The Zhentarim (also known as the Zhents or the Black Network) is an unscrupulous shadow organization seeking to expand its influence and power throughout Faerûn. Members pursue wealth and power through any means, though the organization publicly presents itself as a legitimate mercenary company.
Presence in Port Nyanzaru
The Zhentarim has established significant influence in Port Nyanzaru by providing mercenaries and guards. The merchant princes hire Zhentarim guards to defend city walls and protect hunting, lumbering, and mining operations in the jungle and foothills. This access has allowed the Black Network to set up its own unauthorized woodcutting camps, mining operations, and treasure-hunting expeditions.
The organization operates both openly and covertly in the city. They maintain a black market network that provides guides who circumvent Jobal’s official registration system, though this puts those guides at risk of severe punishment if discovered.
Key Operations
Search for Artus Cimber: The Zhentarim has learned that Artus Cimber is in Chult and has assembled teams to find the ex-Harper and seize the Ring of Winter from him. Three NE male Tethyrian human assassins visit the Temple of Savras attempting to hire Grandfather Zitembe to cast divination spells to aid their search, but the priest senses their evil intentions and refuses. The Zhents use flying snakes trained as messengers, which they purchase exclusively from Ifan Talro’a.
Intelligence Gathering: River Mist and Flask of Wine, tabaxi sibling guides, work as agents for the Zhentarim. They are instructed to watch for Artus Cimber and report any information about him to their Zhent masters in Port Nyanzaru unless incentivized otherwise.
Fort Beluarian Operation: Rokah (N male Chultan human spy) works for the Zhentarim and has orders to infiltrate Fort Beluarian to find proof that pirates have formed an alliance with the Flaming Fist, which the Zhentarim intends to use for blackmail.
Relationships with Other Factions
Harpers: Where the Zhentarim operates, Harper spies can also be found, monitoring their activities.
Ytepka Society: This local organization works covertly to prevent the Zhentarim and other dubious factions from taking over the government or gaining undue influence in Port Nyanzaru.
Merchant Princes: While the merchant princes employ Zhentarim mercenaries, some princes have connections to the organization. Ifan Talro’a is supported by influential and dangerous Zhent friends. Zhanthi has forged ties with the Zhentarim specifically to monitor the organization’s activities, as she is secretly a member of the Ytepka Society.
Ongoing Threat
The Zhentarim continues to hunt for Artus Cimber and the Ring of Winter throughout the adventure. If characters travel with Artus, the Zhentarim can appear at any time attempting to capture him. Even after the Soulmonger’s destruction, the Zhentarim (along with the Harpers and frost giants) won’t stop searching for the Ring of Winter if characters make their way back to civilization with Artus.