Mizaab Zalen: Difference between revisions
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Mizaab’s last appearance in Greyhawk ... was c.[[562 CY]]. Those who knew him have speculated that he either suffered a fatal accident while flying, or fulfilled his lifelong dream of encountering a dragon, thus precipitating his demise. | Mizaab’s last appearance in Greyhawk ... was c.[[562 CY]]. Those who knew him have speculated that he either suffered a fatal accident while flying, or fulfilled his lifelong dream of encountering a dragon, thus precipitating his demise. | ||
Despite his eccentricities, Mizaab made significant contributions to the magical world. He is presumed dead, but no one would be surprised if he were to one day appear in the streets of Greyhawk, none the worse for his lengthy absence."<div style="text-align:right;"> - ''Luminary Wizards of Greyhawk''{{csb|WGA2|13-14}}</span> | Despite his eccentricities, Mizaab made significant contributions to the magical world. He is presumed dead, but no one would be surprised if he were to one day appear in the streets of Greyhawk, none the worse for his lengthy absence."<div style="text-align:right;"> - ''Luminary Wizards of Greyhawk''{{csb|WGA2|13-14}}</span>}}</div> | ||
==Rumors & Legends== | ==Rumors & Legends== | ||
Revision as of 09:47, 10 June 2023
| Mizaab Zalen | |
|---|---|
 Mizaab as depicted in WGA3 Flames of the Falcon, p52, (1990). Art by Ken Frank. | |
| General info | |
| Occupation: | Retired merchant |
| Alignment: | Lawful Nuetral |
| Gender: | Male |
| Species: | Human (Greyhawk dragon) |
| Class: | Wizard |
| Dates | |
| Age: | 100+? (in 591 CY) |
Mizaab Zalen was a wizard and inventor of much renown, though of mixed reputation. He lived in the City of Greyhawk for 40 years.
Description
Mizaab was an eccentric, middle-aged wizard. He looked to be about 55 years old, with a short, greying beard and reddish brown hair. He was in good health for a man of his age, appearing sturdy, though not very strong. Mizaab’s favorite color was gray (any shade from dove to charcoal), and he has never been seen without wearing some article of gray clothing.[1]
Mizzab is considered to have been an imaginative inventor[2] who was strongly interested in human flight, both magical and mundane. Outside the typical magic means of flight, Mizaab invented "various sorts of wings" and "mechanical birds large enough to carry two men".[3] Though texts about his work do not discuss the method of construction, he also is known to have created magical rings and potions related to flight, as well as flying carpets.[3] He seems to be something of a DaVinci-esque figure, inventing prolifically, trying to innovate new methods and forms of flight.[4]
Another field of work at which Mizaab excelled was cartography. He was a prolific and accomplished mapmaker. In a volume entitled Cartography in the Flanaess,Mizaab is credited as being extremely accurate because his maps were drawn based on air reconnaissance.[4] In addition, Mizaab was known to be an avid researcher regarding the anatomy of dragons.
Mizaab's contributions to magic are not as notable or as widely known as the greatest luminaries of Oerth, such as those of the Circle of Eight. However, he is included in such seminal works as Magic in the Flanaess, Greyhawk’s Contributions to the World of Magic, and Mages of Greyhawk. He is listed as an expert on magical flight. The books agree that his theories and experiments with flight were remarkable.[3]
Unbeknownst to all but a rare few, Mizaab Zalen is one of multiple identities of a Greyhawk dragon.
Personality
- Mizaab Zalen
- One of two (known) assumed personas of a Greyhawk dragon who lived in the Free City of Greyhawk for more than 70 years in multiple personas.[5] Mizaab has not been seen in the city since 571 CY.[6]
- Sturtevant
- The more contemporary of two personas portrayed by the same Greyhawk dragon. This identity shown to the general population of Greyhawk is that of a wealthy, retired merchant who is a patron of the libraries and art museums.[7]. Sturtevant hasn't been seen in the Free City since 586 CY.[5]
The dragon is suave, sophisticated, charming, and wise. People who encounter him (in his human form only) find him fascinating and compelling. When people meet him in dragon form, they find themselves hanging on his every word.[7]
Abilities
Mizaab Zalen has all the usual abilities for a dragon of this type or species.
