Xanathar Thieves' Guild

The remnants of the old thieves' guilds of Waterdeep were unified into a single, powerful organization by a strange and charismatic beholder who calls himself the Xanathar. The Xanathar deals primarily in slavery, but also has his eyestalks in the trade of drugs, extortion, blackmail, gambling, and the acquisition and sale of smuggled magical goods.

The Xanathar Thieves' Guild operates out of Skullport, but has agents hidden in Waterdeep above, if one knows where to look.

## **The Xanathar's Ideals**

Unsurprisingly, the ideals of the Xanathar Thieves' Guild are not so far from the ideals of the Zhentarim. The organization is both ambitious and opportunistic. Rather than the fundamentals of meritocracy, however, the driving goals of the Xanathar Thieves' Guild are fueled by the whims of the Xanathar himself. Still, the Xanathar has been known to reward merit and loyalty on occasion, if it suits his own needs.

### **Goals**

* Amass wealth and power by any means necessary.
* Let no one thwart your efforts.
* Gain influence over important people and organizations.
* Have eyes and ears all over Faerun.

### **Beliefs**

* There is no being greater than the Xanathar. He is your key to power and glory.
* By being a part of the Xanathar's network, you too are touched by greatness.
* Everything—and everyone—has a price. And if they don't, they can be disintegrated easily.

## **Xanathar Thieves' Guild Ranks**

Those who prove themselves loyal and valuable to the Xanathar or his councilors can expect to be promoted within the organization. The Xanathar trusts few, so the upper ranks of the guild are usually fairly thin. Ambition is rewarded only if it supports the Xanathar's vision, otherwise it is highly discouraged.

* Gazer (1 Renown)
* Spectator (3 Renown)
* Lensman (10 Renown)
* Examiner (25 Renown)
* Overseer (50 Renown)

### **RANK 1:** **Gazer (1 Renown)**

This is the rank a character receives when first joining the Xanathar Thieves' Guild. For more information on the general benefits of this rank, refer to Factions.

**Receive Your Faction's Insignia.** The insignia for the Xanathar Thieves' Guild is a platinum ring set with precious stones resembling a cat's eye (like the Xanathar's). The outer stones, resembling the sclera, are amber. The inner stone, representing the pupil, is either peridot or garnet depending on rank (Examiners and Overseers wear the garnet version).

### **RANK 2: Spectator (3 Renown)**

Spectators have shown that they are aligned with the Xanathar's goals, and can take on more responsibility. For more information on the general benefits of this rank, refer to Factions.

**Faction Training.** Slink Monteskor offers training in Disguise kit, Forgery kit, Poisoner's kit, or Thieves' tools.

### **RANK 3: Lensman (10 Renown)**

Lensmen are reliable faction agents, entrusted with many secrets and deserving of additional support during adventures. For more information on the general benefits of this rank, refer to Factions.

**Item Procurement.** Ott Steeltoes can procure the following items for a Lensman:

* Uncommon rarity: *+1 weapon* or *+1 shield, gloves of thievery*
* Rare rarity: *+1 armor, ring of x-ray vision*

### **RANK 4: Examiner (25 Renown)**

Examiners are trusted voices within the Xanathar Thieves' Guild. They are looked upon as champions. For more information on the general benefits of this rank, refer to Factions.

**Becoming a Mentor.** Slan Thurbel can requisition a **Xanathar thug** or **Xanathar master thief** to serve the Examiner. Shindia Darkeyes can procure a **gazer** to serve any Examiner who can cast the *find familiar* spell.

## **The Xanathar's Councilors**

On very rare occasion, the Xanathar himself will take a personal role in the execution of his plans. In most cases, he relies on his unwaveringly loyal councilors to conduct business on his behalf. His councilors are compensated very well and they can be trusted to keep the Xanathar's interests first and foremost.

Seeking an audience with the Xanathar or his councilors is no easy task. The meeting can be arranged by the Xanathar's contacts, Colstan Rhuul in Waterdeep or Ahmaergo the horned dwarf in Skullport. If deemed worthy, the petitioner is either taken to the Xanathar's stronghold in Waterdeep or brought before Avaereene, in Skullport, who can facilitate transport to the Xanathar's lair deep in the ruins of Undermountain.

