Record of the Eleint 1381 Elections in Mistlocke

[The Pathfinder]

[FONT="Book Antiqua"]

[SIZE="6"]Eleint 1381 Elections[/size][size="4"]
A record of campaign material and a collection
of correspondence with four Mayoral candidates[/SIZE]

[SIZE="1"]by Entoni Zagan[/SIZE]

-

Mistlocke's fourth Mayor was elected in early Eleint, 1381. Mayor Jokast Pleate, an ice cream salesman, nearly doubled the votes of his closest living competitor, Antoine Godson. James Sterling-Sharpe, also known as James the Bantam, a bannersman of House Aberdenn, came in second place, but unfortunately had been taken from the village by an enspelled troll days before the election finished. In fourth place was Mira Ayrin, a priestess of Lathander and recent addition to the Mayor's Muster.

I am compiling a record of campaign literature released by each candidate, followed by correspondence I held with each of them. Besides that, I will not comment, and allow the candidates to speak for themselves. Notably, Joe Pleate responded most actively when I would not let the poor man get away with half-answers, while Mira Ayrin never responded at all. My hope is that this record informs future elections of the history they would wisely learn from.[/FONT]

[The Pathfinder]

[FONT="Book Antiqua"][SIZE="7"]Antoine Godson - [/SIZE][SIZE="5"]26 Votes[/SIZE]

[SIZE="6"]Campaign Literature[/SIZE][/FONT]

[SIZE="4"]Antoine Godson [/SIZE]

[/I][/B]

Mayoral candidate in support of a prosperous future

[/I]

Mistlocke, I congratulate you you. In the darkest hours of Ymph you have found hope, you have made war but a vestigial word and have rallied together in this fine hamlet. Certainly we all have our differences, but when I gaze upon the crowds of citizens here I see the foundations of a prosperous future. We all have our differences and lesser disputes with one another, but it is through these things that we must grow so that we may become a fully unified and harmonic culture. I hold no ties to the local house Caermyn or Aberdenn, the Knights of the Order Numinous, the Empire of Netheril, or any other banner upon this island, and yet I see the bonds and the strengths each of them can offer to our prosperous future. Allow me to guide you so that these fragile bonds do not break, allow me to utilize the strengths each of you have rather than oppress them for the good of some Lord or Patron. Let us no longer point fingers at one another and claim that our own efforts are superior to the other's, but instead do what we all do best and be fully rewarded for it.

As Mayor of your village I shall do many things to support each and every one of you and to fill our coffers with coin so that we might grow stronger each day. No man or woman's hard work will even become penalized or taxed, but instead rewarded. Where banners once faced prejudice for their work against our countless enemies they shall find support. Our two esteemed houses and our allies amongst the Order, Empire of Netheril, and the Wyrm Watchers shall all find their efforts rewarded and, upon my election, you will find the following things changed immedietly.


The former tax upon mercantile affairs shall be removed at once. No man or woman shall suffer losses for merely selling their hard earned goods and supplies.

A representative from each willing house or banner shall be elevated into the position of Mediator. With the aid of these Mediators I shall know and repair any and all issues their assocaited banner may have, and all internal disputes can be settled through proper politics.

The Mayor's Muster will henceforth be known as the Mistlocke Guard. Those who succeed their initial trial shall then enjoy a daily salary.

Guilds will be estalblished to support our local craftsmen and adventurers, with the most successful of these being granted positions of influence within my newly established Public Court. These guilds, while initiated by my election, shall be fully organized and operated by those who desire to do such things, a great method for any citizen or organization to rise in prominence and be fully supported by me and my appointed peers.

The Public Court will be held every tenday. Here, the representatives elected to speak for your banner or guild may reveal issues or concerns, and further bring their suggestions to me on your behalf. Anyone may witness these public sessions at their leisure.

Laws will be reviewed and modified to better fit the growing community. They shall become more defined and protective of our citizens.
 

My years of work in Sembia's Trade District have taught me a great many things, most notably how to locate and remove the flaws in an economic system and furthermore how to create new opportunities that exponentially increase the profits of our merchants, tradesmen, and adventurers.

As Mayor, I shall not only make certain that an expert maintains the position of Master Merchant so that it never remains vacant, but shall be establishing the new position titled [SIZE="3"]Director of Trade[/SIZE]. This position's sole purpose is to generate trade arrangements and establish caravan routes with our neighbors of the Netheril Empire, the Dwarven Hold, Castle Blackhearth, Sis Liman, and more.

The previously mentioned [SIZE="3"]Craftsmen's Guild[/SIZE], alongside any local independent merchant, will then be able to purchase and supply goods at a privileged rate and deal with a client base I estimate to be 300% larger than their current, a number that directly relates to their profits. This of course creates the demand for caravan guards, and thus supports the [SIZE="3"]Adventurer's Guilds[/SIZE] I will establish along with the local mercenaries and sell-swords.

Lastly, in order to protect your newly generated income, I am pleased to announce that I will be establishing the very first public [SIZE="3"]Bank of Mistlocke[/SIZE]. A secure and impregnable vault will be constructed within the Last Keep to hold the coins of any business or individual citizen, keeping them from the hands of bandits or highwaymen that may otherwise prey upon the vast fortunes you will be earning.

Antoine Godson
Mayoral Candidate

[SIZE="3"]Allegiances[/SIZE] and [SIZE="3"]growth[/SIZE]. These two things, in combination with my other plans, shall form the fist that grasps onto prosperity. It is essential that Mistlocke does not allow itself to fall into isolationism or become xenophobic, but instead adapts and accepts change as it must come.

[SIZE="3"]Allegiances[/SIZE] with the Delving and Castle Blackhearth must be made clear and more powerful. We must trade, support, and protect one another at all times while remaining clearly alert of our differences, and clearly understanding of how these differences benefit us. We must do these things and establish ourselves as a proxy to one another, effectively creating a networked society with each independent host remaining unique and adherent to their own traditions, but with each forming the core of our great society.

