Guardian Debates! Live TV and action for those who came in person!

[genpcs]

[ Everyone's TVs will flicker on and to the Genessia News Channel for a Live Special Report. The Show Host pops out from beneath the podium, a cool tenor voice coming straight from him as he addresses the camera. ]

Well heeeeello there everyone! We interrupt your day for a very special report! This is the hostess with the mostest, your favorite Show Host, here with the City Guardian Election Debate, coming at you LIVE! This debate's a little smaller than normal with two City Guardian positions being uncontested, so Genessia City and Fayren will both be sitting out this time around. Congratulations to their continuing Guardians, David Haller and Mavis Vermillion!

Before we get into things, I'd like to introduce our sponsors for the City Guardian Debates this summer: Schnee Company Welcoming Services and Paw Paws and Props. Paw Paws and Props: You bring your pet, we'll take ridiculous model-level pictures of them as superheroes, celebrities, sports players- you name it, we'll make your pet into a star. I got a photo of me with my pet the other day, take a look!

[ Yes, this broadcast is being interrupted by a photo of Show Host as Robin cheek-to-cheek with his caped crusader, Bat-Llama. The photo spins out of the way cartoon-style back to Show Host and starts the show! ]

We are broadcasting live from right here in Genessia City. Many folks are in attendance, including our very own GCPD who are here to monitor and keep the peace. Let's begin the live debate-slash-Q&A you've all been waiting for. Here's how it works: You all come up with questions to ask each of the Guardians, and each Guardian will have the opportunity to answer it to help you decide which of your candidates is the right one for your city. You can submit your questions via text to the CPU and it will beam them to our stage, or if you're here in the audience, head on up to the podium and ask in person! Now to introduce our candidates.

A huge fight is brewing in Attleton with fiery contenders! Dante Sparda: current deputy, suave musician, professional pizza-lover, and badass is our first candidate but don't think he's the only one here. His opponent is EXPLODING onto the stage with plans to be the very best, like no one ever was! Katsuki Bakugo is ready to tell Dante to get back and go! Who will Attleton choose to be its new hero!?

Attleton isn't the only hot-button topic around though. Everglade may send a chill down your spine, but things are getting ready to heat up as Lydia squares down with Hikaru Takeda. One's a passionate protector of undead rights, the other the entrusted as acting City Guardian. Who will Everglade choose to deal with the spooky task of trying to keep everyone happy as City Guardian!?

Last but never least, let's make some hoopla about the high-tech city that programmed its way into our hearts and shot them into the sky, Nova City! Nova City's got two candidates with us today. He's sexy, he's cute, and popular to boot, he's bitchin', great hair, we all love to stare: Gale Reinhardt! But don't let that great intro fool you, Android 17 used to be a park ranger, and our hearts are in his range now! ❤

So park yourself down, take a seat, and let's get started folks! Get into the town hall for this live debate, starting in 30 minutes! You've still got time to pop in, let's go, and don't forget to cast your votes this June 24th at the polls!

{ OOC NOTE: Anyone can reply to this post with a question they want to ask the potential City Guardians. Each City Guardian candidate is tasked with answering any question on this post. No candidate is required to, but lack of participation may affect public opinion of the candidate! Lack of any activity during the election season will disqualify your candidate, however.

On June 24th, the polls will officially go up and each character will be afforded one vote for each city. So if you play 5 characters, you will need to submit 5 IC vote choices; if you only play 1, then only that character will vote. This means you as the player are voting on your character's behalf because it's going to be in the OOC comm just so that we can include instructions. There will be further information at that time as well as a link to a "booklet" with candidate information. For now though, the debate is here! }

Comments

Dante Sparda

[hot_handed]

To the Rejected Holiday Special:

A Guardian should always be ready to put their life on the line. Fight me to the death to prove who's stronger.

[alwaysimpaled]

[Really? This is how we're starting the debates? Dante is just going to sigh melodramatically, clearly very done with this kid already.]

A guardian should, and I have, multiple times. Comes with the territory of being the first responder for the office for dangerous situations, and the go-to guy for dealing with organized crime.

A guardian should also avoid getting caught up in pointless dick measuring contests. If you are really dead set on trying to fight me though, come at me at my shop where we have room to stretch without endangering the live audience, moron.

