Journal Entry: 2026/02/01 Location: Ar's Station Mood/Title: Merchant Law vs. High Caste Honor
The quiet of the morning was quickly eclipsed by a heavy, private council in my home. Samuel and Luciana came to me, seeking legal guidance regarding a growing conflict with the Titus family—specifically Drusus, the newly appointed Head Merchant. It seems the "family business" is attempting to squeeze the Infirmary, demanding they cease trading with outside NPC merchants and buy exclusively through the Titus family shops at inflated prices.
As a Magistrate, I found the situation troubling. Luciana spoke of verbal abuse and loathing directed at Samuel—a High Caste Physician—by a low-caste merchant. Furthermore, Drusus’s claim that "Merchant Law prevails over City Law" is a gross overestimation of his authority. While Merchant Law governs trade standards and measurements, it does not grant a merchant the power to dictate the procurement of medical supplies for the city’s health, nor does it excuse the besmirching of a Physician’s honor.
There is also the curious matter of Drusus’s brother, Nero, being named "Merchant Magistrate." In my experience, Magistrates are drawn from the Scribe Caste, not appointed by a Head Merchant. I will be looking into this "new Magistrate" and bringing these hostile missives to the Governor’s attention. We cannot have the stability of Ar's Station undermined by a family attempting to monopolize trade through intimidation.
The Dispute: Physicians vs. Merchants
The Conflict: Drusus Titus is pressuring the Infirmary to reveal their suppliers and buy local (family) goods at nearly ten times the cost (70 copper vs. 7 copper for antiseptic).
The Accusations: Drusus has accused Samuel and Luciana of "unloyalty" to the Station and of acting as merchants themselves for gifting salves to a visiting physician.
The Legal Standing: I have advised Samuel to withhold his supplier list and reminded him that professional recusal will be necessary if this reaches the full Council.
To Do:
Governor’s Briefing: Prepare a summary of the hostile exchange between the Merchants and Physicians for the Governor.
Magistrate Research: Verify the credentials of "Nero," the purported Merchant Magistrate.
Fair Presentations: Review the invitation for the En'Kara Fair and the [AC] Building Sets update.
School Launch: Finalize the teaching list for my new school room and announce the first session.
Social Check-in: Follow up with Caroline to see if she truly intends to leave the Station or if it was just a rumor.
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