Blackstaff Tower (novel)

Blackstaff Tower by Steven E. Schend is the first novel in the ''Waterdeep series.

"The seat of arcane power, where the Archmage of Waterdeep holds his court.

A dark monolith where the rules of reality do not apply.

All Waterdeep rests in the shade of BLACKSTAFF TOWER.

In Blackstaff, a man who helmed the FORGOTTEN REALMS for years tackled an epic tale of the famous wizard Khelben "Blackstaff" Arunsun–and wrote an instant classic.

In Blackstaff Tower, Steven Schend delves once more into the lore and wizardry of the Realms, and spins a tale that is a "must" for all who hold Waterdeep dear, and want to know what goes on behind the masks many folk in the FORGOTTEN REALMS wear. Pay much attention to the man behind the curtain!"

Summary
Blackstaff Tower takes place in Waterdeep, the Crown of the North, between 20 Marpenoth and 20 Nightal, 1479 DR (Year of the Ageless One). It is the first book in the Waterdeep series of stand-alone novels, and some of the characters introduced in Blackstaff are given cameos, such as Raegar Stoneblade, the tressym Nameless, and Tsarra Chaadren.

The story concerns the young Tethyrian apprentice Vajra Safahr, who inherited the powers and secrets of the Blackstaff after her mentor and lover, Samark "the Blackstaff" Dhanzscul, was killed by a rival wizard who wants to rule Waterdeep and return it to its former glories as the "City of Splendors." She must prove herself to the tower and its ghosts and at the same time work against the wizard Khondar “Ten-Rings” Naomal and his ally, the Open Lord Dagult Neverember himself. She finds new companions who help her along her quest: Renaer Neverember, the son of Dagult Neverember; the sorceress Laraelra Harsard, daughter of the guildmaster of the Cellarers and Plumbers' Guild; and the noble-hearted sell-sword Meloon Wardragon.