“The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be
useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference
that you have lived and lived well.”
―
“Your purpose in life is to find your purpose and give
your whole heart and soul to it”
―
 |
| Mordenkainen's Citadel |
Balance? What the deuce is Balance?
If I might pontificate, I believe Gary Gygax conceived of
this notion from the Sword and Sorcery fantasy fiction he was reading at the
time he conceived of this, his game, Dungeons and Dragons: I speak of Michael
Moorcock’s Eternal Champion sagas. Moorcock’s Eternal Champion was often called
upon to restore or maintain the multiverse’s balance between the cosmic forces
of Law and Chaos. Should Law defeat Chaos the universe would become stagnant
(perhaps life itself might be erased as being too variable and fluid); should
Chaos reign supreme, nothing could be allowed to maintain its form, everything
consigned to oblivion to forever begin anew, or forever fixed at the point of infinite
possibility.
Indeed, D&D began with a much simpler notion of
alignment. In the beginning, there were only Lawful and Chaotic alignments,
whatever they might be (perhaps Good and Evil were originally only aspects of
Law and Chaos in Gygax’s mind). So, perhaps Gygax’s notion of Balance was
restricted to a Moorcockian philosophy.
One wonders.
Whatever Gygax’s original intent, his nine alignments
through a wrench into the works. Would anyone purposely champion Evil’s cause?
Or am I being altogether too Judeo-Christian in my moral compass? Perhaps.
Assuredly.
Then again, in a particularly polar world of AD&D
alignments, I can see how extraplanar beings would always appear extreme in
their beliefs, regardless their origin plane. Modrons would view anything not
perfectly punctual and symmetrical as imperfect and in need of immediate fixing
or improvement. Demons… well demons are self-explanatory (one surmises, anyway):
cruel, unpredictable, destructive of everything they might encounter; Devils
honour their deals, deals invariably stacked in their favour where they climb a
ladder to ultimate personal power, where everyone and everything bends to their
whims; true Chaotics would chafe at any restraint, whatsoever. But what of Solars
and Planars? Are they as we might imagine them, paragons of Law and Good? Or
would they be as insidious in the pursuit of purpose, insofar as to forcibly
alter or exterminate anything that does not live up to their standard, let it
infect the body as a whole? Heaven on Oerth would be Hell indeed were their
narrow view to overwhelm the Flanaess, wouldn’t it?
Perhaps that was Gygax’s meaning in Mordenkainen’s
pursuit of Balance.
Perhaps I ought to let Mordenkainen speak for himself….
551 CY
 |
| Mordenkainen |
Evil has its
champions in the courts of decadent Aerdy. So too does Good field its forces in
the form of the Knights of the Hart, or the all too meddling priests of St.
Cuthbert. Ever does one side strive against the ither, changing faces and
names, but never purposes. What has given me reason to fear of late, however,
is that there are too few to preserve the equilibrium of everything; to keep
one power from upsetting all. The world need not be, nor cannot be swallowed by
the Abyss or drawn into the Heavens. In so doing, its destruction is assured.
Oerth is Oerth, a place for all and any, and there are but few who can act to
assure it remains so. I resolve to be one of them.
– Excerpted
from the Codex of Mordenkainen, Sunsebb, 551 CY
[LGJ#0 – 4]
Whyever Mordenkainen conceived of such a purpose,
conceive of it he did. And he was conceited enough to believe that only he
could achieve his aims.
There is perhaps no individual
in all Oerik who sees himself as embodying the spirit of Balance as do you.
