A Brief Outline Of The History Of Zagig Yragerne – Gaming

A Brief Outline Of The History Of Zagig Yragerne – Gaming

Preface: The article is a brief historical/ contemplative piece on Zagig Yragerne and his rise to being the demigod, Zagyg. It has recently, been edited to a cleaner format and has had some new material added from the existing canon that developed since its creation.

CY 295 Zagig Yragerne is born in the City of Greyhawk to the Landgraf of the Selintan (Zador Yragerne, great, great grandson of Ganz Yragerne?) and the Gynarch of Hardby (Marlana Trieste?) At this time, the city of Greyhawk is the capital (in reality more like a large town) of a land extending south from the Nyr Dyv to the Whoolly Bay. The Cairn Hills and the Mist Marshes are unclaimed wilderness, as is most of the Gnarley Forest. The true regional center of power and culture is the great City of Dyvers, capital of the newly founded Kingdom of Furyondy (CY 254.)

*Most of my decision to post the birthdate of Zagig as CY 295 was based on the following: WGR1, Greyhawk Ruins, which firmly establishes the date on which the construction of Castle Greyhawk begins as CY 320 (WGR1, p.3) It goes on to note that Castle Greyhawk was occupied for less than a century (WGR1, p.2) This tends to argue for the construction to have been begun as soon as possible, given Zagig’s long public residence in Castle Greyhawk. The original Campaign Guide lists the height of Zagig’s temporal power as c.375 CY (WGCG p. 23) All this tends to make me believe that Zagig was a relatively young man when he began the construction of the castle. Choosing his birthdate at CY 295 gives him 25 years before construction begins and over a century of public life (well above the normal human average, but not unreasonable for a wizard of his power) because I choose the date of his disappearance as CY 409. This is more than enough time to accomplish all the other things that are attributed to him while he was still a living mage.

The Campaign Guide firmly establishes Zagig’s parentage (WGCG p.23) as the rulers of Greyhawk (presumably the descendants of Ganz Yragerne,) from which he is also descended. WGR1 Greyhawk Ruins, describes the final resting place of his parents (paying special attention to the fact that his father was undoubtedly a warrior.) The names of his parents, Zador and Marlana, are my own.

Although it is true that King Thrommel III of Furyondy began the construction of his new capital, Chendl, in CY 283, it was many decades before the center of influence was moved from Dyvers to the new city (finished in CY 288.) The City of Dyvers goes back to the first century, CY. It was founded on the mouth of the Velverdyva, as the seat of the Viceroyalty of Ferrond, hundreds of years before Greyhawk was even heard of, and was a great city by the time of Zagig’s birth with much power and influence in the entire region. The rivalry between Dyvers and Greyhawk is reknowned.

CY 308-312 Zagig attends the Academy of Art and Science in the city of Greyhawk under the tutelage of The Grey Savant (a mysterious figure who was reputedly both a wizard of awesome power and a priest of Boccob.) The Academy is a school of learning founded by The Grey Savant in CY 118 by the banks of the river Selintan. The trading village of Greyhawk slowly grew around this famed place of learning, attracting many of the most learned men and women of the Flanaess.

*Given that Zagig is the son of the city’s lord and was born with a brilliant mind, it is not unreasonable to assume that he would have attended the best institution of higher learning in the entire region. The Grey Savant is my own invention, and provides a logical rational for why a school of learning (what later became the Grey College) would have been founded in what amounted (at the time) to a modest trading town (although the druidical circle and the magical nature of the region would have a lot to do with this.) It also allows me to connect the influence of Boccob with Zagig very in early in his life.

CY 312 Following the mysterious death of The Grey Savant, Zagig ends his formal studies at the Academy. The Academy of Art and Science is renamed the Grey College in honor of the former servant of Boccob.

*Given that a figure such as the Grey Savant would probably not have encouraged many of Zagig’s proclivities, I thought it appropriate that this year be a significant one. The death of the Grey Savant not only allows me to establish the Grey College as we know it today, but it also allows me to provide a reason for Zagig to get out there and see the world.

