Khazan

Buried in Castle Ravenloft; his gravestone says "His word was power".

In Curse of Strahd

In life, Khazan was an archmage hired by Strahd to help the construction of Castle Ravenloft. Following its completion, Khazan went to live on a small island on Lake Baratok and constructed a tower there. A causeway of earth and gravel connected his island to the Barovian mainland. As his health began to fall to age, Khazan discovered the secrets of becoming a lich at the Amber Temple. Later, he visited Castle Ravenloft to wrestle away lordship of the domain from Strahd, but the vampire lord instead convinced him to serve as advisor. Khazan split his time advising Strahd and at the Amber Temple. Khazan eventually attempted to escape Barovia by becoming a demilich and sending his consciousness beyond the veil. However, the effort failed and only resulted in Khazan's destruction.

Khazan's skeletal remains now lie in Crypt 15 of Castle Ravenloft. His skull contains several valuable gems. Saying his name by the Pillarstone of Ravenloft causes a powerful magical staff to materialize, though the first time it is touched a powerful bolt of lightning strikes the one who touched it.

Following his demise, Khazan's tower was not used for many years, but eventually Rudolph van Richten took it over and used it as a base for operations in Barovia for a time before moving on to Vallaki. Ezmerelda d'Avenir has since taken to living there as she hunts for her teacher.

Notes

Khazan is probably a reference to Shazam of Captain Marvel fame.