I've noticed some concern over factions in this module and how they'll get along. So I thought I'd clarify a few things and hopefully settle some concerns. Here are some local perceptions of the factions in the Dessarin Valley. It's kind of like a 'man on the street' interview so you guys have an idea of what to expect. Harpers "The Harpers have come and gone, disbanded and reformed, had civil wars and all that, so many times I've lost count. Have they reformed again? Are they the Harpers of something this time, or just plain Harpers? I can't keep track." "The Powers that Be are often a little too powerful for their own good. I'm glad the Harpers are out there keeping people honest, especially those who don't answer to anyone!" " 'Those who harp' is right! Who says they know best? I pay my taxes and the lords and ladies of the realm keep me and my and family safe. Troublemakers, I call 'em." Order of the Gauntlet "Noble knights patrolling the roads between the cities, keeping the orc hordes at bay. And looking good all the while with all that polished armor!" "Stuffed armor if you ask me. Maybe if they came down off their high horses and had a drink now and then. Take that stick outta their butt once in a while and they wouldn't so insufferable." Emerald Enclave "I got a tree out back needs hugging! Har har har!" "Protecting the forest and the wild places is all well and good, but we need lumber to build houses and fields to raise crops. We can't all live like savages with twigs in our hair and birds shitting down our neck!" "I've been to the cities. Rat-infested and seething with disease and iniquity. I'm glad there are people who devote themselves to protecting the purity of the world and the cycles of nature." Lords' Alliance "Yes, m'lord! Right away m'lord! And shall I shove a broom stick up my arse and sweep as I go?!" "I tend my fields and sell what I don't need. I don't see why some lord in some far-flung castle somewhere has to get a cut of my profits. Taxes! Pheh!" "I like having roads between here and Beliard. I like having a constable around that I can call on to uphold the law. Without laws we might as well join up with the Uthgardt tribes. No, I'll pay my taxes to ensure some security in my life." The Zhentarim "I hear bad things about the Black Network. But I don't think they're so bad. They're not all bossy like the Enclave or the Order. And they sell honest merchandise unlike the Lords out on the coast who'll fleece you with a glance." "Yeah, I heard Bane's back. Maybe the Zhentarim will go to war again. Maybe not. But Zhentil Keep's a long way away from here so I'm not too worried about it." "My ma fell sick a couple seasons back. Nobody around could cure her. So I went to the Zhentarim caravan that was passing through. Yeah, they had a cure. It wasn't cheap though and I couldn't pay. But they gave me the cure anyhow. I had to do a year of 'enhanced community service' but my ma's alive and that's what counts."
