Editing Khelben Arunsun

{{DEFAULTSORT:Arunsun, Khelben}}
{{otheruses4|Khelben Arunsun the Elder|Khelben Arunsun the Younger|Khelben Arunsun the Younger}}
{{Person
| image          = LordBlackstaff.jpg
| caption        = The Blackstaff
| name           = Khelben "Blackstaff" Arunsun
| true name      = 
| alt_spelling   = 
| titles         = Lord Blackstaff<br/>Lord Mage of Waterdeep<ref name="DIA">{{Cite book/The Diamond||1}}</ref>
| aliases        = Malek Aldhanek
| nicknames      = Blackstaff
| home           = [[Blackstaff Tower]], [[Waterdeep]], [[Sword Coast North]]
| formerhomes    = 
| sex            = Male
| race           = [[Human]]
| ethnicity      = 
| occupation     = 
| age            = 
| patron deity   = [[Mystra]]
| languages      = 
| basicrefs      = <ref name="tSummoning">{{Cite book/The Summoning/Paperback 2001}}</ref><ref name="CoS.W-p53"/>
| reckoning      = DR
| dob            = 414
| dobnotes       = 
| turned         = 
| turnednotes    = 
| death          = 1374
| deathnotes     = although rumors are he may still be alive as a [[Chosen of Mystra]]
| destroyed      = 
| destroyednotes = 
| daterefs       = <ref name="tGHotR-p73">{{Cite book/The Grand History of the Realms|73}}</ref><ref name="tGHotR-p157">{{Cite book/The Grand History of the Realms|157}}</ref>
| parents        = [[Arun Maerdrym]]<br />[[Arielimnda]]
| spouses        = [[Cassandra Simtul]]<br />
[[Laeral Silverhand]]
| siblings       = [[Phaerl Hawksong]] (half-sister)
| children       = [[Kessydra]]
[[Zelphar Arunsun]]
| familyrefs     = <ref name="CoS:CG-p31">{{Cite book/City of Splendors (boxed set)/Campaign Guide|31}}</ref><ref name="Blackstaff-pp1-9">{{Cite book/Blackstaff/MMP|1-9|0}}</ref><ref name="Blackstaff-p146">{{Cite book/Blackstaff/MMP|146|16}}</ref>
| alignment1e    = [[Lawful neutral]]
| class1e        = {{Class table|edition=1e|[[Magic-user]]|26<ref group="note">The ''[[Forgotten Realms Campaign Set]]'' gives his level as "26+".</ref>}}
| refs1e         = <ref name="DMSotR-24">{{Cite book/Forgotten Realms Campaign Set/DM's Sourcebook of the Realms|24}}</ref>
| alignment2e    = [[Lawful neutral]]
| class2e        = {{Class table|edition=2e|[[Wizard]]|27}}
| refs2e         = <ref name="RtR-36">{{Cite book/Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting 2nd edition (Revised)/Running the Realms|36}}</ref>
| alignment3e    = [[Lawful neutral]]
| challenge3e    = 31
| class3e        = {{class table|edition=3e|[[Wizard]]|24<ref group="note">The original 3rd-edition stats include four of the superseded "Epic" levels. Later sources added these to the Wizard levels.</ref>|[[Archmage]]|3}}
| refs3e         = <ref name="FRCS3e-274">{{Cite book/Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting 3rd edition|274}}</ref><ref name="ELH-pp299-300">{{Cite book/Epic Level Handbook|299-300}}</ref><ref name="CoS.W-p53">{{Cite book/City of Splendors: Waterdeep|53}}</ref>
| alignment35    = 
| class35        = 
| refs35         = 
| alignment4e    = 
| class4e        = 
| refs4e         = 
| alignment5e    = 
| class5e        = 
| refs5e         = 
}}
'''Khelben "Blackstaff" Arunsun''' ({{Pronounce|KEL|ben|_|AIR|un|sun|refs=<ref name="DMSotR-24" />}}) was the Lord Mage of [[Waterdeep]], a masked [[Lords of Waterdeep|Lord of Waterdeep]], and powerful archmage <ref>Collins, A., & Cordell, B. R. (July, 2001). [https://forgottenrealms.fandom.com/wiki/Epic_Level_Handbook Epic Level Handbook]. ([https://forgottenrealms.fandom.com/wiki/Wizards_of_the_Coast Wizards of the Coast]). ISBN 978-0786926589.
</ref>. He resided in [[Blackstaff Tower]] until his death.<ref name="CoWTM">{{Cite book/The City of Waterdeep Trail Map}}</ref>

