The Zhentarim
A mercantile, militant, and not infrequently criminal network operating across Faerûn. Mercenaries, merchants, spies, and smugglers united by a single principle: profit, on Zhent terms.
In Brief
The Zhentarim — the “Black Network” — present themselves publicly as a respectable mercenary company that offers reliable contract security at fair prices. This is partially true. They do provide reliable mercenary services. They are also widely suspected (and in some cities, well-documented) to engage in smuggling, extortion, intelligence-trading, and the quiet absorption of local crime syndicates wherever they operate.
The Network has been clawing its way back to respectability after a series of internal civil wars and external defeats. They are currently in an expansion phase, extending their reach into smaller frontier towns and rural regions where they can establish operations without drawing the attention of larger powers like the Lords’ Alliance or the Harpers.
Reputation Across the Sword Coast
- In Neverwinter: tolerated, distrusted. The city’s authorities watch them closely.
- In Waterdeep: present but quiet — the city’s masked Lords do not allow open Zhent operations.
- In smaller frontier towns: increasingly visible. Zhent agents often pose as ordinary merchants, lenders, or assayers.
Connections
- Rivals: The Harpers (the Network’s natural enemy), The Lords’ Alliance (regulatory headache)
- Operating principle: Profit. Always profit. Methods negotiable.