Khelben "Blackstaff" Arunsun

**Khelben "Blackstaff" Arunsun** was the Lord Mage of Waterdeep, a masked Lord of Waterdeep, and powerful archmage. He resided in Blackstaff Tower until his death.

One of the few spellcasters to become one of Mystra's Chosen, and the last survivor of House Maerdrym, Khelben was a serious, imposing wizard, and a grim proponent of law and order whose methods of achieving the ultimate good were often highly questionable in the eyes of the righteous.

Khelben was born to Arun Maerdrym, the first half-elf born to a noble elven family of the ancient city of Myth Drannor, and the human ranger Arielimnda. Khelben's father followed an ancient elven custom and did not give him a name upon his birth. He remained unnamed even at the age of 12 when he started to learn the ways of magic, joining the Incanistaeum as a pupil of Mentor Wintercloak. He had collected a number of nicknames though. Among some commoner elves he was known as "*Biir*". Some elven nobles named him "*Zenar*", while his elven friends simply called him "*Bhin*". Upon leaving Myth Drannor in 449 DR, he took the only name he was proud of: Arun's Son (Arunsun). His nameless origin followed him as he came to be known as "The Nameless Chosen".

However, between 421 DR and his first death in 464 DR, Khelben only saw his father nine times.

Khelben was the last survivor of House Maerdrym.

In 464 DR, in the Sword of Anauroch, Khelben came across his father, who had been escorting Evereskan elves, his then wife and children, westwards, in combat with the phaerimm. After both Khelben and Arun ran low on spells, and inside a protective sphere, Arun struck the *Duskstaff of Sarael* using his *Lupinaxe*, killing them both and transforming the surrounding desert into a crater of glass.[13]

Khelben was resurrected by Mystra to become the Chosen of Mystra.

In 1311 DR, Khelben secretly returned to Waterdeep after the death of his son, Zelphar Arunsun. In 1321 DR, his grandson, Khelben the Younger, left Abeir-Toril to go planewalking and exploring, ending up on what Elminster suspected to be the world of Oerth. Khelben the Elder took over his grandson's identity for both their sakes. His origins could be a weakness, so nobody, not even most of his family save for a few of his closest allies, knew his origins and true age. To the public, Khelben was the son of Zelphar and Lhestyn, when in reality Zelphar was Kheben's son.

In 1356 DR, Khelben assisted Drizzt Do'Urden and Wulfgar in boarding the *Sea Sprite*, captained by Deudermont. He claimed to be a simple forester, although Drizzt suspected that he was at least a peer of Malchor Harpell.

One day in the Year of Shadows, 1358 DR, the skies over the city darkened and an interdimensional wormhole (from the Great Door) disgorged a swarm of gargoyles and kenkus over the city. Khelben and a City Guard troop arrived to hold them off.

During the Time of Troubles of 1358 DR, a purported avatar of Selûne arrived in Waterdeep. Khelben and Piergeiron covertly watched her arrival at the House of the Moon, while discussing the need for caution. The avatar was later invited to a party at Castle Waterdeep, which was attended by Khelben and Piergeiron. Piergeiron introduced Kyriani to Khelben, and they shared what they knew about the avatar, Luna's fate, and the Time of Troubles. Khelben told Kyriani about Ao, the Tablets of Fate, and the fall of the gods. However, the Dark Army of the Night crashed the party, seeking to kidnap the avatar. Khelben tried to counter their darkness with a *light* spell but it went awry, blinding everyone. Afterward, Kyriani confronted the avatar, but they fought a spell-battle, only stopped by Piergeiron. He had the City Guard apprehend Kyriani, but Khelben took charge and let her escape the castle via a *passwall* spell.

In 1367 DR, Khelben retired from his role as a Masked Lord of Waterdeep (only to quickly - and secretly, rejoin their ranks). During this time Khelben spent his time organizing (some would say manipulating) events in Faerûn and with the aid of his Moonstars, along with his beloved wife, Laeral Silverhand Arunsun.

In 1370 DR, Khelben split off from the Harpers and formed his own splinter group, known as the *Tel'Teukiira* or Moonstars. He was expelled in 1370 DR from the Harpers after making a deal with Fzoul Chembryl, cleric of Bane and leader of the sinister Zhentarim, in 1369 DR. With his departure, he brought others with him into the Moonstars in order to better suit his needs.

On the Feast of the Moon, 1374 DR, Khelben Arunsun brought together many powerful mages in order to cleanse part of the High Moor and restore Faer'tel'miir, a lost city of Miyeritar. In order to make the magic permanent, Khelben ultimately gave his own life, together with the Grand Mage Ualair the Silent. The restored city came to be known as Rhymanthiin, the Hidden City of Hope.