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Entry tags:
Thanksgiving in Everglade
Who: Ted, Levy, Ronan, Maria, Porrim, and any loved ones they'd like to bring
What: Thanksgiving Celebration
When: Noon to start, then 6:00 pm for srs bznz
Where: Everglade's Sheriff Office, in and around
Why: For love and Strategy
Time to eat! Ted would be damned if he didn't celebrate Genessia's most ignored holiday. Gratitude was spare in this world, and he felt divinely inspired to dispense it when he could. Or perhaps everyone merely wanted an excuse to stuff their faces. Saying grace is mandatory, you heathens.
Thus, his coworkers, colleagues, and most importantly: friends, would find a traditional feast spread out before them. Mashed potatoes, pumpkin pie, cranberry sauce, apple cider to drink, and of course, turkey. Naturally he'd enrolled his deputies to help prepare everything. Once they'd had their fill, Ted wanted to feed them further with the one thing he had in abundance: words. Words to express his love and gratitude for each of them. After that it was time to put away the dishes, and break out the game table. For politics is a game Ted had never really played before, and he wanted to play it well. That meant enrolling all his deputies in his schemes. Feasting at noon, plotting by night. Aren't you glad you signed on with this guy? Thus, we come full circle to the message of the holiday: be grateful.
(OOC: Part 1 involves Ted giving thanks for the people in his life. If you're a friend and would like to feast with the crew, lemme know. If you're a friend of Ted's, he'll also share words of gratitude in your direction. Deputies don't have a choice: come hell or high water, they will be praised! Of course, everyone is welcome to return fire.
Part 2 is the strategy meeting. Guardians and deputies only (unless you really really wanna contribute to the guy's campaign. Let me know if your muse is just that invested). Here is where Ted will lay out the beginning of his strategy. Tactics are the topic, and brainstorming is our business. Serious business. But hey, just remember: campaigning is a game with a dear prize. Play hard, but have fun.)
What: Thanksgiving Celebration
When: Noon to start, then 6:00 pm for srs bznz
Where: Everglade's Sheriff Office, in and around
Why: For love and Strategy
Time to eat! Ted would be damned if he didn't celebrate Genessia's most ignored holiday. Gratitude was spare in this world, and he felt divinely inspired to dispense it when he could. Or perhaps everyone merely wanted an excuse to stuff their faces. Saying grace is mandatory, you heathens.
Thus, his coworkers, colleagues, and most importantly: friends, would find a traditional feast spread out before them. Mashed potatoes, pumpkin pie, cranberry sauce, apple cider to drink, and of course, turkey. Naturally he'd enrolled his deputies to help prepare everything. Once they'd had their fill, Ted wanted to feed them further with the one thing he had in abundance: words. Words to express his love and gratitude for each of them. After that it was time to put away the dishes, and break out the game table. For politics is a game Ted had never really played before, and he wanted to play it well. That meant enrolling all his deputies in his schemes. Feasting at noon, plotting by night. Aren't you glad you signed on with this guy? Thus, we come full circle to the message of the holiday: be grateful.
(OOC: Part 1 involves Ted giving thanks for the people in his life. If you're a friend and would like to feast with the crew, lemme know. If you're a friend of Ted's, he'll also share words of gratitude in your direction. Deputies don't have a choice: come hell or high water, they will be praised! Of course, everyone is welcome to return fire.
Part 2 is the strategy meeting. Guardians and deputies only (unless you really really wanna contribute to the guy's campaign. Let me know if your muse is just that invested). Here is where Ted will lay out the beginning of his strategy. Tactics are the topic, and brainstorming is our business. Serious business. But hey, just remember: campaigning is a game with a dear prize. Play hard, but have fun.)
Part 1: Eating, Mingling, and most of all: Thanking
"Ahem! Ladies and Gentlemen. Thank you all so much for coming. I know how busy it can be; thus I appreciate your willingness to eat together and share this time with me." He looked contemplative for a moment, voice lowering a few octaves. Now's as good a time as any to work on his speeches.
