PAXLAIR CITY, FELUCCA - PAXLAIR STATEHOOD - August 4, 2007

A PaxOku Decree was brought to the PaxLair Statehood's Governor's attention as potentially violating PaxLair Statehood Law, specifically the Neutrality Law, or others.  These are as follows:

(Statehood) NEUTRALITY LAW:  PaxLair is a Community of Neutrality. People or groups coming to PaxLair in the spirit of Neutrality will not be attacked, stolen from or banned unless they violate PaxLair's laws, are considered untrustworthy, or have been declared criminals of the Community.

(PaxOku) PAXOKU DECREE BANNING PALADINS: I, Gareth Lightenburg, Mayor of PaxOku, on July 10, 2007, do hereby Decree that For the security of the city of PaxOku and its citizens, all Paladins are to be removed and kept out of PaxOku City until such time as the government of PaxOku can identify the threat to the water supply and secure it in PaxOku city.


The following is a long, but important summary and testimony regarding a Hearing of Law in the PaxLair Statehood. So far, two days of hearings have been held -- July 25 and August 1, 2007.  A third and final hearing is scheduled for Monday, August 6, 2007.

********** HEARING OF LAW #1, JULY 25, 2007 **********
SUMMARIZED REPORT


HEARING #1 OPENING STATEMENTS:


MAYOR NANOC: The paladin conflict in the city of PaxOku is evidence of a much larger struggle inside the city itself, as paladins assert their rights to support the Virtues Openly in the face of obvious city government hostility. What has been unclear about this particular Decree is why this position has been taken by Mayor Gareth.

This decree has resulted in increasing harassment of not only paladins but also Citizens who reside in PaxOku, discrimination and even death. This rhetoric is surprisingly visceral and unfortunate, because it is unsupported by the Law of Neutrality, as it will be demonstrated.

Why you ask does it matter? Because the philosophical principles of the Eight Virtues matter to keep and maintain the balance of good and evil. Neutrality is the backbone of PaxLair Statehood.

The injustice of this Decree is clear. DECREES LAW: PaxLair government is a Monarchy.  Decrees by the Governor are Law.  Decrees by Mayors of cities of the PaxLair Statehood are Law, unless conflicting with PaxLair Statehood Laws (or Decrees by the Governor).  Est. Jan 19, 1998.


MAYOR GARETH: Hail to all of you that show your support to the Paladins. Which is what? Eighty percent here? Anyways. Tis what I find funny about all these big fancy words that I can't understand that Nanoc said. I don't plan to give you a big show of this connecting to that Virtue this, I did not hear Anti virtue this. But, that is no matter. The Paladins have a problem because for the FIRST time in history a law did not go a PALADINS way.

We seek to protect our citizens and our city. How many times have Paladins entered the city of PaxOku? How many Paladin buildings are in PaxOku? How many Paladins defend PaxOku? How many paladins give two rats tails about PaxOku? To quote Cross "I don't care I don't even go there" Tis okay for orc bowling if you pay Nanoc enough gold to do it. As he stated last night at the meeting. Tis Okay for Cross to make payment to attack orcs. Tis Okay for the Orcs of PaxLair city to attack the elves and try to erase a race. But, we try to protect our citizens until we can secure our water supply and more paladins then ever in the history of PaxOku show up? Now they take an interest in PaxOku?

We have information leading back to Paladins to attack our water supply. Hence the Ban. Until such time as we can secure it. This is not the job of the government to protect its people? If we cannot do that then why have one? Thank you.



TESTIMONY:

NANOC: Why was not this decree made public prior to Sheriff CaT announcement at the July 10 meeting?
Gareth: It was in its first form at that time. We already caught a paladin near the water supply and had to deal with it quickly and swiftly.
NANOC: If I remember correctly you where incoherent at that meeting.
Gareth: Correct.
NANOC: seemed unfit to make any decrees
Gareth: Is this a question or a statement?
NANOC: Fact

Winmere: Who made this decision then, you or Sheriff CaT? Who made the decree?
CaT: I was asked by the Mayor to make the decree.
Gareth: Both together. Even when I was better I stayed with it [the Decree]. So twas not my mental state.
Sindalish: I think it would be the Mayor or rather ANY citizen's right to protect their own city. You all should stand by that if there is a danger to the city and its members.  He has every right to defend it.

