Boccob

The Uncaring, the All-Knowing, the Lord of All Magics, the Archimage of the Gods, the Archmage of the Deities

Boccob
Boccob the Uncaring, as depicted in Deities & Demigods (2002) by Matt Cavotta.
General information
Portfolio:	Magic, Arcane Knowledge, Balance, Foresight, Nonintervention
Home:	Concordant Opposition
Alignment:	Neutral
Gender:	Male
Class:	Wizard 20, Cleric 20
Superior:	none
Rules items
Domains:	Magic, Knowledge, Mind, Oracle, (Planning), Trickery
Divine rank:	Greater

Boccob is the god of Magic, Arcane Knowledge, Balance, and Foresight. He is known as the Uncaring, the All-Knowing, the Lord of All Magics, and the Archmage of the Deities. All times and places are open to him, and he has visited many alternate realities and planes unknown to the wisest of sages, places even the Elder Evils avoid. His symbol is an eye in a pentagon; usually this is worn as an amulet.

Description

Boccob is usually portrayed as a middle-aged man with white hair wearing purple robes decorated with golden runes. He carries the very first staff of the magi with him at all times. In addition, the Lord of All Magics knows every spell ever created and can travel to any time and dimension. He is the possessor of the only magical library that contains a copy of every potion, spell, and magic item in existence.

Other aspects

The Bakluni know Boccob as Al-Zarad, portraying him with Baklunish facial features.

Relationships

Boccob guided the apotheosis of his servant, Zagyg. He is allied with Delleb. The Archmage of the Deities is opposed to Tharizdun, who he believes is slowly draining magic from the Oerth.

Realm

Boccob's realm is known as the Library of Lore. This imposing citadel sits atop a barren bluff in the Outlands. Those who would access the library and its knowledge must climb a single narrow stair guarded by four elder elementals, one of each of the cardinal types.

Boccob's holy symbol, as depicted in the Player's Handbook (2003).

The walls themselves are proof against teleportation and astral meddling, and those who try find themselves at the base of the great stair. Within the walls of the library, spells that access other planes do not function. The library is a convoluted mazework of passages that cross beneath and occasionally through each other, leaving no mark of their passage but foiling the most diligent of mapmakers. Within this structure are private meditation cells for spellcasters, sealed armories of magic items, and both true and false libraries that contain much of the magical and mundane knowledge of the multiverse. Those granted access to a true library (done with the approval of Boccob himself) can find the answer to any questions as if a commune spell were cast. One hour of research is required for each question answered. The Library of Lore contains a copy of every nonartifact magic item created by mortal hands. They are sealed beneath magical wards and traps, and golems and shield guardians patrol the halls. Souls who worshiped Boccob in life may peer over their patron's shoulders, catching glimpses of the secrets of the multiverse.

Boccob is a greater power, and as such the effects of his realm can be felt far beyond the walls of his library. Within this area he can limit magic of many types at will. In addition, much magic is enhanced in Boccob's realm. Divinations cast within the domain are extended, and all spells within the Library of Lore itself may be cast without verbal utterances. He has the power to further modify the magic trait of his realm.

The souls of Boccob's worshipers appear as they did in life and have abilities typical to Outlandish petitioners. In addition, they have the ability to know the motivations of others and they often use this ability to determine whether a visitor deserves to receive the information desired. Petitioners are usually librarians, scribes, researchers, inventors, or guides.

Dogma

Boccob teaches that magic is the most important force in the cosmos, and that balance between Law and Chaos, and between Good and Evil, should be preserved. Magic, according to Boccobite dogma, is an energy source of finite extant, and may eventually wane. Boccob promotes the research and creation of new spells and magical items, under the theory that this increases the amount of magic available to everyone.

Boccob's holy symbol, as depicted in Deities and Demigods (2002).