Your philosophies are one-sided on the matter, and many a worthy cause has gone
unanswered because of your neutral-minded convictions. Your view of balance is
no tit-for-tat equality but a highly detailed and extremely theoretical
philosophy. You will fight ardently for the forces of good, but could with
equal vigor work as a shadow player for malevolence. In all things, you prefer
to maneuver behind the scenes, subtly manipulating events to ensure that no
side gains the upper hand. [COR1 – 00 The Citadel PCs – 1]
 |
| Bigby |
[N]early thirty years ago, Mordenkainen debated with
his young apprentice, Bigby, the merits of taking an active hand in maintaining
the celestial balance of power. Thereafter, the two struck upon a plan to
gather a group of like-minded individuals that would act to hinder advances by
those who would dominate the Flanaess. That their expected exploits would
impart upon the mages no small amount of lost magical lore only served to
hasten the alliance. [LGJ#0 – 4,5]
He searched for
those who could aid him in the realisation of his ultimate goal.
Within months, Mordenkainen
had brought the renowned warrior Robilar to his cause, as well as the cleric
Riggby, and his zealous assistant, Yrag. From the shores of the Nyr Dyv,
Mordenkainen recruited the righteous Tenser, who in turn introduced the dim-witted
though well-meaning Serten to the assembly. [LGJ#0 – 5]
Mordenkainen, Magic-user,
AL N [Rogues Gallery 1e – 44 / WG5 Mordenkainen’s Fantastic Adventure
– 30]
Bigby,
Magic-user, AL N [Rogues 1e – 40 / WG5 – 31]
When you are
not sure what to think, you follow Mordenkainen’s lead, but if his opinion
differs from yours you are not afraid to tell him. He listens, and seems to
like that you are not just a shadow of himself. [COR1
– 00 – 5]
Robilar
,
Fighter, AL N (LE) [Rogues 1e – 46]
 |
| Robilar |
Mordenkainen approached] you a couple months back about joining an adventuring group he was
forming. He prattled on about Balance and working to prevent anyone from
getting the upper hand, but all that meant nothing. To you, the invitation
looks like a call to adventures that you cannot pass up. [COR1
– 00 – 3,4]
Riggby,
Cleric of Boccob, AL NG [Rogues 1e – 46 / WG5 – 32]
 |
| Riggby |
Serten,
Cleric of Saint Cuthbert, AL NG [Rogues 1e – 46]
He is, quite
simply, stupid but likeable. He likes to adventure, but is basically not bright
enough to be trusted on his own; therefore, he will always be found with a
group. [Rogues 1e – 46]
Tenser,
Magic-user, AL LG [Rogues 1e – 47]
Yrag,
Fighter, AL N (LN) [WG5 – 31 / COR1 – 00 – 10]
You are
strong enough and big enough to wade into foes when necessary, but that kind of
fighting leaves little room for backup plans and other options. [COR1
– 00 – 10,11]
 |
| Merlynd the Mage |
Murlynd is a
magic-user of no small ability, and has alchemical skills and certain
technological items that, in general, only he can employ. [EX2 – 8]
They called themselves the Citadel of Eight, taking the
name from Mordenkainens renowned Obsidian Citadel, in the Yatil Mountains. [LGJ#0 – 5]
550s
CY
In the years that followed, their
adventures focused on Greyhawk and the Selintan valley, and the crags of the
Cairn Hills and depths of the Suss Forest were opened to their prying vision.
[LGJ#0 – 5]
The Citadel
of Eight is a serious force in the events of the WORLD OF GREYHAWK™ [.] [WG5
– 2]
Few, if any, took a tally of what the
Citadel actually did, however.
Mordenkainen's
view of "enforced neutrality" is not tit-for-tat equality, but rather
a detailed theoretical philosophy derived from decades of arcane research.
[LGG – 16]
Those they aided
only saw what they wished, that these adventurers, these “heroes,” smote
monsters, battled bandits, and found “lost” artifacts that always appeared to
aid the forces of weal. They took no note what this mysterious Citadel did
beyond the horizon.
It did appear, however, that this Citadel
frequently did combat the forces of darkness. And that doing so took its toll
on its membership.
[T]he Citadel of Eight, was a known opponent of
darkness in its many guises. Its members stood, and fell, protecting the
balance and defending Oerth from the influence of malign beings and, rarely,
benevolent interlopers, as well. [LGJ#0
– 4]
560 CY
 |
| Terik |
Over the years, the Citadel played home to such
luminaries as Prince Melf Brightflame, of the Olvenfolk, the half-orc Quij,
Felnorith, Robilar's brother Terik, and even, at one point, the Quasi-Deity
Murlynd, in disguise. [LGJ#0 – 5]
Some died. And
were replaced.