NANOC: Your [Gareth's] mental state was that of such that any Decree by you at that time was reckless.
Gareth: Then why when I am better have I not overturned it?


**********
Between-hearing Statement by Governor Winfield:

POINT OF CLARIFICATION OF LAW - DECREE VS ORDERS FOR DEFENSE

Decrees are carefully placed into law so that further orders for defense or other actions may be lawful.  Only the Governor or a Mayor may make a Decree.  If a Mayor is incapacitated, the Mayor may have the Deputy Mayor or other designated official make Decree's on the Mayor's behalf during the time of the Mayor's incapacitation.

Officials and citizens of the Statehood and cities may give orders as needed so long as they are lawful orders under a Law or Decree.
**********

Gareth: Maybe the reason you want to enter the city more then ANY other Paladin Nanoc is because it is your plan to attack our water supply?
NANOC: I have no need for your water, DW is surrounded by water.
Gareth: I did not say take or shortage, I said attack.
CaT: Then why travel so far to our city?
NANOC: I have always come to PaxOku in peace for many years and as a government official. I have Diplomatic Immunity.

Gareth: All Paladins have no problem staying clear as we make sure our city is secure except you and as a government official you bring more Paladins to the city. You station them in our buildings.
CaT: He [Gareth] did not ask for your help NANOC.

NANOC: To protect you and the Book of Wrong from falling into the hands of evil.
Gareth: Did we ask for your protection? No. Do we want it? Yes when we feel it is needed. Not when you feel it is needed.



NANOC: Do you have evidence of an attack on your water supply by Paladins?
Gareth: Yes we do. We were given information by a seer that a Paladin would poison our water supply. And if that happened the city would need to be evacuated and disbanded.
Phoenix: you use fortune tellers to make decrees?
Gareth: Do you wish to know the name? *Points to his left*
Miss Kayi: It is I.
Gareth: Someone who has been with PaxOku and PaxLair city over the years. A citizen who has always been neutral in all things.
Winfield: So you state that a seer had a vision, and you made a pre-emptive decree based on that?
Gareth: Correct and what was found when we went to the well was corrupted water and a Luna lance.
Winfield: Any other evidence supporting the vision?
Gareth: Someone quickly ran out. We are talking of an attack on the water supply.


Gareth: Do tell me why you [NANOC] were in PaxOku that eve. On Wednesday the day after the meeting.
NANOC: To talk to Mayor Gareth on his decree. It seems so out of place, the decree.
Gareth: So, you could find no other way to get into contact with Gareth? You had to enter the city after the decree was made? Or me. really.
NANOC: Yes, as one Mayor to another since we believe that we hold Diplomatic Immunity.
Gareth: You could not send a letter to me to meet you in a neutral area?
NANOC: No
Gareth: But, you didn't think it would cause a problem?
NANOC: Face to face is the best way to settle
NANOC: No
Gareth: Aye to meet you somewhere Nanoc. Face to face not to enter the city knowing it would be a problem?

CaT: You did threaten the mayor with death NANOC. We were concerned for his safety.
Gareth: True. Did you not threaten my life?
NANOC: NO
NANOC: Never
Gareth: You did not?
CaT: Lies
NANOC: No
Gareth: Ever consider it?
Havok: And Nanoc considered killing Gareth to take the book of wrong
NANOC: I questioned Lady Kathleen about your mental state and if I should attack you and take the book. She advised me against it.
Gareth: ah, thanks for clearing that up.

CaT: You wanted the book of wrong for yourself NANOC.

Crypt Keeper: How can you justify such a question after putting to death people?
Sindalish: Wasn't the evil Gareth even murdered without trial in Dragons Watch? How convenient.
Gareth: Do you often just poke your sword into something that doesn't go your way? No need remark on that. Withdrawn.
NANOC: Gareth killed Gareth in DW.

