The Daleland's Beholder *

Cormanthor, ShadowDale and Freehaven

~Spencer Beholder, Reporting


Violent Killer on the Loose

Reports on the death of Cascadian Mellady’svarion, race unknown, have poured in the past few days regarding the way in which he was brutally murdered. Information has surface that the corpse of this beloved Fae-fellow was indeed grotesquely mutilated and defiled. Sources close to the temple in which funeral services were held notified your Daleland’s Beholder that if not for the meticulous and precise expertise of the mortician, the body would have barely been identifiable. Unfortunately for the local authorities, who have been enjoying a surge of would be do-gooders, this can only prove to be a setback for what was beginning to become a stable area of the region. The fact that the pieces of Cascadian’s rendered corpse were found so close to Shadowdale beckons concern that things may not be as “Lawful” as they would like.


Shadowdale Registration Law, A work of Vanity…Or lack of Sanity?

As adventurers flood into the region, many locals are beginning to realize that a popular stopping point is in fact your very own Shadowdale. So it begs to be asked why the officials in command of the town have seemingly “Lessened” their normally stringent law of registration, and have absolved all humankind of the necessity. Before the dampening of the law was enacted, everyone was required to register (or give the Zhentarim your information for identification) and pay 50 gold as a fee. Hefty fines, as much as 500 gold could be enforced if one was to fail to get a proper registration in a timely manner.
Of course the “timely” in that is completely arbitrary, depending on the enforcers on shift. But now, the new policy is even more curious and confusing than the last. It States;

Races Required to Register

Elves, Half-elves, Gray Orcs, Half-Drow and Dwarves.

Signed personally by Desrah A. Marduk, Srg.

Many citizens are even more confused since The Zhentarim are allowing Gray-Orcs and Half-Drow into the town. Could this a sign that the mentioned authority is losing its nerve against the influx of diversity that floods the area? Zhentarim are notoriously intolerant of non-humans. Tieflings and Tanar’ri unmentioned, must be thrilled at their exemption from this brilliant “Law”.



Halfling doing the community a “Whole” service

Many townspeople, along with their outlying counterparts have raved to The Beholder in homage to a brave Halfling whose name is unknown. Apparently this benevolent educator has gone from door to door and invited the inhabitants of the local community to learn reading and writing skills. At the conclusion of an educative session, several attendees expressed the liberation they felt to be able to learn and grow in a classroom. Furthermore it was reported that this Halfling may be on the payroll of the Zhentarim. If this is true, then it would be the first time a racist, oppressive regime allowed their social slaves to enhance their mental capacity. Be sure to look out for a law that prohibits written material in town limits soon. In either case, if you know this Halfling lass, give her a warm pat on the back, she is a true local hero.



Take a Chance

In similar news, a wandering patron of the community known by the name “Chance” has taken it upon himself to reach out to the region and impart useful skills over a wide variety of subjects. Already being regarded as “The Smiling Saint” and even dubbed by some as “The Good Man”, another hero has succeeded in making a difference without having to unsheathe his 90,000Gp glowing, fiery Sword of Ultimate Destruction. His breastplate is his heart, his weapon, a selfless dedication to complete strangers. If you see this man, give him a warm pat on the back, he is a true local hero.



Mysterious Do-Gooder on the Rampage

Another heartwarming tale of good will assaults Myth Drannor, whose residents have reported cloth like satchels delivered to their doorsteps at night have appeared. Contents of the tributes vary, but all contained necessities to weather the winter seasons. Food, currency,clothing and even toys for children were reported by our sources as the bulk contents. Smiles are becoming commonplace in spite of the bright and fully adorned “Heroes” that hold arrogant exhibitions out in the open. While some decide to actually do some work and sacrifice themselves, others silently taunt the citizens by strutting proudly in their magically illuminated gear.
Another pat on the back goes to this Mysterious Do-gooder, he is a true local hero.




Myth Drannor, Elves with Initiative?

An increasing number of Elven patrols have been seen in force lately and the citizens in the region have felt the positive effect of their presence. Due to the elevating number of attacks made by the denizens underground, Fae-Folk authority figures probably felt obligated to do something. Rather than the former tactic of ordering a call to arms when the problem presents itself, the leadership in Myth Drannor have become curiously proactive. In fact, further evidence of dwindling complacency was observed as the elves of Myth Drannor demolished the old river tower, a ruin, which housed sentries to the river access long ago. Citizens of Myth Drannor have commented hope that a permanent guard be placed there, along with a workable retracting bridge. Another seven decades of committee meetings will probably decide what to do about the river crossing.





Royal Oak offers “Sturdy” accommodations and wont “Leaf” you broke

Finally, a recent stay by Anje’ (associate to the Daleland’s Beholder) under an alias, reports that the Bed and Breakfast is a great bargain for the wayward traveler. Frequently housing entertainers and public speakers, this cozy lodge is quickly becoming a home away from home for its many patrons. Kick up your heels by the warm and inviting hearth, or sit stage-side and watch some of the regions funniest and most talented performers at their craft. Share a tale of adventure over a clean game of cards while chatting with the friendly staff, it literally has anything you could want. So if you’d fancy a warm meal and a stout drink at a reasonable price, The Beholder recommends;

The Royal Oak Bed and Breakfast.
Owned by Sascha Hunter, bounced by Dragen and Don, Tended by Orion.

The Staff of The Daleland’s Beholder would like to thank all new journalists involved who contributed to this edition and the citizens of the region who provided input into our columns. Names of these entities are withheld due to the safety of our staff. *

*Please note that the paper has been edited for accuracy and fairness* Regarding the use of Star Elf, and the use of the Guard Towers. If anyone detects an innacurracy regarding lore, please PM me. It's important that the paper have technical integrity.


-Bobby