The Black Fist, a mercenary gang in truth, cared more for lining its own pockets than doing justice in Phlan, and as such the mercenaries were usually willing to overlook even serious crimes so long as they do not affect the Black Fist. Conversely, they were known to be tyrants as concerns their own affairs, punishing even minor infractions with death if the crime makes the Black Fist look “weak.”

After the unexpected death of the previous Lord Protector, Phlan's militia seized control of the town. A bloody coup tore them apart, with fully half their members defecting to Vorgansharax. Command of the decimated order has fallen to Jhessail Greycastle, a firebrand sworn to reclaim Phlan or die trying.