[This note is posted in the Town Hall, the Last Stand, and near the Watch House and Spellguard Tower. Copies are spread here and there near the voting booth]

The Virtues of Lord Bane

The Manifesto of Sanctuarians for Truth and Justice

A Political Party for a Better Future

The time for a brighter future is now, fair citizens of Sanctuary. Men and women of benevolent will and grand vision, step forth and remake Sanctuary into all that it should be - safe, secure, and free of crime and corruption.

Those who wish to create a world of decency from the chaos of the Underdark can find a common ally in Lord Bane, the Protector of Order and Arbiter of Peace. It has become a common sport among the less intelligent to attempt to slander Him in such a way that he appears to be an evil being, but when the evidence is examined such claims prove to be quite removed from the truth.

The worldview of a True Banite is both simple and complex. At its core there is the basic assumption that men act in their own self interest rather than the interest of others. This isn't a difficult view to argue - any man who has done what was best for him rather than what was in the interest of the entire settlement can understand the truth of this argument. Men commit a great many crimes against their fellow citizens on a daily basis - from murder to theft to deceit. If man were naturally good, if he were capable of harmony in a free society, would such incidents occur? Of course not.

The second assumption is that civilization benefits mankind. All of our modern conveniences - modern swords, armor, and magic - are all a result of men being able to hone the arts of war to perfection so that we can defend ourselves against threats from animals and monstrous creatures. Prior to the rise of civilization, when all races were gathering food for themselves and moving around the countryside in search of resources, an average human would be supremely lucky to live to be 20, and his life would be one of hardship and great pain. Now, many men live to 50 or 60, with a few making it even further than that. It is because they do not have to continually fight external threats to survive, and as their bodys slow and they become weaker, they can rely on family to take care of them. Thus, many of the comforts and safety that we enjoy are a result of the rise of civilization, which is greatly helpful to all who live under it.

Men are naturally wicked, and thus self-destructive. All societies, if too much freedom is allowed for men to engage in wickedness, will eventually fall to dust and become a part of history, taking those who live in it with them. How can men, elves, dwarves, and all others in a society preserve civilization when all are inclined to tear it apart in favor of their own interests? Any being who can solve this most difficult and unfortunate fact of existence must naturally be a good being.

The answer is quite simple: the institution of stronger, more effective government. The Councils of old bickered and did nothing while invading armies battered the gates and rebellions ran wild. Thousands died while they lined their own pockets and made futile points about their beliefs. The days when this could help us survive have passed, and it is time for a better form of government to sweep us into a grander era. It is through a more powerful government that we will survive. The Watch will be empowered, and fewer criminals will be able to act with any degree of success. Invading armies will meet a focused ruling body bent on keeping them far away from you and your children. Fewer people will die needlessly under stronger, more powerful rulers.

The most important thing that we can do for ourselves and our children is find a way to the surface. How could we forgive ourselves if we did not do all that we had to do to preserve this settlement until the Way is discovered and we can move to the surface? Under proper candidates, the safety and preservation of this settlement will be the highest priority. We will do everything in our power to ensure that this settlement survives the many evils of the Underdark - drow, illithid, beholders, and worse - until we can make for the surface. Give to us the ability to protect Sanctuary, and we will deliver you peace until that wonderful day arrives.

Lord Bane protects all who desire his protection. The Underdark is a terrifying place, with much to be feared. Lord Bane, the Guiding Light in a sea of darkness, will put his power behind you, and will act through you to see to it that you are kept safe. All that he asks is that you respect and honor him, as you do all good leaders, and fear him as you would fear your father. Do this, and you will need not fear any criminal or drow that would bring you harm. Hate those who undermine and destroy the order that protects you, just as he hates them, and you will have the power to protect yourself and your children from harm.

We, Sanctuarians for Truth and Justice, desire nothing more than a safe society in which we can all live without fear of any mortal threat. Join us, and become master of your own world.

Vote for Hikaru Ayumi Vote for Count Nelson Mehnia Vote for Rohet Bathulin

Vote, most importantly, for your safety and the safety of those you care about.