Shadowy traders
The Zhentarim is a shadowy organisation that seeks to expand its influence and power through Faerun. Specialising in trade, especially of (but not limited to) mercenaries and weapons, it's essentially a criminal faction although the public face of the organisation can appear relatively benign. Thus, a lot of their business is hidden in plain sight, as representatives try to pass themselves off as legitimate merchants and traders who are simply meeting demand for their services, which they offer at cheap prices.
Some might say predictably, given the ruthless nature of some of their members, they have often been too divided to conquer all ahead of them or, on occasion, have simply backed the wrong horse. And whilst a member of the Zhentarim might view themselves as part of a larger family, individuals and groups are largely autonomous and free to pursue their own avenues of money-making and power acquisition. This can lead to intra-factional disputes and exemplifies why, perhaps, the Zhentarim as a whole fail to make more of their wealth and resources.
The Zhentarim in Waterdeep
Nowhere can this disunity be better seen than in
WATERDEEP, a vast city containing as many ambitions as it has inhabitants. Such a city could be seen as the perfect staging post for a Black Network (as they are also known) uprising. However, they are a disunited faction, the two main parties within the Zhentarim having splintered off from each other.
THE DOOM RAIDERS
The largest section of the Zhentarim in the city, under the more cautious leadership of
DAVIL STARSONG, are keen to bring the downfall of a smaller Zhent party, for their own standing within the organisation as a whole of course, but also for safety and preservation. They fear that the excessive violence of a war that has broken out between some Zhents and Xanathar's gang will make them a target of the city's authorities.
Furthermore,
THE DOOM RAIDERS wish to establish more stable and long-term partnerships in Waterdeep, and they know that war on the streets is no good for their hopes of generating a more legitimate business mask. Whilst the war could put all the Zhent in a precarious position in the city, hopes are that it could prove beneficial if their part of the faction helps to bring down their more violent counterparts.
Known members of the Doom Raiders are:
MANSHOONIAN ZHENTS
This smaller group supports
MANSHOON in his attempts to make the Zhentarim the prime criminal enterprise in the city. However, to do this requires the overthrow of
THE XANATHAR GUILD (a rival criminal organisation), which has led to war on the streets, and also puts them at odds with the Doom Raider majority in the city. The Manshoonians, whilst optimistic and fearless, have placed themselves firmly in the crosshairs of two rival organisations as well as the city authorities.
The most high-ranking Manshoonian Zhent in the city is thought to be
URSTUL FLOXIN. He seems to be the one currently organising a lot of the carnage that is breaking out across Waterdeep.
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