City Guardian Debate!

[genpcs]

[ Everyone's TVs will flicker on and to the Genessia News Channel for a Live Special Report. The Show Host doesn't seem to be where he normally would be, instead when the executive chair spins around, there's a dog sitting in it. ]

HOHOHO! Merry Christmas everyone! Just kiddin', the big guy's busy and your usual Show Host needed a vacay! So you get me, Cupid! What do you think I do the rest of the year, lick my balls like a dog? Ha! Get your paws out of the gutter and get ready for the City Guardian debates, ya mutts!

Genessia City and Nova City will be sitting out of the debates since David Haller and Weiss Schnee run unopposed again! Guess we know who people think are the top dogs around here if no one even tried! Roohoohoo! Just kidding just kidding, you're doin' a doggone good job.

Let's start with Attleton. Attleton, a dog's best friend and you know it as soon as you get to the dog park! This term we've got Blaze versus Barbara! A battle of the B's! Blaze is the current Guardian and most people agree he's kept Attleton safe, but newcomer Barbara seems to have a bone to pick with him!

Favored by protectors and the one town that has an excuse not to be dog people. Really, man, I'm sorry about your femur. I got it back to ya, I told ya, those bite marks weren't mine, Bonedaddy. Everglade's got the ghost with the most, Danny Phantom versus mystery contender newcomer Mayor Oswald Cobblepot versus Grell Sutcliff. I would mind if she gave me a belly rub if ya know what I mean, woof woof.

Last but not least, put a little magic in your lives! Fayren's got the best hot spring for a dog to take a break from sniffing butts and rest his own. Will Satori Komeiji keep on ruffing things up as the reigning champion or will it be one of the new contenders trying to stop it from raining cats and dogs? Let me tell you- when it's raining cats, it's no fun, so let's hope that Yukiko Amagi, owner of Heals on Wheels and Amagi Inn, or Xander, knight of the dreamboats (ladies, see me about arrows after the show), are ready to protect us from getting nose scratches in all the wrong ways.

Looks like it's going to be a battle worth wagging your tail over, chumps! Ruffhaha! Let's get this Q&A debate started. 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. This is going to be broadcast on live TV from right here in Genessia City. Send in text questions over the big screen with the hashtag #BarkinGuardians if you couldn't make it in person!

{ 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 18th, 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 vote choices in the OOC poll, though they should go along with what your character would ICly want. If you only play 1, then only that character will get a vote. For now though, the debate is here! }

Comments

[Text]

[black_black_heart]

Question the first: Are any of you not boring?

Question the second: How do you react to what you don't understand?

Question the third:

[The third is left intentionally blank.]

#BarkinGuardians #CatsAreBetter #HelloButtSniffer

[ghostofrazgriz]

The first would depend on your definition of "boring" more than anything.

[He's certain he's likely 'boring' to some people, seeing that he's relatively... normal compared to most people here.]

Surprise may be a reflex, but it's always important to approach unfamiliar things with a calm mind, and to make an effort to understand it if necessary.

[He isn't sure what to say about the lack of a third question. Though he does agree that cats are better, even if he loves his dog as much as his cat.]

[peachykean]

Yes, however I want, and Hashtag Best Question.

[ It may not seem like a serious answer, but she seems to be smiling about it. ]

[redcinemareel]

[First off, Grell shouldn't be at all perturbed at seeing a talking dog hosting a debate, but she is. Even after traveling to her second world, it's still surprising. Safe to say that she's putting on her game face about it and appearing calm. If her dog started talking to her, she doesn't know what she'd do! But it would certainly make communications much easier.

Second, opening questions to the general public is actually a great way to shake things up. She likes the spontaneity, as the questions reflect.]

I've been described as many things, but boring, and other similar terms, are not one of them.

[The second question gets a smile from her.]

I would do what anyone would naturally do: look as if you don't understand, then-- [holds up a finger as she pauses dramatically] actually try to understand through talking it out and making inquiries. [She shrugs a little.] Or using images, if necessary.

