MAGE TOWER, PAXLAIR CITY, PAXLAIR STATEHOOD - August 6, 2007 

Governor Winfield declares the PaxOku Decree of Banning Paladins from the city as lawful. 

Source: UO Stratics Chesapeake News, Reported By Lady Katherine

This evening's hearing regarding the PaxOku decree banning paladins from that city and its possible conflict with the PaxLair Statehood Neutrality Law was held at the Mages Tower in PaxLair City, Felucca. Governor Winfield himself largely directed this third session of the hearing, asking clarifying questions of the two main parties involved: Mayor NANOC of Dragons Watch, also a paladin; and Mayor Gareth of PaxOku.

Governor Winfield asked Mayor Gareth some more questions about the vision of the well being polluted that led him to issue the decree. Perhaps the most shocking part of the hearing was when the Sheriff of PaxOku, Lady CaT, demonstrated that the water from the PaxOku well reacted violently with a Luna Lance. This was a primary reason of concern that led to the Mayor banning paladins from the city, to ensure the protection of the water supply.

This reporter must note, though, that she finds it odd that any magical item could have such an effect on a natural substance like the well's water. That is, unless there was already something sinister in the water to begin with. I shared this concern with the Governor after the hearing. He confessed to having similar thoughts, but said that since this was the new source of water for the city, Mayor Gareth must protect it as it is known to be. I hope to be able to follow up on this as more details become clear.

After questioning by Governor Winfield and both Mayors was done, the Governor went to his office to complete his deliberations. He returned about 10 minutes later and gave his decision:

 Governor Winfield making his ruling of law

Governor Winfield did go on to point out that in the future decrees must be better stated and complete, mentioning that if that had been done in this case several lives would have been saved. He went on to commend Mayor NANOC for bringing this matter to his attention and Mayor Gareth for issuing a decree designed to protect PaxOku.

I was once again granted an interview with the Governor in his office after the hearing. I only had one main question: how long he thought the decree in PaxOku would be in effect. He told me that he has directed Gareth to find a solution to the well problem quickly, and that he would call on additional seers, mages, and alchemists to aid in solving it.

Governor Winfield was able to give me one final statement:

"Hearings of Law are not very typical in our Realm. We live in a Realm where laws are usually imposed upon us, and this is also the case of the PaxLair Statehood.

"However, in our Statehood, we are able to challenge our laws and decrees and I as Governor am able to hear testimony from many people. PaxLair Statehood continues to be led by a Governor and its cities led by appointed Mayors.

"We demonstrated in these Hearings a sense of respect for our way of life in this young Statehood and even older City and Community of PaxLair. My Mayors are appointed and entrusted to deal with many situations and each Mayor is unique in nature, code, and even race. I believe I have appointed the best people to be our Mayors. They may not always agree, and all are not neutral.

"Their cities may go against each other at times, but that is natural. Yet in the end, they know the true nature of the Statehood and its purpose. My role as Governor is to keep the balance of our Statehood and respect the Mayors and citizens as they react to difficult circumstances. I am very impressed at the testimonies in these Hearings and appreciate the interest of many peoples in the Realm."

Governor Winfield giving his final thoughts in an interview after the hearing.

The hearing of law may be concluded, but there are still issues from it that must be watched or investigated closely. Will the paladins stay away from PaxOku now that the decree has been upheld? Will the well be cleansed? And will the true cause of the well's corruption be discovered?