Scriptures

• The Uncaring's Will. Divided into five chapters and twenty-five subchapters, this is the core text of Boccob the Uncaring's faith. It is a collection of sermons and prophecies discussing the origins of the faith, epistles from early members of the religion, commands from Boccob himself, and obscure predictions of the future.
• Words of the Prophets. This is literally a collection of prophecies of all sorts, many of them of doubtful veracity. Acolytes of Boccob study them as much to learn divination's limitations as its successes.
• The Rare Water. Considered a heresy by some Boccobites, The Rare Water claims that each spell cast forever diminishes the amount of magic in the multiverse. Those who trust this book therefore seek to use magic as little as possible. The mainstream church of Boccob teaches that the use of and creation of magic actually replenishes the amount of magic available.

Worshipers

A priest of Boccob, as depicted in Living Greyhawk Gazetteer (2000).

Boccob seems not to care whether he is worshipped or not. Nonetheless, he receives devotion from oracles, sages, and seers, and many wizards and archmages consider him their patron. He is known to every culture.

Clergy

Boccob's clerics are usually neutral, though a small minority are chaotic neutral. Some are lawful neutral, neutral evil, or neutral good. The church does not actively encourage others to study magic, but neither does it discourage them; its primarily concern is balance.

Temples

Boccob's temples are generally tall, round towers, although the one in Greyhawk City is a pyramid. The evangelistic patriarch Riggby ran a cathedral dedicated to Boccob in Verbobonc. Some temples of Boccob are guarded by pious templars who combine arcane magic with martial training. Services performed by Boccob's temples include the identification of magical items and other divination spells.

Rituals

Boccob is honored with magical research and experimentation, with the burning of incense, the reading from books of arcane lore. Each creation of a new spell or magic item is celebrated (usually once a year, in the holiday known as Great Discovery). High-level followers of Boccob make pilgrimages to other planes of existence.

Prayers to Boccob utilize florid and elaborate language, signifying great erudition, labored formality, and robust vocabulary.

Holy days and observances

Boccob's symbol.

• Celestial Conjuntions. As many clerics of Boccob are astrologers, profound conjunctions of the stars, moons, and Wanderers are observed by the church with the uttering of prophecies and other various complex ceremonies.
• Great Discovery. Celebrated early in the year, this holiday honors the magical discoveries made in the previous year. Every five years, the holiday is expanded to include testing for magical talent and expeditions to rediscover lost lore.
• The Last Rite of the Prophet. When a powerful cleric or other devotee of Boccob dies, a somber eulogy is held (as was done for Riggby in 597 CY). In addition, some of the magical power is drawn from the corpse to empower a magic item.

Artifacts and associated magic items

• The Rod of Reversal looks like a length of unbending steel chain. It reflects spells cast on its wielder.
• Boccob's Blessed Book is a thousand-page tome that allows spells to be inscribed into it without the usual costs.
• The Tome of Ancient Lore was allegedly written by Boccob himself and stolen from his Library of Lore. It is said to contain every spell that will ever be conceived, but the index is deliberately difficult to use.
• Darvax's Staff was owned by an Oeridian wizard at the Great Kingdom's height. Darvax disappeared on his 40th birthday on an expedition to other planes of existence, but his staff—carved from the thighbone of a black dragon and topped with an adamantine symbol of Boccob—is occasionally seen in the Flanaess to this day.
• The Razor Bands of the Archmage is a steel orb that rotates around its owner's head like an ioun stone. It can be ordered to attack like the Iron Bands of Bilarro.
• The Sphere of Time Scrying is a blue-hued crystal ball that seems to have been made using the wizardry of the ancient Suloise. It can be used to divine the past.

Myths and Legends

Boccob, as depicted in Dragon #70.

Boccob and the Demon Prince

According to this myth, Boccob once outwitted and bound a mighty demon prince for a thousand years (the identity of this prince varies from tale to tale), using the enslaved demon to counter the plans of a celestial paragon. This myth teaches the importance of the Balance, and how planning and knowledge can be used to overcome a more powerful foe.

The Wizard and the Spellfountain

Once upon a time, a wizard came across a fount of powerful oerthmagic. He used it greedily, however, sharing it with no one, and eventually its reservoir ran "dry."

The moral of the story is that sources of magical power last longer if more people use it, each distinct spell pattern adding to the reservoir of energy. Magic must be used and shared, not hoarded.

