The Daleland's Beholder *

News for the Regions of Cormanthor, Shadowdale, Freehaven and now The UnderDark!

~Spencer Beholder Reporting




Zhentarim, Banites Allergic to their own Medicine


Regrettably many innocent people have suffered the consequences of karma due to the oppressive regime once known as The Zhentarim. A plague with unfathomable devastation has swept across the land due to the emergence of another entity from the sky. What is being hailed as the invasion of the millennium, Shadowdale and the outlying regions are under duress from what has overwhelmingly asserted it’s power with little to no resistance. The Shadovarians have, by force, usurped the once rigorous and tenacious Zhentarim easily, like a wet corn kernel from the stalk. With terrifying grace and efficiency the new superior maligned authority seems poised to stay right where they are. Myth Drannor is on full alert as witnessed by myself and many refugees in the region. With thousands and thousands of infected citizens flooding the survived temples, one has to ponder if the conglomerate of clergies can put aside their rivalries for the greater good of the people. Priests, Clerics and Physicians are working around the clock to stave the sinister celerity of what’s being called “The Mauve Death”. This particular disease, whether magical in nature or a manifestation of some biological weapon, seems to target mercilessly the Elderly, the young and infirm. Notable symptoms are, coughing, swamp lung, dermal pustules, fever, boils and explosive diarrhea. The incubation period appears to be anywhere from 2 hours to several days, though no accurate data exists on such a new and virulent disease. There have been reports coming from various sources that Advanced Restorative Potions (Greater Restoration) have done well in curing this disease. How permanent this treatment is remains to be seen. However, another cure is said to be out there that has been proven to work with lasting effect. Though its origin or cost is beyond common knowledge. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, please seek shelter at your nearest Chapel, Church or Monastery to receive treatment. It is unfortunate that the demise of the Zhentarim requires such a high cost, apparently they forgot to post laws regarding cowardice and impotence in their ranks. In the meantime, they serve as footstools to the City of Shade.






Exclusive interview with two Drow elves



The only news report where you can get such up close and dangerous information is right here at your Daleland's Beholder! I had the opportunity to sit down with Dargoth Zow’aah’Fen and Naradril Zow’Ah’Fen, brothers and also full blooded Dark Elves. Many would question why such an interview should even be allowed, since the Drow are one of the more hated races in all of Faerun. Normally met with swords and spells, these two drow were instead assaulted with questions by me and your trusty ink quill. They describe a world underneath us as one being domineered by females. They openly admitted that the female gender was in charge and often beat them like dogs, arbitrarily or punitively. They held no resentment to the fact that such a Matriarchal society existed, while admitting these very same females were insane and misguided. I asked them to describe a typical day in their lives and both commented on frolicking in their gardens while contemplating the demise of each other and their superiors. Frequent references were made of another house, possibly a rival, stating it weak and watered down, similar to inexperienced cave fodder. They also hastened to admit that the surface races were pitiful and inferior, and the fact that they could sit openly in the Royal Oak Bed and Breakfast, was a testament to the lack of courage and ability of our kin, human an elven alike. The Black Archers would be thrilled to know that their most hated enemy is sitting in their back yard, drinking, defecating, seducing women and having a jolly good time. Makes one wonder why bother buying all of that expensive adventuring gear if you’re not going to use it? These Drow gentlemen were delightful and charming to interview, though they expressed intention of returning to the surface as an audience, to witness the demise of the surface races at the hands of The Mauve Death. Be sure to stop by The Royal Oak to spend time with these two moonlighters during happy hour, it’s a once in a lifetime experience.




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