In the Rose Garden / D&D Nerds: Rejoice in this Parallel

Jellineck · Back to Top

I should state initially, in case the title isn't any indication, that I am a major D&D nerd. Due to the circumstances of the campaigns I'm involved in, specifically in the field of demonology. Since there have been a number of D&D references around this site, I feel confident that there might be some appreciation for yet another crossover analysis. And Akio is involved, so please do read on.

There is a Demon Prince in the realms of the Abyss that bears several striking resemblances to Akio. His name is Graz'zt, and to all Abyssal-wearied players, he is a major pain in the ass (quite literally in fact). Not necessarily a visual similarity (though there is a few debatably). Here's an example:

Here's our lovely Specimen #1.

And Specimen #2.

A disclaimer on my assertions on Graz'zt: he's a popular character, so naturally there will be a lot versions. I'll try to generalize as much as possible from the ton of information I have. What Akio is to Giovanna, Graz'zt is to me. The two have a number of parallels. And I rather dislike Akio. Weird.

Graz'zt is the Demon Prince of seduction, manipulation, tyranny, power, magic, shadows, and illusions. He knows that the trick to having power is to make others believe that they are in fact the ones in contro. Yet, he has a voracious sexual appetite, and most of his interactions with others reflect their submissiveness to his desires and manipulations. Most of his mechanisms revolve around his subjects' baser desires and exploiting them to his advantage.

Furthermore, he is by the most intelligent and intellectually advanced of the demons, and frequently reflects upon the nature of his evil and the necessity of the demons. Far from a demon rendered stupid by his hunger, he uses that as the basis for deductions regarding the manipulation of others - often allowing him to overcome opponents with more physical power.

His origination, according to some of the earlier interpretations on his character, is that he an archangel by the name of Vahz'zt (creative name change, I know) that was corrupted by the essence of chaos. Where once a paragon of virtue and abstinence from physical pleasures, he eventually became the incarnate of sensual pleasure and eternal hunger. Sound familiar?

And here's the icing on the cake: An obsession with sisters. Or daughters. Or cousins. Or his mother. Sexual relationships with intimate relations in general. Though one could argue that this a kink where for Akio it simply doesn't matter, it is just too obvious not to note.

Even physically, both have a sort of stylish habit of contrasting the common with lavishly elegant - a sort of jarring juxtaposition. Combining feminine and masculine traits that melt into a seductive combination. Both accentuate their seductiveness through their speech, dress, and mannerisms. Additionally, there is the dark skin, the lithe build, and the penchant for piercings.

All in all, if these two found each other, it would be a match made in the very deepest and most vile Hell (or in Azzagrat, since Graz'zt is a demon). Though unfortunately, Graz'zt is considerably more psychotic than Akio, and wields a fist where illusion fails (where Akio arguably does not, or at least not to the extent of ripping off people's heads and bathing in their blood). Eventually Akio's thirst for power would get him thrown into the harem or, well, dead.

Well. There was the ultimate expression of my Nerdvana. But it felt so good. D&D fans rejoice.

ShatteredMirror · Back to Top

...dude, I totally never noticed that before. You rock.

Giovanna · Back to Top

Many people have, over the years, tried to convince me to play D&D. This is the argument they should have been making. etc-wankgirl

So yeah. I really want to say something that would contribute but all I can think of are variations on a theme that involves 'Dude that guy is hot' and 'I wonder if Akio would pierce his nipples emot-confused '.

Jellineck · Back to Top

'Dude that guy is hot'

Yes, he is. And he will gladly give you free samples. Or demon spawn. Lots n' lots of them. In other words, if you take up D&D and come across, jab him in the balls with a hatpin for me.

Unfortunately, it's rather jaded me to the whole Utena deal. It's like - "Oh, Touga is having a foursome and Akio is screwing his sister. That's revolting, but not quite as bad as the blood-drenched family orgy where five virgins were sacrificed yesterday." Not that D&D is always really that bad, but stay away from the Abyssal campaigns (or go for it, depending on your tastes).

Giovanna · Back to Top

I think the thing stopping him there is that sacrificing virgins would seem to him a bit of a waste. emot-frown

satyreyes · Back to Top

I've never heard of this guy. Apparently I should be spending less time on D&D mechanics and philosophy and more time on learning the ins and outs of the multiverse!

Looking Graz'zt up on Wikipedia, I see that he was invented by Lord Gygax himself, and that he's been around since First Edition (or before?) So he's certainly as ancient as Akio. It also says here he's worshipped by lamias (i.e. seductive snake-women), and I'm pretty sure "Gio" stands for "Graz'zt's Irresistible Ophidian," so I guess that clinches that. Clearly Gary Gygax looked into the future, saw that Akio would come into being, and ripped him off.

ShatteredMirror · Back to Top

satyreyes wrote:
Clearly Gary Gygax looked into the future, saw that Akio would come into being, and ripped him off.

Exactly. Because he is just that mercenary and awesome.

Jellineck · Back to Top

I've never heard of this guy. Apparently I should be spending less time on D&D mechanics and philosophy and more time on learning the ins and outs of the multiverse!

Yes, well, if you ever encounter Graz'zt...you'll be learning A LOT about the ins and outs of the universe and probably experience some firsthand...

*snickers perversely* Ins and outs.

