Dock & Newcomer/Visitor Stories • Daily
Previously known as Straight Talk from the Docks, this broadsheet has come and gone over the years in some form or fashion and is a seafarers' forum where all dirty truths are told. The most-recent iteration has been around for about twenty years or so, something of a record for the name.
Like previous versions, the Dispatch started as a shipping news and advertising organ. It still retains its core purpose, reporting on the coming and going of ships, advertising the hiring of sailors in postings by captains who need to fill the ranks of their crew (often with specialists), reviewing craftsmen and businesses that cater to the needs of ships, and covering the mundane activities in and among the warehouses in the Dock Ward. To entice more readers, its scope has broadened. Now its pages include more on the sights around the docks, of strange cargos and fascinating visitors. The gossip of sailors often makes its way into the rag, discussing the sinking of ships, attack by monsters, and the predations of pirates. Recently, it has started to focus on the exploits of adventurers, especially those who explore abroad and return to Waterdeep with fantastic stories.
The Dispatch is aggressive about increasing circulation, leading to nascent hostilities developing between its delivery crew and that of rival broadsheets, particularly the Waterdeep Watchman. Pranks and one-upmanship are common and so far, none of the confrontations have been lethal, though there have been brawls.
The paper has beefed up its editorial staff and has earned a reputation as a voice of opposition to Open Lord Laeral Silverhand's rule, especially on fiscal policy and importation taxes. This has caused friction between Lady Remi Ulbrinter and Silverhand, who expects more fairness in print from a paper owned by her friend and old Harper ally. House Ulbrinter head Remi Ulbrinter is a majority owner of the Dispatch, as it serves her shipping interests. All the other investors are minority stakeholders. Ulbrinter leaves the editorializing to Captain Cyrusk Palinedes, part-owner and editor; she has too many other concerns to take an active role in the publication.