Path of the Vampire forum

There were cameras in the room, a stage, and there were people gathered in the audience. Outside the building there was a sign,
"Discussion: The Vampire conundrum"

Antonio Segreti, a sorcerer, a businessman, and an intrigued party. He had used his advertising to announce he wanted a discussion to explain his side, and let others explain theirs with a little bit of debate, making use of his Segreti Showman's building. Open to vampires and humans alike. He was defending vampires, yet having met incredibly few. Segreti before now had kept mostly out of it, he wanted well for vampires. He was curious about them. And there was no way he could learn more about them if they had to hide. Now, that might make the current situation advantageous. Except, he now felt a very strong urge to fight the situation. He felt it was immoral.

"Greetings, I am Antonio Segreti. I'm a businessman who came to Harper Rock even knowing the situation. I am, also, a sorcerer. Which I hope you would know about by now, sorcerers, blood thieves, zombies, supersoldiers, blood thieves, vampires, sirens, we all know things like these exist. I however, have almost never had to use my abilities in a fight. And have not trained to do so. In fact, I'm a pretty normal person. Even a regular cop could probably beat the snot out of me." He put a hand through his hair and looked at the people, eye to eye, his voice had emotion in it, "But I've also been actively looking for vampires. And yet, now that the military has stepped in and forced them to wear identifications, I have to object. Because boy, does this seem somewhat similar to something any five year old remembers."

He clicked a button on his remote and the screen behind him they'd set up with power points lit up with an image of a the jewish armband from nazi control "I'm not one for politics. It's just not something I enjoy having to deal with. But this," he gesutred to the screen behind him which then switched to an example of identification for vampires, "This is dangerous. Do we not think vampires are people? They think, they feel, they even need to eat. And they don't have to rely on humans for that either. I have heard they can feed off of pretty much anything with blood. Which means what differences are there?"

He put a hand out, closed fingers, opening them one at a time, "Hearts don't beat, cold skin, can only rely on blood but it can be any creatures blood so just like any carnivore that's barely a full difference, if they die they come back, at least most don't show up in mirrors, and they have superhuman powers." He stopped, "Oh wait, that sixth one isn't a difference. Sorcerers, blood thieves, and paladins all do that. Oh, and let's not forget Siren's are a thing. And we haven't imposed any rules on them."

Both hands went back to the podium and he cocked his head, "And not all vampires are even changed willingly. So, why are we imposing it on the equivilent of a race? We think they're dangerous. Are they? Yes! Are we? Of course! Almost every human could potentially gain powers, even powers specifically fitted to kill vampires, paladins. So where's the threat? Because humans have been eating humans longer then vampires have been in history. Cannibalism isn't something limited to being supernatural. We fear them because some of them have acted in ways they shouldn't, and committed terrible acts. But as a species, they're not more guilty then the rest of us are."

He held out his hands, "So what's the threat of making them wear this? Think about this, you repress a group long enough, people get angry. Don't even have to just be the group repressed. We might be the biggest hot spot for vampires, but assuming we're the only ones may not be a good thing to do. From a tactical perspective you're making it more dangerous. From a moral perspective? You're forcing vampires, people, to suffer discrimination regardless of their crimes. Just because of a trait they can't change".

The sorcerer showman looked them in the eyes again, "And where will it take us? When people who walk, speak, and feel, just like us, are forced into obedience. Who else is safe from a regime who's basis on if you have human rights or not, is how your body works. Now, if anyone wants to give testimony, argue or debate one point or another, or just thinks they have something important to add. We have an extra mic, and if it's a good enough talking point you may even come up here so it can be spoken out. We won't have enough time for everyone, but I intend to be here for awhile because I think this is a pretty important topic."

