Waterdeep. City of splendour, jewel of the north. Here nestled in the Temple district is a small Temple dedicated to the Chaotic neutral God of Intrigue, twilight and above all else talented thieves and rogues. The guard says that the city has no thieves guild. The truth is the Maskarans and Zhentarim are rivals and there is no space for amateur cutpurses, cutthroats and pickpockets. New thieves are discouraged, and told to move along, sometimes caught by the guard to have a hand cut off or a clip out of the ear with a brand under their left eye to denote a thief.
You are hurrying down the Temple road to answer a summons from the High Cleric of Mask. The cold winter chill spirals you breathing into the air, a full moon blazes down.
Ducking into the Temple through the main door, you pull a warm woolen grey cloak around you but tuck your facemask into a deep pocket. You walk down the hall each side with small wooden cubbyholes, maintained as privacy for deals between the Temple and those who wish to pay for information. Here is where the most secret of intrigues are played in the great Game of the aristocrats. You see the two clerics at the altar on guard this night. The altar gleamed with jewels finely cut and placed, a large silk velvet facemask hung above it, gleaming black and red.
You draw back cloth from your arm and walk to the stone door to the left of the altar, There is no lock. To the side of the door is Masks device cut into the very stone. You place your tattoo over the mark and watch as it glows blue. The enchanted door slides open to a long staircase leading down. You have been here before. This is the home of the thieves and rogues of Waterdeep. Deep passages and rooms under the Temples surrounding it.
You walk into the meeting hall, and find yourself surrounded by others all wanting to know why they are here. The high Cleric stands in the centre of the hall, a golden key in her left hand. Instead of the more traditional motley she is dressed in good light leather armour with three throwing daggers across her body and two more hidden up sleeves. She nods to you all. Her face covered by a black silk facemask. I am looking for volunteers. We have been approached by the Golden Vault to solve some of their problems, in specific a set of heists here in Waterdeep. They pay well and offer a unique way of getting experience.
You look around some people you know by sight others are new to you, Cat burglars, clerics (trickery), arcane tricksters, smugglers, bounty hunters, bards, Assassins, Soulknives, They are all represented. thieves
***
Mask is Chaotic Neutral, you may also play Chaotic good or chaotic evil.
Everyone uses the following standard array to start at level 1. (15,14,13, 12, 11,10) Remember that stealth is required at 13 dexterity or above for using stealth easily.
Name and picture if possible.
Milestone levelling
party initiative rolls
Background
Please note these are not featuring much in the way of combat, so if you are looking for a dungeon you might want to look elsewhere.
Honors system on dice rolls, you can roll your own dice at home when necessary or roll on the character sheet
Ideally post once a day here on D&D Beyond, you may post more often during combat, and I'll check the thread twice a day.
Over 18s only. 2024 rules. If you want to play another type of rogue or thief let me know and I'll see if I have the relevent book.
"A rightful place awaits you in the Realms Above, in the Land of the Great Light. Come in peace, and live beneath the sun again, where trees and flowers grow."
— The message of Eilistraee to all decent drow.
"Run thy sword across my chains, Silver Lady, that I may join your dance.”
Backstory: Tanyll's formative years were spent on the streets of Waterdeep after running away from home in his early adolescence, not because his home life was bad, but more because it was simply unsatisfactory and frankly boring. He yearned for anything exciting and if had a tinge of danger to it, all the better. If the rumors were true, this opportunity would prove too much for the thrill-seeking youth to pass up, and with that he found himself in the halls of Mask.
Backstory: Born to a backwater clan of farmers, Loki left home fast as he could, fleecing and stealing to survive. Chasing the bigger scores eventually led him to the City of Splendors, where he had a religious experience while involved in some light petty larceny. He has spent more time looking out for other thieves and charging for his services than running his own game lately, and is looking to get out on his own again soon.
Class: Bard (Planning College of Eloquence or Lore)
Background: Charlatan
Backstory:
Mavilius was born under shadowed eaves in the Dock Ward, the child of a smuggler and a hushed noble scandal. With pink skin, horns, and molten gold eyes, he never had the luxury of blending in—but he quickly learned how to be seen the right way. By the time he was fifteen, he had mastered three noble accents, forged dozens of papers, and convinced a merchant house that he was the bastard son of their patriarch—long enough to rob them blind and vanish into the fog.
