Xanathar (original)

Xanathar was one of most infamous beholders of the Realms and the crime lord of the Xanathar Thieves' Guild in Skullport.

History
Xanathar originally came from the Anaurian Hive.

Xanathar was originally a follower of Xantriph of Zhentil Keep. He was sent by the Zhentarim to Waterdeep to destroy the Lords of Waterdeep and establish a ruler allied to the Zhents. However, he soon started to act independently, establishing a new thieves' guild and disappearing. He later led a great thieves' guild and only his four lieutenants—Slan Thurbel, Slink Monteskor, Ott Steeltoes, and Shindia Darkeyes—knew his true nature and aspirations.

Beginning around 1354 DR, another beholder set its sights on the Xanathar's Thieves' Guild. Already the leader of a slaving ring also based in Skullport, the beholder known as the Eye desired to increase its power and influence by taking over the thieving organization. Over ten years, the Eye studied the Xanathar's Thieves' Guild and questioned charmed people in the know, and found subtle similarities in how their two groups behaved, things only a beholder would recognize. It thus learned the Xanathar was a fellow eye tyrant from a different hive, and plotted to eliminate a rival and seize more power in one swoop. Xanathar remained completely unaware as, over a few years, the Eye's investigations revealed the location of its lair.

Xanathar once accidentally petrified Ilserv, the illithid emissary of Ch'Chitl.

In the mid-1360s DR, Xanathar attempted to organize the disparate thieves of Waterdeep into a new guild. However, the effort was thwarted and Xanathar was defeated by bold adventuring companies commanded by Lord Piergeiron of the Lords of Waterdeep, and was the latest such effort by 1367 DR.

Xanathar's ruin came at last in the late 1360s DR, when the Eye, via its agents, carefully manipulated another Skullport beholder, Uthh, and tricked it into attacking Xanathar in the sewers under Waterdeep. Although Xanathar defeated Uthh, it was left weakened and, taking advantage, the Eye arrived and easily killed Xanathar. Afterward, the Eye replaced it, telling Xanathar's former minions that "the Xanathar" was but a title. Persuaded by charm spells and by death rays at dissenters, most agreed to stay and serve it. "The Xanathar" took full control of the Xanathar's Thieves' Guild and gained great power and influence by 1368 DR.

Personality
Xanathar greatly enjoyed being a crime lord just under the nose of Waterdeep's Lords. Xanathar very much enjoyed finely prepared foods, scented oils, and spiced southern tobaccos and herbs.

Xanathar was devious.

Activities
Though the Xanathar's Thieves Guild, Xanathar controlled most of the crime in Waterdeep.

Relations
Shindia Darkeyes, the half-drow thief, was Xanathar's lieutenant and personal favorite. She helped Xanathar kill Uthh, but could do nothing to save it from the Eye. Afterward, she served the Eye grudgingly while plotting its downfall.

Slan Thurbel was Xanathar's mercenary leader, but it insulted continuously him and, in Slan's words, did not "respect his talents". Glad Xanathar was dead, Slan much preferred the Eye in charge.