Lords of Waterdeep

The Lords of Waterdeep were the ruling council of the city of Waterdeep, who had reigned for almost three centuries by 1372 DR. Throughout that time, there had been between 50 and 80 lords, four of whom reigned as Open Lord. The Lords came from all walks of life and while they were predominantly human, they had had members of various races from throughout the Realms. A full council comprised 20 Lords, though this number might vary from 16–29.

While no other Lords were formally named, some individuals became the subject of widespread rumors that could even become a general consensus. The penalty for impersonating a Lord, whether by dressing in a set of their identical clothing or by a false claim was punishable by the impostor's immediate execution.

The Lords only appeared in public when deliberating on high crimes or when asked to by the lower court, but even then only four generally appeared and one was always the Open Lord. All Closed Lords wore black formless masks and robes and spoke through the Open Lord, in order to keep their identities secret.

Structure

Open Lord 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.

Culture

Deceased lords as of 1372 DR

• Ahghairon: The first Open Lord and founder of the Lords of Waterdeep.
• Carril Byndraeth: Crime lord and husband of future Lord Brianne Byndraeth.
• Kerrigan the Arcanist: The first Lord to betray Waterdeep.
• Nindil Jalbuck: A deceased Masked Lord who was replaced by a greater doppelganger.
• Lady Tamaeril Bladesemmer: Killed by Amril Zoar in 1355 DR.
• Resengar the Whitebeard: Killed by Amril Zoar in 1355 DR.

Deceased Lords as of 1372 DR

• Ahghairon: The first Open Lord and founder of the Lords of Waterdeep.
• Carril Byndraeth: Crime lord and husband of future Lord Brianne Byndraeth.
• Kerrigan the Arcanist: The first Lord to betray Waterdeep.
• Nindil Jalbuck: A deceased Masked Lord who was replaced by a greater doppelganger.
• Lady Tamaeril Bladesemmer: Killed by Amril Zoar in 1355 DR.
• Resengar the Whitebeard: Killed by Amril Zoar in 1355 DR.

Lords of Waterdeep as of 1372 DR

• Piergeiron the Paladinson: Served as an Open Lord of Waterdeep.
• Khelben "Blackstaff" Arunsun: Masked Lord of Waterdeep, Chosen of Mystra.
• Kyriani Agrivar: A recent addition to the Lords of Waterdeep at the time (and rumored Chosen of Selune). Proprietor of 'Selune's Smile' an Inn in the Dock Ward.
• Brian the Swordmaster: An aging master smith of Waterdeep as well as a Masked Lord.
• Brianne Byndraeth: Sorceress, widow of Carril Byndraeth.
• Caladorn Cassalanter: Noble with an interest in Waterdeep's navy.
• Durnan "the Wanderer": Retired warrior, proprietor of the Yawning Portal, secret head of the Red Sashes.
• Nindil Jalbuck: Halfling rogue who was secretly killed and replaced by Hlaavin, a doppleganger, six months prior to this time.
• Mirt the Moneylender: Also known as Mirt the Merciless and the Old Wolf, 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.
• Larissa Neathal: Courtesan and confidante of Durnan.
• Nymara "Kitten" Scheiron: Secretive rogue who is frequently in disguise.
• Sammereza "Sammer" Sulphontis: Skilled merchant and trader.
• Texter: Fearless paladin.

Lords of Waterdeep in 1479 DR

• Dagult Neverember, an ambitious noble who served as Open Lord and also High Protector of Neverwinter.
• Lilianviaten Dlardrageth (Lilten): High priest and chosen of Beshaba.
• Nazra Mrays: Masked Lord and possibly spymaster.
• Lord Arthagast Ulbrinter
• Omin Dran: Half-elf owner of Acquisitions Incorporated.

History

Prior to the Death Masks incident, there had been one Lord through the institution's history who 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.

Type

Geopolitical, City-state

Alternative Names

Masked Lords

Leader

Dagult Neverember

Leader Title

Open Lord

Location

Waterdeep

Controlled Territories

• Waterdeep

Notable Members

• Dagult Neverember