LIVE SPECIAL TV REPORT

[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! It's your favorite host with news about the City Guardian Election, live! How exciting! This just in for Attleton: Dark Adonis Vyers will continue to hold the position of City Guardian! Congratulations!

For all other cities, it looks like the heat of battle is about to go from the frying pan and into the fire! Talk about a mixed metaphor, folks. Here we go, 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.

Just to recap, our official candidates for Genessia are Ejava Tepet, Emerald Sustrai, and David Haller. This might be a close one, folks.

For Everglade the candidates might send a chill up your spine! We've got Vlad III Tepes versus Theodore Satchel!

We look to the future with Nova City, this election starring Satsuki Kiryuin, Levi Ackerman, and Cinder Fall!

And last but not least, the competition is fierce in Fayren with the highest number of candidates! Gilgamesh, Laura Hopkins, Satori Komeiji, and Mavis Vermillion COME ON DOWN!

Let's get started folks! Get out of the showers and 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 Wednesday, June 10th 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!

On June 10th, 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. For now though, the debate is here! }

Comments

Question for all Candidates!

[graduations]

Can each candidate tell them about the successes that they are most proud of here in Genessia? I'd also like to hear one challenge they've faced and how they overcame it. Thank you!

Answer!

[youfool]

Pride's a sin, so hopefully that one doesn't apply. The success I'm most pleased with is figuring the name of a most enigmatic figure here in Genessia. No mean feat, that!

That was at the beginning, so I'll match the latest part of your inquiry with my latest venture...well, actually it's best I don't reveal too much. Hmm, this is a vexing predicament. How to give an answer, but not give it away?

I hope you're not averse to euphemism. I visited a certain establishment with intent on claiming a certain something. It was very dangerous, but I overcame largely thanks to the help of The Moon, that second-hand light that shines in the night.

[rulerofme]

It feels like a boast, but the two biggest accomplishments I am proud of have made it into the newspaper. The situation in Nova City that I helped to resolve. To give credit where credit is due, the current Genessia City, Nova City and Attleton Guardians were a few of the people that stepped in to help and I am grateful to all of them for it. I am also proud of the new children’s home that I, with the help of Yui Kusanagi, have put into place. Helping people is important to me, and these two successes? They have allowed me to do just that.

As for a challenge that I have faced and overcame..in a way, I believe that challenge was myself. I’ve had lingering fears and doubts about what I should do here, about what my place should be. I’ve come to realize that I don’t need to know what my place should be here, and that what I should do here is help and protect others wherever and whenever possible. Overcoming myself has been probably the hardest task that I have faced here.

[mintchip]

Well, back when my team was more together, we successfully overthrew some gang ties that were threatening a hotel in Nova City and provided security for the hotel from then on. That was a pretty cool success that shows that I'm more than capable of teamwork and strong fighting skills, both of which are important for upholding justice in Genessia, huh?

As for a challenge, well.. It's pretty public knowledge that my former partner, Mercury, killed a boy working for Schnee Company on video for everyone to see. It hurt me, a lot, and it took me a while to recover. A few friends helped me through it, but he still hasn't been caught yet. Not by anyone. I'm in the process of overcoming it, and becoming City Guardian to protect people from liars and killers like Mercury is a part of overcoming it. I want to become stronger, and I want to make sure that no one else gets hurt and I think if you vote for me to become the City Guardian, we can be a part of that together.

[fairysoul]

Well I'm still pretty new here... [Well she could say getting Zeref to dance at the ball but it would be a bit too personal.] But I'm told I was quite active in Genessia's life during my past stays here. You would have to ask people who remember my past stays here.

I've recovered a cursed jewel that was stolen from my home island with the help of my friends and saved the life of one of them.

[weavemyownfate]

For myself it would be the moment Second Honnouji Academy finished construction. When I first arrived here in Genessia I merely had a handful of red bills. Through careful planning, determination and hard work I have been able to create a school that I still strive to make a central hub for educating one another and pooling our talents to create an organized and unified force against the various 'natural disasters' that plague this world.

I would say that one of my greater challenges was becoming a Guardian in the first place. Like many who have arrived here, not many people were even aware of my existence. I proceeded to make numerous decisions, some which could be described by others as 'controversial', in order to gain the chance to prove myself capable leader. I would like to believe that the denizens had seen the effort I was willing to expend; the passion and determination I hold toward improving our situation in this world- but I never had an opponent last year so never really knew for certain.

Perhaps this time I will see the answer.

