You interview him and collate his findings. Present them here for review.

Sir Townsend.

@Hangman

Sir,

Thank you for your congratulations, I shall pin that part of this letter to my wall. My mother would have been proud, were she alive.

Regarding the more pressing part of your letter, I feel I cannot respond to the accusations about my character without insulting my betters. This is an action I will not stoop to, preferring instead to let my actions speak for me. I would hope that uncovering a traitor and spy would give me some credit within this fine establishment.

I would also like to mention that I have not used this to better my own position externally, instead allowing full credit for this to fall upon ourselves as an organisation. This is even more important in the face of commentary from the Skulls post-trial; any evidence that we are an effective policing organisation should be quietly gathered to rebuff their likely complaint to the Regent should they prove themselves loyal in the war. I reference my file on Adrian Iverlesk, quote:

Skull Dall, in fact, said that he would quote ”crush the crown guard and instil real law when the war ends” end quote. It would be remiss of me not to mention this to you.

Unquote.

I will continue to act in the best interest of this organisation, the people, and the law in the face of slanderous accusations from all quarters. As is my duty since donning the colours. I hope this response will not negatively influence your, or the Crown Guard’s, thought on me.

Regarding the second point, my association with young Fin. This is merely a business arrangement. He is a street urchin and petty criminal (minor thefts, occasional threatening behaviour, nothing of serious import).

I have been known to pay him (out of my own wages) for information regarding more important happenings in the less salubrious parts of this city. Furthermore I have looked the other way when hearing of some petty crimes which he may be implicated in, in order to retain trust and keep my source alive. I am actively using this clemency to ensure he does not stray too far from the straight and narrow.

It is through this business arrangement that I learnt about a plot to do harm or even assassinate Lady Rosa. Because this plot involved my betters, I did nothing more than to inform her loyal companions (again, via Finwick) who have given me their word they will ensure Lady Rosa remains unhurt.

There are other, less important, crimes which Fin has informed me of (robberies of commoners, theft from stores, etc) which I have dealt with in accordance with my role and not seen fit to brag about internally.

It is for this reason that I would implore you to allow Fin to continue his wretched life on the streets as an asset for the Crown Guard fostered by myself. If he is to be brought in, I would ask that it be into a less confrontational setting than the cells. I will happily ask him to present himself to Master Rauf or any other member of the Crown Guard of your choosing. As you mention, this should be handled independently of my involvement and so I will offer to take an unpaid leave of absence whilst Fin is questioned.

I look forward to your orders.

Asher

@Hangman

With copy sent to Count Immerdusk

Sir Everduke, Count Immerdusk,

You may have heard the outcome of the trial; a compelling victory for the Crown Guard, having rooted out this traitor.

It was pleasing to see my investigations into the matter yield an accurate result. This is a boon for the Crown Guard and law itself.

However, what was not pleasing was the display after the result was handed down. Ser Iverlesk acted in a manner most unbecoming of his house; threatening my person multiple times (along with Skull Dall), levelling false and disturbing accusations at me to attempt to change the outcome or delay the punishment taking place.

Skull Dall, in fact, said that he would quote ”crush the crown guard and instil real law when the war ends” end quote. It would be remiss of me not to mention this to you.

I am aware of their positions as Noblemen but their conduct was an outrage and a disgrace; there are multiple witnesses in the crowd and the militia and guards present keeping order at the trial.

I think them, their houses, and their organisations should be made to answer for their actions. Though I understand this needs to be handled more carefully and discreetly than investigations into commoners. Perhaps, therefore, a letter from one of your fine selves could find its way to their eyes?

Regards
Asher Swiftfoot

As he is not a noble you can do as you wish and search him for any reason.

Keep in mind, that the political fallout will be on your head.

Sincerely,

Clerk Boris

@ARampantBull

File closed

I’ve received some solid intelligence that youths in the historic are behind the recent letters. I suggest a firm whipping or back-hand if such skullduggery is encountered in person otherwise; this is an issue for the parents of said youths, not the Crown Guard. As such, suggest further letters are ignored and disregarded as nonsense.

Ash
Crown Guard

Since Ash has bowed out, Rauf gets the fun duty of actually doing all the paperwork.

Rallyhorn

@petridish

Dearest Rauf,

Your suggestion is a fantastic one which I’ve no doubt you’ll carry out with all the vigour and heart I’ve seen you display whilst serving alongside you as a proud member of the Crown Guard.

I would have a further suggestion which I would like to bounce off you before feeding higher up the chain - with so many of our finest (within and without the Guard) being drawn into preparation for the war, I would like to make it my personal job to protect the peace within the walls of Arabel. After all, if we let our home go to ruin, why bother fighting the war to begin with?

In practice, this would mean our focus would be split, with you running war prep on our behalf and me continuing to ensure the populous do not take this as an opportunity to cause mischief.

Would love your thoughts.

Ash

Update

Arden Vas is dead.

-Rauf Marten

@hangman
@SpiffyMeister

Letter sent with copy to Count Immerdusk and Guardsman Halvric. Further copy to be left on Rauf’s desk

Dear Sirs,

It would appear my diplomatic efforts are being rewarded and this matter will be closed shortly.

It has been agreed that Lady Rosa will assume control of the registration until such time as her efforts are decided to be ineffective.

Importantly, this will also bring Alain and his band of fools into line.

You might think me, as a commoner, a useless little upstart, but I hope you can also see that this wouldn’t have come to a conclusion without my personal efforts. There would have undoubtedly been bloodshed and the Crown Guard would have appeared weaker with trust in the institution being damaged severely.

I am unfortunately away at the moment but Crownguard Rauf @PetriDish can be trusted to bring the matter to a close.

Ash
Crown Guard

@petridish
@SirWill360

I’d remind you the hiatus on bringing these fools in remains in place for at least 12 hours.

Let’s not do anything silly.

Ash.