The Lost Spell and the End of Magic

Not so much a myth as a prediction, this story foretells the end of all magic on Oerth. In the myth, a great spell exists that can prevent this calamity, but it is not found in time due to the laziness and shortsightedness of wizards. The story-prophecy is often retold to encourage scholars of magic to keep up with their research.

Creative Origins

Boccob was created by Gary Gygax.

Publishing History

In the later Gord the Rogue novel Dance of Demons by Gary Gygax published by New Infinites Productions, Boccob was changed to "Cabbac". The consonants trade places, and the vowels sound the same, but the deity is otherwise described the same. He was referred to as "the god of all magics" and "the father of magics", as well as "purposely unaware, aloof". He was also given the title "The Uncaring One".

References

Bibliography

• Boyd, Eric L. "Powers That Be: Boccob". Polyhedron #128. Renton, WA: Wizards of the Coast, 1998.
• Conforti, Steven, ed. Living Greyhawk Official Listing of Deities for Use in the Campaign, version 2.0. Renton, WA: Wizards of the Coast, 2005. Available online: [1]
• Grubb, Jeff, David Noonan, and Bruce Cordell. Manual of the Planes. Renton, WA: Wizards of the Coast, 2001.
• Gygax, Gary. "The Deities and Demigods of the World of Greyhawk." Dragon #70. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, Inc., 1983.

———. World of Greyhawk Fantasy Game Setting. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1983.

• Holian, Gary, Erik Mona, Sean K. Reynolds, and Frederick Weining. Living Greyhawk Gazetteer. Renton, WA: Wizards of the Coast, 2000.
• Moore, Roger E. The Adventure Begins. Renton, WA: Wizards of the Coast, 1998.
• Noonan, David. Complete Divine. Renton, WA: Wizards of the Coast, 2004.
• Redman, Rich, Skip Williams, and James Wyatt. Deities and Demigods. Renton, WA: Wizards of the Coast, 2002.
• Reynolds, Sean K. "Core Beliefs: Boccob." Dragon #338. Bellevue, WA: Paizo Publishing, 2005.
• Sargent, Carl. Ivid the Undying. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1995. Published online. PDF by William Allman with maps. Original RTF archived:Wizards.com. WGR7 or WGRx
• Ward, James M. Greyhawk Adventures. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1988.

Encyclopedia Greyhawkania Index

The Encyclopedia Greyhawkania Index (EGI) is based on previous work of Jason Zavoda through '08, continued by numerous other fans. The EGI article has a list of sources, product names, abbreviations, and a link to the full, downloadable index.

