THE ZHENTARIM

The Black Network of the Zhentarim is a not-so-secret group of mages, priests and warriors devoted to the task of dominating trade, and therefore power, throughout the Kingdoms. To that end they work to achieve the downfall of an ever-increasing list of apponents, including the Dalelands, the Harpers, rival Moonsea cities and anyone else who gets in their way. That which cannot be infiltrated and controlled must be cowed into obedience or destroyed.

The Black Network activies 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.

Conquest is also high on the Zhentarim adgenda, usually using the forces of Zhentil Keep. They also make use of non-human tribes and mercenaries, usually promised to be paid with the spoils of pillage after the battle. The chief intent in battle is to punish enemies or weaken rivals, and is usually implemented after failure to take over the community from within.

Assassination, theft, blackmail, kidnapping, and torture are all acceptable methods to advance Zhentarim goals. Zhentarim have no compunction about hiding behind aliases or setting up rivals against each other, but usually wish to let their apponents know who is responsible for their downfall.

More information about the Zhentarim can be found in the following texts:

• Running the Realms by Ed Greenwood and Jeff Grubb - Part of the Forgotten Realms Boxed Set.
• A Grand Tour of the Realms by Ed Greenwood and Jeff Grubb - Part of the Forgotten Realms Boxed Set.
• Various Harper novels, including Thornhold by Elaine Cunningham.
• The novels Spellfire and Crown of Fire by Ed Greenwood.
• The Shadows of the Avatar trilogy by Ed Greenwood.
• The avatar trilogy and subsequent sequel novels.