Baldur's Gate : The Sword Coast Chronicles : NWN2 Persistent World

It is said the champion of Bane known as Bueroza now serves as Commander of the Zhentarim at Darkhold under authority of the Dreadlord Victoria Thornhart. An exacting man with a passion for mastery of the mortal coil he has wasted no time since his appointment in dictating new and intense regiments for the Zhentilar garrison to increase their strength, courage and mastery. Day after day black masses of soldiers are rotated out into the courtyards, drilled mercilessly in the blizzards of Darkhold. Others endure arduous marches through the Sunset Mountains for 'conditioning' of body and will. Bueroza seems to approve of allowing disputes among the Zhentilar soldiers to be resolved by a spartan system of dueling, sometimes to first blood - other times to grevious injury or, it is rumored, occasionally death. The Commander himself takes an active hand in matters of discipline and, by all appearances, great pleasure in enforcing his philosophy of 'might makes right'.

Since the 26th of Eleasis, those who visit Darkhold find particularly stringent increase in security controls - gate checkpoints now included the forced removal of cowls, scarves and helmets for the inspection of every face and person. Mundane visitors on political or mercantile business with the Zhentarim were now briefly interrogated and required to sign tedious registries as a requirement of entry at the gates, by order of the Commander, and were expected to submit to searches of body and inventory and the forfeiture of their weapons. It seemed non-humans especially were met with the most thorough and humiliating scrutiny - presumably an extension of the natural prejudice of the Thayan.

Non-compliance of the recently instated measures were met indiscriminately with the refusal of Darkhold's invincible black gates.

Rumors among the Zhentilar and staff of Darkhold tell that after a day and night of fasting the Commander Bueroza has refused to return to the elaborate cuisine of the kitchen staff. It is rumored he gave preference to a great dish of uncooked meats, feasting alone in the great-hall at a late hour on a piled platter of raw venison.

It is rumored that few days past a caravan full of Lumber and armaments departed the Blackrose encampment on the Northern Tradeway heading towards Darkhold.

A familiar Half-Drow Diplomat referring to herself simply as Ry'Dia has been seen in Dark hold and asking if the dreadlord is free to meet with her.

A decree is sent out across the lands under Darkhold's domain (including the Darkhold Vale and those living in and around Corm Orp).

By the order of the Lord of Darkhold, all homes within the demense of Darkhold are to send any able-bodied man to the Darkhold Vale for a three-week training program in the use of arms and battle tactics. You will receive a monetary stipend for the duration of the program.

If time cannot be set aside for this program, persons may instead purchase leave from service. This tax will be used to finance other military investments.

All homes are as well reminded that they are expected to own and maintain a minimum of one set of armor, one spear, one short or long bow, and one shield. Equipment will be made available at Darkhold Vale during the training program.

Failure to abide by this decree is a betrayal of your obligations to your lord and will be considered a criminal violation.