Councilors,

Clan Mithrilsoul would like to inform you that our kinsman across the lake of Khazlun Holdfast have interest in beginning trade with Sanctuary. Your sources may have informed you that there is a magical ship that is frequently at our dock, and that it has been seen coming and going several times the last few weeks.

Simply put, the dwarves of the Holdfast will trade well made arms, armor and metal goods in exchange for foodstuffs. There is even the possibility of raw iron ore being shipped if it is in demand.

However, an alarming fact has come to our attention. It seems the Council is attempting to hire duergar mercenaries to replace the Watch in the Canal Ward. We would suggest that instead, you deputize our clan, and we will see if it is possible for warriors of the Holdfast to stand guard here in the ward.

We can assure you that we will not tolerate warriors of a well-known slaver race to have authority in any part of Old Sanctuary. Indeed, we will advise the Holdfast to withdraw their interest in Sanctuary as a trading power, and will actively oppose such an appointment of mercenaries to this region.

It is unlikely that the people will tolerate a repeat of the Tigereye brutalities, and less unlikely that the Council will be revered for paying slavers to beat its citizens, instead of allowing allies to them for no cost whatsoever.

Faenor Breena Watchever Elder of Clan Mithrilsoul Dunedar Hall, Canal Ward

Sgt. von Asch,

It has come to our attention that one or more members of the Council are trying to form a mercenary band comprised of duergar to replace the Watch in the Canal Ward.

We hope you are not a party to this, and that you will expedite the actions that we discussed so amicably.

Clan Mithrilsoul is willing to be deputized, and will request hardy warriors from Khazlun Holdfast to assist or replace the good men and women of the Watch that are already stretched too thin at this time.

I look forward to hearing your progress on this matter.

Sister Breena Watchever Clan Mithrilsoul

Dear Faenor Breena Watchever,

This is the first I have heard of the Council hiring duergar mercenaries from Mur to protect the Canal Ward. I do believe you have been misinformed terribly. Might I suggest that you check your sources next time before jumping to conclusions and deciding blackmail is the solution.

While it is true I have been searching for mercenaries to assist (Not replace) the Watch in the Canal Ward, and so far only duergar have answered me, I have no intention, nor do my fellows, of hiring duergar for this, especially Fort Mur. I am quite insulted that you would think the Council would be so daft.

That said, if your clan wishes to negotiate for a possible contract to assist the Watch in the defence of the Canal, I would be more than happy to meet with you. J.C.

We will never be hiring duergar while I am on this Council.

Councilor Goldbrick

Councilor Cheval,

I am impressed by your timely and honest response. Blackmail is certainly not our way and was not my intent. Instead, I meant only to inform you of our position, which most assuredly would be that of the Holdfast as well.

We will be happy to discuss this arrangement with you and any of the other members of the Council. Sergeant von Asch, and an agent of the Spellguard both were informed of our desire to serve Sanctuary in this capacity.

Faenor Watchever Dunendar Hall

Faenor Watchever,

The Council will not be hiring any duergar mercenaries. If we did, we would certainly not hire them for any sort of work inside our own walls! Even if it were for some sort of external ordeal, we have willing hands and bodies here, so your concerns are unfounded. Worry not, Faenor.

As for utilizing the forces of Dunendar Hall, I do not believe this will be necessary. If your people wish to aid in the defense of the city, we already have two program for such-- the Sanctuary Watch and the Spellguard Agency. This brings a very important point up; the Watch has had some serious problems recently with one dwarf. I have great respect for the dwarven stoicism and sense of unity, but as for the defense of the city you seem quite content staying in the solitude of your halls and manning the gates when needed. We're in this city together, and I think it would be a wonderful public relations affair for your clan to lend its able warriors to the ranks of public defenders in order to restore the good name of your people after the Private Sten disaster.

Of course, the Council will discuss this offer and return with its official word in a few days.

Lastly, I thank you for the information regarding the Holdfast. Now that the Canal Ward is open for trade and travel, I hope that we can seek other such opportunities for the strengthened economy of Sanctuary.

Councilor Dentra

Councilors,

I have received confirmation from the elders of Khazlun Holdfast that they will agree to initiate trade with Sanctaury. Clan Mithrilsoul will locate a merchant to begin this exchange of goods.

This merchant will be purchasing beetle meat from independant suppliers. It seems that this food can be preserved easily, is highly nourishing, and in high demand as a delicacy in the Holdfast.

In return, he will offer various shields and basic weapons for sale. Over time the inventory will likely be increased, as well as providing

I strongly encourage the Council to approve of the sale of beetle meat to the merchant, and further strengthen Sanctuary's ties to the Holdfast as an honorable trading partner in the coming weeks.

Good health to you all,

Sister Breena Watchever Dunendar Hall

Breena,

Private exchanges do not need approval from the Council, however, if it is solely for ceremony's sake, I will put it before my fellows. If you are looking for a merchant company to exchange with the Holdfast, I would suggest the Macasta Mercantile, which has an extensive range of wares to trade with the dwarves, and would likely yield them the most profit.

J.C.

Honored Faenor,

How goes your contract negotiations with the Council?

Sgt Von Asch

Sergeant,

I had reached an agreement with Councilor Cheval, but sadly it seems that he has been murdered and I do not not know if he ever presented this to the Council for ratification. I will write them and see if it is possible.

Faenor Watchever Dunendar Hall

sent to the Town Hall, Council Chambers

Councilors,

I am deeply saddened to hear that Councilor Cheval was murdered, presumably by the Montezzis. This makes two Councilors that have been struck down, and Clan Mithrilsoul wonders what, if anything, will be the official response of Sanctuary proper.

Furthermore, Councilor Cheval and I had negotiated an agreement for Clan Mithrilsoul to provide additional security for the Canal Ward. I wonder if this proposal has been submitted before his unfortunate demise.

Faenor Watchever Elder of Clan Mithrilsoul Dunendar Hall, Canal Ward

Feanor Watchever,

It is clearly stated in the laws of Sanctuary that Councilors are forbidden to enter Lower Sanctuary. Councilor Cheval did so, and payed a dear cost. I still muse at what could have possibly led him to make such a decision, entering into Lower Sanctuary. It seems as if I shall never know.

As for a deal with Cheval, nothing was mentioned about a specific deal. Submit it to the Council with the details arranged and we'll be able to review it.

Lastly, I am sorry for your loss, as Councilor Cheval and your Clan were obviously good friends. The loss of companions is always tragic, a scenario in which I am all too familiar.

Councilor Dentra