To Tax Collector Monom Luritcatten from Captain Unibdostob,

You may have noticed an abrupt change in civilian leadership recently. You may also have noticed the lack of official electoral process in this change. For this I apologize, and, if any ill come of it, I am prepared to take full responsibility, but, until then, hear me out. City Manager and Hoardmaster Thortithonul is beyond corrupt.

Many would think Alath as beyond reproach; creator of Linemebal, dutiful public servant, highly skilled craftsdwarf and clerk, etc. Quite frankly the list goes on for quite a long while. My dealings with him have always been sincere, candid, and pleasant. In short, to the people, Alath is a hero. My men and I have learned unfortunate facts about this one, and thus, his recent deposing.

If you'll recall, last year, Thortithonul, after the "election" that placed him in the mayoral position, was holding frequent meetings with fellow craftsdwarves. I was never invited, nor were any of my men, but peasants later made circumstantial reports to me and the ret of the Guard. They apparently discussed prices, job scarcity, other mundane issues. Obviously their reports were flawed.

Weeks later, a deal was struck, and all of the Nobles were informed. More crafting jobs were made available at first, but it was not for many months that the truth of the matter was revealed. Sergeant Usengoden snuck into the Mayor's office while he slept, and looked over the wage and tax records. Payment for craftsdwarves had increased by fifty percent. In addition to the new jobs offered, Alath had also been making payments to craftsdwarves throughout Usenshorast. These payments were tracked, and, under advanced interrogation, Urdim Edosmeng caved and admitted that the election results had been fabricated by his guild.

It was clear at that point that Alath had been manipulating events throughout our Home in order to place himself in a position of power. We hesitated to act; his fame among the proletariat could have spelled protest or outright revolt if he were to be publicly reprimanded. However, while we hesitated, the craftsdwarf's salary crept ever higher. The misuse of power was appalling. It was clear that Alath had rigged the election so that he and his guild would profit. It may bear repeating that Alath was a stonecrafter, and thus was legislating into his own coffers. We had to act.

Ten of my men cornered Alath in the statue garden, and, under the watchful eye of the statue of formermayor Ducim Berkomurvad, we threatened him with grave injuries if he did not immediately leave office. Though mighty indeed, Alath agreed without argument. I fear that we have only played into his hand, and he will rise to power again.

In the meanwhile, the Guard held a mock election and offered the explanation that Thortithonul had merely stepped down in order to pursue more time at the workshop. Guard Vabokmemad was placed in his position by my personal order, and he will serve until such time that I feel corruption has been expunged from the office.

I apologize for acting so quickly, and without your or the Duchess' approval. I humbly request you not share any of this information with the peasantry or with the military. And, as a personal request, do not discuss this with Alath. I fear he only bides his time.

-Captain Unibdostob