“Books let us into their souls and lay open to us the
secrets of our own."
― William Hazlitt, The Sick Chamber (The New Monthly Magazine, August
1830)
 |
| MORDENKAINEN THE MAGE |
Questions arise.
Why did the
Citadel of Eight wither? And why did Mordenkainen shrug off the dissolution of his
Citadel of Eight?
Why was
Mordenkainen not at the Battle of Emridy Meadows? And what involvement did
Mordenkainen have, if any, in Robilar’s freeing of Zuggtmoy from the dark
depths of the Temple of Elemental Evil?
So many
questions.
One wonders if
his having gained possession of the Tome of the Black Heart
from Maure Castle might not be at the root of what would come to pass.
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. [WG5 Mordenkainen’s
Fantastic Adventure – 25]
Once he had, Mordenkainen became more spider than man,
weaving his shadowy web, gathering intelligence via his strands, pulling
strings, manipulating both friend and foe with a purpose only he himself
understood.
Mordenkainen is an impressive personage and he knows
it. While not vain or petty, he is not above using his reputation to awe others
into obedience. [WGA4 Vecna
Lives! – 17]
So, one has to ask: What was written in that book? And
did reading that dark tome indeed change him?
We do know that [t]he Tome of the Black Heart is
written in magical script of the chaotic evil alignment tongue, and is
comprised of many and varied powers and summonings [WG5 – 26], and that it
contained […]: power and arcane knowledge to procure still more power. [WG5
– 26]
One imagines ways to call forth Elder Evils, and perhaps
even a certain Elder Elemental Eye. Why else might mad Tomorast, who has
been many places, including a long-past visit to the Forgotten Temple of
Tharizdun […] some years back, where he was instructed by priests concerning
the ways of hidden knowledge as taught by the once-powerful Tharizdun [WG5
– 16] have sought to use it?
Why indeed?
Recently, [Tomorast] sought to return to a place he
chanced upon in the past, a place named in a forgotten rhyme as “The Lost City
of the Elders.” [WG5 – 16]
Might not Mordenkainen sacrifice all to prevent that from
happening?
570 CY
Mordenkainen would appear to have had a great many wheels
in motion, unbeknownst to his fellows. The most ambitious concerned imprisoned
Iuz.
 |
| Iuz the Evil |
Iuz remained imprisoned just as Zagig had left him
sixty-five years prior. [EttRoG – 4]
Iuz was imprisoned beneath Castle Greyhawk by an
alliance of adventurers (including the Mad Archmage Zagig), possibly with the
assistance of an avatar of St. Cuthbert. [PGtG – 24]
But Mordenkainen knew that the archmage’s prison would
not last forever. If Mordenkainen could find the deity trap, so could someone
else. Only a final solution would suffice, and a final solution required the
enlistment of Lord Robilar.
 |
| Lord Robilar |
The gregarious fighter lord thrilled at the audacity
of Mordenkainen’s suggestion. The fearless swordsman chased adventure with the
enthusiasm of an addict, often venturing into Castle Greyhawk on highly
dangerous solo missions, facing every challenge with a wide grin and a clever
rejoinder. In the company of his orc henchman Quij and
the cleric Riggby, Robilar confidently set into motion Mordenkainen’s grand
plan to save the future of the Flanaess. [EttRoG – 4]
Then
everything started to go wrong.
It’s not that Mordenkainen, however manipulative he might
have become, did not endeavour to secure Robilar’s every success in this
undertaking. He did. He gifted Robilar with such magic as to guarantee that
very success.
Blade of Black Ice: This keen +5 icy […]
sword is said to have been forged by Iuz, and was gifted to Robilar by
Mordenkainen shortly before Robilar’s disastrous last foray into Castle
Greyhawk. Tenser, who was present at the time, claims that the blade had been
enchanted with special dispelling magics that aided Robilar in his release of
the Old One from his magical prison beneath that great edifice. [Epic Level
Handbook – 307]
Robilar […] secretly carried a pair of highly unusual
dispelling magics about himself on that fateful day [.] [WGR5 Iuz the
Evil – 5]
Regardless Mordenkainen’s preparations, events unfolded
as few could have expected.
 |
| Quij |
Tenser had learned of
Robilar's plan, feared that Riggby was being duped, and came post haste to
prevent their action. [WGR5 – 5]
Robilar, who was 10th level at the time,
entered the containment room, and viewed the nine imprisoned creatures [:] Iuz,
Ralishaz, Trithereon, Erythnul, Olidammara, Heironeous, Celestian, Hextor, and
Obad-Hai [.] [OJ#7 – 42]
Robilar’s memory is in error, however, as Wastri was
among them.
The Brotherhood gained another foe when a group of
adventurers released Iuz, Watri and seven other demigods in 6085 SD. [SB –
5]
 |
| Riggby |
Just as Robilar dispelled the barriers keeping Iuz at
bay so that he might be slain, the wizard Tenser appeared with Bigby and the
warrior Neb Retnar at his back. The trio had come to stop the dangerous gambit,
but arrived too late. [EttRoG – 4]
The archmages Bigby and Tenser arrived, intending to
kill him, but during Iuz's incarceration the half-demon had transformed, and he
emerged a demigod [.] [PGtG – 24]
Tenser and his cohort began battling the freed, enraged demigod. Riggby at once aided the assault. [WGR5 – 5]
Robilar and Quij considered
flight and felt their chances would be best if they made odds of four against
one into six against one. [WGR5 – 5]
Several
members of the Circle of Eight attempted to prevent Iuz’s escape but were
unsuccessful. [TAB – 61]
 |
| Iuz Enraged |
He left
behind him a backwash of chaotic evil magic which altered the alignment of
Retnar, left Riggby catatonic for days, and caved in a large part of Castle
Greyhawk's deepest dungeon complexes. [WGR5 – 5]
That magical
warp freed the additional gods and caved in many of Castle Greyhawk’s deepest
dungeon complexes. [EttRoG – 4]
[T]he other
eight "demi-gods" were "accidentally" released, as loosing
one seemed to have a domino effect. As the nine "demi-gods" turned
their attentions toward destroying each other [.] [OJ#7 – 42]
Robilar
executed a tactical withdrawal (i.e. he ran for his life) to lick his wounds.
