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{{otheruses4|the wizard tower|the novel|Blackstaff Tower (novel)}} |
{{otheruses4|the wizard tower|the novel|Blackstaff Tower (novel)}} |
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'''Blackstaff Tower''' (previously '''Arunsun Tower'''—renamed by Khelben in [[1322 DR]]<ref name="CoS:CG-p31">{{Cite book/City of Splendors (boxed set)/Campaign Guide|31}}</ref>) was the home of [[Khelben "Blackstaff" Arunsun]]. The forbidding structure is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the [[Castle Ward (Waterdeep)|Castle Ward]] of [[Waterdeep]].<ref name="WTM">{{Cite book/The City of Waterdeep Trail Map}}</ref> It was also the home of his apprentices and his consort [[Laeral Silverhand]].{{fact}} The tower was protected against [[scrying]] magic.<ref>{{Cite book/Swords of Eveningstar|327}}</ref> |
'''Blackstaff Tower''' (previously '''Arunsun Tower'''—renamed by Khelben in [[1322 DR]]<ref name="CoS:CG-p31">{{Cite book/City of Splendors (boxed set)/Campaign Guide|31}}</ref>) was the home of [[Khelben "Blackstaff" Arunsun]]. The forbidding structure is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the [[Castle Ward (Waterdeep)|Castle Ward]] of [[Waterdeep]].<ref name="WTM">{{Cite book/The City of Waterdeep Trail Map}}</ref> It was also the home of his apprentices and his consort [[Laeral Silverhand]].{{fact}} The tower was protected against [[scrying]] magic.<ref>{{Cite book/Swords of Eveningstar|327}}</ref> |
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| + | ==Structure== |
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| + | 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.<ref name="B-p21">{{cite book/Blackstaff/MMP|21}}</ref> The three levels visible from the outside were all freely accessible via simply using the stairs.<ref name="B-p22">{{Cite book/Blackstaff/MMP|22}}</ref> |
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| + | From the inside, windows appeared to show what was going on outside, but these were illusions.<ref name="B-p21"/> |
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| + | Tunnels linked the tower to [[Piergeiron's Palace]] and other locations in [[Waterdeep (city)|Waterdeep]], which could be accessed by uttering the command word ''Vhuarm''.<ref name="B-p21"/> |
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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.<ref name="B-p20">{{Cite book/Blackstaff/MMP|20}}</ref> |
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.<ref name="B-p20">{{Cite book/Blackstaff/MMP|20}}</ref> |
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| + | ==History== |
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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.<ref>{{Cite book/Blackstaff Tower}}</ref> |
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.<ref>{{Cite book/Blackstaff Tower}}</ref> |
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Revision as of 22:07, 17 October 2010
Blackstaff Tower (previously Arunsun Tower—renamed by Khelben in 1322 DR[1]) was the home of Khelben "Blackstaff" Arunsun. The forbidding structure is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the Castle Ward of Waterdeep.[2] It was also the home of his apprentices and his consort Laeral Silverhand.[citation needed] The tower was protected against scrying magic.[3]
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.[4] The three levels visible from the outside were all freely accessible via simply using the stairs.[5]
From the inside, windows appeared to show what was going on outside, but these were illusions.[4]
Tunnels linked the tower to Piergeiron's Palace and other locations in Waterdeep, which could be accessed by uttering the command word Vhuarm.[4]
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.[6]
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.[7]
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.[8]
References
- ↑ Ed Greenwood and Steven E. Schend (July 1994). “Campaign Guide”. City of Splendors (TSR, Inc), p. 31. ISBN 0-5607-6868-1.
- ↑ Uncredited (December 1989). The City of Waterdeep Trail Map. (TSR, Inc). ISBN 978-0880387583.
- ↑ Warning: edition not specified for Swords of Eveningstar
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Steven E. Schend (July 2006). Blackstaff. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 21. ISBN 978-0786940165.
- ↑ Steven E. Schend (July 2006). Blackstaff. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 22. ISBN 978-0786940165.
- ↑ Steven E. Schend (July 2006). Blackstaff. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 20. ISBN 978-0786940165.
- ↑ Steven E. Schend (September 2008). Blackstaff Tower. (Wizards of the Coast). ISBN 0-7869-4913-9.
- ↑ Steven E. Schend (September 2008). Blackstaff Tower. (Wizards of the Coast). ISBN 0-7869-4913-9.