Viz'gumag

Art by Dire

### Connections

The Shadow, Dez'ith, Cultist of Shadow, Rul'Gam, Forfeited Magus, Gareth Steelfist

## Status

### Cause of death

Felled in battle against the apprentice Shadowhunters

## Campaign Appearances

### Main Campaign(s)

Into the Shadow's Breach

**Viz'gumag** was the Gatekeeper for the Southern Gate Breach of Asmodia. Chosen by Asura, The Many-Faced Lord of Deception, Viz'gumag's primary duty was to prevent the inhabitants of Io from crossing the threshold into the Shadow Veil. However, Viz'gumag went above his station in order to gain favor with Asura by spreading their influence in the Prime Plane.

To this end, he brokered a harsh pact with a large group of refugees camping in the ancient prison ruins north of Culbere under the alias of **"The Warden"**. His deal was to provide them safety if they gave up some of their own as a sacrifice. For the next six months, he plotted to amass an army of Restless and provide a sanctuary for devils outside the Breach, bemused by the lack of interest from the Sentinels. However, his plots were foiled by a group of novice Shadowhunters, who destroyed his forces and liberated the refugees. Frustrated, Viz'gumag fled back to his post at the Shadow's Breach to await the arrival of his new adversaries.

## Description

### Appearance

Viz'gumag was a large muscular humanoid standing over 10ft tall. His skin was a pale blue and a series of sharp triangular horns emerged from his head, much like the Astari of old. His hair was a steel grey, with two identical braids that hung on either side of his face. Viz'gumag also possessed a scar upon his forehead, which marks him as a servant of Asura. This scar, along with his eyes, was usually obscured by a simple black mask.

Very conscious of his roots, Viz'gumag fashioned his clothing to resemble the Astari of old. He wears an elaborate hooded purple robe with red trim and triangular patterns on the shoulders. The robe leaves Viz'gumag's torso exposed, showing of the black patterned tattoos adorning his face and body.

### Personality

Viz'gumag was a proud devil with an aloof disposition. He treated his station as Gatekeeper as a badge of honor, diligently prevent non-fiends from entering the Breach. His dedication to his role meant he was prepared to stand guard even in the face of impeding doom, as he refused to flee for his life as Kaasma Thara approached. This same degree of pride can also be seen in his clothing, which resembles garments worn by the Astari prior to their destruction. Though it is unclear if he was one of the original Astari, he is cognizant of his people's origins and their culture and represents them via his outfit.

Conversely, Viz'gumag had little respect for Ionians, content to extort them and use them as fodder for his Restless army. His manipulation of the refugees at Wardenfell, both desperate and destitute, is a clear example of this. He was also equally dismissive of the Sentinels, mocking them for their inability to interfere with his plans. Despite this, he himself had very little patience for mockery as well, sending Trollbloods after the Shadowhunter apprentices after they belittled both his plans and his endowment in the same sentence. However, Viz'gumag eventually built up some degree of respect for the apprentices that thwarted his plans, deeming them to be worthy adversaries during their fight. He also allowed them to ask questions of him to give them a fighting chance against what was coming.

Even though he cared little for mortality, Viz'gumag expressed some emotions and principles valued by both his people and theirs. He greatly valued his own independence, preferring to die at the hands of the Sentinels than be turned by Kaasma Thara. He was also honorable in a twisted way, maintaining his loyalty to Asura despite his misgivings about the Deceiver and actually upholding his end of the bargain with the refugees, despite having them completely in his power. Perhaps his most humanizing aspect was his love for his betrothed, the Umbrani Valmerath, spending his favor to Asura to let them be reunited before his death and expressing horror and disgust at their mangled body. Finally, Viz'gumag, even when broken and defeated, was steadfast to the last, forcing himself to stand and meet his demise with a warrior's dignity. His dying moments earned a modicum of respect from his killer, Gareth Steelfist, even in the face of the nefarious deeds committed against his countrymen.

## Etymology

Viz'gumag appears to be an original name created for the Ioverse setting.

## Images

### Official art

A spirit raised by Viz'gumag in its blue form.A spirit raised by Viz'gumag in its red form.The corpse of Valmerath, raised by Viz'gumag (Art by Joey Comma).