[OJ#7 – 42]
Iuz returned to his lands more powerful
and wicked than ever before, with an unholy priesthood leading his forces in
his unholy name. [LGG – 15]
After it was
all over, safe on the skull-adorned battlements of his grisly palace, Iuz swore
vengeance upon the adventurers who had attempted to kill him, dedicating a
portion of his eternal rage to plotting their destruction. [EttRG – 4]
Iuz's most
burning desire is to have revenge on those who freed and tried to slay him.
[WGR5 – 5]
He dreams of
destroying the Free City of Greyhawk and those who nearly killed him when he
was released. [PGtG – 24]
Since that
fateful brush with extinction, Iuz has schemed to destroy those six [Bigby,
Quij, Rary, Riggby, Robilar, and Tenser]. [WGR5 – 5]
Robilar would
have to worry about that later. If he ever has. I suspect it is never far from
him mind, though, regardless his outward bravado to all danger.
Whatever his future peril, if Robilar’s reputation had
not already been ruined in the aftermath of the Temple fiasco, it was sundered
for all time then! In that very instant!
Did Mordenkainen come to his rescue? He did not. In fact,
Mordenkainen severed all communication with his closest friend the instant
Robilar’s involvement and failure became known.
Friendless now, Robilar realised that he had to get out
of Greyhawk.
After Lord Robilar was exiled from the City of
Greyhawk and the sacking of his lordly lands the two split and despite an
attempt to remain aloof from the consequences of his actions, Mordenkainen was
left bearing the responsibility of his actions. [OJ#25 – 15]
[Yes, Robilar’s realm had already been sacked; so, I
imagine this means that the forces of Good scoured his lands and castle
searching for him, setting what remained to flame in their anger.]
Not that anyone other than Mordenkainen was aware of
Mordenkainen’s involvement. He kept that
to himself and chalked the failure up as a learning experience.
 |
| Into the Drachensgrab Mountains |
In 570, with Robilar's part in the release of luz
revealed, Mordenkainen sought to keep tabs on the noble's activities. Since
Lord Robilar was said to have the ability to discover magical scryes placed
upon him, it was necessary to plant a spy within his sizable host. [LGJ#0 –
10]
That spy was Robilar’s supposedly fanatically faithful
henchman, Otto.
Where did
Robilar run to? Time would tell.
Sometime over one year ago,
Robilar escaped and is now somewhere in the Pomarj region [.] [Dragon
#37 – 11]
Robilar made his way […] to the Drachensgrab Mountains
and is believed to have joined his forces located there. [OJ#7 – 43]
What might have
remained of Mordenkainen’s Citadel of Eight now lay in total ruins. I suspect
he did not care. It had run its course, he reasoned. It had failed and it was
high time he began again, learning from past mistakes.
The chaos surrounding the return to power of the
demigod, luz, in CY 570 prompted Mordenkainen to consider a new paradigm.
Though the Old One worked to check the growing power of the Horned Society, and
kept Furyondy's eyes on its northern borders, Mordenkainen knew well that the situation
would not last. The dissolution of the Citadel left Mordenkainen without a tool
to shape events as he would and though he hardly admitted it to himself, he
longed return to a life of adventure. 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. Men of intellect and sorcerous skill, whose primary
interests were more than material, would replace them. Thus was born the Circle
of Eight. [LGJ#0 – 6]
So Mordenkainen believed, anyway. One imagines that
martial, clerical, and even roguish wisdom would surely have aided his cause,
and lent insights and guidance where each vocation excelled. But no! He was
convinced that only arcane philosophy would pave the way to success.
Why? Did he gain some prophetic [insight] of the dark
times revealed in the Tome of the Black Heart, discovered so very long ago
beneath Maure Castle. [LGJ#0 – 9]
One wonders.
But
Mordenkainen’s mind was made. Only he could chart this Circle’s course, he
believed, only he could navigate the dark and dangerous path ahead that only he
surveyed.
Despite an attempt to remain aloof from the
consequences of his actions, Mordenkainen feels greatly responsible, and he
resurrected the Citadel, after a fashion, in the form of the Circle of Eight,
an association of master wizards with himself as shadow leader. [EttRoG –
9]
In the mid-500s, a Wild Coast wizard named
Mordenkainen quietly began to confer with several sorcerers in the Greyhawk
area about the possibility of forming a group dedicated to the preservation of
the Flanaess from external threats. This group became known as the Circle of
Eight, an outgrowth of an earlier 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]
Did he reveal his true purpose to those he recruited? Decidedly
not! They may not have understood. Indeed, they surely could not! They had no
clue what he knew!
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 – 156]
He has fought ardently for the forces of good […], but
just as often he has been known to work as a shadow player for malevolence.
[LGJ#0 – 9]
What
Mordenkainen told them was that he had formed the Circle of Eight as
a tool to manipulate political factions of the Flanaess, preserving the
delicate balance of power in hopes of maintaining stability and sanity in the
region. [LGG – 156]
One wonders what
moral compass charts a course of manipulation and not guidance; but we, like
those he would gather to his newest fellowship, are not privy to what he had
gleaned from the dark esoteric knowledge he had thus far unearthed.
Mordenkainen is 61 years old.
571 CY
Speaking of
manipulation, no sooner had Robilar settled in the Pomarj, Otto betrayed him.
So it was that Otto worked his way into Robilar's
organization, and onto the path of events that would see him as a founding
member of the Circle of Eight. [LGJ#0 – 10]
Robilar’s location betrayed, Otto returned to his true
master, Mordenkainen.
Why? Because
Mordenkainen instructed him to return.
Mordenkainen invited some of the most prominent magi
in the Flanaess to join him. [LGJ#0
– 5]
 |
| Reydrich |
Some 15 years ago [Reydrich of South Province] pleaded
with Mordenkainen to become a member of the Circle of Eight. The rejection did
not overly surprise him, but the manner of it did; Mordenkainen let it be known
that one who relied so much on compulsion and servitude was no true mage, for
such acts are a substitute for true magical prowess and understanding. Reydrich
took the insult badly indeed, and if given any way of stymieing the Circle, he
would certainly do so. [Ivid –
136]
That is quite a
condemnation from one who considered manipulation a tool of his trade, but who
am I to judge. It is no wonder then that Reydrich has an especial
hatred of the Circle of [Eight] and Mordenkainen. [Ivid – 136] [Text says “Circle of Five,” but Ivid (set in 585)
clearly places this event at the creation of the Circle.]
 |
| Bucknard |
We’ve been
introduced to Bigby and Otto, but what might the others been chosen?
