Students and faculty of Neopolis Academy,

In about one week, we will be celebrating the holiday known as Halloween. While many young people think of Halloween as nothing more than yet another excuse to get drunk while in costume, I would like to remind everyone that it has a long and heavy history, particularly for those of Gothic background. From its origins to the myths surrounding it in modern times, Halloween has often served as a way for humans to "get to know" some of the Gothic side of things.

To support just such a notion, the Neopolis Central Community Center is holding a film and seminar entitled "Halloween: Embracing Gothic Heritage." This event is sponsored by the Gothic American League and will be going on all week. I encourage everyone, human and non-human alike, to attend and see just how rich Halloween truly is!

[Private to Gothic Faculty]

I haven't heard, but are we, as a faculty, planning anything for Halloween? It would be the perfect time for members of our faculty to really share their talents. Research has shown that humans are most open-minded about consorting with those of Gothic heritage during this time of the year. I really think we should put something on. Provided it doesn't disturb Judy's birthday plans, of course. Surely with a whole weekend to work with, something could be managed?

Current Mood: excited

Well, I suppose it doesn't need to be said, but the past few weeks have certainly been strenuous. My condolences go out to all those who were troubled or hurt in the outbreak, and I urge everyone to keep an open and forgiving mind about the events. I myself intend to help some of the relief efforts during the break. I'm considering also doing some research into zombie history and perhaps looking into getting a speaker to help us get some perspective on the event. Professor Murray, I would be interested in your help in such an endevour, provided you feel your views would not be overly biased considering your previous work.

I trust everyone is planning on having an enjoyable holiday. I found finals to be quite challenging, so some time to regroup and start planning for next trimester is definitely welcome. Honestly, I could use some R&R as well, and I must admit to being thoroughly relieved to not be in Elizabethan England this time around.

( Filtered to Erik Harris )

( Filtered to Ira Kazan )

Current Mood: relieved

[Filtered to Saoirse and Greta]

Is Quinn in some kind of trouble? Besides the sudden lack of speech filter, that is.

Current Mood: curious

My, it's been an busy weekend, hasn't it? Sounds like the party that happened on Saturday was [...] eventful. I'm glad I wasn't invited to this one. I hope everyone will recover from it soon.

Thank you, by the way, to all those who bid on me at the auction. I really appreciate your contribution to charity on my behalf. That said, I suppose everyone is busy with certain assignments at the moment, but Ira, do let me know when you'd like your date. Though I'm a bit unclear on the parameters; I'm the one who is supposed to plan it, right? Is there anything particular you'd like to do, Ira?

Current Mood: worried

[Private]

What was I thinking signing up for this auction? Charity is all well and good, but I should have just given money. It will be awfully... well, awful if nobody even bothers to bid on me. It's not as though I'm beautiful or popular. At the very least if I'm not forced to go on a date, I'll have time for other things. Besides, I might as well be as involved as possible, representative or not.

[/Private]

I'm rather looking forward to the practical lesson in Mass Disaster Response. It will be nice to put our theoretical learning to the test.

Current Mood: contemplative

Well, this was certainly a surprise this morning. I suppose we should all think twice about taking showers now. On the other hand, blue is certainly better than rainbow.

I would like to extend my belated congratulations to all the winners of the election. I'm very excited to see what you will be bringing to campus life.

Oh goodness, I could use a shot of tequila tamale.

[Filtered to Quinn]

So, any idea who tampered with the showers?

Current Mood: irritated

I would simply like to say that I never pressured Lily Sterben to drop out of the race. She did so of her own accord and was generous enough to offer me her support. She is an outstanding member of the Gothic Faculty and a fantastic leader, as evidenced by her successes with the Gothic baseball team. Lily would have been a worthy candidate and an excellent representative had she decided to pursue that course.

As far as the gossip suggested about my opponent Godfrey Smythe-Higgins, though he has already addressed the issue, I would also like to say that such allegations are simply ridiculous and unneeded in this election period or ever.

Now, back to business! We're getting down to the wire, so tomorrow afternoon I will be holding a Meet and Greet in the Gothic common room! All Gothic Faculty students are welcome to come and ask any questions they have concerning my platform and express any desires they would like to see fulfilled by their representative. There will be snacks, so please stop by!

I would also like to invite Godfrey and Leticia to join me for this Meet and Greet so that the students may have every opportunity to hear out their candidates and make an informed decision.

Good luck to all!

Current Mood: frustrated

( [Private] )

[Filtered to Saorise, Greta, Quinn, Judy, and Lily]

I was thinking a Meet and Greet to discuss the upcoming election and the issues Gothics most want met would be a good idea. We could cook up some food and perhaps foster some casual conversation. Nothing too formal; just a way to get people thinking and hear what they have to say.

