Through the Mists

Mordenkainen

At a glance

An archmage who says he belongs to Oerth’s Circle of Eight. The party knew him as Voss, a prisoner freed from Castle Avernus, until his memories returned upon reaching Barovia.

Portrait

Mordenkainen, a bald, goateed archmage in deep-blue embroidered robes, holding a dark staff and open spellbook in his warm-lit magical mansion.

  • Primary reference: Mordenkainen Portrait
  • Canonical status: Post-revelation visual baseline for the same man previously known as Voss. Preserve his bald head, close black goatee, stern features, penetrating eyes, and lean build; his staff, spellbook, robes, and magical sanctuary are Session 23–onward elements.

Known facts

  • Was held as an amnesiac prisoner beneath Castle Avernus and freed by the party.
  • Originally called himself Voss because he remembered no other name or past.
  • On reaching Barovia, recovered the name Mordenkainen and identified himself as a powerful archmage of the Circle of Eight from Oerth (Greyhawk).
  • Said he had come to Barovia to combat Strahd but was cast out and ended up in Darkon.
  • Led the party to a hidden mansion in the Svalich Woods near the Mists.
  • Recovered his true staff and spellbook, restoring powers limited during his amnesia.
  • Granted Ignatius, Rage, and Carver each a Charm of Heroism.
  • Warned the party about Vallaki’s ruler and continual festivals, and advised against visiting Krezk.
  • Said he has lived in hiding in Barovia for four hundred years and had previously been unable to leave.
  • Connected Darkon’s stolen memories to the Book of Names and ancient Castle Avernus magic, but did not know how to protect the party’s memories on a return journey.
  • Told the party his invisible hound would watch for ravens if they needed to contact him.
  • Urged the party to leave Barovia rather than pursue answers about Darkon.

Current relationship

A powerful ally and host whose identity has been restored. The party has reason to trust his gratitude, though his account of his past and powers has not been independently verified.

Current status

At his hidden mansion in the Svalich Woods, Barovia, after the party departed for Vallaki.

Backlinks