To all candidates:

[scarlet_devil]

What laws would you enact if you were given the power to do so? Which laws would you rather do without?

[ Look at this fancy little vampire sipping tea as if she were watching telly ]

[alwaysimpaled]

Probably a law against putting pineapple on pizzas, and requiring every diner to make strawberry sundaes.

[He gives a cheeky smirk and a shrug.]

Nah but really the only thing I have planned in the lines of new laws is a proposal to make some forms of gambling legal, but taxed. The Mafia in Attleton already runs underground gambling rings, so I figure why not give the citizens somewhere more official to go where things can be regulated to be fair, and help with Attleton's funding issues.

I'd also like to think up some way of incentivizing those with a tendency toward fighting to take their fights to the Colosseum where nobody gets caught in the crossfire, and their fights aren't nearly as risky. Still brainstorming that one though.

[wonderland_vogue]

[Perhaps it's better to ignore the fact that Lydia is very much in a "high fashion" women's suit and just grinning as she contemplates her answer. Nothing awful, nothing sinister, just pure amusement she's not about to let her get underneath her skin. Not here.]

If given the power to enact a law or laws in Everglade, hm... Well, I would absolutely put some more safeguards in place to protect the local non-human populace as protecting the humans in such a place wouldn't really help Everglade in the long run, would it? What we had before was... satisfactory, I suppose, but puttering in better guidelines of territories and the like for public viewing wouldn't be a bad idea, particularly given the issues lately with the werewolf population. Which, if I had to guess with my knowledge of that particular group, tends to stem from territorial disputes.

As well as continue the push, legally, for alternative food sources as well. Synthetic blood is all well and nice but what about those non-human residents that feed on a different source? Things ranging from flesh, emotional impacts, things of that nature.

As for one I'd rather do without...

As much as it might pain some to hear, I think we should go back to focusing on the non-humans of Everglade. If humans want to live here then fine, but there's no reason to be protecting them over the vast majority of the non-humans living there. I'd also prefer to... not so much get rid of, but overhaul the necromancy rules as well. Necromancy is an often misunderstood magical school and the laws in place right now seem to cater to that unfortunate mindset.

[orlokbutterfly]

I've made my stance on one thing in particular: Equality for every Nova citizen regardless of their race. Cyborgs, androids, inorganics of any kind and whatever other race that chooses to make this place their home have every right to be treated as fairly as humans. There's been a lot of fuss in the past about cyborgs and androids not being paid or treated the same as humans. That needs to stop.

[But don't you dare start questioning the rights of something like a Roomba. He's not here for that kind of thing.]

I know well enough that most laws are there for a reason [He's a former renegade, he's been on the opposite side of the law for a long time.] so takin' away something that important ain't somethin' I'd decide on a whim. I'd much rather go over the laws and have a discussion with the deputies about current laws. Then maybe take it to the populace to weigh in their opinions.

[In other words, he has nothing he wants to remove. At least nothing he can think of. Sure, he's side-eyed the bounty license in the past, but unless people complain about it he doesn't care if it stays.]

[hot_handed]

More severe penalties would be placed on anyone who willingly interacts with the mafia and assists them in any way. To compensate these stricter measures, there would be new security guidelines, and businesses who comply would be rewarded.

I would re-write the bounty hunting laws a little to make them more forgiving for property and bounty damage, but to ensure responsibility those damages could be docked from their bounty pay.

To All candidates:

[light_of_willpower]

How accessible will your policies be for newcomers and new arrivals? What about emergency protocols? The work over all is likely to be split between you and any deputies, so how accessible will office hours be as well?

[wonderland_vogue]

Mm. I think the best idea is to make it a pamphlet just like we have near the bay, or alternatively in an easy to reach format via whatever the office is that a Guardian has in their respective location. As for emergency protocols, I do plan on reaching out to create a system with the other cities in order to be as effective as possible and extend an olive branch to those that might be more... wary of Everglade in particular. I'm a mage at heart and in schooling so if there's a way to set up precautionary measures to automatically alert the populace to any danger, that is what I'll be utilizing. Of course, I can't say for sure if that will or won't work until I see what's being worked with. Otherwise I'm more than open to suggestion.

