Iuz

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 This article or section needs sources or references that appear in reliable, third-party publications.
Primary sources and sources affiliated with the subject of the article are generally not sufficient for a Wikipedia article. Please include more appropriate citations from reliable sources, or discuss the issue on the talk page.
This article has been tagged since October 2007.
This article or section includes a list of references or external links, but its sources remain unclear because it lacks in-text citations.
You can improve this article by introducing more precise citations.
Greyhawk Deity
Iuz, in his aspect on Oerth as a human male, from the cover of Iuz the Evil (TSR, 1993).
Iuz
Title(s) The Evil, the Old, Old Wicked
Home Plane Prime Material (Oerth)
Power Level Demigod
Alignment Chaotic Evil
Portfolio Deceit, Pain, Oppression, Evil
Domains Chaos, Evil, Trickery
Superior none

In the World of Greyhawk campaign setting for the Dungeons & Dragons roleplaying game, Iuz is the chaotic evil demigod of Deceit, Pain, Oppression, and Evil. Iuz is variously called "The Old One" and "Old Wicked," among other aliases. Unlike most Greyhawk deities, Iuz makes his home on Oerth, where he rules a broad swath of the Flanaess known as the Empire of Iuz. Iuz was also named as one of the greatest villains in D&D history by the final issue of Dragon.[1]

Contents

[edit] Description

Iuz was originally, unusual for a half-fiend, a strikingly handsome cambion. In the epic battle that resulted from Graz'zt striking out against Iggwilv in a bid for freedom, of which the specific circumstances has yet to be revealed, Iuz's handsome form was split into two "halves". He can either appear in the form of a gnarled, old human male, or as a bloated, red-skinned demonic figure.

[edit] Relationships

Iuz is the cambion child of the demon prince Graz'zt and Iggwilv, the so-called "Witch Queen of Perrenland." He is an ally, and sometimes lover of, Zuggtmoy, Demon Queen of Fungi. His half-sister Drelnza, a vampire daughter of Iggwilv, was slain by adventurers.

Iuz is the maternal grandson of Baba Yaga, and through Graz'zt, the half-brother of Athux and Thraxxia. He may also be related, through his father, to the demon lords Pale Night, Lupercio, Vucarik in Chains, and Rhyxali.

Iuz has many enemies, notably Vecna, Heironeous, Saint Cuthbert, Zagyg, and the Horned Society.

[edit] History

Iuz first came to prominence in 479 CY, when he gained control of a petty independent fief north of Furyondy left to him upon the death of his "father"--a human ruler who believed Iuz to be his son. Almost immediately, the new ruler began recruiting orcs and other evil humanoids to his banner. By 500 CY, Iuz had conquered the westernmost Bandit Kingdoms and named the city of Molag his "summer capital."

In 505 CY Iuz was imprisoned, along with eight other demigods, by the wizard Zagig beneath Castle Greyhawk until released by Lord Robilar in 570 CY.

[edit] References

  1. ^ Bulmahn, Jason; James Jacobs, Mike McArtor, Erik Mona, F. Wesley Schneider, Todd Stewart, Jeremy Walker (September, 2007). "1d20 Villains: D&D's Most Wanted; Preferably Dead". Dragon 32(4) (359): 54–69. Pazio. 
  • Brown, Anne. Player's Guide (TSR, 1998).