Lost mine of Phandelver [SPOILERS!!!]

[Pinjata]

So I have read this module for next campaign and I wonder - Did Black Spider already rule this region or did he get in contact with Redbrands leader and Goblins/Bugbears after he got wind of brother Rockseekers, plan and map?

thanks

[Christian]

It's certainly not detailed in the adventure; but the Black Spider clearly doesn't have the resources you'd expect for someone who had been operating as a power in the region for a long period. I'd say he learned of the Rockseeker brothers' discovery via his agent in Neverwinter, and quickly moved to secure it for himself with the help of that agent (Glasstaff), a few loyal operatives he brought with him (the dopplegangers and the pet spiders), and a big pile of cash they used to hire local muscle (the Redcloaks, King Grol and his Cragmaw goblinoid tribe).