Councilor,

I want my essay, Proper Whipping Techniques, included in your fancy contest. What's the prize for winning?

KM Crone

KM,

Prestige, say, 500 gold, maybe more, and a pick of my old adventuring gear, as well as the title First Writer of the Sanctuary Library. Oh, and a magical quill from the library's treasure chest. Unfortunately for you, Proper Whipping Techniques is unlikely to win in a city full of ex-slaves.

J.C.

Cheval,

Aw, hell. Why the shit would you let people vote on what wins? Why don't you just judge it yourself?

Withdraw my entry, I suppose. It likely ain't worth the effort to even put it to vote. If you want to shed some old gear, perhaps we can work out a trade of services.

KM

RM,

I have the strange feeling supporting a writing on whipping is not in my best interests as a Councillor. Strange, but true. Your article will stay in the library nonetheless, unless requests are made from the citizenry, for the view of those who wish to bask in its [blot of ink] remorseless glory.

J.C.

Cheval,

Include my poem on Koinus Sten in your contest. [a black stain obscures several words] - want my coin delivered in person.

KM

Councilor Whoreslime,

I haven't heard back from you. My poem's going to be in the competition, right?

RIGHT?

KM

RM,

Well it was in the list, although now I am having second thoughts. Maybe I will include it, or maybe I will give into Sten's desires and burn the lot.

Councillor Whoreslime

Councilor Whoreslime,

I have several prominent mercenary contacts who could be swayed into working for you. Depends on the job and the coin, of course. Put together the basics - what we'll face, the pay, etc. - and you may have a crack military force at you're disposal.

Ain't coming to Upper, as humiliating that oaf Sten will likely lose its fun with repetition. We can communicate in letters or by you strolling on down to the Crone.

KM

Councilor W,

Voting for master poet of Sanctuary should be about done. What were the results?

No funny business. - KM -

Duergar Kobold Muzzler,

Results were as follows:

Outlaw Essay, by Reynart Sanas, with 17 votes Private Sten, by KM, with 15 votes, Evert Quinn: Treasure Thief, by Senestia Avarscanti, with 7 votes The autobiographical series of Private Sten, with 4 votes Support Watchman Private Sten, by Anonymous, with 3 votes and Celeste Macasta, by Private Sten, with 1 vote.

As for the mercenary contract, it involves assisting the Watch in maintaining order in the Canal Ward. You will be expected to fight against invaders, beat up criminals, and assist in arrests. If your company wants the contract, you will need to find a human to act as a leader. The Council will be hesitant to approve of any contracts with duergar leaders with the thought of the Duergar Bank and the Tigereyes still fresh in the people's minds.

You will have to come to Upper Sanctuary or the Canal Ward if you want to meet with me, I will not enter Lower Sanctuary or Fort Mur with the recent spate of assassinations. Oh, and then there's the princeling.

J.C.