Blackstaff Tower NPCs

Blackstaff Tower

	Khelben "Blackstaff" Arunsun Archmage of Waterdeep Khelben is the most powerful and influential archmage of the Sword Coast, and is widely rumored to be one of the rulers of Waterdeep (though he never has anything to say on the subject). Allied to the Harpers, and instrumental in keeping the Lords' Alliance (of Silverymoon, Sundabar, Neverwinter, and other “good” cities of the North, with Waterdeep) intact, Khelben is always working to influence this or that occurrence or trend, looking years ahead. He is a forester and a painter, and has tutored many mages of note (including Malchor Harpell, Savengriff, and Nain). Khelben is a tall (6', 6"), well-muscled, bearded man with a receding hairline, black hair shot through with silver, and a distinguished manner. He is gravely wise, not pompous, and is fully learned in the history, lore, and traditions of magic as practised by humans in the North since the rise from barbarism. * Former Apprentices of Blackstaff Tower
	Danilo Thann Youngest Thann Son, Khelben's apprentice The youngest of Lady Cassandra and Lord Rhammas' nine children, Danilo is the sixth boy in the House. Always precocious and a born attention-seeker, Danilo was the only one of Lady Cassandra's children to exhibit any talent for the Art. His uncle Khelben has been training him in the privacy of the Thann villa, but often despairs of the young man's lackadasical approach to study. He hopes that some time in actual apprenticeship in Blackstaff Tower will help him sharpen his resolve.
	Demisante Mage-Thief A whimsical and not-terribly-bright young half-elf, Demisante's stated mission is the liberation of jewels and other goods from ugly rich people to deliver them to where they belong: the persons of beautiful but poor people. An avid worshipper of Lurue, she has been caught twice by Ahmadar, who asked Khelben to take her on as an apprentice, freeing her from imprisonment under Khelben's watch.
	Aleena Paladinstar Daughter of Lord Piergeiron The only daughter of the Open Lord, Aleena has lived a life of seclusion for the most part, growing up in the private halls of the Palace and rarely leaving there, for her own safety. She is a very tall young woman (at seventeen years), about the height of her father, with a shy personality but stunning intellect. Ciro Melshimber threw her official coming out party, but it wasn't until she appeared, seemingly by magic, in Khelben's cellars that her true potential came to fruition. When she explained that she'd discovered the passages leading between the Palace and Blackstaff Tower, Khelben was impressed with her cunning and intelligence. Once she showed an aptitude for wizardry, Khelben took her on as an apprentice. She has rooms at Blackstaff Tower and must live there for the first year of her apprenticeship, much to the chagrin of her father. For her part, she adores the privacy and freedom.

The Palace of Piergeiron

Lord Piergeiron Paladinson Open Lord of Waterdeep Piergeiron is the only openly-known Lord of Waterdeep, and speaks for all the Lords. He is also the City of Splendor's chief diplomat to foreign powers and its chief defender, being both Commander of the Watch and Warden (commander) of the Guard. As Overmaster of the Guilds, he has clear authority to override Guild law, and his decree is the only absolute law in this city of interpretation and subtle evasion. As such, he is very safe from Waterdhavians - and his life is threatened by foreign powers, such as Amn, Calimshan, and Luskan, for the same reason: he is so above reproach, and so able in his administration and justice, that the City flourishes. Waterdhavians could not conceive of a better man to fill the offices Piergeiron discharges; those wishing the City ill want to remove him if at all possible. Piergeiron speaks seldom, and slowly; as a result, he is sometimes snidely known as "the Thickskull," though never to his face. He is not stupid, but often pretends to be, to draw others out into verbal admissions they might otherwise not make. His grander nickname is due to the fact that his father Athar, "The Shining Knight," The Arm of Tyr, was a very famous paladin adventurer of the North.