CY 312-319 Zagig emerges from the city of Greyhawk as a member of the Company of Seven, a free-lance mercenary group bound on making their fortune by exploring ancient Suel and Flan ruins. Zagig’s prowess with sword and affinity for Oerth history, make him a natural warrior and planner in the group. Other members of the Company go on to become important personages in the Flanaess. The legendary Keoghtom is thought to have been their leader. (Zagig achieves 8th level as a Fighter during this time.)

*Following my reasoning above, and adding to it my opinion that Zagig was undoubtedly a fighter before he became a mage, I created the Company of Seven in order to give Zagig membership in a famous adventuring group, and also to provide a reason for the friendship between himself and Keoghtom (as is suggested in Keoghtom’s description in the Glossography.) It allows me to give Zagig the opportunity to achieve 8th level as a fighter before the seminal CY 320. Other than Keoghtom and Zagig, I have not, as of yet, detailed any of the other 5 members of the Company of Seven. All of them would have met in the City of Greyhawk before or in CY 312 and would have gone on to become successful and famous personages (maybe even villains…) Perhaps Kelanen the Sword Lord was among them (doubtful), or even the formidable wizard, Daern. Other possibilities include, Johydee, Murlynd?, Nolzur, Quall or Bucknard. I wouldn’t mind (in fact, I WOULD ENCOURAGE) other of you out there to design them for us. Create a history that connects them from their membership in the Company of Seven all the way to the present day.

CY 319 The Landgraf of the Selintan, father of Zagig, dies defending the village of Kuln on the Neen against one of the many raids by lizardmen. His wife, the Gynarch of Hardby, assumes the stewardship of the Land of Greyhawk. Zagig Yragerne departs the Company of Seven and returns home.

*As I noted above, Zagig’s father was the Landgraf of the Selintan. By including this tragic event (which is entirely my own, but weakly suggested by his father’s youthful appearance (his body is in stasis) in the tomb under Castle Greyhawk in WGR1), Zagig is free to consider the construction of Castle Greyhawk (when that becomes important in the next few months) and to reconsider his decision to be a warrior. Sounds like a great time for some celestial intervention… Ahem, Boccob?

CY 319-339 By all accounts, the rulership of the Gynarch of Hardby (noted for her wisdom and great caution) is among the most peaceful (even if not the most productive) periods in Greyhawk’s history.

*Pure conjecture and speculation on my part. It allows me to move Zagig along in his life while maintaining the opportunity of rulership. One thing is certain, the Gynarchs of Hardby, the Despotrix, are able and willing rulers. It is not inconceivable that Zagig’s mother would have been successful in ruling the city in his absence.

CY 320 All serious historians of the life of Zagig Yragerne, number this year as among the most important in his life. He was profoundly changed by the events of this seminal year. During the chance exploration of an old Suloise cairn, Zagig Yragerne encounters an Avatar of Boccob (or some equivalent manifestation.) Based on that experience he decides to take up the practice of magecraft. Zagig’s subsequent return to the city and desire to initiate the construction of Castle Greyhawk in a remote location from the city were seen as extreme eccentricities for the young warrior lord. Work on Castle Greyhawk will continue through to the end of the century. Oh my Boccob, the first concrete date!

*The date upon which the construction of Castle Greyhawk begins is firmly established by WGR1, Greyhawk Ruins as CY 320. From the Ashes, is simply incorrect, when it says that the date was CY 375. That, would have made it impossible for Zagig to inhabit the place for any significant length of time before he ‘disappeared.’ Given his special relationship to Boccob, which is also firmly established in the demigod’s description in WGCG, it is not unreasonable to assume that it was divine intervention which made Zagig decide to build Castle Greyhawk where he did. It is also not unreasonable to assume that his decision to become a mage may have also been prompted by a divine revelation from Boccob or his other servants. Needless to say, the construction would have been a massive undertaking which could not have been completed in a single year. I would argue that it probably took decades, with Zagig coming back to the City many times in order to keep the works going.

CY 321-329 Zagig Yragerne becomes apprenticed to a distant cousin, the famed Mage and Bard, Heward. Under the tutelage of Heward, Zagig’s prodigious powers blossom quickly. During this time, he gains a unique understanding of magic, making him one of the first wizards in the Flanaess to posit the inherently chaotic nature of magic. Zagig travels widely in Heward’s company, and is exposed to many of the wonders of the Flanaess. (He achieves 9th level as a Mage while with Heward.)

