Zhentarim

The Zhentarim, previously known as the Black Network, was a mercenary company, and 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, who for a time, were indentured by their leaders to serve dark gods Bane and Cyric. 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.

"As distasteful as Hillsfar's policies might be, you can hardly expect us to deal with the baby-slaying Keepers. I've heard that they plight their troth with succubi, eat the brains of elves, and worship gods so black they make Moander seem nice. Their names are feared as far south as my native land. And the council who rules them, the Zhentarim, are twice as dark as the Keepers."

- Akabar Bel Akash

Aims and goals
As an extension of the will of the dark wizard Manshoon, the Zhentarim was initially formed as a mercenary company to support his rule over the Moonsea with the aim of spreading that control over all of Faerûn. After he recruited the faithful of Bane, unscrupulous merchants and lesser mages to his cause, they collectively sought to dominate all aspects of the Realms, either by manipulation, outright control or, if they couldn't exert control over something, extinction.

After the mass purge of the Cyricists, known as the Banedeath, and the subsequent partial destruction of Zhentil Keep following the Cyrinishad debacle, the power of the Zhentarim passed to the Bane-worshiping Fzoul Chembryl. He made secret deals with leaders in the Moonsea to erect temples to Iyachtu Xvim, Bane's divine son, within the capitals of their city-states. His aim to extend the will of the Lord of Tyrants across Toril was a dynamic factor behind many of the changes within the organization. He sought to use the Black Network to set the stage for the return of the Lord of Tyrants.

By the late 15 century the goals of the Zhentarim came in line with their original ideals, despite their more benign public perception. By offering the best guards and mercenaries, with the final aim of an iron-fisted monopoly on protection services in the Realms, they sought to make the merchants of Faerûn, and thus the continental economy, completely reliant upon them as an organization. While many of their practices and services they offered were completely legal, they were not above spending a tremendous amount of gold to destroy their competitors and secure future profits to increase their wealth, influence and power.

Activities
"Ooh, the sneaky rascals. If it wasn't for the rampant egotism, random murdering, and foul gods, I might quite like these Zhentarim."

- Purfbin Doogrick In order to achieve their financial goals the Zhentarim agents often dealt in illicit goods and contraband, using their extensive mercantile contacts to move products throughout the Moonsea, neighboring lands and over Faerûn's more hazardous terrains. The types of commodities they dealt in were slaves, poison, drugs and even smokepowder weapons.

As a means of eliminating their competition, the Zhentarim used the Zhentilar army of Zhentil Keep or recruited bands of monstrous humanoids to take down rival caravans, often completing the route under their own banner to earn good faith and new business with merchant groups. They were not above resorting to sabotage, blackmail, arson to outright murder to undermine their mercantile or political opponents. They were even known to purposefully upset the balance of natural beasts, stir up aggressive monster populations within the wild, and even have their mages summon foul monstrosities to threaten isolated towns and villages, in effect forcing the residents to rely upon the protection of the Zhentilar.

Organization
From the early years of the organization until 1369 DR, a few years prior the resurrection of Bane, the Zhentarim's was ruled by the triumvirate of Manshoon, the ultimate authority and Lord of Zhentil Keep, Sememmon, his arcane student who presided over Darkhold, and Fzoul Chembryl, the High Priest of Bane. The Zhentarim was rife with mistrust, even amongst its upper echelons. While Manshoon had a bond of trust with his pupil Sememmon, his relationship with Fzoul was one of mutual disdain shrouded by public respect. While the three shared the same goal of increasing their collective wealth and power, it was at best an uneasy alliance that ultimately fell apart.
 * Inner Circle:


 * Manshoon: In addition to his role as the ultimate authority of the Zhentarim, Manshoon held the title of High Lord of Zhentil keep, speaker of the city-state's Council of Lords and had the full backing of the Zhentilar army. He kept close control over the Moonsea Zhentarim, and controlled the other city states such as Hillsfar, the Citadel of the Raven and even Mulmaster, either through manipulation of their leadership or outright force. Prior to the partial destruction of Zhentil Keep, Manshoon moved his operations over to the Citadel, avoiding the chaos brought on by the Cyricists following the Banedeath.


