Salvaging 4E Dungeons & Dragons: Spells

Here are two adaptions of spells (Wizard Powers) from 4E Dungeons & Dragons for use in 3d Edition.
The spells are basically an adaption of existing effects found in a four groups of spells. For "Evard's Wrenching Darkness" it was a combination of Dimension Door and Fear spells, since wrenching darkness is more of a controlled fear effect level three would be appropriate.  "Evard's Black Gate" is a combination of Evard's Black Tentacles and Wall of Limbs Spell. It captures the deadly evocative effects described in the text, and thus given a level 9. These spells were adapted from the book "Heroes of Shadows" in the Nethermancy School section of  Wizard Powers.

Evard's Wrenching DarknessNecromancy, Illusion (Shadow)
Level: Sor/Wiz 3
Components: V, S, M
Casting Time: 1 Standard Action
Range: 30ft
Effect: Target + Enemies with 20ft
Duration: 1 round
Saving Throw: Will Partial
Spell Resistance: Yes

Inky darkness envelops an enemy and begins drag them away, spreading fear among your other
foes. The darkness suddenly appears around one target and begins to move your enemy away in a direction of your choosing unless it succeeds on a Will save. You can choose to move a
a target up to 25 feet in any direction (not into the air) where it is held for 1 round. Those enemies within 20 feet witnessing the event, must also make a Will save or become frightened. If the enemies succeeds on their save, the target will become frightened and/or enemies will be shaken for 1 round by the event.
Material Components: Tar Coal, Chicken Feather

Evard's Black GateConjuration (Creation), Necromancy
Level: Sor/Wiz 9
Components: V, S, M
Casting Time: 1 Full Round
Range: 100ft + 10ft/level
Effect: Wall of Shadowy Tentacles 20ft long/caster level or 5ft/two caster levels, both 20ft High
Duration: 1 round/Level (D)
Saving Throw:  Reflex negates or Fortitude half
Spell Resistance: Yes

A black pin point expands widely, which spills forth a mass of dark writhing tentacles which ensure your foes and bringing the, into the darkness from which they came. The spell brings forth a wall or ring as mentioned above that has 15 foot long tentacles. Any creature within 10 feet of the wall must make a grapple check, or otherwise will be attacked by a tentacles which will entwine and drag them into the wall.
  Treat these Tentacles as you would for the "Evard's Black Tentacles" spell, thus each tentacle has a base attack strength bonus as if it had a Strength score of 19 as a large creature. Thus, it grapple check modifier is equal to the caster level + 8. furthermore the tentacles are immune to all types of damage. Movement within the field of tentacles is reduced to 1/2 the normal movement speed. Once the tentacles grapple and opponent they are immediate dragged within the wall. Any creature within the wall takes 1d6 points of negative energy damage per level  of the caster (maximum 15d6), Fortitude save for half. The tentacles will hold the victim there until they break free.
  If the spell was cast atop of creatures, they may make a Reflex save to avoid being in the wall, however they may be subject to attack if they are unable to move more than 15ft away from the tentacles.
  Evard's Black Gate provides one-half cover (+4 AC, +2 Reflex saves against attacks made through it.
Material Components: Black Opal (1,000gp), Zombie Ichor, Dried Tentacle

Famous Spellcasters: Crown Prince Myrkul Bey al-Kursi

Name: Crown Prince Myrkul Bey al-Kursi
World: Abeir-Toril
Pantheon: Faerunian
Spells: None.
Magical Items: Crown of Horns.

Myrkul Bey al-Kursi was born as a Crown Prince of Murghom centuries ago. He was a powerful Necromancer and ruled the city for a time. He eventually became associated with two other powerful adventurers who invited him on a grand quest to obtain divinity for themselves.Along the way they traveled across many planes and worlds, causing strife in eastern Faerun, and subjugating various primordials. Eventually they had enough power to challenge a god and decided to attack Jergal, the Lord of Death. However, their conquest easily gave up and would gift them with his powers. Jergal sought to pit Myrkul and the other against themselves. However when Malar jumped at the chance to attain power the three united and drove off the god-beast. They then decided to split Jergal's power amongst them. Bane and Bhaal took their powers, while Myrkul became the new Lord of the Dead.

During his reign as the god of the Dead, Jergal served him as an adviser to help him dealing with his duties as Lord of the Dead. He inhabited Jergal realm known as Bone Castle. There he continued his necromantic experiments and toyed with the souls of the unfaithful. He relished in his position among as the god of the Dead.
However, knowing full well that gods could die....he planned a few contingencies in case that may happen. First he did his best to cement himself in history by performing foul and cruel deeds that would never be forgotten, the very fear of his presence would be imbedded in all mortals in a sense making him truly immortal as long as people remembered. He even orchestrated a plan along with Bane and Bhaal to take over all of creation by stealing the "Tablets of Fate", which caused the "Time of Troubles"  He was bested by "Midnight" who knew of his plans and his essence took refuge in an artifact called the Crown of Horns. The crown itself was broken years earlier by Khelban Blackstaff in a battle with a Netherese lich named Aumvor. Myrkul reformed the crown is his last dying act as a vessel for his soul.

Since then Myrkul's position as Lord of the Dead passed was appointed into Cyric who already absorbed Bhaal. When Cyric was cast out as Lord of the Dead the title passed to Kelemvor. However, no one noticed that Myrkul's essence was ever passed on. He awaits in the Crown of Horns, waiting for a suitable champion to come forth and possess him to bring himself back. Many powerful spellcaster's have been tricked over the years into wearing the crown, but none have managed to revive Myrkul fully.

Famous Spellcasters: Pflarr

Name: Pflarr
World: Mystara
Spells: Unknown
Magical Items: Unknown

Pflarr was created by a powerful Nithian wizard, and would serve as a guardian and bodyguard. Unfortunately before Pflarr could be used, a rival wizard killed his master. Fufilling his purpose, he tracked down this wizard and slew him. He inherited both wizard's domain, and began to study magic. He soon became an accomplished wizard in his own right, and also discovered a clue about the immortals. Soon he would ask Rathanos to be his patron in the quest for immortality.

He soon helped mold what would become the Nithian Empire, he along with his sponsor affixed themselves as gods and nurtured their peoples. Pflarr himself established several great artifact and fonts of power such as; the Monoliths and Puissant Pyramid. He then went on to create being in his own image, who were given magical prowess like himself. He named this new race the Hutakaa.

Although the Nithian Empire was banished from the surface world, it exists alongside many of the other "dead" kingdoms within the Hollow World. Among the Nithians, he is a god of magic and the creator deity of the Hutakka. He has begun to attract other worshipers such as the Lupin, in which he hopes to spread his message on the surface world.

Famous Spellcasters: Fistandantilus

Name: Fistandantilus
World: Krynn aka "Dragonlance"
Spells: Portal.
Magical Items: Bloodstone of Fistandantilus.

Fistandantilus is one of the oldest wizard of Krynn. No one knows exactly when he was born, but it is recorded that he passed the Test of High Sorcery when only the Tower of Wayreth existed. He took the robes of a red wizard and pursued magic with a passion. To him magic was his only companion he needed.Sadly he realized that no matter how much power he would gain he would eventually die. He asked for Gilean for assistance, but the god relayed that all things must die.Anger with that response he turned to the Dark Queen. She provided him with Bloodstone, an artifact that allowed him to extend his life while condemning those souls to the Dark Queen.

For the next couple of years he was one of the the most trusted wizards of the Conclave. He traveled and made arrangements with local lords of the benefits of constructing the Towers of High Sorcery. As his power an influence grew he even managed to persuade the Conclave to allow him to take Zhaman Fortress of Malock. He even joined Vinas Solamnus for a time to aid the Emperor of Ergoth for his own reasons. It was sometime after this he was appointed as the Master of the Tower of High Sorcery of Palanthus. With the rise of Istar, the Conclave became concerned with their power and asked Fistandantilus to monitor the situation. He managed to cement himself within the Istarian court and began to manipulate events to his advantage. He orchestrated the "Lost Battles" as magic became outlawed, keeping the Kingpriest under his influence. Ultimately it was his goal to secure magical artifacts from the towers and "heretic" gods, bringing him the "Abyssal Portal" in which he planned to challenge the Queen of Darkness for power. Knowing full well what would come with the Cataclysm, he save one true priest and journeyed forward in time where he could utilize the Portal. However a mishap in his calculations caused an explosion at Zhaman Keep which killed him.