[SIZE="3"]Growth[/SIZE], a crucial element in the success of any civilized nation. We must adapt to the world in which we live, and we must grow with the ideals of a nation and not those of a small village. As the established [SIZE="3"]Guilds[/SIZE], [SIZE="3"]caravans[/SIZE], and [SIZE="3"]allegiances[/SIZE] with our friendly neighbors form into a powerful society, we must move along with the flow it creates, the cycle of unity and wealth.

I would seek to grow our "Elder Council" in a way that supports our new unified nation of Ymph, and with their support hope to form a stronger and more balanced governing body that can handle the difficult affairs and troubles we face. This body would take form with the newly proclaimed [SIZE="3"]Lords of Ymph[/SIZE], and I would see [SIZE="3"]Thane Thronûr the Longbeard, Agravian Blackhearth, Arthur Aberdenn, and Menaster Caermyn [/SIZE]elevated to these positions, each of whom act as a limb to our national body, with Mistlocke remaining it's heart and soul.

Antoine Godson

[SIZE="6"][FONT="Book Antiqua"]Correspondence[/FONT][/SIZE]

Mr. Antoine Godson,
 
I hope this letter finds you in good health. I am Entoni Zagan, M.Phil and recent arrival to the island of Ymph. As a new citizen, I wish to spare no time in becoming familiar with the ways of the land. As such, please permit me to ask a couple of questions about your mayoral campaign:
 
- Can you please elaborate on the role of the Master Merchant, and how this will differ from the proposed Director of Trade?
 
- What authority will a Director of Trade, Master Merchant, Mediator, or Guildmaster have to enact legal change or command the actions of the Mistlocke Guard?
 
- What role, responsibilities, and authority will Lords carry?
 
- How will Lordships change in the future? This includes deaths, retirements, or new Lords being appointed.
 
- What recourse will the people have against abuse of any of these positions?
 
- Would you consider allowing some or all of these positions to be electoral rather than appointed?
 
I thank you for your time and look forward to your responses.
 
With all due respect,
~Entoni Zagan~

Entoni Zagan,

I appreciate you coming forth with your questions and hope that I can appropriately answer them for you in this letter.

The Master Merchant shall be tasked with handling the internal affairs of Mistlocke's trade. He shall also be at the head of the Crafter's Guild to be established and organize their internal operations, general pricing, minor disputes between merchants, and other things that may arise internally. The Director of Trade is tasked with handling the external affairs, such as Mistlocke's exports and imports, caravans, and agreements with outside forces such as Blackhearth Keep, the Wyrm Watchers, Sis Liman, and more.

None of the roles mentioned in your second question are granted any additional authority, especially not Mediators of outside banners.

Little will directly change with the introduction of official Lords and Ladies. They each already oversee their own claims, such as the Thane and his Delving or Lord Agravian and his Blackhearth Keep, and that will remain true. The primary difference is that they will be asked to send forward their opinions, meet in council, and overall aid in the governing process of our island in a way that is more beneficial than prior. They have authority over their own host and the ability to establish their own laws within their private lands, but as Mistlocke is a separate entity still, they will have minimal amounts of authority given to them here. The benefits of Lordship and levels of authority within Mistlocke itself are to be discussed with the Elder Council still, though they will enjoy less authority than the Mayor, the Elder Council, and not be in a position of power over the Mistlocke Guard. Effectively, the current Mayor of Mistlocke might be viewed as it's own Lord, and these outside Lord's are but honored guests.

Lordship is unlikely to change in any severe way at any point. They are all pieces of a larger puzzle that must come together to be of any use, and that is the beauty of the system. Lordship will pass on to the proper heir, whether named or by blood, as typical. Should a man or woman rise in prominence enough and be capable of supporting their own host, they may be named Lord or Lady by the Mayor of Mistlocke, of by a majority vote of all other established Lords.

As stated, none of these positions grant official authority within Mistlocke. These men or woman already lead their own territories and banners, establish their own laws on their lands, yet they do not rule Mistlocke. Together with the Mayor, they oversee Ymph as a whole.

Certainly, the people of Ymph are it's greatest attribute and should always be heard. If they so desired to rally behind the appointment of a Lord, or select whom they believe to be the most fitting for Master Merchant, they could certainly do so. The people are the eyes and ears of a refined and prosperous government, and I should hope that is something that will never change.

Antoine Godson

[The Pathfinder]

[FONT="Book Antiqua"][SIZE="7"]James Sterling-Sharpe - [/SIZE][SIZE="5"]33 Votes[/SIZE]

[SIZE="6"]Campaign Material[/SIZE][/FONT]

[/U]

[SIZE="3"][tface=fellSC]People of Mistlocke,

For long have Aberdenn stood upon your walls and tracked silently through your forests, in service to the safety and solace that Mistlocke alone offers in the face of the countless threats of Mistlocke. Even before these times of Apocalypse, they have stood, stalwart, unflinching in the face of countless foreign aggressors, ensuring our citizens can live as free people, unburdened by the demands of petty tyrants and unharmed by the slings and arrows of our enemies. And with the coming of the Maiden three years past, our need is even greater.

It is this that I promise Mistlocke, nothing more. I do not seek to tax you or mire our hamlet down in complicated laws, for we are free men, men who do not need to be watched day and night by our leaders. Such is the domain of tyrants who would fatten their pockets at your loss. I, as all Aberdenn, look only to do my duty, to protect you and to protect your freedom.

I promise thus:

The Muster will return to its old ways, of protecting Mistlocke from external threats. No longer will they dabble in mercantilism and policing; we are a small community and when one has broken the laws, it is clear.

Through the joint efforts of Mistlocke and our allies, we shall expand and secure the lands outside of our hamlet, making it safe for our villagers to farm there and make their living off the earth.

Mistlocke has stood alone and it has flourished alone. Your freedom shall be safeguarded whatever the cost and no insidious cabal nor gilded count will call Mistlocke their own.

This is all I will say, Mistlocke. No vague promises, no vainglorious boastings of my character. You know me, you know Aberdenn.
You know the right choice.[/SIZE]


[Size="5"]CROWNLESS, WE WATCH[/SIZE][/tface]

[SIZE="3"][tface=fellSC]My friends,

These past few days have been good days for Mistlocke, good days for our people. No longer will a foreign threat intent on taking our freedom be allowed free roam, no longer will an insidious Empire be allowed to infect us with their agents. And what was Caermyn doing while this Imperial threat was building its forces, preparing its soldiers, readying itself through lies and trickery to call Mistlocke its own?

