The Zhentarim, also known as the Black Network, or simply Zhents, is a villainous organisation from the Dungeons & Dragons setting of Forgotten Realms, They are a faction of mercenaries and corrupt businessmen founded by the evil archwizard Manshoon. Their members also include cultists of Bane, the lawful evil god of tyranny and strife, led by Fzoul Chembryl. The Zhentarim seem bent on enriching themselves and controlling towns, villages, and entire countries along a trade route linking the Moonsea with the Sword Coast (specifically the Waterdeep area) via Darkhold and Zhentil Keep. They smuggle slaves, poisons, and weapons, as well as offering services of assassination. They are the archenemies of the Harpers.
History[]
The Black Network was created by Manshoon in the fortified town of Zhentil Keep, and rose to prominence by eliminating his rivals (including family members). After becoming the tyrant of Zhentil Keep, Manshoon decided to make his own secret organisation, the Zhentarim, to gain political and economic influence over the domains of Faerun and other countries on Toril.
In time, Manshoon recruited other wizards, merchants, military officers and clerics to run the black network's operations. One of these recruits is Fzoul Chembryl, the high priest of a splinter faction of the Church of Bane, who managed to convert the city to the worship of the god of tyranny. The Zhentarim quickly expanded and gained control of Darkhold, the Citadel of the Raven and the Moonsea lands.
In the following years, the Zhentarim suffered a series of setbacks and defeats at the hands of agents of the Harpers and heroic wizards like the powerful sage Elminster Aumar. The worst period for the black network was during the Time of Troubles, after Bane was destroyed fighting Torm, the lawful good god of duty and loyalty, and the people of Zhentil Keep were forced to convert to the worship of the recently ascended Cyric. Cyric had a more cruel, destructive and direct approach than Bane at oppressing the Zhentish citizens and greatly undermined the power of the black network. Fzoul led a conspiracy to get rid of the Cult of Cyric while Mystra, Mask and Kelemvor dealt with the mad god himself. Following the events of the Prince of Lies novel, Fzoul rebuilt Zhentil Keep and became the new leader of the Zhentarim while Manshoon became a more indipendent agent. And with the revival of Bane, the organisation quickly regained strenght returned to its goal of world domination.
After several clashes with the Lords Alliance and the cataclysmic Spellplague, the Zhentarim were weakened once again, but still standing as a threat to the free people of Toril.
Membership[]
The leaders of of Zhentarim: Fzoul Chembryl, Pereghost, Manshoon and Ashemmi.
The Zhentarim's hierarchy has a linear structure where Fzoul is the supreme leader of the organisation. Only the high ranking members are allowed to directly report to him, while their subordinates receive news and requests. The black network has no tolerance for those who ignore the hierarchy when it comes to giving orders, thus Fzoul only talks directly to the subordinates of a general during moments of emergency. The only exception to the rule is Manshoon, who is allowed freedom to operate and command agents as he sees fit with pursuing the black network's goals.
Notable members[]
- Fzoul Chembryl: Replaced Manshoon as the tyrant of Zhentil Keep and the Zhentarim following the Time of Troubles.
- Manshoon: The mysterious founder and original leader of the black network. He survives through his multiple clones, who constantly fight among each other and cause frustration to Fzoul.
- Ashemmi
- Scyllua Darkhope: Priestess and Paladin of Bane and Fzoul's most loyal general.
- Lord Kendalar Milinar
- Selfaril Uomdalphin
- Pereghost: The enigmatic anti-paladin of Cyric who served under Sememmon and now the lord of Darkhold fortress.
- Sememmon
- Vrakk: An orc general who assisted Fzoul in overthrowing the Cult of Cyric.
- Lord General Unglym
- Lord Marshe Belwintle: The master slaver of Zhentil Keep and a influential merchant.
Allies[]
The Zhents have not so many allies, and those allies are valued for their strategic potential. The Church of Bane, of course, is the black network's most prominent ally.
- Beholders
- Drow
- Duergar
- Orcs
- Hobgoblins
- Asabis: Also known as Laerti, they are a race of lizard-like humanoids from the Anauroch desert who were hired by the Zhents to help them in their attempt to subjugate the Bedine tribes.
- Bloodswords: A mercenary company from Amn.
- Waterdeep: Unbenknowst to almost everyone, Fzoul made a deal with Khelben Blackstaff Arunsun to leave the city of Waterdeep alone in exchange for information.
Enemies[]
- The Harpers: The semi-secret organisation of heroes known as the Harpers have been a thorn to the Zhentarim's side since they became aware of the black network's existence.
- The Order of the Gauntlet
- The Lords Alliance
- The Purple Dragon Knights of Cormyr
- The Tuigan Horde: The Zhentarim made a momentary alliance with the kingdom of Cormyr to stop the invasion of Yamun Khahan's army of Tuigan warriors.
- The Cult of the Dragon
- The Cult of Cyric
External Links[]
- https://forgottenrealms.fandom.com/wiki/Zhentarim on the Forgotten Realms wiki.
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