I'm an easy person to get a hold of, darling. Unlike humans I only need to meditate about four hours a day, meaning that it's very easy for those to get a hold of me. And the current jobs I have, as well, are varying hours and on my own terms, so it's not a terribly difficult thing to balance. Of course if I'm not around, then I'd at least have one of my Pokemon there to relay messages as she's far faster than anyone I've seen in this place thus far.

To all candidates

[shimmeringdeath]

[Oh, so he's in time for the changing of the guard. He's standing before them in a stiff attentive posture with his arms behind his back... but asking everything in the most scathing way possible.]

And just what makes each of you think you're capable of protecting entire cities and the civilians that dwell in them? Have you even had experience in such a position? Are you ready to give your life in exchange for an innocent's in dire situations should you have no option? I hope you're all aware that these are real responsibilities to consider and the populace needs to expect you all to excel in your leadership abilities-

[Someone shut him up before he keeps going good golly geez.]

[wonderland_vogue]

[Best believe she'll jump on the shutting him the hell up train.]

Who else is stepping up to take charge? Who else is wanting to put themselves on the line for the better of the rest of the city? The only ones I see are those who are standing up here with me.

Now. I don't claim to be a warrior, I'm not, never have been and never will be. I am a mage and the point of being a Guardian, in my opinion, is to make the populace have a better life than they had previously. To smooth things over for those that are new here and to help those that have been here for longer. Just because someone isn't a fighter doesn't mean they don't have their own reasons for being up here.

I'm offering myself up here because I think I can, genuinely, help those in Everglade. I've already been here as a lobbyist so why not try and take things to the next level now that I feel I have a proper feel of things and have ideas of which could help those better than I was before?

That's why I feel qualified. And that is my intention for being up here for election to begin with.

Is that all you had to ask?

All Candidates

[anamnestik]

What makes you uniquely qualified to serve your city? Is there something you can bring to the city that the previous Guardian lacked?

[hot_handed]

I can blow all the villains up.

Attleton's Mustached Guardian [He doesn't recall Cassian's name, and it's the least insulting nickname he can think of.] had some things going in the right direction, but he made too many compromises, and because of that Attleton suffered more than it needed to. I will enforce stricter regulations that hold everyone accountable, while also putting more responsibility on the city to stop crime so that civilians don't get overwhelmed. Right now, deputy work is skewed to where the hard working ones take on more work while the lazy ones brag about their accomplishments. It shouldn't have gotten to this point, and I will change that.

To All Candidates

[bigbadrose]

What is your reason for seeking the position?

Prove to me your motivational heart!

[Fist punches the air.]

[wonderland_vogue]

[Good grief. Give her a moment while she blankly stares at that fist punch.]

I think I already answered this previously with the whole because I want and believe I can help the local non-human population due to the work I have done with them up until this point.

Outside of that, no other motivations to really speak of other than the want to help them and make Everglade a better place in general for the populace living there~

To All Candidates

[aurabble]

What are your personal feelings about chicken nuggets on a pizza to feed the hungry?

[wonderland_vogue]

... What? [Congrats.]

Uh. I guess if that... works? I'm not personally familiar with the concept but if it works for another city then go... for it?

I don't think this really applies to Everglade that well. [She's so confused, so disgustingly confused. Who knows if there's pizza and chicken nuggets in her world. There's pringles, so maybe.]

[notquitedracula]

[There's a youngish looking guy in a white long coat out in the audience, who takes the podium to ask one very important question.]

Being taken seriously as a guardian will require not only strength but the capability to make clear tactical judgments even in the face of overwhelming adversity. Can any of you prove that you have that ability, and not just the power to win in some inane pissing contest?

[hot_handed]

I've already proven that by showing foresight and tactical decisions in my other answers.

Next question.

All candidates

[k2so]

If after winning the election one of the Guardian in charge or their staff turns out to be unfit for the position, manipulative or even dangerous for the citizens, what are the measures the other Guardians would implement to fix the situation? Would you turn your back on what is happening under the pretense it's not your jurisdiction even though others might be suffering? Would you actively try to work together to fix the issue, install a motion of no confidence....

[Kay gives a brief look to Bakugo before continuing.] Keep in mind that the death penalty is not an option. Even if that could stop them at first, they would be back after a few days.

