*A Letter, or Book, addressed to The League Chairman of the Gold, Argus*

[WriterX]

*A collection of parchments, all tied up and bound, almost like a lengthy book. It almost looks like the work of a delusional madman, if not for the fine calligraphy. Sitting atop this mass of papers is a bundle of carefully corked coffee bottles*

To League Chairman of the Gold,

Good Argus, my thoughts have been slowly boiling in my head, and perhaps that is what has caused so much frustration in my heart as a Scribe. The inability to bring change to Ephia's Well, as we stood still for so long. But, after listening to people, discussing much with them, these thoughts gripped my quill and I wrote for countless hours, till my hand was too tired to continue. These thoughts, all gathered, are a collection of proposed Licenses, Laws, matters of Policy and ideas that I hope will improve the state of our Home, the Sultanate and the people living within it.

Study these extensive words, ideas, share them with the Legate, discuss them with your advisors and followers. While some of them may simply be commentary on certain recent events, others are a glance into what I believe may be our future. If given the chance I would share words with you, given the chance, but for now accept the coffee I include with this tome. I tried to title each section, as accurately as I could, while not setting anything too firmly in stone just yet.

Live and Drink,

Marcellus Saenus,
Scribe-Scholar of Ephia's Well


Pet Licence

The purpose of this new Licence is to, initially, allow non predatory creatures, that are deemed tamed, to be brought and held within the Walls of Ephia's Well by private individuals. This law does not apply to pack, drought or riding animals that have to be kept in appropriate stables or areas.

In the future we may issue these licences for other creatures and animals, but for now we should restrict it to non-predator species, with the following exceptions: dogs, cats, as long as they are not wild.

Alternatively, if an individual is considered a Trainer of such animals we could also issue a parallel licence for individuals who professionally handle animals or beasts, as the death of such animals and thus being forced to constantly replace them, could incur significant costs upon such an individual.

Gladiatorial Licence

This is still a project in its infancy, but we might have to consider the possibility that in the future the need for Gladiatorial Licences, or their equivalent might be necessary. We have an arena that is not often used, and while for the time being it is used for important events it could see more frequent or regular events.

While we may have a hard time contending with the Grand Arena of Kha'esh it might also be the case that local warriors will wish to become specialised entertainers of this sort.

As such, if we see a shift in that direction we may have to prepare a foundation for Gladiatorial Groups, Schools or individuals becoming such.

The purpose of the licence is for these individuals to take part in arena fights within the Well, or Showcasing Fights in other more public areas (such as, private events). Right now there is no surge or interest in such, as far as I could tell, but we should prepare for the future when such might become the case.

Duelling Law

For your consideration, a Law that allows individuals who cannot resolve their differences, to duel one another to find a solution. This would apply to issues between individuals and not organisations.

Furthermore the first step would have to be for these individuals to try and resolve the issue with a magistrate's aid. We assume here that while two people might wish to kill each other, bogus claims or unreasonable expectations could be restrained by a magistrate. Furthermore if only one of the persons seeks a duel then it cannot occur.

If the magistrate sees that the issue cannot be resolved in an amicable manner the duel may proceed. However the details of how the duel will occur have to be refined.

It should not, however, be a tool to be used by blood hungry individuals, and in the event of obvious crimes these should be handled by Janissaries, and not resolved through a Duel.

Accountability Before the Law Clause

It ought to be that a man, or woman is not accused of a crime without said accusation being justified. While normally in the Court of Law, or the higher-ups of a given organisation, could reprimand an individual for failing to be thorough, it should also lie within the ability of the Magistrates or Legate to penalise an individual or group for especially malicious behaviour, that is draining on the resources and time of the Courts or the Pyramid.

It is also meant to hinder certain individuals from unlawfully accusing a person on a hunch, or on feeble claims.It would lie in the responsibility of a Magistrate or Legate to review such incidents, and to apply appropriate sanctions on the individual or organisation if they are found lacking in being thorough.

Revision of Point 7 of the Code of Law

Put plainly, the current Point 7 of our Code of Law, regarding Persistent Criminal Behavior, leads to the idea that an individual who is arrested four times for minor or serious offences, but not even found guilty, would face a capital punishment. This is of course a foolish Point that has to be revised.