*Now that we have Zagig wanting to become a mage, and given that he founded both the school and the guild of wizardry (later of course) it is necessary to find him someone under whom he has apprenticed. I would argue that it was none other than the famed Mage and Bard, Heward (who also happens to be a distant relative, according to the Glossography, p.35) As a Quasi-deity, Heward is both old enough and powerful enough to have provided Zagig with the needed training in the magical arts. I have chosen the period of apprenticeship arbitrarily, but 9 years seems reasonable. By assuming that he achieves 9th level during this time, I allow him to satisfy the Dual-classed rules that allow him to use his powers as a warrior. It is also fortunate, that Heward is such an unconventional wizard. It provides a logical reason for a lot of Zagig’s interest in ‘wild’ magic and his interest music, humor, and puns. All in all, I’d say a pretty good match.

CY 329-339 Wanderings of the Mage and Warrior, Zagig Yragerne. Zagig returns to the city of Greyhawk on many occasions, most often to maintain the works at Castle Greyhawk by infusing it with new funds. Otherwise he is seen as an accomplished, if eccentric Mage, who travels the length and breadth of the Flanaess in search of the wondrous and mysterious. He is accompanied by many of the former members of the Company of Seven. (Some of the travel is even thought to have been otherworldly.)

*Having left the company of Heward, this decade allows the Mage, Zagig some time to go off and see more of the world. Of course it is entirely conjecture on my part, but serves to flesh out and fill in the gaps in his story. From time to time, he is in the company of some of the members of the Company of Seven. Many interesting things would have happened to Zagig during this decade in his life.

CY 339 Upon the death of the Gynarch of Hardby, Zagig Yragerne becomes titular ruler of the Land of Greyhawk, Landgraf of the Selintan, and Despot of Hardby. By all accounts, this initiates a period which historians refer to as the Greyhawk Renaissance. Not only does the city flourish from Zagig’s generous rule, but many of the neighboring states of the Flanaess gain indepedence during the next few decades, making the Flanaess a brighter more hope-filled place. It is during this time, from a seemingly inexhaustible source of funds, that Zagig Yragerne begins the construction of most of what we know as modern Greyhawk. (Due to his interest in secular affairs, Zagig’s progress as a mage is slow and steady.) Zagig becomes well known for putting magic to practical use.

*Although the date is my conjecture, the reality of this event is not in doubt. At some point, Zagig inherited the rulership of the Land of Greyhawk. I happen to argue that it happened upon the death of his mother in CY 339. The World of Greyhawk Campaign guide, the City of Greyhawk boxed set, and WGR1, Greyhawk Ruins, all clearly establish both the rulership of Zagig and the effectiveness of that rule. The term Greyhawk Renaissance is mine, but clearly describes the period for what it was. During his rule, Zagig builds most of the city (and its walls, etc.) as we have come to know it today (via the City of Greyhawk, boxed set.) And surely, it is not naive to assume that some of this was accomplished by magic. The next few decades were probably the most fascinating in all of Greyhawk history. So rarely have so many notables been at one place at the same time.

CY 351 Despite some resistance to his unorthodox methods, Zagig Yragerne becomes President of the Society of Magi in Greyhawk for the first time. He goes on to make it the dominant gathering of Wizards in the whole of the central Flanaess, surpassing the significant influence of the Conclave Arcanum in the City of Dyvers and the Sagacious Society of the Kingdom of Nyrond. Zagig is unanimously re-elected to this post for the next 29 years.

*Both the date and the events are my conjecture, but are quite reasonable things to assume, given the current relative importance of the City of Greyhawk’s wizards. The Sagacious Society is real enough (WGR4 Marklands) while the Conclave Arcanum is my own creation.

CY 356 A year notable for the establishment of the Kingdom of Nyrond, where Zagig had seemed to have played an important diplomatic role.

*Although the date is real enough, Zagig Yragerne’s participation in these events is pure speculation. But such things would add to his reputation.

