[Voice/Action for Castlevania residents]

[what_is_a_man]

[Voice]

It has been some time, and I see that the creatures that are causing so much commotion around here are unlike anything I have seen before. That aside, I wish to ask the public a question. Should those who are undead truly be punished by Everglade's guardian for simply existing? It is not the dead who choose to roam the earth once more, and outlawing their existence is rather like blaming a man for being in the way of a knife as it sinks into his back.

[Action]

[It had been some time since Dracula had come out of his chambers in the Inverted Castle, leaving his house guests to fend for themselves. He had been both laying low since the encounter with Everglade's spirit, but also gathering his strength and attempting to come up with a plan of attack to destroy the spirit as well. Today however, he is in his throne room, looking... tired. Moreso than the walking corpse usually does. He had already dispatched a Fleaman to summon Sakuya to the throne, but it would undoubtedly be some time before the jittery creature approached her. For now, he simply sat, staring at the goblet of blood in his hand.]

Comments

[azaleafae]

[Azalea can wager a guess on what this is about. Of course she doesn't know the specifics, but the idea of one race fighting another just to survive. And this brings to mind the conflict back home between dragons and Beastclans.]

...Not for simply existing, no. Are you sure that's the true reason, though?

[Action]

[sakuya_izayoi]

It probably didn't take as long as Dracula anticipated. Only the time it took for the flea man to find and inform Sakuya. After all, with a simple tap of her watch she breached time's boundaries before making her way to the throne room. It was a bit strange really. It was rare that she be summoned like this, normally used to responding to those calling her name.

Still, she didn't question it, appearing in front of the thrown and bowing deeply, relaxed and completely calm. She didn't kneel though. She would only bend knee for Remilia. As was expected of a person in Sakuya's position. Some things must be reserved for the one she truly called master. "You sent for me Lord Tepes?"

voice;

[antibadstuff]

If anything, the laws should be to prevent the creation of the undead, not punish them if they're already there. Undead people can be good if they have souls or harmless if they have little chips in their head or- or are productive members of society. Provided they aren't going around murdering anyone but there are people who take care of that without law enforcement getting in the way. But, hey, people who got raised? Not at fault until they actually do something within their own will that deserves big punishment.

[ She's very, very adamant in her views about raising people from the dead and also humans not getting involved with demons in an organized fashion when they obviously have no idea what they're doing. She's seen both go the way of bad. ]

[dives_through_rock]

An interesting question... And I come from the standpoint of someone whose creation was definitely illegal. The Church's acceptance of me shows that, in the eyes of the Saint King, any who mean to do good are accepted... But on the other hand, I also kind of helped with something that ended in no modest number of deaths. My creator... Both won and lost, in the end. I'm glad to be free of him, now, but at the same time...

Voice;

[gammavirginis]

Ted is criminalizing necromancy, not undead.

voice;

[gullwingsgunner]

Well... I believe that they shouldn't be. However blaming those that bring them back to live without there permission should be punished because that's just unfair for those who didn't want to come back.

video;

[imnotcomplete]

[Daniella really had no idea how this thing worked. So when she manages to switch it on it only shows an eye staring back. She hasn't quite figured that she needs to hold it back.]

I don't quite understand all this commotion about zombies and blaming. What purpose was this all for?

[ audio ]

[deathsought]

Define 'undead.'

Video

[skilledwithwords]

[Levy's looking a little unsure when she flips on the screen. She's been helping Ted and she doesn't think he's looking to do all that.]

Of course you shouldn't be punished for existing. It isn't your fault. I think it's just so that people don't misuse magic.

So that we can stop the knife... [She seems a little too kind-hearted but she hopes that she made sense.]

[Audio] Locked

[frostheartedrose]

[She'd listened to his posted question while drifting through the twisting and turning castle and certainly appreciated the opening of such a discussion. Blaming the child for being born, the creation for being created, Bridget could certainly understand the frustration of being considered an abomination simply for existing.]

