City Guardian Debate!

[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! It's the time you've all been waiting for: Our second biannual City Guardian Election debate! This debate is brought to you live by our sponsor, the Attleton Bistro: Eat like a "BEAST"ro. How exciting! We all know Genessia and Attleton are keeping their respective Guardians with no competition.

Let's move onto the riveting debate between the other cities. 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. Can't be here in person? Phone in your question to one of the candidates via our live feed.

In Everglade's corner, we've got the rematch of the century! Vlad III Tepes is coming back for more against Ted Satchel, but a newcomer seems to be coming up in the polls! Fai D. Flourite isn't going to let either Tepes or Satchel take the title so easily.

Fayren has everyone's favorites! Supernatural versus supernatural, youkai versus god, it's Satori Komeiji and Loki Laevatein trying to win your trust and your hearts here!

Last but not least, the future is uncertain in Nova City. Long-term City Guardian Satsuki Kiryuin wiped the floor with the competition last election season, but how will she fair against Weiss Schnee? Both candidates have great strengths, let's see who the people decide they like more!

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 by December 26th at the polls, which run from the 20th to the 26th!

{ 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 December 20th, 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

Questions for all Candidates!

[rulerofme]

Why do you think you are right for Guardianship?

What Shampoo do you use? [He's asking for a friend, really.]

What would you say some of your biggest flaws are?

Your favorite color? [Because this is super important.]

What do you think it means to be a Guardian?

And the most important question. Cake or Pie? Defend your reasoning. [He's taking this seriously.]

For all candidates-

[faithintomorrow]

If I may, for all of you... Do any of you have any previous experiences in leadership? Preferably, long term leadership experiences outside of Genessia.

[whiteas]

I'm right for Guardianship because I believe in teamwork and that we can be more than we currently are. I have experience in running organizations, teamwork, combat, and I've lived in Genessia itself for long enough to understand the cultures of many of the archways, including Nova City. Nova City is a place of innovation and, coming from a country in my world that's known as one of the most technologically advanced and innovative military powers in our world, I know what it means to be surrounded by an ever-changing environment with its sights set on improvement. I also am an incredibly adaptive person myself and am not afraid to admit when I make a mistake and learn from it, so even if I can be somewhat of a difficult person, I know how to move past it.

I alternate between Hekkai's Apple Cider Clarifying Shampoo and their Essential Shea products.

I can be... somewhat of a nag, as my housemates will tell you. I'm very particular about the quality of how things get done, and I can be somewhat of a know-it-all. I also have zero problem telling someone exactly what I think of them, which can result in disagreements from time to time but ultimately seems to have ended well once the problem was worked through. It's impossible to address problems that no one will talk about, anyway, so I think the biggest problem with that is that sometimes peoples' feelings get hurt.

My favorite color is baby blue.

Being a Guardian means being a protector of the people. This means not only physically, but their rights and opinions as well. Guardians are elected officials, so they represent the majority of the people who voted for them and have a responsibility to do what's right by as many of their people as they can. It also means finding ways to protect the people without violating their current rights. Anyone not following that reasoning should yield their privilege to become or continue as a Guardian.

Pie, because I like fruit. It may still be covered in sugar so in terms of health it's honestly not much better than cake, but it can be eaten fresh out of the oven too since you don't have to wait for icing and decor to be applied for the finished product. [ Mostly she just likes blueberries a lot and no one ever makes a decent blueberry cake okay?? ] No one's going to give you a fresh, hot chocolate cake on a cold winter day because it'd just end up a pile of mushy melted icing goop. Though that doesn't exactly have much to do with Guardianship unless a giant sweets-loving monster attacks the city.