His spirit though lingered on within the Towers of High Sorcery. His phantom would approach potential candidates who would take there test, and managed to persuade a few. Those that denied him often did not survive the test. It wasn't until centuries later that he found his ideal host, Raistlin Majere. Raistlin was a chosen champion of Lunitari who made a bargain with the spirit during the test. The spirit mentored Raistlin with secrets that he needed to accomplish his task of thwarting the Dark Queens return. They both even managed to defeat one of his own phantoms in Zhaman Keep. However in the end, he decided to betray Raistlin at the last moment beneath the Temple of Istar when she made her return. Both he and Raistlin struggled in a battle attempting to absorb each other with the Bloodstone. Raistlin managed to help drive back the Dark Queen with his companions. With the knowledge of Fistandantilus, Raistlin completed a prophecy which made him the Master of the Past of the Present by taking control of the Tower of Palanthus.

Although he had been destroyed in the Future, he never imagined that Raistlin would travel back and time and become his apprentice. Raistlin again challenged Fistandantilus, and assumed his role in history as the Black Wizard had. Raistlin had affected the timeline, thus diverging much of Fistandantilus plans and creating several temporal paradoxes. Despite this, his spirit still endured in a variety of ways. Eventually one his plans finally came to fruition when a red robe wizard discovered one of his trapped spellbooks. He now bides his time in the body of Eltam whose whereabouts are unknown.  

He has had several residences such as Castle, a hidden lair known as Ulgaard in Garnet, Zhaman Keep, and was once the Master of the Tower of High Sorcery in Palanthus. He also had personal apartments within Istar and the Tower of High Sorcery of Wayreth. Some of his last known apprentices (whom he did not absorb) were Andras, Whastryk Kite,  Akar, and Raistlin Majere. He was even contacted once by both Mordenkainen of Oerth and Elminster of Abeir-Toril, but refused to here them out.

In addition he created several contingency item that would ensure his life would endure in the form of a Spellbook, his own Skull, a Silver Belt Buckle, the Bloodstone, and Mirror. These items would possess the owner, allowing Fistandantilus to live once more. A Mirror was created that hosted his spirit and it was lost somewhere in Qualnesti. Gantor Blacksword was one of the first ones to succumb to his Bloodstone, it drove him made until another component of his soul came forth. This was Kelryn Darewind, who was corrupted by the silver belt buckle that Whastryk Kite had a hand in creating. Kelryn killed Gantor and fled back to Haven were he founded a cult based upon Fistandantilus. A kender, Emilio Haversack, came across the Skull when he was in Zhaman Keep...which soon possessed him as well. Soon these three items came into conflict, where several phantoms of the Archmage came into being and fought amongst themselves. Years later a Red Wizard named Eltam discovered a spellbook which possessed him as well.

Spell Casting 102: Magic of Khemet

Individuals who lived in the lands of ancient Egypt knew that the power to do miraculous things dwelt within the power of he gods themselves.Many such individuals sought knowledge and petitioned certain deities such as Thoth, Isis, Ptah, or Set for this power. Thoth was the God of Scribes, and new a great deal of secrets from the knowledge he gathered. Isis was the goddess of magic, she knew many mysteries about the universe.
Ptah the creator was a being of immense power, one that many could tap into. Set was a god of power, he was a god who could bring strength at a price. Although these gods were often petitioned by arcane spellcasters, magic was an essence that can be tapped into called "Heku". It permeated existence and could be pooled, collected, and stored in a variety of ways. More often than Shabuti (small idols), jars, scrolls or small amulets often held Heka as reservoirs needed for spellcastings. Large structures such as pentacles, obelisks, and pyramids could be used to gather and pool this energy as well.

Most respected of the arcane spellcasters were the Kheri-Heb, individuals who were masters of Heka magics through the use of scrolls. Many were well studied scribes who worked for the nobility, and well well versed in the secrets and mysteries of the gods. They often worked hand in hand with priests, usually as a vessel of power for powerful Heku rituals that needed to be performed.

Hekai on the other hand were often commoners who had the innate ability to harness heku for their own use.
They often learned on their own and went by instincts on how Heku works. Most knowing of the gods often petitioned guidance from one of the patron deities of magic. Even non-spellcasters could gain some mastery over Heku with pact made to Seth.

Traveler's Note:
Visiting spellcasters can learn about ambient magic and it's ability to be stored and gathered. Such practices can help arcane spellcaster build up reservoirs of spell power. However, most Kheri-Heb guards there secrets jealously. Ever practitioner of Heku is a potential rival.

Those that travel from Mulhurond and Thay of Abeir-Toril, Erypt of Oerth, Egypt of Aerth, Empire of Senpet of Ningen-Do, and Nithia of Mystara will notice some familiarity with Heku magical practices.

Famous Spellcasters: Syous and D'Raven

Name: Syous of Karameikos and D'Raven of Glantri
World: Mystara
Spells: Unknown.
Magical Items: Unknown.

Syous the Blue is a powerful wizard from the kingdom of Darokin. He was contacted by a group of adventurers who barely managed to defeat the Lich Deimos in his Tower of Doom. Lucia, a dabbler in magic herself, was aware of a wizard she came to know probably join them on there next quest. Syous was soon contacted by the party and accepted as this would give him opportunity to explore the rest of Mystara. Crassus, their warrior suggested that they might as well find a sixth member who was skilled at thievery. Greldon, a cleric of the Immortals, knew of one such individual by the name of Moriah. Dimsdale, a dwarf, though that both additions would bring nothing but trouble and more mouths to feed. To build up the team they accepted a small quest to the Broken Lands to test how they worked as a team, However they soon became involved in a bigger quest which threatened the safety of Mystara once more.

 

  Yet over in Glantri, they had noticed some odd movements across the Broken Lands and heard rumors that a great evil was afoot. A young and talented wizard by the name of D'Raven was charged with forming a scouting party and sent to Village of Trintan.He soon called upon old colleges and associates he knew within the city such as; Jarred a local guard, Miles a cleric from the Temple District, Kayla a fellow student at the Great School of Magic and an elf. Jarred bought along his friends, Hendel the Dward and Shannon the Rogue They soon set off and found that attacks have been increasing, and a coordinated attacks from the Broken Lands recently occurred.Luckily a group of adventurers had save them from this menace.However, reports that a Juggernaut was used in the battle alerted D'Raven that this was more than just an attack. The other adventurers thought the same an journeyed onward. Yet is was soon discovered that a complicated plot was brewing and all path led to a powerful wizardress named Synn who had dealings with the fallen Lich Deimos. They were alerted by the adventuring party of the location of the foul temptress and was asked to get re-enforcements. Luckily D'Raven and his group had gathered enough evidence to convince Prince Malachie du Marais of Glantri to send a fleet of skyships. They arrived just in time to disrupt Synn's plot to release a fiend of Entropy into this world and rescued Syous and his band of adventurers who had warned them and delayed Synn long enough for the fleet to arrive.  

Asian Locations: 7th Sea

On the world of Theah, in the far east several Asian nations exist. They are located along Ussura's eastern coast, separated by the are behind a natural border of the Eastern Great River which connects the Mirror Sea with the eastern ocean known as "Corridors of Flames". Furthermore, the Corridors of Flame and the Great River are itself part of the Wall of Fire.

Cathay is one of the earliest civilization on Theah, and influenced the development of the Crescent Empire and had frequent contact with Ussura. Although around 760 AV, a massive wall of flames appeared along the great river that separated Cathay from Ussura. These magical flames trapped some of the natives of Cathay outside their homelands. Most attempted to return across the Mirror Sea, but any travel was harsh.

Cathay is unusual as an Asian location, as it incorporates the peoples from the middle east as well. The nations of Tashil and Tiakhar are reminiscent of India and Sir Lanka. Although these are not true Asian locations, they are mentioned since they pay tribute to Han Hua.

Cathay is made up of several nations, some of them mirror many cultures of Earth. Each nation owes allegiance to the nation of Han Hua, who has collectively kept Cathay together over the centuries. Although there have been internal conflicts, Han Hua has maintained peace over the centuries and its' rulers are responsible of creation of the Wall of Fire.

Han Hua
The largest nation of Cathay, is currently ruled by the Celestial Empress Wu Shang Fon. The nation is much like China. It's people are lucky to live in area of great fertile plains and sweeping forests, feed by the Huang He river. Much of the land is used to feed the many citizens of the Empire. It also boasts rich fishing villages and maintains a large supply of ships since it touches both the Mirror Sea and the Corridors of Flame. Although many have not sailed beyond the flames, they ship are used to sail to the southern nations as needed.
Han Hua is one of the most influential centers of Cathy. 

Khimal
The northernmost point of Cathay is home to some of the highest mountains in the world.
Here the kingdom is ruled by their spiritual leader, High Lama Kunchan Choden. The people of Khimal are similar to that of Tibet and Nepal.