 * Sememmon: The obedient and skillful lieutenant of Manshoon long served as the Lord of Darkhold and unfailingly loyal servant of the Zhentarim. Due to its distance from Manshoon and the Moonsea Zhentarim, the mage-lord only recruited the most loyal and capable agents, about 1000 strong, to the dark keep hidden within the Far Hills. Sememmon's second-in-command was the powerful mage Ashemmi, a former Harper, his consort and true love.


 * Fzoul Chembryl: Before he became the exarch of Bane following the Spellplague, the faithful servant Fzoul served as the Dark God's chosen, and the High Priest of his clergy at the Black Altar in Zhentil Keep.


 * The Moonsea:
 * Council of Lords: While many councilors of Zhentil Keep chose positions of subservience or acquiescence to the Zhentarim. A few of the Keep's Lords were active and proud members of the Zhentarim.


 * Lord Orgauth:
 * Lady Desmonda:
 * Lady Alicia: The first Lady to sit on the council of Lords showed much promise in the eyes of Manshoon.
 * Lord Halaster:
 * Lord Phandymm: This secret worshiper of Bane openly supported Fzoul Chembryl prior to his ascendancy as leader of the Zhentarim and promoted worship of the Black Lord within the Keep.


 * Church of Bane/Xvim: Working under Fzoul Chembryl, a number of Zhentarim agents came into the organization from the church of Bane. During the years following the Time of Troubles, when Cyricists came into power within Zhentil Keep, many former Banites converted to Xvimism.


 * Ruinlord Casildar: Acting as a second to both Tor Blackflame and Xana the Once-Martyred, the half-elven priest commanded significant power in his coordination with Zhentarim caravan leaders.
 * Ruinlord Asdag: The cruel priest of Bane served as the de facto ruler of Teshwave, before becoming the head of internal security and head torturer of Zhentil Keep.


 * Church of Cyric: Following his ascension during the Time of Troubles, Cyric's followers gained prominence within the Zhentarim. Many of the organizations Banites converted to Cyricism and often had conflicts with those who chose to worship Iyachtu Xvim, Bane's divine son.


 * Caravan masters: Meer, the Head of Caravans for the Zhentarim was overseen by the dark mage Sarthor. He worked with Aghebar who directed individual Zhentarim merchants and Maglor the apothecary. They were served by several caravan masters: Ultan Rathelstan, Krommiar Kethyr, Neth Ilturin, Lhemako Taraskh and (after 1369 DR) Samras Quolcon and Tamek Ilturin.


 * Diplomats:


 * Miraun: This charming mage served as the "voice" of the Zhentarim, when they were required to parlay and negotiate with foreign heads-of-state.


 * Military: While not all the members of the Zhentilar or other armies of the Moonsea were members of the Zhentarim, many agents had been installed within their ranks.


 * Lord General Ulgrym: Having proven himself as captain of the Zhentilar under Guthbert Golthammer in Teshwave, Ulgrym eventually became the Captain of Security within Zhentil Keep, and after joining the Zhentarim, Commander of the Zhentilar.
 * Vrakk:
 * Kandar Milinal: A strict leader and loyal officer, Kandar commanded the Ravenar the military arm of the Citadel of the Raven.


 * Slavers:


 * Lord Marshe Belwintle: The Slave Lord of Zhentil Keep was a powerful and influential merchant.
 * Verblen: The Keep's chief slaver, was served by Hastil, Hammon and Jhaven.


 * Wizards:


 * Thagdal: Manshoon's former apprentice was the head of the Tower of the Art within Zhentil Keep.
 * Eregul: An ally of Manshoon prior to joining the Zhentarim, Eregul sought to supplant Thagdal and earn a seat in Zhentil Keep's Council of Lords.


 * Auxiliary forces: While not official members of the Zhentarim, their wide-reaching influence gave them access to political powers, military units and groups of skilled individuals.


