[Leonard steps behind the Podium, and clears his throat, before beginning]

Some of you know me as a Knight, some as a Friend, and some as the Caretaker of the Mausoleum. Some of you do not know me at all. Even fewer of you know me as a Candidate of the Council.

I would like to speak, briefly, on my beliefs, and stances. I beg that you listen carefully, so that you may know if I am the sort of man you would have in office, though I invariably believe I am.

Many of you may have seen my messages next to the campaign posters of Valaron Sunellar. I have been told by many that it is a poor political move to do as I have, and agree with an opponent. It will split votes, they say. Well, I say to you, I am no politician. Sanctuary has no need of further politicians.

I do not intend to make my campaign a practice in the arts of swaying the people through clever tricks, and half truths. My campaign is focused on one thing only-

Honesty. I make no lies to the people, and make no promise I cannot uphold.

The truth tells me that Valaron Sunellar is a man I would support, and have you support. However, there are five seats, and no man has need of all the votes. And so, I say to you, I would have your votes, so that I may aid this City further. The things I believe in are simple- Duty, Honor, Justice, Truth, Compassion…Core principles of human behavior.

And yet I see them frequently forsworn in our society. Intrigue takes the place of truth, survivalism over duty and honor, justice is seen to only by those brave enough to dole out trial by the sword. [This line was met by approval and a thumbs up by a large, hairy man]

Compassion, however, remains strong. For every man I have seen cast his brother aside, I have seen two more to lift him up, dust him off, and give him food and drink. And this, friends, is why Sanctuary still stands after one hundred and fifty years.

This is what we must continue. We must remain compassionate to our fellow citizens, and revitalize the concepts of Truth, Justice, and Honor. New Dunwarren sought to do this, by leaving. I however, seek to do this by staying, and fighting an uphill battle if need be.

I intend to see Breena Watchever’s project funded, and completed. I intend to see my work in the Mausoleum continued, and furthered. I intend to see the pact made with New Dunwarren finished, to keep Sanctuary true to it’s word. I intend to ensure that every soul who comes to Sanctuary finds a place in which the moral standard is as high as the walls, where their beliefs and consciences are as protected as their bodies.

I would have your votes, citizens, not so that I may wear a robe, or lord a title. I would have your votes because I believe I can do the best work at ensuring that life within Sanctuary becomes less tenuous, and more fulfilling. To ensure that the Council shall not once again fill with those who do not value their work, do not intend to see their term through.

All of these things I have said to you, Citizens, are truths from my own heart. I pledge before the Gods, that should I be given a seat on the Council, I shall not rest until I see that every man woman and child in Sanctuary is cared for, physically, mentally, and spiritually.

Thank you.

"Will you be making tough laws to ensure everyone behaves, then? Step the wrong way to the left and get a hard spanking?"

The Laws we have now are sufficient to ensure it. What is required is a stronger, more even enforcement of them.

A small halfling female asks:

"Will you help us get out of here?"

I believe that it should be the blessing of every citizen to once again bask in the rays of Lathander, yes. I would see the Watch Scouts that Private Hawke is heading set to the duty the Seekers once held, and neglected. In addition to their duties pertaining to the safety of the town, of course.

A balding gentlemen politely asks:

"What is your policy on the Spellguard and their reunification"

I have no love for the Spellguard, those who know me best will tell you that. I have even less for their integration back into our City-

However, I will not forcibly oust them. Instead, I would regulate them to the point no Citizen need fear their eyes, or whips. They must be watched closely, I assure you. And I intend to see that they are.

A Society Ordinant asks:

"Sir Merrickson, would you be so kind as to tell us about your policies regarding New Dunwarren and the Society?"

New Dunwarren was reunified with the City, under a very specific treaty. The terms of it have not been met, and are in dire need of fulfilling. Those who lived there, and seceded acted as they felt best, though I feel their actions were for ill.

I welcome them back as brothers to our City, and hope that in the future, they shall not be so quick to think things unfixable. As for the Society, the actions of some past Ordinants have given the people cause for alarm. However, I firmly believe the Society plays a vital role in the safety of our City.

The Society must work alongside the people, to regain their trust. That is not asking much. However, I would seek to show the people the good the Society does for them, as well as aid the Society in the completion of it's duties.