Crowned Mage

Formerly Lord Markyl Wolfhill (eerily and fittingly similar to Myrkul), the Crowned Mage was a simple noble and mage who owned a large piece of land in the Mere of Dead Men, as the swamp around him began to grow and the wild magic twisted his magics, he slowly began to lose sanity. When his crops began to fail and his people left, he only had his experiments left to guide him. He explored the swamp for a time, rediscovering the famed Uthtower (where he got his crown), he then erected a tower in his name and changed his name to the Crowned Mage.

Lately, the Red Wizards interest in the mere has given him membership and power over the thayan effort in the swamp. Though Szass Tam’s betrayal in turning Markyl into a lich has broken much of that trust and even more of his sanity. The Crowned Mage continues to raise an undead host in the swamp, where a Dread Ring is being constructed. Fort Makkar has been taken over and is used as a ‘hub’ for gathering dead bodies.

The Crowned Mage was once in possession of The Pale Ring and also owns King Uth's Crown, in fact he has turned it into his Phylactery.

DM Notes Should the PCs be able to snatch the crown, he should be easily defeated, but it’s possible they could also entrust his aid if they are convincing enough.