Council of Musicians, Instrument Makers, and Choristers

This guild admits only skilled, accomplished artisans as full members, and its members enjoy a good reputation for quality—and command high fees—as a result. Member performers gain a typical fee of 6 gold pieces/day. Member instrument-makers command 1 gold piece/day, with many days often involved in the making of a custom instrument.

In Waterdeep, true professionals in music are not prima donnas with difficult tempers or a need for creative self-expression that overwhelms tact. Rather, they pride themselves on giving a client exactly what is desired or needed, performed superbly. Often clients write terrible tunes or lyrics for a guild member to perform at private parties, weddings, or other ceremonies. Members of this guild may embellish such efforts to make them sound better (previewing them in private before the performance for the client’s approval), but they never change a client’s work because “they know better.” It is just not done. Apprentices unable to cure themselves of such rashness will forever remain apprentices.

Guild members do tutor nonmusicians, and do give their own concerts, many now being performed at New Olamn’s moderate amphitheater. Among Waterdeep’s wealthier inhabitants, hosting (and sponsoring) such concerts of an evening is a popular pastime.

Certain members of this guild create instruments of quality known throughout the Realms (especially a number of craftsmen of the Crommor noble clan). Guild members have a standing contract with the Lords to provide the signal- horns (also known as “war horns” or “battle trumpets”) for the guard.

Structure

This guild elects its master every seven years, nominating only candidates from within its membership, and eliminating the least popular candidate in successive ballots until a Master Musician is chosen. Kriios Halambar, the current incumbent, has never been unseated in such an election and has held the post for 68 years (he is now 89 years of age). If he dies in office, the Voice of the Council (the young singer Maxeene) will run the Council until the regular seven-year election time comes again (although she may, of course, run as a candidate in that election).

Public Agenda

Livery: Scarlet jackets, with slashed sleeves of white and purple, and deep green long cloaks and matching hats, with white and purple plumes Contact: the Master, or Maxeene “the Flute” Rhiosann—Lady Voice of the Council (NG hf F0), The House of Song

Assets

The House of Song
Halambar Lutes & Harps
Rolling Stone

Type

Guild, Professional

Leader

Kriios Halambar

Location

House of Song

Controlled Territories

• House of Song

Notable Members

• Kriios Halambar