Dev Blog written by Scott Crawford, Content Designer

Sometimes associated with the name of its former headquarters, the Hosttower of the Arcane, the wizards of the Arcane Brotherhood once ruled the city of Luskan. Now that Luskan has devolved into chaos, the pirate captains who rule the city no longer answer to the Brotherhood and it is unclear if any of its members can still be found there; however the Arcane Brotherhood still exists elsewhere since their agents can be found throughout the Sword Coast.

The Arcane Brotherhood has a dubious reputation in many circles, largely due to the fact that several notorious individuals have been part of the Brotherhood at one time or another, including the corrupt wizard Akar Kessell, the liches Arklem Greeth and Valindra Shadowmantle. Although there is no clear leader of the Brotherhood, it is very clear that the members are making a strong push to improve their reputation with the world at large.

The stated goal of the Arcane Brotherhood is to advance the understanding of all things arcane for the benefit of all. While this may be true, it is also apparent that the Brotherhood is not averse to making themselves very, very wealthy in the process. Agents of the brotherhood are involved with mercantile ventures all across the face of Faerûn, particularly those that deal with the trade in magic items and magical substances.

Recently a large contingent of Brotherhood wizards has arrived in Icewind Dale, drawn by rumors of the power of a new magical substance known as Black Ice. The wizards claim only they have the knowledge and skill necessary to render Black Ice safe for general use. This has drawn the Brotherhood into conflict with the residents the Ten-Towns of Icewind Dale, who believe the Black Ice is theirs by right.

Will you aid the Arcane Brotherhood in their quest for knowledge and power? Let us know in the official Neverwinter forums.