One of the few spellcasters to become one of [[Mystra's Chosen]],<ref name="B-p7-9">{{Cite book/Blackstaff/MMP|7-9|0}}</ref><ref name="tGHotR-p88">{{Cite book/The Grand History of the Realms|88}}</ref> and the last survivor of House [[Maerdrym]],<ref name="B-p62">{{Cite book/Blackstaff/MMP|62|6}}</ref> Khelben was a serious, imposing wizard, and a grim proponent of law and order whose methods of achieving the ultimate good were often highly questionable in the eyes of the righteous.{{fact}}

==Description==
Khelben stood just over 6 feet (1.83 meters) tall and was well-muscled. He usually dressed in robes, wielding his trademark [[Blackstaff (staff)|Blackstaff]]. As of 1374 DR, he had a full beard; black hair with silver streaks, including a prominent one through his beard; and a distinguished, imposing manner.<ref name="B-p25">{{Cite book/Blackstaff/MMP|25|2}}</ref> He often dressed in black with a silver torque and a cape lined in gray fur.<ref name="ESh-p52-53">{{Cite book/Elfshadow/Paperback 2000|52-53}}</ref>

==Personality==
Often thought to be humorless and grave, Khelben was actually neither. He simply found it easier to deal with people if they were intimidated by or even frightened of him. He had numerous apprentices over the years and liked to encourage young people who displayed an aptitude for magic. Wielding [[magic|the Art]] could be a gravely dangerous business, however, and Khelben tried to instill appreciation of that fact in his pupils by keeping up his "stern taskmaster" façade.<ref name=":1">{{Cite book
| author    = [[Dale Donovan]], [[Paul Culotta]]
| title     = [[Heroes' Lorebook]]
| year      = August 1996
| publisher = [[TSR, Inc]]
| ISBN      = 0-7869-0412-7
| pages = {{{1|62}}}
}}</ref>

In private, however, he was quiet and keenly intelligent. With his lady love, [[Laeral Silverhand]], he was gentle and loving. The few apprentices who, whether purposely or by luck, chanced a glimpse of his private side—like his roaring laugh, for example—were all thoroughly unnerved by the experience.<ref>{{Cite book
|author=[[Dale Donovan]], [[Paul Culotta]]|title=[[Heroes' Lorebook]]|year=August 1996|publisher=[[TSR, Inc]]|ISBN=0-7869-0412-7|pages={{{1|62–63}}}}}</ref> He did not like displays of affection with his wife in front of others.<ref name="B-p51">{{Cite book/Blackstaff/MMP|51|4}}</ref>

The only side of Khelben that most saw was that of the gravely wise tutor or stern archmage with much more important things to think about and do than deal with these younglings. If news of a threat to Waterdeep, the [[North]], or the Realms in general, was brought to him, Khelben would go into action, planning countermeasures, seeking the aid of allies, and asking the informer to continue in search of more information. Those who knew Khelben well sometimes referred to him as a spider in the center of a massive web of information, schemes, plans, and counter-plans. While his web was centered on the City of Splendors, Khelben placed tendrils across the North and beyond. Just as he was noted as a collector of magic and magical items, Khelben also was a hoarder of information. He was a firm believer in the credo, "A secret isn't a secret if you tell anyone." He commonly manipulated people and events with this exclusive store of knowledge; to this end he'd never volunteer information that wasn't specifically requested of him.<ref>{{Cite book
| author    = [[Dale Donovan]], [[Paul Culotta]]
| title     = [[Heroes' Lorebook]]
| year      = August 1996
| publisher = [[TSR, Inc]]
| ISBN      = 0-7869-0412-7
| pages = {{{1|63}}}
}}</ref>

Khelben was a reasonably good artist and hung many of his works around Blackstaff Tower.<ref name="ESh-p55">{{Cite book/Elfshadow/Paperback 2000|55}}</ref>

==Abilities==
As an archmage, Khelben had little cause to enter melee. He used his magical items, formidable array of spells, and his Chosen powers (especially his ''[[silver fire]]''), in that order, to deal with his foes.<ref name=":1" />

When injured, Khelben's wounds would close by themselves, thanks to the silver fire, with flickers of silver flame burning at their edges.<ref name="B-p99">{{Cite book/Blackstaff/MMP|99|10}}</ref>