Gareth: Did you not say you would post Paladins in the city after you knew they were banned? You claim diplomatic blah blah.
NANOC: Yes and we did post them.
Gareth: But, yet you post paladins in the city violating the law. Why?
NANOC: To protect the book of Wrong.
CaT: He [NANOC] is after the book!
Gareth: From whom? You? Who wanted to attack me and take it that night?
NANOC: From You [Gareth].
Gareth: But, now you want Paladins in the city to protect it. We [PaxOku] are not about this book. Only the safe keeping of our citizens.
NANOC: Yes we [Paladins] are about this book
Gareth: Oh last question
NANOC: you [Gareth] are about some water supply
Sindalish: Nanoc you seem very determined to have this book
NANOC: We are about This Book
Winmere: *is the water supply a diversion?*

Katherine: By my reading of the laws, does not the Statehood believe in a presumption of innocence?
Winfield: IMMEDIATE JUSTICE LAW: PaxLair is a Community of Simplicity. Justice may be immediately served against those who break the laws.
Katherine: But that requires breaking the laws first.
Winfield: So Katherine, you are correct. Winfield: Even this law presumes a law is broken.


**********
Post-hearing #1 Statement by Governor Winfield to Katherine:

Katherine: Could you please briefly describe the Neutrality Law that is at stake here?

Winfield: The Neutrality Law was made based on one of our three Tenets of PaxLair. Our Tenets have always been Peace, Neutrality and [Role-playing]. So we needed a Neutrality law, to define how we would operate PaxLair under that tenet. Tenets of course are absolutes, not laws, but given facts that we can never violate even by laws.

The Law of Neutrality helps us understand the tenet of Neutrality and deal with violations of Neutrality within our statehood. Therefore, crimes against neutrality can be brought to the court. We can not try crimes against a tenet, just laws and decrees.


Katherine: Could you give me an example of a violation of the Neutrality Law?
Winfield: Well, if someone comes here now and attacks us for no apparent reason that violates our neutrality in this city. The Neutrality tenet and law were made to offer opportunities here for all evil and good. Of course, many activities here [in general, can] border on this law. We can offer defenses here.

Winfield: We can declare some groups of people untrustworthy to our statehood, meaning they are intending to destroy our way of life through many means. Or, if a group is declared criminals to our statehood, they are not considered neutral to us.


EXCLUSION BY DISTRUST LAW: PaxLair is a Community. Known persons or groups that are a dividing force in the furtherance of the community may be declared untrustworthy by the Governor. Persons or groups that are not trustworthy will not be permitted to access buildings, message centers, or various PaxLair services as deemed necessary.  Distrusted status may only be removed by the Governor.  Distrusted parties are not protected by the Neutrality Law.


Winfield: The Distrust law is severe, and becomes personal against the community people of this statehood. And believe me, that law is rarely, rarely invoked. In fact it was invoked only once, against the Army of Thieves and I revoked that decree using the Law of Distrust a year later.
Katherine: That was many years ago, I believe.
Winfield: So in all matters before me tonight, I do not see the Exclusion by Distrust Law a factor at all. If the paladins are declared criminals of PaxOku that is something the Mayor will have to explain to me of course, if it unbalances the statehood.  And based on coming into this hearing, and on Mayor Nanoc's statements to me, I sensed a possibility of unbalancing the statehood. Therefore, I hear the decree versus PaxLair laws tonight and in the near future again.

**********

********** HEARING OF LAW #2, AUGUST 1, 2007 **********
SUMMARIZED REPORT


HEARING #2 OPENING STATEMENTS:


MAYOR GARETH: The banning of Paladins from PaxOku was to protect the city and citizens. Although I may see the point of it not being done in the right way. The Paladins should have been made criminals of PaxOku before removed. But, our law was to protect the city just as Champs and AT were all banned from PaxLair to protect it citizens. So I believe we are following the laws. We were warned by Miss Kayi and acted swiftly to protect. Thank you.


MAYOR NANOC: Well, I don't think the paladins of the realm are in the same class as AT or Champs. We do not go into towns and loot and kill but be that as it may. Gareth you stated that this decree was based on the corruption of your water supply and the find of a Luna Lance at the site, Is that correct? I intend to provide expert witnesses to dispute that paladins had not entered the city and therefore are not the criminals. Thank You.


