The Daleland's Beholder

Zhentarim, Local Community showing signs of attrition?
Spencer reporting

With the recent increase in Zhentarim security, the local community have begun to feel the effects of what some consider a strangle hold on commerce and agriculture. Officials of the Banite community have hinted that due to frequent Drow skirmishings, numerous undead sightings and unstable warring factions settling in, the neccessity to tighten security is prevalent. Though this may seem the correct and logical response from the oppressive and racist regime, farmer Maylen Dour thinks differently. "Yeah, things are definitely worse off, merchants and traders are coming around less, so my crops are reduced to basic produce, because there's not a good selection in seeds to throw in the ground."

Others like Brice Thalen a seasonal merchant commented on the differences he's noticed from the time before Zhentarim raped the land. "You gotta be careful what you say, or what you wear, agents of the Zhents arbitrarily tax you without regulation. The land is dangerous to traverse, the economy has atrophied, no reason to come back until these idiots are crushed."

Many citizens (too numerous to mention) along with representatives in Myth Drannor agree that all of Shadowdale's problems revolve around Zhentarim's intention to destabilize the region, forcing the common citizen to rely heavily upon military authority. Most agree that the Drow are directly hired by the Banite regime to further it's intentions. What happens from here is anyone's guess, but it can be assumed the Zhentarim will continue to run a massive propaganda initiative to counter the Daleland's wavering confidence.

Special thanks goes to the citizens who bravely commented here, as well as the Zhentarim officials that provided insight for this editions accuracy.

Editions of this newpaper can be found lying about the outskirts of Shadowdale, whether posted on trees or just handed randomly to trusted people to distribute to others in the town.