Mordenkainen (More-Den-Ky-Nen)

"Perhaps it was madness that compelled me to scry into the Abyss, or perhaps it was my ever growing hunger for knowledge. Both, I think, are equal curses."
-Mordenkainen, Codex of Mordenkainen

Physical Description

General Physical Condition

Mordenkainen appears much younger than his years, perhaps in his mid-forties. He is tall, of medium build, and often depicted wearing black, blue, or grey. He wears a Van Dyke beard with two prominent grey streaks. Its shape has changed over the years, and in recent art is narrow and pointed, but was originally broad, covering the whole chin. He's been bald for years, presumably shaving it as well as trimming his goatee to a fine point. He speaks with a deep, melodic voice.
Some say that they've talked with a poor, elderly merchant named Mordenkainen causing some to believe this to be a disguise he takes on while traveling.

Mental characteristics

Personal history

Mordenkainen was born 509 CY. His birthplace is unknown, but before coming to prominence in the early 560s, he is thought to have resided on the Wild Coast. He also resided for a time in the City of Greyhawk, as well as Highfolk. He is rumored to be of Oeridian blood, possibly Aerdi. Some claim that he is a descendant of Ganz Yragerne, first Landgraf of the Selintan, which would mean he's also related to Zagig and Heward. According to some sources, he is distantly related to House Cranden, one of the royal houses of the Great Kingdom of Aerdy.
About 561 CY, with his young apprentice Bigby, the warriors Robilar and Yrag, the clerics Riggby and Serten, the ranger Otis, and fellow mage Tenser, Mordenkainen formed the Citadel of Eight. The group was named for the Obsidian Citadel, Mordenkainen's stronghold in the Yatil Mountains. The Citadel disbanded after the Battle of Emridy Meadows in 569 CY, where Citadel member Serten lost his life.
Two years later, Mordenkainen formed the Circle of Eight, a cabal of eight wizards with himself acting as the ninth "shadow member" and leader. Mordenkainen felt that the failure of the Citadel was due to its composition. He felt that such a group as he envisioned could only succeed if its members were "men of intellect and sorcerous skill, whose primary interests were more than material.

Accomplishments & Achievements

Mordenkainen is responsible for authoring the following works:

• Architecture (with Leomund)
• The Codex of Mordenkainen
• Cosmogony of Magnetic Fluids
• Dark Sides of the Memory
• Epic Saga of the Great Conjurers
• On the Rise of Magecraft and Modernity
• Weapons of the Ether (with Melf)

Social

Contacts & Relations

Mordenkainen has interacted with almost every great mage and scholar throughout Oerth. Relevant to the campaign, however, he has had bad interactions with Iuz in the past. He has also recently begun to show some interest in Guilrock Bay for some reason.

Honorary & Occupational Titles

Lord Mage of Greyhawk

Year of Birth

509 74 Years old

Current Residence

Yatil Mountains

Gender

Male

Eyes

Black, often glaring and looking down at anyone who speaks

Hair

Bald

Skin Tone/Pigmentation

Slightly Pale Skin