[So the last question is left blank, and..that's fine? Maybe it got eaten by pesky virtual bugs.]

[satori_komeiji]

Satori takes a little bit to mull over what she'll say in response. Though not in a troubled way. She isn't offended, either, she's just a little bit puzzled. The youkai takes a moment, her third eye's slight blink being slightly out of sync the only sign of actual confusion.

"Well then, I'm not sure what you'd mean by 'boring'. My home is always lively. And while I'm much quieter than most, some have taken quite an interest in me and find me to be an entertaining host."

To the second question, Satori offers a faint smile. Perhaps one that's coy, daring or mysterious. Of course, she loves questions like these, where she can do something that makes people think.

"To your second question: I'm quite aware people fear what they do not understand. I'm proof enough of this to many people until they've met me in the flesh. However, there isn't much in this or my own world which I haven't seen, already. If I do not understand something, it's merely because I've yet to set aside time to look into the matter on my own terms. My kind hold the truth to a high standard, after all."

The third question's empty. That's odd. There's bound to be more, for sure, but this may be some kind of mind game to throw the candidates off. Who knows. She has no preference in terms of cats or dogs, either. All animals deserved respect.

[firefandance]

The first question is a little odd, but I guess some people would find others boring even if they are doing something the other would find fun. So in your case you might find what I do to be boring and that's okay since that would be your opinion.

I mean I am not saying I am boring, I just understand not everyone would think what I do would be considered 'fun.'

[She tapped her finger lightly against her chin.]

As for the second question, just like anyone who isn't use to the abnormal. I mean when I first came across my own Shadow some years ago now, I was surprised at seeing myself in a way I didn't like. But... I learnt to accept it and carry on. I'm sure for other things the same thing applies. I'd be surprised but slowly adapt to it while understanding and learning from it. After all we need to understand a lot of things while here.

Also I assume your last question is actually blanke for a reason?

[blackparagon]

[Xander is choosing to ignore the first question outright.]

If I come across something I don't understand, then I look for ways to help me understand it. I may ask questions, or conduct research. In a position of authority, I may delegate subordinates to do such things for me and prepare reports to deliver to me. However, if the subject I don't understand happens to be an individual, then I respect their personal boundaries.

[eatsfish]

Insisting on my own points of interest would only come across as diminishing to my fellow candidates. Anyone with the willingness to stand up here today is hardly what I would call a boring individual.

[ Boring people don't run for office, after all. Those who do always have stories behind their ambitions. ]

As for the second question, I largely echo the sentiments of others and can mostly only repeat them, but I believe a very important component that has yet to be mentioned is garnering other perspectives and opinions while forming my own. As a man or woman with responsibility, coming to your own conclusions without outside guidance of trusted colleagues can often lead to taking inappropriate action before one has a truly full sense of understanding.

[ As for the last "question", well. He simply shook his head and chuckled. ] A bit of humor never hurts these sort of climates, does it?

[anon text]

[orlokbutterfly]

[He doesn't truly care about this, but he might as well take a couple cracks at them. He's reasonably bored at the moment, so it's time to intentionally type his messages obnoxiously.]

alright gang let's give these a shot:

'ey Barb, if yer boastin about doing a better job than the other guardians as far as who's "scarier" to the baddies is concerned, what do you plan to do that Mr. Pilot over there hasn't?

Xans, I know Yuks wants to get rid of those cute little dolls that whats-her-face put in, but what's your stance on em? oh and there are magic terrorists I guess how are you folks gonna deal with that

Everglade folk, y'all know yer gettin into a clusterfuck and a half there. Whatcha gonna do to make all species happy? cuz ya know humans arent gonna give up their dwellings so easily but neither are the critters

also Grail, if we vote for you will we get discounts at your panty shop? #BarkinGuardians #NoReallyWhyIsADogHostingThis

[redcinemareel]

[GRELL is going to ignore the misspelling of her name, because that isn't what's important.]

