Zhentarium (z-HENT-ah-rim)

The Zhentarim, previously known as the Black Network, was a mercenary company, and a greater mercantile organization in Faerûn, who, over their 200 years of existence, has had a storied history as a cadre of self-serving thieves, spies, assassins, and malevolent wizards. For a time they were indentured by their leaders to serve dark gods the Shadow and the Traveler. Over the decades, the organization experienced several leaps and bounds in terms of successes, but also major misfortune, particularly for their historical strongholds around the Moonsea. As of 1489 DR the Zhentarim was headquartered in the Western Heartlands, at Darkhold Castle, nestled in the valley of the same name.

Structure

After 1370 DR, the Black Network followed a strict linear hierarchy with the Pereghost serving as the Zhentarim's Grand Tyrant. Only the powerful lords would report directly to him, while lesser officers and agents would only report to their immediate superiors. There were a number of changes within the hierarchy of the Zhentarim. Sememmon exiled himself from Darkhold and many devout followers of the Shadow were ousted in favor of the Traveler The only exception to the inherent power structure of the Zhentarim was Manshoon. While he allowed the Pereghost to act as the supreme leader of the Zhentarim, he maintained command over any of its agents or resources to further its goals or his own endeavors.

Moonsea

• Rassendyll Uoumdolphin - This senior Zhent agent supplanted his twin brother Selfaril Uoumdolphin as the agent in charge of the Moonsea branch of the Dark Network
• Teldorn Darkhope - A strong ally of the Pereghost, having greatly assisted him when the Shadow's priests held great power within the Zhentarim.
• Mara Kalaliv - Mara was the leader of the Order of the Iron Gauntlet, an emerging order of Banite monks trained in stealth and assassination.

Renown Ranks

1. Fang (1 Renown)
2. Wolf (3 Renown)
3. Viper (10 Renown)
4. Ardragon (25 Renown)
5. Dread Lord (50 Renown)

Rank 1 - Fang

• Underground Contacts: You will receive special sales prices for ranged and martial finesse weapons, and poisons. You can purchase any of these items for 50% off the normal price. If caught attempting to resell these items for a higher price, the consequences would be severe.
• Quick Getaway: You may use the Dash action as a bonus action once per day.
• You gain a pouch containing d6+6 Coins of Fate. Each time you are hit with a weapon attack in combat, you may flip the coin. Heads, the attack misses instead. Tails, the attack hits as normal and you lose the coin.

Rank 2 - Wolf

• Swift Death: You gain access to the Zhentarim Delivery Service and receive a Diplomat's Pouch. When a letter is placed in this pouch addressed to someone who owns another diplomat’s pouch, it disappears, and the recipient listed in the letter finds a copy of it in their pouch. A letter can be listed to multiple recipients with a diplomat’s pouch.
• Who’s Side Are You On?!: The Wolf picks two enemy creatures within 60 feet that they can see, and are within 30 feet of each other. Each target must succeed on a DC 14 Wisdom saving throw. On a failure, the creature must spend its next turn moving towards and attacking its nearest ally. At the end of its following turns, it may make another wisdom saving throw (with advantage if it took damage from an ally), and on a success, the effect ends. Continued saving throw failures require the affected creature to continue attacking its nearest ally. If there are no applicable targets for the creature to attack, the effect ends. This feature can be used once per day.

Rank 3 - Viper

• Time to Strike!: Your diplomat's pouch is upgraded to allow for the transfer of bottles of poison. You can request one bottle of poison per day and it will arrive within one minute. Poison will expire within 24 hours, and must be of a 500gp or less value (based on original pricing).
• Quick Learning: An express course will be given to Vipers to become proficient in the use of a Poisoner’s Kit.
• Improved armament: As a Viper, you will be offered a magical item to best suit your needs and capabilities.

Rank 4 - Ardragon

• Master of Operations: You are provided with more faction missions of higher category, that offer better pay. Furthermore, you may solicit a number of Zhentarim agents to aid you in missions for infiltration and/or assassination. The number of operatives may vary depending how many are available to help, and any inconvenience to be had will befall on you.
• Agent of Fear: Your fearsome reputation is known far and wide, and your contacts stretch along the length of the Sword Coast. You gain advantage on intimidation checks. In addition, you know secret routes and shortcuts through the main cities along the coast. You also gain knowledge of safe houses and secret locations belonging to the Black Network across the coast.
• Nowhere to Hide: Enemies within 60 feet are revealed to you, losing stealth and invisibility (including by magical means). This feature may be used once per day.
• Dagger Storm: You throw a barrage of shadowy daggers at all enemies within 10 feet. Targets must make a Dexterity saving throw or take 4d6 piercing damage, or half as much damage on a successful one. This feature may be used once per day.

Rank 5 - Dread Lord

• Share the Spoils: You can a residual share in the Black Network's profits each month, and will receive a variable monthly variable stipend.
• Mark of Death: All enemies within 60 feet are marked for death. For the next minute, if you hit a marked enemy, you can remove its mark to deal an extra 6d6 slashing damage. This feature may be used once per day.