Instead of simply being arrested a number of times the individual should be found guilty of the crimes he is arrested for or accused of those four times. Such an amendment of the Law would bring peace to people, especially those who might be wrongfully accused of crimes they did not commit, or who are otherwise being lead toward Capital Punishment by malicious actors.

Revision of the Archaeology, Alchemy and Divination Licences

The Astronomers of Q'tolip wish to of course be in charge of issuing these licences. While I personally do not object, I find what may follow will cause much chaos.

In General: The Astronomers would have to handle numerous aspects of these Licences that I do not believe they are capable of doing:

Firstly, the issue of Licences, on what grounds will they control who may and may not receive a licence?

Secondly, registry, will they maintain a proper record of issued licences? Who will maintain this record?

Thirdly, matter of cost and fees, if the coin for the issue of these licences will be handed over to the Pyramid, how can we ensure that it will be handled correctly? How will the prices for these be decided? Will the Astronomers themselves have to carry such licences or is this simply an elaborate method of avoiding licence fees, while also throttling others from receiving their licences?

Fourth, enforcement, who will handle the enforcement of the licences? Will the Janissaries be expected to verify whether individuals have their licences, or will the Astronomers take over that responsibility?

Fifth, matters of archaeology, to this date the Astronomers claim, or rather the people who follow Zenithar Oro, that all archaeological finds should belong to the Astronomers. Their justification that it is used as a fuel to power the Shade, something they did not verify, or offer proof of publically. Furthermore, those who have such licences already would, apparently, be restricted from performing Archaeology, making all previous licences null, based on this logic. This would cause a lot of chaos and discontent among the people, not only archaeologists but perhaps also Alchemists and Diviners. Nowhere in the Sultanate is there an organisation akin to the Astronomers who would so readily wish to strip the people from the freedom to perform their profession, and with no adequate justification. While the maintenance of the Shade is of utmost importance, and I agree that any significant finds that could aid in the protection of the Well should be shared with the Astronomers, I have performed enough Archaeological research to not give the Eagle's Mount every scrap of historical record or finding, simply because, in a most childish manner, they seem to say, We want it, you can't have it.

Until all of these matters are answered by the Astronomers of Q'tolip we should hold back on any vote, because simply giving them powers to do anything they wished with the licences will most likely sow discontent, especially among Archaeologists who would suddenly find themselves trapped and unable to perform their study, based on an unjustified claim.

In Reference to Astronomer Testing for Djinn or Wyrm Influence

According to recent events it seems that the Astronomers lack the extensive knowledge to correctly or with certainty identify whether an individual has engaged in brooking or not. The woman Marlene has been tested by the Astronomers, but even after their testing proved that there was no taint they continue with the rhetoric that she is tainted.

The Astronomers suggested before that their method of identification is certain, but now it appears to be flawed. We should hold back from using these methods to invoke guilt or innocence without at least some ground or solid proof that would lead to the testing being necessary. Just like the Janissaries need substantial evidence before they can bring somebody before a Magistrate so too the Astronomers should be expected to do the same. Lest we wish for people who operate solely on theories and hearsay, to bring unwarranted stress and offence upon individuals who are otherwise innocent.

There also appears to be a clear lack of testing of the Astronomers themselves.

Against Vigilante Justice

Most recently the Astronomers of Q'tolip seemed to take a lot of matters into their own hands. This includes the killing of a Nadiri who was said to be a cultist of a Wyrm, as well as turning a person to stone and casting them off of the Mount.

The Astronomers are not the Janissaries, and while in the second case we can excuse the killing as a form of self-defence, in the first case they were clearly above the Law.

Nobody is above the Law. The Astronomers must be reminded that if they suspect individuals of being traitors to the Well that this should be handled by the appropriate channels. The Astronomers are not Law Enforcers, and unless they are acting in self defence they also have no authority to kill an individual, unless otherwise justified.

In this case considering that they exploded the supposed Wyrm Cultist and their claim cannot be verified it all seems far too suspicious to be allowed to continue. If all suspected individuals, handled by the Astronomers Evaporate or leave behind no trace, their words and claims will be feeble.

This should, however, also apply to other individuals, not just the Astronomers, especially if these actions would occur within the walls of the Well.

