The following Stewardal Decree has its original copy signed and sealed for notice in the townhall, with secretaries and clerks assigned with writing copies to deliver to interested parties. A few town criers seem to parrot the words to groups that gather around, so that the word may spread.

ON GOLDLEAF 4 OF 1641,

The Lady Steward hereby proclaims the following to the denizens of the Spire,

On the Investigation of Recent Bounties Issued

I. Following concerns raised regarding the Red Mark being signed by only one authority, the matter was promptly corrected. 

II. As Tribune Monty came forward, it was made clear that the grounds upon which the bounties stood warranted greater scrutiny. The Seneschalty thus reaffirmed the importance of utilizing the Tribunals, ensuring that all voices are heard before such measures are sanctioned. This concern was addressed in the Falltide Decree and may be referenced therein.

III. An anonymous letter was delivered to the Lady Steward and formally transcribed for transparency:

Attached alongside this letter was a bounty notice for a man named Hozlow, issued by the Lockwood Guild for a sum of 50 crowns. Upon receipt of this correspondence, the government initiated an investigation, arranging a meeting with Cillian Lockwood for questioning.

IV. On the day of the scheduled meeting, Cillian Lockwood went missing. Rumors quickly circulated that he had been found dead, and that a body had subsequently gone missing from the morgue. Before the Lady Steward could be made aware, all active Lockwood bounties were voided.

V. Due to suspicions of foul play—possibly to erase evidence before questioning could occur—the bounties were reinstated pending further inquiry.

VI. Approximately thirty minutes before Mr. Lockwood was to meet with the Constable and the Lady Steward, a letter was delivered to the Seneschalty:

The validity of this letter remains unconfirmed, but its timing aligns with the scheduled meeting, the circulating rumors, and Mr. Lockwood’s abrupt “vacation”—all of which have raised concern.

It is confirmed, however, through testimony from a Townhall secretary, that Mr. Lockwood personally delivered the letter, thereby disproving the reports of his death and indicating the rumors were intentionally falsified. Nonetheless, his hasty departure—particularly in avoiding direct discussion with the authorities—suggests the possibility of coercion or blackmail. Reports that a vessel left the harbor that same night lend further weight to this suspicion, as every available lead was suddenly severed.

The inability to pursue the initial anonymous claims—both to verify their truth and to assure the safety of the whistleblower—has left the Seneschalty in a stalemate, unable to proceed further without either overreaching or dismissing accountability outright.

VII. To mitigate further unrest and extend an opportunity for peaceful resolution, the Seneschalty now offers a conditional reprieve to those bearing bounties upon them. In a measure similar to the VPG’s arrangement, any individual who voluntarily turns themselves in shall have their bounty struck from record, and shall be permitted free movement within the Spire so long as no further disturbances occur.

A Tribunal shall then be arranged at the earliest opportunity for each accused, ensuring that all may be heard fairly and without prejudice.

On the Upcoming Festival

While the Seneschalty continues its ongoing investigations and duties, a small reminder is given to all citizens that the Fairgrounds will soon be open once more for the Hallowed Faire. The fairgrounds will host a variety of festivities—games, crafts, merchant stalls, and music—to bring some much-needed reprieve from recent tensions. Citizens are encouraged to attend, support local artisans, and share in good company.

Let it serve as a moment of calm amid the season’s many trials, and a reminder that our community is not built solely on law and labor, but on laughter and fellowship as well. It is organized and made possible in part by several volunteers from the Spire and from the Feyfolk alike, so that all may have a chance to participate in the fun. When you see them at the Faire, do make sure to give thanks. 

Convening of the Full Cabinet

As of Goldleaf 2, the Seneschalty now stands with a fully seated council.

Congratulations are extended to Petrus, Samiylo, Adrian, and Monty on their appointments.

• Petrus shall serve as Magister, overseeing the study and regulation of arcane affairs.
• Samiylo shall serve as Exchequer, managing the treasury and matters of expenditure.
• Adrian shall serve as Chancellor, guiding diplomacy, infrastructure, and public works.
• Monty shall serve as the People’s Tribune, representing the voice of the citizenry and Petitioners’ Forum.

In addition, Ser Gallavan, having expressed his wish to dedicate his time to family and affairs in Rulan, has formally stepped down from his office. His position as Constable has been filled by Drenmir, whose long service and diligence make him well-suited to the task.

In keeping with the Steward’s commitment to open governance, several runner-ups and civic participants have been invited to serve as Understudies to the Councilors. This measure ensures that all who demonstrate passion for the Spire’s future may contribute to the shaping of its policies and institutions.

Current Initiatives

• The Magister is hosting an open assembly to gather insight, interest, and concern regarding magickal studies and anomalies within the Reach.
• The Chancellor is organizing public works projects, with a focus on road expansion and infrastructure connecting the Reach and surrounding settlements.
• The Tribune is drafting a proposal for a lower courts system, to provide accessible and impartial tribunals for civic disputes.
• The Exchequer is preparing a revised expenditure plan, aimed at ensuring fair and transparent allocation of the Spire’s resources.
• The Marshal is developing a framework to professionalize a cavalry corps, as well as investigating reports of Hangua Robes activity in the Reach.
• The Constable is drafting a structural reform for the Fingers of the Gauntlet, defining their duties as peacekeepers and forming a dedicated investigative branch for matters of questioning and inquiry.

Signed,
Seneschalty of the Southern Reach
Council of the Spire