[Resources] The Wizards Three

Need a couple or more historical wizards? There are at least three in the books: Two known each as the "Wizard Earl" and another fellow named Michael Scot.

Henry Percy, the 9th Earl of Northumberland, aka the Wizard Earl, was born in 1564 and became known for his scientific and alchemical knowledge plus his immense library, one of the largest in England at the time. His circle of friends included Queen Elizabeth's astrologer, John Dee, and he was a member of a scientific circle that Shakespeare referred to as the "School of Night." He spent 17 years in the Tower of London, a prisoner of  King James I of England and VI of Scotland as a suspected conspirator in the Gunpowder Plot of 1605. He died on the 5th of November (ironic, no?), 1632.

Gerald FitzGerald, the 11th Earl of Kildare, was also known as the Wizard Earl. He was born in 1525 and died in 1585. He was an Irish Peer and escaped to Belgium after his half-brother, the 10th Earl, along with five of his uncles, were executed. He was educated in a monestary, spent time in Italy and Tripoli, and finally regained his lands. He became known as an alchemist and had a sinister reputation of having magical abilities. After he died, his ghost, mounted on a ghostly white horse with silver-shod horseshoes, is reputed to return to Kilkea Castle every seventh year (his next appearance is scheduled for 2012).

The final wizard is Michael Scot (1175 - 1232). Born in Scotland, Scot was educated in Durham, Oxford and Paris. He focused on mathematics and astrology, as well as philosophy and theology, becoming an ordained priest. He wrote at least four manuscripts, dealing with the occult and alchemy, and became known as a wizard shortly following his "death," which is assumed 1232 but no records remain. He was reputed to provide his friends with magical food, brought by spirits from the tables of the kings of Europe, as well as turned a coven of witches into a stone circle (a stone circle that has 51 stones - not quite the usual 13 for a witches coven).

These three wizards are just a tip of the iceberg (you can definitely find a few more in the histories) and can be used in any Earth setting, from the Elizabethan era to modern day, fantasy to scientific, and action/adventure to mystery. Give it a go!