Finally, the young woodsman, Otis, rounded out the
group. [LGJ#0 – 5]
Otis, Ranger, AL NG [T1-4 Temple of Elemental Evil – 32
/ COR1 – 00 – 12]
A year or two ago, a wizard named Mordenkainen and his
apprentice Bigby helped you defeat a band of trolls near Hommlet, and you
remember them as good allies. When Mordenkainen asked you to join his
adventuring group, you agreed. It will be a chance to practice working with a
team. [COR1 – 00 – 11]
Members of the
Citadel investigated what they thought required their attention.
Events of WG5 Mordenkainen’s Fantastic Adventure
 |
| Yrag, Mordenkainen, Bigby, and Riggby |
Maure Castle has long been a “quiet instigator” of
wonderment, adventure, and mysterious happenings in the Flanaess. The castle is
located south and east of the Free City of Greyhawk [.]
Legends tell little about the history of Maure Castle
or of its reportedly strange inhabitants. What little is known is told by sages
and adventurers to all those who would listen. Rumors about Maure Castle are
always rife in the cities of Greyhawk and Hardby, although with so many in
circulation it is often hard to tell which of them are true. [WG5 – 3]
Not all were
invited on every expedition.
Mordenkainen the Mage and his boon companions, Yrag,
Riggby, and Bigby […] have been tempted to explore Maure Castle because of the
widespread rumors concerning the “unopenable” doors. Preferring not to attract
attention, they have traveled from their abode, the Citadel of Eight, upon
Mordenkainen’s carpet of flying. [WG5 – 4]
 |
| Eli Tomorast |
This book was written by several evil magi, whose time
of existence upon Oerth is not recorded, save that they dwelt near the Valley
of the Mage. The Tome was lost during those years when the Mage of the Valley
brought down a great ruin upon these evil ones. The Tome slipped from
the ways of dread for a time, only to be located by [wizard, artifcer, and
madman Eli] Tomorast in a curio shop in the City of Greyhawk! The
legends do not tell how it came to be there, but it was truly lucky for
Tomorast that he found it, for it contained what he had always sought: power
and arcane knowledge to procure still more power. He has read extensively from
this book, although he is forced to offer a sacrifice to Kerzit every time he
peruses its worm-eaten pages.
Through the use of the Tome and his own baleful
spells, Tomorast has created and brought to life many of the objects that
reside on the dungeon levels beneath Maure Castle. His greatest artificing was
performed, using the knowledge imparted by the Tome, in the creation of the
iron golem […]. Through the use of the Tome, he has summoned many evil and
knowledgeable spirits to guide him in acquiring knowledge of the Outer Planes
of Existence, and how to traverse this realm while remaining in his physical body.
Tomorast has yet to use all of the Tome’s powers and secrets, for his servants
have of late become suspicious of him and his so-called “service” to the elder
gods. Thus, Tomorast has had to stop sacrificing his followers, and now resorts
to using hired assassins to find offerings for Kerit. [WG5 – 25,26]
They defeated him, of course.
One might consider it a “good” thing that they retrieved
the tome from mad Tomorast.
560s CY
 |
| Yrag |
In the years of their
companionship, both Robilar and Yrag were ennobled by Greyhawk, and Riggby was
promoted speedily within the church of Boccob in Verbobonc. Tenser, Bigby, and
Mordenkainen likewise advanced in their own wizardly ways, gaining arcane knowledge
and power. [LGJ#0 – 5]
Personal interest and ambition could only
end in the eventual dissolution of the core membership of the Citadel.
569 CY
 |
| Otis |
But their Fellowship was not to last. Some of them were
not as dedicated to their cause as others – if they ever were.
