This proclamation can easily be found in Fort Mur, Port Claw, Sslal'teesh, the Shifting Caverns, the Canal Ward, the Residential District and Upper Sanctuary.

Public File: Information about the Sovereign Host Publication Date: Mirtul 7th Year 153

The Sovereign Host was founded in Year 153 in response to the rapid decline of Sanctuary and its stability. Dedicated to the preservation of the city above all else, the Sovereign Host seeks to recruit, train and ultimately deploy elite troops in defense of Sanctuary.

However, the Host does not limit itself simply to military matters, expanding into other spheres as well. It seeks to locate allies in the Underdark, strengthening ties with outside forces to call upon in times of dire crisis. As well, it seeks to bring about growth in Sanctuary's impoverished economy, establishing trade alliances with various groups throughout the Underdark region, but is careful to note that this must not come at the expense of Sanctuary's independence. Even as it seeks out allies, it cautions against relying on others from the outside too much, feeling that, in the end, Sanctuary and its people can only truly depend on themselves.

To these ends the Host is made up of a number of individuals ranging from politicians, warriors, arcanists, bards, naturalists, merchants, nobles, clergy and everyone in between. The Host works to act as a cross section of the people it strives to defend and strengthen.

The Sovereign Host places a strong emphasis upon law and order as the path to maintain the city, and has strong objections to those who interfere with the stability of the city. As well, it has little tolerance for traitors or those who actively endanger the city through their actions.

However, this should not be misconstrued to believe that the Host does not believe in freedom, in fact the Host is a strong believer in personal freedom, but believes that true freedom can only come when properly protected by the law.

It can be a harsh organization, willing to do whatever it must in order to maintain the cities stability. Many of its members are willing to go to great lengths, even willingly sacrificing their lives, to protect, to preserve and to maintain the city. No cost is too high, no risk is too great, and no challenge is too hard that the Host is not willing to take on if it means the continued survival and prosperity of Sanctuary.

The Sovereign Host is led by a Commander, who is elected by a five person Council. The Council advises the Commander and oversees various aspects of the Hosts activities. Should the Commander step down or perish from some unseen cause, the Council will elect one of its own to fill the vacant position. Should the Council be slain as well, the remaining members will elect a new Council who will then in turn elect a new Commander. The terms for Council and Commander are for life, though it is possible for them to be removed from their positions through various means, all of which are democratic in nature.

As Sanctuary fell into civil war the Host faced its first major challenge. On Mirtul 6th Year 153 it proclaimed its neutrality in the war in order to focus on greater threats, though it is certain that the Host will work toward ending the civil war as quickly as possible. After which, it can only be assumed that the Sovereign Host will work diligently toward stitching the city back together again.

The Sovereign Host

Public Announcement: The True Threat and How Citizens Can Aid Publication Date: Mirtul 9th Year 153

Citizens of Sanctuary: The will and goals of the Sovereign Host have been made known, but you know little of the True Threat.

The Appetite is a being of immense power that stirs within the very depths of our city, in complete and utter darkness. It is a being that has the power to devour any living thing. Its existence is stirring and soon will rise from the depths and slay all within the city, neither rebel nor regime will be left alive.

The Sovereign Host recognizes this as the true threat to Sanctuary. Even as you read this the Chosen do battle against the Animatrons, created and programmed by the former residents of Dunwarren, in the bowels of the Machine. Soon, as they did in the Lower Ward, they will overwhelm the Upper Ward. All who do not recognize this as the true threat that we face not only are foolish, but endanger the lives of every living being in our city.

The Host will not stand by and allow these things to come to pass. We call out to you to give us aid. We ask that you put down your weapons, to join the Host and pledge loyalty to us and our cause of seeing Sanctuary preserved for all. This war is pointless and will only bring about your doom.

All rational citizens are asked to bring the Sovereign Host silver weapons. These weapons will be used in a great weapon that will slaughter the Chosen on a scale never before seen. Bring to us silver, lots of silver, and the sooner we have this the sooner we can make our strike.

Many from both sides have already laid down their weapons, to pledge loyalty to the Sovereign Host. Yet, even so, we ask for your aid as well. Send word to any location within the city and we will find it. Join us if you are willing to strive toward the preservation of Sanctuary and her people, no matter the cost, the risk or personal sacrifice you must make.

