Taern Hornblade Taern " Thunderspells " Hornblade was the High Mage of the city of Silverymoon < ref name = " N : GSF / Cities - p51 " > < / ref > , having succeeded Alustriel when she took the office of High Lady , and member of the Council of the Marches . < ref name = " N : GSF / Cities - p55 " > < / ref > Description . Taern was tall and gray - bearded , appearing grave and thoughtful most of the time . Personality . Although reckless in his youth , in his later years Taern prefers to avoid confrontations . By striving for consensus where possible and working hard at building friendships , Taern tended to reach decisions through alliance with others . Abilities . A powerful Evoker , Taern ' s nickname , " Thunderspell " , was earned during his early Magefair duels where his mastery of potent battle - spell s became known . During his tenure among the Spellguard he showed his prowess in defense of Silverymoon by facing off against a dracolich . Relationships . Taern has a deep and abiding love of Alustriel . History . Born in 1204 DR Taern earned his nickname , " Thunderspell " , early in his life from attending magefair duels and showcasing his deadly battle - spells . He is also a longtime member of the Harpers . Taern founded the Spellguard of Silverymoon in 1255 DR as a bodyguard unit to protect Alustriel . In 1361 DR , Taern and Alustriel defeated two archmages of the Cult of the Dragon that had arrived outside Silverymoon . However while Alustriel was drawn away from the city , Taern and his Spellguard were forced to battle a Dracolich that had assaulted the southern walls . Before taking over the supreme office of the city he was the leader of the Spellguard of Silverymoon . < ref name = " N : GSF / Cities - p45 " > < / ref > In place of Alustriel , who has the roles of Lady Protectorate and High Lady , Hornblade sits as a Peer on the council of the Silver Marches for Silverymoon , though he follows Alustriel ' s wishes whenever they are expressed . During the Tyranny of Dragons the leader of Luruar Methrammar Aerasumé send Taern , already in good health thanks to potions of longevity , as him delegate at the Council of Waterdeep to contrast the Cult of the Dragon and Tiamat ; Methrammar selected Taern for his high diplomatic skills . Possessions . Taern ' s signature weapon is his namesake longsword Hornblade , which is a famous and heavily enchanted blade . It has a number of magical properties that are extremely useful to Taern , as well as being a potent weapon in its own right . Firstly , the blade has a " sending " ability , which allows the wielder to send a message to up to five individuals at one time ; this message consists of a distinctive horn - call - no other message is possible . Secondly , the sword is capable of storing up to two spells at once , rather than the usual one spell that most spell - storing items can have prepared . Taern normally has " dispel evil " and " heal " stored in Hornblade . Finally , the blade is attuned to the ward initiates of Silverymoon , and it will only function correctly in their hands ; furthermore , any evil being that holds the sword will receive negative effects . Taern has a rat familiar called Vesk .