying game
A role-playing game (sometimes spelled roleplaying game, RPG) is a game in which players assume the roles of player character, characters in a fictional Setting (narrative), setting. Players take responsibility for acting out these roles within ...
, Rary of Ket is a powerful archmage and ruler of the Bright Lands
Greyhawk, also known as the World of Greyhawk, is a fictional world designed as a campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy roleplaying game. Although not the first campaign world developed for ''Dungeons & Dragons''—Dave Arneson ...
, also known as ''Rary the Traitor''.
In a storyline developed by TSR for a resetting of the Greyhawk campaign in 1991, Rary, a member of the Circle of Eight
Greyhawk, also known as the World of Greyhawk, is a fictional world designed as a campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy roleplaying game. Although not the first campaign world developed for ''Dungeons & Dragons''—Dave Arneson ...
, betrayed the Circle at the end of the Greyhawk Wars
Greyhawk, also known as the World of Greyhawk, is a fictional world designed as a campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy roleplaying game. Although not the first campaign world developed for ''Dungeons & Dragons''—Dave Arneson ...
and was responsible for the deaths of Circle members Otiluke and Tenser
In the ''World of Greyhawk'' campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons '' roleplaying game, Tenser is an archmage who strives to rid the Flanaess of evil. Tenser is a former member of both the Citadel of Eight and the Circle of Eight.
In ' ...
. After his betrayal, Rary fled with his ally Lord Robilar to the Bright Desert, where he established the Empire of the Bright Lands.
''Backstab'' magazine contributor Kaneda considered Rary one of the greatest magicians from the Greyhawk campaign setting.[
]
Riggby
Riggby, also known as Riggby the Patriarch, was a major cleric of Boccob
This is a list of deities of ''Dungeons & Dragons'', including all of the 3.5 edition gods and powers of the "Core Setting" for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' (''D&D'') roleplaying game. Religion is a key element of the D&D game, since it is require ...
and a companion of the archmage Mordenkainen
Mordenkainen is a fictional wizard from the ''World of Greyhawk'' campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' roleplaying game. He was created by Gary Gygax as a player character, only months after the start of Gygax's Greyhawk campaign, and ...
. In his prime, Riggby had black hair and chestnut-colored eyes. He customarily wore robes of light gray and off-white. He was a fiery evangelist for his uncaring deity, often demanding that unbelievers convert or die. He pursued temporal power in order to better maintain the spirituality of those among him. Besides Boccob, he also revered Zagyg
This is a list of deities from the Greyhawk campaign setting (Dungeons & Dragons), campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy role-playing game.
A
Al'Akbar
Al'Akbar is the Baklunish demigod of dignity, duty, faithfulness, and gua ...
. Riggby began his career as a priest at a small chapel. At some point, he met with Mordenkainen and other members of an adventuring band the wizard was forming, and soon became a founding member of the Citadel of Eight
Greyhawk, also known as the World of Greyhawk, is a fictional world designed as a campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy roleplaying game. Although not the first campaign world developed for ''Dungeons & Dragons''—Dave Arneson ...
.
Riggby was one of the adventurers, along with Mordenkainen, Bigby and Yrag, who delved into Maure Castle
Maure Castle is a fictional location in the World of Greyhawk setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy role-playing game. Maure Castle is a massive castle and dungeon complex located in the Duchy of Urnst.
Publication history
Maure Castle wa ...
to face off against Eli Tomorast
This is a list of characters from the Greyhawk campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy role-playing game.
A
Acererak
Acererak was a powerful wizard who became a lich, and later a demilich.
Publication history
Acerera ...
and the demon Kerzit
In the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy role-playing game, "monsters" are generally the antagonists which players must fight and defeat to progress in the game. Since the game's first edition in 1974, a bestiary was included along other game man ...
. Riggby, along with Mordenkainen's Citadel of Eight
Greyhawk, also known as the World of Greyhawk, is a fictional world designed as a campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy roleplaying game. Although not the first campaign world developed for ''Dungeons & Dragons''—Dave Arneson ...
also delved into the dungeons underneath the Temple of Elemental Evil
''The Temple of Elemental Evil'' is an adventure module for the fantasy role-playing game ''Dungeons & Dragons'', set in the game's ''World of Greyhawk'' campaign setting. The module was published by TSR, Inc. in 1985 for the first edition ''A ...
