“Manshoon: Rise of the Black Hand” by Veridian Greenbough:

The chronicles of Faerûn are replete with tales of heroes and villains, but few figures loom as ominously as Manshoon, the enigmatic founder of the Zhentarim, or the Black Network as they are more commonly known. The abrupt end of this biography, a dark testament to its subject’s ruthless nature, offers an unnerving yet enlightening examination into Manshoon’s early years, harrowing adventures, and unyielding ambition for political supremacy.

Manshoon was birthed into an environment teeming with political chaos and ruthless ambitions, namely Zhentil Keep. His father was the formidable Harlshoon, commander of the Zhentilar and First Lord of Zhentil Keep. His mother, a figure barely documented, retains an aura of mystery. Greenbough meticulously details Manshoon’s youth alongside his brother Asmuth, an upbringing that was marked by the harsh realities of their native city and overshadowed by the violence and relentless political intrigue of their surroundings.

A turning point came with the death of Harlshoon, poisoned by the ambitious Lord Calkontor, Chess’s father. This treacherous act served as the catalyst for a series of life-altering trials that would carve out the path for Manshoon, the future, feared leader of the Zhentarim.

Setting out on a journey to expand their horizons, Manshoon, Asmuth, and Chess found themselves entwined in various trials and adventures. One such event led them to a confrontation with the Harpers in an old, forgotten tomb. This battle ended disastrously for Manshoon, who lost his hand in the fight. However, the trials of the journey only solidified Manshoon’s ruthless resolve and his will to seize power.

Greenbough vividly describes the chilling aftermath of a ruthless ambush on a company of sleeping adventurers. Despite their injuries, Manshoon and his companions slew their victims in cold blood. From their lifeless bodies, Manshoon plundered a magical wand and an arcane spellbook. This marked the true beginning of his pursuit of the Art, the first significant step on his path to unrivaled power.

Upon receiving news of his father’s death and the power vacuum it had left in Zhentil Keep, Manshoon’s resolve hardened. As he journeyed back home to the Moonsea region, his mind was dominated by thoughts of revenge and retribution. Tragedy struck again when his now-blind brother Asmuth fell to his death in what was believed to be a ‘tragic accident.’ However, rumors soon spread that Manshoon had orchestrated Asmuth’s death to secure his position in the Council of Zhentil Keep.

Greenbough’s narrative then dives into an extensive recounting of the cataclysmic Battle of the Masks. This colossal conflict between the Zhentilar and the Masked Wizards of Ankhalus saw the deaths of several prominent figures, including the influential Lord Theilon Greencloak. With Theilon’s demise, Ulsan Baneservant, a high priest of Bane, emerged as the sole authority within Zhentil Keep.

Upon their return to Zhentil Keep, Manshoon and Chess found themselves in the crosshairs of assassins believed to be working for Ulsan. With his newly honed magical prowess, Manshoon retaliated, killing the assailants, and revealing Ulsan’s treachery during the Battle of the Masks. With Ulsan’s public execution, Manshoon claimed his father’s seat on the Council of Lords, and for the “safety” of Zhentil Keep, established the Zhentarim. This moment marked the beginning of a new, darker era.

The narrative continues, detailing the spread of the Zhentarim under Manshoon’s rule. His cunning tactics, ruthless nature, and command over the arcane allowed the network to infiltrate trade routes, political establishments, and guilds, spreading their influence like a malignant shadow. However, the extent of their infiltration remains largely speculative due to the book’s abrupt and premature end. The discovery of Greenbough’s intentions by Manshoon sealed both the author’s fate and the potential for further insights into Manshoon’s life and reign.

Thus, Manshoon’s tale remains partly shrouded in mystery, the untold chapters of his life, and the shadowy dominion of the Zhentarim left to conjecture. But what is apparent is the tremendous impact Manshoon has had on the landscape of Faerûn, an impact that echoes through the annals of its history, a chilling testament to the power of ambition unchecked.