They were gathering evidence. While YOUR lives, YOUR freedom were in danger, they were busying themselves with bureaucracy and paperwork. Is this what you want protecting you, a Muster more practiced in pens than swords, a Muster that will hide the secrets from its people, refuse to admit the scale of such evil and call ME a radical, then turn completely and banish the Conclave absolutely?

The Mayor and his Muster are there to protect you and that is exactly what I will promise. No more trickery, no more convolution. The laws are known and when a man is an enemy of Mistlocke, the only thing needed is to stop him. You know I have taken up my sword and I have stood stalwart against the Conclave long before, you know they have not been a hidden threat. It is this I promise Mistlocke, this from its protectors, this from its Muster. I will not let innocent people die while papers are being processed.[/SIZE]


[Size="5"]JAMES THE BANTAM[/SIZE][/tface]

[SIZE="6"]

[FONT="Book Antiqua"]Correspondence[/FONT]

[/SIZE]

Mr. James,
 
I hope this letter finds you in good health. I am Entoni Zagan, M.Phil and recent arrival on the island of Ymph. I have noticed your posters and heard your name in connection with a mayoral campaign. Of the candidates available, you do have my initial admiration for a single and unapologetic belief, grounded in experience, of action and not bureaucracy, although I believe your charm could do with some work. I have a couple of questions regarding your campaign and what you intend to do should you be elected. Excuse me if some of these approach very basic matters, but I wish to make absolutely certain I understand:
 
-There is currently a role for a Master Merchant, instituted by Giuseppe Mastro and continued in his successor Caermyn. How will you approach this role?
 
-You do not intend to tax Mistlocke’s people. How will you make up for this potential loss of income when it comes to outfitting the Muster and feeding the people?
 
-You do not want to mire the town in complicated laws. How will you handle inevitable abuse by those who interpret simple laws to their benefit? How will you prevent abuse by corrupt law enforcers?
 
-How far do you intend to expand outside of Mistlocke? How will you secure the farms?
 
-You maintain that the independence of Mistlocke will stand: “...no insidious cabal nor gilded count will call Mistlocke their own.” Will you maintain allegiances with outside organizations, or will there be isolation?
 
-Assuming that the “laws are known” invites convincing and dark-minded individuals to turn public opinion against what is right. In the midst of a mob, how would you propose to maintain order or rectify mistakes made in the heat of an argument when 9 know they are right and kill 1 innocent man?
 
-If an Aberdenn commits a crime, what will be done?
 
I thank you for your time and look forward to your answers. Indeed, of all the candidates I intend to write, you are the one I am most on the fence about. You may either be the very best or the very worst choice. I think I need only a little more information to know which.
 
With all due respect,
~Entoni Zagan~

Mister Zagan,

To begin with, though not a pressing issue, it is Ser Sterling-Sharpe, though it would please me for you to call me simply James or Jack.

I will answer you question by question, if it would please you, and thank you for your reserved support.

- I do not feel the need to split our government into each individual department. Such does nothing more than create confusion and fractures which stimy the overall development and workings of those who protect.

- The Muster has not received funding before Caermyn and though I will not strip the sergeants of their wage, you will find that food comes out of soil, of which we have a great deal around us.

- Those who abuse the law from positions of power will be executed.

- The Mistlands. Stonehand's Scars, the Crossroads and the Springs all have fine ground which, when made safe, will create more than enough food for Mistlocke. The land will be made safe through the joint efforts of the Muster, Aberdenn and any others (who will be gifted with land for their efforts) patrolling and routing out any monsters that could pose a threat to Mistlocke.

- Communities such as Sis Liman and the Delving, which do not seek to control or dominate Mistlocke, will be welcomed and even traded with. Those such as Old Port and the Empire will be, unless they pose a threat to Mistlocke, left to their own devices.

- Public opinion will not change the truth and no matter how focused and supported a lawbringing organization is, a murderer will either be known or not known. I support the citizenry bringing law into their own hands when it is obvious, as it often is, although if the crime was not witnessed it will of course require more care.

- No man is above the law.

I hope this is enough information. If there is anything more I can say, please tell me.

May you reap what you sow,

[FONT="Book Antiqua"][SIZE="5"]J[/size][SIZE="4"]ames the [/size][SIZE="5"]B[/size][SIZE="4"]antam[/SIZE][/FONT]

[The Pathfinder]

[FONT="Book Antiqua"]

[SIZE="7"]Mira Ayrin - [/SIZE][SIZE="5"]7 Votes[/SIZE]

[SIZE="6"]

Campaign Material

[/SIZE][/FONT]

*a message written in prominent cursive, placed and scattered in the more densely populated areas of Mistlocke, often times magically enchanted with a luminous incantation drawing your attention to it*


Vote Lathander in this Eleasis election, vote Priestess Dawnbringer Mira Ayrin

Known for her charity and works in Mistlocke, Mira does not hold political ties with any organization and has a simple plan to restoring Mistlocke to it's former yet future greatness.

1. Will create a civil council to decide in Mistlocke's affairs, elected by the Lord-Mayor and people by vote. The council will decide on matters of the cities vital importance and will not be reneged unless by veto of the Lord-Mayor.

- Will lower merchant taxes and game taxes. Will raise taxes on foreigners coming and using our facilities and market halls. Will establish patrols of likely caravan routes as part of the duties of the Mayor's muster and volunteers.

- Will increase standards of the Mayor's muster and ensure adequate pay for all active duty members.

- Will establish relations with Caermyn and Abberden halls and allow them one exclusive representative to advise the Lord-Mayor on all issues, having a place within the Mayor's office.

- A known record of incorruptibility, and one of charity and will maintain and strengthen ties with all faith of the village, maintain the surplus and charity to the refugees and survivors of the Ziggurat.