.
In 570 CY, Riggby accompanied Lord Robilar into the dungeons underneath Castle Greyhawk
Castle Greyhawk is one of the central dungeon settings in the fictional ''World of Greyhawk'' campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' roleplaying game. The Castle was originally developed by Gary Gygax, for his own campaign and later deta ...
in an ill-fated attempt to free, and then permanently kill, the demigod Iuz
This is a list of deities from the Greyhawk campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy role-playing game.
A
Al'Akbar
Al'Akbar is the Baklunish demigod of dignity, duty, faithfulness, and guardianship. His symbol is a cup and ei ...
, who had been imprisoned there since 505 CY by Zagig Yragerne
This is a list of deities from the Greyhawk campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy role-playing game.
A
Al'Akbar
Al'Akbar is the Baklunish demigod of dignity, duty, faithfulness, and guardianship. His symbol is a cup and ei ...
. Sometime after the failure and release of the demigod, he settled down in Greyhawk City
The Free City of Greyhawk, also known as Greyhawk City and the "Gem of the Flanaess," is a fictional city-state in the ''World of Greyhawk'' campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy roleplaying game. Since the setting was original ...
as the head of city's great temple of Boccob, and spent much of the balance of his life in retirement
Retirement is the withdrawal from one's position or occupation or from one's active working life. A person may also semi-retire by reducing work hours or workload.
Many people choose to retire when they are elderly or incapable of doing their j ...
.
In 597 CY, Riggby died of natural causes in Verbobonc
Greyhawk, also known as the World of Greyhawk, is a fictional world designed as a campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy roleplaying game. Although not the first campaign world developed for ''Dungeons & Dragons''—Dave Arneson ...
, as depicted in the module ''Expedition to the Ruins of Greyhawk
''Expedition to the Ruins of Greyhawk'' is an adventure book for the 3.5 edition of the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy role-playing game. The adventure is set in the game's World of Greyhawk campaign setting, specifically in and around Castle ...
''. His body was taken to Greyhawk for burial. It would be Riggby's death that set in motion the latest of Iuz's gambits to destroy the city, revenge himself on Mordenkainen and Robilar and strike out for domination of the Flanaess
Greyhawk, also known as the World of Greyhawk, is a fictional world designed as a campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy roleplaying game. Although not the first campaign world developed for ''Dungeons & Dragons''—Dave Arneson ...
.
As with many of the original Greyhawk characters, Riggby grew out of a character played by Gary Gygax
Ernest Gary Gygax ( ; July 27, 1938 – March 4, 2008) was an American game designer and author best known for co-creating the pioneering role-playing game ''Dungeons & Dragons'' (''D&D'') with Dave Arneson.
In the 1960s, Gygax created an ...
during the first campaigns run by him and Robert J. Kuntz
Robert J. Kuntz (born September 23, 1955) is a game designer and author of role-playing game publications. He is best known for his contributions to various ''Dungeons & Dragons''-related materials.
Biography Early life
Rob Kuntz was born Septe ...
. Riggby originated as one of a series of "henchmen" characters who followed Mordenkainen
Mordenkainen is a fictional wizard from the ''World of Greyhawk'' campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' roleplaying game. He was created by Gary Gygax as a player character, only months after the start of Gygax's Greyhawk campaign, and ...
, and was named by Kuntz employing a serial naming convention (all the names ended in "-igby") that also yielded the name Bigby. He first appeared in print in the 1980 supplement ''The Rogues' Gallery'', and was revised four years later by Kuntz for use as a player character
A player character (also known as a playable character or PC) is a fictional character in a video game or tabletop role-playing game whose actions are controlled by a player rather than the rules of the game. The characters that are not control ...
for ''Mordenkainen's Fantastic Adventure
''Mordenkainen's Fantastic Adventure'' by Robert J. Kuntz and Gary Gygax is an adventure module for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' role-playing game, published by TSR, Inc. in 1984. It originally bore the code "WG5" and was intended for use with ...
''.
Robilar
Castle Greyhawk sessions
Robilar was originally the creation of Rob Kuntz, rolled up on Gary Gygax
Ernest Gary Gygax ( ; July 27, 1938 – March 4, 2008) was an American game designer and author best known for co-creating the pioneering role-playing game ''Dungeons & Dragons'' (''D&D'') with Dave Arneson.
