The Daleland's Beholder *

Cormanthor, Shadowdale and Myth Drannor


~Spencer Beholder Reporting




Shadowdale Authority Blunders Again

In our last edition of the Daleland’s Beholder, a rather courageous person was spotlighted for her contributions to the literacy of the local citizenry. A Halfling, under contract from The Zhentarim is commissioned to bring the education and reading levels of its commoners to a productive level. But what is “productive” in their terms? As you all know the Daleland’s Berholder has been banned within the jurisdiction of Shadowdale, and anyone caught with an edition could be fined 1,000gp on the spot. So The sagely Zhentarim commissions a professor of literacy, but forbids reading the most accessible and circulative material in the region.

Perhaps the move is to get the citizens comfortable reading the dozens of bulletins littering the streets regarding Zhent Law. But do not fret loyal readers! The Daleland’s Beholder will still be available to you in the outskirts where patrols do not frequent, and those that can read should easily transcribe these words onto unfamiliar (and inconspicuous) parchments to share. An anonymous citizen shares her thoughts,”It doesn’t really change anything, even before this ban, the patrols would confiscate the paper if you’re seen with it.” A well known farmer in the region added, ”Yeah the only difference is the fine, my son was thinking about taking some reading classes, but now there isn’t much to read that applies to the common folk around here.” A new confusing mandate by The Zhentarim once again leaves the region second guessing its competency. More news as this story develops.



Myth Drannor and the River Warriors

Last edition I suggested that the Authorities in Myth Drannor would take a good while to decide on the fate of the river crossing. I am happy to report that I was wrong. Extensive and deliberate construction is underway on what seems to be additional security to what many considered a glaring weakness in the Elven cities’ armor. Labor crews are working nearly ‘round the sundial, fervently and efficiently in what appears to be a massive initiative to complete the project before the end of Winter. If you have a day to spare or equipment to lend to this project, The Daleland’s Beholder encourages you to get down there and pitch in. Be a part of the community that is really coming together and working towards a common goal.



Drow Sightings Increase Dramatically Says Poll

The insurgence of Dark Elves into our local region is starting to become a critical problem, says a poll taken within the last year. Out of Five Hundred residents of Cormathor and Shadowdale, Four Hundred and Eighty one say that the main travel-ways are more dangerous now than they were a year ago. Drow, have been fearlessly raiding small communities and pass-ways, with little resistance. This has many people wondering what the Black Archers are doing these days. “We can’t make evening runs to the Storehouse Commune, because of the Dark Elves, they rob you blind and leave you stranded, IF you survive.” Says a local produce broker. Another resident whose been tanning and fletching for 40 years adds to that,”Sure we see travelers and adventurers trying to meet them head on, but for every ten raids maybe two get intercepted.”

This can only lend to the confidence of the Drow and many have begun to wonder if their most vigilant enemy, The Black Archers, have become impotent to the Underdark advance. From personal experience I can say, that I encountered a drow female with unbelievable powers, cut her way through the ranks of the Bandits like they were Fellweeds. If it weren’t for a brave Orc (with an unusual color scheme) meeting this foul creature head on, myself and another innocent bystander may have seen our end.

Just outside of Freehaven a few hours afterward, I was intercepted and held at Bow-point by a shadowy figure, short and slender with elven features. Unable to identify her through the shadows she wore around her, I couldn’t help but speculate if the two incidences were related. Luckily I was able to escape with my life and what little coin I did have at the time.



The Daleland’s Beholder Sparking Initiative?

It has become apparent since the Maiden release of your Daleland’s Beholder, that activity by Do-Gooders in the region has increased dramatically. Various claims of charity, from Bards spouting entertainments, mysterious acts of goodwill to the poor, education to the illiterate, Paladinship to the sick, and The Elven initiative all point out a very real fact. You the readers have spoken, and your voices have been heard! Through your honesty and integrity The Daleland’s Beholder has been able to activate these entities into action, for the greater good of the Free Peoples (and not so free) of his region. This section is a tribute to you, so don’t stop giving your thoughts and ideas!

Many people have gone as far to request a means to contribute to The Daleland’s Beholder via currency, and while this is not expected, it certainly helps keeping your Latest and Most Unbiased News coming to you! Just stop in with any Shared Accounts Banker and feel free to donate, anything goes a long way into providing the region with your voice!

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Special thanks to those who contributed in this editions publication. Names and/or identities were withheld due to the safety of our sources. Any inquiries into employment with our paper can be made through The Boatman just outside of Myth Drannor.