Waterdhavian Nobles

House Ammakyl

	Gural Ammakyl Heir of the House The heir of House Ammakyl, Gural has never fit in well with his fellow nobles. He is quiet and sombre, with a somewhat melacholy disposition. He prefers to work to his House's advantage over anything else, often losing himself in that work. Only his cousin Chusya and her consort Alyra seem to be able to pull him out of those pits, to force him to relax.
	Chusya Ammakyl Gural's cousin From a branch of cousins to the main family, Chusya is a sweet dispositioned young woman, with a reputation for incredible compassion. She often does work for various charities, despite how de rigeur such things among today's nobility.
	Alyra Ammakyl Evendur's older sister A young woman who caused no small amount of scandal for her elopement to Chusya Ammakyl. There are all sorts of rumors about her elopement and relationship alike, and so Alyra avoids society for the most part, preferring to spend her time at the Ammakyl villa. She has already proven herself very useful to House Ammakyl for negotiating good mercenary prices from her great-aunt Coremita in the hire of protectors for Ammakyl farmlands.

House Anteos

Hlethvagi Anteos Moneylender & Warehouse Owner A fat, wispy-bearded nobleman, Hlethvagi is a minor member of House Anteos. He is well-known for his business acumen and cunning investment sense. He is also rumored to be a Loviataran. He is good friends with Audyna Husteem, a priestess of the Painmaiden.

House Belabranta

Pike "The Grizzly of the North" Belabranta Wrestler In a House of hunters and beast-tamers, Pike stands out for his gruff demeanor. A champion pankrator, Pike has a reputation as being somewhat simple, which those close to him know is mostly a ruse - he knows that people look at him and see a big dumb oaf, so he gives them that. More than a few of his opponents - on and off the sands - have made that mistake. Ciro has indicated that they were once romantically involved, but are merely friends (albeit of the intimate variety) now.

House Husteem

	Lord Orbos Husteem Patriarch of the House; Evendur's father Lord of House Husteem, Lord Orbos is a stern and proprietous man. He doesn't interact with Waterdhavian society much, preferring to allow other members of his House to play those fields - he is too busy ensuring the continued prosperity of his House. It always causes a stir when he does arrive at social events, however.
	Orlpar Husteem Evendur's uncle A rake and scoundrel with questionable friends and a long-running, "friendly" rivalry with his older brother. Orlpar is the most sociable of Lord Orbos' siblings, although he is known as an inveterate "dark-streeter": a noble who prefers to get his kicks in the myriad dives and scummy festhalls of the Dock and South Wards, eschewing the safer, more comfortable pleasures of more northerly districts. He is well-known as being involved in at least the use = and possibly even the sale = of illicit drugs.
	Audyna Husteem Evendur's aunt, Priestess of Loviatar A notorious socialite and priestess of the Painmaiden, Audyna is very selective about who she associates with. Unlike her brother Orlpar, she also doesn't enjoy the dens of villainy he frequents - she enjoys the cut and thrust of Waterdhavian social set, and prefers to play those games in as much luxury as possible.
	Olegh Husteem Evendur's younger brother A young rakish man, well under his Uncle Orlpar's thumb. It is rumored that Olegh has even moved out of the family villa, and into a room of his own in his uncle Orlpar's house in the North Ward. Nonetheless, when Olegh is dragged home for drunken brawling at all hours of the morning, it is to the Husteem villa the Watch drags him.
	Boreas Husteem Heir of House, Evendur's younger brother The youngest of the Husteem sons, Boreas has been made heir by his father. He is firmly aware of what his three older siblings have done to disappoint his father, and is fearful of doing the same himself. He seems relieved and even excited that his elder brother, Evendur, has started coming around the villa again.
	Coremita "Lady Warchest" Husteem Evendur's grand-aunt, Mercenary Contract Handler The negotiator and paymaster for the Husteem mercenaries. Known as "Lady Warchest" for both her control over the funds and her immense bosom. She is known as a force to be reckoned with; indeed, it is said that Orbos prefers her out of Waterdeep as often as possible, because her influence is frequently too difficult for him to counter effectively with the rest of his House.
	Ianhorne Husteem Evendur's cousin, Coremita's apprentice A former socialite of Waterdeep, Ianhorne is something of a notorious rake in the "steel rose" set of Waterdhavian nobility - that is, those young men who prefer the romantic company of one another rather than any woman. Charming, witty and urbane, he also played with affections viciously, until Waterdeep had no further interest in his games. He was made captain of the Hellstags, a Husteem mercenary company, where he met his consort Aaromore, whom he web by Loviataran rite.
	Aaromore Husteem Ianhorne's consort A former mercenary of the Hellstags, Aaromore met Ianhorne when the young nobleman was made captian of that company. The two took up almost immediately, and Aaromore has rarely left Ianhorne's side since. He is dark and muscled where Ianhorne is lithe and fair, silent and intimidating where his love is garrulous and charismatic.