In the 1960s, Gygax created an ...
's kitchen table in late 1972 for the second-ever session of the game that would become known as ''Dungeons & Dragons''. Gygax even suggested the name "Robilar", after a minor character in ''The Gnome Cache'', a novella Gygax was writing that eventually would be serialized in the first few issues of ''The Dragon'' starting in June 1976. Kuntz quickly grew impatient with play when it involved more than a couple of players, often playing solo adventures one-on-one with Gygax; their constant (almost daily) play meant that Robilar rapidly gained power and possessions. As the city of Greyhawk was developed and fleshed out, Robilar also became the secret owner of the Green Dragon Inn in the city of Greyhawk, where he kept tabs on happenings in the city. Robilar was not only the first to reach the 13th and bottom level of Gygax's Greyhawk dungeons, but on the way, he was also responsible for freeing nine demi-gods (whom Gygax revived a decade later as some of the first deities of Greyhawk: Iuz
This is a list of deities from the Greyhawk campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy role-playing game.
A
Al'Akbar
Al'Akbar is the Baklunish demigod of dignity, duty, faithfulness, and guardianship. His symbol is a cup and ei ...
, Ralishaz
This is a list of deities from the Greyhawk campaign setting (Dungeons & Dragons), campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy role-playing game.
A
Al'Akbar
Al'Akbar is the Baklunish demigod of dignity, duty, faithfulness, and gua ...
, Trithereon
This is a list of deities from the Greyhawk campaign setting (Dungeons & Dragons), campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy role-playing game.
A
Al'Akbar
Al'Akbar is the Baklunish demigod of dignity, duty, faithfulness, and gua ...
, Erythnul
This is a list of deities from the Greyhawk campaign setting (Dungeons & Dragons), campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy role-playing game.
A
Al'Akbar
Al'Akbar is the Baklunish demigod of dignity, duty, faithfulness, and gua ...
, Olidammara
This is a list of deities from the Greyhawk campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy role-playing game.
A
Al'Akbar
Al'Akbar is the Baklunish demigod of dignity, duty, faithfulness, and guardianship. His symbol is a cup and eig ...
, Heironeous
This is a list of deities from the Greyhawk campaign setting (Dungeons & Dragons), campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy role-playing game.
A
Al'Akbar
Al'Akbar is the Baklunish demigod of dignity, duty, faithfulness, and gua ...
, Celestian
This is a list of deities from the Greyhawk campaign setting (Dungeons & Dragons), campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy role-playing game.
A
Al'Akbar
Al'Akbar is the Baklunish demigod of dignity, duty, faithfulness, and gua ...
, Hextor
This is a list of deities from the Greyhawk campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy role-playing game.
A
Al'Akbar
Al'Akbar is the Baklunish demigod of dignity, duty, faithfulness, and guardianship. His symbol is a cup and eig ...
, and Obad-Hai
This is a list of deities from the Greyhawk campaign setting (Dungeons & Dragons), campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy role-playing game.
A
Al'Akbar
Al'Akbar is the Baklunish demigod of dignity, duty, faithfulness, and gua ...
).
Temple of Elemental Evil sessions
Robilar was also the first to enter Gygax's Temple of Elemental Evil
''The Temple of Elemental Evil'' is an adventure module for the fantasy role-playing game ''Dungeons & Dragons'', set in the game's ''World of Greyhawk'' campaign setting. The module was published by TSR, Inc. in 1985 for the first edition ''A ...
, and trashed it from top to bottom, even freeing the demoness Zuggtmoy from her prison at the centre of the Temple. Kuntz later related that Gygax was very dismayed that his masterpiece dungeon had been destroyed by a single adventurer, and as punishment, Gygax had an army pursue Robilar all the way back to his castle, which Robilar was forced to abandon. Robilar even lost possession of the Green Dragon Inn. Robilar's various adventures were mentioned by Gygax in his column in ''Dragon'' magazine.
Later publications
Robilar was also profiled in ''The Rogues Gallery
''The Rogues Gallery'' is an accessory for the first edition of the ''Advanced Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy role-playing game.
Contents
''The Rogues Gallery'' is a supplement for the Dungeon Master containing hundreds of non-player character li ...
'', a 1980 TSR publication, along with other notable characters mentioned in Gygax's works such as Tenser
In the ''World of Greyhawk'' campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons '' roleplaying game, Tenser is an archmage who strives to rid the Flanaess of evil. Tenser is a former member of both the Citadel of Eight and the Circle of Eight.
