Hamun Kost
Basic Info
| Race | Human |
| Class | Wizard — Necromancy |
| Affiliation | Red Wizards of Thay (former?) |
| Status | Active — location unknown |
| Location | Old Owl Well (formerly) |
First Seen
| Session | A05 |
| Role | Quest giver; excavating site |
A stout man in red robes, sallow skin, shaved scalp, and a black tattoo on his forehead — the mark of a Thayan necromancer. He carries himself with the studied calm of someone who knows exactly how much danger he represents and prefers not to use it unless necessary.
He claims to have grown weary of Thay and simply wants to retire. He was at Old Owl Well to dig, not to fight.
Background
Hamun Kost is a Red Wizard of Thay — a member of the most feared and dangerous magical order in Faerûn. Red Wizards are necromancers and power-seekers who tattoo their bodies as marks of specialisation and rank. Kost's tattoo is a necromantic symbol; his red robes are institutional.
Thay is a nation ruled by the undead Zulkir Szass Tam, where necromancers hold political and military power. Red Wizards operate as agents, merchants, and power brokers across Faerûn. They are not to be trusted — but they are often willing to deal.
Whether Kost truly defected from Thay or is acting in Thay's interests under the cover of "retirement" is unconfirmed.
Campaign Role
Old Owl Well
Kost set up camp at the ruins of Old Owl Well to excavate the site for Netherese artifacts. He had summoned twelve zombies to guard the camp and keep curious visitors away. When the Forge Wardens arrived, he had already been digging for some time.
He struck a deal with the party: 50gp each to explore the underground compound on his behalf, plus a share of any major finds. In return, he treated Kavu and Othorion after they were bitten by his zombies during first contact.
The party fulfilled the contract — scrolls and books from the compound were handed over to Kost. He departed Old Owl Well shortly after.
Key Moments
| Session | Event | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| A05 | Party arrives at Old Owl Well; Kost makes deal | First contact; 50gp/head contract; zombies bite Kavu and Othorion |
| A07 | Party reports intelligence on Kost to Daran Edermath | Kost's presence confirmed to Order of the Gauntlet |
| A08 | Party completes the underground expedition | Scrolls and books delivered; Sylphrena Lantern found |
Threads
- What did Kost do with the Netherese texts? If returned to Thay, the Red Wizards now have leads on Arthindol's work beneath Old Owl Well
- Was he ever truly "retired"? His comfort with the undead and the scale of his operation suggest active Thayan backing
- Arthindol — the name of Old Owl Well's builder. Kost wanted it. What does he intend to do with it?
- Daran Edermath (Order of the Gauntlet) considers Kost a threat — his report to the Order is on record