Blackstaff Tower

Blackstaff Tower (previously Arunsun Tower; renamed by Khelben in 1322 DR) was the home of Khelben "Blackstaff" Arunsun. The forbidding structure is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the Castle Ward of Waterdeep. The tower is protected against scrying magic.

Architecture

Exterior Blackstaff Tower's main entrance is on Swords Street. The tower was surrounded by a 20-foot wall
The tower was made out of smooth black stone, with no windows or doors. From the outside, the structure appears to be a three-story stone tower, but inside, there are at least a dozen more levels, and some of these can only be reached by magical means. Everything connected to the central stairwell, although magical passwords are required to transport to certain areas of this stairwell. The three levels visible from the outside are all freely accessible via simply using the stairs.
The tower has the ability to repair itself, along with its outer walls and gates, when damaged. After an attack in which a wall was demolished, the tower was back to normal the same day.

Interior From the inside, windows appear to show what is going on outside, but these are illusions. The interior (but not the exterior) of the tower is warded against magical intrusion.
Rooms are connected to the central stairwell and entry hall, which is full of floating doors and arches. Many alcoves and shelves cover the walls of the stairwell, displaying magical items and artifacts, and although they seem unprotected, a command word is needed to remove any of them. The items change on a regular basis, so returning to the same stairwell on another day might result in seeing different items. Leaving the dormitories without issuing a command word will lead to the second level's stairwell. Saying the command word nhurlaen in the stairwell takes one to the study.
On the top floor of the tower is a study and a scrying chamber. There is also a parlor where Khelben displayed his art. In the library is one-way dimensional door to Candlekeep (the other side of the door led to Jester's Court nearby). As of 1374 DR, the tower's entry chamber contained a wardrobe that Khelben was able to use to access almost any closet in the tower. In the tower's kitchen, Khelben liked to serve cups of roasted chicory.
Tunnels link the tower's basement to Piergeiron's Palace and other locations in Waterdeep, which can be accessed by uttering the command word: Vhuarm. One such tunnel can be accessed at Northspur Rock on Northspur Landing on the Talltumble Stairs in Mountainside.
In 1361 DR, Danilo Thann moved the elfgate portal to Evermeet to Laeral's chambers in order to facilitate more quality time between her and Khelben.

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.
In 1415 DR, the fourth Blackstaff, Krehlan Arunsun, modified Blackstaff Tower using the kiira N'Vaelhar to allow templates of the spirits of each former Blackstaff to communicate with anyone in the tower, and with the Blackstaff where he or she was. The templates were a permanent illusion of the spirit of each Blackstaff; in visible form, the template appeared as the Blackstaff did in life but with a green glow. While in the tower, the Blackstaff was also aware of every person in the tower or within a few feet of the tower.

Type

Tower, Mage

Parent Location

Waterdeep