In ' ...
and Erac's Cousin
A devil (also known as a baatezu) is a fictional character in the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' roleplaying game, a powerful group of monsters used as a high-level challenge for players of the game. Devils are Lawful Evil in alignment and originate fr ...
. He was described as a world-weary warrior and survivor of many adventures who had changed his worldview from neutral to evil to satisfy his morbid tastes. His three passions in life were adventuring, magic items, and information.
When Gygax was forced out of TSR at the end of 1985, TSR took over the creative rights to all characters mentioned in any of Gygax's articles, adventures, and stories, including Robilar. Several years later, TSR created a new storyline for Gygax's World of Greyhawk that featured the murder of several members of the Circle of Eight
Greyhawk, also known as the World of Greyhawk, is a fictional world designed as a campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy roleplaying game. Although not the first campaign world developed for ''Dungeons & Dragons''—Dave Arneson ...
by Robilar and the archmage Rary
This is a list of characters from the Greyhawk campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy role-playing game.
A
Acererak
Acererak was a powerful wizard who became a lich, and later a demilich.
Publication history
Acererak ...
. Kuntz, as the creator of Robilar, was unhappy with this, stating that Robilar would never turn on his old adventuring companion, Mordenkainen
Mordenkainen is a fictional wizard from the ''World of Greyhawk'' campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' roleplaying game. He was created by Gary Gygax as a player character, only months after the start of Gygax's Greyhawk campaign, and ...
(Gygax's own D&D character). Although Kuntz had long since left TSR and had no creative control over Robilar's published life, he suggested in print that the person responsible for aiding Rary was in fact a clone or evil twin of Robilar's who had "taken over" Robilar's apparent life while Robilar was off adventuring on a distant plane. This suggestion became a "fact" in 2007 with the publication of ''Expedition to the Ruins of Greyhawk
''Expedition to the Ruins of Greyhawk'' is an adventure book for the 3.5 edition of the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy role-playing game. The adventure is set in the game's World of Greyhawk campaign setting, specifically in and around Castle ...
'', where it is revealed that Robilar had been imprisoned by an evil "twin" from another universe named Bilarro, who had then impersonated the hero while he aided Rary in his evil actions.
S
Serten
Serten is a powerful priest
A priest is a religious leader authorized to perform the sacred rituals of a religion, especially as a mediatory agent between humans and one or more deities. They also have the authority or power to administer religious rites; in particu ...
of Saint Cuthbert
Cuthbert of Lindisfarne ( – 20 March 687) was an Anglo-Saxon saint of the early Northumbrian church in the Celtic tradition. He was a monk, bishop and hermit, associated with the monasteries of Melrose and Lindisfarne in the Kingdom of Nor ...
and member of the Citadel of Eight
Greyhawk, also known as the World of Greyhawk, is a fictional world designed as a campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy roleplaying game. Although not the first campaign world developed for ''Dungeons & Dragons''—Dave Arneson ...
. He is rumored to be a member of the Ring of Five. Though he had low intelligence and was never truly respected by the rest of the Citadel of Eight, Serten was well-meaning, kindly, and likable and seen as useful. He liked to adventure, but wasn't seen as competent enough to go on his own, as he was often too dumb to run away when in danger and he seldom planned ahead. Serten was slain 569 CY at the Battle of Emridy Meadows
''The Temple of Elemental Evil'' is an adventure module for the fantasy role-playing game ''Dungeons & Dragons'', set in the game's ''World of Greyhawk'' campaign setting. The module was published by TSR, Inc. in 1985 for the first edition ''A ...
, having finally been permitted to adventure without the rest of his party. Tenser blamed Mordenkainen
Mordenkainen is a fictional wizard from the ''World of Greyhawk'' campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' roleplaying game. He was created by Gary Gygax as a player character, only months after the start of Gygax's Greyhawk campaign, and ...
for his death and left the Citadel of Eight over the issue.
Serten is associated with Serten's Spell Immunity, though as a 10th level cleric he is unlikely to have developed what was an 8th level magic-user spell himself. Serten's Ring grants a continuous Serten's Spell Immunity effect while worn. It is currently in the possession of Lakaster of Winetha.