[whiteas]

While I have extensive amounts of leadership experience here in Genessia from being here for nearly two years now and I find this question to be somewhat ageist beside as anything that could be considered "long-term" is in the eye of the beholder. I do have experience with being lead organizer for some events back home and my family is the owner of the leading energy propellent production company in the world and we've frequently liaised with our home country's military to develop new technologies to help better protect the people of our world. My sister is a military leader in Atlas so I have experience being around highly influential leaders and display appropriate etiquette with them regardless of familiar relationships. I've personally taken on the mantle of becoming a huntress in my world, a title only given to those who are qualified to be protectors of the world's people. While I am not my team leader back home, the reasoning I was given upon objecting to it was lead me to believe that I needed to learn to follow in order to understand the feelings of my teammates and to be able to better work with a team. I've greatly improved on that and have applied what I've learned here in Genessia, though knowing my extensive history of leadership here in Genessia would be an even more thorough answer considering this world can be very different from my own.

[ She won't list it since it wasn't the question, but she definitely wants to note that she's done a lot more. ]

[what_is_a_man]

[Dracula rolls his eyes at a couple of the questions.]

I believe I'm right for the position because more than any in this race, I represent the people of Everglade. The Undead, the living, and all forms of being. I have spent more time among the people and know their needs better than my opponents.

As for my flaws, I do not deny that I have them, but do not think that dwelling on them is productive. I believe that simply striving to improve on flaws as they are pointed out by others is the best course of action.

A Guardian is strictly speaking, a protector. For too long the people of Everglade have not had such a protector, but rather an oppressor. Someone imposing his own beliefs on those who are directly hurt by said beliefs and do not share them.

[Not even going to bother with the others.]

[what_is_a_man]

In my world, I hold the office of Count. I rule over a province known as Transylvania in Wallacia. I have been the lord of my castle and count of Transylvania for over 500 years now. Among some of my accolades, I was able to defend Transylvania from an invading Empire that outnumbered the entire population of the province 3-to-1, while keeping casualties on Transylvania's side to a minimum.

True that earned me the nickname Vlad the Impaler among the invading forces as after battles I would have the bodies of the invaders put on pikes to serve as warnings to their fellows. It was not something I enjoyed -- [That's a lie, he loves that stuff.] -- however it was a necessary blow to morale that kept my own people safe. Especially in the light that the invading army would routinely pillage, burn, and rape as they spread over the land like locusts. It was a small province that stopped its onslaught, and I am proud of that.

Everglade

[sakuya_izayoi]

All Everglade Candidates:
Necromancy aside, are there any forms of magic you consider taboo or, at the very least, impolite? Would you attempt to control or limit such practices?

In the same vein, how would you regulate a kind of magic that proved to be hazardous?


For Ted:
If Necromancy remains banned, what will you do about creatures currently sustained by necromantic or other undead magic? Especially those who would need an active magic user to maintain them in order to survive?

In addition, Necromancy cannot hold a candle to the danger a great many other schools of magic pose. A single miscast fire spell can destroy and endanger far more lives than necromancy. If you believe so strongly about such things, why do you only single out this one?

[rulerofme]

Thank you for answers, Weiss. [He's not sure if he agrees with her thoughts on pie over cake but..he appreciates her answering.]

[rulerofme]

Oh, Dracy. I have a question to replace the ones you ignored. [He checks his pockets and takes out a piece of paper.]

In June of this year, a breach opened in the barrier and creatures came inside. The spirit that governs the Everglade barrier was weakened and trying to hold the barrier together. It needed our help to fix the barrier. Lucy Heartfilia and Natsu Dragneel met the Genessia Spirit and was informed that the Everglade spirit was under attack by you and they stopped you.

As someone’s who says they want to protect the Everglade, why did you bring harm to the one thing standing between the city and being completely overrun by the creatures from outside the barrier? The spirit was reaching out for help, and you denied it that. [He squints and looks closer to the paper.] Ted may have outlawed Necromancy, but your actions could have doomed the city, it’s citizens and those who were putting their lives on the line to protect it. Myself and others gave up parts of ourselves to fix the barrier, but you were not one of them. You jeopardized the lives of so many people, so I believe we all need an answer.

