Posted Prominently in many places.
Security in Sanctuary: For clarifying the role of our various defensive factions. Sanctuary however, must realize our days of hiding will end. The city has grown 1200% in 150 years. Essentially, doubling in size every generation. Unless we look to put our resources into exploration and defense, we will not survive another generation. Hiding is over, the only good defense now is a strong defense. The formation of outposts to give forewarning of attack through major tunnels, reopening the Dark Canal to give us access to the Dark Lake and from there the chance to launch privateer raids--while maintaining the ability to close the Canal when *we* choose-not when nameless threats choose. The current council simply lacks the fortitude to do any of these things.
Slavery must be kept outlawed. When I first arrived here, I was overwhelmed by the aid and generosity of the people of Sanctuary. All of us who were once slaves were, but did we forget the people still trapped? SHAME to those of us who have, and those on the Council who clearly forget. We must make it our duty to free as many slaves as we can, I praise the Seekers in their efforts. Part of a stronger defense will be freeing slaves who can help us bolster our defenses. Most of our foes use slave armies, what slave army can take our city when they know entering our gates will make them free? What determined army can take our gates when they are manned by freed men? None.
Taxation we all hate our taxes and we all know they need to be paid to keep Sanctuary strong. But where does the money go, how is it used? Is it used wisely? Is it used to keep us safe, or is it used to fatten already rotund beauracrats, mercenaries, and wizards? A rehaul of the city finances with greater accountability to the people is required.
Racial Issues: There is the assumption by some that this is a human city. This is a mistake, Sanctuary is diverse and must embrace diversity. I've met with many dwarves already, and I've heard their concerns. I agree that Sanctuary must begin mining operations, and engage in trade. This is tied into many other issues: safety as a mining outpost can double as a outward warning post-economics as mining will improve our funds and reduce taxes. Goblins and Kobolds deserve a quarter in the city for their own use, this keeps the off our streets and inside our walls where they pose less security risks.
Internal Security Lower Sanctuary has traditionally only asked for a force capable of keeping organized crime in check in exchange for greater personal freedom. There are better uses to the Tigereyes than police men. Being a man of Lower Sanctuary, I respect this. Upper Sanctuary has always demanded the security of a strong watch, and this compromise between both must be maintained. Let Lower patrol Lower and Upper patrol Upper.
Escape: We didn't free ourselves from the bondage of slavery only to lock ourselves in a cage. I know I didn't. Sanctuary was a resting place, but now it is time to become a Gateway. The surface can be reached by those seeking it. Many will wish to remain behind perhaps out of comfort, inability to make the trek, or a strong desire to help free those still trapped--but escape can be found. Greater exploration will reveal the way, warn us of impending danger before it reaches our gates, and give us tactical command of this region. If we're attacked, we'll know where its coming from-how to respond-and what tunnels or passages to collapse, defend, or leave alone. Isolationism merely invites more surprise attacks by our foes who know where we are.
Council Gaeseric's Plan to End Laws Against Magic Use: The Councilor is right, our enemies no longer are unaware of us. The drow and the illithid's both have attacked our very gates. The time of hiding is long past, and the Spellguard will be better put to service bolstering our defenses rather than arresting our citizens for doing so. However, criminal magic use must be more stringently punished if it is used. While our most powerful foes know where we are, reckless spell use involved in assaults or crimes still can alert dangerous foes of lesser threat to our walls--still endanger us and so it must be harshly punished. I've always supported this plan and am pleased Gaeseric agrees now openly.
Councilor Bhast's House of Light: I support the mission of the House of Light, but it is still a religious building. Religion has no place in politics, we do not need a 'state mandated' religion.
Laws against Necromancy: I support the ban on necromancy, but feel that Reynolt's law with its harsh moralism and religious stigma requires adjustments. We are a democracy, not a theocracy. Even the god's realize this--why else is Reynolt missing?
War: War will destroy us. Only a fool seeks war, wise men prepare to win war when it comes to them at a time and place of their choosing. Maddock's Redistribution of Wealth: Gold in your pocket won't buy you bread if no one is in the field. Those with more wealth will always have more wealth. Instead, the poor must be fed and given jobs. This can be accomplished fairly to all.
This is Mandarin Dreagle on the issues that concern you. If I missed something, let me know and my views will be shared.
As always, I promise:
Sanctuary, Security, and the Surface.
In our lifetime.