Serten is said in ''Dragon'' #82 to have authored ''Arcane Resistance of Dwarves and Halflings'', an arcane spellbook.
Serten was originally a cleric played by Ernie Gygax, one of Gary Gygax
Ernest Gary Gygax ( ; July 27, 1938 – March 4, 2008) was an American game designer and author best known for co-creating the pioneering role-playing game ''Dungeons & Dragons'' (''D&D'') with Dave Arneson.
In the 1960s, Gygax created an ...
's sons. Like Tenser, another of Ernie's characters, Serten is an anagram of his name, Ernest. Ernie also played Erac's Cousin
A devil (also known as a baatezu) is a fictional character in the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' roleplaying game, a powerful group of monsters used as a high-level challenge for players of the game. Devils are Lawful Evil in alignment and originate fr ...
and Erac.
Although Serten was clearly labeled a cleric in ''The Rogues Gallery
''The Rogues Gallery'' is an accessory for the first edition of the ''Advanced Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy role-playing game.
Contents
''The Rogues Gallery'' is a supplement for the Dungeon Master containing hundreds of non-player character li ...
'' and the ''Living Greyhawk Journal
The ''Living Greyhawk Journal'' was a periodical published by the Role-Playing Games Association (RPGA) as a stand-alone magazine from 2000 to 2004. It was published by Wizards of the Coast. The publication was intended to supplement the RPGA's ''L ...
'' #0, the existence of the ''Spell Immunity'' spell, his purported authorship of a wizardly spellbook, and a rumor in ''Greyhawk Ruins
''Greyhawk Ruins'' is an adventure module for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' (''D&D'') fantasy role-playing game. It was published in 1990 by TSR, Inc. for the second edition ''Advanced Dungeons & Dragons'' rules.
Publication history
WGR1 ''Grey ...
'' all point to the existence of a wizard called Serten. ''Ivid the Undying'' refers to Serten as a "legendary archmage".[Pryor, Anthony. '']Rary the Traitor
''Rary the Traitor'' is a ''Dungeons & Dragons'' sourcebook and module for the ''World of Greyhawk'' campaign setting.
Plot summary
The work details the empire of the renegade archmage Rary, known as the Empire of the Bright Lands. Historical b ...
'' (TSR, 1992).
Snurre Ironbelly
Snurre Ironbelly, also called King Snurre, is a notorious lord of fire giants. His wife is Queen Frupy.
T
Tasha
When the '' AD&D Players Handbook'' was first published, many of the wizards mentioned in the spell lists, such as Tenser
In the ''World of Greyhawk'' campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons '' roleplaying game, Tenser is an archmage who strives to rid the Flanaess of evil. Tenser is a former member of both the Citadel of Eight and the Circle of Eight.
In ' ...
and Bigby, were actual characters who had been created and played by Gary Gygax
Ernest Gary Gygax ( ; July 27, 1938 – March 4, 2008) was an American game designer and author best known for co-creating the pioneering role-playing game ''Dungeons & Dragons'' (''D&D'') with Dave Arneson.
In the 1960s, Gygax created an ...
and his friends and children. However, the Tasha of ''Tasha's hideous laughter'' was actually named after a little girl who wrote letters to Gygax with crayons.
In later material, Gygax revealed that Tasha was an alias used by Iggwilv
Iggwilv is a fictional wizard from the ''Greyhawk'' campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' roleplaying game. She was created by Gary Gygax.
Iggwilv is characterized as a selfish, evil-aligned magic user with much power and a penchant fo ...
during her time as an apprentice of Zagig Yragerne
This is a list of deities from the Greyhawk campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy role-playing game.
A
Al'Akbar
Al'Akbar is the Baklunish demigod of dignity, duty, faithfulness, and guardianship. His symbol is a cup and ei ...
and a member of the Company of Seven
This is a list of characters from the Greyhawk campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy role-playing game.
A
Acererak
Acererak was a powerful wizard who became a lich, and later a demilich.
Publication history
Acererak ...
.
Tenser
Theodain Eriason
Theodain Eriason is a powerful elven wizard, and the first non-human member of the Circle of Eight
Greyhawk, also known as the World of Greyhawk, is a fictional world designed as a campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy roleplaying game. Although not the first campaign world developed for ''Dungeons & Dragons''—Dave Arneson ...