House Melshimber

	Lady Hlanta Melshimber Matriarch of the House Notorious for her scheming and secret-mongering, Lady Hlanta is a virtual queen in Waterdhavian society. Genteel and wielding the finest of manners, she is the very model of noble comportment.
	Andedda Melshimber Ciro's Mother The main fashionplate of House Melshimber, Andedda is formerly of House Talmost. Andedda is one of Matriarch Hlanta Melshimber's primary confidants, and commands a great deal of respect in Waterdhavian society for her beauty, her sense of style and her connections.
	Moro Melshimber Master of Wines A man in his sixties, Moro has the finely-honed palate and skills of a master sommelier. He has even declined multiple invitations to join the Vintners', Brewers' and Distillers' Guild, even when it was suggested that he might make of himself guildmaster in short order. Moro is quietly dedicated to the family's success, and is a quiet pillar of strength for Lady Hlanta.
	Ambenc Melshimber Sage Moro's youngest son, Ambenc is a sage and scholar, working closely with his uncle Gierobuco. In his early adulthood, he found himself in an altercation with Orlpar Husteem, who used a poisoned blade to win. The injury he received to his leg has never properly healed because of the potent venom, and so he walks with a limp to this day. His altercation caused him to become withdrawn, both emotionally and socially, retreating into the books at the Melshimber Villa.

House Rosznar

Lady Estrip Rosznar Matriarch of the House Lady Estrip is the sole member of House Rosznar in Waterdeep. She has Amnian relatives, who are recognized and legal kin, but she does not want them in Waterdeep, and has forbidden them entry. Since they have a reputation as notorious and treacherous slavers, Lord Piergeiron has bidden the Watch to inform Lady Estrip should any of her kin enter the city. She is sometimes called the "Young Masked Lady" for her love of masked dance costumes - as well as her uncanny resemblance to the first "Masked Lady" of Waterdeep, Lhestyn Arunsun, the mother of Khelben "Blackstaff" Arunsun.

House Ruldegost

	Reso Ruldegost Adventurer Reso is a childhood friend of Evendur's, and has grown up to be an adventurer, much to the chagrin of his House. He is a member of the Company of the Mount, a band of Waterdhavians who venture out into the lands surrounding Waterdeep - and most recently into the High Forest - to find their adventure.
	Carina Ruldegost Reso's sister, Evendur's ex Arch and beautiful, known for her aloof beauty, Carina and Evendur were once an item on the Waterdhavian social scene. His choice to take vows as a Mystran priest apparently put her off, and she broke off their relationship.

House Thann

Lady Cassandra Thann Matriarch of the House While her husband Rhammas pursues his own interests and goals, Lady Cassandra sees to the running of the House's affairs. She is a formidable woman - no surprise considering she is the older sister of Khelben "Blackstaff" Arunsun!

House Thongolir

Tolvin Thongolir Broadsheet Writer Though their families hoped that a friendship might blossom between Tolvin and Ciro Melshimber, in truth they became bitterest rivals. Though they share similar talents and skills, Tolvir is extremely focused on the dignities of the Waterdhavian nobility, and considers the lower classes to be simply that: lower. He writes for Burnstel's Oracular, which gives him the perfect venue to express those predilictions.

House Wands

Elranmyr Wands Falconfree, Herald of Waterdeep A son of House Wands, Elranmyr is a distant cousin to the main family not just in lineage, but also in magical talent. Rather than remain in the house lacking the skills it takes to achieve renown in the Wands family, he set out on his own. He is a ranger of some skill, and has worked throughout the North as a guide, bounty hunter and adventurer. He eventually came to meet Old Night, and became an apprentice Herald in Neverwinter. When the old Falconfree passed away, Elranmyr was sent back home to Waterdeep to take up his post.