CY 372 Zagig founds the University of Magical Arts in Greyhawk, one of the first establishments in the Flanaess dedicated to the instruction of Magic on an institutional basis. Over the last two centuries, many of the greatest practioners of magecraft have been credited with training at this college of Magic.

*Although Zagig, undoubtedly did this (as is mentioned in the City of Greyhawk, boxed set) the year is my own conjecture. But, I thought it significant that it be founded before the Mage’s Guild. After all, until the practice and training of magicians is institutionalized, how can one create a guild for them?

CY 375-395 During this period, Zagig Yragerne’s (already an Archmage) magical theories become extremely controversial and are met with laughing disregard by some and keen interest by a very select few. His theories are dubbed ‘wild’ magic by his opponents in the Society of the Magi. Tension in the Society of Magi builds between the proponents of magical specialization (in the various schools) and the proponents of a more generalized scope of magical understanding. Zagig’s theories are marginalized by the ensuing debate. By CY 380, Zagig withdraws his candidacy for the Presidency of the Society, never to submit it again.

*I had to lay a foundation for his reputed madness, and here it is. None of this is official, of course, but it seems to be the most logical progression of events toward such an end. Zagig’s interest in so-called ‘wild’ magic probably dubbed him as a ‘loon’ by many of the more orthodox members of the Society of Magi. We are, after all, talking about men and women who couldn’t care less if your the Lord of the city or not – magic is magic, and right is right. Zagig’s opponents probably spread the rumor that he was ‘mad’ in order to weaken his reputation. Of course, given that Zagig had such a great sense of humor, what did he care if he was dubbed the ‘Mad Archmage.’

CY 393 Zagig ‘founds’ the Guild of Wizardry in the City of Greyhawk. The City of Greyhawk had long fostered many societies for the practioners of magecraft (The Society of Magi is a notable and enduring example,) but in CY 393, Zagig Yragerne made available a considerable endowment for the construction of a Mage’s Guildhall open to all comers. He felt that a less politicized institution, separate from the Society and the Univerisity, and dedicated solely to the concerns of all mages, would be a fitting legacy to the Art. Indeed, the Mage’s Guildhall of Greyhawk is an architectural and magical wonder, rivaling the Sorcerer’s Nexus in Rel Astra, the Tower of Silence outside of Niole Dra, and even the wondrous Zashassar of Ekbir.

*The City of Greyhawk boxed set (FFF) firmly establishes this date as CY 393. Following along my argument above, I tried to provide a logical reason why Zagig would found the guild and there it is. The locales mentioned above are not TSR’s, but my own, so they haven’t been detailed anywhere. I can provide strong rationales for both their names and their locations as I have already sketched them out, but not fully detailed them. If anyone expresses an interest I could send in what I have, as these things are easy to incorporate in anyone’s campaign. I just threw them in from my own stuff as interesting tidbits, to make the history sound more authentic.

CY 395 On the celebration of his great centennial, Zagig announces his intention to retreat from public life by relinquishing the daily rulership of the Land of Greyhawk to an appointed trusteeship, the Directing Oligarchy. One of their number is elected Lord Mayor and has the power to act in Zagig’s name. Zagig spends less and less time in the city itself, preferring to remain in Castle Greyhawk, north of the city in the Cairn Hills.

*Assuming that Zagig Yragerne was born on CY 295, then in CY 395, he would have been a hundred years old (although the World of Greyhawk campaign guide implies that he certainly didn’t look a hundred.) The manner in which he withdraws from public life is my own idea. It allows him to cease being active ruler of the City of Greyhawk and it’s lands AND it gives us a pretext to site the institution of the Directing Oligarchy. Yet, the generally intent echoes that of the history, namely his progressive seclusion from society.

CY 395-409 During this period, the last in his public life, the Lord of Castle Greyhawk is seen with less and less frequency. It is presumed that his seeming ‘madness’ (propaganda spread by members of the Directing Oligarchy and certain opponents in the Society of the Magi) has taken him. The number of his proclamations and edicts fall to less than one a year.

*This is conjecture on my part, but is strongly implied by the first campaign guide, wherein it describes the last period of his life as one is which he is seen with less frequency and is believed to be falling into madness. I, of course, assert (as is implied in WGR1 Greyhawk Ruins) that his ‘madness’ was nothing of the sort, but merely the perspective of someone who had grander objectives in mind than those around him.