. A native of the Yeomanry
Yeomanry is a designation used by a number of units or sub-units of the British Army, British Army Reserve (United Kingdom), Army Reserve, descended from volunteer British Cavalry, cavalry regiments. Today, Yeomanry units serve in a variety of ...
, Theodain operates throughout the Sheldomar Valley
Greyhawk, also known as the World of Greyhawk, is a fictional world designed as a campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy roleplaying game. Although not the first campaign world developed for ''Dungeons & Dragons''—Dave Arneson ...
, but makes his home in a small country estate outside Loftwick. Theodain is tall and gaunt for an elf. His hair is black, with a silver streak and his skin is very pale. He is sarcastic, arrogant, intelligent, and strongly in favor of the Circle of Eight intervening more strongly in world affairs. His cold demeanor has caused some to mistake him for a creature of evil.
Theodain was born in the western Dreadwood. His family moved to the Yeomanry, near Loftwick, after the Yeomanry League declared its independence from Keoland
Greyhawk, also known as the World of Greyhawk, is a fictional world designed as a campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy roleplaying game. Although not the first campaign world developed for ''Dungeons & Dragons''—Dave Arneson ...
. Theodain began his career as a warrior, and didn't take up the study of magic until 470 CY, when his father, who had been a Grossspokesman, died. He studied magic with elven wizards in the Dreadwood and at the magic school in Gradsul. Theodain has adventured widely, from the Underdark
The Underdark is a fictional setting which has appeared in ''Dungeons & Dragons'' role-playing campaigns and ''Dungeons & Dragons''-based fiction books, including the Legend of Drizzt series by R. A. Salvatore. It is described as a vast subterrane ...
beneath the Hellfurnaces to battling elemental cults in the Hool Marshes. In 585 CY, Theodain was invited to join the Circle of Eight by Drawmij
This is a list of characters from the Greyhawk campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy role-playing game.
A
Acererak
Acererak was a powerful wizard who became a lich, and later a demilich.
Publication history
Acererak ...
, who hoped to gain him as an ally against Jaran Krimeeah. At least, this is what ''Return of the Eight'' tells us. ''Living Greyhawk Journal'' #0 says that Drawmij argued vehemently against Theodain's inclusion, and treats him with only bland acceptance today.
Theodain enjoys the company of Drawmij, Nystul
This is a list of characters from the Greyhawk campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy role-playing game.
A
Acererak
Acererak was a powerful wizard who became a lich, and later a demilich.
Publication history
Acererak ...
, Otto
Otto is a masculine German given name and a surname. It originates as an Old High German short form (variants ''Audo'', ''Odo'', ''Udo'') of Germanic names beginning in ''aud-'', an element meaning "wealth, prosperity".
The name is recorded fro ...
, and Jallarzi Sallavarian, though Nystul argued against the acceptance of non-human members and the canon disagrees on Drawmij's relationship with him. Alhamazad
This is a list of characters from the Greyhawk campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy role-playing game.
A
Acererak
Acererak was a powerful wizard who became a lich, and later a demilich.
Publication history
Acererak ...
and Warnes Starcoat
This is a list of characters from the Greyhawk campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy role-playing game.
A
Acererak
Acererak was a powerful wizard who became a lich, and later a demilich.
Publication history
Acererak ...
treat Theodain with coolness. Theodain views them with suspicion and they see him as an irresponsible hothead. Theodain openly questions Mordenkainen
Mordenkainen is a fictional wizard from the ''World of Greyhawk'' campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' roleplaying game. He was created by Gary Gygax as a player character, only months after the start of Gygax's Greyhawk campaign, and ...
's leadership at times, to the bare-pated wizard's annoyance. Theodain's greatest friend and ally is the dragon Hautna Masq, who has been known to assume his appearance and masquerade as him while in the Yeomanry.
V
Vecna
W
Warduke
Warduke is a powerful human fighter, who sometimes works as a bounty hunter and assassin, and is heartless, cruel and short-tempered. He has made appearances set in multiple campaign settings as well as in merchandise.
Warnes Starcoat
Warnes Starcoat is a powerful human wizard, and a member of the Circle of Eight
Greyhawk, also known as the World of Greyhawk, is a fictional world designed as a campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy roleplaying game. Although not the first campaign world developed for ''Dungeons & Dragons''—Dave Arneson ...
since 585 CY. He is a Counselor to the Courts of Urnst and Chief Sorcerous Councilor (an office also known as "Chief Magical Councilor") to Duke Karll of the Duchy of Urnst
Greyhawk, also known as the World of Greyhawk, is a fictional world designed as a campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy roleplaying game. Although not the first campaign world developed for ''Dungeons & Dragons''—Dave Arneson ...