Dran Wands Noble and Apprentice Wizard A distant relation of Khelben's, Dran is an anxious young man. He knows that his family has pulled some significant strings to get him into Blackstaff Tower, and he is expected to excel. He is a young man in his early twenties, with lanky brown hair and bright, sparkling hazel eyes, and a bit of fashionable chin scruff. Though his family wants him to put everything aside in favor of his studies (hence moving him out of the Wands estate and into a tiny, cramped chamber in the Tower), he still continues to go carousing with his friends among the nobility.

Templefolk

House of Wonder

	Meleghost Starseer Temple Magister High priest of the temple and an open necromancer, with something of a sinister reputation.
	Ilbrost Mythyl Overseer of Acolytes One of the upper echelon of priests, Ilbrost is also the unspoken head of the faction of Mystran priests who are clerics, rather than wizards.

Spires of Morning

High Radiance Ghentilara High Priestess of the Spires The High Radiance of the Spires was renowned as quite the beauty in her day. She is also regarded as a wise counselor, often sharing social engagements with Lord Piergeiron to discuss the things that weigh on his mind. She runs the Spires with a firm hand and clear vision: hope and beauty must be instilled in the world, and these things celebrated, even in the face of ugliness and evil.

Dawnbringer Darus Killian Priest of Lathander One of the Lathandran priests of the Spire, Dawnbringer Darus is one of the champions of the Lathandran-style wrestling that is often part of the pankration style of athletics which has been in vogue among Waterdhavian nobility for nearly three decades at this point. As such, he also works at the various gymnasia in the area, training others in the grappling styles of which he is master. His noble contacts have lent him access to noble society, where he is quite a hit with the ladies.

The Plinth

Krenall the Scrivener Shrine Priest of Deneir The attendant priest of the Deneirrath shrine found in the Plinth, Krenall is somewhat dour and serious-minded, though kindly to those less fortunate than he. He spends most of his time in the shrine reading and writing letters for folk who cannot themselves write or read. He is also a standing member of the Scriveners', Scribes', and Clerks' Guild, and often splits his time between the Plinth and the Zoarstar.

Guildsfolk

Order of Master Taylors, Glovers and Mercers

Sibondi Threadwonder Master Seamstress Master seamstress that frequently works with House Melshimber brought in by Ciro to help prepare his and Glim's outfits for the Husteem dinner.

Most Excellent Order of Weavers and Dyers

Aelandelia Swiftleaf Weaver and Apprentice Wizard Pleasant of demeanor and beautiful in the unassuming way so many folk of elfin blood are, Aelandelia was a weaver's apprentice when she discovered her talent for magic. Though she is poor, she came to Blackstaff Tower and remained outside his gate for six days and nights before he accepted her as an apprentice. Her stoicism and drive impressed the archmage then, and continues to do so now. She has long honey-blonde hair down past her waist, and eyes of pale frosty blue. Though she wears simple homespun dresses as she works, they do nothing to detract from her obvious beauty. Aelandelia is a member of the Most Excellent Order of Weavers and Dyers.

Vintners', Distillers' and Brewers' Guild

	Vassa Churis Vintner of "Dark Delights" The vintner of the fine "Dark Delights" strongwine - a staple of many of Waterdeep's finest festhalls - Vassa is herself quite the festhall-goer. She can often be found out on the town, enjoying the profits her vintage brings her, a beautiful girl and comely lad at her side.
	Dasum & Alambar el Gahatan Vintners of "Old Devil Firewine" Calishite brothers and vintners of the "Old Devil Firewine", an extraordinary pepper-wine that making of which is their own secret, but is known to involve the extensive import of rare southern spices.
	Waldolph "Ashenbow" Sweetruff Vintner of "Sweetruff Sweetwine" A gregarious young craftsman and fine merchant, Waldolph has helped his clan rise to a position of prominence in the guild, and intends to keep them there.
	Phera of Yondalla Matron of the Sweetruff Clan A great-grandmother and priestess of Yondalla, Phera oversees the brewing of the Sweetruff clan's hill-wine. It was she who taught Waldolph the old family recipe for it, and it is said that she blesses each cask of the vintage personally.