More freedom and more prosperity for the village.
Vote for Dawnbringer Mira Ayrin on Eleasis the 30th

The CIVIL COUNCIL, if elected, will consist of at it's start 3 to 5 elected members. It can be increased upon vote of the council or dictate of the Lord-Mayor. They will have full executive power and can only be removed or reneged at the behest of the Lord Mayor.

Elucidations on tax strategy-

By taxing foreigners we put money into the pockets of our Muster who protect our homeland. Removing the merchant and game liscences, refunded to their purchasers, and instating a toll will be a much more peaceful and simple strategy for engaging in trade with foreigners who might not understand our ways, will benefit our allies who profit us with their enlightenment and treaties.

The unpopular current tax structure shall be changed if i am elected Lord-Mayor. The servants of H'bala shudder at the thought of an enlightened Mistlocke, capable of withstanding unerring assaults with the divine protection and providence of the young Lord Lathander, the friend to the goodly races of man and enemy to the undead scourge. Such a blow would cripple the Maiden and the divine healings and protections of Lathander would assuredly descend upon the isle, and Lathander would become another patron deity of the rogue colony Mistlocke amidst the Lichess's grasp.

Remember to pray to Lathander for aptitude in dealing with the undead.

A response to Joe Pleate, though i fear his credibility is evaporating... or rather melting, in the face of the heat. Though i digress getting into personal attacks, at least until the debate, i will say that his campaign is about as short sighted as the length of time he has stayed on this isle, myself being perhaps the most veteran priestess on the isle.

There is time for apologies, and if your words are taken back, we can work together peacefully for the future of the isle, rather than criticize one's capability to lead Mistlocke's future.

Citizenship-

New laws on citizenship will be passed and will create a new brand of citizenship to distinguish between those subject to taxes and free from them. Upon my election, all current residents of Mistlocke (and their family members) will receive full citizenship based on their ability to confirm their loyalty and residency within Mistlocke.

All citizens will be excluded from current taxes and refunds will be effected, depending on the circumstances.

Special situations, such as those sworn to defend Mistlocke, but choose not to reside inside it's walls, will be deliberated.

CIVIL COUNCIL -

The citizens of this township are extremely aware of the vulnerabilities of allowing so much power into the hands of one man, and while it fills our hearts and bellies with pleasure to see one man represent our village, our tribe, our land, a father figure to us all, the new ways of citizenship and representation will border our lands in a strength not held by other nations.

With the civil council taking effective form of government, the wiles and nature of one man can no longer loot the coffers of our government as has happened consistently since before the Comital invasion, and make laws stampeding on the common man and defending themselves and their own interests, as was the case of Mayor Mastro, and what might seem to be occuring with Mayor Caermyn, his representatives, and his indecisive, and what some would say, fool hearty legislations and laws.

Warriors know this is the case, another government built around your struggle, but where you get none of the pie. Know citizens, that this will be a government of warriors, for the people, against Hbala the lich and all of our adversaries. Our warriors will be twice as prepared and twice as able to defend their children and loved ones in the future. Safety and prosperity of hunter, warrior, tradesman, weaver, common man, and merchant alike.

Mardo, and rehabilitating criminals and deviants

Mardo was a monk of somewhat repute of late within the village, dressed in orange, and known for his fearsome abilities and strange attire. He was found consorting with necromancers and arrested, after resisting. Some have said that justice was dealt to quickly with this necromancer suspect and known bandit, and while ample oppurtunity was given for him to repent his crimes, he showed little empathy and was killed shortly after a raid by another of the Lichess's agents. I strongly regret such heartless actions, and wish more oppurtunity would have been given for such a man to repent and find new trade, and new inspiration in his life, though maddened as he may be by the Lichess's curse.

Some may know me as a priestess of peaceful disposition, and this is true, and also of a teacher of growth and life, over mindless destruction and killing.

The recent attacks by necromancers and agents of the Lichess have taken the toll on many, myself recovering from their fury only with the divine aid of Lathander and the gods.

New laws would be written, reforming the criminal code along certain boundaries, limiting and reforming the punishments of exile to non-necromantic crimes, phasing out exile for the punishment of citizenship revokal, raising the penalty for necromancery to death, and creating a new works program of arrested criminals to serve out their time rebuilding Mistlocke's walls and serving under and defending it from the slavish minions of the undead and other bipedal monsters.

Remember to vote for myself in the coming Eleasis election, Dawnbringer Ayrin. Know that brother James the Bantam, warrior and Abberden bannersman of Chauntea is a good candidate and some collaboration may come between us, perhaps culminating into a cooperation between our two campaigns.

Remember to pray to Lathander each morn to protect your children from the scourges of the undead.

*a few messages are delivered to be posted*

I have read of the Order's endorsement of the newcomer and mysterious candidate, Antoine Godson. When i first arrived in this village, many months ago, Father Mororn had warned many to beware the secretive and mysterious ways of the Order, and their knights and followers.

If such a man, fresh from the portal is to receive their endorsement, and not the most veteran and well known candidates, myself, Dawnbringer Ayrin, and bannersman Brother James the Bantam of Chauntea, it leads me to give suspicions into their endorsement of such a person. While i respect the vigilance of such newcomers, i honestly am even unaware of the faith or works of such a man.

I myself have given my lifeblood on many occasions to witness and participate in the battle against the hill giants of H'bala and her newest minion, the vile were rat.

I have received threats of murder from the rat directly, as he knows the danger to his master Lichess if the reforms and enlightenment Lathander and myself wish to produce were to take hold on Mistlocke.

Ensure Mistlocke's safety and protect yourself from the wiles of the newest portal rats, who could be necromancers or were creatures in disguise. Take heed of the recent attack and know well that myself and Brother James are the only viable candidates.

[FONT="Book Antiqua"][SIZE="6"]Correspondence[/SIZE]

[SIZE="5"]N/A[/SIZE][/FONT]

[The Pathfinder]

[FONT="Book Antiqua"][SIZE="7"]Jokast "Joe" Pleate - [/SIZE][SIZE="5"]51 Votes[/SIZE]



[SIZE="6"]Campaign Material[/SIZE][/FONT]

Vote Joe Pleate for Mayor!