Culture

A member of the Zhentarim thinks of himself or herself as a member of a very large family and relies on the Black Network for resources and security. However, members are granted enough autonomy to pursue their own interests and gain some measure of personal power or influence.

Public Agenda

To amass wealth, power, and influence. The Zhentarim is your family. You watch out for it, and it watches out for you. You are the master of your own destiny. Never be less than what you deserve to be. Everything—and everyone—has a price.

History

Founding

The Zhentarim was founded in 1261 DR by the power-hungry wizard Manshoon, the lord of Zhentil Keep, as a tool for his ambitions of expanding his realm of control. He was soon joined by the Shadow cleric Fzoul Chembryl, in 1263 DR, who broke away from the orthodox church in Mulmaster, bringing with him a small army of his fellow priests into the lesser ranks of the Zhentarim. He then disposed of the high-ranking priests within Zhentil Keep and converted the city's lesser clergy to the worship of the Shadow. Said to be paranoid even in the early years of their alliance, Manshoon offset the possible threat of Fzoul's influence by concocting a plan with the beholder Xantriph. They had the Shadow priests confess their sins and swear fealty to Manshoon alone. Xantriph's lair, the floating Temple in the Sky, became an outpost for Zhentilar troops and Shadow priests in former Teshendale.
Manshoon planned on capturing the Citadel of the Raven during the first days of the Zhentarim, though they were not powerful enough as an organization to openly attack a city of the Moonsea. While it was openly discussed for years, many senior members of the Zhentarim advocated against assaulting the city, fearful of losing their investments that funded the Black Network. Putting that scheme on hold, they greatly strengthened their economic holdings during the Moonsea War of 1306 DR. The allied forces of Zhentil Keep, Hillsfar, Melvaunt, Phlan, and Sembia united together to defeat the city-state of Mulmaster.

Growth

In 1312 DR, Manshoon seized the fortress of Darkhold from the Lich-Queen Varalla in order to extend his control into the Western Heartlands. Four years later they invaded and seized Teshendale in 1336 DR. With the Zhentarim's successes with the Darkhold, Teshendale, and Hillsfar, they had the entire Tesh Valley and Voonlar under their influence. They then conquered and installed their own rulers in Daggerdale in 1336 DR. Manshoon consolidated his rule over all Zhent lands and declared himself the High Lord of Zhentil Keep the following year. These actions caused the nations of the Moonsea to begin to grow wary of the Zhentarim and Zhentil Keep.
Also that year, Manshoon granted the previously-occupied Yûlash their independence and maneuvered this act of "goodwill" to call a meeting of the rulers of the Moonsea in the neutral town of Elmwood. He called for a garrison to be established at the Citadel of the Raven to protect the greater Moonsea from a horde of orcs that was stirring further north. He "graciously" offered to move the recently-evicted Zhentilar soldiers from Yûlash to the city, though this was merely part of a long-term scheme to take over the city.
The Zhentarim saw significant losses in the next few years when Jyordhan, puppet ruler of Shadowdale, was assassinated by Khelben Arunsun, Xantriph was killed by the Knights of Myth Drannor and Malyk, the puppet ruler of Daggerdale, was killed by Randal Morn, leading to all-out civil war. 
Despite their losses, the time was right in 1355 DR for the Zhentarim strike against their former allies in the Citadel of the Raven. They had their agents planted within the city kill as many as they could, using poison and magic. The orcs and Zhentilar poured into the city and claimed it for the Zhentarim. One of the few survivors within the Citadel was the mortally-wounded Galauntar Hawkhelm, whose eventual death would lead to the formation of the Knights of the North. He installed Kandar Milinal as the ruler of the city. This eventually led to civil war in the Zhent city of Yûlash.
In the Year of the Turret, 1360 DR, the Zhentarim began their campaign to take control of a trade route that would through the desert of Anauroch. They were initially rebuffed by the unified tribes of the Bedine, aided by the Harper agent Lander and an exiled sorceress known as Ruha.
A conflict between the opposing faiths embedded within the Zhentarim culminated in an event known as the Shadowdeath which began on Marpenoth 30, 1361 DR. Xeno Mirrormane, began a purge of all the remaining Shadow worshippers within Zhentil Keep, eventually killing his brother and sparing none except for Fzoul Chembryl, due to his "special relationship" with the Traveler. While the aid of the church of the Traveler allowed Zhentil Keep to grow in power over the next few years, Manshoon realized that the Shadow was no replacement for the calculating cunning and patience of the Shadow.
In a period of six months in 1366 DR, Manshoon quietly and discreetly shifted resources and personnel from Zhentil Keep to the Citadel of the Raven, distrustful of the impulsive Traveler and his inept clergy members. Fzoul Chembryl saw these actions and remained neutral, still bitter from his loss of influence as the High Priest of the Shadow.
The Traveler was eventually undermined by a divine conspiracy involving High Lord Fzoul. The larger northern half of Zhentil Keep was left in ruins as a result. Some 1,500 Zhentilar and Zhentarim, many of whom were high-ranking officers, and all the orc troops fled the city. Fzoul and Lord Orgauth defeated Manshoon and Sememmon, killing Manshoon in 1370 DR.

