*a neatly folded letter*

Dakul Ironbeard,

Greetings, my name is Jaliah McNarg and I believe we have met only once or twice briefly when I browsed through your excellent selection of merchandise that you sell. Just recently, I have met one of your Stouthearts named G'dank Earthhammer and he has told me that he has made an awful mistake and, as a punishment, has been exiled temporarily from Upper for it. After he told me his story, I felt that he does truly regret his actions. The victim was a thief and perhaps did deserve the proper justice, unfortunately, the thief's life was taken unintentionally.

I do understand that G'dank is being punished for his crime, but I would ask of you, Dakul, to at least allow him to visit the mausoleum in order to pay his respects to the fallen thief and perhaps this will allow him to grow stronger and forgive himself; thus, hopefully prevent the breaking away on the inside as guilt will truly do to a person. If you feel that his punishment is just, then I fully and respectfully understand your decision. If his story is untrue, then please inform me of this.

A await your response.

*gracefully signed* Jaliah McNarg Paladin of Tyr and Greycloak

*copied to G'dank along with McNarg's original letter*

Ms. McNarg,

G'dank is certainly a devout and well meaning dwarf. If it were me in his shoes I'd have at least cut that thief's hand off and fed it to some cave prowlers. He's done no wrong in my eyes.

In fact, it's a wonder to me that one engaged in thievery might have recourse against *a victim* who they are hurt by in the course of that victim's defense of his property. This is especially disconcerting when the harm is not purposeful, but merely accidental as the case clearly is here. It seems only fair that a wrongdoer assumes all risk of harm to himself in the eyes of the law; anything else is unjust.

I believe that you have some misconceptions that I might be able to clear up, and then we can move forward and work to get his good name and conscience cleared as soon as possible. G'dank is a Sonnilith of the clan, and is not a full member just yet. So, although we could hold him accountable under clan law, I would certainly not find him guilty of any wrong doing. Also, it's not within my power to make exceptions to rulings of the Sanctuary Council. Currently, Council jurisdiction is claimed over all within Sanctuary proper, and official citizens outside the walls. If the thief was not an official citizen, then there would certainly be a jurisdictional grounds for exception. I don't believe it'll be that simple, though please inquire.

Most likely, we must take it up with the Council and make an appeal based on equity. I hope that I have your promise of assistance in this. Wyric Crowshire is the person we should contact. Not only is he one of the most long standing members of the council, and one that I support for his even handedness in most matters, but he's also an adjudicator in this particular case.

Dakul Ironbeard Elder, Clan Stoutheart