 * Naug-adar: This cabal of lesser wizards, also known as the "devil dogs", were only granted admittance into the Zhentarim if they demonstrated significant initiative in their duties.
 * Naug-orls: The thieves' guild of Zhentil Keep acted as scouts and reconnaissance agents for the Zhentarim within the Moonsea region. They were led by the master assassin known as Night Fingers.
 * Zhentilar: The High Lord of Zhentil Keep possessed the power of city-state's military, the Zhentilar. During the reign of Manshoon he was served by several commanders including, Battlelord Syal Amandon, and later General Ulgrym, former captain of security within the Keep.


 * The West:
 * Lord Taradril Aumraven led the political and mercantile endeavors under the Lord of Darkhold. The elder wizard believed Sememmon to be a far better leader than Manshoon, as he actually regarded the well being of the citizens of his realm when making decisions.


 * Assassins: Sememmon was served by group of stealthy killers known as The Three: Mairhe, Sahbonn and Itlur.


 * Church of Cyric:


 * Watchful Skull Dhamir Ercals: The High Priest of Cyric, who led the Second Banedeath in Darkhold, was granted significant power by Lord Sememmon.
 * Malchior: This senior cleric of Cyric was served by Strifeleader Dag Zoreth.


 * Mages: Ashemmi had a number of Zhentarim mages serving as her apprentices.


 * Yarkul:
 * Sashen:
 * Kadorr:


 * Military:


 * Pereghost: The mysterious fallen paladin of Cyric led the military forces of Darkhold under Sememmon and Ashemmi.
 * Riviar Darkwind: The Pereghost's second-in-command was the commander of the elite force known as the Storm Watch.
 * Angus Materi: The Captain of the Outriders would regularly patrol the lands surrounding Darkhold, hunting down any Purple Dragons of Cormyr he encountered.


 * Spies:


 * Asbarode: Also known as "Nith the Entertainer", Asbarode led the Zhentarim's network of spies within the Western Heartlands.

Post Re-emergence of Bane
After 1370 DR, the Black Network followed a strict linear hierarchy with Fzoul Chembryl 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 Cyric were ousted upon the return of Bane.

The only exception to the inherent power structure of the Zhentarim was Manshoon. While he allowed Fzoul 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.

A number of the leaders of the Moonsea city-states either joined the Zhentarim or were otherwise manipulated into serving the organization:
 * Moonsea:
 * Rassendyll Uoumdolphin: This senior Zhent agent supplanted his twin brother Selfaril Uoumdolphin as the High Blade of Mulmaster in 1375 DR, and led their branch Zhentarim.
 * Teldorn Darkhope: The ruler of Mintar was a strong ally of Fzoul Chembryl, having greatly assisted him when Cyricists held great power within the Zhentarim.
 * Buorstag Hlammythyl: The Bron of Voonlar owed his position to an election that was rigged by the Zhentarim.
 * Darik Berkstan: This quiet sorcerer was appointed as the leader of the "protectorate" of Yûlash.
 * Mara Kalaliv: Mara was the leader of the Order of the Iron Gauntlet, an emerging order of Banite monks trained in stealth and assassination.


 * Promotions:
 * Scyllua Darkhope: The Zhent noble, and cousin of Teldorn Darkhope of Mintar, ascended to Castellan and Captain of the Guard of Zhentil Keep, reporting directly to Lord Chembryl. She would go on to become the Commander of Zhentilar some time later
 * The beholder Xulla became the Caravan Lord of the Zhentarim.
 * Kandar Milinal became the Lord of the Citadel of the Raven. He was served by Cvaal Daoran, leader of the Brothers of the Black Fist.
 * Dhamir Ercals, one of the few remaining high priests of Cyric, and the Pereghost, were promoted to co-rulers of Darkhold. Despite their shared devotion to Cyric, they had mutual disdain for one another.
 * Kara Chermosk, a former Zhent soldier who regularly accompanied caravans traversing the Black Road through the Anauroch desert, was promoted to commander of the Tethyamar Fortress.
 * Lady Alicia became the head of the Citadel of the Ravens' wizards following the destruction of Zhentil Keep.
 * Eregul left the Keep for Darkhold, where he became head of the wizards within the dark tower.

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 interests and powers of the Zhentarim.


