At a Glance
The Zhentarim —called naug-adar within Zhentil Keep and the Black Network or the Dark Network by the rest of Faerun— is an organization with tyrannical intent, loosely allied with the church of Bane. The inner circle resides in Zhentil Keep, but mid-level commanders control the Citadel of the Raven and Darkhold.
Overview
Puppet Governments
The organization has agents in every settlement of economic or political significance to the north and west of the Inner Sea. Some of these places they rule outright, through charm spells or disguised puppets; others they are content to control “as much as it matters.”
- Citadel of the Raven
- Dagger Falls
- Dekanter
- Hardbuckler
- Llorkh
- Snowmantle
- Tel Badir
- Teshwave
- Voonlar
- Xonthal’s Tower
- Yûlash
- Zhentil Keep
Leaders
The Zhentarim is directed, at various times, by Manshoon, Fzoul Chembryl, and Sememmon.
Members
- Anauroch: Yhekal
- Arabel: Ossel Bharauk
- Arntethyl: Aglast Thimm, Arachhar Sevenstar, Hlartenth, Mhaumask, Ologhyn, Orauna Speldarnshar, Ruatheene
- Citadel of the Raven: Lord Kandar Milinal, Captain Cvaal Daoran
- Darkhold: Sememmon, Ashemmi, Angus Materi, Dhamir Ercals, The Pereghost
- Mintar: Teldorn Darkhope
- Mulmaster: “Selfaril” Ooumdolphin
- Olomaa: Xualahuu
- Scardale: Selcheth Yundael, Whaul Zormm
- Shadowdale: Xulla
- Teshwave: Zerana Hellesk
- Tethyamar Fortress: Kara Chermosk
- Voonlar: Buorstag Hlammythyl
- Yellow Snake Pass: Faren Starlight
- Yûlash: Darik Berskan
- Zhentil Keep: Scyllua Darkhope, Verblen
- Unknown, or traveling: Aesulder, Aghebar, Ash, Begl, Belemos Hawklyn, Casildar, Dembeth, Dir, Eregul, Glouris Mristifos, Ilithar Soond, Iltur, Inthras, Jorm, Krey, Lentyl Murr, Lhemako Tarsakh, Lyran, Maglor, Mairhe, Mara Kalaliv, Marsh Belwintle, Meer, Miraun, Nath Ilturin, Orbay, Ord, Orm, Pilt, Quenel, Ravendas, Sahbonn, Sarm, Stroy, Thindol, Thirstal, Torlin, Tul, Ulgon, Ulba, Ultan Rathelstan, Veltar, Whisper, Xantilan, Xantriph, Yuldi, Zhessae, Zorkha, Zzord
Agents and Spies
- Mistledale: Arvien Blackhair
- Sword Mountains: Koroaver’s Raiders
Allies
Partly through its connection with the priesthood of Bane, the Zhentarim benefits from an alliance with certain beholderkin. There are also alliances with individuals.
- Harondalbar — black dragon
- Hodkamset — a wizard of the Cult of Set
Sources
Primary Sources
- Champions of Ruin [17872] pages 92-94
- Lords of Darkness [11989] pages 95-107
- Villains’ Lorebook [9552] page 123
- Ruins of Zhentil Keep [1120] map
- Forgotten Realms Adventures [2106] pages 124-126
- Forgotten Realms (1e campaign setting) — Cyclopedia of the Realms [1031a] page 92-93
Passing Mention
- Champions of Ruin [17872] pages 16, 51, 79, 122, 125
- Cormyr [9410] pages 6, 7, 10, 26, 34, 56, 57
- Old Empires [FR10/9274] pages 14, 46, 54, 55, 65
- Forgotten Realms Adventures [2106] pages 2, 73, 74, 75, 78, 86, 88, 89, 90, 92, 93, 96, 97, 100, 102, 104, 107, 110, 112, 114, 118, 120, 121, 123
- Wyrms of the North: Palarandusk, ‘The Unseen Protector’
- Dragon Magazine #252 — Wyrms of the North: Palarandusk, The Unseen Protector
- Elminster’s Everwinking Eye — Polyhedron #110 page 5
Art
- Wizards of the Coast — Champions of Ruin Art Gallery
Other Resources
- Search for Zhentarim on the FR Wiki
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