Circle of Eight
The Circle of Eight is one of the most powerful and influential groups of wizards across the Flanaess, their actions shaping the very fate of Oerth.
Though only two members of the Circle reside in Greyhawk, their agents, spies, and allies operate throughout the city, ensuring that their influence is ever-present. These wizards frequently visit the Free City, leveraging their connections with Greyhawk’s elite to further their intricate plots and counterplots.
The Circle’s primary goal is to maintain the Balance of Power across Oerth, preventing any one nation, faction, or ruler from achieving unchecked dominance. While their stance is predominantly neutral, their efforts often place them in opposition to great evils, such as Iuz the Old, the Hierarchs of the Horned Society, and other dark forces that seek to conquer and control the lands of Oerth. They have learned from history that absolute power—whether wielded by good or evil—inevitably leads to catastrophic wars, unchecked hubris, or divine retribution.
The Circle consists of eight powerful wizards, with Mordenkainen—one of the greatest archmages of the age—acting as their de facto leader, though the group does not function as a strict hierarchy. Each member operates independently, gathering intelligence from across the Flanaess and reporting back through magical means. In times of dire need, Mordenkainen possesses enchanted devices capable of summoning the entire Circle to his side.
Masters of Magic and Strategy
Each member of the Circle has honed their craft, developing unique spells and magical disciplines, though none are bound to a singular school of magic. Wizards such as Tenser and Drawmij are known for their distinctive magical styles, yet all are considered generalists, highly versatile and adaptable. Mordenkainen and Tenser, in particular, believe that a true master of the arcane must possess well-rounded magical expertise.
The Circle’s members carry powerful magical artifacts, though their exact inventory is left open for the Dungeon Master’s discretion. While scrolls, potions, and enchanted tools are common among them, the most legendary relics remain closely guarded secrets, revealed only when the situation demands.
The Invisible Hand of Greyhawk
Though the Circle’s influence reaches far beyond Greyhawk, their presence in the city is undeniable. Whether through covert informants, political maneuvering, or direct intervention, they ensure that the Free City remains a hub of intrigue, magic, and power. Those who seek to unravel their mysteries or challenge their will may soon find themselves caught in the web of the Circle of Eight—where the fate of Oerth is decided.
Mordenkainen
A 72-year-old, 6'2" archmage with black hair and a silver-streaked beard, Mordenkainen is a serious and authoritative figure. He listens more than he speaks, and his words carry great weight. He resides in the hidden Obsidian Citadel in the Yatil Mountains, protected by powerful wards, illusions, and loyal defenders, including stone giants and elite warriors. His vast library, once dedicated to magic, now also holds tomes on politics and history. Though rarely in Greyhawk, he maintains ties with Tenser, Bigby, and key allies.
Tenser
At 57, Tenser is a charismatic and gregarious wizard, always clad in blue. A firm champion of Law and Good, he is quick to act and unafraid to use magic to enforce his ideals. His fortress on the Nyr Dyv is magically secured, and he maintains alliances with various good-aligned beings. A frequent visitor to Greyhawk, he enjoys fine goods, rare magic, and lively conversation. His network of spies and contacts makes him invaluable in countering evil.
Bigby
A 48-year-old, cautious and meticulous wizard, Bigby is pale, lean, and reserved. Preferring defense over offense, he hoards protective magic items and avoids risks. He lives in Scant under the guise of a merchant, his underground lair filled with safeguards. Though largely inactive within the Circle, he emerges for crucial matters or to acquire rare defensive magic. His paranoia ensures he always has an escape plan.
Otto
A 44-year-old, 5'10", 332-lb. wizard with a love for food, music, and luxury. Jovial and cultured, Otto travels as a merchant, seeking exotic cuisine and fine arts. His magic reflects his musical talents, with spells infused with sound. Residing mostly in Almor, he gathers intelligence on the Great Kingdom and supports druids and rangers in the Adri Forest. A regular in Greyhawk, he attends operas and fine dining, particularly enamored with singer Aestrella Shanfarel.
Drawmij
Drawmij, appearing 29 despite being 54, is a secretive and silent wizard. He dwells in an undersea lair in the Azure Sea, researching magic that manipulates time and space. His enchanted boat can travel underwater using telekinesis and a shaped wall of force. He maintains ties with merfolk and sea creatures, gathering intelligence on coastal events. Drawmij and Otto crafted a magical device allowing him to hear whale songs from miles away. Though largely reclusive, he has unexpected friendships among Celene’s bards and harbors a deep hatred for Jaran Krimeeah, the Mage of the Valley. He rarely visits Greyhawk, only doing so for magical research.
Nystul
A lanky, plain-featured 43-year-old, Nystul relies on disguise magic to blend in. Though flippant and fond of puns, he is a master tactician who values illusion and misdirection over direct combat. He hails from the Duchy of Tenh and secretly feeds intelligence to its rulers while avoiding public recognition. Specializing in light and darkness magic, he is rumored to be working with druids on a potent form of faerie fire. He occasionally visits Greyhawk for magical research, using Tenser’s fortress as a waypoint, and discreetly recruits mercenaries to defend his homeland from bandit threats.
Rary
At 71, Rary remains sharp and dignified, favoring mental magic over brute force. The Archmage of Ket, he is respected for his wisdom and peacemaking abilities. His bond with the Paynim nomads, reinforced by his legendary enchanted destrier, has helped reduce their raids. Preferring knowledge over power, he collects historical texts and magical artifacts. Though largely retired from the Circle of Eight, he still advises them when needed. He enjoys intellectual debates with his sage brother in Greyhawk, where his visits offer him respite from his duties.
Otiluke
A short and wiry 39-year-old, Otiluke is a brash and aggressive mage who specializes in destructive area-effect spells. His whirling ioun stone reflects his excitable nature. As President of Greyhawk’s Society of Magi and an Oligarch, he secretly represents the Circle of Eight within the city’s ruling elite. His position is both strategic and stressful, as he must maintain complete secrecy about his true allegiances. Despite his impetuous nature, his influence in Greyhawk makes him invaluable to the Circle.
Jallarzi Sallavarian
At 33, Jallarzi is the youngest and only female member of the Circle of Eight, brought in at Tenser’s urging. Intelligent and cautious, she is a strong advocate for Good, though the Circle remains wary of her zeal. She trains mid-level mages, hoping to strengthen the forces of Good, and maintains a discreet presence in Greyhawk. Using her hat of disguise, she explores the city’s underbelly at night, observing criminal activities. Her closest allies include Derider Fanshen and High Matriarch Sarana, and she is rumored to have a relationship with Kieren Jalucian. Her ever-present pseudodragon, Edwina, is a subject of much debate among her peers.
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