 * Beholders:Ever since Manshoon first allied himself with Xantriph of the Temple in the Sky, the Zhentarim has 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 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 the following century. Under the assumed name of "Xalval", the elder orb Vaxall of the Twisted Rune was an ally of Teldorn Darkhope and controlled the city of Kzelter. 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 14 century DR, thanks to Fzoul Chembryl. Khelben "Blackstaff" exchanged certain information to 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 peoples 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.


 * Lords' Alliance:
 * Purple Dragons:
 * Shadovar:

Founding
The Zhentarim was founded in 1261 DR by the power-hungry wizard Manshoon, the lord of Zhentil Keep, as tool for his ambitions of expanding his realm of control. He was soon joined by the Baneite 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 Bane. 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 Banite 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 Banite 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 "good will" 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.

Banedeath
During the Time of Troubles, Bane arrived in the Black Altar, he ordered his devoted priest Fzoul Chembryl and Manshoon's apprentice Sememmon to work together, much to their mutual displeasure, in an assault of Twisted Tower of Ashaba in Shadowdale so that he could enter Morningdawn Hall. After the destruction of the Dark God's avatar, the newly-ascended deity Cyric, who took on his divine portfolio, became the focus of worship for a great number of the members of the Zhentarim. Fzoul Chembryl and a few others maintained their faith, while some others converted to the veneration of Iyachtu Xvim, Bane's divine son.

In the, 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.

The conflict between the opposing faiths embedded within the Zhentarim culminated in an event known as the Banedeath which began on Marpenoth 30, 1361 DR. Xeno Mirrormane, began a purge of all the remaining Banites within Zhentil Keep, eventually killing his brother and sparing none except for Fzoul Chembryl, due to his "special relationship" with Cyric. While the aid of the church of Cyric allowed Zhentil Keep to grow in power over the next few years, Manshoon realized that Cyric was no replacement for the calculating cunning and patience of Bane.

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 Cyric 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 Bane.

Cyrinishad
Cyric 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, conceded all leadership to Fzoul, and worked as an agent. When Bane was resurrected 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 the Citadel of the Raven, killing both Fzoul and the final clone of Manshoon, leaving only Darkhold left.

15 century
The Zhentarim was again taken over by the forces of Cyric, who engaged in battle with the forces of Bane. In 1420 DR, an evil mage named Rezlus took over the Banites and attempted to conquer Daggerdale. He failed and the Banites fell with only the forces of Cyric remaining.

Under the 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.



Post Second Sundering
In the year 1489 DR the Zhentarim sent an agent, the gnome assassin Jamna Gleamsilver, to investigate the recent activities of the Cult of the Dragon, as they had been growing in power rather rapidly. They allied with several other factions, including those which would otherwise be enemies, to rise up against the Cult and Red Wizards' attempts to free the dragon god Tiamat.

Areas of Activity

 * The Moonsea:
 * Zhentil Keep: This city-fortress was the main base of operation for the Zhentarim.
 * Citadel of the Raven: This isolated stronghold was a chain of interconnected fortresses straddling the Dragonspine Mountains. It was intended to stop any possible invasions from either The Ride or Thar. The Zhentarim stole it from the other Moonsea powers in 1355 DR, some 15 years before Manshoon made it the stronghold from which he would pursue his arcane interests.
 * Melvaunt: Seemingly always at war with Zhentil Keep, Mulmaster was infiltrated by agents of the Zhentarim, in an attempt to take over their slave trade, including Lyran Nanther who was almost able to attain lordship of the city-state with the pendant of Ashaba.
 * Mulmaster - This former enemy became an ally to the Zhentarim after the High Blade was secretly replaced by his twin brother in 1368 DR.
 * Phlan - Another long-time foe, the settlement was finally conquered in 1380 DR.
 * Yûlash - The Zhentarim took this city in a long and bloody civil war, where they pitted their forces against those of Hillsfar.


 * Western Heartlands:
 * Darkhold: The castle-keep of Darkhold and the surrounding Far Hills were conquered by the Zhentarim in 1312 DR. The stronghold was the seat of power for the group in the west, ruled by the mage Sememmon until Bane's resurrection. It had strong ties to Cyricists, fitting as its two ruling lords were the enigmatic Pereghost and the High Priest of the Black Sun, Dhamir Ercals. In the following century, following the Spellplague, Darkhold would serve as headquarters for the restructured Zhentarim, led by the Pereghost.


