Zhentarim - Downloaded from the Wizards Community, all coding removed by Solauren

Zhentarim

Post/Author/DateTime Post
#1
Hammerhead
Nov 18, 2012 20:35:43 Is the Zhentarim supposed to be like the Mafia? I think so
#2
Imruphel
Nov 18, 2012 23:48:01 Yes,I believe that is part of the inspiration for them.

I understand that the recently released Elminster's Forgotten Realms has some more information on how and why they were formed. Hopefully I will be able to read this next week.
#3
Stigger
Nov 19, 2012 8:47:11 Not quite like the mafia, though I'd agree that is probably part of the inspiration behind them. I'm not sure there's ever really been a group in the real world that was quite like them... part Nazi with the militaristic Bane thing they've got going on, part Mafia with their criminal undertakings, part with their business practices, and a healthy dose of your favorite James Bond villain tossed in just for fun. I'll admit that I'm not that well versed in fantasy fiction, but they seem a fairly unique sort of organization in fiction who can fulfil almost any role one cares to assign them.
#4
mvincent
Nov 19, 2012 15:00:01
Is the Zhentarim supposed to be like the Mafia?

I was thinking more like Cobra, HYDRA, SPECTRE or Guild of Calamitous Intent... but they are mercenary (i.e. profit/merchant motivated), so I guess a Mafia comparison would be apropos.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 Hammerhead Nov 18, 2012 20:35:43	Is the Zhentarim supposed to be like the Mafia? I think so
#2 Imruphel Nov 18, 2012 23:48:01	Yes,I believe that is part of the inspiration for them. I understand that the recently released Elminster's Forgotten Realms has some more information on how and why they were formed. Hopefully I will be able to read this next week.
#3 Stigger Nov 19, 2012 8:47:11	Not quite like the mafia, though I'd agree that is probably part of the inspiration behind them. I'm not sure there's ever really been a group in the real world that was quite like them... part Nazi with the militaristic Bane thing they've got going on, part Mafia with their criminal undertakings, part with their business practices, and a healthy dose of your favorite James Bond villain tossed in just for fun. I'll admit that I'm not that well versed in fantasy fiction, but they seem a fairly unique sort of organization in fiction who can fulfil almost any role one cares to assign them.
#4 mvincent Nov 19, 2012 15:00:01	Is the Zhentarim supposed to be like the Mafia? I was thinking more like Cobra, HYDRA, SPECTRE or Guild of Calamitous Intent... but they are mercenary (i.e. profit/merchant motivated), so I guess a Mafia comparison would be apropos.