### **Slan Thurbel**

Slan Thurbel, a human fighter of mixed heritage, is responsible for the hiring and management of all the mercenaries in the Xanathar's employ. This includes the lower-ranking members of the guild. Slan can provide the following services:

* Provide assignments for guild members seeking employment.
* Requisition hirelings for guild members who have earned the rank of Examiner.
* Initiate a character into the guild or increase a guild member's rank to Spectator or Lensman.

Slan uses the statistics of a **champion** who wields a *greatsword +1*. He is lawful evil.

### **Slink Monteskor**

The Xanathar's treasurer and bookkeeper was once a prolific thief. Now old, feeble, and cantankerous, Slink is a human of Illuskan heritage with a sharp, eidetic memory. He remembers every detail of the Xanathar's finances down to the copper piece. Slink can provide the following services:

* Issue all monetary rewards for services rendered to the guild.
* Collect fees and arrange training for guild members who have earned the rank of Spectator or higher.
* Provide any financial necessities for assignments (such as fees, tolls, or bribes).

Although Slink was a capable rogue in his youth, much of physical skills have atrophied. Slink's statistics can be found on D&D Beyond.

### **Ott Steeltoes**

The dwarf swashbuckler known as Ott "Steeltoes" was originally from the city of Ironmaster. He relishes his position as the Xanathar's chief smuggler and expert in rare acquisitions. He is less fond of his duties as the Xanathar's head fish-keeper. Ott is every bit a dwarven pirate, squinting through one eye and hobbling on a peg leg. He spends much of his free time drinking with Ahmaergo, the horned dwarf of the Iron Ring. Ott can provide the following services:

* Provide access to standard adventuring gear and other supplies.
* Provide any pack animals or vehicles necessary for assignments.
* Procure items for guild members who have earned the rank of Lensman or higher.

Ott Steeltoes uses the statistics of a **swashbuckler**, with the following changes:

* Ott is chaotic evil.
* He has 108 hit points.
* His walking speed is 25 feet.
* He has advantage on saving throws against poison and resistance to poison damage.
* He has darkvision out to a range of 60 feet.
* He speaks Common and Dwarvish.
* He uses a cutlass instead of rapier, dealing slashing damage instead of piercing.

### **Shindia Darkeyes**

The exotic Shindia Darkeyes is the Xanathar's spymistress. The half-drow runs the Xanathar's blackmail, extortion, and espionage operations. All of the whispers in Waterdeep, Skullport, and Undermountain pass by her ears and are evaluated based on their relevance to the Xanathar's plans. Shindia can provide the following services:

* Share rumors she has heard recently regarding Waterdeep, Skullport, or Undermountain.
* Provide details or clues about assignments that may present opportunities.
* Search for an answer to a single question or request for information.

Shindia uses the statistics of a **drow shadowblade**. She can also speak Common.

### **Sylgar**

While the Xanathar's pet goldfish, Sylgar, is merely a tiny little animal, its influence on the Xanathar cannot be understated. It is important to note, Sylgar is a completely mundane, non-magical goldfish. The Xanathar, however, has an unmatched affection for the creature and reacts favorably when Sylgar is flattered or given presents and tributes.

## **Xanathar Thieves' Guild Contacts**

* Ahmaergo the horned dwarf, the Xanathar's contact within the Iron Ring of Skullport
* Avaereene, representative of the Xanathar in Skullport
* Colstan Rhuul, cleric of Bane and the Xanathar's primary contact in Waterdeep
* Randulaith, the Xanathar's personal wizard who dwells with him in Undermountain
* Nar'l Xibrindas, the Xanathar's master alchemist

## **Notable Minions of the Xanathar**

* Maskaddyr, a Calimshani merchant who helps facilitate the Xanathar's slave trade in the south
* Nihiloor, a mind flayer who raises intellect devourers
* Noska Ur'gray, a reliable dwarven brute
* Thorvin Twinbeard, the Xanathar's dwarf engineer

## **Force X**

In response to the Blackstaff's Force Grey, an elite team of adventurers who are called upon to defend the city of Waterdeep against dire threats, the Xanathar has assembled Force X. Its purpose is to defend the Xanathar against dire threats, and further his goals and ambitions as he so chooses.

* Tiawaq the Bloodshouter, a goliath barbarian
* Nim, a halfling rogue so legendary few have heard of him
* Hedrun Arnsfirth and her alter-ego, Lady Borea, an Uthgardt sorceress touched by Auril
* Brinken Palepelt, a kobold rogue