Clearly Gary Gygax looked into the future, saw that Akio would come into being, and ripped him off.

And gave him nipple piercings. Thus I don't think of him so much as a rip-off from the future but as an improvement. I meant, if you really want your eyes to pop out of your sockets...

http://nwvault.ign.com/fms/Image.php?id=53741 !!!!!

...dude, I totally never noticed that before. You rock.

*strikes a pose*

Mai_Kanzaki · Back to Top

Well if you really wanna make it easy they could be alternate dimension variations of each other OR either one could be a... facet? Aspect? That is the new fangled term isn't it? Or was that for deities only? I could go che-

OH YEAH THEY'RE GOING TO HAVE A DEMONOMICON ARTICLE ON HIM SOON!!!(like days if they don't get lazy)
http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/dragon

This fallen angel thing smacks of the Lucifer influence we've come to recognize so well.
Oh and you'll have to register to be able to see the electro-reincarnation of the mag(I'm still miffed about killing off the printed version and 4th ed. but oh well...)

Giovanna · Back to Top

satyreyes wrote:
I'm pretty sure "Gio" stands for "Graz'zt's Irresistible Ophidian," so I guess that clinches that.

Eh? Eh?

How did I get involved in this?

...aside from the evil demon bastard sammich I've got going in my head. etc-wankgirl

ShatteredMirror · Back to Top

Jellineck wrote:
http://nwvault.ign.com/fms/Image.php?id=53741 !!!!!

HAWT. etc-wankdude

Mai_Kanzaki · Back to Top

I can't believe it. There's a detail that we completely missed. Graz'zt's association with the "Queen of Witches" Iggwilv. Not his sister per say or under his control (in fact he spent their time together in HER service) Not much but it's another detail to bind two of my favorite things together. They wound up making one of the most vile villans of D&D together to boot ick.

Jellineck · Back to Top

Aha! Just since I'm image-whoring Graz'zt to the max...

Another great parallel brought up that I missed. Yes, their love/hate relationship is really one of the only ral glimpses we have into a deeper element of Graz'zt (similiar to Akio). However, there really isn't a lot of insight into the nature of their emotions towards each other, so it's hard to figure the extent of the similarity. Now if only Iggwilv was his sister, I'd be creeped the shit out....

KissingT.Kiryuu · Back to Top

and now to find more parallels with other demon lords and such. XD

ShatteredMirror · Back to Top

There is NOTHING wrong with image-whoring Graz'zt.

Giovanna · Back to Top

ShatteredMirror wrote:
There is NOTHING wrong with image-whoring Graz'zt.

Seconded for truth. This guy officially replaced Dark Schneider for Akio's demontwin. (DS is sorta like Akio's loudmouth violent brother. school-eng101 )

Mai_Kanzaki · Back to Top

Now if only that demonomincon article would just pop-up we might actually get more info. Tidbit's on Iggwilv have been slowly been fed through that series and in Dragon magazine in particular. Can you tell I'm eagerly trolling the Official site. Hmm if any one has either of the Fiendish Codexes or Hordes of the Abyss I'm sure those might have some insights.

Jellineck · Back to Top

Hmm if any one has either of the Fiendish Codexes or Hordes of the Abyss I'm sure those might have some insights.

I have the Book of Vile Darkness and Hoardes of the Abyss. The latter is a bit more useful, but there's still nothing really exclusive that you couldn't find online.

Seconded for truth. This guy officially replaced Dark Schneider for Akio's demontwin. (DS is sorta like Akio's loudmouth violent brother.

He seems really sexy and cool until you meet him via D&D. Then you realize he's just sort of a big sadistic really misogynistic asshole. Kind of like if the worst of Saionji had a lovechild with Akio. Then again, my DM sort of plays him that way. He can also be very elegant and charming depending on your campaign. I should post some samples sometime.

But, anyway, time for more whoring!

ShatteredMirror · Back to Top

Jellineck I think I love you.

Since it just wouldn't be right to love Graz'zt.

Jellineck · Back to Top

I have absolutely no justification for reviving this thread except for this single image, which is really all that I need.

As an afterthought, maybe this one too -

Aaaaaawww! It's plushie Graz'zt and his ho-bag! Oh, my little psycho love. I thought I was your favorite chewtoy.

Last edited by Jellineck (12-11-2007 12:37:51 AM)

Anthiena · Back to Top

etc-wankgirl poptart

This thread rules. I usually play "chaotic"/psychotic characters if I touch D&D. I actually found a group I'm going to start playing with as soon as I buy a player's guidebook and "Drow of the Underdark" so I can play the wierdest Drow they will ever see.

IMHO-Akio would be best portrayed (in mortal form) as a male Drow follower of Vaerun, the Drow God of theivery and evil Drow activities on the surface. Not submissive to women, but a charming outsider and great at illusions and trickery.

#1 | Back to Top09-28-2007 05:39:54 PM

D&D Nerds: Rejoice in this Parallel

#2 | Back to Top09-28-2007 06:51:44 PM

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satyreyes wrote:

#8 | Back to Top09-29-2007 10:57:19 AM

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satyreyes wrote:

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Jellineck wrote:

#12 | Back to Top10-04-2007 05:22:48 PM

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ShatteredMirror wrote:

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