As the article states, the introduction of these themes in a campaign can have significant consequences and the DM should seriously consider this aspect before allowing the themes into their campaign. Having looked at the themes and considered feedback from various sources the LFR Global Administrators have come to a decision regarding these themes.
Blackstaff Apprentice
This theme is allowed with the following commentary:
Although in pre-Spellplague Waterdeep, the apprentices of the Blackstaff commonly had free access to Blackstaff Tower and substantial control over magic items found inside, for the LFR campaign, the current Blackstaff, Varja Safhar has limited visits to Blackstaff Tower to times under her personal supervision and no additional access to or usage of magic items found in the Blackstaff Tower without her express permission. PCs taking the theme of apprentice are responsible for any explanation of why Varja has sent them on an adventure, or given her permission. As the Blackstaff is a powerful figure in Waterdeep, the Archmage of Waterdeep and primary defender of the City, any apprentice would likely be a preferred target for those who hate Varja or the City itself.
Note that for the LFR campaign neither Varja Safhar, nor Laraelra Harard (her apprentice and appointed BLackstaff heir) are missing.
Halaster’s Clone
This theme is allowed with the following commentary:
For the LFR Campaign, the taking of the Halaster's Clone theme does not invoke any special knowledge or powers with respect to Undermountain or Waterdeep, or any other the numerous portals created by Halaster. Also note that Halaster was not a beloved figure in Waterdeep, and NPC reactions to any claims to being the clone of Halaster may be unpredictable.
Masked Lord of Waterdeep:
Access to this theme is restricted:
The PC must first earn a Story Award that grants them the position of Masked Lord of Waterdeep. This story award gives the player the option of adding the theme to that PC. The PC also must either be a citizen of Waterdeep or become a citizen.
Note that the “some of the Masked Lords have been replaced by doppelgangers" aspect of the article is not valid for LFR.