All who are willing to lay down their weapons and pledge loyalty are accepted, none are turned away, but know well that the Host proclaims neutrality in this civil war in order to focus on the true threat. Those outside of our order, who raise weapons or spells, will be viewed as traitors, those willing to impede our work, and will be dealt with in a manor befitting traitors of Sanctuary. It matters not what side you are on, who you are or where you hide. None shall impede the Sovereign Host's attempts to end the true threat against Sanctuary.

Again, let us make clear: Bring to us silver in large amounts, be it weapons or otherwise. Even if you do not have such, but agree with our goals, then lay down your weapon, put aside your spells and pledge loyalty to the Sovereign Host.

Let our intentions be made clear and known to all!

The Sovereign Host

Public Declaration: Statement of Neutrality Publication Date: Mirtul 10th Year 153

The Sovereign Host hereby makes the following public declarations:

- The Host reaffirms its neutrality in the civil war. It will take no side, but will not tolerate any hampering of its goals to defeat the Chosen.

- The Host reaffirms its belief that the Chosen are the true threat to Sanctuary, and so long as they remain such a threat, both rebel and regime alike are doomed.

- The Host reaffirms its exclusive focus on the preservation of Sanctuary, working endlessly toward promoting its best interest.

- The Host declares that its members shall lift neither blade nor spell against the rebels or regime, and all of its resources shall be directed toward the Chosen, or used in self-defense against those who hamper our goals.

- The Host reaffirms its commitment to protecting its members, and will not tolerate any assault or harassment of them. The Host shall view this as endangerment of Sanctuary, and will punish this act accordingly.

- The Host reaffirms its commitment to accept all who are willing to put down their weapons, put aside their spells, and work toward the common good and safety of Sanctuary.

- The Host asks that any trouble with a member of its ranks be immediately reported to the Commander of the Host at any number of locations within or outside of the city.

The Host asks that the regime and the rebels publicly acknowledge the Host's neutrality, and affirm it will not assault, hinder or harass members of the Host in their duties against the Chosen threat.

Additionally, the Sovereign Host asks that the regime not conscript its members to fight in the civil war so long as the Chosen remain a threat to the city, and the Host maintains its neutrality.

The Sovereign Host

In the appropriate place that is assumed to be under this proclomation, is the following:

The City of Sanctuary hereby recognizes the need for a force opposing the Chosen and acknowledges the importance of domestic tranquility and the common defense.

Under this premise, and while these established limitations are in effect, the Host will be recognized as an independant satellite of Sanctuary.

Lieutenant Dentra On behalf of the People of Sanctuary

((Meldread gave me permission.))

(These fliers once again fly proud in the non-existent breezes of the underdark, echoing the freedom long lost in this once, proud town)

[Found in the Shifting Caverns]

The rebellion acknowledges the need for a sovereign organization to fight the threat of the Chosen, and the need of this organization to remain neutral.

-- Sgt. Keel

Public Declaration: Sovereign Host Charter and Ethics Publication Date: Mirtul 15th Year 153

Let it be known that the Sovereign Host's ranks grow with each passing day. Yet, even as we grow, we seek more to join us. If, after reading this, you feel that your heart is in line with our own, leave word at the Helmite Shrine outside the city gates.

The Sovereign Host now makes clear for all our code of ethics, which serve as the guidelines for all our members, and our charter, which governs the inner workings of the Host.

The Sovereign Host Code of Ethics

The Sovereign Host operates under a code of ethics that reflect our beliefs and goals. This code is as follows:

1. A member of the Host works against any who cause harm to Sanctuary, no matter who they are, but is always mindful of the consequences of what they do.

2. A member of the Host believes that all Sanctuarians should walk free of fear, with the right to live their lives as they wish within the limits of the law.

3. A member of the Host believes the rule of law aids peace and fosters freedom, so long as the laws are just and those who enforce them lenient and understanding.

4. A member of the Host does not believe in extremes. No extreme is good, be it a moral extreme or otherwise. For Sanctuary to flourish, there must be balance: a balance of power, a balance of morality and a balance between individuals.

5. Whatever it takes to defend or strengthen Sanctuary, a member of the Host will do. Pride never rules the deeds of a member of the Sovereign Host.

