AT A GLANCE: The Zhentarim are an 
organization of evil and lawful individuals, 
spanning all character professions 
(Mages, Warriors, thieves), and including 
several inhuman monsters.  The 
group is based in Zhentil Keep, but has 
major outposts in the Citadel of the Raven, 
several cities on the Moonsea, and 
Darkhold in the Far Hills, and operatives 
in every major town and city in the 
region between the Dragon Reach and 
the Sword Coast.

ELMINSTER'S NOTES: This powerful 
group, dubbed "The Black Network" by 
foes such as Doust of Shadowdale and 
his companions, appears to be a widespread 
and quite powerful group of evil 
individuals, commanded both by 
Priests of Bane and Mages of no small 
power.  To enrich themselves, the Zhentarim 
DESIRE to control the most economical 
TRADE routes between the 
established lands of the Sword Coast 
and the rich young kingdoms about the 
Moonsea, eventually extending into 
political control of these regions as well.  
Slaves are an important part of the 
TRADE they already TAKE part in, trading 
with evil or inhuman groups, or sending 
their "wares"" south into the ancient 
lands of Condath<>, Uther<>, and 
Mulhorand. 

To accomplish their goals, the Network 
has tried to assume control of 
lands along the route; from thei strong 
base at Zhentil Keep, they have taken 
control of Voonlar and ruined Yulash, 
rule the Stonelands through bandits 
allied to their cause, and alone have the 
power to maintain a TRADE route 
through the Goblin Marches. Darkhold, 
their great fortress, commands the only 
pass north of High Horn, that pass 
known as the Yellow Snake, and 
Darkhold's reach extends throughout 
the Far Hills.  Dragonspear Castle may 
be a network stronghold.  The basis of 
such an owned route exists, with gaps 
at Shadowdale and Daggerdale, local 
resistance in Daggerdale, the Tilver's 
Gap AREA <> the northern reaches of Cormyr 
(which can readily raid the Stonelands 
and a large, nebulous gap 
between Darkhold and Dragonspear 
Castle).  This makes these regions major 
targets for Zhentarim interference.  In 
addition, the Zhentarim are in excellent 
position to brave the heart of 
Anauroch, the Great Desert, and to discover 
either a safe TRADE route through 
its depths, or to find the riches and 
magick of its lost civilizations.