Koryo
This kingdom is located in the forested areas between Khimal and Xian Bei. It's ruler is
King Kyu Hwang Bae. The people and lands here are similar to that of ancient Korea.

Xian Bei
These plains and deserts are home to the horselands, and is found north of Han Hua. The people and cultures here are similar to that of Mongolia. Before the Wall of Fire sprang, the Xian Bei were some of the first people to explore the western half of Theah. Many of their tribe were left to wander Ussura and Crescent Empire after the Wall of Flame was erected. Even within Cathay, Xian Bei has proven a tough nation to tame. Their current ruler is Khan Dalan-Tai.

Lanna
The small nation of south of Han Hua, is ruled by King Suraphand and Queen Vidura. The nation was once one of the largest explorers, sailing as far as the Crescent Empire. Their lands are filled with rain forests, feed by two great rivers from the mountain to the south.They are reminiscent of ancient Siam.

Tashil and the Island nation of Tiakhar are located at the tip of southern Cathay.
As described, the people and cultures of this land are very similar to that of India and will be covered in another article.

Famous Spellcasters: Finder Wyvernspur

Name: Finder Wyvernspur aka  "The Nameless Bard"
World: Abeir-Toril aka "Forgotten Realms"
Spells: Blue Splash, Holy Flame, Holy Lightning, Jagged earth, and Gale Force.
Magical Items: Sword of Songs Finder's Stone, Wyvernspur.

Finder Wyvernspur was once a human bard of superb talent that surpassed many for some one of his young age. Being so talented he attracted the attention of the Harpers who invited him to join. Finder was a perfectionist, and bit of an egoist knowing his suburb talent. He was never satisfied and always pursued his craft. He was often frustrated with reproduction of his works, since no one could come close to his greatness. However, his arrogance and ego lead him down a path when he created a clone of himself known as Flattery Wyvernspur. He had hoped a clone of himself would due his art justice, but he was hampered by the fact that although the clone was identical it did not capture his talent for music right away. He treated the clone like a dim-witted animal whom he trained harshly and eventually the clone fought back. The clone attempted to kill Finder and robbed his lab.During the attempt, his apprentice was killed. When all this was found out his reputation was ruined. The Harpers punished him by exiling him to a prison in the elemental planes and striking his name from the realms.

However centuries later, a sorceress broke him out. She had found his notes and was intrigued by his attempt at creating a clone. With his cooperation, the adventuress Alias was born. He journeyed with her for sometime, and was intrigued with her adaptions to his music. The Harpers realizing he had escaped, again put him on trial. Somehow he also get entangled with Olav Rustkettle, who lead him on an adventure which lead to Finder confronting the god Moander and freeing the race of Saurials who were under its' influence.


Instead of being corrupted and destroyed by Moander's power, he absorbed it through the luck of Tymora.
Ascended as a god he found himself in the plane of Arborea, with Fermata as his domain. The Saurials has been staunch worshipers of his since he freed them from Moander, and has managed to gain a degree of followers from artists and other share his vision.

Famous Spellcasters: Rand al'Thor

Name: Rand al'Thor
Titles: The Dragon reborn, Car'a'carn, Atha'an Miere, Shadowkiller, Lord of Morning, Prince of Dawn, True Defender of the Light, King of Illian.
World: The World aka Wheel of Time
Spells: None
Magical and Wondrous Items: Tam's Sword, Callandor, Buddha Angreal, Choedan Kal Sa'angreal, Laman's Sword, dragon Sword, and Crown of Swords.

One of the most power channelers of the One Power is Rand al'Thor. He is the prophesied savior of the world who will save it from the forces and the Dark One. He was just a simple farmer from Edmond's field who got caught up in the War of Power between the creator and the Dark One. For every so often the prophesied one is born as the world is shattered and remade.

Rand is the son of Janduin and Tigraine Mantear (Shaiel), and was born on the slope of the Dragonmount at the end of the Aiel War. The child was found by Tam al'Thor, who was at the battle, and took the child to raise as his own with his wife Kari. They headed home to the Two River's Territory and lived a quiet life in Edmond's field. Rand group up as a farmer and woodsman, living a simple life. It wasn't until his 20th year that he and a group of friends were swept up into the prophecies.

The Aes Sedai had been on the hunt for the Dragon Reborn, for all the signs pointed to his return. A member of the Blue Ajah, Moiraine Damodred Sedai, had suspected that he might be born in the TWo Rivers area for she had assessed that three ta'veren lived within Edmond's field. She had pin pointed three young men; rand al'Thor, Matrim cauthon, and Perrin Aybara. Unfortunately the Dark One was aware too and his forces soon came down on them. They along with several other fled Edmond's Field and headed to the safety of Tar Varlon. It was soon apparent that the Dragon reborn was Rand. His ability to channel began to further manifest itself, and was now hunted by the Aes Sedai. Attempting to flee he and his friends soon ran from their very lives from the Tower and the grip of the Aes Sedain. Yet he could not escape his fate. No matter where he turned, he was marked and fulfilled the destiny that was thrust upon him.

Although he had ideas of his own. He used one of the Forsaken, Asmodean, to instruct him in channeling the one power. He even soon gained some of the other "alleged" Dragon Reborn to his side and formed the Black Tower. This was an order similar to the White Tower, but was for those men who could channel Saidin. Males who channeled were often hunted and killed, and he wanted to provided a safe haven and a place to instruct males. Sadly though in the last war the Dark One had tainted and corrupted Saidin, the male half of the one power, that drove male channelers mad. Ambitious, he did something that was unexpected.... he cleansed Saidin of the taint.

Salvaging 4E Dungeons & Dragons: 4E Pantheon

When 4E came out it introduced a number of new deities, as well as some familiar favorites. Unfortunately at the time there was no default Campaign Setting for 4E. Instead we saw that Forgotten Realms in 4E merged momentarily with Abeir it's planetary twin, Eberron was mentioned with no significant changes, and references to Greyhawk were mentioned here and there. Recently the default 4E Campaign Setting appeared as "Conquest to Nerath", and was quickly apparent to be one of Oerth's Alternate planets. Thus we have a great idea where these new deities come from.

For 3E Greyhawk, there is a well established list of gods and goddess known in Eastern Oerth. The Pantheons of the Suel and Flan are well known and cemented in Greyhawk myth and cultures. The new pantheon can be introduced within the Shattered Empires of western Oerth, which has some early inklings of 4E. The "Shattered Empires" Campaign Setting was designed for the 3E miniatures and was set in western Oerth introducing new kingdoms. Although, the Campaign Setting was never fully fleshed out other than in Dragon Magazine ...this give a great place to plop the 4E Pantheon, especially when we know they are from an alternate Oerth.

Aurom (Goddess of Life): Ancient goddess of the Cycle of Life that was worshipped by the humans of the "Shattered Empire". She was killed by Nerull.
Achra (God of War and Domination): Also known as "Bane", has worshipper in the Free States, Thalos, and among Drazen's Horde. He seeks to claim Stratis power and has fueled the conflict that has been going on in this region for generations. 
Avandra (Goddess of Change): She is mostly worshiped in the Free States. Her church is not accepted in Thalos, as her ethos conflicts with Stern Alia.
Bahamut (God of Good Dragons): He is worshiped in Ravilla, thanks to his aid in the Demon Wars. He is responisble for the creation of the Dragonborn in this region. 
Corellon (God of the Elves): Chief Patron of the Elven Pantheon, he is worshiped in Ravilla.
Erathis (Goddess of Civilization): She is worshiped in the Free States, and in Thalos. She is on very good terms with the Church of Stern Alia.
Haramathur (God of Guardians): Temples within the deserts of the Southlands mention this slumbering god.
Ioun (Goddess of Knowledge): This goddess is worshiped throughout the Free States, Thalos, and as far as the Southlands.
Kord (God of Strength and Battles): One of the few male deities worshiped within the Shattered Empires. 
Laeris (God of Trickery): He is known throughout the Shattered Empires, but has been silent for the past few decades after the events of Vecna's rise to full godhood in the east.
Melora (Goddess of the Sea): Another close ally to the church of Stern Alia, she is worshiped within the Free States and Thalos.
Nusemnee (Goddess of Redemption): A daughter of Zehir who betrayed her father. She was killed, but gained status as a demi-god.
Raven Queen (Goddess of Death): Within the Shattered Empires, this is just another name for Wee Jas.
Sagawehn (Goddess of Insects): Within the Shattered Empires, this is just another name for Bralm. Although she is thought to be dead due to the very few worshipers known.
Torog (God of Underdark): His name is whispered by most, and is well known to have cults everywhere. He has started a small following in Mordengard and many worshipers among the exiled Drow of House Kilsek.
Tuern (God of Pain): The dead brother of Kord and Achra, not much is known of him.
Zehir (God Darkness, Poison):  Within the Shattered Empires, this is just another name for Pyremius.

