[Letter] Legates Lhyrian and Kruehtzer

[One_With_Nature]

Legates,

I found myself this day waking up to hear the tax upon the trade hall was increased by 50%, and while this is not a problem in and of itself, some consideration and notice for businesses of the well as a curtesy would have been the bare minimum in expectations.

Then, I discover that my wage has been docked without so much as a warning or explanation.

I am quite naturally furious, on principle. I invest far more into my works financially then I get out of them, the wage was very much symbolic for me, but acts such as this make me seriously question if the Government is deserving of my talents.

The fact that I needed to write this letter I have found greatly insulting.

I would like to know what you intend to do about this.

Palatial Officer Enmur Faranos, Proprietor of the Ashen Conclave

[Faith Is My Shield]

To Palatial Officer Enmur Faranos,

I understand and recognize your displeasure. There are a few factors at play here:

The recent changes made to the wages and tax values were put into place with the intention of growing the Pyramid's treasury. Broad changes were made to indicate that the Well grows as a whole when all contribute.

The property tax in particular is an oddity in that while we have control of a property tax rate, we do not have control over individual property tax rates and tax rates are dependent on property value not rent amount. As you noted, the trade hall rent was increased by 50% despite the property tax rate being increased 15%. The drastic change in your rent was not an effort to target you specifically but a limitation of the accounting systems in place. I plan on requesting the Scribes to expand the tax system to give us more finer control.

The changes in your wage was, also, not a targeted changed but one made in tandem with nominal wage decreases across many positions such as Prelates, Magistrates, Viziers.

The recent changes made to the laws, wages, and tax values were made after a four (maybe five?) hour long meeting among myself, Legate Lhyrian, our Prelates, and a number of Scribes. The idea of inviting the people with the positions with the affected wages was raised but we all recognized that getting even more people into the same room was of incredibly low probability. This was a meeting that had been put off multiple times already, the chances of us in the room having it again in the future was low. The length of the meeting had already caused multiple people to excuse themselves. The rest of us were greatly exhausted. You deserve a word in this meeting regarding your wage but we were beaten into fatigue due to the practical improbability and cruel timing. I can only ask you afford us grace and understanding on this matter.

I understand if the words written here will not be enough to address your concerns. Find me in person at your leisure and we can discuss this further.

With the Mother's Mercy,
Legate Faith Kruehtzer

[One_With_Nature]

Legate Kruehtzer,

I'm not certain you understand the source of my frustration.

Clearly you have demonstrated that these decisions have been in the deliberation stage for a while now, of which I would hope, such changes of a whim would be a poor reflection on our governance. At no point during that deliberation was I advised, consulted or appraised and as one who is among the highest contributors in both tax, commerce and other valued service a small curtesy would have been expected.

What this tells me is the little respect and regard for my contributions you and Vellyn have. I have made serious investments in Ephia's Wells success, however in light of such actions I am starting to re-consider in what form that takes.

I do not need explanations after the fact of why these changes were implemented, I actually would have endorsed tax rises, though handled with a far more delicate tact. What I need to know is how you are going to repair this damaged done so that I can look past this.


Palatial Officer Enmur Faranos, Proprietor of the Ashen Conclave
 

[Faith Is My Shield]

To Palatial Officer Enmur Faranos,

Legate Lhyrian has been attempting to have the aforementioned meeting with me for roughly a past week but our other responsibilities have waylaid them until yesterday. I was aware she wished to discuss taxes but beyond that I did not know what changes she was planning on proposing. The changes of wages was proposed to me for the first time during the meeting.

Had I known these things, I would have made an effort to give you and others a heads up warning.

I am looking forward to discussing things further with you in person.

With the Mother's Mercy,
Legate Faith Kruehtzer