CY 409 ‘Death’ of Zagig Yragerne. In this year, the servants of Castle Greyhawk, were released from service, in connection with the disappearance of their master. When none of the missives sent by the Directing Oligarchy were responded to, Zagig Yragerne was presumed dead. It came to no one’s surprise to hear of his death, for the man was believed to be well over a hundred years old already (114 to be exact.) Zagig Yragerne’s last testament was read before a grieving crowd of old men on the Processional. Since Zagig designated no heir, the City and Lands of Greyhawk were continued to be ruled in his ‘name’ by the Directing Oligarchy of Greyhawk. In reality, Zagig Yragerne had finally decided to severe all ties with the secular world, in order to travel and pursue his arcane research without interruption. Some well placed magic, fostered the belief that Castle Greyhawk was haunted, so the city abandoned all interest in the place. Zagig allowed the keep to fall into disrepair, while he and his closest retainers moved underground to continue their work.

*The World of Greyhawk Campaign Guide (p. 23-25) implies that Zagig simply ‘vanished’ after many years of rulership. His motivation for doing this is implied in WGR1, Greyhawk Ruins. I have arbitrarily chosen this year to be CY 409 which agrees well with WGR1’s assumption that the Castle was occupied for less than a century. It is quite reasonable to assume that the city would have thought him dead after so long and productive a life, so they would have made his ‘death’ official. The fact that he moved his work underground is clearly established in WGR1, Greyhawk Ruins as is the fact that numerous friends and retainers went with him.

CY 409-505 During this long period in Zagig Yragerne’s life, the so-called Mad Archmage, conducted tremendous amounts of magical research. He traveled extensively, including to worlds such as Krynn and Abeir-Toril, and extra-planar. He met with only a very few close friends, who kept the secret of his continuing existence. He was kept from Nerull’s grasp by many rejuvenating magics, but Zagig sought a more permanent solution…

*This simply provides an explanation for the long gap between Zagig’s disappearance, in the year I have arbitrarily chosen as CY 409 and his ascension to godhood in CY 505. WGR1, Greyhawk Ruins implies that Zagig did much traveling, particularly to other worlds, so none of this is unreasonable. Given that he was not as yet, immortal, Zagig no doubt used the conventional potions and elixirs that other powerful wizards use in order to extend their lives. Presumably, it was during this time that he discovered the method by which he would capture the nine demigods, and by which he would make himself immortal. A lot of the interesting accomplishments under Castle Greyhawk (described in WGR1) were probably also achieved during this time.

CY 498 The City of Greyhawk is proclaimed a Free and Independent City. For most of the previous 80 years, power in the City was simply transferred from one power hungry insider to the next as designated by the original council who took over from Zagig, resulting in a highly insular attitude by which the city lost most of its territories and wealth. In CY 498, a group of leading citizens demanded equal representation on the council, citing the last wishes of Zagig Yragerne. In order to staunch an open rebellion, all concerned agreed to draft a new Charter. The Lord Mayor of the city is hereafter chosen by the Directing Oligarchy in a semi-democratic manner by the various members (in theory) of the trade unions, guilds, and other important societies.

* The WGCG (p. 25) names CY 498 the year in which the City of Greyhawk was proclaimed Free and Independent. It also implies the ensuing decline in the city from the time of Zagig’s rule. I’m just providing a reasonable context under which such a proclamation would have occurred.

CY 505 Year of the Ascension. It is in this year, that Zagig Yragerne,(age 210) former ruler of the city of Greyhawk, Archmage of Castle Greyhawk, and servant of Boccob, achieves immortality. Through an arcane process, and with the assistance of many notable personages, including the deity St. Cuthbert of the Cudgel, Zagig Yragerne finally achieves the object of a century long research project. He entraps nine of the most powerful demigods on Oerth, using their combined power in an apparatus of arcane manufacture by which he cuts a piece of the Obelisk (which controls something called the Earth Stone.) These artifacts, buried deep under the lowest dungeons of Castle Greyhawk, are a mystery even to most deities. Using the power of the Obelisk, Zagig opened a nexus between his spirit and the Planes of Power. And so, by the wishes of Boccob, Zagig transforms himself into a demigod. (Notably, he is the last to do so in recent Greyhawk history. Iuz accomplished this only years before him in an entirely different manner while Mayaheine has only recently appeared from another world where Pelor is worshipped.)