Though new to this town, Joe Pleate is not new to leadership. He's run Pleate's Treats for over thirty years, providing quality products to working men and women. Now, in this exotic, wondrous new town he seeks to provide something even better than Ice Cream (unbelievable!). Guidance.

Father of 6, experienced businessman and hardworking, average citizen. Joe Pleate will ensure that the government of Mistlocke does not step on your toes! Our cosmopolitan city comprises people from all over Toril, and Joe Pleate recognizes that no single government body can hope to represent them all. So why try? Under Joe Pleate, government will be limited to the essentials, meaning greater freedom for the rest of us! No more invasive laws, telling you what you can and can't do with your hard earned money!

If you feel oppressed, Joe Pleate is the candidate for you! He'll break the shackles of big government, and let us all get back to what's important: enjoying our friends, family and sitting back once in awhile with a delicious Pleate's Treat Gourmet Ice Cream.

Vote Joe Pleate in the coming election! A Vote for Joe is a vote for Freedom and Ice Cream!

Vote for Joe Pleate

 

Owner of a Small Business
Manager of a Merchants Guild
Father of 6

Joe Pleate is all these things and more. For over 30 years Joe Pleate has been active in people management, finance, and politics. A down to earth man who works in the village to earn his keep, he's no reckless bravo or itinerant adventurer who'll put himself at risk day after day when he should be working for you.

Not an outsider, or a political insider or schemer, Joe Pleate has no hidden agenda's, no ulterior motives - only a desire to see simple but effective government return to Mistlocke. All goodfolk of the village, from Caermyn to Aberdenn to the Wyrm Watchers and the Order and even the Conclave will be treated fairly when Joe Pleate sits in the Mayoral-Seat.

Vote for Joe Pleate, the clear candidate, the only candidate with a clear vision and the experiance to carry Mistlocke foreward as the war countinues.
-
Emily, The Mists End Maiden, Manager of the Campaign to Elect Joe Pleate Mayor

Joe Pleate will lead Mistlocke with an open mind and open hands, working with the best and the brightest for a better end! A vote for a priest is a vote for a priest, a vote for a warrior is a vote for a warrior, but a vote for Pleate is a vote for both of these and more, because only he is free of the fueds that divide us and cause us to stand apart!

Vote Pleate to unify Mistlocke!
-
The Comittee to Elect Joe Pleate

To Refute my Opponents:

Mr. Lorcan has deftly noticed that I am not a man trained for combat, while he is as he says, a trained soldier. However, I take offense to his implication that a man who "sells frozen treats" is unfit for a position of leadership.

What does Mr. Lorcan have against a man who earns a living running a small business? There are a great many of our citizens who are not soldiers, nor adventurers and yet who put food on the tables of these soldiers and "combat leaders" as he terms them.

While it is true that I sell gourmet treats, I fail to see the shame in this as Mr. Lorcan clearly feels there ought to be.

The Dawnbringer advocates that you "Vote Lathander". But, my dear citizens, Lathander is not here. She is. And she, I am sorry to say, cannot be expected to be his stand in.


Go to a priest when you want prayer, and go to a soldier when your home needs defending. But don't give them the keys to the city coffers. For that, dear friends, you need a merchant and one with experience.

Vote Joe for Mayor.

Joe Pleate is a man who understands traditional, homespun values. Who understands the spirit of a small town, filled with hard working salt of the earth people.

Joe Pleate is also a successful business man who raised six children with buisness savvy, work ethic, and a mind for budgeting.

Joe Pleate is everything Mistlocke needs in a mayor. He'll reach across aisles, treat all clans fairly, work to improved Mistlocke's finances and support our men in uniform with a mind for better defense. Eleven days from now, choose the candidate who offers the full package - Joe Pleate.
-
The Comittee to Elect Joe Pleate

Antoine Godson says "A vigilante mayor and a hired gaping mouth may serve a withered and poor village well". Do you really want to vote for a candidate that stoops to such vulgar and spurious insults as mayor? Do you really want a candidate who makes elaborate promises before he's even seen the village finances? Do you really want a candidate who publically insults and disrespects the Mistlocke Muster?

In the upcoming election, vote for the only candidate to comport himself with dignity. Vote for Joe Pleate.
-
Paid for by the -VOLUNTEER- comitee to elect Joe Pleate.

His detractors say he's weak on defense! His doubters say he doesn't understand the challenges of leading on an Island such of Ymph!

Fact: Joe Pleate is the only candidate to recieve the endorsement of the village muster, and the only candidate publically recognized by an officer in the Mistlocke Muster for being tough on crime.

Joe Pleate - Not just a Businessman, but a Mans Man.
-
Brought to you by the volunteer comittee to elect Joe Pleate

Vote Joe for a Level-Headed Mayor! Say NO to Aristocracy!

Citizens, when you go into the voting booths several days from now you will be making a decision that will affect our small town for months to come. We all must take our part in this fledgling democracy seriously. And we must endeavour to preserve it.

Antoine Godson has promised us Lords. I do not know about many of you, but I find joy in Mistlocke specifically because we do not suffer from the aristocracy of the mainland. With no disrespect to Mr. Godson, I urge you all to withhold your vote from his oligarchical vision.

Dawnbringer Ayrin has told you that either she, or James the Bantam would make fine leaders. While she is a fine woman, I ask you if you would really choose to elect a woman who is unconvinced of her own right to lead.

My opponents are, each and every one, young men and women of intelligence and honor. But they are not balanced, level headed leaders for our small town, in these times of trial. It is my firmest belief that I alone of those on this election ballot can offer our small hamlet what it requires: the wisdom and impartiality that comes with age, vision tempered by experience and practicality. I am no religious zealot, nor ambitious young aristocrat.

I promise that should I be elected, our city will see a cessation of unfair taxes, an increase in trade and an eye to the future. Ask yourselves, would you rather have green youths handling our financial and martial fate? Or a weathered, time tested businessman, who has worked hard for his coin like you, and does not think to set a Lord above you when you are perfectly capable of managing yourselves.

Come Eleasis 30th, Vote Joe Pleate. A Vote for Joe is a vote for Democracy, Freedom and the stemming of the Aristocratic Tide.