Khelben's silver fire protected him from harm from sources of electricity, magical or otherwise.<ref name=":0">{{Cite book/The Summoning/Paperback 2001|?}}</ref>

Through his status as a Chosen, Khelben was capable of casting a variation of the [[Chain Lightning|''Chain Lightning'']] spell capable of targeting scores of enemies.<ref name=":0" />

==Activities==
[[Vajra Valmeyjar]] remarked that Khelben enjoyed "slumming" with common folk, and making wagers with them. In fact, he was often to be found in the [[Selûne's Smile]] tavern in 1357 DR, getting involved in affairs there, sometimes with his face concealed by a hood.<ref name="ADDc-33"/>

Khelben sometimes took on an alias and had friends/allies/apprentices take on his guise to cover for him while he was absent. This led to several inaccurate historical statements on his whereabouts at particular times and many actions attributed to others could in fact be attributed to Khelben.{{Fact}}

==History==
===Youth===
Khelben was born to [[Arun Maerdrym]], the first [[half-elf]] born to a noble [[elf|elven]] family of the ancient city of [[Myth Drannor]], and the human ranger [[Arielimnda]]. Khelben's father followed an ancient elven custom and did not give him a name upon his birth. He remained unnamed even at the age of 12 when he started to learn the ways of magic, joining the [[Incanistaeum]] as a pupil of [[Mentor Wintercloak]]. He'd collected a number of nicknames though. Among some commoner elves he was known as "''[[Biir]]''". Some elven nobles named him "''[[Zenar]]''", while his elven friends simply called him "''[[Bhin]]''". Upon leaving Myth Drannor in [[449 DR]], he took the only name he was proud of: Arun's Son (Arunsun). His nameless origin followed him as he came to be known as "The Nameless Chosen".<ref name="TGHotR-p73">{{Cite book/The Grand History of the Realms|73}}</ref>

However, between [[421 DR]] and his first death in [[464 DR]], Khelben only saw his father nine times.<ref name="B-p4">{{Cite book/Blackstaff/MMP|4|0}}</ref>

Khelben was the last survivor of House [[Maerdrym]].<ref name="B-p62" />

===Rise to power and first death===
Khelben made a name for himself to prove himself worthy in the disapproving eyes of his elven peers, battling [[phaerimm]] along the way.{{fact}}

In [[464 DR]], in [[the Sword]] of [[Anauroch]], Khelben came across his father, who had been escorting [[Evereska]]n elves, his then wife and children, westwards, in combat with the [[phaerimm]].<ref name="B-p3-4">{{Cite book/Blackstaff/MMP|3-4|0}}</ref><ref name="tGHotR-p88">{{Cite book/The Grand History of the Realms|88}}</ref> After both Khelben and Arun ran low on spells, and inside a protective sphere, Arun struck the ''[[Duskstaff of Sarael]]'' using his ''[[Lupinaxe]]'', killing them both and transforming the surrounding desert into a crater of glass.<ref name="B-p7-9" />

Khelben was resurrected by [[Mystra]] to become the [[Chosen of Mystra]].<ref name="B-p7-9" /><ref name="tGHotR-p88" />

In the 9{{th}} century, Khelben posed as a cloistered monk in Candlekeep, though when he learned of the establishment of the realm of [[Stornanter]], he left Candlekeep to take up the guise of "Malek Aldhanek" and became court wizard of that realm. In his place, he left a student of his, [[Tsalem|Tsalem of Threehills Dell]] to take his place in the library fortress. Hidden in [[Alaundo]]'s prophecies, a dire threat was discovered and Khelben faked Malek's death to begin preparations against it.

After a beloved wife's death sometime in the 10th century DR, Khelben did not wish to publicly mourn her loss and so spent thirty years clearing away the sunken wrecks of [[spelljammer]]s in the [[Trackless Sea]] and [[Sea of Fallen Stars]].<ref>{{Cite book/Sea of Fallen Stars|138-139}}</ref>

In [[1150 DR]], Khelben arrived in Waterdeep and built [[Arunsun Tower]], later known as [[Blackstaff Tower]].<ref name="tGHotR-p122">{{Cite book/The Grand History of the Realms|122}}</ref> The tower was attacked by [[malaugrym]] in [[1179 DR]], but they were turned back by Khelben, [[Elminster]], and others.<ref name="tGHotR-p123">{{Cite book/The Grand History of the Realms|123}}</ref>

