The Zhentarim—also known as the Black Network—is a loose affiliation of merchants, mercenaries, and malefactors. When a caravan needs escorts, a noble needs bodyguards, or a city needs soldiers, the Zhentarim provides the best-trained fighting forces money can buy. If the cargo is shady or the cause is questionable, the Zhentarim doesn’t mind one bit—if there’s money to be made, Zhents will…

Once the undisputed regent of Thay, Szass Tam is an old and powerful lich who plots to regain control over the nation. Although he still wields great power as the zulkir of necromancy and the tharchion of Thaymount (see chapter 1), Szass Tam believes it’s his destiny to rule Thay and use its living people as fodder for his undead armies. History An eloquent and inventive wizard, Szass Tam rose…

Some wicked mortals have bound their souls to Bane, Bhaal, and Myrkul and gained a portion of malevolent divine power from each. A scion of the Dead Three might have seized this power in a sinister ritual or had it thrust on them by an evil Artifact or a god’s malevolent will. In any case, they possess cruelty, bloodlust, and necromantic power in equal measure and serve the Dead Three with their…

Map 3.3: Zulkir Thrul's Demiplane View Player Version When the characters walk through the shadowy door, read or paraphrase the following: Sconces shed soft, yellow light over this beautifully furnished office, which boasts oak furniture upholstered in maroon velvet. A gleaming desk sits to the south, along with nearby seats and a plush armchair. A wraparound sofa and a table bearing crystal…

Weapon (morningstar), very rare You have a +3 bonus to attack and damage rolls made with this magic weapon. Proficiency with a Morningstar allows you to add your proficiency bonus to the attack roll for any attack you make with it. This weapon has the following mastery property. To use this property, you must have a feature that lets you use it. Sap. If you hit a creature with this weapon, that…

On the Elemental Plane of Earth, galaxies of gemstones twinkle over vaults of treasure. If dao are there, so is wealth worth hunting. —Gundren Rockseeker, Dwarf Treasure Hunter Genies of minerals and gemstones, dao embody the resolve of rock. Using innate magic, they move through the earth unimpeded, exploring depths inaccessible to most. Dao delight in the treasures of the earth, whether raw…

Accuser devils, or zebubs, serve as Hell’s messengers and spies. Their ability to share what they’ve seen with other creatures makes them especially useful—not only to other devils, but also to mortal conjurers. Some infernal lords unleash them in enormous, horrid swarms upon unsuspecting lands to debase flesh and land alike while collecting secrets the infernal host might later put to use.…

Zuul is an ankylosaur from the Late Cretaceous (75 million years ago) Judith River Formation of North America. A close relative of Ankylosaurus that takes its name from the Ghostbusters franchise, it has recently revealed behavioural interactions of ankylosaurs. Design Philosophy Life is diverse. We find that the current 5.5e system of normal, proficiency, and expertise for…

Armor (ring mail), legendary You have a +3 bonus to AC while wearing this armor. This armor is leather armor with heavy rings sewn into it. The rings help reinforce the armor against blows from swords and axes. Ring mail is inferior to chain mail, and it's usually worn only by those who can't afford better armor.

Wrin Sivinxi grew up in the small village of Glitterbough in the elven nation of Kyonin, but a traveler wouldn’t find her hometown if they were to visit that nation today, for Glitterbough was destroyed 10 years ago by demons in the service of the malevolent entity Treerazer. Despite the loss of her hometown, Wrin feels no sadness or despair about the event, for none perished in Glitterbough’s…

Wrin Sivinxi grew up in the small village of Glitterbough in the elven nation of Kyonin, but a traveler wouldn’t find her hometown if they were to visit that nation today, for Glitterbough was destroyed 10 years ago by demons in the service of the malevolent entity Treerazer. Despite the loss of her hometown, Wrin feels no sadness or despair about the event, for none perished in Glitterbough’s…

Once the characters have chosen their code names, Zulkir Thrul addresses them again. Read or paraphrase the following: Masquerader’s Brooch from Zulkir Thrul “I will assign you missions in this office. When you have completed a mission, return to the shop in disguise. Disguise yourselves differently each time. The Sparrow will know who you are. Request your reward from him, and give him any intel…

General Feat (Prerequisite: Level 4+, Zhentarim Ruffian Feat) You gain the following benefits. Ability Score Increase. Increase your Dexterity or Charisma score by 1, to a maximum of 20. Retaliate. Immediately after a creature within 5 feet of you hits you with a melee attack, you can make an Opportunity Attack against that creature. Versatile Merc. When you finish a Long Rest, choose a skill in…

Devas are emissaries of divine will. These immortal messengers adopt the shapes of mystical beasts or idealized, winged mortals. As with all angels, their true forms are known only to the gods they serve. Rather than literal correspondence from a god, a deva conveys an allegory or quest to mortals, tasking them with delivering something to its rightful place. While the angel might be called on in…

Also known as kytons, chain devils consider themselves morbid artisans who use deception, menace, and vicious metal to coerce prisoners into betraying themselves. Many serve powerful devils, wrenching secrets from imprisoned souls using deadly, animate chains. Left to their own devices, chain devils encourage ruthless individuals to pursue forbidden magic, leading their pupils down paths to the…