Bucknard was fairly young when […] he was rumored to
have become an archmage and was well-known in royal courts from Keoland to
Nyrond. [PGtG – 23]
 |
| Drawmij |
Nystul was born in Tenh […] to a family of
well-connected nobles in Nevond Nevnend [.] [LGJ#0 – 10]
 |
| Nystul |
[K]nown to have joined the Circle [was] the ancient
mage Leomund, an immigrant from the east [.] [TAB – 60]
Mordenkainen must have chosen well, because:
The Circle in those early days worked to check the
power of influential beings in Eastern Oerik. When they could not directly
intervene, they sponsored groups of adventurers, as in the sacking of Iggwilv's
former haunt at the Tsojcanth Caverns in the mid-570's. [LGJ#0 – 5]
Whether or not those agents always knew who set them
upon their quests is a matter of some debate. Privately, members of the Circle
explored fantastic corners of Oerth, including the strange and foreboding City
of the Gods, near Blackmoor, further depths of Castle Greyhawk, and even the
manifold layers of the infernal Abyss. More importantly, through their own
adventurers and the exploits of those related to them, the Circle began to
formulate what soon would become one of the most impressive networks of informers
and agents the Flanaess has ever known. [LGJ#0 – 6]
[I]f [adventurers] keep their wits about them and show
the proper respect, Mordenkainen treats them as helpful allies – but not
equals. [WGA4 – 17]
I expect that those who laid down their lives,
unknowingly on the Circle’s behalf, took heart in their afterlife, only then
aware for who and for what they sacrificed all for.
Apparently, a
great many of those expeditions were into the dark and variable Castle
Greyhawk.
A major consequence of this group’s use of adventurers
to investigate a certain area or perform a given task was a sudden boom in the
exploration of the ancient cairns in the hills around Greyhawk, with the
discovery of several new burial sites in the Abbor-Alz that were named the Star
Cairns. Greyhawk Castle was again the scene of determined exploration by
seekers of treasure and magic, and the City of Greyhawk saw a flood of would-be
heroes fill its streets and taverns, spending wildly before they departed on
their expeditions and returning (if they came back at all) with strange tales
and bizarre artifacts that drew even greater crowds. [TAB – 61]
I expect they did not discover what Mordenkainen sought.
But they did discover an unending sourch of fame and fortune.
Mordenkainen is 62 years old.
c. 572 CY
 |
| Bigby |
[W]hen [Mordenkainen] opted to explore the West, Bigby
remained behind to uphold and protect their territorial rights. [Dragon #37 – 1]
Mordenkainen had
his reason for travelling into the far West.
Mordenkainen met Alhamazad almost 20 years ago, when a
crisis in Zeif drew the Archmage of Greyhawk to the assistance of the old mage.
The affair ended with the departure of Alhamazad's traitorous apprentice,
Kermin Mind-Bender. [LGJ#0 – 7]
Mordenkainen and Alhamazad have been fast allies ever
since. [LGJ#0 – 7]
[Mordenkainen has] a virtual army of enemies, not a
few of whom once considered him a good friend. Among these last can be counted […]
Kermin Mind-Bender, [who has] hated Mordenkainen from their first meeting. [LGJ#0
– 9]
Had Kermin already thrown his lot in with Iuz, or did he
flee to the Old One afterward? I presume before. Why else would Mordenkainen
have travelled west?
Whenever that may be, Kermin would become one of Iuz's
Boneheart wizards [.] [WGR5 – 4,86]
If this were the reason, Mordenkainen travelled west to
put an end to Iuz’s influence there. That he should have also gained the
friendship of the most powerful wizard there was happy happenstance.
Alhamazad is an ally of Mordekainen and knows Bigby,
but is unfamiliar with the rest of the Circle. [Rot8 – 62]
574 CY
 |
| Tenser |
Sought did not
equate with acceptance at this time, however.
He was denied, then. Mordenkainen had his eight; and it
would seem that, at least in Mordenkainen’s view, eight was, and would forever
be, the optimal number of all his fellowships.
Mordenkainen is 65 years old.
575 CY
One would think
that Mordenkainen’s citadel would be his sanctuary from all he strove against
in the outside world. But his haven tended to wax wild during his long
absences, regardless the vigilance of his Red Rampart guard.
No sooner would
he return than he would have to tame his untameable demesnes again.
There is also a 10% chance, at any time, that
Mordenkainen has 1d4 cloud giant guests (all of NG alignment) [patrolling the
passes leading to the Obsidian Citadel]. These giants offer assistance, should
it be needed, in remembrance of Mordenkainen’s help in destroying a flight of
evil dragons which were wreaking havoc on them in 575 CY. One of these giants
will be an exceptional shaman, with the abilities of a 9th level
priest. [CoG:FFF – 21,22]
576 CY
 |
| Leomund |
Leomund, an immigrant from the east […] retired from
the Circle in 576 CY and has been little seen since. [TAB – 60]
Why did Leomund
leave? I imagine that the Circle’s focus had little interest in his beloved
Lendore Isles and that returning there best suited his own aim to keep it safe
from outside influences.
Who to replace
him, though? Mordenkainen did not consider Tenser suitable as Leomund’s
replacement; probably for the same reason he did not consider Kieran Jalucian
acceptable either.
Kieran
[Jalucian] was considered unacceptable to join the Circle by virtue of
alignment [.] [CoG:FFF – 27]
Besides, Kieran
was headstrong and not easily swayed. Mordenkainen had need of someone pliable,
someone easily maneuvered. [CoG:FFF – 25]
 |
| Otiluke |
The addition of
Otiluke might be considered quite a coup.
Otiluke’s
position in Greyhawk is of major importance. As President of the Society of
Magi, he is one of the ruling Oligarchs. [CoG:FFF – 25]
The Society
of Magi is a politically active body of local wizards. Members are required to
be full citizens and long-term residents (five-year minimum) of the Domain of
Greyhawk, and must be members in good standing of the Guild of Wizardry. […] Many great wizards cannot join this pup -
Mordenkainen is a prime example, since he lives in the Yatils. [TAB – 7]
The society
is primarily concerned with the political situation of the Flanaess as it
effects the security and well-being of the City of Greyhawk. [TAB – 7]
With Otiluke under his thumb, one imagines
the Society of Magi might be easily maneuvered unto the cause, too.