TESTIMONY:

Gareth: Why did you [NANOC] make it so hard for me to protect the people?
NANOC: No that was not the case. My case was that the decree was read by Sheriff CaT in absence of your presence that banned paladins, the protectors of this realm.
Gareth: And you believe Paladins are the only ones that can protect the world? All others cannot handle it themselves?
NANOC: By virtue we protect.
Gareth: No others follow virtues? Just Paladins? Seems small minded.
NANOC: Others follow, we live it.
Gareth: If you made a law within Dragons Watch to protect your citizens would you not expect others to follow it? Nanoc?
NANOC: I would not make a law banning without proof of a crime; you had Seer with a dream.
Gareth: That was not the question. Would you expect others to follow the law?
NANOC: Yes if the law didn't not violate the Statehood laws.
Gareth: Why did you not protest the law to Winfield first before sending a task force of Paladins to PaxOku city clearly violating the law?
NANOC: I went to PaxOku to talk to the Mayor about a new law that was issued by the Sheriff.
Gareth: Aye at first you did. But, then you came back with a task force did you not?
NANOC: I was also worried about your state of mind after having the book of Wrong. Yes I did bring some people with me.
Gareth: Now if I may say. Did you know Paladins would have only been banished for five days from the city, that's all it would have taken to secure the water supply and with you leading Paladins into the city day in and day out it still is not secure from Paladins or anyone? Putting PaxOku at risk.
NANOC: That was not in the decree and you would not speech to me Gareth and I had some of the citizens of PaxOku enlist the help of experts that very day.
Gareth: One last question for you Nanoc. How much respect do you hold for laws against everyone else besides Paladins?
NANOC: I am a paladin Gareth, I live by the virtues.
Gareth: So none.
Gareth: Thanks! That's all. May I call upon someone Winfield?
Winfield: I do not understand Nanoc's answer. Nanoc, can you explain that better?
Gareth: Every answer he gave was I'm a Paladin I am the law. Do we need to hear it again?
NANOC: I live by the virtues and uphold fair laws for everyone.
Winfield: And you uphold laws against non-Paladins too?
NANOC: Yes, I will; the virtues decree it.
Gareth: And laws against Paladins?
NANOC: If they break Statehood law, Yes.

Gareth: I call The Shadow.
The Shadow: This is unexpected.
Gareth: Then your answers will be true.
The Shadow: I always tell the truth.
Gareth: Shadow did you find Mayor Nanoc that night in PaxOku?
The Shadow: Yes, I did.
Gareth: Did he have a task force with him?
The Shadow: At the time, no.  But he sent Phoenix to retrieve one. So I watched them gather around the building.
Gareth: Did you see that as a hostile move on the city?
The Shadow: I saw it as a deliberate snub to your decree.
Gareth: Do Paladins follow all laws and decrees of the land?
The Shadow: It did feel hostility in the area.
Gareth: In your time of dealing with them.
The Shadow: In my experience, they have always believed themselves above the law. I have dealt with many paladins over the years. I'm a legend. *shrugs* Nanoc went as far as to admit it.
Gareth: Shadow if a threat was made on you, family, and friends would you do everything in your power to protect them all?
The Shadow: I would do everything in my power to protect them and remove the threat.
Gareth: So you could do this without the Godly law of the land Paladins correct?
Gareth: Why do you suppose Nanoc did not bring up anything about law breaking? Why did he bring a task force that started an attack on the city? Then once failed, cried statehood law breaking?
The Shadow: Pride.
Phoenix: He can not answer for NANOC. He is no expert.
Gareth: Pride? Is that not an anti-virtue?
The Shadow: I am an expert on the virtues. And the anti-virtues.
Phoenix: How would he know what NANOC thoughts were?
The Shadow: And yes, Pride is an anti-virtue.
Winmere: That is a question best left for Mayor NANOC to answer.
The Shadow: Because he's a paladin.
Gareth: So an anti-virtue Paladin wanted things his way. It all makes sense now. Thank you Shadow.
The Shadow: *nods politely*
Gareth: That is all.

NANOC: I intend to prove beyond a shadow of doubt that there was no threat to the city or citizens of PaxOku or other races by paladins or others.

