[Balanor]

Word begins to spread throughout Thay of troops quietly mustering in the northern and central tharchs. Little is known of the intention of these troops, but it is speculated by many common folk that a new invasion against one of Thay’s neighbors -Thesk, Rashemen, or Aglarond- may be in the works.

Others swear that under cover of darkness huge golems have been seen moving northward across the plateau of Thay. Yet others claim to have seen them moving south...or west...or east. What is to be believed?

But in the darkest corners, in the dead of night, others speak in conspiratorial tones regarding other motives behind these portents of war. They whisper that the powerful zulkir of Necromancy, Szass Tam, is preapring to make his long-awaited grab at ultimate power in Thay, and this is forcing the zulkirs or tharchions to either stand with or against his ambitions - whatever those may be exactly.

The sense of foreboding throughout Eltabbar and Bezantur is beginning to be felt by even foreigners to Thay as the increased legion patrols are more vigilant, jumpy, and violent. Coupled with the growing violence on the streets between Red Wizards and nobility aligned to the opposing factions, many commoners are becoming even more paranoid and fearful than usual.

Many now cannot help but wonder if Thay is on the brink of civil war, or if it is about to be united under the banner of Szass Tam, under the banners of his enemies, or if what feels to be an impending disaster will somehow be miraculously averted...