Waterdeep taught him that the truth was a luxury and lies were currency. He became a master of false identities: a wandering elven poet, a masked ambassador from Baldur’s Gate, even a scribe for the Watch (for exactly four days). But he didn’t steal from the poor—only the prideful. The self-important. The powerful. Those who wouldn’t admit they’d been fooled.
His greatest asset wasn’t his disguise kit or his wit—it was his voice. Mavilius could make an accusation sound like a compliment, a threat like an invitation. He took up the bard’s path not for art, but for power. He found that words could open doors quicker than lockpicks—and shut them harder, too.
Eventually, his talent caught the attention of the Temple of Mask, the hidden heart of Waterdeep’s quiet war of secrets. Not a thief in the traditional sense, Mavilius earned his mark by brokering deals, unseating rivals, and turning trusted advisors into liabilities—all with a smile.
Now, summoned by the High Cleric on a moonlit winter night, Mavilius walks deeper into the underworld than ever before. The Golden Vault’s heists are no game—but to Mavilius, they are the perfect game. With a cause he can spin, a mask to wear, and power to seize, he intends to win—whatever it costs.
Multiclassing is allowed but must make sense to the storyline and players history. The heists are designed to level you once per game, so think clearly what you want to play in the first heist.
Name: Delilah Duskthorn Race: Human Class: Warlock Background: Wayfarer Backstory: A recent arrival from the Gloaming Courts, Delilah has journeyed the Sword Coast for some time to spread chaos and mischievousness and has now been instructed to pledge her service to the Lord of Shadows in Waterdeep to assist in a series of heists, quite unknowing to what her high mistress' stake in all this is. While missing the Gloaming Courts she is amused by the people she meets and considers it a challange to successfully complete her mission before returning home.
Class: Bard (going for College of Dance at level 3)
Background: Noble
Backstory: Korras is from a lesser branch of the Cassalanter noble family of Waterdeep. Bored of easy living, Korras has picked the hobby of crime to challenge himself.
Name: Elias Davenmere Class: Warlock (dipping into rogue later) Background: Charlatan Backstory:
Elias Davenmere grew up in a rigidly disciplined military household, the third son of the renowned Sir Rodrik Davenmere, a knight famed for his unyielding devotion to order and duty. From childhood, Elias stood apart from his brothers who thrived on discipline and the clarity of honorable combat. Where his siblings excelled at sword drills and tactical maneuvers, Elias found himself more adept at slipping unnoticed through shadows, observing quietly, and uncovering secrets. His natural affinity for deception and cunning quickly marked him as the odd one out.
Seeing Elias' struggle to conform, his family secured him a place within Waterdeep's military intelligence unit. They hoped that his talent for intrigue could serve the city honorably, maintaining the family legacy. Elias initially flourished, proving himself skilled at gathering critical information, manipulating contacts, and navigating Waterdeep’s complex political landscape. Yet, his methods were far from conventional—often pushing boundaries, bending the rules, and employing methods deemed unsavory by his superiors. His pragmatic approach, prioritizing results over regulations, earned him as many reprimands as commendations.
During a clandestine mission beneath Waterdeep, Elias encountered an ancient, eldritch presence lurking beneath the city. This presence whispered promises of unparalleled knowledge and power in exchange for Elias' servitude. Driven by curiosity and ambition, Elias agreed to a pact, forever binding himself to this enigmatic being. The pact enhanced his deceptive arts and further distancing him from conventional military structures.
Despite his successes, Elias continually clashed with his commanders, who regarded his style as a dangerous liability. Eventually, after one operation too many ended in controversy, Elias found himself quietly removed from official duties, his family disappointed but unsurprised. Seeking purpose and validation, he drifted to the fringes of Waterdeep's underworld, eventually discovering the Temple of Mask.
Under Mask’s guidance, Elias found acceptance and purpose. The temple embraced his skills, teaching him to hone his innate talents for deception and shadow work. Elias knew he'd found his place. Now summoned by the High Cleric for a task of critical importance, Elias sees an opportunity to further prove himself.