.
Warnes appears as a greatly refined gentleman of Suel ethnicity, though his complexion is tanned from spending much of his time outdoors. His beard is short and well-trimmed. He wears the ''Starcoat'', a magical coat as black as the night that glimmers with distant stars, and is rarely seen without his wide-brimmed, plumed hat. His patron deity is Zagyg
This is a list of deities from the Greyhawk campaign setting (Dungeons & Dragons), campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy role-playing game.
A
Al'Akbar
Al'Akbar is the Baklunish demigod of dignity, duty, faithfulness, and gua ...
.
Warnes was born in 534 CY in Leukish, capital of the Duchy of Urnst, to a merchant family of moderate influence and wealth. The third son of four, he was sent to the city of Seltaren when he came of age, to study magic at the Wizardholme of Urnst. Warnes proved to be quite talented, becoming a well-regarded generalist mage before the age of thirty. He was soon made a junior assistant to the Seer of Urnst, but left the position due to philosophical differences. Warnes' victory over the Weird of Gnatmarsh made him the most respected wizard in the region. Warnes helped retrieve the ''Crook of Rao
This is a list of deities from the Greyhawk campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy role-playing game.
A
Al'Akbar
Al'Akbar is the Baklunish demigod of dignity, duty, faithfulness, and guardianship. His symbol is a cup and eig ...
'' from the Isle of the Ape, thwarting the machinations of Iggwilv
Iggwilv is a fictional wizard from the ''Greyhawk'' campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' roleplaying game. She was created by Gary Gygax.
Iggwilv is characterized as a selfish, evil-aligned magic user with much power and a penchant fo ...
.
Warnes does not wish Agath of Thrunch to outshine him. He dislikes thieves. Alhamazad
This is a list of characters from the Greyhawk campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy role-playing game.
A
Acererak
Acererak was a powerful wizard who became a lich, and later a demilich.
Publication history
Acererak ...
dislikes him. Jallarzi Sallavarian was at one time his student. Bigby only grudgingly agreed to admit him into the Circle. Theodain Eriason
This is a list of characters from the Greyhawk campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy role-playing game.
A
Acererak
Acererak was a powerful wizard who became a lich, and later a demilich.
Publication history
Acererak ...
views him with suspicion, while Warnes in turn views Theodain as an unreliable firebrand whose methods are morally questionable at best.[Brown, Anne. '' Player's Guide'' (TSR, 1998).]
X
Xavener
Xavener, is ruler of the United Kingdom of Ahlissa
Greyhawk, also known as the World of Greyhawk, is a fictional world designed as a campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy roleplaying game. Although not the first campaign world developed for ''Dungeons & Dragons''—Dave Arneson ...
. Xavener is also head of the Royal House of Darmen. His ancestral lands are centered on Kalstrand.
Y
Yolande
Yolande is the grey elven queen
Queen or QUEEN may refer to:
Monarchy
* Queen regnant, a female monarch of a Kingdom
** List of queens regnant
* Queen consort, the wife of a reigning king
* Queen dowager, the widow of a king
* Queen mother, a queen dowager who is the mother ...
of the elven kingdom of Celene. Her honorifics include "Her Fey Majesty," the "Faerie Queen," the "Perfect Flower of Celene," and "Lady Rhalta of All Elvenkind". Yolande has white skin, lilac-colored eyes, and is breathtakingly beautiful. She was described by Gord the Rogue
Gord the Rogue is the protagonist in a series of fantasy novels and short stories written by Gary Gygax. Gygax originally wrote the novels and short stories to promote his ''World of Greyhawk'' campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' ro ...
in Gary Gygax's novel, ''Artifact of Evil,'' as being more beautiful than any woman he'd ever seen. Yolande is advised by her chief advisor and cousin, a noble elf named Onselven. Prince Brightflame, better known as Melf
Metal electrode leadless face (MELF) is a type of leadless cylindrical electronic surface mount device that is metallized at its ends. MELF devices are usually diodes and resistors.
The EN 140401-803 and JEDEC DO-213 standards describe mul ...