Underworld Folk

	Ahkhalan Skullport Slaver; Ahmadar's brother Ahmadar's twin, raised by their father, a dwarven slaver in Skullport. Ahkhalan works in their father's organization in Skullport, although he has become interested in his brother's facility with magic, and desires to see if he has the talent.
	Artanial Head of Pickpocket gang; Glim's "uncle" The somewhat-weaselly head of a gang of child pickpockets, Artanial took in Glim when she was a girl on the streets. He taught her the arts of the thief, and has started looking into heists a bit more grandiose than his normal fare.

Wanderers

Imrul Athelzedar The Magister A friend of Khelben's, and the Magister of Mystra. Imrul is an unassuming man, and kindly spoken, though when the need arises, his quiet power is palpable. Like many previous Magisters, he loves to introduce people to magic, using his Art in kindly, useful ways, and passing on interesting, rare spells to those mages (particularly mages new to their Art) he meets.

Nouméa Drathchuld Magister's Apprentice An archivist at the Vault of Sages, Nouméa is an old friend of Ciro's from his days at the Vault. She came to Silverymoon as a young woman, desperate to learn magic, but too poor to afford the training from any of the magical collegia of the city. When she discovered that Vault archivists are often trained as wizards, she quickly found a way into an apprenticeship there, where she has discovered not just a talent for magic, but an affinity for the work of the archivists as well. She and Evendur spent a night of intimacy together in the High Palace of Silverymoon, before they parted ways: he to return to Waterdeep, and she to accept an offer of apprenticeship with the Magister.

Silverymoon

	Lady Alustriel Silverhand Lady of Silverymoon The beautiful silver-haired sorceress-queen of Silverymoon is well-loved by her people (and many outside of Silverymoon), and hated by those who would seek to enslave, conquer or destroy the goodly folk of the North. She is an avid ally of the Harpers, going so far as to publicly open her court to Those Who Harp, and a part of the Lords' Alliance. Her neighbors know her protection without any fear of being conquered for the aid, and she has made Silverymoon into a bastion of art, culture, beauty and love, inspired by the example of ancient Myth Drannor. She has been acknowledged as an elf-friend by the elven folk, and has a handful of half-elven sons, the Brothers Aerasume. She is a dedicated sensate and cheerful hedonist, although does not allow her pleasures to stand in the way of her duty; indeed, she is very well-known for letting her pleasures to assist her (she is somewhat notorious - in an envied fashion - as a "budoir diplomat").
	Taern "Thunderspells" Hornblade High Mage of Silverymoon Alustriel's strong right hand, and the High Mage of Silverymoon, Taern loves his liege greatly, and those who would seek to do harm to her are in grave danger from him. An invoker of dangerous reputation, Taern deeply believes in the ideals of Silverymoon, even while proclaiming himself a "man too simple to truly understand them." Despite his bluster and thunder, he is a skilled politican, with a good-natured laugh that can hide the most subtle of threats.
	Naerond Aerasume Knight in Silver A paladin of Mystra and mage both, Naerond is warm and outgoing, cheerful where his brothers can be distant or suspicious. Ciro was closest to Naerond during his time in Silverymoon, as the two young men often spent evening in one anothers' company (and beds), artfully stepping on the line that separates friendly lover and beloved routinely during that time. Naerond was very happy to see Ciro return.
	Daemera of the Bow Priestess of Mielikki A blonde half-elf with a strongly elfin appearance, Daemera is a ranger and priestess at Mielikki's Grove in Silverymoon. Before she took such vows, however, she was an adventuring companion of Glim's mother, Syanee Farwalker. She suggested to Glim that if she wished to know more about Syanee, she seek out the wife of the owner of the Old Xoblob Shop, in Waterdeep, who apparently acted as sort of a "den mother" for their old adventuring company.
	Teshura Ahmadar's mother, Private Dancer Moved to Silverymoon into a comfortable home by Ahmadar, Teshura has settled in and become something of a fixture in the local dwarven community. She has gained something of a reputation as a merry widow, willing to grace suitors with her charms not out of expectation of marriage or coin, but because it pleases her to do so. Of course, dwarves being who they are, messengers arrive with expensive gifts from anonymous admirers and beaus multiple times a week.