This cruel, calculating man heads the
Zhentarim; its power and success are
largely due to his efforts, and its collective
control of Zhentil Keep, the Citadel
of the Raven (and through it, dominance
over Thar and the cities of the
Moonsea's northern coast), Darkhold
(and through it, maintenance of the
shortest overland trade route between
the Inner Sea and Waterdeep) have
made him very rich. Manshoon, a noble
of Zhentil Keep, slew his older brother
Asmuth and seized control of the city's
governing councils by skillful intrigue,
staunch allies (such as Lord Chess, a
lifelong friend), and the aid of that faction
of the priesthood of Bane controlled
by Fzoul Chembryl and of the
beholder Xantriph. Manshoon's own
alliances with Dark Nagas, and his
manipulations of the Cult of the Dragon,
increased his influence and bought
him the time necessary to build
his personal mastery of the magical arts
without allowing stronger rivals to
assume control of the city until he was
ready to take it. Take it he has, and has
flourished; his spell library is thought
to be the equal of Khelben Arunsun's,
and his arsenal of magical devices and
weapons the largest held by a single
mage anywhere in the Realms
(although it is scattered, hidden, and
guarded by spells and monsters). He is
known to possess a staff of the magi and <>
wear black robes of the archmagi, to
wear a ring of spell storing and a ring of
wizardry (that doubles fourth and fifth
level spells), and is quite content to flee
danger. Many have tried to kill him, and
none have succeeded; he is careful, never
lets his temper master his reason,
and is always alert. He seems an unbeatable
foe; others face danger to do his
bidding, but he's "never there."


 

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1st Edition AD&D	-	NPCs	-	Forgotten Realms