First Published 12 July 2022 | Last Updated 1 January 2023
This article is relative to the world of Toril.

A foolish halfling stealing The Xanathar's goldfish

As legend has it The Xanathar was one of the most infamous beholders of the lands of Faerûn and the crime lord of The Xanathar Thieves' Guild that operated throughout Waterdeep and Skullport.

The stories said The Eye, as he was originally known, was an ancient, wrinkled, and paranoid beholder of The Graypeaks Hive. The Eye arrived in Skullport in 1205 DR, already a slaver in search of a greater market. In time, his business and his organization grew. At one point, he re-organized his organization into a semi-autonomous model and retreated into the background, spreading rumours about his demise or retirement. Soon, most people forgot about the beholder slaver and in 1304 DR The Agents Of The Eye were simply a large slaving ring in Skullport with no association with beholders. Meanwhile, The Eye investigated The Xanathar Thieves' Guild, and in time discovered that they were also led by a beholder from a different hive. The Eye decided to take control, by usurping The Xanathar. The Eye manipulated another Skullport beholder, Uthh, into wanting to kill Xanathar. Uthh fought Xanathar in his lair, but Xanathar slew Uthh. After the intense battle he was left too weak to resist the surprise attack of The Eye, and was defeated. Claiming the name 'The Xanathar' as something that can be used by any beholder in control, he then set about amalgamating the Agents Of The Eye and The Xanathar's Guild into extensive slaving and racqueteering organisation.

If The Xanathar actually existed at all is debatable, and if he did it is unknown if his identity was that of The Eye or some other newer eye tyrant that challenged and took the mantle.

Sylgar

Oddly, The Xanathar's most prized possession was said to be his pet goldfish, Sylgar. It was merely a normal fish, but its influence on The Xanathar could not be understated. He had an unmatched affection for the creature and reacted favorably when Sylgar was flattered or given presents and tributes.