Big groups of people had never been something Varja liked. Usually she would have stayed far away from this place, but the topic of the discussion was too interesting to leave it be. Headed for the place furthest in the back, she mingled with the audience and listened. The black haired girl almost invisible between those around her since she was a good bit smaller than most of the audience. Once the man asked for people to speak the room was silent except for whispers within the audience. Varja hesitated, before raising her hand to show that she wanted to speak. It took a few moments until someone noticed and gave her a microphone.

“Hello.” She spoke in a somewhat quiet tone, uncomfortable with speaking before so many people. “What you say is true, at least in my opinion. And I'm not sure if it's really relevant to this discussion in itself, but I think we should look at the bigger picture. Why are people afraid of vampires? It's not specifically because they are vampires. It's because they are something new, something unknown. Think about it, many technologies we have today were feared when they were first developed. Even today we still have people afraid of wi-fi because they think it might harm them. Humanity is afraid of what they do not understand. And instead of trying to understand, they try to control it and get it out of the way."

By now, she had almost forgotten the situation she was in, mainly talking to the original speaker on the stage. “Such things have happened all throughout history and this hatred and fear for vampires is merely the newest aspect of it. I don't know much about sorcerers or blood thieves, but to our minds, they are still at base human, hence they are far easier accepted. Yet vampires are not only part of a lot of eerie folklore, they also fit perfectly in the uncanny valley. Humanlike, yet different enough to upset the human psyche and make humans feel like this is wrong.”

Her expression got slightly sad as she spoke on. “However, depending on how many sorcerers, blood thieves, and other humans with powers exist, they might become the next targets of discrimination once the topic of vampires has died down. Even now, there is discrimination between run of the mill humans, without any new revelations added. Based on birth, ethnicity or superstition. What needs to be addressed and changed is not only the opinion on vampires. It would be necessary to change the outlook on the new, the unknown and the different.”

After he finished a black haired girl ended up raising her hand, seemingly with a little nervousness. He smiled as she said hello into it and began. Nodding and waiting to see what she had to say. So she began, she did seem to agree with him about the simple facts. But had more to add to the side. Explaining the why rather then the what. Made him smile again slightly. So they had a philosopher among them did they? Comparing how people were afraid of vampires to even how they were of things they now considered normal, or most did, like wi-fi. He stroked his chin

There was some mumbling in response as she spoke, though nobody interrupted her. While he had focused on historical references to try and appeal to their emotions, she'd gone straight to the heart of the issue. Sometimes that was enough to make a person realize that there was a bias and that it was unfairly warranted. Segreti crossed his arms as he continued to listen. She went on to explain also why vampires were different from blood thieves or other mostly human classes.

And went so far as to submit the possibility of what would happen if the vampire discrimination died down. How it could still just move to another group, be it sorcerers, blood thieves, or another group. As she finished, she said that it was not just opinion of vampires to be changed but general view of the strange and new. Segreti was curious, he waited for a second or two to see if anyone had any quick points to make then stepped to the main mic, "Thank you for that, I think you brought up a great point. Really focused on the core of the issue. I'm not a philosopher or psychologist myself, but I do think what you said sounds very logical. And I think history tells us that same thing, time and again when we meet something new people question it, or them. Vampires aren't new per se, but their being real is new to us. The same could be said with other human 'races' or 'ethnicities,' or even just cultures. If it's new, and different, people can get scared."

He tapped the podium real quick, "Um, before we try and keep going. Now I think we can accept you may not have an answer to this in an impromptu setting like this, but even if you can't do it now I'd love to hear it later if you have one. But do you have a suggestion, or plan, that might help people change their view? Or outlook on the 'new, the unknown, and the different' as you said? Again it's ok if you don't right now."

Listening to the man on stage reply, Varja nodded slightly. She had indeed already thought about it, since knowing the problem she had also been trying to figure out a solution to it. “I know no straight path to getting people to accept the unknown or the different. Because the only way people will change their opinion on something is if they want to. It would be necessary to give people reasons to want to change their outlook on these things. And in the long term, for these people to pass this accepting way of life on to their children.”

