This information is intended for use with the Dungeons & Dragons role-playing game.
At a Glance
Szass Tam is the Zulkir of Necromancy and a lich; this much is known to many of the Red Wizards, and at least suspected by most residents of Thay. Vanity keeps him from admitting it openly, however, so he uses magic to preserve his body.
Szass is born the son of Shevas Tam in 1104 DR, and later becomes a necromancer and a red wizard. In 1159 DR he feels like he’s close to achieving immortality without resorting to the ignominy of undeath, but he’s forced to became a lich after sustaining life-threatening injuries while leading an attack on Rashemen. This affront turns into an obsession with bringing about the destruction of Rashemen; something which consumes most of his efforts for the next two centuries.
Szass is credited by Elminster with creating the belt of spells.
The Xaeyruudh Campaign
With the exception of the picture in FR6, official depictions fail to take his vanity into account; it seems that subsequent artists chose to ignore this detail. This campaign chooses to abide by the original lore.
Sources
Primary Sources
- Epic Level Handbook page 297
- Villains’ Lorebook [9552] page 54
- Dreams of the Red Wizards [FR6/9235] page 52
Passing Mention
- Questions for Ed Greenwood (2013)
- Champions of Ruin [17872] pages 130, 132
Other Resources
- Search for Szass Tam on the FR Wiki
Disclaimer
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