1354 DR Council of Musicians, Instrument-Makers, and Choristers

Council of Musicians, Instrument-Makers, & Choristers

The House of Song, Rivon Street, Trades Ward

Personages

Guild Master

Kriios Halambar, Master Musician, widely known as "Old Leatherlungs" (Halambar Lutes & Harps, Castle Ward)

Primary Contact

The Guildmaster, or Maxeene "the Flute" Rhiosann, Lady Voice of the Council (House of Song)

Other Guild Members

Membership: 1500+ • Jhandess Millomyr (Millomyr's Harps, North Ward) • Ghodus Crommor (House Crommor)

Membership

Livery

Scarlet jackets, with slashed sleeves of white and purple, and deep green long-cloaks and matching hats, with white and purple plumes

Dues

Entry Dues: 30 gp • Annual Dues: 25 gp/year (members), 15 gp/year (apprentices)

Goods & Services

• Musicians, performing: 6 gp/day or occasion (whichever is the lesser time) for each musician • Musical instruments, new: Prices as per PHB.

Member Shops

• Halambar Lutes & Harps: Street of the Sword, Castle Ward • Millomyr Harps: Golden Serpent Street, North Ward.

Faction Details

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Faction Ranks

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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.

Notable Members

Jhandess Millomyr Master Harp-Maker Jhandess Millomyr is a well-loved member of the Council, renowned for the fine work of her hands and the quality of apprentices she trains. She is often a persuasive voice within her guild, urging her guilds-fellows toward choices that emphasize a love of music and compassion for others. She owns a shop, Millomyr Harps, on Golden Serpent Street in the North Ward.