What wonderful questions! Thank you!

First of all, I'm sure each candidate [Grell gestures with an open hand, palm up, to her competitors] is very aware of the current situation within Everglade, which drove us to put in our names for nominations this round. So we're not doing this lightly. Second, in an ideal reality, there will be a solution to fit everyone's needs and ease everyone's worries, but the true reality is that some may or may not be satisfied with whatever we come up with, and it is our duty to do our best to please most.

My goals do include [she's going to insert a few hand gestures as she speaks] substantial re-location assistance with incentives that include short term waivers on rent, as well as more rights and opportunities for my fellows such as in the fields of employment.

[END POLITICAL HAND GESTURES]

As for your final question: I believe voting is anonymous, so there wouldn't be a way of knowing who voted for whom. However, if elected, there would be a celebratory sale for all to enjoy. If I'm not, well, then the sale won't be so long.

[firefandance]

Yuks? I've never been called that before. [It was a little weird if he had to be honest.]

As for the magic terrorists... I guess asking for those who might have information to come forward to either whoever is Guardian when this is over or thier deputies. If and when that doesn't work, the only thing one can do is patrol, patrol, patrol and if I win I would make sure I was out in the field, rather than stuck behind my desk.

[blackparagon]

[Xander can't help but frown. Xans? What?]

As far as I'm aware, they have done their jobs with no problems -- other than occasionally unnerving somebody -- and if I recall correctly, have even reduced crime. Alice has upgraded the dolls, this I know, but I would like to see the results of that to see if anything helped.

[He has his suspicions, though.]

At any rate, as long as they pose no problem, I have no issues with keeping them around and continuing to use them.

As for the Hands of Decay. I consider magic to be an indispensable skill in my own realm, though I am not a student of it myself. Thus, magic-users have the right to live in peace and pursue their studies as they see fit. I would take exception to those infringing upon the rights of others, but that is a job for the law to enforce, not some misguided ideologues. As for the Hands themselves, I will dedicate resources both to the protection of mages within the city and the pursuit and apprehension of the terrorists. Preferably alive, so that they can face the consequences of their actions.

[eatsfish]

[ Oswald nodded in acknowledgement to both the question and Grell's response. ]

As Miss Sutcliff stated, while achieving satisfaction for as many as possible is among my many goals it would be foolhardy to assume that pleasing everyone is possible. [ He gave her a brief glance and a smile before turning back to the camera and continuing. ] I will, however, put forth my very best efforts in creating compromise that is the most beneficial to every party involved. Apart from the obvious effort to increase species wide communication, one major way in which I hope to accomplish this feat is supplying readily available food sources for those who sustain themselves on flesh and blood without the need to put innocent human lives at stake.

Anon text;

[innocent_royal]

A question for all challengers: What, in your own opinion, makes you think you are more qualified to be Guardian?

Second question again for all challengers: If ever a moment arises, are you able and willing to do what needs to be done to protect each individual?

#BarkinGuardians #RuffHouse #Bunnies4life

[ghostofrazgriz]

[He doesn't really care much for questions like the first one, if only because he prefers to be humble as opposed to talking about how he's 'better' in some regard.]

While my fighter pilot skills mean nothing here, I was still made the leader of a major front line squadron for Osea's Air Defense Force. Split second decisions in dangerous situations are integral for being a squadron leader, and I'm fully capable of employing them on the ground just as well.

That said, teamwork is an important key to the success of any mission. And I'm thankful to have deputies like Dante Sparda and David Jordan at my side.

[Because working as a team is what Blaze is all about. And at the second question, he nods. Now that's one right up his alley.]

Without a doubt. I joined the OADF to protect people, and that resolve hasn't changed despite being here. I'm willing to put my own life on the line if that's what it takes.

