Filani the Sage

Filani of Tantras is a human wizard who hails originally from the city of Tantras to the east of the Dalelands. She now lives in the upper section of Tilverton in a modest two storey house that overlooks farmlands and the Temple of Gond. Filani is well known as a sage that specialises in the history and political affairs in regions from the Moonsea to the north, down through the Dalelands, Cormyr and Sembia to the Sea of Fallen Stars in the south.
She takes a keen interest in discoveries of ancient tombs, magic or treasure, and offers her services in valuing or identifying said items free of charge.

History

The PCs first met Filani the day after they returned from the Tomb of the Ogre King. Filani had a light lunch prepared and settled in to listen to the full tale of the party's adventures - the Tomb of the Ogre King, the Zhentarim agents and the book detailing their trades with the Hobgoblin tribes beneath the Thunder Peaks, the encounter with the goblins led by Nordul, their escape from the Zhentarim and the encounters they had on the road on their return to Tilverton. She spent the best part of the afternoon listening and asking questions. Filani was fascinated to hear about the gold skulls but was not interested in purchasing them. Filani gave useful advice or additional information where she could (not much that the party didn't already know) and asked nothing in return. She was particularly surprised and concerned to hear of the Zhentarim activities along eastern Cormyr.
The party (minus Cabaal and Elli) visited Filani again after their first encounter with Chenzira the Drow Priestess of Lolth. They asked her if she knew of any current or historical Drow activity or settlements in the area and she advised that she had heard of Drow further north but never in Cormyr. She said it is a concern if they are active here. There seems to be good rapport and trust with Filani and the party.