Council of Musicians, Instrument-Makers, & Choristers

The Council of Musicians, Instrument-Makers, & Choristers is the official guild governing public performance and musical craftsmanship in Waterdeep. It certifies performers, regulates commissioned music, and oversees the creation and maintenance of instruments used in both civic and private venues. Any bard, minstrel, or entertainer seeking legal performance opportunities within the city is expected to register with the guild.
Though the guild presents itself as a supporter of creative expression, it is often criticized for its internal favoritism, strict codes of presentation, and preference for tradition over innovation. For many performers, membership offers stability and prestige. For others, it represents compromise and constraint.

Purpose and Function

The Council licenses performers for public and private events, assigns musicians to noble houses and civic ceremonies, and enforces standards of performance decorum and composition rights. It mediates disputes between performers and patrons, investigates cases of musical plagiarism, and maintains an archive of sanctioned compositions for ceremonial use.
In addition to regulating the musical trades, the guild also commissions original works for parades, seasonal festivals, and masked lord ceremonies. While such commissions are a great honor, they are typically awarded to favored performers rather than rising talents.

Structure and Ranks

Guildmaster of Song – The presiding officer of the guild, responsible for policy, appointments, and external relations with noble houses and city government.
Council Member – Senior figures within the guild who approve applications, adjudicate internal conflicts, and oversee prestigious musical assignments.
Master Artisan – Highly regarded instrument-makers or composers recognized for their contributions to the guild’s legacy. They may take apprentices and serve as official judges for guild contests.
Guild Performer – Fully licensed members permitted to perform in all legal venues across Waterdeep. Most active performers fall into this rank.
Initiate Performer – Probationary members working under the sponsorship of a full guild member. They are often assigned to minor venues or background ensembles.

Guild Hall

The guild operates from the House of Song in the Castle Ward, a stately marble building containing rehearsal chambers, licensing offices, performance archives, and a private hall reserved for patrons and dignitaries. The structure is renowned for its acoustic perfection and enchanted sound-filtering rooms.

Known Members

Turlis Dilin – Guild Performer
Fitzie Blackmore – Guild Performer
Mattrim Mereg (Threestrings) – Guild Performer
Olasha Ilinan – Guild Performer

Notable Members

• Fitzie Blackmore