Question for Fayren's Candidates

[whiteas]

Opinions on dragons and steps that you'll be taking to protect the dragon population from poachers, bounty hunters, and other threats?

Re: Question for Fayren's Candidates

[thekingofheros]

I think dragons fall under rule as members of society so long as they are sentient beings that are willing to submit to the more decent laws such as no killing of other sentient beings.

That said, if anyone attempts to murder (not poach because that would mean they weren't sentient), a dragon. They'd fall under the same rules I'd have regarding the murder of anyone else. That is to say, An eye for an eye.

I've actually yet to meet a dragon in Fayren yet, my own arrival to Genessia being just a short while ago, but this is based on the mythical creatures of my own world, so I will treat it as I know.

[inquisitoring]

I remember that incident that has probably raised your question, Miss Schnee.

[She gives a slight bow of her head.]

In the end, it depends on the sentience of the current population of dragons. If they're are sentient enough to bargain then I propose to speak with them to set some boundaries. If these rules are broken, then there will be a trial with a judge.

If there is more feral dragons than sentient then I'll try to relocate them to less contested areas. Even if that means trying to open a sub-gate to make their new home.

As for poaching or bounties, there be regulations against this as well. Vigilante justice can be extremely dangerous if left unchecked.

[fairysoul]

Dragons are like any other species, including humans. Some have good intentions and want to live peacefully with others, some are greedy and want to fight for their own gain. In my home wold, dragons have risked their lives to protect humans against other dragons.

Part of the dragons in Genessia seem to be sentient beings, pretty close to the ones from my home world. I guess the first step would be to talk with them. Figure out if they're loners or organized into groups. Then discuss of the best way to collaborate into making Fayren a safe and peaceful place. I already know a couple of people from my world who can communicate with dragons or are at least used to communicating with them. I don't doubt they'd agree to assist me in maintaining good relationships with dragons. As for feral dragons, the sentient dragons might be able to deal with them better than we would and keep them at a good distance from humans.

As for bounty hunters, it will not be allowed to hunt down any dragon or any other species in Fayren unless it's an official warrant issued consequently to a crime. And even so, they should be captured rather than killed.

Re: Question for Fayren's Candidates

[satori_komeiji]

Dragons, in my original world, were considered to be godlike in power and deserving of wide-spread reverence. One of them was central in laying down the foundations for it, in fact. And while it may be a different sort of dragon than I'm used to, and whether they are sentient or non-sentient, I'm in agreement that they are equally deserving of protection.

The sentient type of dragons may be dealt with in the same way as other sentient beings, that is, under proper negotiations and whatever laws apply to the situation. If there are non-sentient dragons, I pose a unique solution to solving any problems concerning them, as my psychic abilities allows me to make their thoughts known. Displaced dragons are welcome in Chireiden and the Underground, if need be, as I can amply provide and make space for them, as well as protect them from harm. As for Fayren at large, I intend to establish a force able to protect and enforce the initiatives I've just described.

Question for all Candidates!

[whiteas]

A hot topic of the last election was discrimination against various sentient species beyond only humans, so I'd like to hear what each candidate thinks of various sentient species here in Genessia and what they're going to do to protect all of their rights.

[ Not like Weiss's questions all directly relate to issues regarding her friends, nope. ]

[what_is_a_man]

Within the walls of Castlevania, there are many various species living in harmony. Creatures that were branded monstrous and unholy in my world, persecuted to the brink of extinction, find peace and protection within the walls of Castlevania. Should I be elected, I would like to extend that protection to all of Everglade, so that none need fear for simply being different.

Ted's final solution

[youfool]

Hmm...off the top of my head, I count 4 sentient species I've met so far. Human, Demon, Youkai, and...well, there's Justice. He's one-of-a-kind, so that might not count for a whole species. I'm not a taxonomist.

As much as I would like to, I cannot proffer any sane view on any of them, as a species. The demon, for example, is not especially demonic, and even a few humans struck me as divorced from the concept. Each race or people is either so diverse, or so contrary to the word as I've known it that any sweeping view won't do.

So, to answer you last question, I'll endeavor to treat any sentient thing like I've known man to be treated: as beloved creations of god, bringing to bear the weight of glory: either "immortal horrors or everlasting splendors". As that relates to justice—the practice, not the person—, it merely means that I'll do the usual. Only removing liberties from those who take liberties. That blessed near-hypocrisy that keeps it all in check.