Exa Vel comes from a long line of career criminals, from simple thiefs, to con artists, to heads of organised crime, though it's been some decades since the family has seen those lofty heights. For most of her life, her father ran a mediocre pickpocketing ring in the Trade Ward of Waterdeep, and Exa grew to be its star performer. Unfortunately, the the old fool got himself in too deep in Three-Dragon Ante debt and fled the city, leaving Exa without a home and without a crew. She turned to the Temple of Mask, determined to prove herself better than her dropkick father ever was and one day run her own empire in the seedy underbelly of Waterdeep.
"But I thought you monks were supposed to be lawful? All that discipline and stuff?"
"Ever heard the phrase 'Free your mind'? Laws, discipline, rituals... these are all just human concepts. To reach enlightenment, one must throw off such shackles and accept that the true cosmos imposes no limits, no boundaries on what we are capable of. Be like the water, and flow, free from restriction and structure."
Kyreth began his training as a member of the Order of the Even Handed, a small order, dedicated to Tyr. Although being adept at his martial arts training, he was prone to questioning the other tenets of the order, especially regarding 'impartiality'. Eventually he was asked to leave. After wandering the city for a while he became aware of Mask and found a freedom to cast off the shackles of conformity, and deal with life as he found it.
Ravienne Vale was a child of the back alleys and forgotten corners of Waterdeep, raised not by family, but by the city’s shadows. She remembers little of her parents—only the bite of hunger, the weight of silence, and the lesson that the unseen survive while the bold are buried.
She was no mere street rat. Some steal out of desperation, but Ravienne stole because she was good at it. She became a ghost in the city’s veins, slipping into homes, vaults, and counting houses, taking what she pleased without ever being seen. She left no footprints, no witnesses—only empty coffers and unanswered questions.
But Waterdeep does not tolerate thieves who do not play by its rules. The Zhentarim and Maskarans ruled the underworld, and those who did not serve were either removed or recruited.
She was fifteen when she was caught—not by the City Watch, but by Mask’s faithful. Instead of punishment, she was given a choice: serve, or disappear forever.
Last day for recruitment! Take a token for the party draw, the High Cleric awaits. Each of you making your mark on the Mask coins back, and drawn by her holiness herself. Tempus Fugit!
Tsven is the sole surviving child of family of changelings that prided itself on service of the aristocratic bureaucracy of Waterdeep. The family did not swear loyalty to any one family except that which was the highest bidder. The Turre family understood that power was always in flux and they were uniquely suited to provide spy craft and espionage services. For a while, the Turre's were considered a "necessary evil" but eventually it was decided by the governing hierarchy it would be best to annihilate the family rather than continue business as usual. Fortunately, Tsven's older sister Rhya was aware of their family's pending fate and hid Tsven at the Temple of Masks. Tsven has gladly served the Temple as need arises, especially when those needs conflict with the ruling authorities.
Recruiting has now finished. Those whose token was picked from the bag will be contacted today. Thank you to all the others taking part if we have anyone leave the heists I'll get back to you.
Judy
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Waterdeep. City of splendour, jewel of the north. Here nestled in the Temple district is a small Temple dedicated to the Chaotic neutral God of Intrigue, twilight and above all else talented thieves and rogues. The guard says that the city has no thieves guild. The truth is the Maskarans and Zhentarim are rivals and there is no space for amateur cutpurses, cutthroats and pickpockets. New thieves are discouraged, and told to move along, sometimes caught by the guard to have a hand cut off or a clip out of the ear with a brand under their left eye to denote a thief.
You are hurrying down the Temple road to answer a summons from the High Cleric of Mask. The cold winter chill spirals you breathing into the air, a full moon blazes down.
Ducking into the Temple through the main door, you pull a warm woolen grey cloak around you but tuck your facemask into a deep pocket. You walk down the hall each side with small wooden cubbyholes, maintained as privacy for deals between the Temple and those who wish to pay for information. Here is where the most secret of intrigues are played in the great Game of the aristocrats. You see the two clerics at the altar on guard this night. The altar gleamed with jewels finely cut and placed, a large silk velvet facemask hung above it, gleaming black and red.
