Between 1376 DR and 1479 DR
-- Bane raises Fzoul Chembryl to be an exarch.
Bruce R. Cordell, Ed Greenwood, Chris Sims (August 2008). Forgotten Realms Campaign Guide, p. 238. Wizards of the Coast. ISBN 978-0-7869-4924-3.
Only one of these clones has survived to this day and is once more the head of the present evil organization known as the Zhentarim.
Ed Greenwood, Sean K. Reynolds, Skip Williams, Rob Heinsoo (June 2001). Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting 3rd edition, p. 283. Wizards of the Coast. ISBN 0-7869-1836-5.
The answer then, according to canon sources would be Manshoon, known also as Orbakh.
(Founder) Manshoon
Manshoon was the founder of the Zhentarim,also known as the Black Network, until he was "slain" by Fzoul Chembryl, his ally, and Lord Orgauth in 1370 DR
Fzoul Chembryl
The Zhentarim followed a strict linear hierarchy with Fzoul Chembryl at the head of the organization.
As Fzoul prepared to face a clone of Manshoon upon his death, he discovered that a dozen clones had in fact awakened. This spawned the "Manshoon wars" as each clone was programmed to destroy the other ones. To this day, only three clones survive, having overcome their impulse. The one who rejoined the Zhentarim (under the orders of Chembryl) is considered the true Manshoon.
(Current) (Leader 4th edition) Manshoon (Orbakh)
In 4th edition, its leader is Manshoon, a vampiric clone of the original wizard Manshoon, formerly known as Orbakh.
Comments
-- Bane raises Fzoul Chembryl to be an exarch.
Bruce R. Cordell, Ed Greenwood, Chris Sims (August 2008). Forgotten Realms Campaign Guide, p. 238. Wizards of the Coast. ISBN 978-0-7869-4924-3.
Only one of these clones has survived to this day and is once more the head of the present evil organization known as the Zhentarim.
Ed Greenwood, Sean K. Reynolds, Skip Williams, Rob Heinsoo (June 2001). Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting 3rd edition, p. 283. Wizards of the Coast. ISBN 0-7869-1836-5.
The answer then, according to canon sources would be Manshoon, known also as Orbakh.
Manshoon was the founder of the Zhentarim,also known as the Black Network, until he was "slain" by Fzoul Chembryl, his ally, and Lord Orgauth in 1370 DR
Fzoul Chembryl
The Zhentarim followed a strict linear hierarchy with Fzoul Chembryl at the head of the organization.
As Fzoul prepared to face a clone of Manshoon upon his death, he discovered that a dozen clones had in fact awakened. This spawned the "Manshoon wars" as each clone was programmed to destroy the other ones. To this day, only three clones survive, having overcome their impulse. The one who rejoined the Zhentarim (under the orders of Chembryl) is considered the true Manshoon.
(Current)
(Leader 4th edition) Manshoon (Orbakh)
In 4th edition, its leader is Manshoon, a vampiric clone of the original wizard Manshoon, formerly known as Orbakh.
:cool:
But my impulse is to go with Manshoon.
Level: 0
Human: Warrior
Guild: Heavenly
Position: Leader
Link: heavenlyguild.mmoguildsites.com