Possessions
The Greyhawk dragon owns a mansion in the High Quarter near the city wall, known as Grey Manor. It is heavily fortified with magical defenses, and it is exquisitely decorated inside. Only a chosen few know that the occupant of this mansion is a dragon, the obvious occupant changes from time to time. The dragon’s long lifespan has enabled him to amass an amazing collection of artwork and cultural artifacts. His home resembles more a museum than a humble abode.[7]
Prior to leaving the city, Sturtevant filed paperwork with the city to allow the estate to be cared for by Lord Henway. After 586 CY, the estate was sealed, and a private guard is always present on the property. There is a wall around the entire manor and stables, and there are plants which move and defend the property as if animate or intelligent.[5]
Activities
The timeline of events concerning Mizaab can be complicated and unclear in the source material. For example, both WGA2 Falconmaster and The Adventure Begins give a "last seen" date of "20 years ago" for Mizaab. That's difficult to follow, since they take place in 581 and 591 CY, respectively. It must be assumed that Mizaab was either seen only outside the city after 561 CY, or was not seen in the city between 561 CY and 571 CY until after Luminary Wizard of Greyhawk was published, and then seen only briefly before dropping out of sight entirely later c.571-572 CY.. This brief summary attempts to give significant dates relative to the dragon.
- 521 CY - The Falcon trapped by Mizaab, Talamar Thraydin and two others.[8][9]
- c.561 CY - Mizaab last seen in Greyhawk and/or the Wizards' guildhall[10][11]
- c.571 CY - Luminaries Wizards of GH was written, Mizaab "dropped out of sight"[5]
- 581 CY - Falcon killed; Sturtevant/Mizaab helps [12]
- 586 CY - Sturtevant last seen in the Free City[5]
- 591 CY - GH dragon hadn't reappeared[5]
Relationships
Mizaab Zalen, as Sturtevant, is on good terms with Eritai Kaan-Ipzirel and Derider Fanshen, as well as the church of Saint Cuthbert. He also is a very good friend of Astraella Shanfarel, the Grand Diva of the Royal Opera House, because she is also a Greyhawk dragon.
History
Though Mizaab wasn't considered one of the most accomplished spellcasters, Mizaab was included in Luminary Wizards of Greyhawk, a tome scribed in 571 CY by an apprentice at the University of Magical Arts.
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Rumors & Legends
Though the Greyhawk dragon has been absent from the Free City following 591 CY, when he returns, he will have adopted a new identity, likely that of a minor human spellcaster.[5]
See Also
See also: Greyhawk dragon
Appearances
Mizaab Zalen is mentioned in WGA1 Falcon's Revenge, but doesn't make an actual appearance. Sturtevant/Mizaab appears in the rest of the series (WGA2 and WGA3), and is an integral part of the plot. He is discussed, though does not appear in The Adventure Begins, though it does mention that Sturtevant hasn't been seen in the city since 586 CY.
References
Citations
- ↑ WGA3 Flames of the Falcon (1990), p.52.
- ↑ WGA2 Falconmaster (1990), p.13.
- ↑ a b c WGA2 Falconmaster (1990), p.12-13.
- ↑ a b WGA2 Falconmaster (1990), p.12.
- ↑ a b c d e f g The Adventure Begins (1998), p.83.
- ↑ WGA2 Falconmaster (1990), p.14.
- ↑ a b c WGA3 Flames of the Falcon (1990), p.53.
- ↑ WGA1 Falcon's Revenge (1990).
- ↑ WGA2 Falconmaster (1990), p.7.
- ↑ WGA2 Falconmaster (1990), p.13-14.
- ↑ WGA2 Falconmaster (1990), p.16.
- ↑ WGA3 Flames of the Falcon (1990).
Bibliography
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
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mizaab Zalen | Non-player character | Dragon, Greyhawk, | The Adventure Begins | 83, 85 |
| Mizaab Zalen | Non-player character | Dragon, Greyhawk, | WGA1 Falcon's Revenge | 33, 34, 55 |
| Mizaab Zalen | Non-player character | Dragon, Greyhawk, | WGA2 Falconmaster | 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 16, 18, 24, 25, 41, 54, 55, 58, 59 |
| Mizaab Zalen | Non-player character | Dragon, Greyhawk, | WGA3 Flames of the Falcon | 4, 9, 12, 13, 14, 18, 19, 23, 24, 25, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 41, 43, 46, 47, 48, 49, 52, 53 |