*The year of Zagig’s ascension is firmly established in Iuz the Evil, as CY 505. This year must coincide with the same year in which Iuz disappears. From the Ashes gives this year as CY 507, while WGR4, Marklands gives this year as CY 503. Given that Iuz the Evil is the primary source book about Iuz, it is safest to assume that it is the correct source, giving the year of Zagig’s ascension as CY 505.

Iuz the Evil also reveals that Zagig (it incorrectly refers to him as Zagyg, but that is only a trifling mistake) was assisted in this matter by the deity St. Cuthbert, his relative and mentor Heward, his old friend Keoghtom, and the two individuals Murlynd, the Paladin and Kelanen, the Prince of Swords. Murlynd’s presence here is paradoxical, because it is implied that he was a member of the original adventuring party that included Tenser, Bigby, and Lord Robilar. Tenser wasn’t even born in CY 505 and Lord Robilar certainly wasn’t. What was Murlynd doing there in Castle Greyhawk (c.505 CY), if in fact he is the same person mentioned in WG6, Isle of the Ape? Either he is not the same person, or some explanation is necessary. I am also suspicious of Kelanen’s presence in this matter, it seems contrary to his nature to have been so involved.

The process by which Zagig achieves godhood is established in WGR1, Greyhawk Ruins, as are the existence of the Obelisk and the Earth Stone.

Given that the original campaign book stated that Zagig captured nine DEMIGODS, and it is safe to assume that given Iuz was one of the captured, then he must have been a demigod BEFORE Zagyg. The From the Ashes sourcebook which introduces the demigodess, Mayaheine, explicitly indicates that Pelor brought her to Oerth (from an alternate prime where Pelor is worshipped) and that she is not a native.

CY 505-585 Zagyg, the Demigod acts as the servant of Boccob. While it is true that Boccob is a largely uncaring god when it comes to the daily mundane existence of mortals, it is not true that he has no interest in any of the affairs of Oerth. When his All-Seeing Eye turns to the Prime, it is his servant, Zagyg that makes Boccob’s will known. Many of the most important events of the last century have involved Zagyg, both directly and indirectly. Through Boccob, time is no barrier to Zagyg, so he has appeared, paradoxically in periods of Oerth’s past before he was born! (This part truly annoys the sages who try to prove a connection between he and Zagig Yragerne.) He makes his role in these matters unmemorable to say the least. He has also allowed the recent (CY 550+) exploration of Castle Greyhawk (up to a point.) Some rare and sucessful few, (Tenser is a good example) have met with his favor and know something of the secrets that lay buried beneath the place.

*Given that Zagig ascended in CY 505 and that the timeline stops at CY 585, this fact is implicit. The City of Greyhawk sourcebook also implies that exploration of the Castle Greyhawk is fairly recent, which would make Tenser, Lord Robilar, and Co. among the first to do so, probably in CY 550s and 560s.

CY 554 Zagyg (concealing himself as Zagig Yragerne) meets individually with Leomund, Serten, The Black One of the Valley of the Mage, and Tuerny (all notable mages of great power.) He proposes the formation of the Ring of Five, a conclave dedicated to the unlimited research of magic, concentrating on using the Obelisk to create new and as yet unheard of effects. Each member has left a representative, an apprentice, deep in the recesses of Castle Greyhawk. The results of this fairly recent union are a tale for another time…

*Although the date is my suggestion, this fact is established in the WGR1, Greyhawk Ruins sourcebook. It lists the membership of the Ring of Five as Zagig, Leomund, Serten, the Black One, and of all people Melf! I must ascribe this error to mild carelessness on the part of the designers of that work, but Melf is certainly not a candidate for membership to this group. Both, the From the Ashes sourcebook and the Artifact of Evil novel by Gygax, imply that Melf is an elven fighter/mage from Celene. He is neither powerful enough nor ‘aligned’ properly to be a fitting member of the Ring of Five. I therefore substituted the personage, Tuerny, who would seem to have both the alignment and proper background (namely none) to be made a member of the group. Other than Zagig and the Black One, none of these personages is described officially, even though their names have been attached to certain famous spells and items. I have my own ideas and suggestions, of course, and would be glad to make those available.

