![[ManshoonPicNew.png]] # Manshoon _Human Archmage | [[Black Network]] Founder | Various Locations_ ## Summary Legendary founder of the [[Black Network]] whose death in 1370 DR triggered activation of over a dozen stasis clones. The resulting "Manshoon Wars" scattered his consciousness across multiple bodies. The [[Waterdeep]] clone—missing his left hand, replaced with a metallic construct—established himself in [[Kolat Towers]] and manipulated events through agents like [[Urstul Floxin]], [[Vevette Blackwater]], and [[Skeemo Weirdbottle]]. He sought the [[Stone of Golorr]] to fund his bid to become Open Lord. During the [[Feywild]] campaign, he cast Meteor Swarm that destroyed the Emerald Toad inn after [[Xyrbwynn]] disintegrated [[Eris Bloom]]. Reportedly "burned alive" during the assault on his forces—but another clone survives within [[Darkhold]], allied with the beholder [[Manxam]]. %% ## At a Glance Powerfully built, bald human with cold, calculating eyes. Often wore ornate robes with arcane symbols. The [[Waterdeep]] clone was missing his left hand, replaced with a metallic construct. Rarely seen without a mask in public. Sly-tongued, deliberate speech with haunting cadences—each word chosen for maximum impact. ## Personality Ruthlessly ambitious, supremely arrogant, obsessed with arcane superiority. Patient schemer and master manipulator. His philosophy infected the [[Black Network]]'s very essence—the tension between pragmatic militarism and arcane supremacy reflects contradictions he embedded in the organization. ## Quote _"For those who wield arcane abilities are superior to the rest of the people of the realms."_ ## Background Born 1229 DR to the First Lord of [[Zhentil Keep]]. Founded the [[Black Network]] in 1261 DR, creating the [[Black Cloaks]] mage cabal and recruiting [[Fzoul Chembryl]]. Developed the notorious stasis clone spell as insurance against betrayal. When [[Fzoul Chembryl]] and Lord Orgauth assassinated him in 1370 DR, the activated clones began killing each other. The [[Waterdeep]] clone emerged from [[Undermountain]] after studying under [[Halaster Blackcloak]], establishing a rogue faction and sending [[Xyrbwynn]] a black crystal heart to establish connection. His simulacrum appeared during the battle outside [[Trollskull Manor]]. ## Stats **Archmage** (MM 342), Intelligence 20, Charisma 18, Legendary Actions (3), Legendary Resistance (3/day) %%