These 'pocket monsters' are quite adorable at first but after some thought they cause me great concern. So innocent and open to having their powers abused. [A slight pause and suddenly something is purring very loudly near Bridget.] In any case, I haven't heard from you since the spirits broke loose. Are you faring well?

(Private)

[youfool]

Good of you to defend me, Levy, but it's for naught. Dracula did endanger the lives of...pretty much everyone in Genessia, come to think of it. It's doubtful that he's arguing in good faith.

By the by, are you handy when it comes to the arts? You seem pretty good with a pen. Can you draw?

[Video]

[purered]

Criminalizing dangerous magic is hardly akin to blaming the undead for their condition.

(Private)

[skilledwithwords]

I know that... I just, if he understood maybe he wouldn't hurt others. [She doesn't even sound like she believes herself and so Levy quickly changes the subject.]

I'm okay at drawing but it's nothing special.

[She's really not that talented of a writer either, she just really likes books.]

Are you looking for something?

Re: (Private)

[youfool]

He's known as "Vlad the Impaler" in my world. Hurting others is, I'm afraid, his primary occupation. I think a stake through the heart would put an end to it though, and is the more sensible approach. Once I figure out the logistics, I'll be sure to see that solution through.

Yes, I'm looking for an artist. Preferably one with an iron stomach.

(Private)

[skilledwithwords]

[Vlad the Impaler doesn't sound like a happy nickname and it only saddens Levy to hear that. There probably is no way to convince him.]

Iron stomach...

[She's a little worried but she's going to figure out what he's looking for. However, she can't help but wonder if he could use a camera.]

What is it that you need drawn?

Re: (Private)

[youfool]

Propaganda, mostly. Some, it would seem, are still in the dark of just what kind of person it is we're dealing with. Perhaps a few illustrations might paint a better picture. Hush hush, though. It's a secret plan I'd hate to leak out.

(Private)

[skilledwithwords]

[That doesn't sound good at all.]

I don't think I'm good enough for something like that...

[She was hoping he'd just want a sketch of something. She can't color in a picture to save her life.]

Re: (Private)

[youfool]

[It's for a good cause. Maybe.]

"Ha, so modest. It's just as well; I don't think you could withstand much more work. 'Drawing' on you is all the artistic prowess I need, thank you very much. Only, keep your eyes peeled for any artists who wouldn't mind making some mischief. Remember, top secret."

(Private)

[skilledwithwords]

[Levy just nods. She doesn't think that it's a good idea but she's learned not to get between two boys fighting.]

I admit, I haven't had much time for anything extra these days.

[what_is_a_man]

The "true" reason is because it exists outside what the current guardian sees as "right." A very narrow view of that concept as well. He does not care about those affected and would rather see them exterminated.

[Action]

[what_is_a_man]

"Ah, yes, I did."

He took a moment to drain the goblet, setting it aside on the table near his throne before shifting his weight and crossing his legs. "I apologize for being out of touch with you and your mistress for some time. I have also noted the entrance of another vampire into my castle. I would like to meet with them."

voice;

[what_is_a_man]

The ban on necromancy that is currently in affect, however, punishes those whose continued existence must be maintained through necromantic rituals and rites. To my knowledge, the undead population in Everglade have never been an issue in regards to keeping the peace, even those who raise the dead seem to do so for the benefit of the dead rather than themselves.

[what_is_a_man]

Your church sounds far more accepting than the one the current guardian and myself are familiar with. According to his faith, the undead are nothing more than a blight on the earth to be purged with holy fire. There is no tolerance in his dogma.

[azaleafae]

[She'll definitely have to look into this.]

...I'll admit, I don't know who the guardian is, or what he sees as "right." But I have to believe there is more reason for hatred for something than "because it exists." I know it's true where I'm from.

Voice;

[what_is_a_man]

And what of those whose continued existence is reliant on routine necromantic rituals and rites? Should they be damned to a slow agonizing second death as their body decays and their minds remain?