Greetings Sanctuary,
As some of you may know, I, Rilo Manasi am a man who believes in freedom, and in boldly defending that freedom whenever it is threatened. I feel that there is no greater thing in life than the ability to shape one's own destiny. Yet there are some, outside Sanctuary's gates, and even here within them, who would take that away from us. Some would do it for their own gain, for love of gold or lust for power. Others follow dark gods who would have them enslave the world for their foul dominion. And yet others of our enemies act through sheer bloodlust and innate cruelty. I would have none of them see victory. This is why I have decided to run for Council.
I will admit freely to having little experience, or interest even in politics. I am like most of you in this. Yet I have led men, as the first mate of the White Hawk I learned leadership from my captain, and I hope I followed his example well. I learned that a great leader does not bully or coerce, he leads by being a friend to his men and by earning their trust. Sadly, in our current state, I see our leaders more often resortng to fear and the threat of violence. This is a course that will eventually lead to ruin. There is always a bigger bully and if we continue to replace one bully with another we will only end up as minions of a tyrant in the end.
My pledge if elected is to you, the citizens. I wish to see Sanctuary governed by the ideals of Freedom and Bravery, not sunken in the depths of fear and suspicion. I would bring about a fair and open governance, willing to hear the needs of the people and respond to them.
I would see Lower Sanctuary made just as prosperous as Upper. Aspiring merchants should be encouraged to open up shop in Lower through incentives. Relief should be given to the unfortunate through a rebuilt and properly funded House of Light. The bullies who prey upon Lower's weak should not be allowed to roam free as they have in the past. The Tigereye mercenaries should be reformed, until they are seen as shining examples of citizens concerned for the wellbeing of their fellow townsfolk, or they should be replaced.
I also have plans for the Spellguard. Too long have we seen masked Agents abuse their power and arrest citizens for imagined offenses. Too long have we wondered what really goes on in that Tower. I propose we open the Tower, and swell the Spellguard ranks with students of the arcane whose interest lies not in the search for power, but in it's application for the good of all. I would also move to form an auxilliary of the Spellguard, A Song Guard, consisting of bards and other performers whose duty it would be to shine the light of knowledge on all, inspiring the people and seeing that no secrets can threaten us.
I believe our guardians should be made more accountable to us, the people, therefore I would propose that the Council have some say in the recruitment and discipline of those charged with defending us. I have heard countless accusations of corruption within the Watch, Spellguard, Tigereyes, and even the Seekers. I say, enough! Anyone who abuses the power entrusted to them is not fit for their office and should be stripped of it.
I also propose to examine the role of the Seekers. The Seeker ideals are noble, but what have they gained for us to date? I would ask the Seekers what else we can do to help them in their mission. Whatever can be done to find the surface must be done. I would also see their efforts to free slaves in the nearby underdark increased.
If you are at all in agreement with me, good citizens, please, give me your vote. Together we will bring about a safer, happier, braver Sanctuary. A Sanctuary willing and able to stand up to anything.
Vote Rilo Manasi