[firefandance]

I can't really say for the first question. I mean I've been here for two years now, I've seen what the system has been like during that time, so I have some knowledge and understanding in that area and add to that I know what it is like to help people in trouble from doing bounties from time to time.

Also I am also the type of person who can easily get along with people to the best of my abilities to get the job done.

[All she does is nod slightly.]

Well yes, I mean that is what a Guardian has to do, they would need to be the one to step forward be the first to protect all of those who are meant to be under thier protection. Sure not everyone can be, but a Guardian is meant to at least try and do thier best, no matter what.

[redcinemareel]

As those who are on the outside looking in, we have a different point of view to how things could or should be changed. Pairing that with our own experiences and abilities, perhaps I will be as, or more than, qualified.

But the proof will be after we take office, because we will naturally say we are before then.

Yes, I'd be willing and able to do what needs to be done to protect those that need protection.

[notquitedracula]

A couple questions for all, but particularly those running in Everglade: What is your stance on aggression perpetuated against one class or species, particularly in the form of a declared war? I assure you, this is not an idle question.

Second: If someone did do such a thing, how would you handle it?

[satori_komeiji]

Satori paused this time. The mind-reader's tone shifted slightly on this subject, as it always did.

"I may not be an Everglade candidate, but I've much to say on that. Declaring war upon another species for the purposes of hatred, in my mind, has always been unforgivable on all accounts. To spread petty oppressions is the mark of one who has not learned that their targets also have lives that are cut short. I'm sure those in Everglade think the same. However, one must understand differences between 'war' and 'conflict'. Conflict occurs naturally in any society and is difficult to avoid, even in the best of situations. Conflict need not involve violence and most often arises by circumstance and chance. War, on the other hand, is intentionally created to throw any existing balance aside."

She effortlessly changed her line of thinking once again, letting her previous thoughts flow into her next phrase. Carefully, she tried to be as tactful as she could without saying something that she would regret.

"Without conflict, as unpleasant as this sounds, there would be no change. No dialogue. No thought. War, on the other hand, causes so many to turn their thoughts into a wall, a monolith or a flag to rally around. There may be no War without Conflict, but there can be Conflict without War."

[stairsbro]

sup elects
1) so weiss for example went all out past nova to help everywhere
(science foundation, welcome messages, etc)
whats something youd think to contribute not just for your city but for all of them

2) so copplepot was a mayor back home which sounds super qualified to me
what kind of experience do the rest of you have running a place
give a nice example of a leadership thing you did
and copplepot what was a good mayor thing you did

3) who is someone youd appoint a position to?
we all know we dont just vote for you guys we vote for your posse too

bonus: would the rest of you be down for an interview later to address anything you feel didnt get addressed here?
#barkinguardians #hereandtextinanyway #cameraman #closeuptime #cupidsagoodboy #gooddogbestfriend

[firefandance]

First question is simple. I have already establishes a travelling healing group to go to all cities, if I am elected I can take that one step further if the guardians are okay with it to set it up so deputies will always have a healer or medic with them at all times in case they are needed or at least set up based in cities. I am also planning on adding more inns or in times of emergencies a safe zone for people to go to in Fayren where they will be protected.

It might not be much, but don't you at least think that is a start?

[She tapped her chin, she couldn't really give a good enough answer, so she will be honest.]

I've never really been a leader so leadership on this scale is different than say just running a simple inn. However doesn't mean one person can't be a leader or learn what it takes to be a leader, they just need that opportunity to be able to take the stage and prove themselves capable.

[Now this one she was really not sure because she had no idea of who she would willing want.]

I must admit you really are throwing really good questions. My answer is I don't know yet, however if I did win I would make sure I was bringing in the best team possible, a team that would want to help as much as I do. I would just need to find them first and as soon as I possibly could.

[She was smiling the whole time and she was going to end like that.]

I would always be okay for that, so long as I think something hasn't been brought up or if you have many more questions you believe needed to be asked that didn't.