NANOC: I call Walt the Chemist to testify.
Walt the Chemist: I am very pleased to present the facts on the water. I would like to pass out a quality report that was prepared on samples obtained on July 10. If I may give you a copy.
Winfield: Bring it forward please.
Walt the Chemist: [One can] see the water quality on the night in question. The findings in that book I testify to be correct.
The Shadow: And if Nanoc didn't know about the water problem until last hearing...
Winfield: I have a question. I do not see a test for blackrock. Do you have a test for that?
Marshall Hood: Ahem... the detector you speak of is known by the Council...
Walt the Chemist: They are still in the process of building such a test
Winfield: Thank you.
The Shadow: How did he know to ask about this report back then?
Marshall Hood: They have not completed its construction.
Walt the Chemist: Progress is slow as one can see with the building in Moonglow. Lack of funds I believe.
Winfield: Shadow has a good question Nanoc.
Winfield: Why tested in PaxOku on July 10th?
NANOC: That is when Sheriff CaT made the statement.
Gareth: Hmmm breaking and entering into the water supply. The building was locked at that time.
NANOC: There is an abundant supply of water in the town, easily accessible.
The Shadow: You seemed shocked at the last meeting when it was brought up though, Nanoc.
Walt the Chemist: As the report shows there was a higher concentrate of Nitrogen, but this can be attributed to gaman dung and other sewage waste as that from Orcs.
Gareth: Winfield if I may, did I say at anytime PaxOku was low on water or it was attacked. Did I not say a threat over the water supply?
NANOC: You said nothing Gareth; I came to talk to you that night.
Gareth: No orcs live or walk near PaxOku city. Nor do they visit. Well this check on the water supply was to show something was wrong with it. Which we never said something was. So what is the point of this report?
Winmere: The orcs visit me all the time. *shrugs*
Winfield: Anything else about the water test report Walt?
Walt the Chemist: Not at this time but my service is to the Sosaria realm. My report is all in the book.
Winfield: Thank you for your services Walt. Can you test the spring of courage sometime? Out front of this tower?

NANOC: Now more importantly, it was stated at the last hearing that a Luna lance was found by the well. I intend to prove that the lance mentioned was not a paladin lance. I call Anne Vil to testify.
Anne Vil: First let me give my credentials to this hearing. I am a Material Science Expert having expertise in many aspects of materials properties, behavior, and performance. I am a well-known expert in mechanics of materials, deformation processing of materials, manufacturing processes for a variety of materials including metals and the performance evaluation of a finished product.
Anne Vil: Having tested two different Luna lances I noticed many discrepancies. Features included but not limited to grain size, phases, microconstituents, and defects (porosity, inclusions, and lack of weld penetration).
The Shadow: Was she provided with the one that was found?
Anne Vil: I evaluated the weld quality, carburized case depth, heat treating parameters and cooling rates, quality of ingot processing or casting, etc. My findings revealed that one of the lances is a FAKE!!
Gareth: These experts are well known anyone hear of them before tonight?
Anne Vil: I would like to present for your inspection too lances that were tested. It has been noted that there is someone making fake lances perhaps someone here can interpret the name on the lance. A real Luna Lance. [*hands lance to Governor Winfield*]
Gareth: Winfield I am an expert on bullshit experts, may I testify next?
Anne Vil: and this other is the one that was found on Lady Cat the night of a treasure hunt. Many here attended that hunt. As you can see the inscription.
Winfield: Do you have the lance found in PaxOku?
Anne Vil: It was not provided to me...but this lance was from Lady Cat's own hands. She was welding it the night of the treasure hunt.
Gareth: So you broke into the water supply building and stole a lance from Lady Cat? Lots of law breaking going on.
Anne Vil: I wish for more to examine the "fake" forged Lance so all may be aware of the name on it.
Gareth: How did you obtain the lance from Cat?
Anne Vil: It was on the ground that evening. She then picked it back up placing it in her pack as others here can testify. She left it back on the ground.

Winfield: The Lance in PaxOku has not been found?
Gareth: So you have not inspected the Luna Lance found in PaxOku?
Anne Vil: no Sir

Gareth: Winfield, I would move to find these lances as non evidence until CaT may defend herself.
Winfield: I understand your request Gareth.
NANOC: come and look citizens
Gareth: [name on lance] Forged by Gareth spelled backwards. Cute very cute.

