The Steadfast Order of Shortfellow Swashbucklers
This group of five halflings and one gnome made their fame (or infamy) spread quickly throughout the streets of Waterdeep upon their arrival one year ago. Though they prefer to be known by their official title as the Steadfast Order of Shortfellow Swashbucklers, this group of small demihumans has been most often referred to, by Waterdhavians and especially the watch, as the "Buckleswashers".
Seemingly led by the dashing Bungobar Talltankard, a fringe-bearded and gruffly jolly halfling of proud claims and a somewhat shady past, the Buckleswashers are a merry and capable band (despite what their detractors would imply) of halfling and gnome adventurers. Their exploits tend to be rather explosive and raucous in nature, though they insist that all destruction is caused by whichever miscreant was their target at the time.
The Buckleswashers have a checkered past, with rumors of Bungobar, Tannyth, and Osco working as spies for Tethyrian merchants. They sought new employers in Waterdeep, found the city to their liking, and slyly let slip to the watch that Lord Jhannas Errlyk was smuggling contraband into the city. By the watch's account, that sly slip consisted of Bungobar running atop the South Gate with the watch in pursuit, pointing out Lord Errlyk's wagons, and announcing loudly that the man smuggled poisons and assassin's knives, and was a ranking member of the Knights of the Shield and various other accusations; Lord Errlyk fled Waterdeep before answering any charges.
The trio soon fell in with Carthax Nayusiyim, Lyratha Goldenale, and Dimvel Stoutkeg, fledgling adventurers looking for interested parties. For Lyratha and Bungobar, it was love at first sight and the two trios merged into one group. First hired as warehouse guards in the South Ward, they gained surprising acclaim for thoroughness and ability, capturing many thieves and saving employers businesses, though they also garnered a reputation for excessive zeal. One lengthy pursuit of a thief ran across the roofs and streets of Dock Ward and resulted in the flaming ruin of the Luskanite ship Sea Dragon.
On a bet from a young noble, Bungobar and his crew entered Undermountain for ten days and nights, encountering "horrors beyond imagining for you big folk, but we just laughed at such folly." Though none of them speak much about their time below, they returned to The Yawning Portal with some magical treasures. When the young noble failed to honor his wager, the Buckleswashers invited themselves to a party at his villa. After much confusion, none of it mitigated by Dimvel's flirtations with Waterdeep's finest ladies, the elder lord settled his son's debts to the Buckleswashers satisfaction. The Lords Roaringhorn were taken with the gatecrashers, and later hired them as guards for many parties.
Aside from their magic, the group gained an objective from Undermountain, something they lacked previously. Their mission, as they always tell folk, is to protect the fair city from the "Knife's Edge"; this charge was allegedly given to them by a Lord of Waterdeep deep within the dungeon's confines. For the past eight months, the group has accosted many cutthroats, thieves, and assassins in search of the group of elusive Knife's Edge assassins. Though none have heard of this group, the company members are not deterred. It's their mission to keep Waterdeep safe and nothing can stop them. The watch and the Lords do keep an eye on them, however . . . .
Their roster is unchanged from the start, though many halflings ask to join their ranks. The Buckleswashers are listed below, and can often be found in Trades Ward (they keep rooms on Spindle Street and also utilize Carthax's shop at 222 Nethpranter's Street).
Tannyth Moonharness
Tannyth is a cheerful minx with far too much mirth and curiosity for many. Her pranks are legendary, as are her heists (she still asserts no knowledge of how Lord Piergeiron's sleeping silks ended up in her rooms!). She dresses in enchanted gray leathers, though her clothing and short jet black hair do not keep her from looking very childlike (a trait that causes foes to underestimate her). Her ring of jumping also surprises many foes who thought her trapped! Her other surprises include a lovely singing voice, oft heard in The Safehaven Inn's taproom, and her ability to outdrink even the saltiest seadog from Dock Ward!
Carthax Nayusiyim
The only gnome in the group, Carthax and his appetite have managed to build a hefty belly to rival any halflings (many mistake him for a halfling with small feet). Despite his stout, harmless appearance, Carthax is a powerful mage with his illusions. Aside from his belly, many comment that he is the very image of Elminster of Shadowdale having shrunk a few sizes in the wash with his gray robes, white hair and beard, and everpresent pipe; and, like Elminster, he is easily underestimated (his rod of smiting poses as a staff). Having been friends with Dimvel for years (ever since a particularly destructive tavern brawl saw them removed from Sembia), he fits in well with the others.
Osco
A surly, dour halfling with a scar across one cheek, this black-clad thief holds himself to very high standards, and constantly argues with Tannyth over who is the premier spy and thief of the group. Though he wont admit it, Osco respects Tannyth's (and the others') skills and is glad to have them as friends. Osco only smiles when in battle; his favorite tactic is to run across ceilings (using slippers of spider climbing) and drop atop his foes shoulders, smiling coldly as he backstabs them. Despite his unsavory profession and tendency to kill those who offend him (especially those who laugh at him or his friends), his word is his bond (as much as any halfling's) and he would gladly give his life for any of his fellow Buckleswashers.
Dimvel Stoutkeg
Dimvel is best known for his rugged, handsome looks. His ageless face holds shining green eyes, a light brown goatee, and a ready smile. His attire also stops many, as Dimvel wears only a cloak, leather breeches and high boots. His well-muscled frame lacking a halflings typical bulging belly, he looks more a northern barbarian than a halfling of his family name. (He stays warm with his boots of the north.) His charm and good looks give him many suitors, while his axe of hurling dispatches his enemies. He is all smiles and song at all times, whether in battle or in a party.
Bungobar Talltankard
Leader of the Buckleswashers in name only, Bungobar is every bit the dashing hero, eager to be about his tasks and charging blindly ahead where others pause. He has a flair for dramatic entrances, smashing down doors with his gauntlets of ogre power and swinging into a room on his magical rope (see below). He loves his wife deeply and can be very jealous, especially if any humans or elves talk to her. Bungo has adopted the quest for the Knife's Edge with obsessive zeal; of late, he even is missing his typical five meals a day!
'''Bungobar's Rope of Swinging:''' This 20 coil of magical rope was found by Bungobar in Undermountain. One end of the rope has a magical stone woven into it. With a command word, the stone stops and holds its position for up to 20 rounds; Bungobar often tosses this to its full length, says the command word, and uses it to swing into areas, the rope attached only to open air. It can also be used to escape pits by throwing it up and climbing the magically secured rope.
Lyratha Talltankard
The true leader of the Buckleswashers, Lyratha is the woman behind the brash Bungobar. Lyratha is calm and gentle but is quite capable of giving the meanest creatures pause with a furious glare. At Bungobar's side, her suggestions and tactful help guide the group as much as Bungo's rash courage. Though appearing undefended, she wears her bracers of defense under billowing linen sleeves and has a gem of brightness on a necklace. Her golden tresses are always brushed and shining (her rare gold hair seen as a sign of favor from Lathander), and she often holds sunrise prayers to Lathander at The Plinth; she is also welcome at the Spires of the Morning, as a friend to High Priestess Ghentilara.