===Blackstaff===
In [[1311 DR]], Khelben secretly returned to Waterdeep after the death of his son, [[Zelphar Arunsun]].<ref name="tGHotR-p134">{{Cite book/The Grand History of the Realms|134}}</ref> In [[1321 DR]],<ref name="tGHotR-p137">{{Cite book/The Grand History of the Realms|137}}</ref> his grandson, [[Khelben the Younger]], left [[Abeir-Toril]] to go planewalking and exploring, ending up on what [[Elminster]] suspected to be the world of [[Oerth]]. Khelben the Elder took over his grandson's identity for both their sakes. His origins could be a weakness, so nobody, not even most of his family save for a few of his closest allies, knew his origins and true age. To the public, Khelben was the son of Zelphar and [[Lhestyn]], when in reality Zelphar was Khelben's son.<ref name="CotH-p48">{{Cite book/The Code of the Harpers|48}}</ref>

In [[1356 DR]], Khelben assisted [[Drizzt Do'Urden]] and [[Wulfgar]] in boarding the ''[[Sea Sprite]]'', captained by [[Deudermont]]. He claimed to be a simple forester, although Drizzt suspected that he was at least a peer of [[Malchor Harpell]].<ref name="THG-??">{{Cite book/The Halfling's Gem/Paperback (1990)|??}}</ref>

In [[1357 DR]], Khelben released [[Laeral Silverhand]] from the grip of the ''[[Crown of Horns]]'' and brought her back to Blackstaff Tower to recuperate. She would end up staying as the two fell in love, becoming the Lord and Lady Mage of Waterdeep. They began accepting and training apprentices at the Tower, thus founding [[Blackstaff Academy]].<ref name="CoS:W-p24">{{Cite book/City of Splendors: Waterdeep|24}}</ref>

One day in the [[1358 DR|Year of Shadows, 1358 DR]], the skies over the city darkened and an interdimensional wormhole (from the [[Great Door]]) disgorged a swarm of [[gargoyle]]s and [[kenku (winged)|kenkus]] over the city. Khelben and a City Guard troop arrived to hold them off.<ref name="ADDc-18">{{Cite comic/Day of the Darkening|5}}</ref>

During the [[Time of Troubles]] of 1358 DR, a purported [[avatar]] of [[Selûne]] arrived in Waterdeep. Khelben and [[Piergeiron]] covertly watched her arrival at the [[House of the Moon]], while discussing the need for caution.<ref name="ADDc-19">{{Cite comic/Selune Rising|14}}</ref> [[Shar|The avatar]] was later invited to a party at [[Castle Waterdeep]], which was attended by Khelben and Piergeiron. Piergeiron introduced [[Kyriani]] to Khelben, and they shared what they knew about the avatar, [[Luna]]'s fate, and the Time of Troubles. Khelben told Kyriani about [[Ao]], the [[Tablets of Fate]], and the fall of the gods. However, the [[Dark Army of the Night]] crashed the party, seeking to kidnap the avatar. Khelben tried to counter their darkness with a ''[[light]]'' spell but it went awry, blinding everyone. Afterward, Kyriani confronted the avatar, but they fought a spell-battle, only stopped by Piergeiron. He had the City Guard apprehend Kyriani, but Khelben took charge and let her escape the castle via a ''[[passwall]]'' spell.<ref name="ADDc-20">{{Cite comic/Dark of the Moon|5-10,12-15,19-20}}</ref>

Afterward, Khelben briefly left Waterdeep to consult with [[Elminster]]. He returned to find Lord Piergeiron had unwisely made a deal with [[lawyers (Waterdeep)|lawyers]] to handle the city's civic disputes. Being no fan of lawyers and not understanding why sane society would have them, Khelben hatched a plan to evict them from the city, working with Kyriani and using [[Onyx the Invincible]] as an unwitting patsy. In disguise, Kyriani tricked Onyx into signing a marriage contract, with Khelben waiting to use him in a test case, but not before blasting the lawyers with a ''[[cone of cold]]'' and ''[[teleport]]ing'' away to Castle Waterdeep. In the [[Lord's Court]], the lawyers got Lord Piergeiron to rule the contract valid and the marriage official, and Khelben confronted Piergeiron over the arrangement. Afterward, Khelben took the lead lawyer to meet Onyx and his alleged wife on their court-appointed wedding night, claiming Onyx had to fulfill a dwarf marriage custom, the "Bedchamber Trek", or else the marriage would be invalid. The lawyer had to escort Onyx to the bed to enforce the ruling. However, Khelben created [[illusion]]s of caverns and fiery pits, filled with [[troll]]s, [[giant spider]]s, and strange bird-like monsters to harass Onyx and the lawyer. The terrified lawyer fled in horror, abandoning Onyx and thus reneging on the lawyers' contract with the city, rendering it void as the Blackstaff had planned. He thanked Onyx and Kyriani for their services, and left them to their wedding night.<ref name="ADDc-23">{{Cite comic/Lawyers!}}</ref>

