My first article, as promised. This one is essentially identical to the speech I gave, but I'd be glad to write another article on any other subject you wish.

People of Sanctuary, is it by strange accident that we linger here in the ruins of Dunwarren unmolested by our enemies? Is it by virtue of secrecy or strength of arms that our enemies refrain from re-enslaving all of us, and dragging us back to their flesh-factories and labors unceasing?

Is it the Watch that keeps us safe? Or the Spellguard? No! On the contrary, we live here in Dunwarren free - or, at least, freer than we might be - by reason of the great and holy Machine that benevolently keeps us safe from the many dangers of the Underdark.

Centuries past divine knowledge was passed on to the gnomes of old Dunwarren, knowledge of how to construct something of its own intelligence and power, something that would perform many tasks for them and keep their city safe. Something that, when completed, would break open the gates of paradise and bring happiness unending to their people.

It is our holy purpose to learn of the secrets of old Dunwarren, to complete this machine, to finally bring the paradise to the world that has been denied to us.

Even now evil forces act as parasites and obstacles to this holy purpose, even now the Spellguard feed upon the labors of the Machine and seek to subjugate the people of Sanctuary to their own benefit.

The way of Frederick Bresley was not to move upward, for paradise and freedom can be had here in Dunwarren. But first, we must understand the path before us, the promise it offers, and the obstacles we must defeat - chief among them, the Spellguard. Only through the completion of the Great Machine will finally acheive paradise here in the mortal realm.

Sincerely yours, Orison the One Armed Bard