Manshoon Wars

Manshoon lived on through clone bodies. Of these, one returned to the Zhentarim, supposedly conceded all leadership to Fzoul, and worked on in the shadows. In 1372 DR, Fzoul became an expansionist but was threatened by the reemergence of Myth Drannor. His paranoia lead him to attack Myth Drannor and Shadowdale, which he temporarily controlled. A Zhent named Karne attempted to take over the Onyx Tower, but the plan ultimately failed. Fzoul engaged in a hopeless alliance with the phaerimm, which enraged the Shadovar. The Netherese destroyed Zhentil Keep and while Ashardalon's conquest of the Moonshae Isles destroyed the Citadel of the Raven, killing both Fzoul and supposedly the final clone of Manshoon, leaving only Darkhold left.

15th Century

The Zhentarim was again taken over by the forces of the Traveler, who engaged in battle with the forces of the Shadow. In 1420 DR, an evil mage named Rezlus took over the Shadow priests and attempted to conquer Daggerdale. He failed and the Shadow's forces fell with only the forces of the Traveler remaining. Under the supposed leadership of Pereghost, the Zhentarim have transitioned from a conquering force into a mercenary army that serves others. The Zhentarim are said to have greater numbers now than ever before with a reputation for service unlike any time in their history.

Foreign Relations

Allies

The Zhentarim had few allies, in comparison to their foes, but they were highly valued for their strategic value. The roster of these supporters were constantly changing along with the interests and powers of the Zhentarim.

• Beholders - Ever since Manshoon first allied himself with Xantriph of the Temple in the Sky, the Zhentarim have maintained a mutually beneficial relationship with various beholders across Faerûn, though they maintained their own personal agendas. Xulla, a longtime ally of Fzoul Chembryl, took over this post following Xantriph's death, before becoming the Caravan Lord within the network. Manxam, the oldest and most powerful eye tyrant in western Faerûn served as the ruler of Teshwave for decades before eventually relocating to Darkhold in the following century. Xualahuu controlled the oasis of Olomaa in Anauroch and Zantiid oversaw the Stonelands in Cormyr.
• Bloodswords - This Amnian mercenary company drove away Cormyrian patrols and non-Zhent caravans from the region of the High Road west of Eagle Peak in the Storm Horns.
• Harondalbar - The black dragon who maintained a lair near the Yellow Snake Pass, kept non-Zhentarim forces from the area in return for the treasure, creatures and adulation brought to him by his "keeper" Faren Starlight.
• Waterdeep - Unbeknownst to many, the Zhentarim had a tenuous peace with Khelben "Blackstaff" Arunsun of Waterdeep during the mid 14th century DR, thanks to Fzoul Chembryl. Khelben "Blackstaff" exchanged certain information with Fzoul in exchange for an assurance that the Black Network would not expand their influence west of the Thunder Peaks for 30 years. This bargain led to a division between the Harpers and Khelben's independent-operating Moonstars.

Foes

Over the years the Zhentarim drew the ire and hostility of a great number of people and organizations. They opposed any group they perceived as a threat to their interests to grow their trade and influence across Faerûn, including the Iron Throne of the Sword Coast, the Rundeen of Calimshan, and the fanatical Cult of the Dragon.

• Harpers - Due to their diametrically opposed world views, the Harpers have been at odds with the Zhentarim since they became aware of the network's existence. Many of the highest-ranking members of the Harpers, such as Elminster Aumar, and several of the Seven Sisters had sizable bounties placed upon their heads by the Black Network.
• Knights of the North: This group of resistance fighters was formed in 1355 DR after Zhentil Keep betrayed the allied forces of the Moonsea by violently seizing the Citadel of the Raven. Following the death of Commander Galauntar Hawkhelm, his fellow Ravenar soldiers banded together and launched a guerrilla campaign against Zhent holdings and Zhentarim operations within the Moonsea.
• Lord's Alliance - Due to their diametrically opposed world views, the Lord's Alliance and the Zhentarium have been opposed since they first learned of each other. 
• Shadovar - While originally allies, the Heirs of the Netherese turned against the Black Network following their alliance with the Netherese historical enemy the phaerimm.

“Join us and prosper. Oppose us and suffer.”

Founding Date

1261 DR

Type

Guild, Thieves

Capital

Darkhold

Alternative Names

The Black Network

Leader

Manshoon

Head of State

The Pereghost

Head of Government

Manshoon

Government System

Dictatorship

Location

West Faerun

Controlled Territories

• Darkhold

Notable Members

• Manshoon
• The Pereghost

Peace

Children of Ashardalon

0

Zhentarium

-100

The Zhentarium resent the destruction of the Citadel of the Raven, while the Children of Ashardalon doesn't really care about them