Dear Sir or madam, I am a citizen of Sanctuary and a registered cantrip weaver. I am aware of the laws regarding casting outside of warded areas, within the perimeter of the city. However I seek some clarification on these rules.

Firstly, what counts as "within the walls of Sanctuary"? Since we are within a cave system, it is not always clear where the city boundary ends. Is the Dunnwarren part of the city? If so how far or deep is it so? Is the sewer system part of the city, again, for how far? The walls are clear at the front gate and at the canal. but in all other directions they are unclear.

Secondly, what is the reasoning for the spell casting restriction? I have been told it is so the drow are not alerted to our presence, and yet I am led to believe they have walked up to our very walls. I have also been told that it is to prevent magic eaters, yet these are a minor nuisance at best, and their appearance is easily remedied with a herbal infusion before casting.

Thirdly, why is there no equivalent restriction for magical items? While often my lips stand idle due to casting restrictions, my fellows use magic items of such magnitude that I can see the very fabric of the weave twist and buckle, yet this does not break the law?

I apologise if I seem unnecessary slow or difficult, but I as a concerned citizen I have a strong desire to understand our laws.

Please correspond to Merrial Stootbackle at the Rock Bottom.

Miss Merrial Stootbackle,

The law is in regards to the boundaries of Dunwarren, rather easily determined by the presence of Svirfneblin technology; with a few rare exceptions, it can be seen in any area of Dunwarren. Determining whether or not your citizen stone is still capable of recieving messages also determines whether or not you are within Dunwarren. In regards to specific areas mentioned, Sanctuary is within a fraction of Dunwarren, and the sewers are indeed a part of Dunwarren.

The restriction on the act of casting is to prevent not only Drow, but all creatures capable of detecting magic from locating Dunwarren. This includes the Illithid, Beholders, and even marauding gnolls or goblins accompanied by a Shaman. I have witnessed eyeballs, gnolls and troglodytes wander about Gate Road, completely ignoring the hidden passage into Sanctuary, although once something sparked the attention of a kobold shaman, which I am fairly certain was an unwarded casting.

Magical items require a closer range to detect than most of the more dangerous scries of our foes; for most diviners, an unhindered line of sight is required. Additionally, studies have shown that Mage Eaters completely ignore object activation when they hunt, preferring live targets.

You may consider them a minor nuissance, but Mage Eaters come in all sizes, and attack in various group numbers. The average citizen or even an apprentice wizard would be hard pressed to survive an encounter with them, unless they could recieve immediate aid from a Watchman, Spellguard or skilled adventurer. Even such aid is given a difficult task when three or four moderate or greater Mage Eaters have appeared, which has happened- admittedly, I only know of one such incident. Abjurer's Nightshade is not a perfect solution; as an herbal remedy, the quality of each cutting can be questioned. Was it a good harvest? How long ago was this acquired? Is this even real Abjurer's Nightshade? There have been numerous reports of Mage Eaters teleporting to the location of supposedly warded individuals; Abjurer's Nightshade is not reliable enough to be a legal ward.

Thankyou for your concern and for taking the time to contact the Spellguard for clarification. I will be more than happy to answer additional questions or go over something I may have missed in this particular letter.

Agent Nikitovich