On the hottest day of summer of 1358 DR, Khelben was frequenting the [[Selûne's Smile]]. He bet 50 [[gold piece]]s on [[Timoth Eyesbright]] as he arm-wrestled [[Vajra Valmeyjar]]. He may have had an ulterior motive: in the skies above, the [[constellation]]s of the [[Woman Warrior]] and the [[Centaur (constellation)|Centaur]] were in alignment, giving power to their contest. This power merged with sweltering [[magic]] to open a door to an extra-dimensional prison, releasing [[Aviss]] and [[Fellandar]] to wreak a path of destruction in the city. Explaining the truth, Khelben urged Vajra and Timoth to continue arm-wrestling to hold the door open, and gave [[Kyriani]] and [[Onyx the Invincible]] a ''[[ring of spell storing]]'' to help battle the villains. At last, Khelben hurled Aviss and Fellandar back into their prison with a ''[[telekinesis]]'' spell. Though Vajra and Timoth broke off, leaving the winner unknown, Khelben insisted he should get his winnings and Onyx struggled to pay back his bets as an argument raged.<ref name="ADDc-33">{{Cite comic/Summer in the City}}</ref>

===Retirement as Masked Lord and the Moonstars===
In [[1367 DR]],<ref name="tGHotR-p147">{{Cite book/The Grand History of the Realms|147}}</ref> Khelben retired from his role as a [[Lord of Waterdeep|Masked Lord of Waterdeep]] (only to quickly - and secretly, rejoin their ranks). During this time Khelben spent his time organizing (some would say manipulating) events in Faerûn and with the aid of his Moonstars, along with his beloved partner, Laeral Silverhand.{{fact}}

In [[1370 DR]], Khelben split off from the [[Harpers]] and formed his own splinter group, known as the ''Tel'Teukiira'' or [[Moonstars]]. He was expelled in [[1370 DR]] from the Harpers after making a deal with [[Fzoul Chembryl]], cleric of [[Bane]] and leader of the sinister [[Zhentarim]], in [[1369 DR]].<ref name="tGHotR-p149-150">{{Cite book/The Grand History of the Realms|149-150}}</ref> With his departure, he brought others with him into the Moonstars in order to better suit his needs.{{fact}}

===Return of the Archwizards===
On [[Nightal 24]] in the {{YearlinkName|1371}}, Khelben received a dire omen when his dear ally Lord [[Gervas Imesfor]] of Evereska appeared before Blackstaff Tower in the throes of battle with a mind flayer.<ref name="RotA.Sum-p80-81">{{Cite book/Return of the Archwizards/The Summoning|80-81}}</ref> He quickly learned of the grave threat the recently-released [[phaerimm]] posed to the city,<ref name="RotA.Sum-p98-104">{{Cite book/Return of the Archwizards/The Summoning|98-104}}</ref> and mobilized a volunteer force to keep them at bay. He led skirmishes at the [[High Moor]]<ref name="RotA.Sum-p129-150">{{Cite book/Return of the Archwizards/The Summoning|129-150}}</ref> and again at [[Rocnest]],<ref name="RotA.Sum-p191-195">{{Cite book/Return of the Archwizards/The Summoning|191-195}}</ref> helping give the [[elven]] [[Elven high mage|high mages]] time to create a ''[[portal]]'' that would bypass the [[Deadwall]] surrounding the city.<ref name=PGtF-p167-169">{{Cite book/Player's Guide to Faerûn|167-169}}</ref>