Famous Spellcasters: Stellerex

Name: Stellerex
World: Unknown, but currently in Ravenloft
Spells: None
Magical Items: Belt of Levitation

Stellerex is a wizard of some power that was drawn into the mists of Ravenloft.
As an apprentice, he served under a greedy magician of moderate skill, Stellerex absorbed all that the man could teach. His intellect was far superior to that of most men, and he was able to master the complexity of the black arts with surprising ease.He realized that his master was a handicap and so turned on him by burning him alive with a spell of his own creation.

Since the, he has trained with magicians and then destroying them whenever they’ve taught him all they could. This has been Stellerex’s pattern ever since and his dark genius guides him through his life.His brilliance and discipline have saved him many times from beings far more powerful than he. Cold, calculating and ruthless, Stellerex is a very dangerous foe.

However the circle of spellcasters grew small of whom he could be apprenticed and allied to. He had made many enemies and had no allies, with no options left he attempted a planar travel spell. At first he thought he was simply passing through the ethereal plane until he set foot within Ravenloft. He quickly soon discovered that this world sadly lacked other spellcasters of any true potential, plus the realm itself was peculiar toward magics. His ears caught wind that the lord of the realm of Sithicus, needed skilled mercenaries and was offering substantial payment. He soon found himself amidst a group of villains and scoundrels in the Throne Room of Lord Soth. He task was to eliminate Lord Stahd Von Zarovich of Barovia. Lord Soth had confirmed that Strahd was a powerful vampire lord which was beyond his abilities to defeat. Yet he saw opportunities to exploit his fellow mercenaries, for surely some of these simple minded fodder could be used allowing him to learn more about the land and receive the spoils of victory.

Famous Spellcasters: Med'an

Name: Med'an
World: Azeroth aka "World of Warcraft"
Spells: None.
Magical Items: Atiesh-The Great Staff of the Gaurdian.

Med'an is an individual who shares the bloodline of humans, Draenei, and orcs. His mother was the Garona Halforcan, an assassin in the employ of Gul'dan, and Medivh, the Last Guardian who was possessed by Sagaras. While their plans for the First War were being layed, Garona was used by Sagaras in his wonton desires as he loved to torture Medivh's mind of what he could never have. Unbeknownst to all, she had hid on Azeroth after she assassinated King Llane of Stormwind and gave birth to a male child. She encountered a powerful undead mage named Meryl Winterstorm, for circumstance unknowns he promised to care for the child and keep him hidden in Brightwood Grove.

It wasn't until Med'an was a young adult that fate re-united the boy was his mother. It was soon discovered that his mere existence was part of a prophecy known to the Twilight's Hammer, one that was believed to empower the old gods with the child of three bloodlines. Yet Med'an proved to be more trouble than they would think, for Meryl and others had fought to free Garona of the Twilight's Hammer influence. Soon his true heritage would be know that would bring Aegwynn, a former Guardian, into the fold. Since he was the soon of Medivh, the bloodline of arcane magics flowed within him, from his mother he inherited the legacy of Shamanism and the Power of the Light. Although Garona herself weilded none of those power, some of her ancestors did.
The soon decided to begin to teach Med'an in the ways of magic, finding suitable teachers in Arcane Studies, Shamanism, and Priestly devotion. They even went so far as to re-form the Counsel of Tirisfal, composed of a representatives from one devotion of magic.

Currently Med'an whereabouts are unknown as he is fulfilling his role as the Guardian and continuing training in the various forms of magic he can wield.

Famous Spellcasters: Galan Dracos

Name: Galan Dracos
World: Krynn aka Dragonlance
Spells: Unknown.
Magical Items: Emerald Orb of Chaos.

Galan Dracos was born long ago in the province of Culthairais in Istar. Decades before Third Dragon war (1018 PC), he was apprenticed to Sagathanus the Black Robe who found the promising boy with great magical talent. No one knows why, but he came to be the leader of the Dragon Armies of the Queen of Darkness. However, it was apparent that he turned his back on the Orders of High Sorcery and went so far as to establish his on order dedicated to Darkness and Chaos. His order wore brown robes and were considered deadly renegade.

He did not mind the price he had to pay for his blasphemous power, as he mutated into something reptilian and human. Yet the power he wielded was great, but in his ambition to take over the world with his armies and the chromatic dragons he wanted something more. He secretly began developing the creation of a new race, one that was a humanoid dragon. His research seeded spells that eventually was developed into a ritual centuries later that created the ace of Draconians. His magical knowledge was so impressive, that the green dragon known as Cyan Bloodbane was apprenticed to him. 

Yet as the Third Dragon War lingered on he became to reckless, and was defeated by Huma Dragonbane and the Spirit of Magius. His plans at world conquest and betrayal of the dark Queen cost him his life, yet his soul lingered on thanks to careful preparations. An emerald orb which he used to enhance his spellcasting was ties to his very spirit. When Huma shattered the orb, not only did it weaken Dracos, but it also allowed him to escape death and the vengeance of the Dark Queen. He hid secretly hid the soul in the remains of the gem.

It wasn't until a few years later that Argaen Raveshadow was follish enough to seek out Dracos' legacy. Like all curious wizards the quest fro knowledge was to inviting. Something that Dracos had hoped upon, for when Argaen touched the shard he soon feel under the influence of Galan Dracos who urged him to complete the Emerald Orb. When Argaen completed the orb, he was possessed by Darcos' spirit. However before he could once again terrorize Krynn, he was slain by Huma's companion Khaz the minotaur.

Spellcasting 101: Practitioners of Arcane Magic (Part 3)

Depending on the culture and level a technology, this can influence an arcane spellcaster's path.Although most may not recognize some of these beings as true spellcasters, they do gain a measure of power from the arcane arts. Alchemist, Bards, Shi'ar, Witches, and Wu Jens or just some of the additional spellcasters that can be encountered or learned from.

Alchemist
An alchemist is a learned individuals who know that everyday materials and objects have the potential to become something wondrous. They spend their time going over materials and attempting to unlock their essences to bring about some sort of reaction. They know a lot of fundamental scientific facts, but also understand the logical points of magic.They use their knowledge to enhance their understand of the natural world.

An arcane alchemist is an individual who can repeat most spell effects through the use of potions, powders, oils, and alchemical implements. There one of the few beings who begin to bridge the gap between science and magic.
 Bard
Bard are individuals who art artists, usually known for their silver tongues are dashing looks. They know how to magically influence a crowd through the power of song or movement. They also have a knack for picking up spell-casting abilities, either arcane or divine. Most true spellcasters consider bards dabblers and not a true practitioner of the arts.However, it is important to note that several unique types of spellcaster harness thee use of music or dance to enhance their abilities.
Shi'ar
The Shi'ar is a type of spellcaster usually found in Arabic/Persian type cultures which are influenced by genies. A Shi'ar is an individual who is well versed in the arcane arts, but have made pact with fledgeling genies who provided access to magical knowledge and power. The reasons for these could be many, as some may not want be known as spellcasters or wish to show that they are indeed worthy of greatness by having a fledgling genie in their care.Over the course of time, much knowledge is gained of about genies which some use as leverage to gain even more power.

Witch
Much like a sorcerer, this being who is usually a female is born with innate power of magic. Depending on their upbringing they either view these powers as a curse or a blessing. Regardless their powers are tied to he natural and supernatural worlds in which they can influence things to happen. With their natural affinity for magic, most are often ushered into wizardry without knowing their full potentials.

Wu Jen
In Asiatic settings, the Wu Jen is standard practitioner of magic.Unlike their westernized counterparts who follow Hermatic structures or ancient arcane rituals, Wu Jen are very similar to elementalist spellcasters who draw powers based up the elements found in nature. In Asiatic lore this often includes the elements of wood and metal, with the absence of air or sometimes with lightning replace air. Although there approach to magic seems basic, it can become as complex as western magic as they realize the balance and cost of magic.In order to maintain their powers, many of them follow certain taboos for as their price for the power of the arcane.

Famous Spellcasters: Evard the Black

Name: Evard the Black
World: Oerth aka "Greyhawk"
Spells: All Seeing Worm, Black Gate, Black Tentacles, Dreadful Mist, Ebon Bindings, Menacing Tentacles, and Wrenching Darkness.
Magical Items: None.

