From Khazan’s Journal

*For years, I have immersed myself in the arcane, seeking knowledge and power beyond mortal comprehension. My studies have been both a source of enlightenment and trepidation. In this secluded tower, I have delved into the mysteries of the cosmos, attempting to uncover secrets that few dare to fathom.

And yet, there is a shadow that looms over my pursuits, a presence that both intrigues and terrifies me - Strahd. His dark charisma and enigmatic allure have drawn me into his web, binding my destiny to his own. We have spent countless nights in deep conversation, sharing our insights into the arcane and the realms beyond. And at last it has borne fruit, the traitorous dusk elves have revealed a most interesting secret.

Atop Mount Ghakis, a temple was built in the name of the God of Secrets, housing a great power once protected by an order of mages. I’ve no doubt of its validity, as the spirits known as the Ladies Three were proven true as well. Strahd plans an expedition with a small party, including myself and Rahadin. If you are reading this, then you are stronger than most wizards - who think themselves above physical training. Imagine their surprise when they find themselves in a tower unable to use a drop of magic, while my own magic runs free!

For you, my thief, I’ve left you paltry gifts within this tower. Perhaps you will be happy to abscond with them, but I care little. For my greatest works reside in Castle Ravenloft now, and when I return from the Amber Temple I will have completed my life’s work. I will have found the path to lichdom, while you revel in simple riches.*

From Legend Lore

Khazan was an archmage who travelled with Strahd von Zarovich’s war party. He faithfully served Strahd during his war campaign against Delmoor and its ruling house of Hellborne. As archmage, Khazan was often consulted by Prince Strahd during his campaign. Khazan became a powerful member of the court once he dealt with the Druids and offered knowledge in exchange for protection and safety. Discovering that the land they warred had once borne three deities known as the Ladies Three, Khazan discovered that their altars still contained some primal, ancient magic.

He gained the respect of Strahd for applying their studies into the arcane into twisting this magic to the Prince’s benefit. In support of the war, Strahd and Khazan worked to desecrate the altars of the Ladies Three, so that Strahd was able to twist and channel their powers into his own. When a faction of the Druids protested, Khazan dealt with them mercilessly. As a reward, Strahd promised the construction of a Mage’s Tower for Khazan in their newly conquered parcel of land, where Khazan may continue his studies.

Khazan was an instrumental figure in the battle against Argynvostholt, particularly his knowledge of Silver Dragons, as well as the subjugation of the Dusk Elves near the end of his life. In the following years of Strahd’s reign, where Delmoor became Barovia, named so after King Barov, Khazan would continue his research into the arcane. Most notably, in older age he became obsessed with immortality - a subject of great interest to Strahd, as well. He specialised in necromancy and conducted various experiments on both Druids and Dusk Elves, eager to study their longevity.

From Rahadin, a dusk elf who would betray his clan in service to Strahd, they learned of a secret known to Kasimir the Elder, of power even beyond what they gained from the Ladies Three. After the subjugation of the elves, under duress Kasimir the Elder would admit to a long forgotten piece of knowledge: the location of the Amber Temple, a dark place carved out of the snowy slope of Mount Ghakis. Built by the Keepers of Forbidden Lore, to hide the most evil of knowledge - the temple was built in dedication of a God of Secrets. Once Khazan learned the name of the God of Secrets, he felt sure that the knowledge of immortality lay within. For the god of secrets was a once-human king, who before ascending to godhood, became a lich. The Amber Temple, Khazan had discovered, was built in dedication to the Undying King, The Arch-Lich, The Whispered One - Vecna.