[a short speech given by Councilor Reev at the Town Hall:]

Citizens, I'll be stepping down from the Council and not running for it again in the foreseeable future. I wish to say thanks for your support over the duration of the term, though, and wish you wisdom when deciding how next to cast your votes.

To be bluntly honest I didn't get as much done as I'd liked to during my term. In reflection, I only really achieved half the things I wanted to do for various reasons, both my fault and otherwise. For this, I can only apologize.

I fought tooth and nail against the initial budget proposal which would have seen the majority of our town's incomes go to the Spellguard. In the end, and thankfully, Sherrif Azzam exercised his better judgement and vetoed the first budget which involved Spellguard funding.

The tolling measures were an initiative of mine. Unity is important and if it involves admittedly draconian measures to achieve, it needs to be done. At the least, we are now receiving some income from the people of New Dunwarren.

I also tried to integrate New Dunwarren and the Spellguard into our town on a military basis, ensuring our defenses were secured and a clear chain of command in times of emergencies established. I was opposed by the unfounded self-righteousness of New Dunwarren and the absurd egoism of the Spellguard, however, and lost that particular battle. I only hope we are not invaded anytime soon. We will be crushed instantly, where otherwise we might have organized a smooth defense and won the day.

I envisioned too, a large city forge to be constructed. A severe metal shortage put that out of the question though.

Which brings me to the School of War, my only real achievement. With a fortune in gold donations made by various parties, months of raiding drow trade routes for construction materials and the dedication of a few good men, the Arena was transformed and the Charter passed.

The reality is that we aren't free down here. We need to break out of darkness into the sunshine above, and return to families and old, rewarding lives. No man should be subjected to the eternal night.

And so, at this juncture, I will retire to the School of War and devote myself to improving the training of citizens in survival and warfare. I will work relentlessly to shape that organization into a capable one, and its a goal of mine to see every man and every woman of Sanctuary able to defend themselves, and do it well and with honour.

With my free time, I will be expending my energies in pursuit of a route to the surface, and if one is found, I intend to hazard it. No doubt it will be dangerous. But with a strong faith in Tempus, a man can do many great deeds. If the route is navigated all the way, I promise to re-descend and walk it with you all. With combat training, it is possible we can all make it too.

In the meantime, have hope and don't lose sight of the ultimate goal.

Thank you.