Evard was born to a household of minor nobles in the March of Bissel. From there he has traveled abroad making many contacts with various residents of Oerth and beyond. A was a skilled conjurer of some renown and spent many years on the Plane of Shadow. Upon his return, he soon become known as a reliable sage and information broker, and was even on friendly terms with Mordenkainen at one time. However, for some unknown reason they had a falling out. Evard maintains a vast network of spies and adventures, and has contacts amongst many notable sages, lore masters, and wizards.

No one knows his age, but despite his appearance he is indeed very old. Evard had discovered many secrets of the Plane of Shadows, and it is believed learned how to extend his life. He is considered one of the most knowledgeable authorities of the Shadow Plane known on Oerth. Nowadays he is known to operate in the Sheldomar Valley. He can easily be located in any city, as he maintains his networks and contacts.

Often the reports of his death are exaggerated. Once he was said to have died in the village of Duponde during a spellbattle with his rival Vontarin. It was even said that he was defeated with a group of Necromancers who attempted to conquer all of Bissel. However unknown to most he has several contingency spells and back-up plans to insure his survival. One of his biggest secrets was discovered as in the Manor of Vontarin, as he had separated himself from his own shadow. The Shadow Evard existed within the reflection of the Manor on the Shadow Plane.

Famous Spellcasters: Azuth

Name: Azuth aka "The Magister"
World: Abeir-Toril
Pantheon: Faerunian
Spells: Exalted Triad, Spell Shield.
Magical Items: Old Staff.

Azuth was a mortal wizard who ascended to godhood at the end of the Dawn Cataclysm. When Netheril fell, many of the magics that sustained the great Empire was lost when Karsus attempted to steal the powers of Mystral, the goddess of Magic. Since the very gods were assaulted many of the deities renamed themselves.

The mortal Azuth caught the attention of Mystral, who now called herself Mystra. He gathered much of the magical lore that was scattered and lost. Impressed with his thirst for knowledge of the Arcane Arts, Mystra accepted him as her pupil. Soon she appointed him "Magister", a title going to her chosen of the realms. Soon she and Azuth became lovers. Yet he was spurred on to become much more, and challenged Savras the All-Seeing who was a demi-god. He was able to steal his power and sealed the demi-god in a Scepter he constructed.

From then on he served Mystra and lived with her in her realms of Dweomerheart for many centuries. Sadly this came to a tragic end when Mystra in mortal form was killed by Helm during the Time of Troubles. Her powers was passed to "Midnight" who took on the mantle of the goddess. Once these were restored, Azuth served the new goddess as an adviser and mentor. Realizing he and she needed help, he freed Savras from the scepter, who swore to serve the Mystra as he had foretold. Decades later Azuth would be cast out from Dweomerheart when Mystra was assassinated by Cyric and Shar. That act destroyed the Weave and sent Azuth into Asmodeus's realm. The weakened demi-god was no much for the Archdevil who consumed his essence.

Famous Spellcasters: Ursula and Morgana

Name: Ursula aka "The Sea Witch" and "Vanessa", Morgana
World: Earth aka "Disney's Little Mermaid"
Spells: Unknown.
Magical Items: Shell Amulet (Ursula).

Ursula and Morgana are the daughters of the Lady Cecailia (Human-Octopus Hybrid) and Lord Neptune. Ursula was the favorite of the two. Ursula was smart, ambitious, and gifted in the magical arts. When Ursula was old enough she went to go live in Atlantica and soon became a powerful member of the Royal Court, where her half-brother King Triton ruled. However, she longed to become Queen of Atlantica. Using her dark arts she attempted to take King Triton's place and failed against his might with his Magical Trident of the Seven Seas. Unwilling to kill his half-sister, she was banished from the kingdom.

Alone with her pets eels, Flotsam and Jetsam, she soon found a home in the outskirts of Triton's Kingdom. Within a dark undersea trench she made a home within the bones of a Leviathan. There she plotted her revenge and slowly devising ways of ruing Triton's Atlantica.Her pets helped by luring poor unfortunate souls in desperate need of magic to her. She would bargain with them, assisting them in there wishes but at a terrible price most did not know. Soon her home was surrounded by the cursed Atlanticans who made pacts with her, in there new form as withered anemone. She finally saw her chance when one of Triton's daughter foolishly made a bargain with her. She almost gained control of the Sevens Seas and Atlantica, but the courage of Ariel's true love Prince Eric put an end to this when he impaled her bloated form on the bow of a ship.
Although she was killed, rumors persist that she may have escaped death.

Morgana on the other finally grew tired of her mother and ran away from home shortly after Ursula had become a member of the Royal Court. She headed far away too the north and made her home within the Arctic. Although never good with traditional magic, she did discover that she had a special ability which tapped into the powers of darkness and shadow. She soon hard her own minions, a vicious shark named Undertow, and two Manta's named Cloak and Dagger. However she never got the change to show Ursula since she was killed by Prince Eric.Furious she attacked the couple at the their daughter's presentation. Luckily King Triton was there to thwart her plans.

Years later she had her chance for revenge, as the young Melody was curious about her heritage. Like her mother Ariel, she was curious and headstrong and soon met Morgana. She tricked Melody into stealing the Trident of the Seven Seas from Atlantica. She almost succeeded where her sister had failed, but Ariel and her grand-father managed to defeat her. Again unwilling to harm his family, King Triton imprisoned her within an ice block in her Arctic lair.

Famous Spellcasters: Magius of Solamnia

Name: Magius of Solamnia
World: Krynn aka Dragonlance
Spells: Light of Truth.
Magical Items: Staff of Magius

Magius was a young man of noble beginnings who was raised in Solamnia. He was a close childhood friend of Huma Dragonbane. As a young man he was gifted in the arcane arts and hope someday to become a War Wizard fighting side by side with his friend Huma who was training to become a knight. However the Knighthood called Huma one way, and the Test of High Sorcery beckoned Magius away.

When Magius took the Test of High Sorcery, he passed it with ease. However the test showed him something that he couldn't handle: his own death. Having all this power and knowing that mortality would easily be his downfall. Magius was charismatic and witty, but very prideful of his magical abilities and the test hoped to have taught in humility. Yet the Test failed, and drove him to feed off his own insecurities about mortality. He choose the Black Robes, in hopes that the order would help him prolong and secure his life. He did attract the attention of Fistandantilas for a time and learned of the many secret locations the archmage had built. Yet before even the great mage could use him, Magius switched his allegiance to the Red Robes escaping his grasp. He felt the Black Robes had to many restrictions, were treacherous, and disliked the bargains they had to endure in their lust for power. The red robes he had hoped with their freedom to explore magic would provide him what he would need. Sadly, even they too proved too restrictive as death is the part of the natural order of things. Feed up with this, he left the orders and became a renegade.

Knowing full well the penalty for going rogue, he quickly allied himself with a powerful Wizard who also went rogue and created his own Order. For a time Magius was apprenticed to Galan Dracos and became his personal assistant and second in command of his armies. Galan Dracos had also promised to help Magius achieve his quest. Magius saw that in staying with Galan Dracos, he would fall along with him as Dracos was doomed to failure as any would be tyrant. So he defected.

However, one does not turn down the most powerful wizard on Krynn. Dracos sent his dreadwolves after him. However, Magius was clever enough to remember a long abandoned tower that Fistandantilas created on the isle of Cristyne. He hid their for some time making it his home, whether or not the great Archmage knew of the intruder we do not know. Eventually during the Third Dragon War he ran into his old friend Huma Dragonbane. He planned ti use Huma as a decoy and bait, for during his time in exile he realized that his vision during the test of high sorcery lay in the Last Gaard Mountains. There here was a rift in which a great treasure lay that Paladine had created, and that treasure would allow him to live on. However, when he realized that Rift only took Huma and he could not follow, he was remorseful that he had betrayed his only true friend. He pledged his loyalty to his friend and ask for forgiveness.

However, as they made their way to the Solamnic Army with the Dragonlance Huma had discovered they were attacked. They all fought valiantly, but Magius was captured and brought before Galan Dracos. Their he was tortured and broken for betraying Dracos. Furthermore he sent a vision to Huma showing Magius death.
He wracked body was sent dressed in white robes to Huma to further taunt and discourage the Solamnic Army. Magius spirit lingered in death, knowing full well what he predicted would be Draco's fall. At the right moment his spirits appeared with his staff and told Huma to smash the Emerald Orb of Chaos, ending Dracos' reign.

His legacy would live on and Magius would be remembered as one of the most intriguing wizards of the Order. His staff was kept in the vaults of the Tower of High Sorcery, until Lunitari gifted Raistlin Majere with the staff.