As [[Return of the Archwizards (event)|the conflict]] between the phaerimm, the folk of the [[Heartlands]] and the citizens of returned [[Thultanthar]] escalated, Khelben reunited with Laeral as the [[Lords' Alliance]] army arrived in defense of Evereska. The situation for the allied people of the Realm worsened as tensions between their leaders and the [[Princes of Shade]] rose, until it became evident the [[Shar]]-worshiping [[arcanist]]s had to be stopped. Khelben joined four of Mystra's daughters, others of [[Chosen of Mystra|her Chosen]], in a daring plan to infiltrate the flying city of Thultanthar and half the princes' plan to reshape Faerûn in their own image. Khelben and his fellow Chosen successfully prevented them from wielding the powerful ''[[Karsestone]]'' artifact, then returned to Evereska to help repair the city's mythal and turn away the phaerimm for good.<ref name=PGtF-p167-169" />

Sometime before the {{YearlinkName|1374}}, Khelben Arunsun led the [[High Harper Council]] and its allies in opposing [[Ketheric Thorm]], a warlord who abandoned the [[Selunite]] faith and led an army of [[Dark Justiciars]] in the name of the Moonmaiden's sister, [[Shar]]. Khelben's Harpers set out to defend the oppressed people of [[Reithwin]]. The allied forces met a defeat, and Khelben sent a surrender letter to the warlord. It was met with a refusal and slaughter. It was unknown whether Khelben survived the battle or whether his commanding was done safely from afar.<ref name="bg3">{{Cite game/Baldur's Gate III}}</ref>

===Second "Death"===
On the [[Feast of the Moon]], [[1374 DR]],<ref name="tGHotR-p157">{{Cite book/The Grand History of the Realms|157}}</ref> Khelben Arunsun brought together many powerful mages in order to cleanse part of the [[High Moor]] and restore [[Faer'tel'miir]], a lost city of [[Miyeritar]]. In order to make the magic permanent, Khelben ultimately gave his own life, together with the Grand Mage [[Ualair|Ualair the Silent]]. The restored city came to be known as [[Rhymanthiin]], the Hidden City of Hope.<ref>{{Cite book/Blackstaff/MMP|?}}</ref>

Khelben's greatest legacy may yet live on in the twins that Laeral carried.<ref>{{Cite book/Blackstaff/MMP|140|15}}</ref>

After his second death, Khelben's spirit coalesced in Blackstaff Tower to guide and advise future Blackstaffs. Rumors were that he might return as he did after his first 'death' as he was one of Mystra's Chosen.<ref name="BT">{{Cite book/Blackstaff Tower|?}}</ref>

==Relationships==
===Arun Maerdrym===
Khelben had little contact with his [[Half-elf|half-elven]] father after the age of seven years, estimating that he had seen him only nine more times before his death, with fewer words to speak to each other had each meeting.<ref name="B-p4" />

===Descendants===
* [[Krehlan Arunsun]]: son with Laeral
* [[Kamaulra]]: daughter with Laeral
* [[Syndra Wands]]:  granddaughter (a daughter of his daughter)<ref name="B-p86-87">{{Cite book/Blackstaff/MMP|86-87|9}}</ref>
* [[Zelphar Arunsun]]: son<ref name="CoS.CG-p31">{{Cite book/City of Splendors (boxed set)/Campaign Guide|31}}</ref>
* [[Gamalon Idogyr]]: great-grandson<ref name="B-p62" /> - 
* [[Cassandra Thann]]: granddaughter through Zelphar{{Fact}}
* [[Danilo Thann]]: great-grandson{{Fact}}

===Laeral Silverhand===
"Khelben's lady" was [[Laeral Silverhand]] of [[the Seven Sisters]], whom he rescued in [[1357 DR]] from the grip of the ''[[Crown of Horns]]'' and the part-dead god [[Myrkul]] and spent three years nursing back to sanity in Blackstaff Tower.<ref name="tGHotR-p142">{{Cite book/The Grand History of the Realms|142}}</ref> They had a permanent link that they used to communicate with one another remotely.<ref name="B-p25" /> In later years, the two were often apart, with Laeral spending a great deal of time away adventuring while Khelben remained in Waterdeep mired in politics and diplomacy.<ref name="ESh-p242-243">{{Cite book/Elfshadow/Paperback 2000|242-243}}</ref> In [[1361 DR]], [[Danilo Thann]] moved the ''elfgate'' [[portal]] to [[Evermeet]] to Laeral's quarters in Blackstaff Tower with the hope that the two would be able to spend more time together.<ref name="ESh-p311">{{Cite book/Elfshadow/Paperback 2000|311}}</ref>

