When a merchant needs an escort for his caravan, when a noble needs bodyguards to protect her holdings, or when a city needs trained soldiers to defend its honor, the Black Network provides the best-trained fighting men and women money can buy.

The Zhentarim seeks to become omnipresent and inescapable, more wealthy and powerful, and most importantly, untouchable. It wants to secure, over time, an iron-fisted monopoly, and will do what is necessary to achieve those goals.

A member of the Zhentarim thinks of himself or herself as a member of a very large family and relies on the Black Network for resources and security. However, members are granted enough autonomy to pursue their own interests and gain some measure of personal power or influence.

The Zhentarim aided the city of Waterdeep during the Dragon Wars, and as a result were welcomed into the city and given control of the Downshadow district in Undermountain.

The Black Network has been busy since establishing a foothold in the city. Already most of the nobility rely on highly skilled Zhentarim mercenaries. The Downshadow neighborhood has recovered from its near collapse into chaos and anarchy from the threats of Undermountain. And the Black Network has brought many of the city’s street gangs into its fold. The current gang wars in the Dock Ward are a result of the Black Network’s power play among the city’s organized crime.

Notable Black Network organizations
Doom Raiders. Adventuring and mercenary company in Downshadow.
Thargate Mining Consortium. Mining company in Downshadow.
The Adders. Street gang.
Basilisk Boys. Street gang.

Waterdeep Organizations