6. THE COUNCIL OF MUSICIANS, INSTRUMENTMAKERS,
AND CHORISTERS
Master: Kriios Halambar (0 level fighter; Master Musician;
known widely as “Old Leatherlungs”), Halambar
Lutes & Harps, #26, Street of Swords, Castle Ward
Headquarters: The House of Song, #181, Rivon Street,
The Trades Ward
Livery: scarlet jackets, with slashed sleeves of white and
purple, and deep green long cloaks and matching hats,
with white and purple plumes
Entrance: 30 gp
Dues: 25 gp annually (members), 15 gp (apprentices)
Contact: the Master, or Maxeene “the Flute” Rhiosann (0
level fighter, “Lady Voice of the Council”), The House of
Song.

This guild elects its Master every seven years, nominating
only candidates from within its membership, and
eliminating the least popular candidate in successive ballots
until a Master is chosen. Kriios Halambar, the current
incumbent, has never been unseated in such an
election, and has held the post for fifty-six years (he is
now seventy-seven years of age). If he dies in office the
Voice of the Council, the young singer Maxeene, will run
the Council until the regular seven-year election time
comes again (although she may of course run as a candidate
in that election). This Guild admits as full members
only skilled, accomplished artisans, and its members
enjoy a good reputation for quality—and command high
fees—as a result (typically 6 gp/day per member performer,
and 1 gp/day for an instrument-maker, with
many days involved in the making of a custom instrument).
In Waterdeep, true professionals in music are not
“prima donas” with difficult tempers or a need for creative
self-expression that overwhelms tact. Rather, they
pride themselves on giving a client exactly what is
desired or needed, performed superbly. Often clients
write terrible tunes or lyrics for a Guild member to perform
at private parties, weddings, or other ceremonies.
Members of this Guild may embellish such efforts to
make them sound better (previewing them in private
before the performance for the client’s approval), but
they never change a client’s work because “they know
better”. It is just not done. Apprentices unable to cure
themselves of such rashness will forever remain apprentices.
Guild members do tutor non-musicians, and do
give their own concerts, however. Amongst Waterdeep’s
wealthier inhabitants, hosting (and sponsoring) such
concerts of an evening is a popular pastime. Certain
members of this Guild create instruments of quality
known throughout the Realms—and with the City, Guild
members have a standing contract to provide the signalhorns
(also known as “war-horns”, or “battle-trumpets”)
for the Guard.