You draw back cloth from your arm and walk to the stone door to the left of the altar, There is no lock. To the side of the door is Masks device cut into the very stone. You place your tattoo over the mark and watch as it glows blue. The enchanted door slides open to a long staircase leading down. You have been here before. This is the home of the thieves and rogues of Waterdeep. Deep passages and rooms under the Temples surrounding it.
You walk into the meeting hall, and find yourself surrounded by others all wanting to know why they are here. The high Cleric stands in the centre of the hall, a golden key in her left hand. Instead of the more traditional motley she is dressed in good light leather armour with three throwing daggers across her body and two more hidden up sleeves. She nods to you all. Her face covered by a black silk facemask. I am looking for volunteers. We have been approached by the Golden Vault to solve some of their problems, in specific a set of heists here in Waterdeep. They pay well and offer a unique way of getting experience.
You look around some people you know by sight others are new to you, Cat burglars, clerics (trickery), arcane tricksters, smugglers, bounty hunters, bards, Assassins, Soulknives, They are all represented. thieves
***
Mask is Chaotic Neutral, you may also play Chaotic good or chaotic evil.
Everyone uses the following standard array to start at level 1. (15,14,13, 12, 11,10) Remember that stealth is required at 13 dexterity or above for using stealth easily.
Name and picture if possible.
Milestone levelling
party initiative rolls
Background
Please note these are not featuring much in the way of combat, so if you are looking for a dungeon you might want to look elsewhere.
Honors system on dice rolls, you can roll your own dice at home when necessary or roll on the character sheet
Ideally post once a day here on D&D Beyond, you may post more often during combat, and I'll check the thread twice a day.
Over 18s only. 2024 rules. If you want to play another type of rogue or thief let me know and I'll see if I have the relevent book.
Name: Fryn Shadowquick
Background: Guide
https://www.dndbeyond.com/characters/143577637/vgkCEA
Name: Tanyll Sianodel
Class: Rogue (Intent is to go into the Thief subclass)
Species: High Elf
Background: Wayfarer
Character Sheet
Backstory: Tanyll's formative years were spent on the streets of Waterdeep after running away from home in his early adolescence, not because his home life was bad, but more because it was simply unsatisfactory and frankly boring. He yearned for anything exciting and if had a tinge of danger to it, all the better. If the rumors were true, this opportunity would prove too much for the thrill-seeking youth to pass up, and with that he found himself in the halls of Mask.
Is multiclassing allowed? I have a Warlock/Rogue character I would love to use in this if possible.
DM : The Shade Over Runewarren | Vaelen Gravesong : Shadow of Eternal Night
"Fear is the weight we carry, love is the treasure we bury."
Coriana - Company of the Grey Chain
Thelanis - Darkness Below: Kholias
Wagner - Dragon Heist: Bards.
DM - The Old Keep
Loki Stareyes
Cleric of Mask
https://www.dndbeyond.com/characters/143618301/XE13Pw
Backstory: Born to a backwater clan of farmers, Loki left home fast as he could, fleecing and stealing to survive. Chasing the bigger scores eventually led him to the City of Splendors, where he had a religious experience while involved in some light petty larceny. He has spent more time looking out for other thieves and charging for his services than running his own game lately, and is looking to get out on his own again soon.
Coriana - Company of the Grey Chain
Thelanis - Darkness Below: Kholias
Wagner - Dragon Heist: Bards.
DM - The Old Keep
Name: Mavilius
Class: Bard (Planning College of Eloquence or Lore)
Background: Charlatan
Backstory:
Mavilius was born under shadowed eaves in the Dock Ward, the child of a smuggler and a hushed noble scandal. With pink skin, horns, and molten gold eyes, he never had the luxury of blending in—but he quickly learned how to be seen the right way. By the time he was fifteen, he had mastered three noble accents, forged dozens of papers, and convinced a merchant house that he was the bastard son of their patriarch—long enough to rob them blind and vanish into the fog.
Waterdeep taught him that the truth was a luxury and lies were currency. He became a master of false identities: a wandering elven poet, a masked ambassador from Baldur’s Gate, even a scribe for the Watch (for exactly four days). But he didn’t steal from the poor—only the prideful. The self-important. The powerful. Those who wouldn’t admit they’d been fooled.