Topic	Type	Description	Product	Page/Card/Image
Al-Zarad {Boccob}	Deity		Reference	SEE Boccob {Al-Zarad}
Boccob the Uncaring {Al-Zarad, Cabbac}	Deity	The Uncaring, Worshipped by: Human, Native of: Concordant Opposition,	CGR1 The Complete Spacefarer's Handbook	10, 81
Boccob the Uncaring {Al-Zarad, Cabbac}	Deity	The Uncaring, Worshipped by: Human, Native of: Concordant Opposition,	The City of Greyhawk: Folks, Feuds and Factions	6, 23, 28
Boccob the Uncaring {Al-Zarad, Cabbac}	Deity	The Uncaring, Worshipped by: Human, Native of: Concordant Opposition,	LT2 Crypt of Lyzandred the Mad	7, 15
Boccob the Uncaring {Al-Zarad, Cabbac}	Deity	The Uncaring, Worshipped by: Human, Native of: Concordant Opposition,	Deities & Demigods, D&D 3.0e	58, 60-62, 214, 215
Boccob the Uncaring {Al-Zarad, Cabbac}	Deity	The Uncaring, Worshipped by: Human, Native of: Concordant Opposition,	Dance of Demons	62
Boccob the Uncaring {Al-Zarad, Cabbac}	Deity	The Uncaring, Worshipped by: Human, Native of: Concordant Opposition,	Defenders of the Faith, D&D 3.0e	35, 36, 48, 72, 78, 79, 80, 92
Boccob the Uncaring {Al-Zarad, Cabbac}	Deity	The Uncaring, Worshipped by: Human, Native of: Concordant Opposition,	Defenders of the Faith: Web Enhancement (3e)	1
Boccob the Uncaring {Al-Zarad, Cabbac}	Deity	The Uncaring, Worshipped by: Human, Native of: Concordant Opposition,	Dragon magazine #070	20, 21
Boccob the Uncaring {Al-Zarad, Cabbac}	Deity	The Uncaring, Worshipped by: Human, Native of: Concordant Opposition,	Dragon magazine #230	8, 15
Boccob the Uncaring {Al-Zarad, Cabbac}	Deity	The Uncaring, Worshipped by: Human, Native of: Concordant Opposition,	Dragon magazine #253	46
Boccob the Uncaring {Al-Zarad, Cabbac}	Deity	The Uncaring, Worshipped by: Human, Native of: Concordant Opposition,	Dragon magazine #263	48
Boccob the Uncaring {Al-Zarad, Cabbac}	Deity	The Uncaring, Worshipped by: Human, Native of: Concordant Opposition,	Dragon magazine #294	75, 92
Boccob the Uncaring {Al-Zarad, Cabbac}	Deity	The Uncaring, Worshipped by: Human, Native of: Concordant Opposition,	Dragon magazine #298	77
Boccob the Uncaring {Al-Zarad, Cabbac}	Deity	The Uncaring, Worshipped by: Human, Native of: Concordant Opposition,	Dragon magazine #344	59
Boccob the Uncaring {Al-Zarad, Cabbac}	Deity	The Uncaring, Worshipped by: Human, Native of: Concordant Opposition,	Dragon magazine #350	19, 20, 24
Boccob the Uncaring {Al-Zarad, Cabbac}	Deity	The Uncaring, Worshipped by: Human, Native of: Concordant Opposition,	Dungeon magazine #114	20, 24, 27, 32, 33
Boccob the Uncaring {Al-Zarad, Cabbac}	Deity	The Uncaring, Worshipped by: Human, Native of: Concordant Opposition,	El Raja Key Archive (Standard Edition)	136
Boccob the Uncaring {Al-Zarad, Cabbac}	Deity	The Uncaring, Worshipped by: Human, Native of: Concordant Opposition,	From the Ashes: Atlas of the Flanaess	69, 83, 85, 95
Boccob the Uncaring {Al-Zarad, Cabbac}	Deity	The Uncaring, Worshipped by: Human, Native of: Concordant Opposition,	From the Ashes: Campaign Book	77
Boccob the Uncaring {Al-Zarad, Cabbac}	Deity	The Uncaring, Worshipped by: Human, Native of: Concordant Opposition,	From the Ashes: References Card	#4
Boccob the Uncaring {Al-Zarad, Cabbac}	Deity	The Uncaring, Worshipped by: Human, Native of: Concordant Opposition,	From the Ashes: References Card	#5
Boccob the Uncaring {Al-Zarad, Cabbac}	Deity	The Uncaring, Worshipped by: Human, Native of: Concordant Opposition,	Greyhawk Adventures	3, 5, 6
