Backstory

As a Red Wizard of Thay, once Velsharoon had sought the position of Zulkir of Necromancy, but he feuded with several other Red Wizards, including his chief rival, Szass Tam, who saw him driven out of Thay. Thereafter, he was known as a renegade wizard of Thay, and one of the most powerful archmages in the Realms by the mid–4th century CR.

In the Plains of Purple Dust, he had discovered a process to achieve demigodhood through a potion which called for the blood of adventurers. In the late 350s CR, those archmages who'd opposed him feared for their safety and for the safety and stability of the Realms. His actions culminated with his lichdom and then ascension in the year 368 CR.

He was destroyed by the Simbul in 425 DR, leaving behind his charred body. However, his cult was still alive and had access to divine spells, indicating he may have been restored during the event.