Greetings Councillors,

There has been a distinct rise in the trend towards vigilantiism here in the Sanctuary over the last few weeks. A great portion of the Watch's case files are now being closed not by arrest and trial, but by bloodshed at the hands of unofficial bounty hunters. The Lower Non-Involvement Act does nothing to aid in this, as it only further hampers the Watch's ability to pursue criminals that flee into the Lower District.

There is, however, a bigger issue. I will direct your attention to the fact that not even a SINGLE suspected criminal engaged by a bounty hunter in the last few months has survived the encounter to be brought in for an official trial and to be subjected to the process of our intended justice system.

I will direct your attention to the fact that after last dark's bombing at the Tempan Shrine, no warrant was filed, almost no statements were taken, and a band of uppersmen trekked into the Lower, slaying the suspects with not even a witness of the events present or armed with anything more than a basic description of the suspects. These men were allowed by Lieutentant Sunellar to keep the gold and posessions taken from the suspects as a "bounty," even though no official bounty had been offered.

I shall not state that I do not believe that many of the men who have been brought low by the actions of these bounty hunters were not guilty of capital crimes, nor that many of them would not have been executed for these crimes. I will state, however, that such punishments should not be in the hands of common citizens, armed with only anger and zeal, or the desire for profit.

I still believe in Justice, and it is supposed to be delivered by the Council, after considering evidence and weighing the crimes commited, and putting forth a just and proper sentence. It is not to be delivered at the end of a blade in the middle of Lower Streetways amidst bloody chaos of battle.

I am certain there is no simple solution to this problem, but I urge the Council to consider repealing the Lower Non-Involvement act, and to pursue legislation to limit the Watch's ability to post public bounties, because it has been shown that these bounties are little more than Assassination marks. We as a city and as a people are better than that.

I thank you for considering my words, ~Agent Arianna G Westerling~

You should spend more time tending to the corruption and depravity of your own Agents and less whining about the worthy and bold actions of Sanctuary's Heroes. This vigilantism as you put it, is nothing new.

Lower Sanctuary is not part of Sanctuary. If criminals from Lower Sanctuary commit crimes on our soil, Lieutenant Sunellar is entirely justified in having adventurers seek retribution. I've seen no indication of Watch corruption, or a single case where an unofficial bounty has been placed without good cause. Perhaps your Order of assassins and snakes should consider stopping your practice of placing bounties on and assassinating innocent men before you advise us so arrogantly. Your incredible hypocrisy has been noted.

Finally, I may not speak on behalf of the entire Council, but I suspect many share my sentiments. Your opinions on law enforcement are irrelevant. You have proven, time and time again, that your only concern is the Machine and your Order's advancement. Your opinions reek of manipulation and empty rhetoric. Go and do your job and stop advising us on how to do ours, Agent.

Give Phandiates my regards, Sparklegem

Agent Westerling,

These criminals were Garagosians, not clever or idealistic terrorists or misguided, unfortunate citizens. They killed as they pleased, declaring their faith and never hiding their presence. In such open-and-shut cases, the guilty party doesn't need to be provided more time to boast of their wrongdoings, or given the chance to commit more crimes!

The Spellguard I remember was appreciative of such expediency; even under Sanctuary's government, we had a working relationship with the Hoaran Temple and contracted bounty hunters. I was hoping, judging from the Commander's visit, that such might still be the case.

Varlam Nikitovich

Your points are valid, Agent. However I am very pleased with the results of these bounties and see no reason to discontinue a program that has netted nothing but success in ending threats to this city. I look forward though to the Spellguard successfully capturing some of these wanted criminals so that I may have the satisfaction of seeing them killed before my eyes. Good hunting, Agent.

AZZAM