Boccob the Uncaring {Al-Zarad, Cabbac}	Deity	The Uncaring, Worshipped by: Human, Native of: Concordant Opposition,	Ivid the Undying	29, 38, 121, 123, 139, 141
Boccob the Uncaring {Al-Zarad, Cabbac}	Deity	The Uncaring, Worshipped by: Human, Native of: Concordant Opposition,	Living Greyhawk, Living Onnwal Gazetteer, D&D 3.5e	47
Boccob the Uncaring {Al-Zarad, Cabbac}	Deity	The Uncaring, Worshipped by: Human, Native of: Concordant Opposition,	Living Greyhawk Gazetteer	21, 75, 110, 123, 156, 167-169, 187, 189
Boccob the Uncaring {Al-Zarad, Cabbac}	Deity	The Uncaring, Worshipped by: Human, Native of: Concordant Opposition,	Living Greyhawk Journal #0	5, 10
Boccob the Uncaring {Al-Zarad, Cabbac}	Deity	The Uncaring, Worshipped by: Human, Native of: Concordant Opposition,	Living Greyhawk Journal #2	4
Boccob the Uncaring {Al-Zarad, Cabbac}	Deity	The Uncaring, Worshipped by: Human, Native of: Concordant Opposition,	Living Greyhawk Journal #3	8, 16
Boccob the Uncaring {Al-Zarad, Cabbac}	Deity	The Uncaring, Worshipped by: Human, Native of: Concordant Opposition,	Living Greyhawk Journal #5	6, 26, IBC
Boccob the Uncaring {Al-Zarad, Cabbac}	Deity	The Uncaring, Worshipped by: Human, Native of: Concordant Opposition,	On Hallowed Ground	47, 180, 186, 187, 191
Boccob the Uncaring {Al-Zarad, Cabbac}	Deity	The Uncaring, Worshipped by: Human, Native of: Concordant Opposition,	Last Respects, RPGA	3, 6
Boccob the Uncaring {Al-Zarad, Cabbac}	Deity	The Uncaring, Worshipped by: Human, Native of: Concordant Opposition,	Player's Guide to Greyhawk	5, 19, 21, 22, 24
Boccob the Uncaring {Al-Zarad, Cabbac}	Deity	The Uncaring, Worshipped by: Human, Native of: Concordant Opposition,	Player's Handbook, D&D 3.5e (Premium Edition)	32, 53, 55, 106, 187, 188, 189, 284
Boccob the Uncaring {Al-Zarad, Cabbac}	Deity	The Uncaring, Worshipped by: Human, Native of: Concordant Opposition,	Polyhedron magazine #058	14, 17
Boccob the Uncaring {Al-Zarad, Cabbac}	Deity	The Uncaring, Worshipped by: Human, Native of: Concordant Opposition,	Polyhedron magazine #128	28, 29
Boccob the Uncaring {Al-Zarad, Cabbac}	Deity	The Uncaring, Worshipped by: Human, Native of: Concordant Opposition,	SJR6 Greyspace	89
Boccob the Uncaring {Al-Zarad, Cabbac}	Deity	The Uncaring, Worshipped by: Human, Native of: Concordant Opposition,	T1-4 The Temple of Elemental Evil	120
Boccob the Uncaring {Al-Zarad, Cabbac}	Deity	The Uncaring, Worshipped by: Human, Native of: Concordant Opposition,	The Adventure Begins	10, 61, 63, 71, 89, 95, 96
Boccob the Uncaring {Al-Zarad, Cabbac}	Deity	The Uncaring, Worshipped by: Human, Native of: Concordant Opposition,	The Scarlet Brotherhood	80
Boccob the Uncaring {Al-Zarad, Cabbac}	Deity	The Uncaring, Worshipped by: Human, Native of: Concordant Opposition,	Unearthed Arcana, AD&D 1e	92, 97
Boccob the Uncaring {Al-Zarad, Cabbac}	Deity	The Uncaring, Worshipped by: Human, Native of: Concordant Opposition,	WG5 Mordenkainen's Fantastic Adventure	31, 32
Boccob the Uncaring {Al-Zarad, Cabbac}	Deity	The Uncaring, Worshipped by: Human, Native of: Concordant Opposition,	WG6 Isle of the Ape	8
Boccob the Uncaring {Al-Zarad, Cabbac}	Deity	The Uncaring, Worshipped by: Human, Native of: Concordant Opposition,	WG8 Fate of Istus	69, 95, 127
Boccob the Uncaring {Al-Zarad, Cabbac}	Deity	The Uncaring, Worshipped by: Human, Native of: Concordant Opposition,	WGA4 Vecna Lives!	15, 25, 87, 91-93
