This article is about the in-universe organization. For the real-world boardgame, see Lords of Waterdeep (boardgame).
The Lords of Waterdeep are the ruling council who have ruled the city of Waterdeep for the most of the last 300 years. Throughout that time, there have been between 50 and 80 lords, four of whom have reigned as Open Lord. The Lords come from all walks of life and while predominantly comprised of humans, has had members of various races throughout the Realms.[2]
While no other Lords are formally named, some individuals become the subject of widespread rumors that can even become a general consensus.[3] The penalty for impersonating a Lord, whether by dressing in a set of their indentical clothing or by a false claim is punishable by the imposter's immediate execution.[2]
The Lords only appear in public when deliberating on high crimes or when asked to by the lower court but even then only four generally appear and one is always the Open Lord: Piergeiron. All save him wear black formless masks and robes and speak through the Open Lord, Piergeiron, to keep their identities secret.[citation needed]
Open Lord Piergeiron the Paladinson and a Masked Lord in official garments.
Open Lord
- See also: History of Open Lord of Waterdeep
The Open Lord of Waterdeep is the sole member of the Lords of Waterdeep whose identity is publicly known. There is only one Open Lord at any one time, but when the previous one dies or steps down, he or she is replaced by a new one.
History
There has been one Lord through the institution's history who has abused his position; Kerrigan the Arcanist. Through subterfuge and hired agents, Kerrigan killed three of his fellow Lords before he was routed by Ahghairon. The conflict resulted in a spell battle within the streets of Waterdeep, which ended in the South Ward with Kerrigan's death.[2]
Lords of Waterdeep (1491 DR)
- Laeral Silverhand: Open Lord, one of the Seven Sisters[4]
- Ominifis Dran[5]
- Mirt[6]
- Avner Ravelmark[7]
- Gorlar[7]
- Barkheld Haelinghorse[8]: Human Male was a miser. He was also a drinking buddy of former Open Lord Dagult Neverember.[9] He was found murdered by his companion Thraelra.[8]
- Ondreth Tolvur[10]: Human Male was very fat and ugly. He was a smuggler of contraband, which he and Ammasker Gwelt hid in Mistshore before its destruction. He was also a landlord in the North and Castle wards. He was murdered by Lady Tasheene Melshimber and Darleth Drake[11].
- Ammasker Gwelt[10]
- Braethon Cazonder[12]: Human Male landlord of properties on the northside of Waterdeep. He was also an investor. He spoke methodically, but had a quick mind.
- Landarmyn Voskur[12]: Human Male shipping fleet owner and investor in trade along the Sword Coast.
- Gruthgar Hrimmrel[12]: Human Male and prominent landlord, also was a retired shipwright.
- Belgantur Haelhand[12]: Human Male, described as a "mountain of a man", owner of about a dozen iron-smelters and casters (run mainly by halflings and gnomes) in Secomber which exported finished goods to Waterdeep. He was a retired swordsmith.
- Oszbur Malankar[12]: Human Male merchant of high priced wines. His family came to Waterdeep from Sembia fleeing persecution by the Netherese. He was cynical when conducting business, but was quite gullible when it came to a pretty face. He was also an investor.
- Lammakh Heirlarpost[12] Human Male who had inherited his business from his mother. He made money by undercutting prices compared to smaller businesses, and being a middle man for guilds and those providing raw materials. He was very overbearing.
- Kassalra Maremthur[12] Human Female made ointments which she sold in custom blown glass vials. Merchants in the Heartlands could not keep her products in sufficient stock due to their popularity.
- Dathanscza Meiril[13] Half-Elf Female
- Ieirmeera Stravandar[14] Human Female
- Khaliira Arhond[15] Human Female
- Sarathue Serendragon[16]: Half-Elf Female[16]. She nominated Daranthra Xathnout of Trades Ward as a possible candidate for becoming a Masked Lord[17]
- Three unnamed lords called The Three Neutral Lords[16]
- There were also seven lords chosen to replace certain lords assassinated during the Death Masks Assassinations[15][18].
