Manshoon

Evil Wizard of Duplicity and Duplication

Manshoon is an evil, arrogant wizard who was an instrumental founder of the Zhentarim centuries ago. That Manshoon is dead, and the current Manshoon is one of the original's many clones. Being a magical copy rather than an original doesn't make Manshoon any less of a threat, as he's amassed magical skill and political influence he uses for his own gain. Manshoon considers the Zhentarim to be only one tool to amass personal power, and he casually sacrifices minions once they've outlived their usefulness. Manshoon doesn't care who suffers so long he's able to crush his many enemies and force his subjects into paranoid and eager obedience.

History. The original Manshoon was the undisputed lord of Zhentil Keep, where he honed the organization to suit his sinister will. He encouraged members to report on each other, punished discontent, and hoarded magical knowledge and personal secrets. The Zhentarim wouldn't have become the organization it is today—one where treachery and subterfuge are the order of the day—without Manshoon's formative influence.
Manshoon made many enemies and sought to preserve his power by crafting several clones. A magical accident decades ago caused all his clones to activate at once and fight against one another in a devastating conflict called the Manshoon Wars. The original Manshoon and all but three of his clones were killed, and today only a single Manshoon is believed to be active in Faerûn. Manshoon subtly cultivates this belief to keep his true forces hidden.
Manshoon seems to be a young man, but he is significantly older than he appears, and his mind harbors the skills and knowledge of an even older version of himself. One of Manshoon's enemies, Halaster Blackcloak, removed Manshoon's left arm at the elbow. Manshoon now uses a mechanical prosthetic arm.
"You have drowned me, burned me, hacked off my limbs, poisoned me, petrified me, and turned me to ash. And yet, I live. Would it not be easier to yield to my inevitable triumph? Your death, unlike mine, shall be quick and merciful." —Manshoon
Learn More About Manshoon. Manshoon is one of the villains featured in the Waterdeep: Dragon Heist adventure.
Personality. The Manshoon of today retains all his progenitor's arrogance and duplicity. Manshoon keeps several other clones at hand to activate if necessary. He also employs the Simulacrum spell to duplicate himself, his allies, and even his rivals. Manshoon knows that keeping people guessing about hidden identities makes them easier to manipulate.
Manshoon usually wears a mask and concealing robes when meeting with others, even with loyal lieutenants and the Zhentarim's inner circle. Even his allies aren't sure when they're meeting with the actual Manshoon, a clone, or someone else in disguise, which is just as Manshoon prefers.
Manshoon seeks power and is checked only by the many enemies who want to see him dead. He recently failed to seize control of Waterdeep in a clandestine coup. It's widely believed he's turned his attentions elsewhere, but another Manshoon clone lurks in that city, manipulating the Zhentarim behind the scenes to amass sufficient power to assault Undermountain and face his old enemy, Halaster.
Using Manshoon. Manshoon makes an excellent megalomaniacal supervillain. He has a distinctive outfit and mask, significant magical power, and the ego to confront fools who dare to stand against him. He feels no compunction about expending minions by the dozens to complete his goals.
Manshoon recently suffered a setback in Waterdeep, but his schemes can take him anywhere in the Forgotten Realms.
Like any effective supervillain, Manshoon is never truly defeated if you don't need him to be. He maintains clones, spells that enable his escape, dupes who dress in his outfit, and other tricks to keep coming back against the characters again and again.