My private studies attest that I, Councilor Quincy Glover, of sound mind and able body, can conclude the assassin that killed Councilor Leigh Hounsley a member of the group known as the Ravens, traditionally based in Mariza. This assassin attempted to frame another member of the community and fled.

While the Ravens' attack upon the councilwoman are not understood, the group would need to either be paid a handsome sum, or have a direct interest in something out here that they pursue.

Furthermore, given his ledger and past conduct, Councilor Pip was bribed and extorted by the Walljack group known as the Finns, who likely carried out or purchased his death as a result of an inability to pay past debts. The subsequent sacking of the library left a hole in our records regarding archaeology and conjecture of Aedall society.

The Finns’ assertion that they intend to sit upon the council leads to the belief that they either orchestrated or outright committed the attack upon the councilman—their use of dubious coin to extort and pay off others may implicate them as the source of the Ravens’ motive.

The Knights Lictor of the Lampwood, previously in an armistice to pay extorted protection money in exchange for their aggressing other bands and factions, have been broken off from this arrangement due to the arrest (and eventual sentencing & rehabilitation) of three of their members. This has begat the active harassment of one “Sir Garland Penrose” (whose knighthood is unrecognized), that would eventually go on to kidnap a member of the town, Ceria, who, as of writing, has not returned. The Templars Jermaine and Bethany have only given scarce reply to letters asking her return:

Glover,

Our terms were not met, and orders not given for Sir Garland’s direct action—he was given only one order: pillage and avenge the breaking of our agreement. The Prophet-Saint Taliana dreamed of your spire, but her dreams did not hold your face, nor any other.

So they shall not be there when we come.

Knight Templar Bethany Isigarde

The subsequent tourneys and duels of their mad dog Garland have led to gambits and injury for the townsfolk, seemingly as intended.

The Guild of Chartered Adventurers has been less obtrusive, but clearly of similar aims; repurposing and collecting Aedall relics. Their presence seems to be purely of greed remarked as study; stealing things from cultural grounds under the premise of research when truly in pursuit of vanity. The cavaliere attitude seen in each encountered member leads to the belief that they act with the conviction of noble intent. Dangerous.

Contact with one “Master Blackfast” has been sparse. He has not returned letters, but I am told he received them.

Finally, the Valkian envoy and push; Gregort has been present as an envoy, and others have announced a Southward march. It is increasingly apparent that they intend for a power-grab just the same as the others, and may be brought to conflict or alignment with the Finns given mutual interest in territorial control. If the Spire is to remain its own government, and not one under the boot of a lord or lady, it cannot be made tied or dependent on another nation or group. There will be no Circle of Four under Valk rule, and there will be no civilian rights under Valk trade—merely the extensions of nobles and wealth crushing anyone that attempts to get a foot up the stair.

I know it well, from my time in the dungeons there.

There have been calls to align closer with Stonerunners, Walljacks and Valks, or to speak to the Mistan islanders or Korami leadership; they each come with an agenda, and to approach them in need of help with little to offer back means all we can give—all we can lose—is everything.

My proposal and plea to the town is to convene and find what you can of what these groups really seek, and exploit it—or, even better, move it. Take it somewhere that the good people of the Spire will not be affected, and plant your feet as kingdoms come to knock you down. Stand ground and we may at least be recognized.

I do not ask you kneel, nor like me. Since the former two councilors deaths I have had every instinct to flee or step down—but I believe that to acquiesce to that would have shown too much weakness. Too much fear.

It would have left Thurlow to face it alone.

This edition of the notice will be published if I should not return from sentencing; I have asked my assistant Blanche Grainpuck to see this released if so.