"Maria, Ronan, you weren't here for this, but near the end of September we were dealt a blow in the form of the sudden loss of many of our pokemon; essentially, dear pets. It ranks among the most tragic circumstances this office has weathered.
A hard pill to swallow. But if that pill had any health benefits; if there was a lesson to be learned, it would probably be something like this: we aren't always allowed to hold on to the things we love. Of all such hard practicalities, I perhaps hate that one most. Trying, but true. And with that 'is' comes an 'ought': One must strive to express their love before it's too late."
He smiled. "Forgive me, I don't mean to be maudlin. I merely wished to sober our pallets in preparation for something sweet. In keeping with the themes of Thanksgiving, lend me your ears for a while longer. In order of recruitment...
Levy
I appreciate how hard you work. It was when I saw the purple in your eyes that I first discovered it. Indeed, I was spurred on to increase my supply of deputies once I saw how the job wearied you. Running a book store and keeping a finger on the magical flow of Everglade can't be easy, but you hardly complain and still have enough energy to lighten everyone's spirits. You're so easy to get along with; I never need worry that another deputy might chafe. We met in a moment of crisis, and I predict our term will end likewise. It can be a terribly exciting job, but I appreciate your willingness to fight. Don't worry; I won't allow the work you do to go unsung.
Porrim
Ah, Porrim, my partner in clearing out haunted houses. A microcosm, perhaps, of the work we'd both perform. I enjoy our arguments on the role of the sexes, for they are entirely your doing. Any theory I may have had on femininity have been confirmed many times over by you yourself. I am glad that my romanticism has your earthly practicality to steady itself. Thus, Icarus avoids the scorch of the sun. It came as no surprise when you revealed your previous profession as a tender of 'mother grubs', for there is something dearly motherly about you. Especially when you endeavor to dress me and, in addition to all your other legal duties, police my speech. Perhaps next term I'll add 'bed time stories' to your contract. Bounty hunting, aesthetic taste, the way you get along with both people and pokemon so easily, are all things I greatly admire. Just don't get too proud; in six month's time, I think I shall overtake you.
Maria
There's something practically providential in the way you chanced upon me. I recall I was lecturing some surly youth on having insufficient Thanksgiving spirit, when, like a bolt from the blue, you thundered at me on the network. I'm pleased to claim that I've harnessed that storm into all the use and energy of electricity. What are the odds that someone against dark magics should come just when I've made enmity with sinister sorcerers? But of course it's only natural. Your zest for life is something necromancers can only dream of matching. You also have my thanks in sharing Levy's burden with the arcane; I believe I narrowly avoided being hexed into a frog. Most useful of all, you remind all and sundry that I am not the only one who talks too much.
Ronan
I know, I know, we haven't worked together long. For one as presumptuous as myself, that's an easy enough obstacle. I feel as though you're a man after my own heart. The bad cop to my good cop, solemnity to my levity, darkness to my light, and so on. It's very complementary. And yet, we're alike in so much. You see, perhaps even more than I, the rot that lies at the heart of this city. A detective's eye does not want for incisiveness. It took some coaxing, but I'm glad to have you on board. A once-dead cop, now ready to do battle with the powers and principalities of this world. Could Everglade ask for a more fitting deputy?
Ultimately, I'd have been defeated long ago were it not for the continual love and labors you all put forth daily. I love you all, and it is for you that I give thanks. Let's continue to fight for the good of Everglade. Whether it thanks us or not."
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This sort of felt like that, though given everything he'd seen so far of Ted, he didn't think the guy had anything to worry about. He hadn't expected to be singled out in Ted's little speech, either, and he wasn't sure if what he'd said was really complimentary. Personally, Ronan felt if you needed to say it was, it probably wasn't. Ted described him pretty well, though. They were all the same traits he'd brought with him to his own job back in Salem, and not many had appreciated it. Rex had, but...shit, Rex was worlds away. There was no reason to be thinking about that, now.
He smirked slightly once Ted was finished, shaking his head.
"You sure know how to talk, boss."
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He smiled at the cheek. "Ha, well I'm glad someone appreciates it."