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[FONT="Book Antiqua"]Correspondence[/FONT]

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To Mr. Joe Pleate,
 
I hope this letter finds you in good health. I am Entoni Zagan, M.Phil and recent arrival to Ymph. As a new citizen of Mistlocke, this democracy and the oppourtunity it affords to create a safe bastion on this island cannot be passed up. That is why I find it abhorrent that you are willing to campaign so hard when you know you are absolutely the wrong person to protect Mistlocke. You must understand that the role of Master Merchant is far more suited to you. However, I am willing to give you the benefit of the doubt. I have several questions about your campaign. In truth, I suspect these questions are the most dangerous thing to your chances for success, but nonetheless I will allow your answers the chance to surprise me:
 
- You say that "...no single government body can hope to represent" the large variety of people in Mistlocke. Why not?
 
- You say that "...government will be limited to the essentials..." Can you define these essentials and why they are better than the laws we have now?
 
- You claim that "All goodfolk of the village ... will be treated fairly..." when you are Mayor. But your government cannot hope to represent them. What say will they have in the management of Mistlocke when you are Mayor?
 
- What is your verifiable business experience within Mistlocke?
 
- You ask what one "Mr. Lorcan" has against "...a man who earns a living running a small business." You accuse him of shaming the profession of salesman. He did neither of these things: he stated you were unfit for leadership. How do you refute that statement?
 
- How does the endorsement of the Mayor's Muster display your understanding of "...the challenges of leading on an Island such as Ymph"?
 
- You promise increased trade, improvement of finances, and support of the Muster for better defense. How?
 
- If, as you say, the people of Mistlocke "are perfectly capable of managing [themselves]," why do they need a Lord-Mayor at all?
 
Thank you for taking the time to read these questions, and I very much look forward to hearing your answers. Please keep in mind that of the four major candidates thus far, you are the best campaigner, and it is not fair for you to try so hard against opponents of such low calibre (save Godson, who has promise.)
 
With all due respect,
~Entoni Zagan~

Master Zagan,

Despite your initial insult that I am "absolutely the wrong person" to defend Mistlocke, I found your letter rather insightful and refreshing. It is good to see that someone has been paying attention to the campaign closely. Let me attempt to answer your queries as you wrote them:

To your first question, I must say that though the actual number of people within our City may be small, it seems undeniable that the cultural diversity per capita is greater than perhaps any other place in the world. As such, it is unavoidable that some decisions of the City Government must displease some portion of its citizens. Take for instance, that Mistlocke has no slavery. There are portions of Faerun (and certainly represented in the citys makeup) which allow such practices, yet Mistlocke has made the decision not to. And that is a reasonable, rational and moral decision. But it will not make everyone happy, and in my mind a suitable candidate for mayor must be aware of these cultural issues, and be prepared to examine the needs and desires of a diverse constituency. Mistlocke, much as some would have it, is not a homogenous environment.

Question the Second: A government's responsibility is, in my mind, twofold. The protection of its citizens, and the betterment of their lives. It is not the place of government to unduly concern itself with the lives of its citizens beyond these mandates. Take for instance two currently oppressive trade laws: the requirement of expensive licenses, and the prohibition of trade outside the Market Hall. As a means of gathering revenue, licensing is negligible. Those who buy the licenses are those who stay within the town the majority of their time. Adventurers who seek to trade simply sell their wares just outside the city limits. In this way, there is no "turnover" in those buying licenses. It is an inefficient and unjust way of taxation. Similarly, the laws against trading outside are absurd. It is no business of the government if I wish to sell my ice cream out on the grass, or in a hall, or wheresoever I choose. It is the product of my hands, exchanged for the money of hardworking men and women. Absurd, you can see.

It is these manner of incursions, attempts to police and herd our small town that I seek to do away with. Any law which does not show a direct and reasonable benefit to our people will be scrapped. In this way, the Muster may focus itself further on defense, and less on telling merchants to "move it inside".

Question the Third: I feel that this is a semantical question, one which is cleared up by the answer to the first. By dealing fairly, I herein reference two things. Firstly, that I will take no part in the feuds of various entrenched factions. Though I welcome their support (and some have seen the benefit of a neutral party as Mayor), I will not be dealing in favors or loyalties to their patriarchs, lords, or emperors.

Question the Fourth: I am a bit baffled by the implication of this question. Feel free to elaborate. It feels to me that you insist that what has taken place outside of this island is inadmissable. If that is the case, I do wonder what that M. Phil is which follows your name, as it seems curiously like a scholastic notation.

Since my arrival in Mistlocke I have crafted my confections, and sold them under the Pleate's Treats name within the Market Hall. You may ask around, if you wish to know how they are. I will also gladly sell you a scoop at a 20% off discount, if you wish to try them.

Question the Fifth: You will note in Mr. Lorcan's literature that he directly links a perceived inability to lead with the fact that I sell frozen treats. It is not a caveat he provides, it is clearly an implied correlation. That is my issue, as I find nothing shameful in my business. As to refuting his statement, I feel no need to as he does not elaborate on how precisely he perceives me to be unfit beyond the fact that I sell treats.

Question the Sixth: To understand how the Muster's Endorsement and that statement correspond you must perhaps understand the circumstances which lead to the endorsement. The event which lead to the endorsement involved a member of the Conclave, who entered into battle with a member of the Muster, at which time I aided the Musterman in apprehending one of the two assailants (also a Conclave member). Politically speaking, it would have been wise to stay out of it (as did a dozen others waiting on the bridge that day). This is the difficulty in leading Ymph in particular I speak of: the politics of this island are complex, and reward those who wait, and watch. Indeed, many suggest that Mistlocke should not involve itself in any matters which may cause a stir. However, it is my belief (and I believe this situation, and endorsement reflect) my personal understanding that it is unacceptable for us to fail to involve ourselves, when our enemies strike against us, whether it be politically unpopular or not.