CY 570 The Prisoners of Castle Greyhawk are loosed by Lord Robilar, although some evidence exists to suggest that the demigod, Iuz may have simultaneous escaped under his own power. Apparently these events did not concern Zagyg, (despite the damage to many of his dungeons from the ensuing battle between Tenser, Bigby, Riggby, Robilar, Quij, Neb Retnar, and Iuz.) although he was undoubtedly aware of the occurrence. Apparently the Obelisk was able draw upon its own power to shield itself from the prying eyes of the loosed demigods. Fortunately, they wanted nothing more than to escape as soon as they could. It has been whispered by some in the Guild of Wizardry that one of the demigods may still be down there. Perhaps he/she/it was trapped in their chamber by the collapsing rubble, or perhaps they have remained by choice, even so it has been 15 years since the release of the prisoners, so who is to say….

*The first fact (and date) is clearly established in the first campaign guide. The second (about Iuz) is implied in WGR1, Greyhawk Ruins. The battle and it’s participants, is described in WGR5, Iuz the Evil and is implied in many other source material. As far as the names of the demigods are concerned, other than Iuz, I only know that the demigod Wastri, was definitely among them. I’m looking desperately for where I read this, since it was many years ago. I suggest that Rudd and Zuoken were also among the prisoners, but as for the others, who is to say. I have my own theories of course…

CY 585 The current plans and activities of Zagyg are unknown, save of course, to the All-Seeing One, Boccob. It is presumed that he is working on certain projects relating to the dissemination of otherworldly magics (particularly those of a group calling themselves the Red Wizards of Tay, Hay or something to that effect.) Conflicts between Zagyg and the servant of another power of Magic, Azuth have been noted by many of Boccob’s priests. Where this may lead is anyone’s guess. But these, of course, are matters for those who live in the heavens…

Suggestions on the Ring of Five:
Zagig Yragerne; CN; Human male Wiz28+ ?
Leomund; NG; Human male Wiz24?
The Black One; NE(N); Human male Wiz20+
Serten; LN(LE); Human male Wiz26?
Tuerny; CE (CN); Human male Wiz21?

*Zagig is really the demigod Zagyg who can cast any spell (LVL 1-9) at will, with magic use equivalent to a 28th Level Mage.

Addendum:
Return of the Eight: by Roger E Moore – Tuerny has become a Nalfashnee Demon, and retains all his previous spellcasting abilities.
Crypt of Lyzandred: by Sean K Reynolds: (excerpted): In 305 CY, led by a crafty young wizard of the Landgrafdom of Selintan, they navigated his riddles and defeated many of his guardians. Intrigued by the group, Lyzandred was delighted when they actually reached the outer chamber of his inner sanctum The lich conversed with them through a projected image before dismissing all save the wizard, whom he saw as having great potential. The mage was Zagig Yragerne. Lyzandred told Zagig of his personal quest, the construction of the labyrinth, and the wonders of the demiplane. The young mage stayed with the lich for a short time and learned much, &ally asking to leave and practice what he had been taught Over time, Lyzandred watched Zagig gather knowledge and power, use that power to build a small town into a bustling city, and construct a strange multi-dimensional castle on a nearby hill. Unfortunately, the demiplane had planted the seed of insanity in Zagig: his behavior became more and more erratic. Fearing the damage his student could cause, Lyzandred contacted Zagig, imploring him to examine what he was doing and understand how he was a threat to all that he created. As with Lyzandred so long before, Zagig’s thoughts clarified and he saw what he was becoming. He chose to leave his city and wander the planes, and that was the last day he was seen on Oerth as a mortal man.

*I could see this fitting in one of two ways: One if Zagyg’s birthdate was bumped to about CY 285, at which point he’d be 20 years old upon his arrival in the crypts. Two, if we bump up the time from 305 to 315, which would work just fine as he was with the Company of Seven at that time. Either would work but I favor the latter.