- Some tensions arise between the Duke's of Baldur's Gate and Waterdeep over decreases in trade South following the Amn War and Zhentarim encroachments and periodic disruptions along the Eastern trade road by land. Overall, despite some grumbling, the Northern Alliance remains strong.
- The Red Wizards continue to maintain a relatively low profile along the Sword Coast, and Trade East with Thay remains a bright spot amid luke-warm merchant matters. The benefits of trade continuously push relations between Thay and the Baldur's Gate to edge towards the friendlier side of untrusting.
- While the threat of open hostility has receded, the disposition among the powers of Baldur's Gate remains contentious and defiant towards the recent Zhentarim encroachments along the Northeast Trade Road. Little 'Witch hunts' for Zhentarim agents and public posturings against Zhentarim and Banite influence by the Duke's and Flaming Fist Mercenary are common.
- The disposition towards Amn remains cold, but very little attention by the powers that be look south of late. With recent troop withdrawls from Northern Amn, the Coin Lords of Amn appear too preoccupied with other borders to seek reigniting tensions with Baldur's Gate.
- The worst of the drought and post-war crisis seem behind the city. While far from booming and bustling, the economy of the city has at least pulled back from a dangerous brink. Ports stay busy, and land routes see at least some traffic.
- The duke's continue to promote restoring trade as a primary focus of policy.
- Despite the Zhentarim encroachments, some trade has returned to the bandit plagued roads leading NorthEast. While most merchants who still attempt to use these roads brave considerable risk and difficulty, trade with Thay is at an all time high.
- The southern trade roads remain fairly quiet. Any notable Flaming Fist presence is rarely seen south of the river Chionthar these days.
- Seatrade, the lifeblood of the city, has largely returned to levels close to that prior to the war with Amn.
- Trade and assistance from the northern allies in Daggerford and Waterdeep remain strong, and see little disturbance save the occasional bouts of banditry and the expected dangers of traversing the land.
- with some recovery in economic activity, there are whispers that new criminal elements have arisen in the city to try to take advantage.
- Whispers and accusations continue about the string of murders which have plagued the city this year.
- Farmers in the outskirts continue to complain of chanting in the fields at night. Farmers decry livestock are being whipped into a frenzy at night. Travelers at night - an increasingly rare phenomenon - report being attacked by shadows or large frightening mastiff hounds after dark. Whispers of a dark cult having taken root amid the city are spoken in hushed tones in local taverns.
- Several of the organized clergy of popular faiths in the city have taken to organizing festivals and celebrations of holy days. The Ippenshier of Gond, Waulkeen's Saamardach, Rituals of Tyr and others are among those recently celebrated in the city and surrounding farmlands.