Zhentarim

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The Zhentarim or the black network was a plutocratic alliance of many entrepreneurs, investors, companies, and manufacturers with the goal to establish a monopolistic megacorporation in which the Zhentarim would the preferred company to trade with, regardless of the circumstances. The network gave its customers access to a wide variety of goods and services that would otherwise be difficult or illegal to obtain, as long as they pledged fidelity and paid the prices of the network.

Operations
While a popular term, "The Zhentarim" did not really exist. The term "black network" was more accurate, but also less powerful. The Zhentarim often operated as a local family, in which favors were the most powerful currency of them all. As a member of the Zhentarim, one could call in enormous amounts of help. What form this help took, was very flexible. For one, it could mean a pure fiscal loan. For others, it could be political favor. These favors from the Zhentarim were not free, of course. It was expected to return the favor and help new members of the 'family' once you were in a position to do so.

While decentralised, the Zhentarim did operate in a hierarchy, loosely determined by one's income. The heads of large corporations held disproportionate amounts of sway within the greater organisation, often indebting smaller members to the point of practical indentured servitude to repay their loans. These 'heads of the pack' oversaw the general quality of service that the members of the black network provided. If pleased, the heads of the pack could award a Zhentarim seal of quality, a brand that was highly prized.

Member companies often worked together to establish a favorable economic environment for all of them. This practice often included price-fixing, monopolising, and backroom dealing.

Members
While grossly incomplete, the following corporations, organisations, or people had association with the black network.

Organisations
These organisations were part of, or held association to, the black network:


 * The Phandelver mine in Phandalin (alledged)
 * The Miners Exchange in Phandalin
 * The Petasum Guild in the Yataran hills
 * The White Wolf mercenary band of northwest faerun. (alledged)

People
These people were part of, or held association to, the black network:


 * Entrepreneur Halia Thornton
 * Guildmaster Mr. Petasum