Nobility of Waterdeep
While you might encounter dwarf diplomats from Gauntlgrym, satraps of Amn, duchesses of Tethyr, or thanes of the Northlanders in Waterdeep, the nobles you really need to know about are the city’s own. Seventy-eight noble family lines are found here, many of which can trace their lineage back to the city’s founding. Books have been written about individual families — histories of their accomplishments and how they fit into the webs of wealth and patronage that govern nobles’ activities — so it is beyond the scope of a pamphlet this size to attempt to describe their particulars. I can, however, endeavor to equip you with the tools to recognize nobility and to interact with the higher class.
Spotting a Noble
Nobility in Waterdeep are granted the right to bear arms. In the legal code of the city, this means not merely the ability to carry a weapon, but the right to retain up to seventy equipped soldiers. These soldiers always wear a house’s colors and the house’s “arms of grace” — a heraldic device often borne on a shield, worn as a cloak pin, or affixed to a helmet. Others throughout the city, even foreign dignitaries, are permitted to retain only up to sixteen armed warriors, and laws against impersonating those in the employ of the nobility mean that other mercenaries and bodyguards most often dress plainly, so as not to be mistaken for the retinue of a noble. So your first clue that you might be in the company of a noble is the sight of a large number of armed and uniformed soldiers.
Many nobles, particularly younger ones seeking entertainment, travel without an entourage of guards or only in the company of other nobles. In this case, you’ll know you’re in the presence of nobility because of the deference others give them. Follow suit, and you should be fine.
Above all, be polite. Always address a known noble as “Lord” or “Lady.” A short bow or a nod of the head to acknowledge a noble upon each meeting and parting is customary. Obsequiousness and servility is something all Waterdavians scorn, but you should also beware of acting in an overly familiar, boastful, or disrespectful way when in the presence of any noble. Though this sort of behavior isn’t a crime, and laws against dueling prevent a noble from initiating a direct armed confrontation, the noble families of Waterdeep have immense power in the city, often in unexpected quarters. Many have influence in nations as distant as Calimshan and Cormyr. Be assured that any slighting of a noble will not be forgotten or easily forgiven.
If you’re not certain whether someone is a noble, address the gentleman as “Saer” or the gentlewoman as “Goodwoman.” Neither will give offense, and generally a noble will politely correct you as to their actual title.
Nobles and Patronage
Nobles in Waterdeep are patrons of and investors in all manner of businesses in the city and abroad, as well as the many expressions of the arts. They spend coin to fund celebrations, contests at the Field of Triumph, upkeep at the city’s temples and shrines, civic projects, guild events, and charitable actions such as burial of the unknown dead. Their motives are manifold, but their actions — no matter the reason — earn them loyalty and high regard from those who benefit from their largesse. Seeking patronage from a noble without having been introduced to that person is considered an insult, so you must first befriend someone in a noble’s employ or circle of influence. Doing so is no guarantee of ultimate success; much time and coin can be wasted trying to curry favor with an acquaintance of a noble who turns out to be unscrupulous or of little help for some other reason. My advice is to do something deserving of attention, whatever your vocation, and someone from the noble families of Waterdeep will eventually show an interest.
Know a Noble’s Business
In the words of that quarrelsome acquaintance of mine from the Dales, “Before you strut your stuff in the chickens’ preening circle, get to know the other cocks first.” This colorful aphorism applies well to the affairs of nobility, because when you have interaction with a noble, you are at the same time dealing with one’s entire family — as well as a network of business associates and allies. That situation can put you in a troublesome spot if you are unaware of the noble’s connections.
