The Zhentarim

Members of the shadowy Black Network consider themselves part of an extended family, and rely on the larger organization for resources and security. Zhentarim bonds of oath and honor hold the network together and galvanize its members in united purpose. When a merchant caravan needs an escort, a noble needs bodyguards, or a city needs trained soldiers, the Zhentarim provides the best-trained fighting forces money can buy.

## **Zhentarim Ideals**

The Zhentarim is an unscrupulous shadow network that seeks to expand its influence and power throughout Faerûn. The organization is ambitious, opportunistic, and meritocratic. Rogues and warlocks of neutral and/or evil alignments are commonly drawn to the Zhentarim.

### **Goals**

* Amass wealth.
* Look for opportunities to seize power.
* Gain influence over important people and organizations.
* Dominate Faerûn.

### **Beliefs**

* The Zhentarim is your family. You watch out for it, and it watches out for you.
* You are the master of your own destiny. Never be less than what you deserve to be.
* Everything—and everyone—has a price.

## **Zhentarim Ranks**

The Zhentarim recognizes and rewards ambition, granting its members autonomy to pursue their own interests and gain some measure of personal power or influence. In this way, the the organization is a meritocracy. The Zhentarim welcomes dangerous times as opportunities.

* Fang (1 Renown)
* Wolf (3 Renown)
* Viper (10 Renown)
* Ardragon (25 Renown)
* Dread Lord (50 Renown)

### **RANK 1:** **Fang (1 Renown)**

This is the rank a character receives when first joining the Zhentarim. For more information on the general benefits of this rank, refer to Factions.

**Receive Your Faction's Insignia.** The insignia for the Zhentarim is a gold or iron coin stamped with the symbol of the flying wyrm.

### **RANK 2: Wolf (3 Renown)**

Wolves have shown that they are aligned with the Zhentarim's goals, and can take on more responsibility. For more information on the general benefits of this rank, refer to Factions.

**Faction Training.** The Zhentarim offers training in Disguise kit, Forgery kit, Poisoner's kit, or Thieves' tools.

### **RANK 3: Viper (10 Renown)**

Vipers are reliable faction agents, entrusted with many secrets and deserving of additional support during adventures. For more information on the general benefits of this rank, refer to Factions.

**Item Procurement.** The Zhentarim can procure the following items for a Viper:

* Uncommon rarity: *+1 weapon* or *+1 shield, slippers of spider climb*
* Rare rarity: *+1 armor, ring of evasion*

### **RANK 4: Ardragon (25 Renown)**

Ardragons are trusted voices within the Zhentarim. They are looked upon as champions. For more information on the general benefits of this rank, refer to Factions.

**Becoming a Mentor.** The Zhentarim can requisition a **zhentarim thug** or **zhentarim cult fanatic** to serve the Ardragon.

## **Zhentarim Contacts**

* Davra Jassur, faction representative to the Sword Coast
* Halia Thornton, Phandalin
* Lady Hyacinth, Aion
* Mangobarl Lorren, Red Larch
* Nalaskur Thaelond, Bargewright Inn
* Chalaska Muruin, Bargewright Inn
* The Pereghost, castellan of the Darkhold
* Ashemmi, apprentice to Sememmon
* Ghazrim DuLoc, Mantol-Derith
* Lorthuun, Mantol-Derith
* Davil Starsong, Waterdeep
* Yagra Stonefist, Waterdeep
* Skeemo Weirdbottle, Waterdeep
* Naerth Maxildanarr, Ten-Towns (Targos)

## **Court of Zhentil Keep**

* Manshoon, highlord of the Zhentarim
* Fzoul Chembryl, high priest of Bane
* Sememmon, lord of the Darkhold
* Manxam, lord of Teshwave
* Wilton Mortaire

## **Notable Zhents**

* Talis Webweaver, lord of the Citadel of the Raven
* Mordekai, traveling bard
* Jamna Gleamsilver, undercover agent