Winfield: So at this time, are there other testimonies or questions to be made? Come on up.
The Shadow: I had a few. I shall try and be brief.
The Shadow: Nanoc... You said you wanted the paladins there to protect the Book of Wrong?
NANOC: No, to protect Gareth, not the book.
The Shadow: Protect him from what?
NANOC: The book and himself
The Shadow: Because the book might make him evil?
NANOC: No, because he was acting strangely--was the entire night he got the book.
The Shadow: I see.
NANOC: He seems to be in his senses tonight.
The Shadow: I understand as mayor, you have an immunity to his law? Diplomatic immunity?
NANOC: I only wanted to speak with Mayor Gareth and used that [diplomatic immunity] to seek a...
The Shadow: I am asking if you have a diplomatic immunity to his decree? You mentioned that you did that night.
NANOC: I am not above the law but I use the laws of the Statehood in there intended fashion.
The Shadow: But you knew that paladins were going to be killed according to the ban.
NANOC: I was not killed. Phoenix was not killed.
The Shadow: No, you were not. But your task force. Did you know they were killed by Lady CaT? Did you know that she killed them?
NANOC: No I'm not accusing anyone of killing the paladin guards.
The Shadow: She did, I saw them. I watched them die.
NANOC: And we came to properly bury them
The Shadow: They would still be alive today if you hadn't sent them.
NANOC: They would still be alive if the Neutrality Law was upheld. Neutrality is the question here.
The Shadow: It is indeed. It seems to favor the virtues.
NANOC: It favors the citizens.

The Shadow: How is that neutral? Withdraw that, rhetorical. The homeless are banned from this city, correct?
Gareth: *Looks to Winfield*
Winfield: The homeless are not banned. Mayor Ga'kuct has relocated them to shelters at times. Sometimes we do not know where those shelters are. People do sneak food into the homeless shelters they find.
The Shadow: It does trouble me that the orcs are constantly insulted about their lack of hygiene. They are, after all, citizens of this land too.
Winfield: Thank you Shadow.

Marshall Hood: First of all I thank the people of Pax for allowing the Syndicate to speak. It is the belief of the Syndicate that all questions and statements made thus far are... Well... Irrelevant. This is neither a court of law... nor a hearing. We are discussing the validity of the law. Simply... the syndicate wishes to make it clear that there are only two outcomes law-wise... We are curious if the Pax statehood allows for its Mayor to declare Martial Law... Which would allow for the circumvention of established laws to protect his or her people...? If so... Gareth is allowed to do exactly what he is doing... protecting his people... If not, then he is in clear violation of the Neutrality law... Paladins as a people cannot be banned without proof. Therefore I leave it to you Winfield...
Marshall Hood: Is there a law allowing Martial Law to be declared by mayors? If not this is a clear violation.
Winfield: Yes there is, for just cause.
Marshall Hood: Then if Martial Law is allowed.... It has clearly been declared.
Winfield: If a mayor perceives a threat, he may do what he needs to do to protect his citizens.
Marshall Hood: Then he needs no proof... only his assumption.
Winfield: Of course, that threat may need to be justified at a later time if questioned, as the case here. Such decrees can not be made lightly of course by Mayors.
Marshall Hood: Well, in the case of Martial Law... simply the assumption of an immediate threat is enough. However this is simply the opinion of the Syndicate. And I thank you for hearing us out.
Winfield: Thank you very much, and thank you Verity Syndicate.

Neira: If it pleases... I have a few questions *fixes glasses* Mayor Nanoc, can you please define in your own words what a paladin is?
NANOC: A warrior.
Neira: Just a warrior?
NANOC: That upholds the 8 virtues, an honorable knight.
Neira: How do they uphold the virtues?
NANOC: They live them day to day, a servant of the realm. He is a Holy Knight crusading in the name of good and order.
Neira: If I were to propose the Virtues themselves are not neutral, would you agree or disagree?
NANOC: I would have to agree.
Neira: Could a paladin abide by a necromancer practicing their art?
NANOC: Yes.
Neira: How about the study of a dark artifact?
NANOC: Yes.
Neira: Thank you, all I wanted to ask
Winfield: Thank you.

Winfield: Please allow me five minutes to deliberate on the testimony so far.