A short pause followed while she thought about her next words. “There might be a faster or simpler way, but I can't think of one. So far I think the most direct approach would be for humans, vampires and everyone else who wants people to change their view is to live by example.” Saying this, she lowered the microphone, apparently finished with talking. Waiting for a reply from the man on stage, she would return the microphone if there are no further questions to her.

Indeed she did have an answer it seemed. Saying the only way people would change is if they wanted to. And that while it might not necessarily be the only or most efficient way, the way she knew was lead by example. He hummed thoughtfully nodding his head, however as it turned out someone else raised their hand, instead of making the woman give up the mike he got off stage and unhook his microphone from the podium bring it with him and holding it out to them, "You have something to add?" he inquired rhetorically.

The person was a man of probably early middle age, maybe his thirties. He was not very light skinned but he was definitely not dark either, he stood slightly shorter then Segreti but seemed to have a few more muscles, at least that showed, "Yeah uh, thing is, the jews hadn't killed a bunch of people. You can change views all you want, but their existence isn't known for literally sucking blood out of humans."

Segreti nodded thoughtfully again speaking into the mic himself again, "You know...there's some truth in that. Vampires, as a whole, probably cause more crime then typical humans."

He held up a hand to make sure people knew he wasn't done, "But, do you know of another minority that in a certain country right below us, is known for that? People of color have also been pretty plagued with problems of crime. Do they produce violent crime, proportionally, more often then whites in the USA? Well they could. But it wouldn't matter would it. We shouldn't be criminalizing the act of being black anymore. Regardless of how common something is in a race."

"Blacks don't eat people though." The man was at least willing to keep to few words. He seemed very certain about his statements, whether or not he gave much more.

Antonio sighed, "Generally true yes. Doesn't make killing anymore or less wrong to do that, and from what I know most 'feedings' so to speak usually result in no permanent injury and not too many deaths. Should they do it? No of course not. There are other options they should be choosing from. But I'm quite sure not all do, and that not all always have a choice. But that's not necessarily a conscious wrong, but much like a medical problem."

The guy looked over the people at the woman who held the other mic still, then pointed at Segreti, then her, "And you, and you, how do we not just know you're...vampires, or thralls. Just trying to trick us. And why should anyone really change over this? Vampires have killed, killed plenty! They aren't jews, they aren't african, they're blood suckers!" he exclaimed.

Antonio narrowed his eyes, "Well I have yet to hear of a sorcerer who's been enthralled but really I think reasoning transends it's origin." he mumbled, but looked to the other woman on the mic to see how she would answer about the matter of what this man asked. If she did indeed want to, if not though, he'd be willing to continue if no one else raised their hand.

Although Varja was quite surprised they decided to let her keep the microphone, she didn't particularly mind. Especially since the topic of the next speaker was one she would also like to reply to. “Unfortunately, there is no easy way for me to prove not being a vampire or a thrall, unless you wish to do a full examination. However, since we are talking about the matters in general, I doubt it makes much of a difference. If an argument is sound and makes sense, who has given it is irrelevant.”

“And although I dislike grouping people together like this, please remember the race on earth which has killed the most humans, are the humans themselves. Be it the nazis killing the jews, the colonialists killing the native americans or just whomever was unlucky enough to be born in a country in war. Wars in general are an absurdity, if you think about it. So many people dying because a dozen, maybe even less, who are at the top want more land to call their own. Even though it barely makes a difference. Neither the people living in the winning country nor the leaders will gain much from it in most cases. It's senseless killing only to bolster the ego of a few rulers who want to have more space in their imaginary lines on the world.”

She shook her head before talking on. “Now compare this to the vampires and suddenly they don't seem all that bad anymore. Can they cause harm, kill and trick humans? Yes, absolutely. Can humans do so too? Yes, definitely. Also, were not all vampires once human? Which means they still think and feel just like us. And just like us they have the potential to cause evil deeds. But it does not mean that they have to act on this potential. Similarly, we should not do so either.”

