Zhentarim

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.

Their influence stretches from the far end of the Moonsea, across Anauroch, and into the heartlands. Any city that resists infiltration and control is brought to their knees through open or covert military means.

Major cities that are under the control of the Zhentarim are Zhentil Keep, Voonlar, Citadel of the Raven, and Darkhold. The Zhentarim is divided into several distinct parts. The Black Network is slang term for the Zhentarim, but it also operates as the criminal organization that infiltrates cities trade and crime organizations. The Black Network assassinates, bribes, intimidates, or blackmails to get what it needs and is usually the first arm of the Zhentarim that is sent into any city that the Zhentarim wants to pull within their "sphere of control". The Zhentilar is the military of the Zhentarim and is currently under the command of Scyulla Darkhope, Castellan of Zhentil Keep. The Zhentilar is made up of mercenaries, harden soldiers and poor citizens of a Zhentarim controlled city that are pressed into service. The Black Cloaks were the cabal of mages that were under the direct authority of Manshoon. However, during the schism that saw Fzoul seize power the Black Cloaks were all but destroyed. During that time, Manshoon was believed dead and his apprentice Semmemmon fled Fzoul's wrath. Now, with the rightful Manshoon taking his place within the Zhentarim again, the Black Cloaks have began to recover their losses. The final and now largest segment of the Zhentarim is the Church of Bane. Originally brought in to help Manshoon maintain control of Zhentil Keep and bolster the Zhentarim numbers, under Fzoul, the exact opposite can be said. The Zhentarim has become an extension of the Church of Bane and is one of the key reasons that the faith of the black hand has grown. The lesser faction within the Zhentarim is that of the Cyrists. The Cyrists are in full control of Darkhold and are a thorn in Fzoul's side. The small convent of worshipers of the Dark Sun are still loyal to the Zhentarim and the power that such an alliance affords them. However, they do not follow the orders of the chosen of Bane and actively oppose any attempts by Fzoul to strengthen his hold in the Fortress.

Goals
Conquest is also high on the Zhentarim agenda. It does this more by trade and subterfuge than by open military conquest. They also make use of non-human tribes and mercenaries. However, when subtlety 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.

Means of accomplishment
The Black Network's, loyal to Bane, 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 to mere transport of ores from the Moonseas area and finished good from Waterdeep and the North. The Zhentarim also 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.

History
The Zhentarim was founded sometime around 1360 DR by the evil wizard Manshoon. Originally called the Black Cloaks, this cabal of mages, merchants, beholders and faithful of evil deities (most notable Bane) grew from his influence. Eventually the Zhentarim allied with the cleric of Bane, Fzoul Chembryl, which strengthened the organization exponentially.

Despite recent turbulent events, such as the death and re-ascension of Bane, the Zhentarim has greatly increased it's area of influence far beyond the region of the Moonsea.

During the Time of Troubles and the resurrection of Bane, a massive invasion of the Dalelands was launched. The invasion was ultimately a failure and didn't realize the true control of the entire dale region, but it had seen the conquest of Daggerdale and Harrowdale. With Bane's defeat at the Temple of Mystra in Shadowdale and the consecutive defeats at Mistledale and Battledale, the Zhentarim were forced to abandoned the campaign. The Zhentarim would later lose control of Daggerdale when Elminster and a cadre of rangers lead a successful rebellion against their control.

Then, Fzoul finally got the upperhand over Manshoon and a regime change took place. Manshoon, weakened by internal conflicts with clones had lost much of his squirreled away assets and was forced to accept Fzoul's dominance of the Zhentarim. Since then, the Zhentarim has become little more then a armed enforcer of the Church of Bane.

Membership
Membership into the Zhentarim usually involves being tortured by the Priest of Bane to find out your true intentions. Those that pass are usually set on the path of becoming a fully-fledged operative of the Zhentarim. Those that display certain qualities and skills are placed accordingly. Those that fail the "interrogation" are usually killed for not being evil enough. You have to be Evil to be a full member of the Zhentarim.

Becoming a Memeber of the Zhentilar is easier. They are always looking for Fresh meat for the grinder, however, an interrogation by a Priest of Bane is usually conducted to weed out any Harper or other do-gooder agents.

Black Cloaks are sent to Manshoon and inducted through him.

Anauroch
With the exception of the City of Shade, the Zhentarim were the most influential organization in Anauroch, controlling the flow all the trade along that region of the Black Road.

Moonsea
Home to both the Citadel of the Raven and Zhentil Keep, the Moonsea is the de facto home of the Zhentarim.

The North
The Black Network effectively control Llorkh and Orlbar and monopolize trade between Llorkh and Loudwater. They also have a firm base in Secomber with many well-placed agents in Waterdeep, Zundbridge, Yartar and Triboar.

Notable members

 * Fzoul Chembryl
 * Cutter of Iriaebor
 * Manshoon
 * Scyllua Darkhope