[rulerofme]

Discrimination is something I have strong feelings on. In my world, I am part of a race of people that is discriminated on because what we can do or what we look like. I hate discrimination. I don’t judge people on what they are. I’ve encountered all sorts of beings before even showing up here, be they aliens, demons, extra-dimensional beings, gods. I treated them all like I would treat anyone one of my own race unless they give me a reason to treat them different.

Whether I am elected Guardian or not, I will do whatever I can to make sure all beings are respected. I will protect any being, be the human or otherwise with every ounce of my being. As Guardian, I will make it against the law to discriminate against someone for what they are. Now I can’t force people into my way of thinking, but if someone was to turn away service to a being because of what they are or commit some hate crime or anything along those lines, there would be serious repercussions to their actions.

Re: Question for all Candidates!

[thekingofheros]

Discrimination is discrimination as far as I am concerned. Where I'm from, there has been many creatures that roam the world, some hidden from society, some hidden within society. I care not who or what comes under my rule so long as they understand that under me, they must obey my rules and cannot go acting with impunity doing things that would undermine a kingdom just for their own gain.

Baring that, I would welcome all who seek refuge as long as they do not bring war to follow on my doorsteps.

[inquisitoring]

I was the High Inquisitor in my world, the leader of the Inquisition. The Inquisition was put in place many generations ago to seek out witches to stop them from harming the residents of Labryinthia. Now, I know that may seem contradictory to what I'm about to say.

It took me a while to understand the differences of this new place, where using magic wasn't only limited to committing crimes. That brings me to the point: a criminal is a criminal but if there is no proof of wrong-doing then I see no use in using discriminatory means. Even in Labryinthia, there was intensive research to see if there was magic used, if it was faked, or if it could have been done by ordinary means. I have no great love for witches yet I wouldn't stand for someone to be charged falsely.

[mintchip]

I have to admit, that isn't really a question I saw coming from you, Ice Queen. But I can see why. Even back home, I was all for Faunus rights. I personally hope people do stop exploiting them for slave labor and would be willing to help out with that whole situation, even if it can be difficult. Being from a poor area of Vacuo, I have a lot of experience with what it's like to live at the bottom of the barrel and have to work your way up. You find allies in people who most would think you shouldn't and you work together with them regardless of their species. Grimm don't care whether you've got horns or ears or a tail or nothing at all. Growing up like that's how I came to realize that it doesn't matter how you were born, where you were born, or what you are. You have to stick together and watch each others' backs and if you find someone you can trust, you hold onto them.. because as it turns out, not everyone can be trusted even within your own species.

[ How much of that whole story is true or not, who knows, but it puts her in a position of having actual experience with diversity without having to give a more realistic and current example. ]

I've spoken to a lot of people here in Genessia who have had issues with equality back in their own worlds and I'm friends or on friendly terms with a lot of people who come from varying backgrounds and genetics. Since I'm running for Genessia, that's where everyone comes in too, so it'd probably better to just find a way to make sure that everyone coming in knows they're safe and welcome, and prove it. Anyone who says or acts otherwise is in for a big surprise when they realize most non-human species are more capable than regular humans from most of the worlds that dump into this place anyway, but if it gets to discrimination or violent levels, that kind of leads into one of the things I was thinking about otherwise: We need an official prison system, one that's good and actually provides a way for prisoners to be held away from law-abiding citizens without cruel and unusual punishment like physical torture as I know one of my opponents, David Haller, had suggested to me when talking about my former partner, Mercury.

So yeah, I want a fair justice system that doesn't punish people for being poor or different and keeps harmful people out of power and away from those who would be victims without making us just as bad as they are. That should cover it.

[satori_komeiji]

Human and non-human alike, the potential for tolerance and hatred exists among all of them, dependent on the situation. This much is clear. But, to be as honest as I can be, the intolerance, discrimination and victimization of others is a glaring flaw in any society, be it in Fayren or the wider world. This flaw must be swiftly corrected.

As one who once suffered under prejudice of others as well as my own kind, in my world of origin, I would prefer, if not enforce that such hatred be punished as severely as possible within the limits of the law. When living in any society, one is forced to confront those who are different than themselves, and where differences exist, conflict will undoubtedly, always emerge.

This endeavour will require not only safeguards to the rights of both human and non-human residents of Fayren, but the refusal of any and all preferential treatment amongst various species. If elected as guardian, I will not allow any one group or species to receive superiority over the other, as supremacy of such groups often leads to its abuse, and the persecution of those outside of them. Cooperation, sometimes, must be enforced so that acceptance of others will follow.