Part 2: Strategy
But now was the time to use it. "Dishes put away? Excellent. Now comes the fun part; I'd like for you all to come into my bag. Don't worry, it's cozy, if a little dark. This will keep us safe from any prying ears and eyes. Can't be too careful." With practiced nonchalance, he invited them down to plot the warpath.
The bag had a pitch darkness, broken by artificial illumination in the form of lamps. It was a simple trip; one had only to put both feet into the bag, then climb down a short flight of stairs within. He led them to a wooden table with paper, pens, chairs, and light, then got down to business.
***
"My first admission was that my last campaign was desperate. I ran on a platform consisting almost entirely of 'anyone but Dracula'. Seemed to work out all right. But I get the feeling we'll need more than that; a positive message. A vision to communicate if we hope to win this time. We'll also need to plan ahead, something Satsuki and the rest of you have been pounding into my head. Here are the results of that.
One thing, before I lay out the list: please, do not let politicking get in the way of your work. We are protectors first, politicians second. I know that's not the most ambitious strategy. Indeed I sometimes wonder if striving to do the right thing might be the death of us. Still, I implore you to always remember the purpose which binds us.
Communication
Porrim recently brought to my attention that I can be a bit...indecipherable. This go around, I'll try and dial down my words to somewhere around the 4th grade level. I've heard that that's the most accessible sort of speech to the average voter. After all, there are children taking part in these things.
Advertsing
Simply put, squeeze everyone you know for a vote. Obviously I do not wish to tax your friendships. Well, okay that's a lie. I do. I wish very much for you to use your relationships for the benefit of this campaign. Please, if there is anyone within your sphere of influence, try and win them over. Call in favors, endeavor to grant favors in kind if you can. If you believe in me and the cause, try to make believers of all you can.
This also applies to me as well. Porrim, I'm not picking on you, but I think you illustrate a good dual example. When we were having a bit of fun with Danny--you know, the one I joked to about organ harvesting?--you started out by calling me a child, then ending with high praise. I appreciate that, by the way.
I bring that up for this moment: I welcome both, but we must know where to place either. Rebuke in private, praise in public. And private too, if you like. I wish this were the sort of atmosphere where people took themselves and others less seriously, but as things stand, reputation matters terribly. Especially when it proceeds from the mouth of my deputies. There are those for whom the merest whiff of playfulness or childishness is a death sentence as far as the ballot box is concerned. Thus, mind your words. I value your criticism, and enjoy your praise. Make sure you know where to put each. This is the part you all can do far greater than I, for a man who praises himself is reckoned for little. Thus, sing my praises whenever you can make it credible. But not at the price of verisimilitude; keep the balance.
Resources
Our primary plank is the harm of necromancy. Endeavor to find all you can to support this. Take pictures, record testimonies, recall your own experiences in dealing with this black magic.
In addition, whoever our opponents are, make sure to research them. Find their weaknesses, and I will ruthlessly exploit them.
Campaigning
This is the part I was most excited about, until Levy dropped a book on my lap. But I'm getting ahead of myself.
The fact that the harm of necromancy is obvious to us, but not to everyone else, does not owe to logic. If they were reasonable people, this would be a non-issue. But for most, it is emotional. Satsuki explained to me that nearly all are like that; they use their reason to validate their feelings.
Thus, in trying to win people to our side, it will become necessary to communicate on that level. I speak of rhetoric, a discipline I have yet to master. I asked Levy to research the best book she could find on the subject, and in an act of brutal simplicity, she gave me this. [He holds up a decently sized tome: Rhetoric, by Aristotle.]
It will come as no surprise that it is very long, and very dull. Yet scouring its secrets may be the best way to get to the heart and minds of voters. I wish that Levy had read it for me; alas. Thus I am counting on you all to make me stay the course, rather than veer off to play with the Pokemon, or any other distractions.
Once that is done, or as much of that can be done, I'll finally be able to get to the good part: meeting and talking to new people. If you can spare it, I would appreciate your protection during these walks. I do not trust the other candidates to play nicely. Of course, rabid fawning would be welcome too.