Spell Casting 102: Magic of Krynn

One the world of Krynn, primal magic followed through the bloodlines of certain creatures such as elves, titans, scions, and dragons. The Dragons who were the children of Paladine and Tiamat were the most blessed, and were free to use these powers as they saw fit. Takhisis children were showered with gifts and amazing abilities. They used magic for their own amusement and dominance among themselves. The Scions, who Reorx blessed used their powers to continue the work of the Great Smith. The elves, favored of Paladine used their magics in harmony with the world around.

Yet as the centuries come and go, this primal magic bought down the Titans, released chaos on the world at the hands of scion, and was unchecked source of power. The gods came together and gave birth to the gods of magic who would tame the primal magics of the world. From the Pantheon of Light, Paladine and Mishakal had a son known as Solinari. From the Pantheon of Balance Gilean created Lunitari from his own essence. From the Pantheon of Darkness Takhisis and Sargonnas had a son known as Nuitari. Although the respective Pantheons had their designs on who primal magic should be tamed, the three cousins came together instead and formed a pact.The three young gods dedicated their existence to magic itself and decided to dwell within the heavens of Krynn literally. They each created a moon which orbited Krynn; the white moon of Solinari, the red moon of Lunitari, and the black moon of Nuitari. They managed to regulate the power of primal magic with the phases of their moons.This would influence magic users on Krynn depending on.their affinity to magic.
Those that used magic for the good of other and in harmony with the world are tied to the white moon, those that used magic for the sake of study and research are tied to the red moon, while those that used magic for their own selfish purpose and to dominate the world were influenced by the black moon.

On the continent of Ansalon an arcane order was established to monitor the spellcasting community. The Orders of High Sorcery has lasted for centuries, composed of wizards of all types who where colored robes of the lunar patrons. Note only do they keep magical traditions alive, but they also hunt down renegades and primal magic users who live outside the law of the order. The other two continents never consolidated any orders are pretty much left individual spellcasters alone.

Other gods also granted magical abilities as well. Branchalla the Bard, is the god who provide bardic enchantment to music.Takhisis, from time to time, had her own spellcasters that were outside the influence of the moons. At one time she even managed to gain co-operation with the gods of magic to bless her Knight of the Thorn.Even when Krynn was ripped from the universe, Takhisis still managed to influence magic.She even managed to entrench herself as the Shadow Sorcerer, a being who helped the mortals of Krynn tap into the power of Primal Magic aka "Sorcery". However this only lasted a couple of decades before the return of the gods and the regulated use of magic returned.

Traveler's Note:
While on Krynn your spellcasting abilities will be influenced by the phases of the moon. Depending on your ethical alignment as a spellcaster, magic will be enhanced during the full phases of the moon and decreased with eclipsed. Conjunctions between the moons will even boosts the effects of your spellcaster.
Each moon orbits around Krynn at different speeds; 36 days for Solinari, 28 days for Lunitari, 8 days for Nuitari.

Sorcerer's and off world wizards should be wary of Ansalon, as the Orders of High Sorcery do not look kindly upon them. The Order often forces individuals to join the order or face the consequences.

Famous Spellcasters: Dr. Fu Manchu

Name: Dr. Fu Manchu (Alias)
World: Earth
Spells: None.
Magical Items: Manchu's Elixir Vitae.

Fu Manchu was born sometime during the 1800's, and is believed to be related to one of the fallen nobles of the Manchu Dynasty.
His real name is unknown, and the alias he goes by is a title bestowed upon him by the Si-Fan. Somehow he had journeyed to the west and studied at several European universities such as; Heidelberg, Sorbonne, and Edinburgh. He received four doctorates during his studies. He has extensive knowledge of Ancient History, Anatomy, Archeology, Chinese Alchemy, Chemistry, Biology, Botany, Engineering & Architecture, Religion, Zoology, and several languages. He was mostly likely sponsored by the criminal orginization called the Si-Fan who he was an agent for. Although since it has been revealed that he had in his possession a formula for the "Elixir Vitae", his age is in question since this effectively restore his youth even 70 years or so.

For decades his organization terrorized the western powers (possibly for revenge against the Imperialist Powers of Europe who interfered with China). His organization employed arcane and unusual methods to their crimes; using rare poisons biological poisons (plants and animals), chemicals, ingenious mechanisms, animals, and archaic weapons and traps. He even used the Thugee as pawns. It is known that he fathered some children, the last known was Fay Lo Suee.

Marvel Universe: In this Universe, Dr. Fu Manchu aka "Zheng Zhu" was a sorcerer who discovered the secret of immortality centuries ago. Like his other history, he became a criminal mastermind and leader of the of many secret criminal organizations. In this universe, one of his many children, Shang-Chi rebelled against his father and vowed to thwart his organizations. With the years of training under his father minions, he was known as a master of kung fu, and became hero who is now currently a member of the "Secret Avengers".  

Famous Spellcasters: Leon Mandrake

Name: Leon Mandrake aka "The Magician"
World: Earth aka "DC Universe"
Spells: Unknown.
Magical Items: Unknown.


Leon Mandrake, whom some just call "Mandrake the Magician", is a world renowned Illusionist who has traveled the globe entertaining thousand of people.He is an expert stage magician and hypnotist. He is a very dapper gentleman and witty, which usually leads him into the most bizarre cases.

As he has traveled the world, he has made a variety of companions. He usually travels with his companion "Lothar", who was known as the "Prince of the Seven Nations". Lothar often serves as Mandrake's bodyguard whom he met in Africa. He has even encountered extraterrestrials, met Flash Gordon, and has even crossed pass with the Phantom of few times. Inter-Intel, a super secret crime fighting organization has even had Mandrake as an agent from time to time.

Unbeknownst to most, his powers of illusion are indeed real. He was raised at the College of Magic, which is located somewhere in the Himalayas. His mother died at childbirth, and he was left with an identical twin brother named Derek. Sadly Derek's ethic are not as stellar as Mandrake's. Theron, who presided over the College of Magic, kept the fact that he was the twins' father. Theron himself guarded a powerful artifact known as the Mind Crystal. He kept this a secret becuase his eldest son Luciphor stole the one of the mind crystals, and did not want distracted by the bonds of family again. Luciphor would become one of Mandrake's most deadly enemies, known as the Cobra. Mandrake's activities even attracted the attention of a counterpart from the Mirror Universe known as Ekardnam, an evil version of himself.. Despite even these bothersome foes, he managed to travel the world without many none the wiser.

After years of traveling around the world, Mandrake settled in his home and adopted a young asian boy named Kshin. He would pass down his secrets and knowledge of the magic arts to him. It was during this time, that he would join some of his former colleagues and form a team known as "Defender of the Earth" who goal was to secure the planet from the force of Emperor Ming of Mongo.

Famous Spellcasters: Zeddicus Zu'l Zorander

Name: Zeddicus Zu'l Zorander aka "The First Wizard" aka "The Wind of Death"
World: The New World aka "Sword of Truth"
Spells: Unknown.
Magical Items: Wizard's Rock.

Zeddicus was born to two gifted wizards of the Midlands, and was a prodigy of the arcane arts. He was soon accepted in the Wizard's Keep and because of his power was able to enter many areas of the keep that was warded by ancient wizards. He soon became a talented wizard and married Erilyn Zorander, the love of his life and soon had a daughter they named Tarryln.

He was eventually named First Wizard, and a few years later a war with D'haran occurred Zeddicus was one of the most powerful players, protecting the Midlands from D'haran's and their dark magics. Although they could not harm Zeddicus directly they came after his wife and daughter. Sadly his wife was a casualty of war, while his daughter was threatened time and time again. It wasn't until a woman named Abby that asked for help, did Zeddicus come up with a plan to save the New World from D'hara. Like the Great Boundary that separated the Old World and New World, Zeddicus erected a barrier in the Westlands and Midlands that kept D'hara at bay. In a parting shot he sent Wizard's Fire over the barrier, killing Paris Rahl and ending the war. He had managed to fool the world into believing his daughter was dead and exiled himself to obscurity.

Years later, his daughter was kidnapped once again and this time was used by Darken Rahl to sire a gifted son. This tragedy combined with his frustrations with his students and the Council of the Midlands, he left to the Westlands to live in secret and beyond the reach of anymore horrors. She raised her son Richard with George Cypher, a man who she fell in love with. Yet eventually fate would have it that Richard would become destined to be "The Seeker". Once more Zeddicus would be drawn into a conflict with D'hara as the "Seeker's" role come into play. He would assist his grandson in a quest to rid D'hara of it evil rulers and defeat the forces of the Keeper.

