Zhengyi
TThe Witch King of Vaasa. The seer into the terrible abyss.
Zhengyi in his Demonic Armor at the battle of Tempest Cliffs.
What little is known of Zhengyi's early life could be entirely false. It is said he was born before the year 1200 (one 'authority' claims it was on the shortest, darkest day of 1191) to parents who were slaves, half-abyssals, bandits or some combination of those depending on which tales you want to believe. It is known that he spent time in Thay between between 1200 and 1210 because there are records in that magocratic nation that confirm this to be true. What isn't provably true is the claim that he studied Necromancy under the lich Szass Tam, although this would not surprise anyone who faced Zhengyi's armies.
As a young man, Zhengyi led several expeditions into the Rawlinswood, and shortly thereafter the dwarvish Mines of Tethyamar, and finally a failed exploration into the elvish Ruins of Myth Drannor. It is unclear why, or when, but he ended his arcane studies shortly after these explorations and began the dark worship of a Demon Prince named Orcus. It is believed that it was after his conversion to this terrible religion that he discovered, or was given, the awesome artifact known as the Starstone.
The next part of Zhengyi's life is accurately documented in great detail, as the Warlocks of Telos and the Monks of Palischuk were each separately meticulous record keepers and scholars. When he arrived in Telos in depths of winter in 1264 DR he was confronted outside the city by the leaders of the beast cults of Malar and Tiamat (most of whom were powerful Warlocks, Warlords, or both). He demanded their fealty, and when they refused, he unveiled the Starstone and fixed his gaze upon the great Warlock Lord, Dyzghal of Tiamat. He repeated his command, and Dyzghal fell to his knees. All of the other Warlock Lords present followed suit, and with that Telos was his.
At the conclusion of his months long survey of western and southern Vaasa, and after meeting with tribal leaders and specific powerful monstrous denizens of the twisted realm, Zhengyi requested audience with the Monks of Palischuk. The Monks were surprised at the civility of the gesture and quickly agreed to meet with Zhengyi. In the spring of 1265 they negotiated the Treaty of Agony. Under the agreement, the Monks of Palischuk agreed to train Zhengyi's forces, and support his efforts to unite the inhabitants into an army, and in exchange the Monks would be given first choice of cities and titles when the conquest was successful. The final ask was that any children who showed aptitude or promise would be given over the Monks for training in Palischuk.
Unbeknownst to all, even to Zhengyi's army at the time, was a secret allegiance made with the Grandmaster of Assassins who had been using the Lost Citadel as his fortress in the North Galenas. With these pieces in place, Zhengyi was able to put a yoke on the Barbarians, Savages, Bandits, and other monstrosities and call forth denizens of Orcus with which to invade Bloodstone, and Damara.
During the invasion, Zhengyi lived in Bloodstone for a time using the Tower of the Sage as his home and laboratory. His residence was brief and ended with his death in 1365 on the Tempest Cliffs north of Bloodstone.
Species
Life
1191 DR
1365 DR
174 years old
Circumstances of Death
Killed on the Tempest Cliffs
Children
Gender
male
Eyes
Sullen Grey
Hair
Brown
Skin Tone/Pigmentation
Olive/Tan
Height
5'11"
Weight
197 lbs
