Khelben "Blackstaff" Arunsun

Appearance

Khelben Arunsun, known as the Blackstaff, a human male archwizard and Lord of Waterdeep, stands at 6'1" with a lean, commanding frame, his age—well over 400 years, though he appears in his late 50s—masked by potent magic that keeps him vigorous. His sharp, aquiline features are framed by a well-groomed silver beard and mustache, and his long silver hair is tied back in a neat ponytail, a few strands falling loose to soften his stern visage. His piercing emerald eyes glow faintly with arcane power, and his brow is often furrowed in thought, a single scar above his left eyebrow adding a hint of ruggedness to his otherwise regal appearance.

Attire

Khelben wears flowing robes of deep black, their surface shimmering with silver runes that pulse faintly with protective enchantments, the hem sweeping the ground as he moves. Over his shoulders drapes a heavy cloak of midnight blue, its inner lining embroidered with silver stars, clasped with a brooch shaped like a black staff topped with a crescent moon. His hands are clad in black leather gloves, the fingertips worn from years of spellcasting, and his boots, polished black leather, are enchanted to leave no sound. A silver ring on his right hand, engraved with a tiny star, glows softly when he channels magic.

Demeanor

Khelben moves with the deliberate grace of a man who has seen centuries, his every gesture precise and imbued with authority, his presence filling any room he enters. His voice is a deep, resonant baritone, carrying the weight of wisdom and command, often laced with a dry wit that surfaces in rare moments of levity. He wields his black staff—a legendary artifact—with casual ease, its dark wood crackling with arcane energy as he gestures, his emerald eyes narrowing when he senses deception or danger. Despite his stern demeanor, there’s a quiet compassion in his gaze when dealing with the innocent, though he brooks no nonsense from those who waste his time.

Possessions

The Blackstaff itself, a dark wooden staff topped with a silver crescent, hums with immense magical power, its surface etched with ancient runes that glow when Khelben casts spells. A small, leather-bound grimoire hangs from his belt, its pages filled with spells and notes in his precise handwriting, the cover sealed with a magical lock only he can open. A pouch at his waist holds a few arcane components—crystals, a vial of mercury, and a raven feather—used in his rituals. Around his neck, hidden beneath his robes, is an amulet shaped like a silver eye, a protective charm that wards off scrying attempts.