Famous Spellcasters: Coryn Brinefolk

Name: Coryn Brinefolk aka "The White Witch"
World: Krynn aka "Dragonlance"
Spells: Unknown.
Magical Items: Unknown.

Coryn Brinefolk was born along the Plains of Dust in a region of Ansalon that borders Icereach. She lived there with her tribe in a fishing village, that carried with them some elven ancestry (Kerrick Fellabrine the Messenger of House Mariner).Coryn's grandmother Umma has also studied magic, but since the Chaos War like most wizards lost the ability to cast spells. Coryn herself, born in the Age of Mortals, new nothing of the gods of magic nor of the Towers of High Sorcery. Yet however, the spellbooks had always mesmerized her from a very early age in which she used to poor over despite their gibberish. It was known around the village that Coryn was "special", but it wasn't fully realized until she performed a spell that took very experienced wizards to perform. Her grandmother, recognizing her true potential arranged for her to travel to Palanthus and apprenticed to Jenna.

It was during this time that she became involved with Jenna and Dalamar's plan to restore the orders of the Towers of High Sorcery. They planned to find the Tower of Wayreth and call a Conclave. However, the tower eluded them all except of Coryn. She had been drawn to the Tower and discovered that it was in the thrall of of two other sorcerers who shared her abilities.With the help of the god Solinari, she tricked them and managed to pass the Test of High Sorcery. During her test, she discovered how to cast the spell of awakening which called forth the wizard of High Sorcery. With the Wizard's Conclave called, they retook the tower.At the Conclave, Jenna was appointed High Mage of the order, and her apprentice was granted her master's manor in Palanthus.During the Conclave the issue of "Wild Magic" aka Sorcery was voiced, in which many wizards were concerned with. As this magic was outside the normal realm of the order. Coryn being such a person who utilized wild magic showed that she and others were accepted by the Tower itself and were no different from them. She has been an example of those born with the natural talent affinity for wild magic

While in Palanthus she aided a small group of Knights of Solamnia who wanted to take the nation back from the Dark Knights of Takhisis.The Knights impressed with her power, were able to make a great ally of her and help rid the nation slowly of the Dark Knights and becoming known as the White Lady. She soon took up the mantle of being the leader of the White Robes sometime after that as a champion for justice.

Spellcasting 101: Practitioners of Arcane Magic (Part 2)

Continuing on with the types of Arcane Spellcasters, several more unique variations to spellcasting are known to exist. Although not rare, these arcane practitioners follow unique paths in which they have learned to tap their magic from. Some of these forms border on the divine, but are they register as arcane enchantments. These schools are Incarnum, Pact, Shadow, and Truename.

Soulcaster
Is a sorcerer or a wizard who knows how to incorporate incarnum, which is measured as essentia, (soul energy) into their magics.The have the unique ability to enhance the level and difficulty of resisting them spell by 1, investing a point of essentia. This can be done for a single spell, but a wizard can enhance any number of spells equal to their level. Once the spell is cast it returns to the essentia pool so it can be reused as normal. They also perform Magical Distillation, gaining a number of points of a sacrificed spells level. Another important ability they have is that they can bind magical items and soulmelds to almost any chakra.

A Soulcaster is usually a member of the Last Watch. This of group of dedicated spellcaster, based upon the Positive Elemental Energy Plane, fight a clandestine battle against the Demon Prince of the Abyss.

Binder
This spellcaster has uncovered the secret of summoning powerful spirits known as Vestiges. These Vestiges range from the essence of fallen gods, powerful casters, abstract spirits, and mythical beings. A binder calls forth the power of a Vestige by using arcane seals, and once summoned will influence and grant the Binder a variety of special abilities. The simple price is allowing these beings to share their soul, as the vestige are beyond life and death. While empowered, a sliver of Vestige is allowed to act on the mortal plane...slowly influencing the Binder. Usually the Binder is smart enough to never allow a Vestige full access, yet this is enough to gain the attention of most these spirits.

Anima Mage
This arcane spellcaster uses their knowledge of the arcane arts to draw forth the raw power of a vestige. Instead of receiving the normal boons, they can simply channel that energy into additional spells or metamagic boosts, and even have the vestige act as a guardian sprirt.

Shadowcaster
This spellcaster has discovered how to draw forth power from Plane of Shadow. They have discovered a number of mysteries which allow them to draw power directly from the Plane of Shadow, in a sense their drawing upon the planes full might.Many of the powers they exhibit they learn to draw forth from the plane and appear as spell-like abilities. Many casters already do this, but this is considered a lesser form of shadow casting since they usually type into the plane of shadows essence to empower their spells.

In the World of Abeir-Toril, a group of wizards from the fallen empire of Netheril tap into a form of Shadowcasting.

Noctumancer
This arcane spellcaster has discovered how to interfere and capture spell and shadow mystery energies.They can manipulate the echoes of a spell or mystery to cause it to breakdown and capture some of that raw power to enhance their spells. As they advance, they can even cause a natural disturbance in the area that interferes with spellcasting and mystery usage.  


Truenamer
This spellcaster has discovered the use of very primal magics that go back to the beginning of universe. The words of power that they learn allow them to reshape and bend reality to there will. All though the very words themselves are powerful, using them in the way one intends in entirely different.

Fiendbinder
The arcane spellcaster is usually an experience Conjurer or Summoner who is familiar with summoning lower planar creatures. Most know what words to place and what incentive to offer fiends for their services, but a fiendbinder can utterly control one with the usage of its Truename. Usually the discovery a fiend's truename is a monumental task which offers great power over it.The Fiendbinder, with their understanding of the arcane arts and truename magics are able to combine their knowledge in order to find such names easier.

Famous Spellcasters: Leomund the Red

*TSR Trading Card '91 #265 "Korindell"

Name: Leomund the Red
World: Oerth aka "Greyhawk"
Spells: Hidden Lodge, Lamentable Belaborment,  Lifeboat, Many Life Preservers, Secret Chest, Secure Shelter, Spacious Carriage, Tiny Hut, Tiny Igloo, and Trap.
Magical Items: Leomund's Plate and Cup.

Leomund is an venerable and wise archmage who once lived in Medegia. He is a rather practical and clever with his approach to magic, and rather an eccentric since he seems to travel around alot never really staying in the same place. This behavior can be seen in the spells he developed.

He likes to keep an aire of mystery about himself, and is rumored to have been associates with both the Circle of Eight and the Ring of Five. What is even more confusing, is that the identity of the wizard known as Leomund was in fact an imposter known as Guy Gus. This was uncovered by the Circle of Eight eventually.

Famous Spellcasters: Sypha Valnades

Name: Sypha Valnades-Belmont
World: Earth aka "Castlevania"
Spells: Blue Splash, Holy Flame, Holy Lightning, Jagged earth, and Gale Force.
Magical Items: Warakiya Staff, Book of Air, Book of Fire, Book of Water, and the Book of Binding.

Sypha was born into a family of witches. When she was very young, her parents were murdered along with many other spellcasters by during the 1400's. This was a result of the vampire Carmilla, who enticed many to take up arms against those who wielded magic. She was found wandering a nearby monastery and given shelter by the monks there. There she learned the ways of the Church and studied their arcane texts as well. When she was finally ready, she managed to contact the spirits of her kin. She vowed that she would avenged them and they opened up her innate abilities. For a period of time she hunted the undead and other creatures of the night, and gained notice by the church. They approved of her methods, as the spells she demonstrated were imbued with the power of god. However she was often chastised for being a heretic and woman.

However in 1476, Dracula had unleashed his minion's on the world after the death of his wife Lisa. The Church sent army to deal with the undead, but they were never heard from again. In desperation, they appointed Sypha to challenge Dracula. Knowing that many in the area were still persecuting witches, she disguised herself as male priest. On the way there within the Mad Forest she was attacked by a cyclops and turned to stone. Luckily she was freed sometime later by Trevor Belmont. Together they journeyed toward Dracula's Castle and made allies of the Cursed pirate Grant DaNasty and Alucard. When Dracula was "defeated", she and Trevor married.