********* CLOSING STATEMENT AT HEARING #2 BY GOVERNOR WINFIELD **********

Winfield: I have heard a great deal of testimony in this hearing and a week ago. Since this is a hearing of law, I have focused testimonies related to the law of PaxLair Statehood and the PaxOku Decree. There has been much testimony about actions after the decree. There have been some, but few statements about the reason behind the decree itself. Every Mayor has a right to make decrees. And if there is an imminent danger, that mayor may take action. And that decree may come in question later, as it is now. But the hearing here must focus on the circumstances leading to the decree. I have heard the decree was made based on some things. One was a Seer had a vision of paladins threatening the PaxOku water supply. That was stated at the last hearing. I have heard about the quality of water in PaxOku, not being corrupted in itself and I have heard about Luna Lances. Such evidence is relevant to me because they are points that may have led Mayor Gareth to enact such a decree, or should not have. The Book of Wrong has been raised as a potential issue.

Winfield: The question as to whether Mayor Gareth's judgment was affected by this artifact. I have not heard testimony to try to prove or disprove this. Yet it is still a factor that I need to understand. I have learned more in testimonies at the first hearing about the decree based on water supply threats. Yet this was not stated by the Sheriff originally. I have learned tonight that the Paladins were suspect, yet may have only needed to stay out of PaxOku a few days to have the PaxOku government learn of the problems of water in more detail. I have learned citizens, such as Winmere, can not return home due to a warrant for her arrest. I have learned Mayor Nanoc executed, and rightly so, a diplomatic immunity to meet Mayor Gareth. And if done properly, Mayor Nanoc would use that privilege not as a Paladin, but as a Mayor. I do not have enough yet to make an important ruling about Mayor Gareth's decree. To overrule a Mayor's decree is serious business.

Winfield: What I lack, from Mayor Gareth, is the succinct reasoning and evidence leading to such an abruptly mandated Decree against Paladins. If all the testimony is a vision from a Seer, and a Luna Lance, then I can deal with that. And I can attempt a ruling based on that reasoning. If there is potential the Book of Wrong had influence here, I would like to know that before I make a ruling.

Winfield: So, my main statement tonight is I can not yet rule on this point of law. But I need to soon, very soon, as many people are affected. I will offer one last hearing for all interested to bring to me anything relevant regarding the law, and what led up to the decree. It is important to declare criminals before a banning decree. And I do not believe paladins as a class of peoples can be compared to previously declared criminal groups such as CHAMPS and AT. And I can say the Exclusion by Distrust Law is not a factor here. Only I may use that at my discretion.

Winfield: So, I wish to schedule one more hearing, and before then talk to the Mayors here about their testimonies too. I wish to respect the rights of Mayors to have decrees. For in my ruling, precedents will be made.

Winfield: As for Winmere returning home, I recommend to Mayor Gareth to lift the order for her arrest pending this hearing. As for Paladins entering PaxOku, except in one of the districts, I must uphold at this time Gareth's decree as he still finds the source of the problem. And the water supply is secured. I expect in a few days that I will know much more from Mayor Gareth about the problem with the water, which I still do not understand what threat exists to the water, and we will clear all this up. To follow Mayor Gareth's decree, which is questioned in law, but was given based on a perceived immediate danger, I ask Paladins to avoid incursions into PaxOku until the water supply is secured. Mayor Nanoc and his ambassadors may enter PaxOku of course.

Winfield: Next hearing must focus on the issues leading to the Decree. Not things after the decree. Then, that night, I can make my ruling of law.

Gareth: Winmere may return to PaxOku City *Grunts* But, only the VirtueWind District.
Winmere: Ah, thank you, Mayor Gareth.
Winfield: Thank you all for your patience, your interest in law, and your service to our Statehood. Hearing is adjourned.


**********
Post-hearing #2 Statements by Governor Winfield in his Office:

Winfield: How can I help everyone?