[hot_handed]

I'd murder--

Their entitled ego, by using a secret force team to arrest them and suspend their duties until a decision could be made.

All candidates

[mother_of_monsters]

The Paperboy has committed multiple acts of vandalism, aggression and property damage. He only seems to behave if you pay for the newspaper that you not even want, and that's a form of extortion. That kid should be stopped, do you have any measure as to how to do that?

[hot_handed]

I tried to murder him, but Goldilocks stopped me. Maybe an ambush.

To All Candidates

[captain_by_the_book]

[ Cassian's been trying his best to remember that he's just audience this time around and not throw himself head-first into every debate point... with some success. Yay? Might be his good track record is coming to an end now, who knows. ]

Asking all candidates, how are you planning to handle situations in which you and your team can't win the fight? And what is your stance on civilian losses?

[wonderland_vogue]

[Fuck off, Cassian. But she can put on her nice face.]

I'd say the temporary deaths of ourselves is more important than the civilians being lost, wouldn't you? At least that's my theory on it, for myself, anyway. Though if it were such a losing situation to where even if we did that we'd still end up with civilian losses, then that'd be a failing on our part, I'd think.

But that's also a tricky situation depending on just what causes it, so I'd think it more case-by-case than anything else. Only so much one can do against nature versus some maniac coming in and blowing things up, I'd think.

All candidates

[unhappy]

Get ahead of your scandals right now, tell us your most embarrassing or dumbest secrets so we aren't blindsided later.

[ She doesn't expect much but some people are idiots so who knows what they'll get. ]

[wonderland_vogue]

[Bless you, Emerald. She's just biting back a laugh and leaning over that podium a bit.]

Surprise. My clothing is actually made from illusion magic. [She's clearly not taking this seriously, but.]

I don't really have anything else to say about it, I can't think of any secrets that I really have that are embarrassing or dumb. Unless you count preferring to live in the woods as dumb.

To All Candidates

[redcinemareel]

[In a blue dress, hair loose up to her ankles, and wearing blue pumps, Grell approaches the microphone set up for audience members to give their own questions.] As potential City Guardians running for specific cities, how will you fair when you're needed to work with another city and protect citizens you believe shouldn't exist, don't exist, or have otherwise negative feelings towards? We've all listened to one candidate openly stating and believing that ghosts and spirits don't exist, as well as stating that Necromancy isn't real. We've also had a candidate in a previous stating their dislike for a specific populace of this world. [Talkin' about you, Dragon Lady.] Could you possibly separate your personal opinions and belief systems in order to getting the job done to protect all citizens?

[wonderland_vogue]

[Bless you and this question, Grell.]

Firstly, off topic, but I'd like to say that is a fetching outfit. [Says the one in a light grey designer women's suit, but you know.]

As for the question~ The first two parts don't really apply to me as at this point in my life and where I'm from, basically anything and anyone can exist in some shape or form. Now, as for negative feelings? When it comes down to it, the majority outweighs the minority on what I may have negative feelings of for in the past. Which, I'm sure some of you have seen before, already know about. But that was a mistake on my part as I was running on broad assumptions and ones from my world, which was a mistake and I apologize for that and am actively working on being better about.

[Good lord, Lydia. But thank you, Grell, for giving her a platform on that front.]

So in short, yes, yes I absolutely believe I can and would. If someone wishes to see something in person of something they do not believe exists, I'm not beyond educating them if it's something in my wheelhouse, either.

All

[unhappy]

Another questioner pointed out that the paperboy, a staple of this fine world, should be stopped. What will you do to prevent otherworld ideas from crushing cultural cornerstones just because they're too butthurt to tip hard working Genessians?

[wonderland_vogue]

[Oh she's doing her best to not laugh, Emerald you suck.]

Honestly, it's best to let those trying to crush them talk and at least get the idea out there but in theory no one has to listen to those ideas.

I really don't think it's possible to stop the paperboy even if we tried, anyway.

All, but lets just admit he's being hilariously direct and petty

[thornmage]

I will admit, I have not involved myself much with politics, so perhaps I am simply ill informed...

Is the death penalty going to be liberally applied or used as a threat for everyone who openly disagrees with a policy or opinion?