===Filfaeril Obarskyr===
Queen [[Filfaeril Obarskyr]] of [[Cormyr]] had a personal advisory relationship with Khelben Arunsun. She often sought his council on matters of the spellcasters of the north, in secrecy from any scrying wizard that might be spying on her, including [[Vangerdahast Aeiulvana]], the Royal Wizard. She communicated with Blackstaff via a cracked overgrown enchanted [[lion]] statue in the [[Royal Gardens]].<ref name="SoE-p143">{{Cite book/Swords of Eveningstar/Hardcover 2006|143|12}}</ref>

===Harpers===
Khelben spent time in the service of the [[Harpers]], but considers that he was unfairly treated by the [[Twilight Trio]] and left the organization to form his own, called the [[Moonstars]], with similiar goals. In addition, he was able to keep the Moonstars under tighter control than was possible with the Harpers.<ref name="C&G-p26">{{Cite book/Cloak & Dagger|26}}</ref>

===Danilo Thann===
Khelben's nephew [[Danilo Thann]], son of his "sister" [[Cassandra Thann]], was one of his most promising apprentices — Khelben even considered him his "probable successor" for a time.<ref name="ESh-p240">{{Cite book/Elfshadow/Paperback 2000|240}}</ref>. Khelben began working with Danilo at age 12, teaching him in the ways of wizardly and presumably introducing him to the Harpers.<ref name="ESh-p283">{{Cite book/Elfshadow/Paperback 2000|283}}</ref> The two were quite fond of each other, although they would never admit it and they often disagreed about means and ends.<ref name="ESh-p281">{{Cite book/Elfshadow/Paperback 2000|281}}</ref> Danilo often called Khelben "Uncle Khel."<ref name="ESh-p233">{{Cite book/Elfshadow/Paperback 2000|233}}</ref>

===Apprentices===
The Blackstaff had numerous apprentices over his longline. Notable among them was [[Amanthan]] of [[Arabel]], a mage whose skill reached the ear of Queen Filfaeril Obarskyr. Khelben informed the queen that Amanthan was a good man and was not going to cause trouble; in fact only goal in life was styling and creating magics in his tower.<ref name="SoE-p143" /> Another of his student was [[Ransford]], an excitable young man that was a bit over-eager in his duties and manage to regularly draw Khelben's ire.<ref name="RotA.Sum-p80-81">{{Cite book/Return of the Archwizards/The Summoning|80-81}}</ref> Another apprentice of Khelben's was the man whom the Blackstaff once spent months training to create ''[[cloaks of protection versus evil]]'' in order to outfit the watch of Waterdeep. The clocks proved to be so popular that the apprentice left Khelben to open his own shop, selling such magic cloaks of various designs and power levels.<ref name="nwn">{{Cite game/Neverwinter Nights}}</ref>

==Appendix==
{{Incomplete}}
===Notes===
{{Notes}}

===Trivia===
*Khelben served steaming cups of roasted chicory at Blackstaff Tower.<ref name="ESh-p152">{{Cite book/Elfshadow/Paperback 2000|152}}</ref>
*Khelben appeared in 1990 SSI/Westwood computer game ''[[Eye of the Beholder 2: Legend of the Darkmoon]]'', as the one who gives the player the mission to investigate the [[Temple of Darkmoon]].
*Khelben also shows up in the ''[[Forgotten Realms: Demon Stone]]'' video game, where he sealed away [[Ygorl]] and [[Cireka]] in a demon stone to stop them from destroying the realms. He was voiced by [[Wikipedia:Patrick Stewart|Patrick Stewart]].
*Blackstaff is mentioned in ''[[Neverwinter Nights]]'' as the mage who discovered the four reagents needed to cure the plague (these four were a [[dryad]], a [[yuan-ti]], an [[intellect devourer]], and a [[cockatrice]]).
*Khelben is mentioned in ''[[Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn]]'' as having once met with [[Gorion]], to whom he spoke like an equal.