Although she eventually passed, her bloodline lives on through the Belmont, Fernandez, Aulin, and Schnieder families. Her staff is a family heirloom as well, as well as her spellbooks. It is believed that she also created the"Book of Binding" which contains all sorts of spells consumed from vanquished evil beings: Acidic Bubbles, Bind Spell, Dark Inferno, Deathsycthe, Delta Spark, Demonseed, Energy Flow, Featherblades, Fireball, Flame Shot, Ghost Chaser, Greater Fireball, Greater Deathscythe, Greater Summon Skeleton, Heal, Hellfire, Ice Fang, Ice Needle, Nightmare, Piercing Beam, Poison Spores, Raging Fire, Sickle Moon, Splash Needle, Summon Gunman, Summon Skeleton, and Thunderbolt.
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Famous Spellcasters: Sun Wukong aka "The Monkey King"

Name: Sun Wukong
Titles: The Monkey King, Protector of Horses, Great Sage Equal to Heaven, and Patrolman of the Heavenly Peach Garden
World: Earth
Spells: None.
Magical Items: Golden Chain Mail Armor of the Dragon Kings, Ruyi Jingu Bang "13,500 Jin Staff", Cloud Walking Boots, Phoenix Feather Cap, and Magical Gourd.

Sun Wukong was a being that sprang from a mystical stone of pure Chaos. When he emerged from the stone, he took the form of a monkey on the island of Huaguo-shan. There he established himself as the bravest of all monkeys and became there king. It was the fact that one of his subject's died that spurred Sun Wukong on the path to discovers the secrets of life. He built a raft an journey to China to find those answers. 

Eventually he found his way to a Taosist Master, Subhuti, who taught him the 72 earthly transformations. These 72 Taosist spells allowed Sun Wukong to perform a number magical transformations ranging from invisibility, polymorphing, flying, conjurations, etc. Armed with this knowledge he traveled back to his kingdom.

It was there that he found several demons had invaded his kingdom. He beat them severely, but for leniency they promised to tell him where he could go to get powerful armor and weapons. That lead him to the Dragon Kings, who in turn gave Sun Wukong armor and his 13,500 Jin Staff (which he was destined to have).
He then formed a coalition with several other Shen-Kings (Bull, Surial, Roc, Lion, Macaque, and Marmoset.), sealing this with a promise to marry the Bull Kings daughter. However, he died and was sent to Hell. There his spirit beat King Yen-Lo-Wang and wrote his name along with all the monkeys he knew out of the "Book of Life and Death" (so he can never be killed). However after being intimated, the Dragon Kings and the Hell Kings pleaded with the Celestial Emperor for help. The Emperor invited Sun Wukong to walk among the gods and appointed him the Protector of Horses. He soon however this was a ruse to keep him out of trouble. Angry, he soon ate the Peaches of Immortality and consumed three jar fulls of immortality pills.He soon fought all of heaven gods in a great battle, and would have won if not stopped. He was soon sentenced to death and put in a a magical furnace. However, not even that could kill him. After 49 days he broke free, and gained even more magical abilities as his skin was now impervious and had fiery eyes that could detect evil. The Celestial Emperor beaten called for the Great Budha to aid him. The Great Budha made a simple bet with "The Monkey King", if Sun Wukong could escape his grasp... then he would concede him as the Ruler of All Heaven. The Monkey ran to the farthest edge of existence and wrote his name on Five Pillars he discovered there as proof. When he came back to claim his prized... he was shock and outrage when he learned that those pillars were Budha's fingers. Protesting and being a poor loser, Budha imprisoned him under a mountain of stone for 500 years.

It wasn't until the behest of Guan Yin, that Sun Wukong was released. There he was to become the disciple and guardian of the monk Tripitaka who was tasked into retrieving the Buddhist Scriptures from India.Along the way they faced many demons who tried to prevent them from obtaining the scriptures. Along the way they met other disgraced immortals such as Zhu Bajie and Sha Wujing. In the end for their quest they were forgiven for this misdeeds. Sun Wukong through this learned the concept of Buddhist restraint and granted Buddhahood.

He is an example of being who was formidable warrior, spellcaster, and an immortal that surpassed most gods. He has a festival on the 16th day of the 8th lunar month.

Asian Locations: Domains of Dread

Ravenloft is the Domain of Dread, where hundreds of people have been taken from various cultures. The realm is filled with many Gothic Horror elements from various cultures, and over the years some Asian influences have appeared as Island of Terrors. Likewise a on a Gothic Earth, where the dark Powers have influenced history, an Asian theme supplement was also planned.

I'cath has been identified as an island of terror. It is a small forested domain in which travelers usually find themselves lost. The weather is usually heavy with thunderclouds, threatening a storm. As they wander some of the travelers encountered Chinese-like small mansions, inns, or beautiful tea shops often run by beautiful women. Travelers who stay at such places may find companions missing, structures disappeared, or worse decrepit structures.
The Truth behind this is the forest is cursed. On the world of Toril, a powerful sorceress known as Tsien Chiang from Kara-Tur and her daughters were taken by the Dark Powers for murdering one of their own. Tsien Chiang has a hatred of men, one which she passed on to all but one of her daughters. She had used her daughters beauty and charms to lure many men to their deaths and drain them for her own personal gain. Yet, her daughter Nightingale was appalled by her mother's plan. When she and her lover failed to stop her sister's and mother, Nightingale was killed. I'cath and her daughters continue to prey on travelers lost within their domain, and Nightingale resurrected does her best to be an obedient daughter by luring the wicked and letting the pure of heart go free.

The second such site is a larger domain found on a raised island chain in the Poisonous Sea. These island are known as Rokushima Taiyoo and are ruled by the Shujin, the son of Shinpi Haki a great Warlord who ruled over these islands. He was a ruthless and cunning warlord that tamed the islands by any means necessary. When Shinpi Haki died, his began fighting for control of the lands. It was then that the mists rolled in and a great earthquake happened. When the mists cleared the entire chain of islands were raised above the sea. It was soon discovered that the surrounding seas were toxic in nature, and that they were cut off from the rest of the world. Soon each brother began blaming one another and each went to war with each other. When one of the brothers fell in death, their island was pulled down into the sea. The island chains again experienced another great earthquake and adjusted itself. The people here a very Japanese like, during the feudal era. They are distrustful of outsiders, as it boggles them how some could have traversed the poisonous sea or managed to climb the deadly cliffs.
Like other domains, the truth of this curse is hidden. Shinpi Haki was a ruthless warlord who was without mercy or honor. He seized control of these islands. His only pride and joy were his children and the legacy that would live in. When he died, the Dark Powers confronted him, but Shinpi Haki was a stubborn should who accepted his fate for the life he lead and had no remorse. So the only way the Dark Powers could torture him was through his family. He children had learned and followed in their father's footsteps. They instigated the feuds between the brothers, and let them tear Shinpi Haki's legacy apart. Helpless to warn his children of save his legacy.

The last area of Ravenloft was to be Gothic Earth, and focusing on who the Dark Powers influenced parts of Asia. Dr. Fu Manchu was known as one of the agents of the Dark Powers, and his organization spread corruption and terror of the Asian Continent.

Asian Locations: Mystara

Mystara is the oldest of the D&D Worlds. However, when it comes to an Oriental settings, Mystara provides few areas and what is provided the information is very scarce (except for the Ethengar). Mystara has showcased many cultures and themes, along with Pacific Islanders as well. Although many ancient and extinct cultures can be found in the hollow world, it is strangely absent. 

The first introduction of can be found with the Ethengar Khanate. It is located in the eastern grasslands of the continent of Brun. It is bordered by a ring of mountains, in which the nations of Glantari, Wendar, and Rockhome lie. It does however stretch to the Western Sea of Dawn. The people here a very reminiscent of the Mongolians, and follow the same lifestyle and much of the people are scattered in a various collection of tribes. Currently these tribes have banded together under a Great Khan. Long ago most of the people where enslaved by various humanoid hordes, but when the Great Rain of Fire occurred it poisoned the land and killed many. The humanoids abandoned their slaves and retreated to safety of the mountains. The remaining humans eventually formed the Ethengar peoples.

The second area is a mixture of oriental cultures. The island kingdom of Ochalea is a combination of various oriental cultures mixed in with the Alphatian.The island nation lies south of the Isle of Dawn. Ochalea itself has a mixture of temperate forest and jungles, broken up by several small mountains chains. The land itself is one of the few areas of the world that are free from monsters and monstrous humanoids.
Long ago Ochalea was a tributary kingdom, but gained it's independence. The people here have rigid tradition, and strong concepts of family and duty. Because of the Alphatians, they have a strong distrust of arcane magic. Ochaleans are similar to mainland Asians (Chinese to Siamese) and their culture is a blend of all this.

Lastly on one of the moons, Patera, there is a kingdom known a Myoshima. This kindgom remains hidden behind a magical shield which keeps it safe and invisible. Here Rakastas (Feline Humanoids) live in a fashion similar to that of the japanese. Only a few beings from Mystara have visited Myoshima, but all information about the empire comes from the few Rakasta that have befriended some individuals. From these encounters with their warriors, these beings wield katanas and dress in similar fashion to samurai.