6. A member of the Host believes in compromise. Working with hated enemies can sometimes be necessary to bring down greater threats. A member of the Host acknowledges that living in the Underdark is dangerous and thus, it is sometimes necessary to align with lesser evils to protect Sanctuary from greater ones.

7. A member of the Host polices its own. A member of the Host who hears the call of personal power at the expense of what is best for the city can no longer be a member of the Sovereign Host. A member who seizes power, and holds it above all else, is a traitor to Sanctuary and the Host. Traitors must die for Sanctuary to live.

8. If conflict can be avoided then it is for the best of all. The Host believes in fighting only when necessary or face death as a consequence. This is the way of the Sovereign Host: subtle and quiet, behind the shouting. Guile and intelligence, and the outsmarting of others is the only way for Sanctuary and the Host to survive.

The Sovereign Host Charter

The Commander is the leader of the Sovereign Host and makes all necessary decisions. He is advised by and beholden too a five person Council. This Council is elected from the members of the Sovereign Host. These seats are held for life or until an individual steps down.

Replacing the Commander: Should the Commander die or prove unfit for the job the Council may replace him through a unanimous vote by all five members. A new Commander shall then be elected from the ranks of the Council. Each Councilor shall cast a vote for the next Commander. No one can vote for themselves. There must always be five elected Councilors before holding a vote to either remove or replace the Commander.

Replacing a Councilor: Should a Councilor die or prove unfit for the job the Commander may remove him, but this decision may be overruled by majority vote from the Council. Likewise, the Council may elect to remove a Councilor by majority vote. When a Councilor dies or is removed ballots will open for members of the Host to run for the Councilor seat. The individual(s) with the most votes replace the old Councilor(s).

Referendum: Should the membership feel that the Council or Commander fails to adequately represent them they may call for a referendum vote. Any member may call for such a vote, and it may be targeted at any individual on the Council, the entire Council or the Commander himself. If 3/5ths of the membership votes in approval the Councilor or Commander is removed, and the procedures discussed above take place.

Voting

Voting takes place whenever necessary. All voting is done openly; there are no secret ballots. The time allotted for a vote is usually three days to a week, but may be less in special circumstances. During this time those voting may give points for and against a certain measure and members may change their mind as many times as they like until voting ends.

When the Council votes any member who has not cast a vote on a measure is considered having voted for it.

In general, for a measure to be successful it only needs a majority vote. In special cases it may need more and where this is so it is noted.

Powers of the Commander

The Commander is invested with special power to ensure that the Sovereign Host runs efficiently and effectively. He is the overseer of the organization and charts the way forward. He has the power to make snap decisions, which may later be overruled by the Council through a majority vote.

While the Commander need not put anything up for a vote before the Council it is customary to do so unless an immediate decision must be made.

The Commander also has the right to veto measures voted on by the Council. The Council may overrule the Commanders veto through a vote by all five members in favor of the vetoed measure.

The Commander also has the right to appoint new Councilors, either as temporary replacements for a Councilor that is absent, or to fill a vacant role if there are too few members of the Host to reflect an adequate vote.

Additionally, the Commander also has the right to appoint a temporary Commander in his stead should he be absent. This temporary Commander must come from the Council, and a temporary Councilor must be appointed to replace the one temporarily filling the Commanders role. Once the Commander is able to again fill the role, all roles are reverted back to normal.

Powers of the Council

The Council serves as advisors to the Commander and co-leaders of the Sovereign Host. They act as a counterbalance to the Commanders authority, and are invested with unique privileges to fill that role.

Each Councilor is elected from the body of the membership and is expected to represent the will of the members that elected them. They are expected to make decisions and plan for the future. Any Councilor has the right to propose anything they wish to the Council as a whole. The Council then discusses and votes upon the measure. To pass the measure simply needs to have a majority vote, and is then given to the Commander to be approved or vetoed. If the entire Council approves of the measure it is veto-proof and passes automatically.

The Membership

The membership make up the bulk of the Sovereign Host and may come from all walks of life. The membership has the right to elect Councilors who are to represent their wishes and desires. They may propose ideas to the Council to be put up for a vote.

If they feel the Council or the Commander does not adequately reflect their desires, they may call for a replacement. Any member may open up a vote for a replacement anytime. The minimum time for a replacement vote is one week. No member may be removed from the Host for calling for the replacement of a Commander or a member of the Council.

The Sovereign Host