Iwan, later known as Imad Asem, was a Witcher originally from the School of the Bear, who eventually went on to found the School of the Manticore.
Biography[]
Iwan was originally trained and mutated at the School of the Bear. He never cared much for the school's master, Arnaghad, nor for his brutal teaching philosophies. So when the schism in the Bear School occurred after Ivar Evil-Eye's attempted assassination of Arnaghad, Iwan had no qualms about leaving with the future Vipers as they departed Haern Caduch.
However, the young Witcher soon realized that he did not agree with Ivar's grand ambitions and sense of duty. He also learned of the Witchers' dark prophecy and grim resolutions. As Ivar and his followers moved on in search of Gorthur Gvaed, Iwan and other Witchers who doubted Ivar chose a different path. They headed towards a place where they knew they would find work: the Elskerdeg Pass. This small group of Witchers found ample employment, as merchants hired them to guard their caravans traveling across the Korath Desert. A pivotal event in these days would elevate Iwan and his group to great renown and respect in Zerrikania.
While crossing the desert, Iwan and his fellow Witchers encountered a group of survivors desperately fending off two Manticores. Recognizing the survivors' attire as that of the Zerrikanian royal family, Iwan and his companions swiftly dispatched the monsters. Among the survivors was the court mage, Nasira Faizan. She had heard rumors of foreign warriors protecting merchants traversing the Korath, but witnessing their prowess firsthand left her deeply impressed. Nasira offered Iwan and his comrades their weight in gold and an audience with the Queen if they could safely guide her back to Zerrikania. The Witchers agreed, and upon reaching the capital, they were warmly greeted and introduced to the Queen as "Alqatil," or "Slayers."
After hearing the story of how they saved Nasira, the Queen offered the Witchers an exclusive deal: protect Zerrikania's merchants and emissaries, and in return, they would receive assistance in building their school. Iwan accepted the offer. The school's two castles were built at either end of the Korath Desert, and from then on, they were officially known as the School of the Manticore.
Iwan assisted Nasira in recreating the mutation process, though he remained vague about the details. He chose to remain in the eastern fortress, Bialsuf Alsarea, with Nasira and the young trainees, eventually becoming the personal Witcher to the Queen of Zerrikania. He also adopted a new name, Imad Asem.
In the autumn of 1146, when the Queen organized a large caravan for her son, the prince, Imad, despite his advanced age, led most of the Manticore Witchers in protecting it. Unfortunately, the caravan met a disastrous end when it was attacked by a colossal Fire Elemental, resulting in the death of most of the Witchers and a large part of the caravan.