[W]ith the addition of the mage Otiluke, the Circle
solidified its reputation as a political power in the Central Flanaess. [LGJ#0 – 5]
One might
imagine that Mordenkainen’s web was complete. His Circle was well placed, each
with his sphere of “influence,” each with his network of informants and spies,
each funnelling information to the core, to himself.
Bigby: Onnwal and Idee (and South Province)
AL N [CoG:FFF – 22]
He is quiet and soft-spoken, and appears anxious and
nervous. […] Bigby’s main influence within the Circle of Eight is to slow down
their plans—but they end up all the better for it. [CoG:FFF – 22]
Buknard: Perrenland and Bissel [Dragon #131,134]
AL N (NG) [Conjecture, he being affable – LGJ#0 – 5]
Drawmij: Keoland, Celene, and Ulek
AL N [CoG:FFF – 23]
Drawmij is known to have friends among the minstrels
and bards at the court of Yolande of Celene. How Drawmij the recluse befriended
such garrulous and roguish (for the most part) folk is something which not even
Mordenkainen knows. [CoG:FFF – 24]
Nystul: Tenh and the Rovers of the Barrens
AL N [CoG:FFF – 24]
 |
| Otto |
Otiluke: The Free City of Greyhawk
AL N [CoG:FFF – 25]
Otiluke has been a member of the Circle of Eight for
only some five years, and some within the Circle were unsure of the value of
this impulsive, aggressive wizard. [CoG:FFF
– 25]
Otto: Almor and Nyrond (and North Province and
beyond)
AL N (NG) [CoG:FFF
– 23]
He spends most of his time in Almor, where he learns
much of what is happening in the Great Kingdom and the troubled lands of the
Bone March and Ratik, information carefully studied by the Circle of Eight.
[CoG:FFF – 23]
 |
| Rary of Ket |
Rary: Ket and the west
AL N [CoG:FFF – 25]
Rary has major sage abilities, and he still devours
knowledge and learning. He is ever eager to find and buy, or trade for, books
and other items which convey knowledge of the history of the peoples of Oerth.
He is quiet, dignified, and a skilled mediator and peacemaker. [CoG:FFF – 25]
Tenser: The Plains of Greyhawk, the Nyr Dyv (and
the Urnst States)
AL LG (N) [CoG:FFF – 22]
The latter was already a semi-resident of the Domain
of Greyhawk, as he had taken control of an ancient castle on the southern shore
of the Nyr Dyv near the city. [TAB – 60]
 |
| Tenser |
With such worthy
associates at his disposal, little would pass Mordenkainen’s notice.
Many might
suspect their membership. But few actually did.
A few of the members of the Circle of Eight have been
publicly named, such as Bigby and Tenser. [TAB – 60]
But what of his
self? Where did he espy? Everywhere, through his association of
master wizards with himself as shadow leader. [EttRoG – 9] But, if there
were a patch of land to which he had special interest, it might be the Empire
of Iuz, considering his obsession with the Old One. He, himself, he surmised,
might be the only wizard capable of standing fast against the His Most Wicked
Presence.
 |
| Mordenkainen |
Class MU
LEVEL: 16
Human Male
AL N
Strength: 10 Intelligence: 18 Wisdom: 12 Dexterity: 17
Constitution: 17 Charisma: 18
A great and powerful mage. Mordenkainen spends much of
his lime pondering over new bits of magical research. When he does travel it is
usually with the company of his high-level henchmen. On those occasions when he
must venture alone, he will disguise himself as on old, poor merchant. In this
manner he hopes to avoid attention while still obtaining his goal (usually some
rare item for his work).
Mordenkainen should not, however, be mistaken lor some
weak and withered magic-user, preferring to mind his own business. He is an
active and aggressive person, not failing to attempt bold, sweeping plans when
the situation demands. He has skill in diplomacy, leadership, politics, and
some knowledge of religion. He is thorough in his plans and will utilize
whatever resources are necessary. He Is stubborn and his decisions are often
harsh. For all this, he is a clever and useful ally.
Mordenkainen has collected the following magic items:
bracers of defence, AC 4, a bag of holding, an efreeti bottle, a wand of fear,
a wand of cold, a crystal ball with ESP, + 1 dagger, and 3 pearls of power (1st
through 3rd levels). He will also have many scrolls and potions that
he has made.
[Rogue Gallery –
44]
It is without
doubt that Mordenkainen, though not yet an archmage, had by now become a master
of his Art. And though famous in certain circles, he had also by now become
widely known, for better or worse, by those who wielded (for better or worse)
true political power.
Mordenkainen is 67 years old.
Was Mordenkainen’s Circle successful in their ventures? I
suspect they were.
Whatever his
methods, Mordenkainen had thus far truly affected the fate of the Flaneass
since he had first had the notion that he might change the whole of the world.
In the years approaching the Greyhawk Wars, the Circle
thwarted several of Iuz’s schemes, explored treasure-laden tombs in the Cairn
Hills, and made itself known in courts throughout the Flanaess, achieving a
measure of political influence. [EttRoG – 9]
Indeed,
Mordenkainen was recruiting spies, everywhere.
Captain Wilbrem Carister
Wilbrem has sailed the oceans and seen the Flanaess
from Icy Bay to the Oljatt Sea. Mention almost anyone of renown to Wilbrem, and
he'll say, "I know 'im." It's usually true. Kieren Jalucian? "I
know 'im, 'e recharges me wand fer me." Mordenkainen? "I know 'im.
Brought back a whole heap of stuff from Hepmonaland fifteen years back, idols
and what 'ave you." [FtAC – 86]
Celdon Fallow
[A rich townsman of the Free City of Greyhawk] Celdon
Fallow is an agent of Mordenkainen, though he frequently works for members of
the Circle of Eight. He can be a valuable friend for the characters, or a
source of many difficulties. [LT3 The
Doomgrinder – 44]
576 – 579 CY
Iuz was not their only adversary.