- Daerrask Querreth, a human male who was a well known investor in Waterdeep.
- Zuzeena Qeldur, a human female who owned a massive collection of small shops in Waterdeep. Her nomination recommendation was that she would understand the needs of Waterdeep's shopkeepers.
- Halark Tarncrown, a human male who was a merchant and investor of great success.
- Cadraethe Haulhenarr, a human female who became an entrepreneur (only after she was widowed).
- Zereth Keltaerond, a human who held extensive trading arrangements with Calimshan.
- Vaelra Kallo of North Ward, a female dressmakerDeath Masks Assasinations[17]
Lords of Waterdeep (1479 DR)
- Laeral Silverhand: Open Lord, one of the Seven Sisters, consort of Khelben "Blackstaff"[19]
- Khelben "Blackstaff" Arunsun: Masked Lord of Waterdeep, Chosen of Mystra. Khelben revealed himself as a Masked Lord in 1367 DR, and resigned, presenting the Masked Lord Danilo Thann as his successor (Danillo Thann had become a Lord of Waterdeep as early as 1364 DR). In truth, Khelben remained a Lord, (although his resignation was genuine, if brief), he still serves now as a Masked Lord.
- Piergeiron the Paladinson: Retired as Open Lord of Waterdeep. Now serves as Masked Lord, granted longevity as a Chosen of Tyr[3]
- Danilo Thann: Masked Lord, nephew of Khelben Arunsun.[citation needed]
- Durnan "the Wanderer": Gruff, yet prudent Masked Lord.[20]
- Kyriani Agrivar: A recent addition to the Lords of Waterdeep, (and rumored Chosen of Selune). Proprietor of 'Selune's Smile' an Inn in the Dock Ward[3]
- Larr Stormont: Rumored to be a Masked Lord.[21]
- Lilianviaten Dlardrageth (Lilten): High priest and chosen of Beshaba.[22]
- Mirt the Moneylender: Also known as Mirt the Merciless and the Old Wolf,[20] Mirt rose to wealth first as an adventurer in Undermountain and later as a successful trader, gaining enough influence to become a Masked Lord of the city.[23] Mirt was trapped in a magical hand axe, purported to be a prisoner for one of the Nine, and freed in 1479 DR by Marlin Stormserpent.[24]
- Nazra Mrays: Masked Lord and possibly spymaster.[25]
- Lord Arthagast Ulbrinter: A lord involved in the Tyranny of the Dragons. He was killed by the Cult of the Dragon. [26]
- Ominifis Dran: A Masked Lord.[27]
Deceased lords as of 1372 DR (Third and 3.5 edition Forgotten Realms)
- Ahghairon: The first Open Lord and founder of the Lords of Waterdeep.[28]
- Carril Byndraeth[20]
- Kerrigan the Arcanist: A deceased Lord who was the only one to betray Waterdeep.[2]
- Nindil Jalbuck: A deceased Masked Lord who was replaced by a greater doppelganger.[citation needed]
- Lady Tamaeril Bladesemmer: Killed by Amril Zoar in 1355 DR.[29]
- Resengar the Whitebeard: Killed by Amril Zoar in 1355 DR[29]
Deceased as of 1479 DR (fourth edition Forgotten Realms)
- Brian the Swordmaster: An aging master smith of of Waterdeep as well as a Masked Lord.[3]
- Brianne Byndraeth: Masked Lord.[20]
- Caladorn Cassalanter: Masked Lord.[20]
- Deliah the White[30]
- Larissa Neathal: A friend and confidante of Durnan who is currently gathering information on the other Lords.[20]
- Nymara "Kitten" Scheiron: Nymara was recruited to become a Masked Lord by Durnan and Mirt over 25 years ago, for her understanding of the common folk.[31]
- Sammereza "Sammer" Sulphontis: A skilled merchant and trader.[31]
- Texter: A fearless paladin.[31]
References
- ↑ Steven E. Schend (September 2008). Blackstaff Tower. (Wizards of the Coast). ISBN 0-7869-4913-9.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 Eric L. Boyd (June 2005). City of Splendors: Waterdeep. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 52. ISBN 0-7869-3693-2.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 Eric L. Boyd (June 2005). City of Splendors: Waterdeep. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 53. ISBN 0-7869-3693-2.
