Blackstaff Tower

Blackstaff Tower (previously Arunsun Tower—renamed by Khelben in 1322 DR ) was the home of Khelben "Blackstaff" Arunsun. The forbidding structure is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the Castle Ward of Waterdeep. It was also the home of his apprentices and his consort Laeral Silverhand. The tower was protected against scrying magic.

Structure
From the outside, the structure appeared to be a three-storey stone tower, but inside, there were at least a dozen more levels, and some of these could only be reached by magical means. Everything connected to the central stairwell, although magical passwords were required to transport to certain areas of this stairwell. The three levels visible from the outside were all freely accessible via simply using the stairs. Leaving the dormitories without issuing a command word would lead to the second level's stairwell.

From the inside, windows appeared to show what was going on outside, but these were illusions.

Tunnels linked the tower to Piergeiron's Palace and other locations in Waterdeep, which could be accessed by uttering the command word Vhuarm.

The tower's main entrance was on Swords Street. There was also an apprentice's gate, through which apprentices could gain access by touching the gate with a left palm.

Interior
Many alcoves and shelves covered the walls of the stairwell, displaying magical items and artifacts, and although they seemed unprotected, a command word was needed to remove any of them. The items changed on a regular basis, so returning to the same stairwell on another day might result in seeing different items.

The tower contained The Fanged Tome of Lykanthus Szar, The Annals Adamarus, and Alaundo's Loop.

As of 1374 DR, the tower's entry chamber contained a wardrobe that Khelben was able to use to access almost any closet in the tower.

History
After the death of Khelben, his heirs to the title of Blackstaff used the tower as both a home and a place of power. In fact, the tower became so linked to the Blackstaff that, upon the death of their master, the heir must immediately travel to the tower. On at least two occasions, the Blackstaff died outside of the tower and the heir was driven insane until they returned to the tower.

The fourth Blackstaff modified Blackstaff tower to allow the spirits of each former Blackstaff to communicate with the present holder of the title. While in the tower, the Blackstaff is also aware of every person in the tower or within a few feet of the tower.