[Warnes Starcoat] received a call for assistance from
the Council of Eight. There is much challenge and promise in this call, so you
gain the permission of the Courts to undertake a quest. [WG6 – 27]
Events of WG6 Isle of the Ape [Rot8 – 55]
[I place this adventure after Warnes’ appointment a Chief
Sorcerous Councilor [sic] to Duke Karll, noting his reference card therein
as the Arch-Mage of Urnst.]
Warnes, among others, was summoned to Tenser’s castle.
Did he go? Of course he did.
Character’s Relationships: Wishes to become member of
the Circle of Eight[.] [WG6 – 27]
The Circle had a mission of great importance to be
carried out.
“You are the chosen agents of the Circle of Eight [,
Tenser said]. It is your charge to overcome all the perils of the Isle of the
Ape, find the crook of Rao, and with it […] return here.” [WG6 – 8]
He asks: “Do you each solemnly accept this perilous
charge?” [WG6 – 8]
Of course they did. Truly, Warnes would have probably
gone alone, believing success would ensure his eventual membership in the
Circle.
The Crook of Rao first appeared in the adventure WG6
Isle of the Ape, where it had to be rescued from a demiplane by adventurers. [TAB
– 20]
Warnes Starcoat, Counselor to the Courts of Urnst […] dignified
himself by helping the Circle recover the powerful Crook of Rao from the
clutches of the Mother of All Witches, Iggwilv. [LGJ#0 – 7]
The recovery of
the crook was yet another feather in Warnes’ cap.
The
artifact's subsequent rescue by a group of adventurers led by the redoubtable
Warnes Starcoat of Urnst is now a popular tale with bards throughout the
Central Flanaess. [Dragon ##294
– 95]
Thus, through intermediaries, the Circle of Eight foiled
Iggwilv’s conquest of Oerth in the 570s [.] [TAB – 61]
They also disrupted plots of the Horned Society and
Iuz, and performed other deeds too numerous and sensitive to mention, primarily
by arranging for adventurers to take up these causes as their own. [TAB –
61]
The Circle was a group of powerful wizards based in
the City of Greyhawk and led by Mordenkainen. Powerful and political, they
restrained the constant plotting and the disastrous wars and attempts at
empire-building that chronically plagued the Flanaess. [Rot8 – 2]
So far so good,
I’d say.
Late 570s CY
One wonders when
Mordenkainen came to the attention of truly higher powers; not by those mere
kings and queens and lofty lords who ruled the lands in the light of day, nor
by those petty despots and those who ruled the shadowy underworld of the
teeming masses, but by those far loftier beings who had long since ceased to
walk the Oerth, itself. He had long since, though, hadn’t he.
Merlynd had held
his acquaintance for quite some time. Merlynd the Mage.
 |
| Murlynd |
It is unlikely
that Mordenkainen was aware that Merlynd was the QuasiDeity Murlynd,
in disguise. [LGJ#0 – 5]
If indeed
Mordenkainen was in fact aware that there was a QuasiDeity named Murlynd,
at all.
But I imagine that Murlynd was quite aware who
Mordenkainen was. Hence their prior aquantance. Would that very same QuasiDeity have admitted to being the very same
Murlynd who adventured alongside Zagig all those centuries ago? I doubt he
would have. In fact, I know he would not have. He was Merlynd, not Murlynd.
Until, one day,
Merlynd came to call at Mordenkainen’s Obsidian Citadel, just to pay a curtesy
call on an old friend, to reminisce about the old days.
And to enlighten
Mordenkainen about himself.
Certain great mortals have ascended to become demigods
or hero-gods and their names ring across time and space: Zagyg, Keoghtom,
Murlynd, Vecna. [PGtG – 18]
It was he who
would now instruct Mordenkainen on various planes or
extra-dimensional areas. [WoGG – 36]
 |
| Heward |
Some even say he is of the line of Ganz Yragerne,
making him distantly related to such notables as Zagig Yragerne and Heward. [LGJ#0
– 9]
Zagyg is related to Heward by some distant kinship,
and Heward and the arch-mage Mordenkainen are likewise kin. [Dragon #71 – 20]
Introduced by
his one-time “travelling companion,” it was from then that Mordenkainen was
formally introduced to other great powers, and not mere kings and queens.
Murlynd is alone about 60% of the time. He otherwise
will be in the company of one or more of the following: Heironeous [,] Heward
[,] Keoghtom [,] Mordenkainen [,] Zagyg [WoGG – 36]
Although most probably encountered alone, there is a
20% chance that Heward will be in company with one (80%) or two to three of the
following individuals: Celestian [,] Fharlanghn [,] Keoghtom [,] Mordenkainen
[,] Murlynd [,] Zagyg [.] [WoGG – 34]
Heward often visits Mordenkainen, who, in turn, is
known to be close to both Keoghtom and Murlynd. Celestian is an associate of
Keoghtom and on good terms with Zagyg.
This gives the following groupings:
 |
| Keoghtom |
Zagyg and Keoghtom
Keoghtom and Murlynd
Zagyg, Keoghtom and Murlynd
Keoghtom, Murlynd and Mordenkainen
Zagyg, Keoghtom, and Mordenkainen
Keoghtom, Heward and Mordenkainen
Zagyg, Keoghtom and Heward
Celestian and Keoghtom
Celestian, Keoghtom and Murlynd
Celestian, Zagyg and Keoghtom
[WoGG – 35]
They are quite a
collection of friends and acquaintances.
Demigods:
Zagyg UC m Humor, Eccentricity, Occult
Lore, Unpredictably CN (CG) [WoGA – 6/Dragon#70/PGtG – 20]
Hero-gods:
Heward OC m Good, Knowledge, Travel,
Music NG [WoGG – 34/ Dragon#71]
Keoghtom UC m Extraplanar Heroism NG [Dragon#71/
WoGG – 45/PGtG – 20]
Murlynd OC m Magical "technology”
LG [Dragon#71/ WoGG – 35/PGtG – 20]
579 CY
Short years after Leomund departed, Bucknard disappeared.
[T]he powerful wizard Bucknard […] vanished in 579 CY
while exploring an unknown demiplane. His fate is not known. [PGtG – 23]
I expect that
Mordenkainen was not aware of this at first. Circle members could be out and
about for months on end in the course of their investigations.