- ↑ Ed Greenwood (2016-06-07). Death Masks. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 1. ISBN 0-7869-6593-2.
- ↑ Ed Greenwood (2016-06-07). Death Masks. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 81. ISBN 0-7869-6593-2.
- ↑ Ed Greenwood (2016-06-07). Death Masks. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 13. ISBN 0-7869-6593-2.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 Ed Greenwood (2016-06-07). Death Masks. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 20. ISBN 0-7869-6593-2.
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 Ed Greenwood (2016-06-07). Death Masks. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 46. ISBN 0-7869-6593-2.
- ↑ Ed Greenwood (2016-06-07). Death Masks. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 54. ISBN 0-7869-6593-2.
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 Ed Greenwood (2016-06-07). Death Masks. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 50. ISBN 0-7869-6593-2.
- ↑ Ed Greenwood (2016-06-07). Death Masks. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 82. ISBN 0-7869-6593-2.
- ↑ 12.0 12.1 12.2 12.3 12.4 12.5 12.6 Ed Greenwood (2016-06-07). Death Masks. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 70. ISBN 0-7869-6593-2.
- ↑ Ed Greenwood (2016-06-07). Death Masks. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 135. ISBN 0-7869-6593-2.
- ↑ Ed Greenwood (2016-06-07). Death Masks. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 194. ISBN 0-7869-6593-2.
- ↑ 15.0 15.1 Ed Greenwood (2016-06-07). Death Masks. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 192. ISBN 0-7869-6593-2.
- ↑ 16.0 16.1 16.2 Ed Greenwood (2016-06-07). Death Masks. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 191. ISBN 0-7869-6593-2.
- ↑ 17.0 17.1 Ed Greenwood (2016-06-07). Death Masks. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 193. ISBN 0-7869-6593-2.
- ↑ Ed Greenwood (2016-06-07). Death Masks. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 195. ISBN 0-7869-6593-2.
- ↑ Steve Kenson, et al. (November 2015). Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide. Edited by Kim Mohan. (Wizards of the Coast). ISBN 978-0-7869-6580-9.
- ↑ 20.0 20.1 20.2 20.3 20.4 20.5 Eric L. Boyd (June 2005). City of Splendors: Waterdeep. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 54. ISBN 0-7869-3693-2.
- ↑ Erik Scott de Bie (April 2009). Downshadow. (Wizards of the Coast). ISBN 978-0-7869-5128-4.
- ↑ Template:Cite digital book/Shadowbane: Eye of Justice/Kindle
- ↑ Ed Greenwood, Sean K. Reynolds, Skip Williams, Rob Heinsoo (June 2001). Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting 3rd edition. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 181. ISBN 0-7869-1836-5.
- ↑ Ed Greenwood (June 2011). Elminster Must Die (Mass Market Paperback). (Wizards of the Coast). ISBN 978-0786957996.
- ↑ Erin Evans (February 2010). The God Catcher. (Wizards of the Coast). ISBN 978-0-7869-5486-5.
- ↑ Wizards of the Coast (2014). PANEL 7: CHASE FOR THE MASK. What is D&D?: Events In Neverwinter. Wizards of the Coast. Retrieved on 2014-12-09.
- ↑ Ed Greenwood (2016-06-07). Death Masks. (Wizards of the Coast), p. ?. ISBN 0-7869-6593-2.
- ↑ Eric L. Boyd (June 2005). City of Splendors: Waterdeep. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 27. ISBN 0-7869-3693-2.
- ↑ 29.0 29.1 Warning: edition not specified for Elminster in Hell
- ↑ Warning: edition not specified for The Siege
- ↑ 31.0 31.1 31.2 Eric L. Boyd (June 2005). City of Splendors: Waterdeep. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 55. ISBN 0-7869-3693-2.