Gray Hand Enforcer

Gray Hand enforcers are highly trained members of the Gray Hands, Waterdeep’s elite, high-powered fighting force. They answer only to the Lords of Waterdeep and are selected for their ability to deal quickly with enemies of unusual personal power. Through rigorous training, Gray Hand enforcers gain the ability to shrug off physical damage nd magical attacks alike.

The Gray Hands

Although Waterdeep is ably defended by the City Guard and City Watch, some threats require more extreme solutions. The Gray Hands are an elite force of high-powered adventurers who answer directly to the Lords of Waterdeep. Although their numbers are small, members of this group are capable of confronting the most powerful foes. The Lords of Waterdeep are loath to call on the Gray Hands unless no other option prevents itself, for the fallout from conflicts involving this group inevitably inflict a great deal of collateral damage on the City of Splendors.

Base of Operations: Blackstaff Tower

Becoming a Gray Hand Enforcer

Barbarians, fighters, and rangers most commonly become Gray Hand enforcers, although members of all classes and many races (particularly monstrous humanoids and giants) have served among the ranks of the Gray Hands.

The most important requirement of a Gray Hand enforcer is the ability to deal damage, followed closely by the ability to take large amounts of damage. Melee-oriented characters should emphasize Strength and Constitution, while those specializing in ranged or sneak attacks should focus on Dexterity and Constitution, and then Strength. Spellcasters are best served by emphasizing their primary mental attribute to maximize the number of bonus spells they can cast. Spellcasters should also focus on Constitution to improve their hit points as well as Dexterity and Wisdom to improve their saving throws.

Playing a Gray Hand Enforcer

You are tough as nails and every bit as dangerous as your reputation suggests. You have earned the trust of Waterdeep’s leaders at great personal risk, and you have little fear of death. You have no time for moral niceties or negotiation; you trust the Lords to call you in only when right is on your side and complete annihilation of the enemy is the only remaining resort. You are fiercely loyal to the City of Splendors, allowing no one to besmirch the name or reputation of your great city.

COMBAT

Gray Hand enforcers must deal out large amounts of damage quickly, regardless of the consequences to the surrounding area. Gray Hand enforcers are also incredibly tough, able to withstand large numbers of dangerous attacks without flinching or falling. For spellcasters, evocation and summoning spells are two quick ways to take out a foe. Abjuration spells are also important, as they allow members of your team to fight longer. Avoid divination spells (if it moves, kill it—nothing else matters), illusions (if your reputation doesn’t scare your foe, nothing will), and enchantments (if it was susceptible to reason, you wouldn’t be needed). For melee combatants, make sure you can always get to your foe (missile weapons or the ability to run, climb, jump, or fly) and when you do, deal large amounts of damage (big, powerful weapons with large threat ranges or critical multipliers).

ADVANCEMENT

You want to acquire spells and magic items that enable you to survive the sorts of fights for which the Gray Hands are famous. Anything else is secondary. If you survive, you will inevitably advance.

RESOURCES

The Gray Hands are an elite organization, fully backed by Waterdeep’s treasury. Don’t worry about collateral damage in service to the Lords; destruction of private property is never your concern. If you need a weapon or suit of armor, the Watchful Order of Magists & Protectors would be happy to fabricate such for you as quickly as they can. You must still pay for personal armaments, but simply having the ear of the city’s most powerful spellcasters is helpful enough.

Gray Hand Enforcers ın the World

The Gray Hands are the elite strike force in the employ of the Lords of Waterdeep. When called upon, they battle fearlessly against any threat to the City of Splendors.

NPC REACTIONS

Gray Hand enforcers are an unknown quantity outside the City of Splendors. In Waterdeep, the Gray Hands have acquired a fearsome reputation. Word that the members of the Gray Hands have been spotted is enough to send most Waterdhavians fleeing, as any battle involving Gray Hand enforcers is likely to result in a lot of collateral damage and civilian casualties. Gray Hand Enforcer Lore The Gray Hands are well known in the City of Splendors, although their exact role in service to the Lords is the subject of some confusion. Characters who succeed on a Knowledge (local Waterdeep) check can learn the following information, including the information from lower DCs.

DC 10: The Lords of Waterdeep are served by an elite team of adventurers, known as the Gray Hands.

DC 15: The Gray Hands are dispatched only when the City Watch or City Guard cannot handle a problem. If you see a large frost giant heading your way, get out of the area as fast as you can.

DC 20: The leader of the Gray Hands is the ranger Jardwim. He’s tough as nails and as inflexible as the Blackstaff. He figures if the Lords need his merry little band, then things are long past the discussion stage. Your only hope if you cross the Gray Hands is to surrender or die.

Gray Hand Enforcers ın the game

Any powerful adventurer resident in Waterdeep and loyal to the Lords could be a member of the Gray Hands. The team is a glorified adventuring band with a low survival rate and a steady influx of new recruits.

This prestige class appeals to gamers who like to battle powerful foes using every resource at their disposal. It’s especially appropriate for a Waterdeep-based campaign where the City of Splendors is under continual threat.

NPC Gray Hand enforcers are always based in Waterdeep, available to defend the City of Splendors in a moment’s notice.

ADAPTATION

While the Gray Hands are presented as unique to Waterdeep, there is no reason you could not create similar organizations in other wealthy cities such as Baldur’s Gate, Suzail, Tantras, or Telflamm.

ENCOUNTERS

The Gray Hand enforcers are most commonly encountered by renegade adventuring companies who believe themselves powerful enough to mess with anyone without consequence. The Gray Hands can also be brought in if the PCs take on a foe too powerful for them in or around the streets of Waterdeep, but the Gray Hands aren’t really in the business of rescuing adventurers who can’t take care of themselves.

EL 14: Harshnag the Grim is a typically beefy frost giant with snow-white skin, light blue braided hair and beard, and light blue eyes. Exiled from his clan in the Spine of the World for his “soft” nature, Harshnag wandered south to see the world, eventually entering the City of Splendors. Jardwim was impressed by Harshnag’s polite response after the Gray Hands were dispatched to stop Harshnag’s expected rampage, and he invited the frost giant to join the group. Today, Harshnag lives in a cave atop Mount Sar, linked to Blackstaff Tower by a large-sized two-way keyed portal. Maliantor, a Gray Hand wizard, alerts Harshnag by means of a sending spell whenever the giant is needed in the City of Splendors.