Again, why did you harm the Everglade spirit?

Milk, eggs, bread- Oh. The rest of that is my shopping list.

[whiteas]

You're welcome, Guardian Haller.

[what_is_a_man]

[There isn't even a beat of hesitation in his response. He'd expected this to come up.]

I have no idea what you are talking about. I do not know who or what the two encountered, but I do not doubt they thought it was me, or whatever they were confronted by claimed my identity. It would not be an isolated case. Some time ago, I was approached by one of my opponent's deputies inquiring about a string of assaults caused by someone claiming my name. However, I had ample witnesses to my presence within Castlevania and the accusations were wisely dropped.

In a place such as this, with people with powers pushing the limits of normal human comprehension, it is not beyond the realm of possibility that an accomplished illusionist or shapeshifter would want to hide their identity behind a convenient scapegoat.

If I truly wished to endanger the people of Genessia, all I would have to do is bring the inhabitants of my castle into the open and command them to attack anything that moves. To say nothing of doing such a thing as attacking one of the spirits that maintain the barriers would be putting myself in just as much danger as anyone else.

Again, I do not know who or what they encountered, nor do I doubt their sincerity. However, that wasn't me.

[what_is_a_man]

All forms of magic are simple tools, just as a hammer or knife. That said, the usage of magic would need to be regulated in some form or another. Magic of the Destruction school would need to be the most heavily monitored, simply by its destructive nature. However, in addition to regulating and monitoring such magic, I would also establish safe designated environments that those with the gift could exercise their natural abilities without fear of retribution.

[rulerofme]

That is actually hilarious to me. The "It was my Evil Twin" thing is typically reserved for Soap Operas. Got to say, I expected more acting and surprise on your part. I mean, if the Genessia spirit named you specifically in the attack. The beings with the power to bring us all here, erect the barriers and such.

Do you honestly believe beings of that god-like power wouldn't be able to see through a disguise in their dominion? I'll let you stick with that answer, though. No more questions.

[what_is_a_man]

I believe that they are just what they claim to be. Spirits. They may have great power, but they are no gods. Even they are subject to weakness and mistake. If they were truly so godly, the crack would not have formed in the first place.

Is it truly so confounding that during a time of significant stress that they may have been weakened to the point of having to rely on the same senses we do? After all, if something was attacking one of the spirits to such a point as to call for help, it would obviously be distracted, just as you or I would have been.

[azaleafae]

I would just like to second the question for Ted.

Re: Questions for all Candidates!

[satori_komeiji]

My current term as Fayren's Guardian has been a significant responsibility, for me, between responding to issues and resolving Fayren's day-to-day affairs. I consider myself one who listens well to the hearts and minds of the people and honest towards all who are in need of guidance, even if it means letting them know their faults. I largely prefer the people of Fayren live their lives in contentment, as they see fit, but despite how it seems, you may ask a citizen of Fayren what I have done for them, and many of them will agree: I have the people's interests at heart. I know well enough that there are many who have even called me kind or generous, and that much is true considering my work to make Fayren a safer, more accepting place, and secure from harm. As many of you have seen, I will do everything in my power to aid those who turn to me for guidance, as the conflict over Attleton has shown, or my caretaking of the many refugees from the Everglade incident.

And perhaps you've plesant things about me from my sister, or you've met me in person. But, one fact about myself cannot be denied, and serves me well as a Guardian. I pride on remaining true to myself in everything I do, and I expect the same integrity among people whom I serve as Guardian, as well as the Guardians of other cities. As one who has the patience and strength of will to guide the people both firmly and gently if required, At all times, my objective is whatever direction that will offer the greatest possibilities for success and satisfaction to the greatest number of citizens.

On the subject of shampoo, I use exactly what you'd expect me to. More seriously, that's quite an odd question to ask. But, as I'm being honest, I don't have much experience with shampoo, as I've kept myself relatively clean for years without it. It...doesn't exactly exist where I'm from, after all. So, I'm not particularly picky about it - I'm partial to something that keeps my hair in order and smells pleasant enough, and I've yet to find what works best.

