Gzemnid
Encyclopedia
Gzemnid is a fictional deity in the Dungeons & Dragons
fantasy
role-playing game
. It is a beholder
deity. Gzemnid is the beholder deity of gases, fogs, obscurement, and deception.
(1992), including details about his priesthood. Its role in the cosmology of the Planescape
campaign setting was described in On Hallowed Ground
(1996).
Gzemnid is less aggressive and more calculating than its mother and superior, the Great Mother
, and therefore less prone to violent reactions.
, and the only one of her offspring known to have reached deity status.
Dungeons & Dragons
Dungeons & Dragons is a fantasy role-playing game originally designed by Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson, and first published in 1974 by Tactical Studies Rules, Inc. . The game has been published by Wizards of the Coast since 1997...
fantasy
Fantasy
Fantasy is a genre of fiction that commonly uses magic and other supernatural phenomena as a primary element of plot, theme, or setting. Many works within the genre take place in imaginary worlds where magic is common...
role-playing game
Role-playing game
A role-playing game is a game in which players assume the roles of characters in a fictional setting. Players take responsibility for acting out these roles within a narrative, either through literal acting, or through a process of structured decision-making or character development...
. It is a beholder
Beholder
The beholder is a fictional monster in the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game. It resembles a floating orb of flesh with a large mouth, single central eye, and lots of smaller eyestalks on top with deadly magical powers....
deity. Gzemnid is the beholder deity of gases, fogs, obscurement, and deception.
Publication history
Gzemnid was first detailed in the book Monster MythologyMonster Mythology
Monster Mythology is a sourcebook for the second edition of the Dungeons & Dragons roleplaying game. Released by TSR in 1992 and written by Carl Sargent, with interior illustrations by Terry Dykstra, John and Laura Lakey, and Keith Parkinson, Monster Mythology was released as a companion volume for...
(1992), including details about his priesthood. Its role in the cosmology of the Planescape
Planescape
Planescape is a campaign setting for the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game, originally designed by Zeb Cook. The Planescape setting was published in 1994...
campaign setting was described in On Hallowed Ground
On Hallowed Ground
On Hallowed Ground is an accessory book for the Advanced Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game, for the Planescape campaign setting.-Contents:This book contains information about deities' planar domains from 20 separate pantheons...
(1996).
Description
Within the game, Gzemnid is an elusive creature, rumored to have excellent command over illusionary magic, especially spells dealing with obscurement or area distortion. It is also known as "the gas giant" on account of his aptitude towards spells of elemental air.Gzemnid is less aggressive and more calculating than its mother and superior, the Great Mother
Great Mother (Dungeons & Dragons)
In many campaign settings for the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game, The Great Mother is the creator and primary racial deity of beholders, gibbering orbs, and the various races of beholder-kin. The Great Mother is the beholder deity of magic, fertility, and tyranny...
, and therefore less prone to violent reactions.
Relationships
Gzemnid is a child of the Great MotherGreat Mother (Dungeons & Dragons)
In many campaign settings for the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game, The Great Mother is the creator and primary racial deity of beholders, gibbering orbs, and the various races of beholder-kin. The Great Mother is the beholder deity of magic, fertility, and tyranny...
, and the only one of her offspring known to have reached deity status.