Honorable Council Members,

There have been rumors circulating that there will soon be action items on your agenda related to the repealing of the anti-spellcasting laws in Sanctuary. I applaud you all for giving this the full consideration that is due on a matter of this importance.

The Spellguard has long held a monopoly on this valuable resource, ruling it with an iron hand. In recent times this monopoly has led to abuses of power and the violations of the basic rights and principles of freedom we all value, beatings, extortion, and the blind eye of the Tower’s bureaucracy, the primary motive in my opinion being full coffers and "padding" for the Tower’s budgetary shortfalls.

There will be arguments of “Sanctuary’s security”, and “law and order”, but these are all a thick smokescreens designed for obscuring the reality of the situation: the strong desire of a few to maintain a tyrannical power structure. The true reality is that private citizens can also be given the capability to use magic without endangering the security of sanctuary, just like Spellguard operatives. Formal registration, equipment purchase, and annual dues can also be sources of additional revenue. The reduction in Spellguard enforcement activities would present vast savings over the fiscal cycle. Removing their focus from controlling the general population will allow the council to direct the Tower to the more vital task of securing our borders.

At the very least, I urge you to hold open session hearings for all citizens to attend. Balance the professional recommendations of the Spellguard with the professional recommendations of the general magic-using population. I urge you to take a hard look at the positives, negatives, and potential compromises.

Your humble servant,

Stygian Achnuman

Mr. or Mrs. Achnuman,

I appluad you for your desire to better the liberties of Sanctuary citizens, but I find myself somewhat baffled by your letter.

We have had very few complaints of abuse of authority from the Spellguard as of lately, and citizens are allowed to cast almost any kind and magnitude of spell, arcane or divine, within the city under the protection of the Spellguard Symbols. Bear in mind, even the Spellguard are tethered to the security provided by the Symbols and will not cast spells outside of safe ares without extreme circumstances.

Thus, the monopoly that you speak of doesn't quite define itself, nor can a logical analysis be achieved without assuming such a monopoly exists. As a further, much small point, the Spellguard would never beat someone. If they truly wanted to harm someone, they have much deadlier spells to use- but those are reserved for our enemies, not the citizens or even criminals.

You allude that the Spellguard recieves too much money. I would say quite the contrary. Agents of the Spellguard are not even payed wages, like every other civil servant (excluding the elected councilors such as myself). They also maintain our greatest fire control and security force- the animatrons. This is no cheap endeavor.

The concept of formal registration and other revenue inducing procedures has some merit, though that would actually increase the beaurocratic capablities of the Spellguard, with contradicts your argument.

The actual case for or against raising revenue in this manner comes down to a personal opinion, and I would oppose such a step.

On the point of border security- the Seekers are a relatively inexpensive organization that performs its duties fairly well, which includes border security. The Spellguard was never intended to keep an eye abroad, and only do so in dire necessity. To change this would be to change the entire organization, which is very unlikely.

Again, I thank you for your desire to help our fair city, but I find myself in disagreement with much of your points and arguments. If you believe there is a strong desire for change, I encourage you to create such a rally and see what comes of it, after which a public session may be in order. I wish you the best of luck, and a pleasant day.

Councilor Genevis Ward Physician Exec. Dir. of The Commonwealth Councilor of Sanctuary

Mr. or Mrs. Achnuman,

First of all, thank you for being a politically aware citizen. It has been one of my personal goals to make Sanctuary more politically aware through speeches, The Sanctuary Times, debates, open hearings, etc. It is not often I receive letters such as this, but when I do it brings a smile to my face.

Indeed, we have been debating over anti-magic laws. Though, personally I do not see where your hate for the Spellguard comes from. You mention that the Spellguard rules their monopoly over magic with an "iron hand". You mention they violate the basic rights and principles of freedom we value. Could you please elaborate as to how? I have yet to hear about any serious crimes or violations from the Spellguard, and I am very informed on all the doings of Sanctuary.

Though, I will agree with you that the Spellguard's power in law enforcement should be reduced. It is my belief they should be focusing on researching the powers of the old svirfneblin defenses and creating new animatrons. We have the Watch and Tigereye to do our law enforcement. When the Spellguard are needed to keep our streets clean, there is a problem.

I, like yourself, support an open hearing on the issue for citizens to attend. If that cannot be arranged, I will try to see to it that an article on the matter is written in the next issue of The Sanctuary Times.

I am examining the issue with the neutrality that every issue deserves.

Your councillor, -J. Geigne

Honorable Councilor Geigne,

Thank you for your response to my letter. I want to clarify I have no hate for the noble Order of the Spellguard, only a burning need to stand up against tyranny and oppression. If their focus was re-directed, the abuse ceased, and citizens had the right to safely use magic as the Spellguard does, there would be no issue.

I have filed a complaint in the past with the Spellguard, which would explain some of my personal interest in this position, and if requested I could provide you with a copy of the missive and responses.

The Spellguard's power in law enforcement should be reduced. The focus has shifted from maintaining our arcane battle preparedness to one of paranoid domestic surveillance. I agree that the Watch and Tigereye should be our primary law enforcement, perhaps with the occasional Spellguard Operative provided by the Tower as an attachment to a unit. Powers of arrest should lie wholly with the Watch...

I will eagerly await the article in the next issue of The Sanctuary Times.

Your humble servant,

Stygian Achnuman

Stygian Achnuman,

Yes, please send me a copy of the missive and responses from the Spellguard.

Thank you.

Your councillor, -J. Geigne

[You can send it to me by PM if you want.]