Councilors,

Sir Julian Fryar has expressed to myself and the Stouthearts the pressing danger of having the Grunstuhble leave and remove the only source of ore to the smiths of Sanctuary. He felt that this could cripple our economy and our martial preparedness, particularly the capacity to produce arms and armor in time of war.

Considering the likelihood of Sanctuary being at war with the Lizard People or some other foe, it would seem that this would be a high priority.

The Stoutheart Clan has stepped up in this, Sanctuary's time of need to lend our experience and expertise to resolve this crisis. We have taken legal means to claim the mines area, and have made preparations to form a mining company and hire a labor pool to begin quickly. Yet we lack adequate funding at this time to start such a venture.

We would hope that the Leaders of Sanctuary would act quickly in this regard, and that some emergency funds might be allotted to allow us to quickly begin this difficult process of starting operations necessary to replenish the ore supply. Or, the knowledge that these startup costs will be compensated by the Council in good faith.

Stoutheart Clan Council of Elders Thane Rollo Stoneshield

Councilors,

I am most disappointed to receive no response to my query.

Does the Council feel secure without the industries provided by the Grunstuhbles? Is there a stockpile of ore or metals that makes this a low priority?

Do the Mikkelson's have adequate supply for their operations? Is this small family able to meet the needs of Sanctuary? I would think that the fact that they have been unable to even craft a gate for Lower is an alarming sign.

We, the Stoutheart Clan thought to step up and fullfill an important role created by the treacherous abandonment by the Duergar. If there is no need to replace what they provided, we'd appreciate being informed so that we can rest easy that Sanctuary is not indeed in a crisis state as Councilor Fryar informed me.

We eagerly look forward to your prompt response on this matter.

Stoutheart Clan Council of Elders Thane Rollo Stoneshield