[fairysoul]

Part of my answer to your previous question about how to deal with dragons in Fayren pertains to this issue as well.

That said the Guardians of all cities should meet to agree on a global policy so that once back in their cities, they could communicate in a consistent manner. Key words should be communication, tolerance and solidarity. We're often prejudiced against other species because we don't know them.

Differences are not something to be afraid of, they're something that can make us grow if we accept to learn from them.

[weavemyownfate]

There is not much for me to say; the only thing that matters to me is whether they pull their weight or not.

But I will say that the increasing number is worrying, if only because it makes it more challenging to not just get everyone on the same page, but to learn to coexist as well in a reasonable amount of time. It is simple to say that we will do whatever it takes to respect them but having once met Death himself I believe the very real question we will face in the future is what to do in the situation where one beings rights directly conflicts with anothers.

I do not know the answer right now, but I do know it is time we start educating ourselves and come upon an agreement of where that line lies.

Question for Ted!

[what_is_a_man]

If the rules permit, I would ask my competitor something that I feel is of the utmost relevance to this debate that has so far gone unasked. Tell me, Mister Satchel, do you have any experience as a rule of any sort?

[genpcs]

The questions is A-OK! Your answer, Mr. Satchel?

Question for all Candidates

[betel_geuse]

Okay. Sports are a good way to cook up some pride of place--all that civic stuff, know what I mean? So, what are you people planning on doing to stir up some community spirit. Excusing the pun, of course, heh. Specificly, what are you willing to do to help danmaku get off the ground?"

Re: Question for all Candidates

[youfool]

Hah, I'm sorry to say my shambling friend, but I don't think that even falls under a Guardian's jurisdiction. The last time I tried to go on this merry-go-round, I was swiftly informed that the position concerns itself only with the weightier aspects of the judiciary.

That, and speaking for Everglade, they're not what I would call fun-loving people. Comes with living in such a spooky place, I imagine.

Still, you're spooky, and you're fun. Perhaps you see where I'm going with this?

[koschei_oakden]

"Most of us have been brought here against our will. I can understand the elections and needs for Guardians on a day to day basis. Personally, though, I'd rather cast my vote for someone who is willing to truly take charge and solve some of the mysteries that are currently controlling our lives. How do plan on dealing with the regular kidnapping of various people and our inability to get home?"

[youfool]

"If things go as I expect, likely nothing."

"Okay, that's not entirely palatable. I have 3 reasons for saying so.

1. As I understand it, Guardians are there mainly to keep the peace. To ask them to abandon their posts and do something proactive is...admirable, but perhaps a bit misguided. On top of that, the Big Question: Why we're here, and how to not be here any longer, has a potentially cataclysmic answer. As an example, let's say that the escape from Genessia would mean its complete destruction. This world would, hypothetically, have to burn before it gave up its captives. Setting off that process wouldn't be very Guardian-like, would it? A conflict of interest.

In other words, you really have no idea what you're asking a Guardian to do. Moreover, you're suggesting an offensive stance for what's fundamentally a defensive position, as I understand it.

2. It's enfeebling. Looking to the Guardians for the ultimate solution is potentially disastrous. Does this whole process not resemble something a titch political? What I'm saying is, never trust someone in office farther than you can throw them. When the people become weary and cede efficacy to their 'leaders', well, they're on the fast track towards tyranny. Democracy will quickly wither under such concessions, spiritual or material.

3. You're being entirely too practical. Correct me if I'm wrong (a not uncommon occurrence), but you're looking to a Guardian to fundamentally undo something, yes? As it is, we don't even know why the thing has been done.

The idealistic approach, and what I endorse, is first to discover the "why" of it. In that respect, being Guardian may get me nearer to whoever runs this place, and...well, counting chickens and all that.

You must never undo something until you understand why it was done to begin with. It's the criminally old adage: 'look before you leap'.

In the meantime, and I know this will be unpopular, but have you considered enjoying your stay? We know nothing of this place's purpose. Why assume it's necessarily a malicious one? I don't oppose returning home, naturally, but this place may have more urgent need of us.

All that said, if the position manages to be unimportant enough to afford some free time, I'll continue to hit pavement and see what there is to see. Who knows, maybe if we oil the right hands, a bribe can be struck up. The income would not go amiss were that the case. But unless the situation is particularly dire, I won't lift a finger to go back until I know why we were brought forth.

Whew! Sorry, people tell me I have a bad habit of being long-winded.