But the months
wore on, and still there was no sign of Bucknard. The Circle could only have
been concerned by increasingly disturbing absence. Did they discover where he
had disappeared to? They did not. That was even more unsettling.
One might then
forgive the Circle for not paying heed to what was transpiring outside sleepy
Hommlet.
But then, a year ago, the bandits began to ride the
roads again—not frequently, but to some effect. To the good folk of Hommlet,
this seemed all too familiar, so they sent word to the Viscount that wicked
forces might still lurk thereabouts. This information has been spread
throughout the countryside, and the news has attracted outsiders to the village
once again. Who and what these men are, no one can be quite sure. All claim to
be bent on slaying monsters and bringing peace and security to Hommlet; but deeds
speak more loudly than words, and lies cloak the true purposes of the
malevolent. [T1-4 – 5]
Lareth the Beautiful had returned. And the Temple of
Elemental Evil had once again become a thing of concern.
Had the Circle paid attention, and had they involved
themselves in the drama that unfolded, perhaps Otis might have survived what
followed.
They succeeded in thwarting Lareth’s plans, defeating
him, the wizard Falrinth, [and] Barkinar the commander [.] [RttToEE – 6]
[Lareth] and his servants were slain by the small band
of heroes who helped defeat the temple, with the aid of locals such as Y’dey
and Elmo [.] [RttToEE – 19]
But at such a cost.
Y’dey was not able to get to Otis’s body quickly
enough to raise him. [RttTEE – 10]
One must ask, where was the Circle throughout these grave
events?
Mordenkainen is 70 years old.
c. 580 CY
Indeed, where
was Mordenkainen during that most important confrontation with Evil? Was he travelling those various planes
or extra-dimensional areas Murlynd had introduced him to? Perhaps he was,
because his recent familiarity with
demigods and hero-gods would appear to have been good to Mordenkainen these
past few years. He’d surpassed all other wizards upon the Oerth in skill and
power, if he had not already done so. No matter; he was now without peer.
 |
| Mordenkainen |
Class MU
LEVEL: 20
Human Male
AL N
Str 10, Int 18, Wis 15, Dex 17, Con 17, Cha 18;
Spells: 5(6) 1st 5(6), 2nd 5(6),
3rd 5(6), 4th 5, 5th 5, 6th 4, 7th
3, 8th 3, and 9th 2.
Magical items: dagger +2, +3 versus large creatures;
dagger +1; bracers of defense AC2; ring of protection +2; bag of holding (500
lbs. weight limit); carpet off lying; crystal ball with ESP; pearls of power(1
each for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd level spells); wand of fear;
and wand of frost
Mordenkainen is 7[1] (46) years old, 6'2" tall
[sic]. 142 lbs., with cropped black hair, brown eyes, and a black beard
streaked with silver. He often dresses as a humble merchant when traveling,
otherwise donning robes of brown or black with silver decorative threading. He
can be a stubborn, difficult man, and he does not tolerate fools at all.
Usually he will spend much more time listening than talking in discussions, but
when he does speak his judgments are authoritative and rarely disputed. He is
keenly aware of his (albeit self-imposed) responsibilities, and has less time
for magical research and study than he would like. His massive library –
stacked with spell books which contain all known spells, except those
particular to individual mages other than Mordenkainen himself – is
increasingly filled with tomes on history and politics, and sheafs of written
reports from his many servants and aides.
Mordenkainen lives in the Obsidian Citadel, a
symmetrical complex of towers and walled defenses in the Yatil Mountains. Very
few know its precise location; only Tenser and Bigby of the Circle of Eight
know exactly where it is. It is protected by sheer and
harsh mountains, fierce winds and swirling clouds, and also by illusions and
disorientating magical effects which cause the searcher for the citadel to
become confused and lost. Magical defenses also prevent access by such
spells as plane shift or teleport to "unauthorized" persons, and the
magical illusions also extend into the Ethereal plane to confuse those who
would seek to enter by this route. Those whom Mordenkainen wishes to approach
and enter are given magical amulets by the archmage which effectively act as
find the path spells (one use per amulet only) so far as locating the citadel
goes.
Mordenkainen has many servants in, and around, his
Obsidian Citadel. He can summon and ride a very old silver dragon of largest
size, and is known to be on very good terms with a
strong clan of stone giants who assisted in the building of the citadel.
The citadel's defenders are marshalled and organized by two 12th
level fighters of LN alignment, the lords Eraj and Felnorith, both of whom ride
trained griffons. Dwarves, gnomes, and humans all serve
as troops within the citadel, and are usually of elite quality and strongly
loyal to the archmage. Many do so in grateful return for Mordenkainen’s help in
protecting their clans and homes against marauding humanoids in the Yatil
range. […]
Mordenkainen is rarely in Greyhawk himself, and has
not performed actions within the city which make him a figure of direct
importance to the rulers, or one who is known to the common populace. [CoG:FFF – 21,22]
Were one to ask
one would be most likely answered: “Mordenkainen who?” The arch-mage
is not well-known in the city. [WGA4
– 15]
Indeed, most
magi had never heard of him, either.
Spending the afternoon mingling with the visiting
wizards and senior students of the University, you don’t really learn much
about Mordenkainen. Most of those you talk to have never met him, although they
have heard of him. [WGA4 – 15]
Perhaps this is
not surprising of a figure who prides himself as a shadow-master. He keeps his
distance.
Should he travel to the area, he will usually be at
Tenser’s fortress. [CoG:FFF –
21,22]
And only reveals
himself to those who are of use to him.
His aides and friends in Greyhawk are many, but the
most important are Jallarzi Sallavarian and Ravel Dasinder. [CoG:FFF – 21,22]
 |
| Ravel Dasinder |
Ravel Dasinder, Patriarch of Boccob
Ravel is a member of the Directing Oligarchy, elected
precisely because he virtually never interferes in the affairs of the city.
Ravel knows much and says almost nothing. He is only truly concerned with the
safety of Greyhawk, and cares little about the day-to-day minutiae of politics.
[…]
The High Patriarch of Boccob has unequaled knowledge
of future events, and it is this which makes him a valued contact of
Mordenkainen. [CoG:FFF – 28]
He is a close ally of Mordenkainen of the Circle of
Eight [TAB – 63]
One might say
that Mordenkainen was without peer in the whole of Oerik.
