Zhentarim - The Black Network
Zhentarim are an evil group, and this may lead to a PC not only having a poor public image but also being shunned to potentially marked as hostile in some areas of Thain.
Leaders: Imperceptor Nasmat and the Inner Circle
Location: The Ebon Trading Post, in Raven’s Watch
Identification: The colors of the Zhentarim are Black and Gold.
Admission Invitation: A player can either create a Zhentarim from the mainland (Zhentil Keep and Castle Darkhold being common), or can be recruited by those of the Black Network. Those of the Network watch, and find others who are share similair beliefs and goals. However, simply being interested in the group is not a guarantee of admission, if the current members decide someone is unsuiting to their ranks. There are no level restrictions, anyone is welcome from levels 1 to 20 and beyond.
Zhentarim PC's are not required to follow Bane.
Mission Statement: The Zhentarim is an organization devoted to the task of dominating trade and power throughout Faerûn. To that end they work to achieve the downfall of an ever-increasing list of opponents, including the Dalelands, the Harpers, rival Moonsea cities and anyone else who resists their influence.
Any city that resists infiltration and control is brought to their knees though open or covert military means. That which cannot be infiltrated and controlled must be cowed into obedience or destroyed.
Conquest is the Zhentarim agenda. It does this more by trade and subterfuge then by open military conquest. They also make use of non-human tribes and mercenaries. However, when subtly fails, the Zhentilar goes into action and moves upon a city. Also, Black Cloaks, Priest of Bane, and the agents of the Black Network go to work on non-humans that reside in the area. Usually an Orc or Goblin horde gives the Zhentilar the pre-text to sweep into the city or town in order to defend it. However, once the threat is over, the Zhentilar and Zhentarim do not leave.
- Establish a Monopoly of Trade.
- Dominate all political centers.
- Destroy all who stand in the path of these objectives.
Means of accomplishment:
The Black Network, activities include a number of legal and illegal actions. Trade is a major component of the Zhentarim's income and they are not limited morally.
The Zhentarim do excellent business in poisons, illicit drugs, weapons and slaves. Assassination, theft, blackmail, kidnapping and torture are all acceptable methods to advance Zhentarim goals. They have no compunction 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.
In the Time of Trouble the Zhentarim fell into the contol of Cyricists upon the death of Bane at that hands of Torm. With Bane's restoration, the Zhentarim, will on occasion, see members of both churches and faiths working along side one another despite the dieties rivalry.. this is most often seen with those located within Castle Darkhold.
Taken from Wikis, the FR Villain's Sourcebook, and Lords of Darkness.
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Character Types: The Black Network is a group for people of all talents and classes.
Priests – Clergy of Bane, Cyric or Iyachtu Xvim.
The Clergy are commonly leaders of the Zhentarim, needing to provide direction for those others within the ranks. The religions are not negotiable in this situation, given the principle and base of the group.
Melee'ers– Zhentilar.
These are the soldiers of the Zhentarim, in charge of both offense of those who would oppose the Network and defense of the Network’s interests as necessary.
Arcane Casters – Black Cloaks.
The arcane strength of the Zhentarim, these dark wizards focus on the creation of magical wares for sale in Network shops and new uses for magic to keep the Zhentarim progressing forward in their path of dominion.
Scouts/Assassins
Collection of information and removal of key opponents are often invaluable tactics of the Zhentarim to accomplishing their goals.
Feel free to send me (Dontella) a PM with any questions.
A Member of the Guild who betrays the other Zhentarim, will be marked to be hunted by the other members.
