Xanathar
Xanathar is a powerful and enigmatic beholder who serves as the de facto ruler of Skullport and the leader of the Xanathar Guild, a vast criminal syndicate that controls smuggling, assassinations, and illicit trade throughout Waterdeep's underworld. Feared for both his ruthless cunning and unpredictable temperament, Xanathar exerts influence over Skullport through a network of spies, enforcers, and magical surveillance.
Physical Description
Xanathar is a beholder, a floating aberration with a massive central eye and a mouth filled with razor-sharp teeth. His ten eyestalks, each capable of emitting a different magical ray, give him a terrifying battlefield presence. His levitating, bloated form drifts ominously through the air, covered in scar-like ridges and arcane sigils that glow faintly in the dim light of his lair.
Personality and Traits
- Brilliant but unstable – Xanathar is known for his strategic genius, but his mind is also erratic and paranoid.
- Obsessed with power – He believes that absolute control over information and resources is the key to eternal dominance.
- Fixated on his pet fish – His one unusual weakness is his strange, obsessive love for his pet goldfish, Sylgar. Those who threaten Sylgar risk an instant and merciless death.
Role in the Skullport Trial
During the Skullport Trial of Jember, Xanathar presided over the courtroom in his typical self-indulgent and theatrical fashion. Although his role was technically that of a judge, his primary concern was entertainment rather than justice. His decisions were often arbitrary, dictated more by amusement than legal precedent.
Notable Actions During the Trial
- Encouraged dramatic legal battles, favoring whichever side provided the most spectacle.
- Laughed openly when Fjord misunderstood the phrase "band of thieves" and called for a mistrial.
- Ordered an execution mid-trial just to "see how it would play out."
- Issued the final ruling based on entertainment value, famously stating:
"This was the most fun I’ve had in years. Jember, you live. Gregory, I like you. Evil Gregory, you bore me—leave my sight."
Influence and Operations
Xanathar’s rule extends far beyond the courtroom, as he controls:
- The Skullport Black Market – The largest hub of illicit goods, mercenary hiring, and magical contraband.
- The Spy Network – A vast web of informants across Waterdeep and beyond.
- The Assassin’s Roster – Elite killers who carry out contracts on his behalf.
Weaknesses and Rivalries
While feared, Xanathar has weaknesses:
- Paranoia – He trusts no one, making alliances difficult and fragile.
- Obsession with Sylgar – Those who manipulate his attachment to his goldfish can distract or unhinge him.
- Rival Factions – Groups like the Harpers and Zhentarim actively work to dismantle his operations.
Legacy
Despite his eccentricities, Xanathar is one of the most dangerous and influential figures in Skullport and Waterdeep. His role in Jember’s trial, though seemingly whimsical, reinforced his absolute dominance over the city’s underworld. His actions remain unpredictable, and those who cross him rarely live to tell the tale.
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