“Now, I want to ask you a question. All of the people here who think vampires are horrible beings. What if someone you love, be it parent, child, sibling or lover, became a vampire? Would you still hate them? Want them registered, constantly under watch, being stared at by everyone? Would you still want them gone, now that it's not a nameless stranger?” Saying this, she first looked at the man in the audience who had spoken up, then around the room, waiting who, if anyone, would reply to this.

Harold tried not to pay too much attention to the politics of Harper Rock. His job was pretty simple and he didn’t want to get his head in a mess as to what side of the debate he sat on. He was an officer of the law and that was that. It was for the very reason of his job that he even had to stand here in the dim lit auditorium. He was picking up an extra work shift and covering the security of the event. It was an easy few hours of pay in his mind, stand around in the flanks and not do an awful lot but watch the debate for any sign of trouble. Standard job and procedure.

Harold stood back letting his thumbs hook into the straps of his black police vest. The speech was discussing the new legal identification for those of the supernatural identities. He had been out of the Task Force rotation when the legislation had kicked in. It was nice to have a break from kicking down doors into the depths of darkness and un-godly terror especially when more and more of those supernatural beings were becoming oppressed by the system he represented.

The people started to go over historical events and the officer half listened as they discussed the events of Nazi Germany, Colonialism and oppresion of blacks in the United States. His eyes scanned the crowd for anyone looking out of the ordinary yet these days what was ordinary. His mind went back to what the debate was discussing. The woman had some good points to make back against another that had spoken out against the Vampire race. They all spoke of these systems from history. He almost chuckled as they spoke all of them looking young enough and white, not that it was their fault. Harold had grown up in a system that had systematically subjected his people by the colour of their skin for over a hundred years there was no marker or armband to hide there. Apartheid South Africa in the 90’s had led to his up-bringing being a near on impossibity to succeed in any career field that a white man owned.

His mind continued to wander over the topics when his eyes picked out a face he thought he recognised. The eyes of a woman he had passed once along the way in his time. Her hair was as black as a crow and yet her features looked as if they had been crafted from Ivory. He shook his head and moved on from the feather clad woman to the other main speakers. A man of average build a little younger than Harold. Finally his eyes fell on the other young woman that had opened the debate. She looked young enough to be a student harmless at a glance though those student types could often cause trouble at events such as this. Harold continued to wait in the dim light flank to the side of the stage as the debate would continue.

Segreti heard the woman answer. It was more long winded then the previous ones. What people didn't understand and what he'd never tell them, was that Segreti, while he did care about the moral issues, had alternative motives involved. But people don't anchor well because you like to study some supernatural creatures and their rules are getting in your way. He did totally agree with what the woman was saying though. All through it though, the other man was mumbling, groaning, rolling his eyes. Man this was about as stereotypical as you could get. All they needed was some shouting.

He nodded his head slowly, and grinned especially as she brought up the question of if one of this mans family was turned. He glanced around the room, trying to see what the general people were thinking. There was mixed expressions. What he saw, was fear. It was a powerful motivator. He imagined, perhaps this was what that man really had deep down. Not that he actually cared. He was in the way. What was important was that everyone else cared, was that they all understood the problems with what the government was doing.

The man however, remained unconvinced, thought he did stutter a bit before simply cursing into the mic and rushing out the back. Segreti shook his head and shrugged, "Maybe he doesn't represent the majority of people who are happy with the military's new rules." he said, "But, maybe not. Regardless, this is what is going to happen sooner or later. Reasonless bias. Vampires, as individuals, are no more evil then humans are."

A few eyes glanced at each other in the room. Tattooed symbols on an ungloved hand. Another on someones neck. Symbols Segreti should have recognized from his interest in rituals, if only he was close enough to notice. "The law is the law. And it shouldn't be more unjust to some just because they're different in spite of perhaps not wanting to be so." he said shaking his head.

Jackets could hide a lot of things. Sometimes dangerous things.