The Blackstaff is the wizarding staff used in the line of Blackstaffs of Waterdeep. It is capable of a powerful array of spells as well as granting its proper wielder a myriad of abilities.
The staff has the power to animate the statues of Waterdeep, bringing them to life to defend the city.
The staff can be used to dispel magic and also to drain magic (removing one spell from the highest slot available to a target).
The staff holds 20 charges and regains 2d8 charges per day. The staff can cast a number of spells as well at various levels and requiring various charges:
- Magic Missile (1 charge)
- Levitate (2 charges)
- Cone of Cold (5 charges)
- Fireball (5th lvl only, 5 charges)
- Hold Monster (5 charges)
- Wall of Force (5 charges)
- Lightning Bolt (5th lvl only, 5 charges)
- Globe of Invulnerability (6 charges)
The staff can be used to cast enchantment spells with no cost of spell slots (with a check from its wielder). Additionally, it is rumored to be sentient. It requires attunement and can only be attuned to by the Blackstaff.
The staff can be used to store spells, akin to the Spirit Trap spell. At the present time, it contains multiple spirits, including ALL of the spirits of past Blackstaff individuals. It is a part of the ceremony that creates the new Blackstaff when the responsibility is moved to a new individual. It’s loyalty is to the city of Waterdeep and then to the current Blackstaff in that order. It will do everything it can to make the Blackstaff (the person) stronger as long as that person serves its primary goal, protecting Waterdeep. At present, it also holds the spirit of Khelben Arunsun.
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Its most recent, proper wielder was Vajra Safhar of Waterdeep, Blackstaff to the Open Lord, Laeral Silverhand. Vajra is dead, and the staff found itself in the possession of Maran Blackwood.