Mordenkainen […] thirst[s] for knowledge, […]
obtaining it […] through contacts and his forms of scrying [.] [CoG:FFF – 28]
 |
| Elminster |
Hitherto we come
to the first Meeting between Elminster and Mordenkainen.
Readers will note that this meeting of archmages took
place before the events of module WGA4 Vecna Lives or the GREYHAWK® Wars boxed
set. Readers conversant with Toril are advised that the events involving the
Bedine mentioned here are detailed in the Harpers novel The Parched Sea, by
Troy Denning. [Dragon #185 – 62]
Without a sound or any warning flicker, burst of
smoke, or dazzle of lights to herald his arrival, a middle-aged man with a
wise, craggy face sat there, clad in high-collared but rather wrinkled gray
robes. His face was alert and almost angry, like a hawk looking about for prey.
His beard was black, shot through with gray,
close-trimmed and waxed – unlike Elminster’s
full, shaggy chin-mane. [Dragon #185
– 57]
Mordenkainen the Mage nodded and almost smiled. “Fair greeting, old man.
Khelben said you were oft found here.” [Dragon #185 – 57]
It is here that
we learn that Mordenkainen may not be the “good guy” we all believe him to be,
if that were not altogether obvious. In fact, he is downright dangerous.
“No noise,
if ye would live” [Dragon #185 – 57], Elminster utters unto their host before M arrives,
casting doubt on the benevolence of his expected guest.
Wizards are perhaps the most paranoid people alive – which,
I suppose, is why some of them are still alive. [Dragon #185 – 57]
What did these
luminaries discuss? The magic they possess, odd considering how paranoid
Mordenkainen is described as being. Mordenkainen mentions being in possession of Samander’s ring.
Samander’s
ring is enspelled to elude all means of magical detection, even when it bears
another spell (such as Drawmij’s instant summons or other teleportation
magicks, a magic mouth, or invisibility). It does not interfere with the
workings of magicks cast upon it.
Samander’s
ring has only one function: It absolutely prohibits any mental control,
compulsion, or influence from affecting the mind of its bearer, such as psionic
attacks (note that these can still do damage) or orders given to a charmed
ring-bearer. The bearer is made aware of the details of all such attempts and
can therefore pretend to be affected. [Dragon #185 – 63]
They discuss
the state of magic, who wields it, and who ought to. Elminster declares:
“Art grows ever wilder on both our worlds, and all the
planes between. More than that; with each day that passes, we meet with more
beings who wield Art, be they hedge-wizards, slithering tentacled things, or
mighty mages hitherto hidden.”
[Dragon #185 – 57]
They even trade
spells, too tedious a list to share here. [And irrelevant to our discussion, to
our purpose.]
They spoke at
length about Zhentarim schemes in Faerün, to which Mordenkainen appears rather
knowledgeable.
 |
| Tsunroon the Traveler |
Mordenkainen: “Tsunroon the Traveler? The one who had
a tower in the Drachensgrabs, and blasted it to dust when his apprentices tried
to rob him, with them inside?”
“Aye. Ye know he went walking the worlds for a time,
after that?”
Mordenkainen nodded. “He’s
back in the Flanaess now, around Niole Dra.”
[Dragon #185 – 58]
And events upon
Toril. Of Mirthful old Fizban, and Raistlin [,] Thundaerl of Tethyr
[, and] Raistlin, and perhaps as dangerous: young Dalamar. I know little more
of him than that he has taken the place Raistlin held as head of the Order of
Black Robes in the Conclave of Wizards.
[Dragon #185 – 58]
Mordenkainen shrugged. “Over too many years, I have
grown tired of turning back the clawing spells of young and arrogant boys and
maids alike, filled to bursting with the little spells they’ve mastered, who
think to prove their superiority over all the graybeards they can reach. Yet,
no meeting in life is without risk. If this one can resist the temptation to
try to impress us too much (and better yet, refrain from trying to wrest power
from us), I am not adverse to adding him to our gatherings of converse.” [Dragon #185 – 58]
Perhaps their most
important exchange is this:
The Mage of Greyhawk looked thoughtful. “I’ve news of more import – to me, at least – but less specifics. Someone,
it is certain, is trying to slay those of the Circle.
[Mordenkainen might have wondered whether the affable
Bucknard might have been the first to fall victim to this hitherto
unsubstantiated plot.]
Elminster’s brows knitted suddenly. “The Circle of Eight? Thy own
Circle?”
Mordenkainen nodded soberly. “Tenser and Bigby have both
been attacked – by
magic, worked by someone strong enough to conceal his, her, or its identity;
someone of Oerth, or who has studied our ways.”
 |
| The Top Candidate? |
“Dalamar
again?” Mordenkainen’s voice was quiet. […] “Perhaps we wrong him,” he added, more vigorously. “In affairs of magic, it is
especially easy to find a single likely foe and blame everything on him.”
Elminster nodded. “True indeed. Yet ye seem sure, at least, that ye
face a mage or mages and not something else – say, an illithid, or one who uses
the mind as we do Art, or one who walks in shadows.”
The mage of Oerth calmly watched a fresh cola bottle
fill his glass. “No – none of those would act as
this foe has. Tenser, at least, is shrewd enough in the ways of adventurers to
smell out any ruse. If one such was trying to make his attacks look like those
of a mage of Oerth, he would see through it.”
[Dragon #185 – 58]
Who tried to
kill Tenser and Bigby is never revealed. We can only speculate. Top candidates
might be the Old One (surely he has the greatest motive), a revivified Tomorast
(?), and the Cult of Vecna (more on this later).
On parting,
Mordenkainen declares:
“It’s
a welcome change from always being alert and on stage, saving Oerth.”
“Saving
Oerth again,”
Elminster agreed, and they laughed together.
[Dragon #185 – 63]
Okay, let’s cut
the crap. Mordenkainen and Elminster travel to earth, to Ed Greenwood’s
basement, to drink coke and eat popcorn, exchange spells, and gossip? I have my
doubts about this.
Let’s back up
and ask ourselves, why would the two most powerful living archmages in the
multiverse choose to risk a coming together? I’ll take a stab at why: because
they are worried about the state of said multiverse.