Spotting a Noble
Nobility in Waterdeep are granted the right to bear arms. In the legal code of the city, this means not merely the ability to carry a weapon, but the right to retain up to seventy equipped soldiers. These soldiers always wear a house’s colors and the house’s “arms of grace” — a heraldic device often borne on a shield, worn as a cloak pin, or affixed to a helmet. Others throughout the city, even foreign dignitaries, are permitted to retain only up to sixteen armed warriors, and laws against impersonating those in the employ of the nobility mean that other mercenaries and bodyguards most often dress plainly, so as not to be mistaken for the retinue of a noble. So your first clue that you might be in the company of a noble is the sight of a large number of armed and uniformed soldiers.
Many nobles, particularly younger ones seeking entertainment, travel without an entourage of guards or only in the company of other nobles. In this case, you’ll know you’re in the presence of nobility because of the deference others give them. Follow suit, and you should be fine.
Above all, be polite. Always address a known noble as “Lord” or “Lady.” A short bow or a nod of the head to acknowledge a noble upon each meeting and parting is customary. Obsequiousness and servility is something all Waterdavians scorn, but you should also beware of acting in an overly familiar, boastful, or disrespectful way when in the presence of any noble. Though this sort of behavior isn’t a crime, and laws against dueling prevent a noble from initiating a direct armed confrontation, the noble families of Waterdeep have immense power in the city, often in unexpected quarters. Many have influence in nations as distant as Calimshan and Cormyr. Be assured that any slighting of a noble will not be forgotten or easily forgiven.
If you’re not certain whether someone is a noble, address the gentleman as “Saer” or the gentlewoman as “Goodwoman.” Neither will give offense, and generally a noble will politely correct you as to their actual title.
Nobles and Patronage
Nobles in Waterdeep are patrons of and investors in all manner of businesses in the city and abroad, as well as the many expressions of the arts. They spend coin to fund celebrations, contests at the Field of Triumph, upkeep at the city’s temples and shrines, civic projects, guild events, and charitable actions such as burial of the unknown dead. Their motives are manifold, but their actions — no matter the reason — earn them loyalty and high regard from those who benefit from their largesse. Seeking patronage from a noble without having been introduced to that person is considered an insult, so you must first befriend someone in a noble’s employ or circle of influence. Doing so is no guarantee of ultimate success; much time and coin can be wasted trying to curry favor with an acquaintance of a noble who turns out to be unscrupulous or of little help for some other reason. My advice is to do something deserving of attention, whatever your vocation, and someone from the noble families of Waterdeep will eventually show an interest.
Know a Noble’s Business
In the words of that quarrelsome acquaintance of mine from the Dales, “Before you strut your stuff in the chickens’ preening circle, get to know the other cocks first.” This colorful aphorism applies well to the affairs of nobility, because when you have interaction with a noble, you are at the same time dealing with one’s entire family — as well as a network of business associates and allies. That situation can put you in a troublesome spot if you are unaware of the noble’s connections.
Type
Political, Faction / Party
Subsidiary Organizations
- Adarbrent
- Agundar
- Amcathra
- Ammakyl
- Anteos
- Assumbar
- Belabranta
- Bladesemmer
- Brokengulf
- Cragsmere
- Dezlentyr
- Durinbold
- Eagleshield
- Eirontalar
- Eltorchul
- Emveolstone
- Ernveolstone
- Estelmer
- Gauntyl
- Gost
- Gralhund
- Gundwynd
- Hallwinter
- Harte
- Hawkwinter
- Helmfast
- Hiilgauntlet
- Hothemer
- Hunabar
- Husteem
- Ilitul
- Ilvastarr
- Ilzimmer
- Irlingstar
- Jardeth
- Jhansczil
- Kormallis
- Kothont
- Lathkule
- Maerklos
- Maernos (dead)
- Majarra
- Manthar
- Margaster
- Massalan
- Melshimber
- Mendt
- Montaigne
- Moonstar
- Nandar
- Nesher
- Phull
- Phylund
- Piiradost
- Raventree
- Roaringhorn
- Ruldegost
- Silmerhelve
- Snome
- Stormweather
- Sultlue
- Talmost
- Tarm
- Tchazzam
- Tesper
- Thann
- Umbrusk
Location
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