Mordenkainen

Mordenkainen

Mordenkainen (pronounced: /ˈmɔːrdɛnkeɪnɛn/ MOR-den-kay-nen or: /mɔːrdɛnˈkeɪnɛn/ mor-den-KAY-nen or: /mɔːrdɛnˈkaɪnɛn/ mor-den-KIGH-nen) was a prolific archmage from the world of Oerth who was responsible for many powerful and useful spells.

Description

Mordenkainen had a hawk-like face, with a permanent frown that gave the appearance of alertness and almost anger, and a penetrating gaze. He kept a close-trimmed beard and wore grey, high-collared robes. His voice was deep and melodic. While imprisoned in Barovia, his hair and beard were both long, black and peppered with grey streaks. When mad, his eyes crackled with eldritch power. He later changed his hairstyle, favoring a bald head and a trimmed goatee, but lost none of his penetrating stare.

Personality

Typically stubborn and one who did not suffer fools gladly, Mordenkainen could be difficult even with his friends. While suffering from his madness, he was convinced that enemies were everywhere and he was being constantly watched by evil agents. 

Relationships

Mordenkainen was the leader of the Oerthian group of wizards known as the Circle of Eight, which included many spell inventors whose names are well known on Toril, such as Bigby, Drawmij, Nystul, Otiluke, Otto, Rary, and Tenser. He was a good friend of Elminster Aumar; the two met on numerous occasions at Ed Greenwood's house on Earth to exchange news from each other's worlds, as well as spells and lore. On occasion, the two were also joined by Dalamar of Krynn. He was also an acquaintance of Khelben "Blackstaff" Arunsun.

History

Although Mordenkainen resided primarily on Oerth, by at least the Year of the Shield, 1367 DR, his spells were not uncommon among spellbooks in Faerûn. Following the demise of the Circle of Eight at the hands of Vecna during the lich's first failed attempt at obtaining greater deity status, a grieving Mordenkainen was consoled by Elminster, as the wizards reflected on the fragility of their good deeds.
Mordenkainen later traveled to Barovia in an attempt to free the local population from its vampire darklord Strahd. However, he underestimated Strahd's power and, after barely surviving a confrontation with him, he lost his spellbook and his staff, eventually losing his memory and being driven to the brink of madness. He became known by the locals as the Mad Mage of Mount Baratok. In the Year of the Scarlet Witch, 1491 DR, Mordenkainen, still suffering from bouts of madness, was in Castle Waterdeep, where Storm Silverhand and Elminster were helping him to recover from them.
By the Year of Twelve Warnings, 1494 DR, Mordenkainen inhabited the Tower of Urm, a dwelling that he used as a vehicle to travel through the multiverse. He occasionally visited Avernus to study the effects of the Nine Hells over the schools of magic and to ensure the balance of the universe.

Rumors and Legends

His toenails are venerated in some places.