, is also a cousin. Yolande has taken several Royal Consorts during her reign, the first being Prince Triserron, whose death prompted the Hateful Wars. Her most recent consort is Prince Fasstal Dothmar, wielder of ''Concluder''. Yolande makes her home in Celene's capital of Enstad, where she resides in the Palace of the Faerie Queen. She is protected by the Knights of the Companion Guard.
Originally from the Celene settlement of Bellmeadow, Princess Yolande was already an accomplished fighter and wizard when she ascended the throne in 361 CY. Yolande was chosen by the princes of the realm to unite the nation against expansionist Keoland
Greyhawk, also known as the World of Greyhawk, is a fictional world designed as a campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy roleplaying game. Although not the first campaign world developed for ''Dungeons & Dragons''—Dave Arneson ...
. When the Keoish garrisons were expelled, Yolande organized Celene's defenses, whilst her consort, Prince Triserron, defeated the Keoish forces in several minor engagements.
Near the end of the 5th century CY, Triserron was ambushed and slain by orcs in a narrow pass in the Lortmils, just south of Courwood. The death of her beloved led Yolande to lead her nation and the Ulek States
Greyhawk, also known as the World of Greyhawk, is a fictional world designed as a campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy roleplaying game. Although not the first campaign world developed for ''Dungeons & Dragons''—Dave Arneson ...
in the Hateful Wars of 498-510 CY, clearing the Lortmils of every orc, goblin
A goblin is a small, grotesque, monstrous creature that appears in the folklore of multiple European cultures. First attested in stories from the Middle Ages, they are ascribed conflicting abilities, temperaments, and appearances depending on t ...
, and other evil humanoids. For her role in the hateful Wars, the Grand Court of Celene awarded Yolande the Mantle of the Blue Moon, naming her "Lady Rhalta of All Elvenkind".
Such honors have done little to soothe Yolande's grief, however, and though she has since taken a number of consorts to with whom to engage in the Faerie Mysteries, many believe she has never recovered from the loss of Triserron. Speculation holds that the Prince Consort's death is they key reason that Yolande has led Celene down an ever-increasing path of isolationism
Isolationism is a political philosophy advocating a national foreign policy that opposes involvement in the political affairs, and especially the wars, of other countries. Thus, isolationism fundamentally advocates neutrality and opposes entang ...
, a policy which not all people of Celene (notably the Knights of Luna) agree with.
Celene's isolationism had grown so strong by the 580's CY that Yolande failed to offer assistance to the Principality of Ulek
Greyhawk, also known as the World of Greyhawk, is a fictional world designed as a campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy roleplaying game. Although not the first campaign world developed for ''Dungeons & Dragons''—Dave Arneson ...
to turn back the orcish hordes of Turrosh Mak's Pomarj
Greyhawk, also known as the World of Greyhawk, is a fictional world designed as a campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy roleplaying game. Although not the first campaign world developed for ''Dungeons & Dragons''—Dave Arneson ...
during the Greyhawk Wars
Greyhawk, also known as the World of Greyhawk, is a fictional world designed as a campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy roleplaying game. Although not the first campaign world developed for ''Dungeons & Dragons''—Dave Arneson ...
of 582-584 CY. Though some speculate that Yolande may be controlled by evil forces or advisors, the truth is simply that the queen views elven lives as too valuable to waste in conflicts outside her realm.
Some time after the Greyhawk Wars, Yolande lost another Royal Consort, when her most recent one entered the mysterious Moonarch of Sehanine and never returned. Yolande's diviners have yet to determine his fate.Moore, Roger E
Roger E. Moore (born July 11, 1955, in Winchester, Kentucky) is a designer of role-playing games. He is best known for his long-running tenure as editor of ''Dragon'' magazine and was the founding editor of ''Dungeon'' magazine.
Early life
Moor ...
. '' Greyhawk: The Adventure Begins'' (TSR, 1998).Sargent, Carl
Carl Lynwood Sargent (11 December 1952 – 12 September 2018) was a British parapsychologist and author of several roleplaying game-based products and novels, who used the pen name Keith Martin to write ''Fighting Fantasy'' gamebooks.
Early life ...
. '' From the Ashes'' (TSR, 1992).
Z
Zagyg
References
{{DEFAULTSORT:Greyhawk Characters, List Of
*
*
Lists of fictional characters