[sakuya_izayoi]

Everything has been relatively peaceful with the old guardians thus far and incidents have been resolved in a timely fashion without inviting disaster.

I would like to know what the challengers are bringing to the table? What makes you more qualified and a better option? Or, rather, what will you do that is new and? Especially considering the knowledge that each spirit and archway requires a certain level of balance to keep them stable.

i.e. how Everglade requires people to fear monsters else it may dissolve.

I would also like to know what all candidates plan to do should they win.

#barkinguardians

[firefandance]

Honestly, out of the three here you would think I was the least qualified. However it's more about what we plan to do rather than qualifications and the like. But all a guardian can being is methods and such to the protection of the people of the cities we have chosen to run for. For me it's patrols, making sure there are healers that can be there withing minutes should something come up, even deputies as well.

As for the barriers do we actually know what all of them are that are needed apart from Everglade, which we are aware of. If we don't know then how would we be able to balance them out, though it would be finding the best way possible to get that balance, but as of yet I can't give an exact answer.

Though as for what the plan to do is, well I've already mentioned it a few times, also did in my first answer.

[rulerofme]

1. What would your first act in office be?

2. How would you deal with a disaster? Someone with powers attacking your city, the creatures outside getting in, ect. And do you have any experience dealing with these sort of things?

3. What are your thoughts on your fellow candidates?

[firefandance]

My first act would be speaking to all the guardians to set soemthing up healing wise. I am sure a lot of them would be happy to have someone with them who could fix them up should they or thier deputies get hurt in the line of duty. After all helping them helps Fayren.Though the first, first thing I would need to do is get deputies and see if anyone is willing to be a volunteer for heals on wheels in order to really get that ball rolling.

I have experience dealing with something possibly world ending. Dealing with be of course making sure natives and non natives are safe, so setting up safe houses would be a must. Then dealing with the issue not by myself. I have at least learnt you can't deal with something like that alone. The best people would be those who can do protection spells, those who can fight and deal with supernatural abilities and of course medics and healers. Finding a way of those those at short notice would also be a plus.

[A pause.]

My thoughts. I mean, Xander looks like he could do well, he seems like a leader and would understand how to make sure to take care of people. As for the other... I wil admit I am the least bit impressed by how they've ran things. I mean they have had such a hard job, sure. But... we've barely seen her at all. The only time a guardian stepped in to help when something was wrong was her deputy, she was nowhere in sight. That... isn't the best guardian and I believe we could do so much better than that. Someone who will be there through the tough times and the good. [She bows slightly.]

[truesmiles]

This is for those running for Everglade.

1) If you weren't aware the trust was rather low after Ted's Guardian run. I've managed to build that up a good portion, however there is still some trust issues that need to be resolved before you can actually do anything you might be planning. So my question is how will you continue to carry on building the trust between the natives and the guardians office?

2) This one is more aimed at Grells campaign so this one will just be for her. If you move all the people away from Everglade, how exactly will you be able to feed the extremely high supernatural population? Some use the blood bank which people willingly donate to feed vampires who refuse to bite others. That and some just have a preference.

3) How much are you willing to sacrifice? For example, are willing to sacrifice your social life? Are you willing to sacrifice sleep and only take short naps? Are you willing to only make being Guardian your job, not working at any other place you might work at because you won't have time to? This is just only a small portion of basic sacrifices a guardian will have to make after all for the good of the natives and non natives alike.

4) Will you look forward to the piles upon piles of paperwork you'll have when you win? I am not kidding, I won't be able to finish what I have right now, so you need to look forward to that as well.

[redcinemareel]

Trust between natives is the most important aspect at the moment. Guardians should be able to trust one another even after just taking office. So it's rather telling if guardians don't even trust each other now.

[Is that why they aren't in better communications with each other?

Well, getting that sort of attention isn't something she's against. Grell smiles amicably.]