His greatest asset wasn’t his disguise kit or his wit—it was his voice. Mavilius could make an accusation sound like a compliment, a threat like an invitation. He took up the bard’s path not for art, but for power. He found that words could open doors quicker than lockpicks—and shut them harder, too.
Eventually, his talent caught the attention of the Temple of Mask, the hidden heart of Waterdeep’s quiet war of secrets. Not a thief in the traditional sense, Mavilius earned his mark by brokering deals, unseating rivals, and turning trusted advisors into liabilities—all with a smile.
Now, summoned by the High Cleric on a moonlit winter night, Mavilius walks deeper into the underworld than ever before. The Golden Vault’s heists are no game—but to Mavilius, they are the perfect game. With a cause he can spin, a mask to wear, and power to seize, he intends to win—whatever it costs.
Character Sheet: https://www.dndbeyond.com/characters/143633001/qivklA
Multiclassing is allowed but must make sense to the storyline and players history. The heists are designed to level you once per game, so think clearly what you want to play in the first heist.
Name: Delilah Duskthorn
Race: Human
Class: Warlock
Background: Wayfarer
Backstory: A recent arrival from the Gloaming Courts, Delilah has journeyed the Sword Coast for some time to spread chaos and mischievousness and has now been instructed to pledge her service to the Lord of Shadows in Waterdeep to assist in a series of heists, quite unknowing to what her high mistress' stake in all this is. While missing the Gloaming Courts she is amused by the people she meets and considers it a challange to successfully complete her mission before returning home.
Delilah Duskthorn
Name: Korras Cassalanter
Class: Bard (going for College of Dance at level 3)
Background: Noble
Backstory: Korras is from a lesser branch of the Cassalanter noble family of Waterdeep. Bored of easy living, Korras has picked the hobby of crime to challenge himself.
Character Sheet: https://www.dndbeyond.com/characters/143663571/1kaGe1
Name: Elias Davenmere
Class: Warlock (dipping into rogue later)
Background: Charlatan
Backstory:
Elias Davenmere grew up in a rigidly disciplined military household, the third son of the renowned Sir Rodrik Davenmere, a knight famed for his unyielding devotion to order and duty. From childhood, Elias stood apart from his brothers who thrived on discipline and the clarity of honorable combat. Where his siblings excelled at sword drills and tactical maneuvers, Elias found himself more adept at slipping unnoticed through shadows, observing quietly, and uncovering secrets. His natural affinity for deception and cunning quickly marked him as the odd one out.
Seeing Elias' struggle to conform, his family secured him a place within Waterdeep's military intelligence unit. They hoped that his talent for intrigue could serve the city honorably, maintaining the family legacy. Elias initially flourished, proving himself skilled at gathering critical information, manipulating contacts, and navigating Waterdeep’s complex political landscape. Yet, his methods were far from conventional—often pushing boundaries, bending the rules, and employing methods deemed unsavory by his superiors. His pragmatic approach, prioritizing results over regulations, earned him as many reprimands as commendations.
During a clandestine mission beneath Waterdeep, Elias encountered an ancient, eldritch presence lurking beneath the city. This presence whispered promises of unparalleled knowledge and power in exchange for Elias' servitude. Driven by curiosity and ambition, Elias agreed to a pact, forever binding himself to this enigmatic being. The pact enhanced his deceptive arts and further distancing him from conventional military structures.
Despite his successes, Elias continually clashed with his commanders, who regarded his style as a dangerous liability. Eventually, after one operation too many ended in controversy, Elias found himself quietly removed from official duties, his family disappointed but unsurprised. Seeking purpose and validation, he drifted to the fringes of Waterdeep's underworld, eventually discovering the Temple of Mask.
Under Mask’s guidance, Elias found acceptance and purpose. The temple embraced his skills, teaching him to hone his innate talents for deception and shadow work. Elias knew he'd found his place. Now summoned by the High Cleric for a task of critical importance, Elias sees an opportunity to further prove himself.