Worrisome things
are happening. Magic is dying in some worlds and going awry in others. Certain
archmagi are being assassinated, or narrowly escape that fate. Gods have
fallen, others arisen. Mad Tomorast had tried to evoke Elder Evils and even
Tharizdun, himself. [I’m not versed in the events of Toril and Faerûn, so I
won’t hazard an opinion on what might be going on there; but let’s assume it is
dire, indeed.] It’s almost like their worlds are being softened up. For what?
[Perhaps we will see what that is in the very near future.]
You can bet your
bottom dollar they are worried. And you can bet your ass this is why they’ve
risked meeting one another to discuss it.
581 CY
 |
| Jallarzi Sallavarian |
Bucknard had not
returned from whence he had disappeared. Indeed, they could find not trace of
him, regardless their tireless attempts to. He needed to be replaced, or
Mordenkainen’s Circle of Eight might be Seven forevermore. We can’t have that!
To do so would necessitate retiring a catchy moniker!
Jallarzi Sallavarian was invited to join in 581 CY,
replacing the much esteemed Bucknard, who had mysteriously vanished two years
earlier. [LGJ#0 – 6]
I imagine that Mordenkainen was motivated to replace the affable
Bucknard soon after the aforementioned assassination attempt. He had to wait
until all attempts to find Bucknard had been exhausted, however.
Early 580s CY
Thus the Circle was once again brought up to
its preferred fighting weight.
In the early
580s, the Circle of Eight included Bigby, Drawmij, Jallarzi Sallavarian,
Nystul, Otiluke, Otto, Rary of Ket [,] and the archmage Tenser. [PGtG
– 21]
Jallarzi Sallavarian
AL NG [CoG:FFF
– 27]
Jallarzi Sallavarian, youngest member of the Society
of Magi, became the youngest and only female member of the Circle of Eight.
After a mere six months, she is still only "on trial” and is not party
to the central intrigues of the group, but is still astonished at the singular
honor awarded her. [CoG:FFF – 27]
Hers would be a trial by fire.
There were disturbing events afoot, events even
Mordenkainen could not divine.
The strange events of the last six months apparently
have something to do with the Eye and the Hand of Vecna and an astrological
alignment. How the artifacts figure in or what the alignment is, he cannot
guess. [WGA4 – 17]
Something must be done, he decided, to unravel this
mystery.
Alerted to a rising evil in the Flanaess, the Circle
hastily gathered for a nearly unprecedented field operation in 581 CY. A new
power sought to join Oerth’s vast pantheon, and its efforts threatened to
corrupt the magical order of the known world.
The Circle traveled to the hills south of Verbobonc,
where they investigated the tomb of a long-dead Oeridian tyrant who was thought
to have possessed the awesome artifacts known as the Hand and Eye of Vecna.
Finding the tyrant alive, after a fashion, and completely controlled by the
Whispered One, the ill-prepared Circle of Eight panicked, and was defeated. [LGJ#0
– 6]
Vecna destroyed the entire Circle, save Mordenkainen,
who had elected to remain in Greyhawk as a safeguard against just such an
occurrence. [LGJ#0 – 6]
The recent deaths of the members of the Circle of
Eight was the prelude to an attempt by the evil Vecna to overthrow the entire
pantheon of Greyhawk’s deities and install himself as absolute ruler of the
gods. [WGR2 Treasures of
Greyhawk – 32]
Mordenkainen is 72 years old.
“But man is not made for defeat," he said.
"A man can be destroyed but not defeated.”
― The Old Man and
the Sea
One must always
give credit where credit is due. This piece 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, by Clyde Caldwell, from WG5 Mordenkainen's Fantastic Adventure, 1985
Iuz, from Expedition to the Ruins of Greyhawk, 2007
Riggby, by Jeff Easley, from WG5 Mordenkainen's Fantastic Adventure, 1985
Iuz the Old, from Expedition to the Ruins of Greyhawk, 2007
Critical-Role-Caleb by coupleofkooks (account deleted)
Otto, by Sam Wood, Living Greyhawk Journal #0, 2000
Rary detail, by Valerie Valusek, from WGR3 Rary the Traitor, 1992
Tenser, Greyhawk Trading Card #213, 1992
Mordenkainen detail, by Dan Burr, from Dragon #185, 1992
Murlynd, by Harry Quinn (?), from Dragon #71, 1983
Heward, by Harry Quinn (?), from Dragon #71, 1983
Keoghtom, by Harry Quinn (?), from Dragon #71, 1983
Elminster detail, by Dan Burr, from Dragon #185, 1992
Iuz the Old, by Sam Wood, from Dragon #290, 2001
The Circle of Eight, by Ken Frank, from From the Ashes, Reference Card #13, 199
Sources:
1015
World of Greyhawk Boxed Set, 1983
1043 City of Greyhawk Boxed
Set, 1989
9025
World of Greyhawk Folio, 1980
9031
The Rogues Gallery 1e, 1980
9075
EX2 The Land Beyond the Magic Mirror, 1983
9112
WG5 Mordenkainen’s Fantastic Adventure, 1984
9309 WGA4 Vecna Lives!, 1990
9360
WGR2 Treasures of Greyhawk, 1992
9399 WGR5 Iuz the Evil, 1993
WGR7 Ivid the Undying, 1998
9577
The Adventure Begins, 1998
9578
Player’s Guide to Greyhawk, 1998
11374
The Scarlet Brotherhood, 1999
11743
Living Greyhawk Gazetteer, 2000
Epic
Level Handbook, 2002
Expedition to the Ruins of Greyhawk, 2007
Dragon
Magazine #37, 70, 71, 131, 185
Living
Greyhawk Journal #0
Oerth
Journal #7, 25
Greyhawkania,
Jason Zavoda
Woo, that was a doozy of an episode. I am amused you got to the Wizards Three stuff already, I'm sure you enjoyed every bit of it! I do agree Mordy sought out peers, and there was few on Oerth. One thing I'm struck by, Robilar was 10th level when he took on Iuz? Egads even in AD&D rules that seems low to me. Also, where did Mordy get a sword made by Iuz? Thats a story I bet.
ReplyDeleteConcerning Mordy's alignment/motives, yes the Tome of the Black Heart is a good starting point for his descent into scheming arch mage glory. Mordy wanted to be the GOAT and he doesn't care who he uses to get and stay at the top.
Keep up the good work!