Darkhold
In the Far Hills, near the Sunset Mountains of the Western Heartlands and the edge of the Sword Coast region, there looms a castle of immense proportions, rising from a bare rocky spur on the side of the mountain named the Gray Watcher. Its walls are streaked red by the rusting bars upon the windows; its chimneys spew forth a smoke of blackest night. Darkhold, or Castle Darkhold, publicly serves to protect the Far Hills, harbor trade caravans in need of re-supply, and facilitate diplomatic relations between the Inner Sea and the Sword Coast. It is claimed and occupied by the Zhentarim organization.The entrance to Darkhold remains open—yet fully guarded—to caravans, merchants and traders that would seek business with the Zhentarim, allowing those with reason, enter to the outer courtyard, under strict rule as "guests" of the Zhentarim.
The entire garrison of more than eight-hundred guards that protects Darkhold, is commanded by the one known only as the Pereghost, a warrior of unquestionable skill—his skull-faced helm is as well known throughout the Heartlands as the sigils of Elminister or Khelbhen Arunsun. The Pereghost upholds the following rules in a known harsh, iron-fisted manner:
Justice
The law of Darkhold is set by the decree of a Council of Lords, enforced by the military, and sentence is passed upon offenders by the Pereghost, or one of his lord magistrates. In the day-to-day life of Darkhold, the garrison enforces the Castles laws; however, order is maintained through the cooperative efforts of the Pereghost and the reigning Lords. The law of the Castle is strictly enforced...many offenders rarely escape its grasp. Infractions and their penalties are:
Destruction of Property or Impersonating a Zhentilar : 2,000-gp fine and 100 lashes, or one years enlistment in the Zhentilar.
Violation of Curfew or Public Violence: 2,000-gp fine and interrogation for intent, or three years service in the Zhentilar.
Embezzlement or Tax Fraud: Forfeit of 50% of offenders wealth and 20 lashes, or three years service in the Zhentilar.
Assault or Petty Theft: 3,000-gp fine or one years enlistment in the Zhentilar. Men who beat helpless women or children are sentenced to hard labor for a minimum of one year.
Arson or Grand Theft: 10,000-gp fine and 8 years service in the Zhentilar.
Murder or Treason: Death by the hand of the Pereghost.
///OOC-notes:
- - The Zhentarim Player Characters have no OOC authority to police the area. But they do have full rights to defend themselves if blatantly provoked or attacked, without incurring IC penalties for doing so. Attacking Zhentarim players, however, and without DM consent, within their own fortress can result in severe penalties to the assailant, by discretion of the DM team.
- Guests are only allowed to visit and remain within the courtyard of Darkhold. Anyone trespassing in other areas of the fortress becomes KOS and gives any Zhentarim Player Character the right to attack them without consequences. Screenshots of the trespassing must be provided.