An Offering to the Sultan

As we are one of the few remaining holdouts of our Sultanate I would urge the Legates to consider an appropriate gift to be sent to our Sultan, Osman the Sixth. After all, did he not arrive in a timely manner to protect us both from the Wyrm and the Storm?

We should either consider a gift of dinari, or an appropriate creation that could be sent to him, of, more or less, equivalent value. The exact sum may be difficult to calculate, especially since our budget may be in a bit of a disarray from the period of time when no Legate was present, but we should still consider it, especially if the budget is not affected by it. 

Compulsory Education, and Apprenticeship

With the influx of refugees we should enforce the need for educating the youth, so that they do not turn to banditry or worse. The education of such young people would have to include a core knowledge of History, Geography, Mathematics as well as Reading and Writing, all in accordance with the Sultanate's view.

Furthermore there ought to be compulsory religious teachings, so that the young are ready to embrace one of the eight Spokes of the Wheel.

A further suggestion, upon completing their core education they should be offered the possibility of tutelage or apprenticeship among the members of the Accord, Traders and Merchants of the Well, or the Government of the Well, so that they may become hard-working citizens of our Sultanate once they become full adults, and perhaps pursue one of these professions.

Otherwise the poor and uneducated voiceless will loiter outside of our Walls, living in squallor, instead of truly becoming proud members of the Sultanate.

Recruitment Effort for the Scribes and Janissaries

Currently we are facing a shortage of both Scribes and Janissary recruits. We ought to look for ways to change this, because if we run out of people to attend to these two layers of our government I foresee problems.

Opening of the Souk for Foreign Trade - Securing of Trade Routes

While this may be no surprise, one of the greatest sources of wealth is trade. However, before we open our markets to foreign traders we should make sure that the influx of new goods does not harm our own merchants and craftsmen. At the same time, trying to aid our merchants in exporting their goods would be a boon for the wealth of our own people.

I suggest a review of what our Well can produce reliably and sell, while imposing tariffs on any goods that might harm the Souk.

That said, we should also try and secure trade routes for our and foreign merchants, something that may prove difficult due to the Ash Storms. However, as the Astronomers of Il-Modo are capable of identifying the coming and going of the Storms perhaps here too Q'tolip's students might prove instrumental in aiding our merchanting efforts. A service they ought to be recompensed for naturally.

However, we should also incentivize the eradication of bandit camps, as well as beast lairs, along these major trade routes, either through Janissaries, or Writs.

Engineering Works

A short list of Engineering or Mechanist works that would bolster our defences and trade, funded by the state:

Firstly, expansion of the Legion armoury. We ought to put forth a request for a certain amount of ammunition as well as weapons of war, both for the defence of the Well and any future attacks against our enemies. While these machines may be complex to operate we can at least begin early work and manufacture and train Janissaries to operate them. Weapons such as: Catapults and Ballistas.

Catapults may prove to be the easiest to supply ammunition to, due to an abundance of rock in our surrounding area.

Secondly, we should consider the building of a Sky Dock at Eagle's Mount. A platform to which Air Ships would be able to dock to with greater reliability and safety. The details of this would have to be discussed, but it would be a boon for our small city, as it would welcome more distant traders and guests.

Stricter Recruitment Practises for Scribes

We ought to make the selection of future scribes a little more challenging. Currently anybody is capable of joining their ranks, which may of course lead to excessive corruption, slothfulness and other problems. As there is no active roster of Scribes, similar to what the Astronomers and the Janissaries use, we have no way of even telling who is or is not a Scribe, and at time people might join the Scribes solely to obtain the necessary licences, only to then retire.

This is, put simply, unacceptable. While becoming a Scribe already scares off most people we would at least wish to filter out any individuals who might prove destructive to the running of the Pyramid, or who choose to do so for their own brief gain, avoiding the payment of dues to the Sultanate in what could be plainly called Theft.

The War on the Melek

For the ill the Melek have caused us during the storm we should gather the resources and manpower to strike back at them. As I may quote one of Urazzir's tenants:

Do not allow a wrong to stand unanswered. Proclaim for justice, rally the people, stone the sinners.

How to strike back at them however, we will have to find a way. And while they are mindless, vile beasts, the thought of allowing them to fester beneath the Ash and Sands, preparing to strike at us again, sickens me. Blood for Blood, and just as they have scarred our city so too we shall bring down and shatter their idols and homes.