Picture:
Character Sheet: https://www.dndbeyond.com/characters/143678319/a2uVTZ
DM : The Shade Over Runewarren | Vaelen Gravesong : Shadow of Eternal Night
"Fear is the weight we carry, love is the treasure we bury."
Will you be a Tabaxi cat burglar? Join the team!
Reporting for duty!
Name: Exa Vel
Species: Tabaxi
Class: Rogue (Soulknife)
Background: Criminal
Sheet: https://www.dndbeyond.com/characters/143722279/Vhejc0
Exa Vel comes from a long line of career criminals, from simple thiefs, to con artists, to heads of organised crime, though it's been some decades since the family has seen those lofty heights. For most of her life, her father ran a mediocre pickpocketing ring in the Trade Ward of Waterdeep, and Exa grew to be its star performer. Unfortunately, the the old fool got himself in too deep in Three-Dragon Ante debt and fled the city, leaving Exa without a home and without a crew. She turned to the Temple of Mask, determined to prove herself better than her dropkick father ever was and one day run her own empire in the seedy underbelly of Waterdeep.
Throwing my hat into the ring for this one.
Kyreth 'Guile' Rolthar
Small Tiefling Monk. Way of Mercy at L3
Background Scribe
"But I thought you monks were supposed to be lawful? All that discipline and stuff?"
"Ever heard the phrase 'Free your mind'?
Laws, discipline, rituals... these are all just human concepts. To reach enlightenment, one must throw off such shackles and accept that the true cosmos imposes no limits, no boundaries on what we are capable of. Be like the water, and flow, free from restriction and structure."
Kyreth began his training as a member of the Order of the Even Handed, a small order, dedicated to Tyr. Although being adept at his martial arts training, he was prone to questioning the other tenets of the order, especially regarding 'impartiality'. Eventually he was asked to leave. After wandering the city for a while he became aware of Mask and found a freedom to cast off the shackles of conformity, and deal with life as he found it.
Nyli Bemblade - Gnome Arcane Trickster
Kyreth 'Guile' Rolthar - Tiefling Monk
Portia Thornleaf - Halfling Rogue
Calling all thieves and rogues! Be ye smuggler, con man, burglar, bard or other shady type, enter the Hall of Mask.
Name: Ravienne "Shade" Vale
Class: Monk (Shadow)
Race: Shadar-Kai
Background: Criminal
Backstory:
Ravienne Vale was a child of the back alleys and forgotten corners of Waterdeep, raised not by family, but by the city’s shadows. She remembers little of her parents—only the bite of hunger, the weight of silence, and the lesson that the unseen survive while the bold are buried.
She was no mere street rat. Some steal out of desperation, but Ravienne stole because she was good at it. She became a ghost in the city’s veins, slipping into homes, vaults, and counting houses, taking what she pleased without ever being seen. She left no footprints, no witnesses—only empty coffers and unanswered questions.
But Waterdeep does not tolerate thieves who do not play by its rules. The Zhentarim and Maskarans ruled the underworld, and those who did not serve were either removed or recruited.
She was fifteen when she was caught—not by the City Watch, but by Mask’s faithful. Instead of punishment, she was given a choice: serve, or disappear forever.
She chose to serve.
Last day for recruitment! Take a token for the party draw, the High Cleric awaits. Each of you making your mark on the Mask coins back, and drawn by her holiness herself. Tempus Fugit!
Name: Tsven Turre
Species: Changling
Class: Rogue (Arcane Trickster)
Background: Criminal
History:
Tsven is the sole surviving child of family of changelings that prided itself on service of the aristocratic bureaucracy of Waterdeep. The family did not swear loyalty to any one family except that which was the highest bidder. The Turre family understood that power was always in flux and they were uniquely suited to provide spy craft and espionage services. For a while, the Turre's were considered a "necessary evil" but eventually it was decided by the governing hierarchy it would be best to annihilate the family rather than continue business as usual. Fortunately, Tsven's older sister Rhya was aware of their family's pending fate and hid Tsven at the Temple of Masks. Tsven has gladly served the Temple as need arises, especially when those needs conflict with the ruling authorities.
Recruiting has now finished. Those whose token was picked from the bag will be contacted today. Thank you to all the others taking part if we have anyone leave the heists I'll get back to you.
Judy