My fellow Citizens of Sanctuary,

Two months ago I made my campaign known to you, my goals and aspirations for Sanctuary. I promised that I would work tirelessly toward reunification for the betterment and stability of Sanctuary, and I have done as I promised. As was recently announced, a deal has been struck between the governments of Upper and Lower, providing for the healing of the rifts between us. In the coming days, weeks, and months, Sanctuary will cease being two cities divided against eachother. Rather it shall come as close to the original dream the Bresley family held in their hearts nearly 152 years ago. I foresee a Sanctuary finally united together, whole, and finally at peace. But more than that, I predict a Strong city, capable of standing firmly against the forces that threaten us every day. Someday, Sanctuary will be a dominant power in the Underdark, I foresee a day when Sanctuary will not merely be a small slave town in the Underdark. Someday, we shall be a nation in and of ourself. Our enemies will fall in turn. The Drow who once enslaved us will be driven away or destroyed. The illithid who frighten us will live in fear of mistakenly capturing a citizen of our city. The beholders will not dare look upon us, lest they be struck down. You must think a time such as this will never occur in our lifetimes. It need not be so. Sanctuary is at a precipitous time in its history now. For the first time, peace has been achieved between Upper and Lower Sanctuary. But the future of our settlement is on your shoulders. All of ours'. My greatest regret over my term spent thus far has been that the Lizardfolk threaten us. I shall not sweeten my words for you, citizens. The Lizardfolk rise against us. They demonstrated their capacity for massacre upon the gnomes of the Blue Mushroom. They seek sacrifices for their unholy god of rot, and to them, we are the perfect target. There is no longer any debate about whether they are a threat to us or not. They are our enemies, and they seek to slay each of us in our homes. The Watch do their heroic duties as always. They continue to fortify the city against invasion, and the work they do is good. When the Lizardfolk come, they will be repelled. However unless they are slain outright, they will always continue to come against us in the name of their heretical god. So I urge to you the importance of Strength against our enemies today. There will come a time when it is necessary to strike back at our foes, and slay them before they can come against us.

In the past two months I have done all I could to secure your futures, however I must now solemnly declare to you, that it is not my intention to run for Council this next term.

In time, I suspect I shall return, and I hope when you see my name on the polls, and the election fliers that you shall recall the exhaustive work I have done in your name, and for the sake of our beloved Sanctuary.

And finally, I urge each and every one of you to consider what you wish for the future of Sanctuary. The scenario I presented to you earlier is within our grasps.

I would propose to our next Council now, that military training be made widespread and instantly available to all citizens of Sanctuary, that those who wish to fight for their homes may do so.

I am Gibbon Meldren, and it has been my honor to serve you.