Neira: Tis a long affair is it not? I don't see it ending well. Seems to me it's a battle of wills more then of the law.
Winfield: Oh, that is what I emphasized at the end. I have let many people talk in the past hearings. And listened carefully. Next hearing I will be asking most of the questions I believe. And then we will focus on more of the lawful things needed to be known. It is hard in a hearing such as this. It is not a trial, yet some see it as a trial. They seek to find someone wrong, or did the wrong thing. I seek to understand the law and what led a mayor to make a decree. And then, an examination if the decree was lawful under superior laws. These are the discussions we will need to hear at the final hearing.
Neira: Do you think in the end the law will prevail?
Winfield: I can not say at all. I have not heard enough information yet. I do sincerely appreciate all the testimony made so far. People have revealed a lot in these hearings, some things that may need considerations later for justice or the way we look at paladins and necromancers.

Marshall Hood: Well, as I hope I made it clear... what is really at question is the reach and duration of.... a Mayor's decree in time of emergency. I was hoping the testimony focused more on this fact.
Winfield: Yes, you did Marshall Hood.
Neira: But the Paladins are always first to fight. Then again we necromancers are not completely innocent.
Winfield: I strongly believe a Mayor has the authority and right to declare emergencies to threats.
Marshall Hood: As your ruling is of utmost importance to the Syndicate, I apologize if I seem harsh... but the nature of Paladins seems irrelevant in this matter. We could replace "Paladin" with "mage" or "swordsman" and still be at the same dilemma.
Winfield: I agree Marshall Hood.
Neira: I had to grow up fearing them; I was born in Umbra you know.
Winfield: I need to hear more about why a class of people was banished. I am pleased with the interest this has and I hope it does not waste people's time. Now we will focus much of the things at the next hearing. I do plan to make a ruling at the next hearing.

Marshall Hood: Well, may I suggest a topic. First let me clarify... What the syndicate refers to as "martial law".... does PaxLair have a term? A state of emergency where laws are bypassed.
Winfield: We do not really have such a term. The mayor's rule and mine are absolute actually.
Marshall Hood: Well... that in itself could be addressed.
Winfield: *nods* PaxOku has a council of districts. I am not sure if they vote on things or not.
Marshall Hood: In addition... there must be guidelines set for the term. So a mayor cannot simply declare an emergency at every whim as a means to bypass laws... which may be happening here.
Winfield: Decrees are made not just for emergencies. I have several, along with past mayors. A decree of emergency is definitely significant. Just having a mayor use the word decree brings much into the realm of law. And order to do something, which is a short-lived thing, may have been more appropriate.
Marshall Hood: Aye
Winfield: And usually the orders are stated for short durations. Until an end state of some kind is achieved. And the order usually states the desired end-state.
Marshall Hood: Agreed. This is what I feel our next hearing should focus on.
Winfield: A decree can go on forever, if not done properly. A good suggestion. I will prepare opening remarks then along some of these lines.

Marshall Hood: How much evidence is needed to make such temporary laws? Obviously the motive is questionable to have 3 hearings concern it... so how can Gareth be at blame for passing a law over such a controversial issue.
Winfield: It is hard to say, that is why human, elf, or orc judgment is needed.
Marshall Hood: Aye, agreed. I am honored that the Syndicate was able to offer our opinion here tonight however.

Winfield: Our hearings have taken longer than I expected. They should have taken one day. It was a matter of me focusing the testimony. I also wanted to see how the testimony would first flow without much questioning by me. That way, we learn more about the process and the knowledge of more things.
Marshall Hood: This next meeting you should be able to focus questioning and get the answers you seek.
Winfield: I think so too. I am glad the Verity Syndicate was here and interested in our system of laws.
Marshall Hood: Well, as you know we are establishing our own soon... and we hope to be great allies. For these reasons hearing such as this are high on our priority list.

Katherine: I think I got most of what I needed from your talk with Marshall Hood for an article, but I wanted to get just a quick "final statement" from you.
Winfield: I am extremely impressed by the interest of people of the Realm in our Hearings of Law. It is important we live in a Realm by Rule of Law. That is simply part of being civilized even in a Realm of peril and opportunity. Soon, I will bring this Hearing of Law to a close. I have heard much, but now I have several questions for the Mayors and people. At the next hearing, I will make my ruling of law.
Katherine: Thank you for your comments, Governor.
Winfield: Thank you Katherine! Have a great night.
Katherine: Fair eve to you, Governor Winfield.
Winfield: Be well my friend.

******* END OF HEARING #1 AND HEARING #2 REPORTS *******