Question the Seventh: The removal of Sis Liman from an antagonistic empire is paramount. Beyond this, we must secure foreign trade. I have heard it said that not far from here is a place where foreign trade was not uncommon, before the advent of the Maiden. Why then, do we pretend to be completely isolated from the world? We should be endeavoring to secure ourselves a place in the global economy. Ymph is rife with wealth. Look at the average income of it's inhabitants if you dont believe me. Adventurers accumulate enough wealth in a week here to purchase a holdfast on the mainland. We certainly have resources to offer foreign parties, but our City seems reluctant to grasp onto these opportunities for growth, difficult and rare as they might be to come by.

Additionally, we must realize that adventurers present something that no hamlet of this size enjoys on the mainland: a leisure class. We ought to be seeking to capitalize on luxury industries, rather than subsistence farming. There is a fortune to be made from the impulse buys of a spoiled upper class, and the City will profit from this.

These are only a portion of the opportunities for wealth that are on this island, and I would be happy to discuss them further with you.

As to the Muster's Defense, we are lucky to have a very talented, very trustworthy Captain to oversee them, who of late has been greatly hindered by government regulation and oversight. In my meetings with the Muster, I have found that the public perception of their ineptitude is largely resultant from unnecessary interference by former Deputy-Mayor Stokes, and other Government officials. Under myself, this would cease. The Mayor ought to be involved with the Muster only so far as to provide them what they need to defend us, and to ensure that none of their officers are abusing their authority and unduly policing our populace.

Question the Eighth (So many questions!): Put most simply, the town requires a Mayor to administrate the democracy they have put together. There is a reason it is called civil "service", Master Zagan. It is my belief that the populace is fully capable of determining what is best for it, and it is the Mayor's duty to listen to them, to understand their position, and to be the catalyst for bringing those changes to bear.


I am deeply grateful, once again, for your interest. Please tell me if you have any further questions, or would like to speak in person. I hope that at the very least, you can avoid hurtful comments on my fitness for the position in the future. I should dearly like to utilize one so well educated as yourself if Mistlocke sees fit to elect me, and I do not want a veil of distaste arisen between us by uncouth words.

Cordially and Respectfully,

Joe Pleate
Pleate's Treats

Mr. Joe Pleate,

Thank you for the swift and thoughtful response. I had initially thought you only a campaigner, with a silver tongue befitting a salesman and little else. In truth, you are also quite adept at strategically missing the point. There can be little doubt that on the current course, it is most likely to lead to your succession of the Caermyn regime.

I would like to state before you read any further that your ability to be offended does not dissuade me from addressing the issues as directly as possible. If that indeed bothers you, then go to my last large paragraph for a quick summation.

As you say, I do not believe your life before your arrival is admissible. My credentials would not be either, except that I am not running for Mayor. If I choose to, I will account for my credentials then. Your actions and arguments here and now, where we can see them, are admissable. I will not believe, simply because it is offensive not to do so, everything you claim to be true. In my eyes, you have made iced cream, and sold it. It is a far leap to say you can operate a village at war.

Your business sense is strong from the merchant's perspective. You seem to believe that the rights of the merchant class to do as they like supercedes the right of the village to not be cluttered, and loud, and to keep our goods where they can be protected. I think your way of thinking about the law is flawed because you fail to consider the far reaching effects or consider the will of others before making your choice.

Your ability to attack an armed assailant is not testimony of your strength of leadership. It proves you are more willing to take risks than those who stood by and waited. I cannot take on faith that everyone who didn't get involved is a schemer.

I am unwilling to accept your assertion that the Mayor's Muster, so called for a reason, should be made it's own organization simply because of the efficiency of its Captain.

I will be blunt: so far I can tell that you support the ideals of mercantile freedom, small government, and self-governed law enforcement. I'm also fairly certain you just said we should annex Sis Liman. You have no verifiable experience or skills besides convincing language and good timing. You have no original ideas and offer exactly the same style of leadership that has failed the last two times it was elected. I genuinely believe that you are not the best choice, or any choice, for Mayor, and as a candidate it is your responsibility to convince people otherwise; not the other way around.

With that said, I should be glad to work with you if you are elected in whatever capacity you can use me, provided it is not selling ice cream.

Thank you again for the brilliantly careful reply.
~Entoni Zagan~

Master Zagan,

I am deeply saddened to hear that you find me to not be the best candidate for the position. I would be interested to hear who you believe is. I should also be happy to attempt to persuade you otherwise.

As to Sis Liman, I fail to see where you made the jump that by removing it from Conclave rule back to it's once independent state, we will annex it, and can only then assume that you were being purposefully hyperbolic for the sake of argument. That is understandable.

I do feel however like you have intentionally misconstrued some of my statements. While I am unsure of your intentions with these letters, if you have the intention of using them to represent the candidates I hope you will except these corrections to your understanding of my platform.

With regards to Captain Volaunt: I fail to see a candidate for the position of Mayor more fit to lead the Muster than he himself is, so why pretend that I shall instruct him on how to do his job? You label me as elusively vague, yet I feel that is a rather straight forward admission of delegation. Nowhere, however, did I suggest that I should be making it an entirely different organization than it currently is (which, you should note, Antoine Godson does say).

You are correct that I value mercantile freedom, small government and a minimally (not autonomously!) overseen law enforcement system. I do not see these as bad things. Though I am intrigued by your implication that by removing laws prohibiting public trade, we shall somehow be causing undue harm. I am willing to listen to reasonable, rational points on this matter.

As to my credentials, you say that I have made ice cream and sold it, and little else. That is fair, in a way. Though I struggle to understand what merits you see within my opponents beyond my own? None save James have any experience in warfare, and he is while a good lad, something of a zealot. Of those running, I legitimately feel that I am the clearest, best choice, and it is on this basis I find your assertions that I am somehow doing the city a disservice by putting myself forward as a candidate offensive.

Do not mistake this offense for anything more than polite disagreement. I certainly do not wish to stifle your excellent overture at involving yourself in government. However, I do offer you the advice that you will almost certainly find people unwilling to speak with you if you offer them unwarranted insults against their person. For my own part, I find your letters charming in a rough sort of way. Others might not.

Let me know if there is further misunderstanding. I will (you will say strategically) chosen not to respond to the sections of your letter which are most inflammatory and lacking in tact.

