C10-95-02-07 Elven Corruption Exposed

In prior editions of Under the Stone we have reported on the ever increasing burden of those wishing to trade with the elven forest to the south. It now appears that the message that our traders are suffering from an unequal relationship has not gone unheard. Following the story in this paper the influential Stonesmiths family conducted an investigation into the charges being levied against smaller traders. This investigation revealed that smaller traders have been getting charged unreasonable fees for completely ficticious searches to be carried out.
As it appeared that these pointless and dishonest charges were being ignored by the current elven ambassador and their staff, the Stonesmiths made use of their influence to bring up the matter with members of the elven ruling council directly. Once word of these illegal charges reached the elven council an investigation was launched into those responsible. The investigation led to a senior figure in the elven court, Elamaer Daekiir, who is responsible for trade with other lands. We have received word that the revelations about the criminal activity has resulted in the arrest of this now former minister, though his final punishment is yet to be determined.
As a result of this incident a new approach to trade with the elven lands has been agreed between the Magrannor and the senior clan leaders. From the 1st Roth this year all trade agreements with the elves will need to be arranged through a central representative for trade. This representative will ensure that no unnecessary charges are applied by corrupt officials and that no incoming goods evade the appropriate tariffs. With their extensive experience dealing with elven regulations and their work in uncovering the corruption, the Stonesmiths have been asked to take on the duty of being the first representative.