Eleasis 2, 151 Society of Ordered Mind (Eugene Castile) Seekers (Shane) Spellguard (Agent Lathain) Councilors Bhast and Archibald of Sanctuary (via Office of Herald) May Silas (c/o Beacon) Amothie'wein Stedna (c/o Rock Bottom Inn) Regard Destruction of Magical Items

I am compositing my thoughts on this matter, and wish insight from others. It is my feeling that "good" people in seeking to destroy devices under Mystra's perview have not only betrayed the Weave Mistress, but are failing in their own religious convictions by taking the easy route rather the wise one.

Please respond with due suggestions of editorial or factual nature before I consider the presentation of this manuscript for publication.

Respectfully,

Barrister Fawkes

On Destruction of Necromantic and Evil Magical Items

It is unfortunate that magic is applied to immoral acts. Many goodly religions actively seek the destruction of magical items they deem of immoral character, especially those that animate or summon undead or otherwise make wide use of negative energies. In Sanctuary specifically, a number of goodly people's employ the gnomish trash bins; reknowned for their immediate consumption of all contents; for the destruction of "evil" magical items.

Without delving into the unethical destruction of Mystra's bounty based on a moral argument as sufficient reason to not conduct this destructive behavior; there is a greater argument against the destruction of "evil" magical items-especially in this method. Unbeknownst to many people of good intention, they are fostering greater evils.

First, no one knows confidently if these gnomish bins "destroy" their contents or transport them to a waystation; a garbage dump where they are sorted from 'trash' which is destroyed by the very creators of these machines; the svirneblin who are now Chosen wererats in service to the evil god Urdlen. Considering the vast numbers of necromancers within the Chosen warrens, it is unwise to risk funding them with a never diminishing supply of necromantic items at least until the true nature of these "bins" is discovered.

Secondly, the rash destruction of items in which a mortal soul is dangerous. Special rituals bind spirits to certain items, such as Haunted Lutes, Bone Whips, and other devices. Simply smashing, or destroying these objects consigns the soul bound within them to a similar fate. Only special rituals performed by knowledgable lore masters should be trusted to free the soul from bondage. By heedlessly smashing or 'trashing' these items, many good intentioned priests have unwittingly destroyed a soul they sought to free. A graver evil than even binding it in eternal slavery.

Likewise, the destruction of merely "evil" items, a term sadly used for anything created from the Weave for the harm of goodly folk or which utilizes ties to the Plane of Negative Energy, is risky. Such items surely may merit destruction, but placing them in a 'gnome trash bin' with no evidence it is destroyed and not transported is ignorant at best. Rather, such items require destruction in extreme flames or places of positive energy. The fires of an enchanted Orog Furnance or the heart of a volcano will suffice, but there is no responsibility or moral oversight in tossing such items into a bin and beleiving you have done your moral duty.

Eleasis 2, 151

Barrister Fawkes,

I feel there is truth in your words, however, those items should not be kept for any reason. Their fall the evil hands, can still happen as long as they exist.

I suggest to form up a group to neutralize these items, free the trapped souls, if that is the case. Also, this group should not be enclosed into the different factions.

As I already have a few items of the such, I will work on neutralizing them, as soon as possible, and I advice you to do the same.

May Silas

A weary looking Eugene snags the letter, and puts a half finished response on his "To-do" List

3rd Eleasis, Year 151, Barrister Fawkes, Re: Destruction of "Necromantic" and "Evil" Magical Items

Fawkes,

This topic has been floating around in the back of my mind for a good few months. I agree totally regarding Gnomish Trash Bins. These 'consume' everything that is placed within, however, we are not certain whether, as you say, they are just transported elsewhere. These bins should certainly not be used by adventurers to destroy their "necromantic" and "evil" items. All items of such should be presented to your nearest Spellguard Agent in order for them to be disposed of in the correct manner.

One does not merely have to "destroy" they item. One must get to the very heart of its making and pick at the strands that bind the magic within it. A difficult process that certainly isn't accomplished by using any manner of mundane destruction process. Enchanted flames would work, the extreme heat of a volcano /may/ work. As you say, without this process those creatures unwillfully bound to the item are stuck for all eternity, unless the item is found and the proper ritual conducted.

My belief on the Destruction of Necromantic Items

Extreme bursts of Positive Energy in its natural form (not that used in some weaker versions of healing incantions) should be applied to counter balance any Negative Energy within, also, I believe both those Chaotic and the Lawful of heart should be present and take an active role in its destruction to properly "Neutralise" the item. Only then should the destruction process begin, either by ritual burning, or some other consumption process.

I hope some of this has made some sense to you.

Regards,

Agent Lathain Order of the Spellguard Mages

3rd Eleasis, Year 151, Barrister Fawkes, Re: Destruction of "Necromantic" and "Evil" Magical Items

Fawkes,

An item of some necromantic power has recently come into my possession. I think I will try my experimental destruction process. Would you like to be present?

Agent Lathain Order of the Spellguard Mages

Eleasis 6, 151 Agent Lathain Spellguard Tower Regard Destruction of "Necromantic" and "Evil" Magical Items

I will be happy to watch this expirament and detail its success for this treatise I plan to write.

Respectfully,

Barrister Fawkes