Justiciar Case File 4481¶
Classification: Restricted. Unauthorized access punishable under the Codex Solaris, Pillar of Shadow, Article 9. The following is an abridged version released to the Senate Oversight Committee after repeated requests. Significant portions remain redacted.
CASE: Illegal Erythium Trafficking, Valtharion Lower Markets LEAD INVESTIGATOR: Justiciar Sevren Ashmark OPENED: 5A 851, 3rd of Bloomond STATUS: Active
Summary:
Investigation initiated following the seizure of 4.7 kilograms of unrefined Erythium shards from a warehouse in the Dockside quarter of Valtharion. The shards were concealed inside ceramic shipments originating from Goldmere, routed through Pathwarden, and delivered to an address registered to [REDACTED], a licensed importer with no prior record.
4.7 kilograms of unrefined Erythium has a black market value of approximately 12,000 Imperial Coins. For reference, the annual salary of a Silver Legion commander is 840 coins.
Investigation Findings:
The shipment was one of at least eleven identified deliveries over a fourteen-month period. Total estimated Erythium moved: 40-60 kilograms. This volume exceeds the annual licensed output of three mid-tier Ironridge mines.
The supply chain involves: 1. Extraction at unlicensed mining sites in the Shattered Highlands (outside Iron-Guilds jurisdiction) 2. Transport to [REDACTED] via the Shadow-Walk route through Blackmoor 3. Processing at a facility in [REDACTED] — possibly connected to [REDACTED] 4. Concealment in legitimate trade goods 5. Distribution in Valtharion through [REDACTED]
End buyers include: private collectors, unlicensed artificers, and at least one party connected to the [REDACTED].
Complications:
During the investigation, Justiciar Ashmark received a written communication — unsigned, delivered to his personal residence — advising him to “focus on cases that matter.” The communication included the name and school of Ashmark’s daughter.
Additionally, two witnesses identified during the initial seizure have since relocated. One left Valtharion. The other left verifiably.
The Iron-Guilds have been contacted regarding the unlicensed mining sites. Their response was: “Mining operations in the Shattered Highlands are an internal Guild matter. We will investigate at our discretion.” No investigation has been announced.
Assessment:
This is not a smuggling ring. Smuggling rings sell contraband. This operation is building a supply chain. The volume of Erythium involved is not consistent with black market resale. It is consistent with stockpiling.
Someone is accumulating Erythium in quantities that have strategic implications, and they have enough influence to threaten a sitting Justiciar, relocate witnesses, and receive non-cooperation from the Iron-Guilds.
I am requesting authorization to expand the investigation to [REDACTED] and [REDACTED]. I am also requesting reassignment of my daughter to a boarding school outside Valtharion, at Crown expense.
Justiciar Sevren Ashmark
Margin note, different hand: “Authorization for expanded investigation: DENIED. Reassignment request for dependent: APPROVED. Ashmark reassigned to cold cases effective immediately. — Justiciar-General Orath Veyn”