Elminster

Elminster Aumar, also known as the Sage of Shadowdale and the Old Mage, is one of the most famous and powerful wizards in all of Faerûn.

Appearance
Elminster has white hair and a long, white beard. He wears simple robes with many patches, and floppy leather boots. He often smokes a pipe.

Biography
Elminster is perhaps the most famous person on Toril, and certainly the most eminent sage in Faerûn. Few people know how old he is but he has been around for approximately eleven hundred years (he is a chosen servant of the goddess of magic, Mystra, who granted him and all of her other Chosen near immortality). He currently resides in the village of Shadowdale, living primarily in a tower that resembles a windmill. He does not like very many visitors, especially unexpected visitors.

Before Elminster became a mage, he was the son of a prince of the dead kingdom of Athalantar who was murdered by magelords. Elminster sought to avenge his family and denounced magic in the process. But it was in his quest for vengeance, turning from the skills of a warrior to those of a thief when Elminster first met Mystra, she transformed him into a woman named Elmara to strengthen his bond with magic and to know what it is to be a woman. For a few years, he/she was a priestess of Mystra. Later, an avatar of Mystra's (who went by the name of Myrjala "Darkeyes") trained Elminster in the ways of a mage.

Elminster interacts regularly with the other Chosen of Mystra through a telepathic link. As well as once sharing a bed with the goddess herself, he is currently conducting a relationship with the Simbul of the Seven Sisters. Elminster and Khelben Arunsun had something of a rivalry, yet worked towards the same ends. Whilst Volo sorely taxes the old mage's patience.

Aside from his many adventures in Faerûn, Elminster has traveled to other planes, most notably the Nine Hells. He has aided elves, courted women, and fought devils. He lives to help people, and helps people to live.

Trivia

 * According to Lyra Sunrose, Elminster is skilled with a needle and thread, having sewn a blouse for her.
 * Elminster is a poor horseman.
 * Elminster snores loudly while sleeping, although mutes this magically if it will disturb friends.