I'm glad you asked, and...I find it interesting that while we want to protect humans from monsters, we still need to feed those that actually need humans as a way to sustain themselves. Which is why I find it crucial for guardians to work together to help solve this issue. I propose that those facing the DEATH penalty should have it served out in Everglade. In that way, it eases the financial burden on other cities, creates space within overcrowding prisons, and we can feed those that have specific dietary needs.

[She wouldn't be against sweeping up the homeless in each city or setting up underground battle royale rings, but she's not going to mention that.]

Honestly, I'm already at that point, so not much would change, except that I would need to get staff for my store. So I'm willing to sacrifice what is necessary to be guardian. I've already decided to take a ninety-five percent pay cut. It would be more, but having no personal income isn't feasible.

As for this paperwork? You've taken an oath to do your duties as guardian, including the paperwork, so I certainly hope you're bunkering down to complete it all before one of us gets into office. Leaving any of it undone is irresponsible, and if I win, you're definitely finishing it yourself.

[She lets that sink in, because like hell she'll do anyone's paperwork but her own!]

That said, I'm not unused to paperwork, so it won't be much of a deterrent.

[There's ALWAYS paperwork for reapers. It's part of the job.]

Question for all (especially Everglade)

[swordprincess]

So, we've already heard miss...Grell Sutcliffe's plans for Everglade...so I'm curious to hear any ideas that the other candidates may have regarding bridging the gap between humans and other species.

While I admit that this question is mostly directed towards Everglade's candidates, I would be willing to hear from the candidates of the other cities as well. As others have said, all of us Guardians and deputies should work together to protect all of Genessia, not just their respective cities.

[redcinemareel]

[Grell's curious, too! So she smiles lightly and listens carefully to the other candidates' plans and ideas.]

Question for Fayren + Others

[deathsought]

My question is mainly directed at the candidates for Fayren's guardianship, but others who feel they have something relevant to add on the subject are welcome to answer as well.

As many of you know, Fayren used to be plagued by a group of extremists who sought to kill all mages in the city, if not destroy magic itself. They have since been in exile from the city after a string of terrorist attacks that cost them support from the public, if they even still exist at all anymore. However, relations between the magical population of Fayren and the non-magical population have yet to be fully repaired. For example, those magical dolls are seen as a mixed blessing at best - { And as those who know what that black, rose-shaped ring on his right hand is for, he in particular knows what he's talking about when it comes to magical dolls } - and recent concerns of mages losing control over their magic can be seen as a nightmare scenario, should any of the more powerful mages become affected. And finally, every issue of the Genessia Tribune seems to include a bounty involving some magical mishap in Fayren, or another mage using magic to hurt others.

My question is this: How would you promote peace between those with powers beyond normal human capacity, and those without?

[blackparagon]

I would begin with a similar approach to the prior question, regarding relations between different races. The first place to start is by learning about the other party. So much fear in this world is borne not out of malice, but rather out of misunderstanding. Both sides of the equation should learn about the other.

Regarding mages losing control over their magic, for starters, I would thoroughly investigate the circumstances of the occurrence. We would then move from there to avoid the situation repeating itself. I am also willing to work more closely with both law enforcement and bounty hunters to protect those who cannot protect themselves.

text;

[everysin]

1. Method of punishment for criminals? We require details.

2. Last fun thing you did? Also requires details.

3. How much time did you all spend picking your outfits for this earlier? Why'd you end up with that one?

[redcinemareel]

My apologies for asking a question with a question, but, is there an issue you have with the current justice system you'd like to broach properly? Not every system is perfect, but I haven't heard of anything major to warrant change so far. Unless you think punishments are too lax.

[She hums as she thinks about the last thing she did that she thought was fun.]

I had a hot bath with a good book read by candlelight. [A knowing smile plays on her lips.] I think going into further details wouldn't be very appropriate.

[Grell counts on her fingers until all the fingers on one hand are put down.]

Five hours. I mostly chose this one because it not only represent my personality, but there wasn't much more time to search for other options.