We may never truly succeed in accomplishing this, but we should also not stand idly by.

[BrassPheasant]

Scribe Marcellus,

I sympathize with your frustration; you are a man of Faith to the Wise, and it is in your nature to see matters and wish to improve them.

I thank you for the collected thoughts; I will make a brief reply to them, and consider them closely as I speak to others in the League.



Pet Licence

I see nothing objectable to this proposal. I have seen a hunter's trained hound slain in the Souk for being loose, a tragedy for the man. If extended to include those that tame, and sell such animals I believe the Gold League could be convinced to support such a proposal.

Gladiatorial Licence

A license proving that one is willing, capable, and aware of the risks and requirements of the arena is a good idea. It will also help raise funds, especially if such bloodsport begins to draw foreign gladiators who also need to purchase their license while here.

In furthering this matter, I would suggest speaking to the Arena Master, Gamesmaster Aspirant Zaniah, and the ranking Agaslakkan that arrived to watch the Three Princesses' Gladiatorial Games. His support will likely make or break any such endeavor.


Duelling Law

Perhaps it is due to the physical disparity between myself and most other races, or just my nature as a B'aarat, but I do not see how dueling can resolve any issue, except to kill the weaker. How does combat settle a matter of who is right or wrong? And if it is nonlethal, it will only lead to resentments.

Accountability Before the Law Clause

This will be a difficult matter to address. Some things, such as the recent trial I oversaw of Capital Treason over a simple limmerick about the Sultan, are clearly untenable. But once you add a means of retribution, will crimes that were committed that are less well argued going to bring about punative fines?

I suggest that Magistrates Blacke and Galayn be consulted on this, and the next matter if it is to be advanced.

Revision of Point 7 of the Code of Law

There are two arguements to make on this. First, if it is changed to four convictions, it will be much cleaner and clear cut to be able to bring a capital charge against.

However, I believe due to the vague wording, it is intended to be used to exile persistant troublemakers, or those that manage to escape justice. While I disagree with the idea of it, that is the way it is currently written and change may end up opposed to keep that tool. I suggest consulting the Magistrates over this.

Revision of the Archaeology, Alchemy and Divination Licences

My first and foremost personal belief is that the Scribes should maintain all the licenses. They are not experts on the details of the work the license allows, nor should they be. They are paid, they issue the license. Further enforcement should fall to the Janissaries or other authority as determined.

My fear is if it falls to the Astronomers, they will begin to put further restrictions on who may get the license. And as the cost needs to be returned to the Pyramid, why add another step and not simply have the Scribes do so.

I am unaware of the records the Scribes currently keep, and will not comment on such.

Enforcement is another issue that has been left vague, and may be best brought up to fully resolve on who has the right to enforce and check licenses for each type.


Against Vigilante Justice

I fully believe all potential crimes should be fully investigated and brought to the Courts if they violate the laws. None of the Accords or Voiced should be above the laws.

An Offering to the Sultan

I concur that a show of appreciation is suitable; more importantly, we wish them to return if we need them again, and so should make it worth their time to have come in the first place.

Compulsory Education, and Apprenticeship

This would create more work for the Scribes, as I believe they would be the ones sent to educate. They are the governments most learned servants and my first thought when I think of who should be assigned.

The Religious organization of Ephia's Wheel should be consulted, and the possibility of their sermons being mandated for all unworking that are capable of attending is not unreasonable.

Apprenticeships..I agree would be offered out. The question will be how to make it available, without it simply being the Accords arguing over available refugees in the allotment every month to add to their own manpower.

Recruitment Effort for the Scribes and Janissaries

The Janissaries should make the arguement and secure extra funding at the Assembly for recruitment. As for the Scribes, I suggest a few fundraisers be arranged. I can speak to others in the League on if they would sponsor such events.

Opening of the Souk for Foreign Trade - Securing of Trade Routes

I, and the Gold League fully agree with furthering trade with our neighbors. The matters to decide will be where we wish the government to negotiate, and where we wish for independant merchants and guilds to do so.

Engineering Works

The Guild of Alchemists boasts several engineers, and a contract with the Legion. Such weapons will be made available to the 4th to purchase at reasonable rates.

