AT A GLANCE: This group is also known 
variously as "The Council of Lords," "the 
Lords' Council," and "the TRADE barons." 
and was formed to oppose the Zhentarim 
and their agents.  It is a lawful and essentially 
good alliance of the rulers of the cities 
of Waterdeep, Mirabar, Neverwinter, 
Silverymoon, Baldur's Gate, Elturel, Berdusk, 
Iriaebor, and Sundabar.  It is not to
be confused with the Lords of Waterdeep 
(see WATERDEEP), though members of 
the latter belong to the former. 

The Alliance communicates by official
envoys, the trained pigeons of Piergeiron 
the Golden of Waterdeep, and 
the magickal arts of Khelben "Blackstaff"  
Arunsun, and has co-ordinated military 
operations against the Zhentarim annexation 
of an exclusive overland TRADE route. 

The coastal city of Luskan, north of 
Neverwinter, is not a member of this 
group, as it receives most of its goods by 
sea, and places a fierce value on its independence 
that precludes any alliances.  
The kingdoms of Amn and Calimshan 
are indifferent to the alliance, or side 
secretly with the Zhentarim for economic 
reasons--while there is TRADE-strife 
in the North, the overland routes 
within their own borders will be 
enriched.