It is now 1369 DR, and another faction seeks to pick up the pieces left behind by Sarevok. They are called the Zhentarim, or the Black Network—a predatory criminal organization that seeks to spread its influence throughout Faerûn, accumulating power for its own sake. While others celebrate the end of the Iron Crisis, the agents of the Black Network sense opportunity. The Zhentarim know that the Iron Throne had access to vast amounts of wealth and magic, which are now ripe for plunder. Additionally, one of the Zhentarim, a crazed necromancer named Xzar, has discovered that he is one of the Bhaalspawn—a potential heir to the Lord of Murder. Xzar now seeks to unearth the research of his dead sibling, Sarevok, with the goal of becoming a god himself.