Originally from Wen but having lived most of his life in Djarvin, Xan Shiao is one of the most powerful wizards living in Lüm, specializing in magics of transformation. In his youth he traveled all over the world fighting evil and performing great magical deeds, but now he's mostly retired; he takes on the occasional gig creating powerful enchantments or bespoke magic items, but he charges high fees for his services. He spends much of his time in his manor in the Glades doing magical research and experimentation, though he does enjoy attending social gatherings and delivering the occasional guest lecture at the university.

Unlike most powerful wizards of Curcalen, Xan never joined any of the secret wizard covins that largely rule the world behind the scenes—though he is aware of them. Ten years ago, Xan was invited to join the Heroes' Council, the organization that governs the nation of Djarvin. He declined mostly because he surmised, correctly, that most of the members of the Heroes' Council were covertly in the pockets of the covins and he didn't want to get involved with them. This is not to say, however, that Xan remains completely independent; he is not a member of any of the covins, but he did affiliate with an obscure organization called the Aogerian College with footholds on many worlds.

With his transformational abilities, Xan Shiao can appear in many different forms—and does, changing his shape and appearance as others might change their clothing. In his original and natural form, however, he's a short, lithe man with a broad, oval face; while over eighty years old, he still looks physically only around twenty thanks to the effects of his magic. His hair is bright cherry-red, a characteristic he likes to carry through whatever form he takes, though this is due to a permanent enchantment he cast on himself; it was originally black, as his eyebrows still are. Xan dresses lightly, favoring either hip-length sleeveless wraps or kilts and short tops that leave his midriff bare.