Boccob the Uncaring {Al-Zarad, Cabbac}	Deity	The Uncaring, Worshipped by: Human, Native of: Concordant Opposition,	WGR1 Greyhawk Ruins	2, 3, 36-38, 41, 44, 50, 57, 62-65, 83, 86
Boccob the Uncaring {Al-Zarad, Cabbac}	Deity	The Uncaring, Worshipped by: Human, Native of: Concordant Opposition,	WGR4 The Marklands	29, 65
Boccob the Uncaring {Al-Zarad, Cabbac}	Deity	The Uncaring, Worshipped by: Human, Native of: Concordant Opposition,	WGR5 Iuz the Evil	5, 72
Boccob the Uncaring {Al-Zarad, Cabbac}	Deity	The Uncaring, Worshipped by: Human, Native of: Concordant Opposition,	World of Greyhawk boxed set (1983)	63-65, 78
Boccob the Uncaring {Al-Zarad, Cabbac}	Deity	The Uncaring, Worshipped by: Human, Native of: Concordant Opposition,	World of Greyhawk boxed set (1983)	38
Boccob the Uncaring {Al-Zarad, Cabbac}	Deity	The Uncaring, Worshipped by: Human, Native of: Concordant Opposition,	Night Watch (1990)	4, 5, 17, 18, 22,
Boccob's Blessed Book	Item	Artifact,	Dungeon Masters Guide, AD&D 2e	137, 161
Boccob's Blessed Book	Item	Artifact,	LT1 The Star Cairns	46
Boccob's Blessed Book	Item	Artifact,	Unearthed Arcana, AD&D 1e	97
Boccob's Blessed Book	Item	Artifact,	Unearthed Arcana, AD&D 1e (Premium Edition)	88, 97
Boccob, Monastary of (Pantarn)	Building	Abbey,	WGR4 The Marklands	29
Boccob, Ring of	Item	Artifact,	Encyclopedia Magica - Volume III	950
Boccob, Ring of	Item	Artifact,	Unearthed Arcana, AD&D 1e	92
Boccob, Ring of	Item	Artifact,	Unearthed Arcana, AD&D 1e (Premium Edition)	85, 92
Boccob, Staff of	Item	Artifact,	Deities & Demigods, D&D 3.0e	61
Boccob, Temple of (Chathold)	Building	Temple,	Living Greyhawk Journal #0	10
Boccob, Temple of (City of Greyhawk)	Building	Temple,	The City of Greyhawk: Folks, Feuds and Factions	28
Boccob, Temple of (City of Greyhawk)	Building	Temple,	Dungeon magazine #114	20, 33
Boccob, Temple of (City of Greyhawk)	Building	Temple,	Living Greyhawk Journal #2	4
Boccob, Temple of (City of Greyhawk)	Building	Temple,	Living Greyhawk Journal #4	6
Boccob, Temple of (City of Greyhawk)	Building	Temple,	Living Greyhawk Journal #5	IBC
Boccob, Temple of (City of Greyhawk)	Building	Temple,	WGA4 Vecna Lives!	25
Boccob, Temple of (City of Greyhawk)	Building	Temple	Night Watch (1990)	IFC, 2, 22,
Boccob, Temple of (City of the Magi)	Building	Temple,	Polyhedron magazine #058	17
Boccob, Temple of (Erelhei-Cinlu)	Building	Temple,	Dragon magazine #298	77
Boccob, Temple of (Rauxes)	Building	Temple,	Ivid the Undying	29, 30, 38
Boccob, Temple of (Rauxes)	Building	Temple,	WG8 Fate of Istus	69
Boccob, Temple of (Rel Deven)	Building	Temple,	Ivid the Undying	138
Cabbac {Boccob}	Deity		Reference	SEE Boccob
Disc of Concordant Opposition (LVL6) (Boccob)	Spell	Spell (Cleric),	From the Ashes: References Card	#05
Disc of Concordant Opposition (LVL6) (Boccob)	Spell	Spell (Cleric),	Greyhawk Adventures	6
Disc of Concordant Opposition (LVL6) (Boccob)	Spell	Spell (Cleric),	Priest's Spell Compendium Volume 1	209
Disc of Concordant Opposition (LVL6) (Boccob)	Spell	Spell (Cleric),	Priest's Spell Compendium Volume 3	798
Library of Lore (Boccob's Realm)	Planar	Plane/Dimension,	On Hallowed Ground	180
Ring of Boccob	Item		Reference	SEE Boccob, Ring of
Specialty Priest of Boccob	People Group	Religious order,	From the Ashes: Atlas of the Flanaess	83
Specialty Priest of Boccob	People Group	Religious order,	Greyhawk Adventures	5, 6