As for your my flaws: As I've said earlier, one of my flaws it my often-pointed honesty, as it's often a double-edged sword. For every person that is listening, now, there are many people in their lives who refuse to listen to reason; to reflect on their own actions and understand how these actions affect others around them.

In my time, having seen many people walk down similar paths to their own ruin or the ruin of others, it pains me to see those who fail to rid themselves of their flaws. I recognize that I may appear harsh or scathing to those who aren't used to it, but I do not do it out of malice when they are mistakes that cannot be helped. That may be what creates a certain mystique that I'm distant or furtive, perhaps difficult to deal with. I admit that, at times, my honesty may seem like a barb, but those who are willfully ignorant of others for their own gain, harm others without reason, and those who remain selfish find it difficult to listen to anything else.

On the subject of honesty, I may as well address another flaw of mine. Many of you also know that, as a Satori Youkai, we generally have a vast degree of psychic ability. Unfortunately, this presents another difficulty. My reading of minds is very difficult to manage alone, though I have been improving with the efforts of Koishi and others who have supported me, thus far. I find it difficult to concentrate when exposed to the minds of others. In a way, my sister and I were once two halves of one whole. Koishi once made it bearable and easier to manage, and supplemented my inability to filter these things. But, people's minds also hide secrets and darkness they want to be kept hidden.

Once again, like my harsh honesty, I mean no harm by it and I can't exactly disable something as natural as breathing. And yet, many have felt uncomfortable knowing that I have such abilities, even if they're no easier for me to deal with. More often, people have even been openly intolerant of my mind-reading, and grown angered or afraid that I might be 'intruding'.

Now, before any of you worry about what might happen, I'd like all of you to consider the fact that I have no desire to harm anyone, nor declare anyone's darkest secrets. I may be around four centuries old, by my reckoning, but I'm not cruel enough, nor vindictive to do anything of the kind. For the people of Fayren, I have offered nothing but hard work and the utmost kindness. I only wish, despite my flaws, that I receive it in return.

My favourite colour? I'm somewhat fond of Blue. Though...Violet is a very dear colour to me. Make of that what you will.

I believe that a Guardian must stand up for those who cannot stand up for themselves. My time as Guardian has shown me, more than ever, that while a Guardian cannot possibly speak for all of their electorate, they must listen well to their concerns and take everything into account. For there are those who suffer about tomorrow, and those who have nowhere else to turn. For years, in my world, Old Hell and Chireiden has been a home for those who have felt such feelings. It has been a home for those who required a refuge from the darker parts that this world has to offer, and those who were considered 'unfit' to live in the world above. And Fayren, with its co-mingling of races and customs, requires such a climate in order to grow and prosper. I've made progress so that the troubles that befell the other cities, lately, will be far less likely to happen in Fayren, and I feel that, as Guardian, I've done my duty. And, of course, I am more than happy to continue on this path, should I have another chance.

As for your last question. Personally speaking, I'm rather fond of cake. That isn't to say I don't dislike pie, either. Strawberry, Chocolate or Coconut are mainly my main personal preferences. I have more, of course. My sister tends to want me to try anything she vaguely shows an interest in, cakes included. And usually, she tends to be right roughly nine times out of ten.

[truesmiles]

Why do I think I'm right? [He pondered his wording for this, he had a pretty decent answer in his mind at least.]

I guess to simply put it, I can't say 100% I would be right, that would seem too cocky and egotistic, but I am still right for the job due to experience of other worlds. I've probably seem more worlds than some people here and have seen how they are vastly different. Which means the people here are all vastly different. If that is the case then one would think that the normal way one might think things might not be correct to others. Also it helps that I've had experience with being a supernatural being for a time to understand what that is like.

[Fai will also take the rather silly questions seriously because why the heck not.]