 * The Dalelands:
 * Daggerdale: In the same year their agents infiltrated Daggerdale and in 1336 DR, wrested control of Dagger Falls out of the rightful government's hands, and Randal Morn was forced to flee the city. The Zhentarim ruled the city for 33 years, though they were forced to regularly rebuff attacks from the Freedom Riders in a bloody civil war. Randal Morn and his guerrillas eventually reclaimed their lands in the battle for Dagger Falls.


 * Scardale: In a joint venture with Cormyr, Sembia, and the other Dalelands states, the Zhentarim sponsored a peacekeeping force in Scardale after Lashan Aumersair attempted to conquer the area during the Second inter-dale war. Support for the troops was withdrawn soon after they arrived in 1357 DR though they remained in the Dale for at least another decade.


 * Shadowdale: In the late 1330's, the Zhentarim managed to assassinate the lord of Shadowdale, Aumry Obarskyr, and replace him with one of their agents, Jyordhan who ruled over the Dale for six years, until he was killed by Khelben Arunsun. On Nightal 15 1374 DR, under the cover of darkness, an army of Zhentarim, led by Scyllua Darkhope, invaded Shadowdale with assistance from the Church of Shar and House Dhuurniv. It was only a few months before the citizens of Shadowdale, led by Azalar Falconhand and his fey allies, overthrew the occupiers.


 * Teshendale: In 1316 DR, Zhentil Keep recruited a horde of orcs to overrun Teshendale and seized the city shortly after.


 * Other regions:


 * Anauroch: The Zhentarim built the Black Road across Anauroch to allow trade with the North, including Waterdeep. They had control of a number of oases within the sands of the unforgiving desert, including Bhaerlith, Hlaunga, Ma'atar, Olomaa and Tel Badir. By 1479 DR, the road was no longer in use.


 * The North: It was believed the organization sent some of its older members to the frontier nations of The North, such as the Silver Marches, to act under the guise of families who bought up land to live a peaceful life as homesteaders until needed by their Zhentarim Lords.


 * Savage Frontier: In the Delimbiyr Vale, the town of Llorkh and the village of Orlbar were taken over by the Zhentarim. These settlements marked the end of the Black Road route and the gateway for Zhent trade in the North.


 * Sword Coast: Through Karne, the Zhentarim were a shadow organization that existed in Baldur's Gate and its surrounding areas. The Marsh of Chelimber was conquered by the Zhentarim through Karne and his lizardfolk servant, Sleyvas.

Terminology

 * Zhent: A person from Zhentil Keep. Not all Zhents were members of the Zhentarim.
 * Zhentarim: The greater organization itself; members of the organization, either singular or plural.
 * Zhentilar: The military of Zhentil Keep, used to distinguish them from members of the Zhentarim.
 * Zhentish: A grammatically incorrect term that would bring derision on the user, even in lands unfriendly to Zhents.

Appearances

 * Adventures
 * Curse of the Azure Bonds • Doom of Daggerdale • The Sword of the Dales • The Secret of Spiderhaunt • The Return of Randal Morn • Shadowdale: The Scouring of the Land • Hoard of the Dragon Queen • Waterdeep: Dragon Heist
 * Novels
 * Azure Bonds • The Parched Sea • Swords of Eveningstar
 * The Ring of Winter • The Glass Prison • Honor Among Thieves: The Road to Neverwinter
 * Video Games
 * Curse of the Azure Bonds • Baldur's Gate &bull; Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance • Dungeons & Dragons: Daggerdale • Idle Champions of the Forgotten Realms • Neverwinter Nights: Darkness over Daggerford • Neverwinter Nights: Tyrants of the Moonsea &bull; Baldur's Gate III
 * Board Games
 * Dungeons & Dragons Dice Masters: The Zhentarim
 * Dungeons & Dragons Dice Masters: The Zhentarim

Connections
Zhentarim