For a group that so decisively defeated its enemies,
there remained several problems. Robilar never quite bought into Mordenkainen’s
philosophy, and he and Tenser often bickered over matters of morality. Serten,
though seen as useful, was never truly respected and Otis, tired of underground
excursions and forays into urban territories, left the group, decrying his
friends as cave-delvers and treasure seekers blind to the real problems of the
world. [LGJ#0 – 5]
Alas, the
Citadel was to have dissolved at just the time the Flanaess needed their
vigilance the most.
 |
| Serten |
Nearly a decade after the Citadel's formation, Otis'
critical words took on the air of prophecy. In 569 CY, when the first arrow
flew at Emridy Meadows, the Citadel was noticeably absent. Whether
investigating magical secrets far to the west or unearthing lost passages in
Urnst's Maure Castle, these self-absorbed celebrities were too preoccupied to
influence one of the century's most critical battles. All were absent save
Serten, who fought valiantly at the side of Prince Thrommel against the hordes
of Elemental Evil. When Serten fell, none of his friends stood at his side.
Though most attended his ostentatious funeral service in Verbobonc, a crucial
rift had been torn in the organization. The Citadel was crumbling. [LGJ#0 – 5]
A great battle was fought to the east, and when
villagers saw streams of ochre-robed men and humanoids fleeing south and west
through their community, there was great rejoicing, for they knew that the
murderous oppressors had been defeated and driven from the field in panic and
rout. [T1 Village of Hommlet – 2]
One wonders if Serten’s death was the final nail in what
remained of Mordenkainen’s Citadel of Eight.
 |
| Tenser |
Yrag left the Citadel of Eight several years ago […],
following a falling-out with Mordenkainen over long-term strategic policy.
[TAB – 114]
Even the loyal Bigby left the side of his one-time
master and returned to Oldridge, where he adventured for a time with a band of
boyhood friends. [LGJ#0 – 5]
What did
Mordenkainen think about his fellowship failing?
Mordenkainen, the man who had brought the Citadel
together, simply shrugged and returned, with cold eyes, to his studies. [LGJ#0 – 5]
One wonders if
he was pleased to be rid of it. It had not achieved his aims. In fact, truth be
told, he began to believe that its membership had never been up to the task, in
the first place. What did fighter know about the multiverse? They were but
pawns to thrown into battle. And clerics could never be truly committed to any
cause not their deity’s. Deities were too dim to see beyond their own limited
spheres to see the true danger lurking in the shadows. Only magi could hope to
understand the scope of the multiverse and plight it faced, he understood now.
The Citadel's primary failure, he surmised, had been
its inclusive philosophy. As its founding concept had been arcane, he had been
foolish to assume that men like Robilar or Riggby would rally to his cause
without subtly working against it for reasons personal, spiritual or political. [LGJ#0 – 6]
570 CY
Mordenkainen had
indeed thought long and hard about what danger lurked in the shadows.
One wonders if
the immensity of that threat threatened his very sanity.
In examining
the brittle pages of the Tome of the Black Heart, I have lost the innocence
that accompanies ignorance. The threat to Oerth is worse than I have ever, ever
imagined. Evil long thought bound out of mind awaits patiently at the borders
of the multiverse, reaching out to us still. I write of the Dark One, of
course. The Biophage. He whom the ancient texts call Tharizdun. His return is
as certain today as it was when all acted in opposition to his sendings and the
chaos and destruction they engendered before the Age of Glory. His is the power
of evil united, a force to which it seems there can be no equal.
I had
thought, in my optimistic way, that I could change the nature of Oerth’s
struggle from without. My pawns worked against both sides, making small gains
and checking the onward march of larger, more significant pieces. The error was
in the approach. To truly block the return of He who would devour all that is, it
has become necessary to introduce a new player, one who can act from the side
of darkness itself to consume it from within.
With the gift
of a single sword, an inevitable series of events has been initiated. There can
be no atonement for the action I have now taken. I pray to the Archimage that I
have seen true.