As for shampoo I tend to use a strawberry blended with some other kind of fruit. It changes every so often what it's mixed with because I'm not exactly constant with keeping with the same one.

[Fai puts a hand behind his head. If only Kurogane was here, he knew full well he could point so many out. But he figures he could at least point out his major ones.]

We might be here for a little bit by asking that, but my biggest flaw might have to be how little I use to value my own life. I... have been through a lot and in the past I didn't care much for it. I also would hide a lot of how I felt or what I was planning, which is never a good thing. I guess you would add being reckless as well as well. These are things I'm still working on, but then again we all have flaws we need to work on.

My favourite colour I guess would be blue, but no blue in particular. However I am fond of red sometimes.

Well when you look at the word Guardian in a sense means to protect. You are there for the people, the people are not there for you. A Guardians Job us to make sure that the people are safe and protected in the best way possible.

Cake. While pie is nice, peoples are always more happy when they see a cake in front of them and that's the best thing, right?

[truesmiles]

Sorry to say I'll probably be the only one who has not. I've been in fights and I've helped people, but usually I was always sent out with the King as leader or I worked alone. I guess by telling people to do something in order to get something accomplished somewhat counts, right? But that was only from time to time and when I thought something would be a good idea.

But I find that by being here is what helped me to learn how to actually be a leader and I hope to show that more and more as time goes on.

[truesmiles]

I don't really consider magic taboo, it all depends on the person, but I do agree on magic being dangerous but usually it's more dangerous being in the hands of someone who actually will use it to cause problems, rather than in the hands of someone who knows how to control it and uses it for a different purpose. In basic it all depends on the person.

In that case we go do a register type thing where people can list there magical abilities and if they are worried or concerned about hurting people then we can help them in any way we think is possible. It keeps track on those who can, but not all of the time giving them space.

[Flaming furious Video]

[explodewiththerage]

That's a load of bullshit and you know it! My nose can't be fooled and you had the SAME scent both times we met! First time was when me and Lucy showed up in this world and you reeked of death. The second time was when we saved that spirit from you and your barbecued mutts.

Don't underestimate a Dragon Slayer's nose!

Re: Questions for all Candidates!

[youfool]

Well, I've done it before, and as you, Vyers, and Satsuki can attest, done a pretty good job. Might as well keep going.

Head and Shoulders.

Hah, I've been told my words go over people's heads, at times. I've been working on keeping things concise and comprehensible, if these answers are any indication. Can you tell?

All of them, or white. Like a prism.

Being a Guardian means protecting the city.

Oh, then it deserves the most thorough explanation. For starters, cake has the most variance in form. "Cookie" means small cake, after all, which must double its territory. "Pie" I'm only familiar with one other alternative; the pizza.

But cakes also have more ritual significance. They're used to celebrate weddings and births. I've not known pies to celebrate much of anything, except clowns.

Re: For all candidates-

[youfool]

Nothing before Genessia, I'm afraid. Still, I have done this job for almost six months now, so my experience is the most relevant.

[what_is_a_man]

Senses are fallible. That is a simple fact. Regardless of how attuned yours may be, they are not absolute. Besides, I have many who - once again - will vouch for my presence within the halls of Castlevania during my supposed attack.

[explodewiththerage]

[Oh he's done it now.]

Simple fact. That's a nice little lie you spin for yourself but I've never been wrong with my nose. Never. I've seen through a shapeshifting woman who made herself look like a midget old man and I even sensed one of the guys I fought smelled like someone I know only to find out he was their revived dad.

So what if you have people IN YOUR castle who say you were there? They'll say what you want them to say. They're your people. I trust my eyes, my ears and my damn nose and all of those things tell me you're nothing but a rotting liar.

[what_is_a_man]

For someone so confident in the absolute perfection of your sense, you're awfully quick to admit your own failings. You said it yourself, the scent you thought belonged to someone you knew, belonged to someone else.