Moonstars

The Moonstars (also known as the Tel'Teukiira, the Silverstars or the Twelvestars) are a highly secretive group of individuals formed by Khelben "Blackstaff" Arunsun with the aim of unifying the humans and other races (especially elves) against the forces of evil.

Outlook
The Moonstars seek to preserve life and knowledge. They have a similar outlook to the Harpers, but apply themselves to Mystra, Oghma and Sehanine Moonbow. Their leader, Khelben, is very much in tune with the beliefs and motivations of the Harpers, but prefers to keep tighter control of the agents under his control. He felt that he sacrificed much for the Harpers during his time in their service and was unfairly treated by the Twilight Trio.

Prophecy
A passage from Amagal's Tome (an ancient elven text from Cormanthor) declares:

"The Tel'Teukiira will come hidden and in many guises and faces. They dwell in shadow and speak in omens, yet they shall bring about waking dreams and save us from the Three Threats Who Wait in Darkness, the Prefects, and ourselves."

It is believed that only Khelben understands the relevance of these words.

History
The Moonstars were officially formed in 1370 DR, but this was only a step in a much larger plan by the organization's founder, Khelben "Blackstaff" Arunsun, who had sought to create his own evil-fighting organization for centuries before.

Additional
An offshoot of the Harpers. They were formed when Khelben "Blackstaff" Arunsun realized that he didn't have as much power over the Harpers as he once did. He discovered in the Year of the Laughing Swan (816 DR) that Alaundo the Seer had written prophecies about an as yet undiscovered threat to Faerun. He attempted to steer the Harpers in a direction where they could deal with the threat but, failing that he took matters into his own hands. In the Year of the Prince (1357 DR), Khelben stole the Scepter of the Sorcerer Kings from the Catacombs of Ordulin, making sure that it came into the posession of High Priest of Bane & leader of the Zhentarim, Fzoul Chembryl. Fzoul then used the scepter to destroy the Banelich Faram Khaldan. 13 years later in the Year of the Tankard, the Harpers found out about Khelben's actions. He admitted his guilt during his trial at Twilight Hall and left the Harpers. Immediately, he and his wife Laeral Silverhand Arunsun set up the Tel Teukiira as part of a plan that Khelben had been developing for many years.

Based in Waterdeep, the Moonstars follow much the same methods as the Harpers do, though the Moonstars operate in more secrecy than the Harpers do and also, members are less free to do what they want, being under the direct and relatively strict command of the "Blackstaff" himself. Officially, the group's headquarters is Blackstaff Tower, though very few have even visited that prestigious place. Each member carries a badge that allows them access to their real stronghold, Silver Safehold which is an extra-planar stronghold built by Cormyrean Sword Heralds.

Membership is less restrictive than the Harpers. One of the senior members is most definitely evil and the organization even lists a vampire amongst its number. To gain entry into the group you do need the sponsorship of either the "Blackstaff" or his wife however, so it is obvious that they do not consider these less morally-inclined members a threat. Many Harpers defected when Khelben created the Moonstars, including Malchor Harpell & Myrmeen Lhal.

Of the gods who pledge their support to the Harpers, only three also support the Moonstars: Mystra, Oghma and Sehanine Moonbow, but even with the lack of the other Harper gods' blessings Khelben and Laeral make up for it with their own spells.

The groups relationship with the Harpers is an ambivalent one. Khelben still advocates the goals of the Harpers to be ones to strive for in his own organization and the two groups goals are nearly interchangeable, yet Khelben also thinks them too narrow-minded and has encouraged others to think that they are simply full of bluster, without actually doing enough in terms of action. The Harpers likewise believe Khelben and the defectors to be traitors to the cause (especially those from Twilight Hall) and sometimes appeal for spies to investigate the "Blackstaff's" plans but hold too much respect for them for anything serious to come of it. They have, however barred Khelben and Laeral from entering the Harper's bases in Waterdeep.

After the death of Khelben, the Moonstars were gradually reintegrated into the Harpers.