The Black Network

A secretive, underground organisation that exists to strengthen it's own position, acquiring both wealth and power. Most people, especially in the more populous heartlands of the Remmessian Empire, have heard rumours, half-truths and tall tails of it but little more. No-one seems to know anyone connected with it.
In the 270s IC, the network, with the help of Ulric Seth, uncovered ancient necromantic secrets in Mournheld and began using them to further their own nefarious goals. Through this illicit knowledge, it learned of The Gloaming Isle, and drew up plans to plunder it.
There is talk within the network that a number of the high-ranking members have some strange connection with the Yuan-Ti, but this is simply dismissed as malicious rumour-mongering by the vast majority of members.

Structure

The Black Network operates a strict hierarchy amongst its members. Each poniard usually claims sovereignty over a town or city and the surrounding area, and is capable of operating independently for long periods of time. The basic hierarchy is laid out below, however members of any rank are likely to be tasked with additional responsibilities as necessary.

• Ardrac - when the need arises, the blacktongues of a given region can come together and elect an overall leader, known as an 'ardrac', who serves for a year.
• Zhentil - the zhentil of each poniard sits outside the main hierarchy, and serves as an impartial advisor to the blacktongue. They are viewed as respected counsellors and elder statesmen, and will have served the Network for many years before being considered for the position. Although the blacktongue has the final say in all matters, they are bound by convention to always consider the advice of the zhentil.
• Blacktongue - blacktongues are the leaders of their respective poniards.
• Bloodhand - shadespeakers report to the poniard's bloodhand, who acts as the blacktongue's lieutenant. Bloodhands are named for the symbolic vial of blood they hold from each shadespeaker under their command.
• Shadespeaker - shadespeakers command groups of brothers and sisters, usually 10, known as 'cloaks'. The size of these cloaks can vary depending on the size and location of the poniard, but are rarely fewer then 5 or more than 20.
• Brother/Sister - the lowest official rank of the poniard, also known as 'agents'.
• Spider - the name given to various informants, corrupt officials and other individuals who aid the poniard, but who are not formally part of it, as well as prospective or aspiring brothers and sisters. Spiders are generally viewed as useful tools but little more than that, and usually handled to a brother or sister, but some report directly to higher ranks.

Public Agenda

1. The Black Network is your family. You watch out for it, and it watches out for you.
2. You are the master of your own destiny. Never be less than what you deserve to be.
3. Everything—and everyone—has a price.

Destiny is Ours

Type

Illicit, Syndicate

Alternative Names

The Family

Subsidiary Organizations

• The Black Network - Dorlan Poniard