The founding council of Calimsharn and its ruling body. The original four founding members — the Lady of Blood, the Lord of Knowledge, the Lord of Slaves, and the Master of the Arena — were once adventurers who attempted to reclaim the Desert from the ancient dragon known as the Doom of the Desert in 1436 DR. Though they did not defeat the dragon outright, they wounded it enough that it retreated to its lair and ceased interfering with the city.
In 1471 DR, the Lord of Science joined the council after playing a crucial role in developing a remedy for the Red Plague. In 1476 DR, the Lord of Gold, the most recent addition, joined after significantly improving the city’s economy.
Each Lord governs a specific domain within the city and generally refrains from interfering in the responsibilities of others. However, a majority decision among the Lords can override an individual Lord’s actions.
Lady of Blood - Kareem el Mustar: The Lady of Blood oversees the hospital and part of the mines. In the Desert, where divine power is scarce, she treats miners afflicted by the Red Plague and removes mutations with the aid of the Lord of Science’s vaccine and her biological Truespeech. She guards her position as the only accomplished healer in Calimsharn. In 1486 DR, she hired the Seekers to track down a group of escaped patients infected with an unusual strain of Vampirism who had massacred others in the hospital. Her bodyguard and “son,” Ankhor, is a massive humanoid with a childlike mind but surprisingly advanced vocabulary.
Master of the Arena - true name unknown: The Master of the Arena presides over the Arena and is a largely silent figure who remains motionless until combat begins. His extensive use of Truespeech appears to have consumed much of his former self, explaining his uncanny ability to reshape the arena’s terrain.
Lord of Slaves - Taalib el Hakim: The Lord of Slaves commands his Palace and many slaves, and has cultivated fiendish allies through his Truespeech. He is known for granting wishes to those who fulfill their contracts, a power he demonstrated when he aided the Seekers in the effort to free Felguros.
Lord of Science - Doctor Craven: The Lord of Science operates his Laboratory with the assistance of three unusual aides: Dr. Blitznick (partially made of glass), Dr. Toyo (half-mutated), and Dr. Arnold (partially mechanical). He developed a vaccine against the Red Plague and an engine to extract the essence from Blood Stones, though some of his experiments have had chaotic results. He deeply distrusts “Superstition,” which has created friction with the Lord of Knowledge.
Lord of Knowledge - Professor Ishmael: The Lord of Knowledge runs the University, where he trains students — and selects apprentices for Truespeech. His research focuses on the origins and mechanics of Truespeech and on recovering lost lore such as the Emerald Tablet.
Lord of Gold - unknown: The Lord of Gold is Calimsharn’s most secretive Lord. Little is known about him beyond his role in revitalizing the city’s economy; rumors suggest he was formerly a merchant.
It appears the founding Lords of Calimsharn forged a pact with Father Rogers, one that dooms them to lose their souls should they ever break it. That pact is likely related to their Truespeech powers.