Crispinophur is a great and ancient wizard, and powerful High Wizard. His full name is Crispinophur, but prefers to be called Crispin because it's easier for him to remember that way, and his memory isn't what it used to be. His only companion is Cedric, an owl who helps him keep his house and thoughts in order.[1]
Background
Crispinophur is a mysterious personage. Some say that he was already an old man when time began. There is also a tale told in Daventry that Crispin was the main instigator and leader of the first withdrawal of folk from the Other World to the world of Daventry, and that the place of their arrival was in front of Crispin's house.[2] He lives in Serenia now, forgotten by most people in the world. He prefers to be called Crispin. Cedric is his familiar, servant, and companion. It said by the people of Daventry that Crispin's house is as old as the beginning of time, and that Crispin himself was already old when time began. He is a member of the Society of Wizards.
Crispin practices magic that relies much on words. Words such as "Open Sesame!", "Hocus, Pocus, Aliocus!", "Abracadabra!", "Shazam!", "Etaoin Shrdlu", Alakazam! Alakazoo! Alakazee!, Higgledy, Piggledly, Pooh! and "Ia' R'lyea! Cthulhu fhtagn! Ia'! Ia'!" are examples of words that contain much potency.
Derek Karlavaegen, who has met Crispin, writes that he suspects Crispin is not as old as he looks, as feeble as he appears, nor as forgetful as he claims. Derek says that Crispin is the most powerful magician he has even encountered--his mind keen and deep, and his body an illusion to put all off their guards. He also feels that Crispin is much, much older that his appearance.[3]
Behind the scenes
- Crispin's name is occasionally spelled 'Crispinopher'
Clues in the King's Quest Companion may suggest that the first withdrawal took place less than 1,000 years before KQ1 official timeline. This would suggest Crispin may be a little less than 1,000 years old. However, other details may imply it took place many eons ago, this could suggest he is even older.