[wonderland_vogue]

[So much for her meek comments elsewhere, oops. Excuse her biting back a laugh behind a hand.]

I take it this is more directed at a certain someone than everyone~ As I have no intentions on using the death penalty unless it's absolutely necessary.

[specialist_snowflake]

[Winter steps up to the podium, chin high, hands held lightly behind her back.]

Someone you trust or like has just committed a serious crime in your city. They claim to have a good reason for it. Hunger. Revenge. Ignorance. Being controlled by a third party.

Tell us how you would deal with this person.

[orlokbutterfly]

[He can't really say how he would really deal with people, but he's running for a public position here. He's gotta look good.]

Unfortunately, personal opinion doesn't matter. Regardless of the "reason" they have to be arrested just like anyone else who would commit the same crime. Any leeway and you're at risk of being accused of playin' favorites and twisting the laws in your own favor. Personal relationships can't get in the way of doin' your job.

[It helps to have been so unspokenly open to backstabbing people in the past.]

However in the case of a potential third party, then that will have to be an additional investigation to find out who is responsible and bring them in too. Of course, we're the ones who just have to arrest them and bring 'em in. The rest has to be handled by the city's judicial system. We personally can't be judge and jury lest there be justified cries of potential corruption.

[In other words, not his problem after the arrest happens. Let justice take its course and blah blah blah.]

for everglade candidates

[eatsfish]

[ Oswald had decided going in that he would evaluate the candidates for a while before asking anything, but now that Lydia had stood out to him he was certainly more interested than before to see what both of them might have to say.

He stood and raised his hand politely, giving a small smile. ]

Miss Lydia and Miss Takeda, as Everglade's current mayor I would like to ask about cooperation between us in the near future. In what ways would we work alongside one another for the betterment of our city?

[wonderland_vogue]

[Ah, yes, she'd at least seen him from time to time and knows a little about him. Though she's shifting her stance a little to be a little more comfortable than anything else.]

My~ Well, of course doing things all on my own wouldn't be fair for anyone, would it? Given you've been here longer than I have, I'd say that a good way to go about things would be to get your opinion on things I'm looking to change or implement to see if I missed any little details that might need to be added, removed, changed, that sort of thing.

It would do no good to have a Guardian and the mayor to not be on the same page, right? Of course, no matter which of the two of us win, I'd hope it'd be a smooth transition for all of us.

to all candidates

[captain_by_the_book]

[ Did anybody think "Cassian, shut up"? Because you have jinxed yourself. ]

I've got another question, this one mostly to the Everglade candidates. What are you planning to do specifically about the laws regulating residency of humans in Everglade? They haven't been repealed, but I got the impression they haven't been enforced as they used to be lately. Regardless of which way you go, I feel like everybody would profit from clarity which laws apply to whom.

In the same vein, are there any non-Everglade candidates which plan to enact laws or regulations which are based on species or powers?

[beamsmagicalgirls]

Maybe it was a little early for you to hang the coat after all, was it.

[He doesn't care Cass. He will roll with this!]

I have nothing against the species or powers of Nova City. Long as the citizens doesn't create a problem.

To All Candidates!!

[shortandsweet]

[ Neo comes up to the microphone, annoyed because she has to adjust it far lower than it's been all this time, and starts to use sign language. Don't worry, her gloves are specially crafted. A voice pops up from her device:

"There's not enough sign language accessibility. Someone who used to be here had to make these gloves for me, but not everyone is that lucky.

So what do you plan to do about that?" ]

[hot_handed]

Tell them to stop whining and start figuring some things out for their damn selves. Do you have any questions pertaining to actual security and public safety? If not, stop wasting my fucking time.

after debates

[beamsmagicalgirls]

[When debates are finally over, Seventeen takes his leave off stage and waits to be dismiss. In the meantime, he leans back against a wall, head forward with his eyes close, and waits quietly. He's not the best social cookie, but anyone is welcome to approach him.]

[hot_handed]

[Katsuki storms backstage, practically tearing the stupid suit jacket off now that he's out of the public eye. That was the most bullshit, frustrating, sad excuse of a "competition" he'd ever...

He wishes he could just beat Dante up and be done with it. He looks like he's shaking, but it's all of his pent up anger reaching its boiling point.]