===Appearances===
{{Appearances
| adventures          = 
| adventure refs      = ''[[Hellgate Keep (adventure)|Hellgate Keep]]''
| novels              = ''[[Blackstaff (novel)|Blackstaff]]'';''[[The Sword Never Sleeps]]'';''[[Waterdeep (novel)|Waterdeep]]'';''[[The Halfling's Gem]]'';[[Double Diamond Triangle Saga]] <small>(''[[The Abduction|The Abduction]]'';''[[The Paladins]]'';''[[The Diamond]]'')</small> ;[[Starlight & Shadows]] <small>(''[[Daughter of the Drow]]'';''[[Tangled Webs]]'';''[[Windwalker (novel)|Windwalker]]'')</small> ;[[Songs & Swords]] <small>(''[[Elfshadow]]'';''[[Elfsong]]'';''[[Silver Shadows]]'';''[[Thornhold]]'';''[[The Dream Spheres]]'')</small> ;[[Return of the Archwizards]] <small>(''[[The Summoning]]'';''[[The Siege]]'';''[[The Sorcerer]]'')</small> ;''[[Prince of Lies (novel)|Prince of Lies]]'';''[[All Shadows Fled]]'';''[[Silverfall: Stories of the Seven Sisters]]'';''[[The City of Splendors: A Waterdeep Novel]]'';''[[Elminster in Hell]]'';''[[Blackstaff Tower (novel)|Blackstaff Tower]]'';''[[Swords of Eveningstar]]''
| novel refs          = ''[[The Lost Library of Cormanthyr]]''
| films               = 
| film refs           = 
| comics              = ''[[Advanced Dungeons & Dragons (comic series)|Advanced Dungeons & Dragons]]'' <small>([[Lawyers!|#23]])</small>
| comic refs          = 
| gamebooks           = 
| gamebook refs       = 
| video games         = ''[[Eye of the Beholder II: The Legend of Darkmoon]]'';''[[Forgotten Realms: Demon Stone]]'';''[[Descent to Undermountain]]''
| video game refs     = ''[[Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn]]'';''[[Neverwinter Nights]]'';''[[Baldur's Gate III]]''
| board games         = 
| board game refs     = 
| card games          = ''[[AD&D Trading Cards]]''
| card game refs      = 
| organized play      = 
| organized play refs = ''[[Unfinished Business]]''
}}

===Gallery===
<gallery>
Khelben_Arunsun.jpg|''Art by [[Sam Wood]].''
Khelben Arunsun2.jpg|''Art by [[Richard Sardinha]].''
Blackstaff novel cover.png|''Cover of [[Blackstaff (novel)|''Blackstaff'']]''.
KhelbenLeft.jpg|''Khelben in profile, facing left.''
KhelbenRight.jpg|''Khelben in profile, facing right.''
Khelben Demon stone.jpg|''Concept art of Khelben Arunsun from [[Forgotten Realms: Demon Stone]].''
DS_-_Item_-_Blackstaff.jpg|''Khelben as he appears in [[Forgotten Realms: Demon Stone]]''
Lord's Court 2.jpg|''Khelben Arunsun addressing Piergeiron in the [[Lord's Court]].''
File:Cone of cold.jpg|''Khelben blasting [[lawyers (Waterdeep)|lawyers]] with [[cone of cold]]''.
Descent to undermountain screenshot2.png|Khelben Arunsun inside his tower in [[Descent to Undermountain]].''
</gallery>

===Further Reading===
* {{Cite book/Cloak & Dagger}}
* {{Cite book/The Code of the Harpers}}
* {{Cite book/Cormanthyr: Empire of the Elves}}
* {{Cite book/Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting}}
* {{Cite book/Blackstaff}}
* {{Cite book/Blackstaff Tower}}
* {{Cite book/Waterdeep}}

===References===
{{refs}}

[[de:Khelben "Schwarzstab" Arunsun]]
[[Category:Wizards]]
[[Category:Archmages]]
[[Category:Humans]]
[[Category:Members of the Arunsun family]]
[[Category:Members of House Maerdrym]]
[[Category:Members of the Harpers]]
[[Category:Members of the Moonstars]]
[[Category:Members of the Company of Crazed Venturers]]
[[Category:Blackstaffs]]
[[Category:Chosen]]
[[Category:Chosen of Mystra]]
[[Category:Lords of Waterdeep]]
[[Category:Worshipers of Mystra]]
[[Category:Inhabitants of Blackstaff Tower]]
[[Category:Inhabitants of the Castle Ward of Waterdeep]]
[[Category:Inhabitants of Waterdeep]]
[[Category:Inhabitants of the Sword Coast North]]
[[Category:Inhabitants of Northwest Faerûn]]
[[Category:Inhabitants of Faerûn]]
[[Category:Inhabitants of Toril]]
[[Category:Inhabitants of lawful neutral alignment]]
[[Category:Members of Blackstaff Academy]]