Lyran Nanther was an inhabitant of Melvaunt who was nominated by the Zhentarim agent and Lord of Shadowdale, Jyordhan, to succeed him. Because Jyordhan was killed by Khelben "Blackstaff" Arunsun and was dispossessed of the Pendant of Ashaba, Lyran was left with no claim to the lordship and did not become the new lord.