Khelben "Blackstaff" Arunsun

Khelben "Blackstaff" Arunsun, Lord Mage of Waterdeep, is a fictional character of the Forgotten Realms Dungeons & Dragons campaign setting, brainchild of of Forgotten Realms creator Ed Greenwood and Realms game designer Steven Schend.

One of the powerful spellcasters who also counts himself amongst Mystra's Chosen, Khelben is a serious, imposing wizard, and a grim proponent of law and order whose methods of achieving the ultimate good are often highly questionable in the eyes of the righteous. One such deal - with the Fzoul Chembryl, cleric of Bane and leader of the sinister Zhentarim - led to the once a highly regarded member of the semi-secret Harper organisation simultaneously being extradited and leaving the organisation. Khelben did not leave alone, however - he now leads the Harper splinter-group the Moonstars, whom he finds suit his needs much better.

Most folk know Khelben as a revealed ex-Masked Lord of Waterdeep, and member of the City of Splendors' wealthy Thann npble clab, as well as an archmage of power to rival Elminster, but they also believe that Khelben is the son of Zelphar Arunsun and Lady Lhestyn. This is the identity that Khelben has assumed, when in actuality Zelphar was his son.

Zelphar's son was Khelben the Younger - called "Ravencloak" - who left Abeir-Toril to go planewalking and exploring, ending up on the Greyhawk world of Oerth. Khelben (the Elder) took his grandson's place for both their sakes. His origins could be a weakness, so nobody - not even most of his family - save a few of is closest allies, knows his origins and true age.

Khelben was once "The Nameless Chosen", the child of Arun Maerdrym - the first half-elf born to a noble elven family of the ancient city of Myth Drannor - and the human ranger Arielimnda. Khelben made a name for himself to prove himself worthy in the disapproving eyes of his elven peers, battling phaerimm along the way.

These days, retired from his role as Masked Lord of Waterdeep, Khelben organising (some would say manipulating) events in Faerûn and his Moonstars, along with his beloved wife - Laeral Silverhand Arunsun of the Seven Sisters, whom he once rescued from the grip of the Crown of Horns and the part-dead god Myrkul.