Spellguard Officer Barkley,

I your humble servant, Stygian Achnuman, write to you with a grave concern. I have recently been falsely imprisoned by one of your operatives, beat down, had my money taken from me under the pretense of “collected fines”, and have had items taken from me for no other purpose than personal gain. The operative in question goes by the name of Michael De La Rey.

Operative De La Rey accused me of using magic in Sanctuary when he saw a familiar in my presence. He did not see any casting take place. He had no witness stating the casting took place. He certainly had no admission from me, because it did not take place. The casting took place in a building outside of Sanctuary prior to entering combat with Earth Elementals. Operative De La Rey placed me under arrest and took me to jail where he commenced to treat me in a manner unbecoming an operative of the Spellguard, demanding gold coins to pay his so-called “fine.” He asked me to lay face down, and I am assuming for taking advantage of me sexually, which did not occur. ( I caught him sneaking a peek at my butt cheeks on the way to jail.) I stood my ground against this tyrant, verbally boxing with him, when he became physically abusive because he could not defeat me in the realm of words, as any good spellcaster would have strived for. He used magic-missiles to bring me to the point of death, and then went through my pack, taking whatever he desired. This thief now owes me 180gp, several potions, some spider venom, and I beseech, damages in the amount of 180gp.

The honor of the Spellguard was smeared with his actions. That noble order charged with the protection of the citizenry and the maintenance of magical order. I ask that castigation be considered. We cannot hope to escape to the surface, or live in the underdark under those not willing to protect… This is a duty, not a whimsical right....

I thank you for your time and consideration of my words; I know your wisdom will prevail over injustice,

Your servant,

Stygian Achnuman

A reply is sent.

Stygian Achnuman,

I am looking into this matter. Can you confirm the reports that I'm receiving that you were involved in infernalism and devil summoning in the ruins of Dunwarren?

- Officer Barkely Order of the Spellguard

Officer Barkely,

Sir, I do appreciate you looking into this matter, the actions of your direct reports are obviously a great concern to you, as they should be. I applaud your efforts. I did notice your questioning seemed to lean towards my actions in Dunwarren and not the actual focus of my complaint, which was the deplorable actions of Michael De La Rey in the jail, i.e. Theft, Attempted Murder, Assault, Assault with Magical Means, and a few others if the law books were cracked open...

Would you like me to give any further clarification in regards to his actions?

Your servant,

Stygian Achnuman

cc Commander Simms

A reply is sent.

Stygian Achnuman,

I will address your concerns point by point, if you insist, and explain my line of questioning.

1. Theft: Criminals who refuse to pay fines are not thereby excused from those fines. This appears to be a common misperception lately, and I am curious if you could explain to me why you believe this. As it is clearly stated in the lawbook, public nuissance and sustained illegal spellcasting both are punishable by fines. The gold turned over to Agent de la Rey has already been turned over to the Council. This doesn't constitute "theft" by any stretch of the imagination.

2. Attempted Murder: I am just confused by this charge. It seems to me that, had Agent de la Rey actually intended to kill you, he had ample opportunity to do so on numerous occasions during the events described. There also doesn't really seem to be any reason why he would want to murder you. Since he has no motive, and didn't make an attempt... I don't see any grounds for a charge of attempted murder.

3. Assault and Assault by Magical Means: Criminals who refuse to pay fines may have the gold taken from their person, just as criminals who attempt to flee arrest may be subdued and brought in. Neither are grounds for assault charges. I recommend cooperating with your arresting officer next time.

- Officer Barkely Order of the Spellguard

Officer Barkely,

Honorable Sir, per your request, I will answer your questions in due course, but would like to have the opportunity to address your points, if I may...

1. Theft: The issue of whether fines were due is not at issue. Whether the potions, healing glands, and spider venom taken by Operative De La Rey are. Can the Spellguard provide any provision of the code to show there are crimes punishable by potions or items, particularly when there is gold left in the possession of the violator to pay additional fines? The answer is clear. De Le Rey took that which was not his to take, and which was not authorized by Sanctuary law.

2. Attempted Murder: The completion of the act is not a prerequisite for the crime to be charged. The murder was not completed, in my opinion, because of the monk who showed up and walked by the door of my cell. Is there any murderer who wants a witness? As to motive, he had more than enough. I told him I would report him to his superiors and would not tolerate the abuse of his position. He became very angry after that. Covering up ones crimes and intimidating victims is a common motive for many violations, and Operative De La Rey is no exception. In fact, with some deeper investigation and interviewing of other victims, I think you will find it is actually his modus operandi. I hope that this has cleared up your confusion concerning my logic. My logical position is operative De La Rey was attempting to kill me and was interrupted. His motive was covering up his own corruption, and perhaps the corruption of others….

3. Assault is a charge that is justified. Continuing to beat an inmate who is immobile from damaging magic is unjustified. It is an act of brutality that warrants charges being brought against the arresting officer.

As to your inquiry into whether the original charges are well founded. I can agree there could be an argument for public nuisance, if there were complainants. None was mentioned. I did not engage in an infernal summoning ritual in the Dunwarren ruins. I did summon some type of unknown beast by scroll to assist me in fighting earth elementals within the confines of a building. The beast cold not speak and did not exibit any type of intelligence. The creature did follow me through the streets of Upper Sanctuary, for which I apologize and have paid the fines. I do not consort with infernal powers my lord. If I did, operative De Le Rey would be missing...

It is my sincere hope that you will uphold the honor of the Spellguard. Prove to all of Sanctuary that you stand for law and order, not criminal acts protected by a badge. I assure you with the proper actions, we can keep this out of other public venues such as the Council Chambers. I would also be deeply indebted to you, which may be of benefit on other roads...... Hidden allies can be the staff that keeps one from the fall. A public rebuke of De Le Rey and the return of my assets would mean much..

Your humble servant,

Stygina Achnuman

No cc

A reply is sent.

Stygian Achnuman,

I will speak with Agent de la Rey about whether or not you did in fact possess these items which you allege were taken.

Your remarks about attempted murder are simply absurd, particularly as a cell guard is posted by each cell in the Watch House already. If these cell guards were "in on it", they would not have permitted this 'witness' into the cell block, and if they weren't, then they would have been 'witnesses' themselves. You really have no case there, and your spurious allegations cast doubt upon every other detail of your story.

Subduing a criminal to remove a fine from their pack after they refuse to pay is not assault. Claiming that it is won't change the facts of the matter.

- Officer Barkely Order of the Spellguard

Officer Barkely,

I thank you for looking into the matter further.... Just remember, when prisoners are released they are allowed to walk out on their own...right by the other cells. My story can be easily confirmed by checking the booking sheets at the jail to see if a Monk was released about the same time as my incarceration. In addition, I have heard from another individual in town who had a similar occurrence...This person stated he sent a letter as well. I did not inquire as to whom it was sent to. He also stated he reported members of the watch "were in on it." hmmmm........

You may have a conspiracy within your order my lord. A review of other complaints and letters may bring to light some disturbing trends. Where there is light, there are shadows, and it is human nature to want to ignore some of the bad things that lurk in those shadows. A viper can be swift in striking....

Your humble servant,

Stygian Achnuman

A reply is sent.

Stygian Achnuman,

Or, alternately, we just have disgruntled citizens attempting to slander the Watch and Spellguard. That would hardly be a surprise. You can forward any further correspondence regarding this matter to Operative Delgado, who I am assigning to look into it.

- Officer Barkely Order of the Spellguard