![[ManshoonPathfinder-v1.webp]] # Manshoon _Human Archmage | [[Black Network]] Founder | [[Darkhold]]_ ## Summary Founder of the [[Black Network]], kept alive across centuries by stasis clones. The [[Waterdeep]] clone — its left hand replaced with a metallic construct — worked from [[Kolat Towers]] through agents like [[Urstul Floxin]] and [[Skeemo Weirdbottle]], hunting the [[Stone of Golorr]] to fund a bid for Open Lord. That clone was burned alive in the assault on his forces, but another survives in [[Darkhold]]. %% ## Now A surviving clone holds out in [[Darkhold]], allied with the beholder [[Manxam]]. ## Appearance Powerfully built and bald, with cold, calculating eyes; often in ornate robes marked with arcane symbols, rarely seen without a mask in public. The [[Waterdeep]] clone was missing its left hand, replaced with a metallic construct. ## Personality Ruthlessly ambitious, arrogant, and obsessed with arcane superiority. A patient schemer and manipulator whose speech is deliberate and measured, each word chosen for impact. His belief in mage supremacy is embedded in the [[Black Network]] itself. ## Quote _"For those who wield arcane abilities are superior to the rest of the people of the realms."_ ## Connections **[[Fzoul Chembryl]]** — recruited him into the [[Black Network]], then assassinated him with Lord Orgauth in 1370 DR. **[[Halaster Blackcloak]]** — the [[Waterdeep]] clone studied under him in [[Undermountain]]. **[[Xyrbwynn]]** — the clone sent him a black crystal heart to open a connection. **[[Manxam]]** — beholder allied with the surviving [[Darkhold]] clone. **[[Vevette Blackwater]]** — one of his agents. **[[Davil Starsong]]** — worked to destabilize his loyalists in [[Waterdeep]]. **[[Elminster]]** — his captive. ## Background **The Founder:** Born 1229 DR to the First Lord of [[Zhentil Keep]]. Founded the [[Black Network]] in 1261 DR, created the [[Black Cloaks]] mage cabal, and recruited [[Fzoul Chembryl]]. He developed the stasis clone spell as insurance against betrayal. **The Manshoon Wars:** When [[Fzoul Chembryl]] and Lord Orgauth assassinated him in 1370 DR, the clones activated and began killing each other, scattering his consciousness across many bodies. **Waterdeep:** The surviving [[Waterdeep]] clone emerged from [[Undermountain]] after studying under [[Halaster Blackcloak]], built a rogue faction, and hunted the [[Stone of Golorr]]. During the [[Feywild]] campaign he cast Meteor Swarm that destroyed the Emerald Toad inn after [[Xyrbwynn]] disintegrated [[Eris Bloom]]. His simulacrum appeared in the battle outside [[Trollskull Manor]]. ## Stats **Base:** Archmage (MM p.342). Intelligence 20, Charisma 18. Legendary Actions (3), Legendary Resistance (3/day). %%