***
"Phew, that was a mouthful, eh? Now the floor is open to any questions or concerns you all may have. Naturally, I will not force you to play this game. It's not for everyone. But I think there's some real fun to be had that'd be positively criminal to miss. And you all know how I feel about criminals."
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"What I mean is that you are really amazing Ted. The only way we all work so well is because you're the leader of our team. You're someone who holds us together and I don't think just anyone can do that." It was like another team that she belonged to now and she was truly thankful for that.
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Fortunately a familiar black hat was plunked down on his head before he could make any accusations about evil spirits or whatever (though that wouldn't be far from the truth.) A moment later a pair of glowing green eyes came into focus, entirely too close to his face. "Mister Spaaaades...? Oh You can see me now. Hello!"
Koishi backed off a bit, smiling quite brightly, and wearing stockings today due to the colder weather, though she hadn't entirely switched to her winter wardrobe yet. She was holding a half eaten turkey leg (at least he knew where it went now) and there was a clay jug dangling from her wrist by a rope.
"I came to visit you and I found this feast. Is it a holiday? What are you celebrating?" A tentacle slid out of her sleeve, pulling the cork from the jug. The youkai's free hand pulled a chipped red dish from her pocket, another tentacle tipping the jug up and filling the dish about halfway. "Here~" She offered it to him. "It's not a celebration without alcohol. And this is the really good kind. Nice and mild and made by oni."
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Still, didn't make him less wary of the strange goings on. But then, this is Everglade. If some ghost were getting up to something in the office of the city's least liked person, that was not incredible. He was relieved to see it was the work of a friend.
"Hah, welcome, Moon! I don't think it will do for officers of the law to depart from sobriety. Besides, I tried a sip of the sake you gave me last time; nearly set me aflame and swept my feet. Besides, I've met these oni of yours. Is 'mild' even in their vocabulary?" So greeted, he turned to address everyone else.
"Everyone, this is Koishi, one of my earliest friends in Genessia, a relationship beginning on last year's Christmas. It's debatable whether she needs much introduction, for she tends to find her way to everyone sooner or later. She is one of those contradictions Genessia's so fond of: a friendly monster, like Sesame Street. It was with her assistance I'm able to brave many adventures without loss of limb or life. Like a fairy godmother, she tends to appear when one is in need. May she continue to uphold that serendipity."
And then he realized he hadn't answered her question. He gave it some thought, letting images of Plymouth, pilgrims, and indians (Feather, not dot) fill his head, before shaking them out. It was more fundamental than that, however pleasing the imagery.
"Ah, yes. This is the holiday of Thanksgiving, a very 'holy day' indeed. It is also a mostly religious holiday, for there are few things more central to religion than giving thanks. It could almost be said to be the holiday, holiday of holidays, for one wonders if there is anything to do with life but appreciate it." This made him a little sad that Genessia left it largely un-celebrated. Understandable, if not pardonable; getting kidnapped does put a damper on one's gratitude.
"So thank you for stopping by, even if you are tempting us to drunkenness."
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Honestly the whole thing left her feeling a bit conflicted, for hard-to-articulate reasons.
She picked up her glass and held it up. "To another term!"
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One things she knows how to do was have fun at a party, though they still technically needed to talk about stuff after dinner.
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It distracted her enough to not ask about the way the bag works, because she was actually pretty interested in that. Did it teleport them? Were they shrunk down to fit inside? ]
It sounds like you actually have things rather well in hand!
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"Hello Miss! I hope I can stay. It looks fun here and I like having fun." Koishi drifted over, still holding the sake dish. Ted clearly didn't want it. She offered it to Porrim. "Would you like some sake? I have plenty to share."
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She took another big bite of the turkey leg, finishing off the meat before putting a good bit of the bone in her mouth and biting down. It snapped easily, the youkai crunching away. "Mm. Bones are better before they're cooked. But the meat is better after. No fair."
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She chuckles at Koishi's antics. "You remind me of my friend Meulin, although even she couldn't just bite through bone. You have rather strong teeth."
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She finished her turkey leg, leaving nothing but seasoning clinging to her hand, licking her fingers. "Really big animals like cows though have really thick bones and those can be hard to bite through."
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