Council of Musicians, Instrument-Makers, and Choristers
{{WaterdeepGuild
|guildname=Council of Musicians, Instrument-Makers, & Choristers
|guildhall=The House of Song, Rivon Street, Trades Ward
|master=Kriios Halambar, Master Musician, widely known as "Old Leatherlungs," Halambar Lutes & Harps, Street of the Sword, Castle Ward
|contact=The Guildmaster, or Maxeene "the Flute" Rhiosann, Lady Voice of the Council, the House of Song
|others=Jhandess Millomyr
|membership=1500+
|shops=Halambar Lutes & Harps (Street of the Sword, [[Castle Ward of Waterdeep|Castle Ward), Millomyr Harps (Whaelgond Way, North Ward.
|livery=Scarlet jackets, with slashed sleeves of white and purple, and deep green long-cloaks and matching hats, with white and purple plumes
|entrance=30 gp
|dues=25 gp/year (members), 15 gp/year (apprentices)
|goods=• Musicians, performing: 6 gp/day or occasion (whichever is the lesser time) for each musician.
• Musical instruments, new: Prices as per PHB.
}}
This guild elects its master every seven years, nominating only candidates from within its membership, and eliminating the least popular candidate in successive ballots until a Master Musician is chosen. Kriios Halambar, the current incumbent, has never been unseated in such an election, and has held the post for 66 years (he is now 87 years of age). If he dies in office, the Voice of the Council (the young singer Maxeene) will run the Council until the regular seven-year election time comes again (although she may of course run as a candidate in that election).
This guild admits only skilled, accomplished artisans as full members, and its members enjoy a good reputation for quality and command high fees as a result. Member performers gain a typical fee of 6 gold pieces/day. Member instrument-makers command high prices in the crafting of their goods, as well.
In Waterdeep, true professionals in music are not prima donnas with difficult tempers or a need for creative self-expression that overwhelms tact. Rather, they pride themselves on giving a client exactly what is desired or needed, performed superbly. Often clients write terrible tunes or lyrics for a guild member to perform at private parties, weddings, or other ceremonies. Members of this guild may embellish such efforts to make them sound better (previewing them in private before the performance for the client's approval), but they never change a client's work because "they know better." It is just not done. Apprentices unable to cure themselves of such rashness will forever remain apprentices.
Guild members do tutor nonmusicians, and do give their own concerts. Among Waterdeep's wealthier inhabitants, hosting (and sponsoring) such concerts of an evening is a popular pastime.
Certain members of this guild create instruments of quality known throughout the Realms (especially a number of craftsmen of the Crommor noble clan). Guild members have a standing contract with the Lords to provide the signal-horns (also known as "war horns" or "battle trumpets") for the guard.
