The Zhentarim

The Zhentarim

The Black Network of the Zhentarim is a not-so-secret group of mages, priests, and warriors devoted to the task of dominating trade, and therefore power, throughout the Heartlands region. To that end, they work to achieve the downfall of an ever-increasing list of opponents, including the Dalelands, the Harpers, rival Moonsea cities, the Cult of the Dragon, Cormyr, Sembia, and anyone else who gets in their way. That which cannot be infiltrated and controlled must be cowed into obedience or destroyed.

The Black Network is active throughout the Heartlands, but currently has three major bases of operations. Darkhold has been established as a base within the Far Hills, a terminus in the Western Heartlands for caravans from the northern, southern, and eastern Realms. The Citadel of the Raven, hard on the borders of Thar, is a major military base as well. The third headquarters, and birthplace of the organization, Zhentil Keep, as been less influential over the years owing to the rise of the church of Cyric. Despite having a major figure in the church in their employ, the Zhentarim have been less than effective in dominating the new faith, in contrast to the degree of control they had over the church of Bane. As a result, most of the daily devilry of the Black Network comes from the other two locations, which have the added advantage of having no native civilian population to get in the way (or lead a revolt).

There are three members of the Zhentarim inner circle who oversee all operations within the Network. They are Lord Manshoon (LE hm W19), who operates out of the Citadel of the Raven; Sememmon (LE hm W15), who currently controls Darkhold; and Fzoul Chembryl (LE hm P15) of Cyric, who maintains the organization in Zhentil Keep.

The Black Network activities in the Heartlands include a number of legal and illegal actions. Trade is a major component of the Zhentarim's income, and they are not limited morally to mere transport of ores from the Moonsea area and finished goods from Waterdeep and the North. The Zhentarim also do excellent business in poisons, illicit drugs, weapons, and slaves. Caravans bearing the black banner of the Zhentarim (and not the coat of arms of Zhentil Keep) can be found throughout the Heartlands, particularly in areas far from prying eyes and normal travel (such as the Goblin Marches, the Stonelands, and the plains around the River Tun).

Conquest is also high on the Zhentarim agenda, usually using the forces of Zhentil Keep or some other catspaw such as Voonlar or Llorkh. They also make extensive use of nonhuman tribes and mercenaries, usually promised to be paid with the spoils of pillage after the battle. The chief intent in battle is to punish enemies or weaken rivals, and it is usually implemented after failure to take over the community from within. The attacks on Shadowdale ceased during the reign of Jyordhan, a Zhentarim puppet, and have intensified in the years since.

Assasination, theft, blackmail, kidnapping, and torture are all acceptable methods to advance Zhentarim goals. Zhentarim have no compunctions about hiding behind aliases or setting up rivals against each other, but usually wish to let their opponents know who is responsible for their downfall.

Player characters will likely earn the ire of the Zhentarim through spoiling one of their many plots. The Black Network maintains a growing list of enemies, and after a few slave caravans are raided or an adventuring group crosses swords with a few flunkies in the services of the Zhentarim, particular agents may be assigned to deal with the problem. The Zhentarim has infiltrated a number of thieves' guilds throughout the Heartlands and the North, and has agents in most major cities. In addition, they have nonhuman monstrous allies, and have an especially good relationship with beholders.

Manshoon (Man-SHOON)
Manshoon of the Black Network
LE hm W19
Moonsea (Citadel of the Raven)

This cruel, calculating man heads the Zhentarim; its power and success are largely due to his efforts, and his efforts have made him very rich. Manshoon, a noble of Zhentil Keep, slew his older brother Asmuth and seized control of the city's governing councils by skillful intrigue, staunch allies (such as Lord Chess, a lifelong friend), and the aid of that faction of the priesthood of (then) Bane controlled by Fzoul Chembryl and of beholders such as Manxam. Manshoon's own alliances with dark nagas and his manipulations of the Cult of the Dragon increased his influence and bought him the time necessary to build his personal mastery of the magical arts without allowing stronger rivals to assume control of the city until he was ready to take it.

Fzoul Chembryl (Fzool CHEM-bril)
Fzoul of Cyric
LE hm P15
Moonsea (Zhentil Keep)

Fzoul is a member of the inner circle of the Zhentarim, his influence as great as Lord Manshoon. Previous to the Time of Troubles, Fzoul was a major force within the church of Bane and responsible for the growing influence of the Zhentarim within that church. With the death of that god and a deep, personal encounter with the new god Cyric, Fzoul follows the wishes of the new Prince of Lies. To that end, Fzoul has not been seen beyond the borders of Zhentil Keep since the Time of Troubles. It has been assumed that this change of worship on the part of old-line Zhentarim has not been as willing as Cyric would like it, and many Banite Zhentarim have been captured and burned in Fzoul's presence.

Fzoul is wily, glib-tongued, burly, red-haired, and handsome. He wears bracers of defense AC 4 at all times, and full plate when expecting battle. He bears a mace +4 for combat. His loyalty seems to be to Fzoul first, to the Zhentarim second, and to his god third, but he will respond directly to the needs of his lord.

Sememmon (SEH-mem-mon)
Lord of Darkhold
LE hm W15
Western Heartlands (Darkhold)

This able member of the Zhentarim is a ruthless, haughty mage. He has trained many evil wizards of the Zhentarim over the years and has been slain several times for his troubles. The Sememmon of today is a magical clone of the original. He is trusted by Manshoon as fully as Manshoon ever trusts anyone, and he alone is the second rank of power in the Zhentarim network, in the inner circle of power with Manshoon and Fzoul Chembryl, but subordinate to both.

Sememmon has many items of magic and many safeguards and strategies. He is always planing and plotting, and is a formidable foe. Under his command, Darkhold has been made almost impregnable, full of traps and magical defenses. Sememmon leaves it only rarely, in disguise, to learn something for himself that he dare not or will not entrust to his underlings (in other words, to spy on Manshoon's doings). Sememmon's personal sigil is a black equilateral triangle, point uppermost, with its base encircled by an oval.