Current Mood: contemplative

Attention Neopolis Academy Students and those of the Gothic Faculty in particular,

I would like to announce my intention to run for Gothic Faculty Representative for the Neopolis Academy Student Council. I believe my background in Gothic rights activism and passion for the needs of the Gothic community will enable me to successfully represent our faculty to the NA population at large.

I want to hear from all Gothic students. What do you want from your representative? If you have any questions, concerns, or suggestions, please feel free to talk to me at any time. I am available via journal or e-mail at any hour, and I will be setting up face-to-face discussion times in order to better serve you!

To my fellow candidates, I wish you luck! May the best win!

[Filtered to Saoirse, Quinn, Greta, Judy, Haruka, Magda, Ira]

Hi guys! You were the ones who popped to mind when I thought of people I'd like to work with on my campaign. If you've already promised yourself to another candidate, or if you're simply not interested in getting involved, I completely understand. If, though, you wouldn't mind helping me, I would be so appreciative! Let me know!

Current Mood: excited

Well, the party was certainly an interesting affair. Thank you again, Billy, for the invitation. It was fascinating to be amongst so many hunters. I was pleased to find much less hostility than I had been told to expect. While I certainly wouldn't say the Bishops and their friends were enthusiastic about holding a conversation, at the very least I was not threatened. This is quite encouraging, and I am inspired to put more effort into outreach and understanding specifically between hunters and non-humans. Healing this rift and understanding each other's side of things will be vitally important in ensuring that equality between Gothics and humans will be protected and revered. I'll need to do some more brainstorming, but I'm sure I'll have a more concrete concept to present soon.

I must say, though, I was rather shocked to find that the most blatant discrimination of Gothics at Billy's party came not from the family of hunters, but two Neopolis Academy students! I was very disappointed in the attitudes of Johnny Justice Jr. and Kate Van Helsing. After living with Gothics, I would think that Kate would be far more open-minded and unafraid of being seen speaking to her Gothic classmates, but it seems that is not the case. Still, she was not nearly as offensive as Johnny. Singling a person out and assuming they will do wrong based on nothing but their genetic background is called racial profiling, and I would have expected better from a seemingly upstanding student as Johnny Justice presents himself to be. I hope such actions will not be repeated in the future.

Current Mood: disappointed

Finally, the trimester has started! After such an unexpectedly turbulent break, it's something of a relief to be back to the normal hustle and bustle. I am quite pleased about my schedule.

- Literature
- Gothic Seminar
- Heaven & Hell: Otherworldly Bodies on Earth
- International Super Relations
- Magical History of Europe
- Mass Disaster Response

Admittedly those last two were influenced by my impromptu trip to Elizabethan England. I find myself curious now about the magical climate of the time period. Also, the unfortunate circumstances of the fire have inspired me to look into more efficient ways of handling crises. I'm sure this will be a very fulfilling trimester.

As soon as everyone has settled back in, I intend to begin work on some new events. Please keep an eye out!

Current Mood: busy

I suppose it was, all things told, a very good thing that we returned to Neopolis when we did. I am certainly happy that Scott [...] and Ludwig were able to get the medical attention they needed before their condition worsened. It's just a shame that I didn't have the opportunity to help more. I truly could have been of great assistance in rescuing people from the fire that was overtaking London. I certainly hope that things were brought under control quickly, before needless death occurred. I could have saved so many... I could have actually been a hero.

I also sadly missed the vote for Mrs. Houston's bill. I am pleased to report, however, that it passed with a 3 vote majority. Child care centers are going to be expected to integrate by the end of next month. It is a huge victory for the Gothic community. Thank you to everyone who expressed their support for the motion.

As for this wedding, my parents are insisting that I attend even though I do not have a date. I have explained to them time and again the many reasons that my presence is not necessary at the function, but they seem positively giddy about the fact our family was invited. I suppose I can do them this one favor, but...

Are there any gentlemen who would be interested in attending with me at this juncture? I realize it's very last minute. God, this is embarrassing.

Current Mood: depressed

Attention those Neopolitans in London!

It is of utmost importance that we evacuate the city, if you have not done so already. I am able to manipulate fire, so I can clear a path. However, I will need assistance with Scott and Ludwig. I can't support both of them. Claire, I believe your angelic heritage will provide a buffer much as my demonic blood does, so I request that you help me. I will generously not stick you with Ludwig.

Once everyone is safe outside the city, I will be returning to help as many people as I can. My skill set is perfectly suited to this kind of problem, and I will finally get a chance to practice what I preach. I highly suggest all of you stay together and preferably in one place, so that I might find you once the fires have been taken care of.