-Joe Pleate

Mr. Joe Pleate,

Thank you again for the response. I will respond to your questions and concerns as best I can. Allow me to clarify some of my points, as you have so kindly done. My hope is that, by the end of reading this, if you do not agree that you are not the best man for the post of Mayor, you may see the path to becoming it.



The horror of your statement about Sis Liman is not that we would take it. It's that you believe: "The removal of Sis Liman from an antagonistic empire is paramount." Do you believe we can remove territory from the Netherese Theocracy without war? What would be the cost of a war, so close on the heels of the Comital invasion? That you would make that a priority is why I wrote what I did.

Volaunt may well be capable at his job. However, his job answers to the Mayor. If the Mayor is unwilling or unable to give a mandate and guarantee the success of his Muster, then either he has failed or they are not his Muster any longer. If he fails through negligence, he should not be Mayor. If the Muster is not his, they are autonomous. At that point the Muster, specifically Volaunt and his men by his orders, will be judge, jury, and executioner, answering to no-one. You might correct my concerns about this by giving an example of the mandate you would give to the Muster, and how you would ensure they follow through.

There have been abuses by previous Mayors. The most glaring is Giuseppe Mastro's entire reign, but Caermyn has been accused as well. Both these men were claimed to be merchants, and hired on that platform. Yet merchants from the market have fled to Old Stones rather than operate in Mistlocke. I would argue that, for these reasons, a platform offered by another merchant, advocating further freedom for merchants, is not what the majority of Mistlocke wants or needs.

A better strategy is to stabilize the economy by returning the policies of Ordio Quilby (requiring temporary license for the sale of goods), then to encourage a growth of the market itself by offering licenses to operate permanent stalls in the market building. Build a premium stall next to the Ordersman that allows a merchant to pay a little extra to put his goods on display at one edge of the village square. Centralize the market so that everyone knows where to go to find what they need. The greater variety of goods and services you can offer in the same place, the more likely people are to partake of many of them at once. If you want to encourage a "leisure" adventurer class, that is how you do it.

Although, now that we're on the subject, I think that encouraging a class system is at best frivolous and at worst guaranteed to encourage the same divisive social conflict that allowed the Sons of Sabuth to arise in the first place.

I will tell you exactly which merits the other candidates have. Their weaknesses you will no doubt have seen for yourself.

Godson: Eloquent and succinct, with an appeal to the familiar cultures of western Faerun, from which most of the village hails. He also gives specific examples of how his economic and defence policies will be enacted, and why they will work. As you read this, go and find his poster about the Guilds and the Director of Trade. When I asked him, he was able to clearly illustrate the powers he proposes the role will carry, and the role they must play to serve their purpose.

Ayrin: She invokes the name of a known and righteous God, one which offers protection against H'bala with a dogma sworn to face off against the undead. The subtext implies that without her in charge, Lathander will not protect us. Even if she were in charge, you said in your poster quite accurately that, and I'm paraphrasing, Lathander isn't here; she is. She will gain a strong number of votes from those who believe themselves devout, holy, and "good". Her economic policy appeals to isolationists, encouraging foreign trade but giving the tax breaks to locals. Finally, her offer of a Civil Council is very close to what I would do. Go now and take a look at one of her more recent posters, the one that starts talking about citizenship. Read all she has to say about the Civil Council. If you want to be guaranteed that every choice you make will be right, you will never dare to make them alone.

James: Despite there being an open priestess in the candidacy, James is the most clownish figure. Do not think I insult him, however. A clown attracts attention simply walking down the street. Everything James says is incendiary in true Aberdenn fashion. He makes no apologies and offers strength and decisive action. Is it the right action? I have had my discussion with him about that. But it cannot be ignored. You will see that a large population of adventurers will vote for James.

Finally, you know exactly what credentials you have. I've mentioned your innocuous appeal (not in so many words) several times. You seem harmless, and likeable. Your public arguments are simple to understand, even if they ignore the point, and you always are on the attack, rarely if ever on the defensive. However, your policy is lacking in forethought. If you have plans for your first day in office, you are keeping them locked tight. I rather think that you have grander designs and strong ideals.

That is why I said you are the wrong man for the job. Strong ideals are important only when you have the planning and strength to back them up. If you want to win and deserve it, you must appoint or elect a Council, like Ayrin, and give each member a responsibility such as Trade or Defense. You yourself must be a public figure who addresses the people, but truly 90% of your work must be delegated to those who are experts. You are not a soldier. You are not a priest. But to be a Mayor, you don't have to be.

I look forward to hearing your response. This time, it seems, I have been the one to answer your questions. I can only wonder if they will stand up to scrutiny.

~Entoni Zagan~



p.s. My degrees are in Philosophy, Theology, and Chemical Science from the Lantanese University of the Arts and Sciences. I would show you my diploma but I've afraid I've left it in my other Island.

Master Zagan,

I will point only to a couple of anomalies I found in your letter, and beyond that I shall call a close to our correspondence. Take this not as a desire to cease our conversation, but rather as an indication that you have so thoroughly intrigued me that I would far rather meet you in person than continue to pen words to paper.

You accuse me of encouraging a class structure by capitalizing on the adventurer leisure class, but then turn around and suggest that a man calling for open aristocracy is a better choice. I find this odd!

Much of your other concerns, I feel, are arising from misunderstanding. I have, several times in my campaigning (if not on posters) referenced the former Mayor Ordio Quilby as a touchstone for what I will offer as Mayor. And while you note that he instituted the licenses, I think that I am quite correct when I state that as they currently operate, they are inefficient and intrusive.

You speak of delegation. I think this is an area at which I excel. You suggest that if I wish to make correct decisions, I should not make them alone. I quite agree, and that is why of all of my opponents I alone have taken on an Aide to help me with my campaign, to speak with various citizens and organizations so that I may be informed as to their desires and their concerns.


As to the Muster, I quite agree that they are the Mayor's Muster, and I feel again that you have either willfully or unintentionally misconstrued my words. I suggest we meet to discuss this one, as correspondence is clearly not prevailing.

I have found your letters enlightening, clever and honest. I dearly hope  that I can dissuade you from your belief that I am a poor candidate.

Find me in the Mist's End,

-Joe Pleate