As for a sky dock, I agree it should be made, but given the location, I believe the Astronomers will take over such a project themselves.

Stricter Recruitment Practises for Scribes

This, I believe, should be an internal matter for the Scribes and Legate to determine.

The War on the Melek

Bounties, or other methods to convince those capable to raid the Melek are a welcome idea, but the funding to encourage it will need to be found, unless you have a better idea on how to rally against the Melek threat?



I thank you again for your collection of thoughts, and look forward to discussing them in person, or by correspondence.

Your Voice Among The Gold,
Argus

[WriterX]

To League Chairman of the Gold,

Good Argus, I thank you for your timely response. I will have to consult these matters with the persons you mentioned, so at this time, if you would find the strength, I'd wish to begin elaborating on one of the points, that may help in your presentation to the rest of the League.

This does not include the sum that these licenses would cost, though I imagine it would not be a very high sum. Perhaps 100 dinari for a Pet Licence and around 300 dinari or less for a trainer's licence. This is of course up for discussion.

In Regards to Pet Licensing:

There is one particular problem I see with the licensing of this. Namely, how to treat Familiars. As you might recall the entire incident, or set of circumstances, between Bestworth, his monkey and the government, where he wished to grant the monkey a voice, basing it on the claim that it was just as intelligent as any other person. While this may have been a unique case there might be other beasts or creatures that wizards or sorcerers might bring to the Well that will not fit nicely into the classification of a Pet or Animal.

But, aside from that one distinction could be made between Trainers/Tamers of such animals and indeed Wizards or owners of what are more common pets. An owner of a pet or a familiar owns a singular, specific pet. Meanwhile a Tamer or Trainer of beasts might own multiple, or indeed seek out new ones whenever their old beast or animal is sold or dies.

Another matter is that some Wizards or Trainers might be a little exotic, and instead of having what we would understand as being Pets they might try to smuggle in goats or camels, claiming they are their beasts, while such animals are usually animals intended for grazing, caravan work or similar such things, and should not be brought into the Well proper.

Similarly we may have to restrict the size of the animals, otherwise people will try to bring in tamed Grognaks, something I do not think anybody would wish.

As such the details of the Pet Licence would be as follows:

-An individual animal that is not considered a dangerous predator (with the exception of non-poisonous predators, no taller than where an Ashfolk's belt would rest) and that is proven to be tamed and under the control of its owner, may have upon its owner bestowed a Pet Licence.

-The Licence would allow for the Pet to be brought into the Well proper and remain by its owners side without consequence.

-The Pet will be issued a stamped collar with its name, the name of the owner and an imprint of the Sultanate present upon it. This will be a method of quickly identifying whether an animal, or pet is indeed licenced, but a further paper licence will have to be produced for inspection by the Janissaries or the Scribes of the Well.

-The owner of the pet is however responsible for their behaviour, and thus any damage or disorder caused by their pet, will lead to the owner of said pet being charged for the crimes that the pet has committed.
This Law does not apply to Livestock.

-Any Animals or Beasts that are considered the size of a human or taller, cannot have  the Pet Licence issued upon them as they are too large to be brought into the City and ought to be kept outside of the Well's walls, or in specific safe areas.

-A single person may have only a single pet licence issued at a time. If the old pet dies or is sold to another owner the Scribe Records have to be amended.

As to the Licence for Trainers/Tamers:

-The Holder of a Trainer's Licence empowers him to bring his beast or animal with him into the Well.

-Considering the rate at which such animals might have to be replaced, this Licence would be more expensive than the Pet Licence, but will apply to all future animals the Trainers wish to bring in.

-However, the Trainer can only bring with him beasts and animals that are of a medium size or smaller, and otherwise is equally responsible for the behaviour and actions of said animal or beast as a Pet Owner is.
If there is ever any doubt in the Trainer's ability to tame or control his beasts the Licence will be revoked, and a fine may be issued if their behaviour was especially reckless.

-Furthermore, an animal or beast belonging to the Trainer must wear an appropriate collar, or harness that will allow for the owner of the beast to be quickly identified.

Please, share your thoughts, when you can, or consult it with your fellow League Members.

Live and Drink,

Marcellus Saenus
Scribe-Scholar of Ephia's Well