Well met, friends and welcome to Daggerdale. Indulge an old man for a few moments and let me tell you of a dangerous land, nestled as it is on the frontier and caught between harsh lands and harsher foes. Yet things are looking up in some ways for ‘twas but a few short years ago that Lord Randal Morn threw off the yoke of Zhentarim occupation and reclaimed the seat of his house.
The Black Network remains a persistent threat and Fzoul Chembryl, Manshoon and their minions in Zhentil Keep brood away to the north, biding their time and looking for an opportunity to seize the dale once more. Closer to home, the Border Forest is a wild place full of wilder fey, while away to the west the lost dwarven mines of Tethyamar nestle in the Desertmouth Mountains. Further west still lies the great desert of Anauroch, where the recent reappearance of the Shadovar, mighty mages of fallen Netheril warped by centuries spent dwelling in the Shadow Plane, look to rebuild their empire. Even the kingdom of Cormyr, usually a friend of the Dalelands, is recovering from its own years of strife, of legions of goblins, a gigantic red dragon of legend, and the death of their beloved monarch Azoun IV. The other Dales to the southeast offer some succour, a largely sturdy and calm presence filled with - in my not-so-humble opinion - some of the finest folk in the Realms. And yet even now there are whisperings of drow stalking the heart of the ancient elven forest of Cormanthor.
Yes friends, it is a wild land, with only the sturdy walls of Dagger Falls truly safe. Naturally many Daggerdarrans remain wary - hopeful too, mind - as they look to rebuild following the expulsion of their Zhent oppressors. With too many threats and too few heads to deal with them, Lord Morn has sent out a call for aid to those skilled in the Art or who know their way around a blade. Hard times require bold deeds and bright words, but there are opportunities here too for those who can seize them. Truly, this is a time for heroes. Who will answer the call?