– Excerpted
from the Codex of Mordenkainen, Coldeven, 570 CY
[LGJ#0 – 5]
 |
| The Ebon Flame |
Perhaps the
sword was The Ebon Flame.
This longsword +2, 4 vs. lawful good alignment, is
evil, usable by all evil alignments. It is not intelligent, although it can
communicate through empathy. It has no ego at all. The sword’s face and edge
have many small black fickering flames upon it, though these do not radiate
warmth. When used in combat, the sword bursts forth in black flame, which runs
from pommel to tip but does not affect the wielder in any way. […]
Each Sword of the Ebon Flame comes complete with a
curse [.] […]
It is thought that several varieties of these swords
were made by some great artificer for all alignments. If researched […], the
history surrounding their placement in the Flanaess will be scarce and
unreliable, indicating instead that the swords might be more likely found in
the outer realms. [WG5 – 25]
One speculates….
Regardless what
threats might come from above, there were still threats aplenty upon the Oerth,
too.
 |
| Mordenkainen |
Who then could
serve his purpose?
Not Tenser. He
was too dedicated to the cause of Good, these days.
Bigby,
certainly, could be convinced to return, Mordenkainen believed.
Surely there
were others not too dim to serve his purpose. Those he could guide – and
perhaps manipulate…. He would think on it.
Men of intellect and sorcerous skill, whose primary
interests were more than material, would replace [the Citadel]. Thus was born
the Circle of Eight. [LGJ#0 – 6]
From the Citadel’s failure was born a group of eight
powerful individuals formed by Mordenkainen known as the Citadel of Eight, said
to be headquartered in the Yatil Mountains at Mordenkainen’s retreat. [TAB
– 60]
One would hope that they were more successful than their
predecessors.
“He who has a why to live for can bear almost any
how.”
―
One must always give credit where credit is
due. This History is made possible primarily by the Imaginings of Gary Gygax
and his Old Guard, Lenard Lakofka among them, and the new old guards, Carl
Sargant, James Ward, Roger E. Moore. And Erik Mona, Gary Holian, Sean Reynolds,
Frederick Weining. The list is interminable.
Special thanks to Jason Zavoda for his
compiled index, “Greyhawkania,” an invaluable research tool.
The Art:
Mordenkainen detail, by McLean Kendree, from Mordenkainen's Tome of Marvelous Magic II, 2020
Mordenkainen detail, by Dan Burr, from Dragon 185, 1992
Bigby, by Jeff Easley, from WG5 Mordenkainen's Fantastic Adventure, 1985
Robilar, by Kristoph Nolen, from Oerth Journal#29, 2019
Riggby, by Jeff Easley, from WG5 Mordenkainen's Fantastic Adventure, 1985
Murlynd, by Mike Bridges, from the Castle Greyhawk blog/graphic novel, 2015
Terik, by Mike Bridges, from the Castle Greyhawk blog/graphic novel, 2015
Flying Carpet, by Jeff Easley, from WG5 Mordenkainen's Fantastic Adventure, 1985
Eli Tomorast, by Wayne Reynolds, from Dungeon #112, 2004
Yrag, by Jeff Easley, from WG5 Mordenkainen's Fantastic Adventure, 1985
Serten, from Finger of the Wind, 2000
Tenser detail, by Ted Naifeh, from Return of the Eight, 1998
Mordenkainen, by Jeff Easley, from WG5 Mordenkainen's Fantastic Adventure, 1985
Sources:
1015 World of Greyhawk Boxed
Set, 1983
9025 World of Greyhawk
Folio, 1980
9026 T1 The Village of
Hommlet, 1979,1981
9031 The Rogues Gallery 1e,
1980
9073 EX2 The Land Beyond the
Magic Mirror, 1983
9112 WG5 Mordenkainen’s
Fantastic Adventure, 1984
9147 T1-4 The Temple of
Elemental Evil, 1985
9577 The Adventure Begins,
1998
11743 Living Greyhawk
Gazetteer, 2000
LGJ #0
COR1 – 00 The Citadel PCs
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