[Locked to Professor Murray]

Professor, you should know that Scott Green has fallen ill. According to the symptoms he is suffering, it is likely that he has bubonic plague. I am doing all I can to keep him comfortable and nourished. However, I am not particularly well versed in medicine, so any help would be appreciated.

That said, Ludwig Walker also complained about feeling sick, though he assured me it was simply a hangover. However, we may want to keep an eye on him all the same even if he is an ungrateful jerk.

Current Mood: worried

I am itchy. Very, very itchy. It is irritating me to no end, and it is possible that I may be more prone to my demonic tendencies if such conditions continue. Of course my self-discipline is extremely high, but under the strain of dealing with Ludwig Walker's utter lack of class, discrimination, tact, and intelligence on a daily basis time travel, I just wanted to warn those I am with that I may be a bit testy.

That said, I am not particularly pleased with the casting that the Lord Chamberlain's Men have dictated. While I appreciate the marketing strategy, though not the tactlessness, of using some strange outsiders to test out your new play, I do not at all resonate with my character and thus am finding it difficult to properly portray her. I told them I would be better off as stage manager.

Out of curiousity, how goes the effort back in Neopolis? I'm sorry I have not been very helpful, but please do let me know if there is any way I can help speed up the process before I succumb to my demon side and turn what little there is of Ludwig's brain to mush.

Also, Dean von Kyphos? If you have any contact with Mrs. Houston, please extend my most sincere apologies. I have fallen behind in my preparations for the sit-in, for obvious reasons, and may have to forgo the event altogether. What a disappointment.

Current Mood: irritated

I just was not made for this time period. Public opinion towards demons is not exactly at a high point here. It's very frustrating having to constantly wear a hat, not to mention trying to keep anyone from seeing me at night. I doubt very much that my glowing eyes would increase our social standing.

There is also the troubling issue of the lack of power women have. I've taken to dressing in men's clothing. It's certainly more comfortable, not to mention I can accomplish a lot more if the locals don't think I'm trying to rise above my station. And certainly someone has to make sure things happen around here; some members of this motley group have been less than helpful. I must commend Professor Murray, though. Despite my disapproval of his previous work, he has certainly been a great help here.

I hope my fellow Gothics are managing in their respective time periods. I realize we might not blend in as well as the others. Please keep me updated!

Yet the question still stands: how am I supposed to arrange a sit-in when I'm stuck here?!

Current Mood: frustrated

I'd like to thank everyone who came out to Geraldine Houston's speech Wednesday night. I was pleased to see so many people interested, though admittedly I am disappointed that more of you didn't take advantage of the chance to speak with such an influential person in our city. Some of you really need to step out of your comfort zone and embrace new ideas.

But I digress. Her talk was absolutely inspiring, and the round table discussion she held at the end brought some very interesting debate. I hope that many of you came away with a new respect for the Gothic members of our community. I'm planning to arrange another speaker next trimester, so keep your eyes open for the notifications!

Exams are next week, and I must admit to being a bit nervous. I've been doing a lot of studying, though, and I didn't miss a single class, so I feel that I'll be okay. A break will be nice after all this work, though.

That said, for those of you who will be in Neopolis during May, I'm thinking a holding a sit-in at City Hall in support of a motion Mrs. Houston is co-authoring to desegregate non-human children from human ones in the city child care centers. Your support would be appreciated!

Current Mood: pleased

B+?! Excuse me for favoring practicality over absurdity!

While I think that the grading criteria for the Personal Development assignment were not at all practical, I'm not planning on using a costume in the future anyway, so it is a moot point.

On a different note, congratulations to the Gothic baseball team! That was a very exciting game, and you all performed extremely well, even with the poor weather conditions!

I want to remind you all again of the upcoming talk by Geraldine Houston! I will be posting some reminders around campus, so don't miss this opportunity!

[Filtered to Haruka]
Are you feeling any better? I'm so sorry you had to miss your game! Do you think you'll feel well enough for lunch Wednesday with Ms. Houston?

Current Mood: irritated

First of all, I would like to wish the Gothics baseball team good luck during their game this week. I fully intend to come and show my support after I do some flyering for Geraldine Houston's talk. She'll be coming on April 22nd, and the talk will take place at 7 in the evening in the West Auditorium. I highly encourage all of you to make an appearance; Ms. Houston is a truly spectacular and inspiring woman who is a wonderful asset to the cause of equality in Neopolis.

On a completely different note, I received a call from my parents today. It seems all the wedding talk that has been floating around campus has reached them as well, and furthermore, my family has been invited. This includes me. Naturally I am disinclined to attend as I do not support the ELE in the slightest. However, my parents seem insistent that I attend, and as they are rarely so passionate about anything, I am tempted to go for their sake. I'm sure it is another attempt to persuade me that I should join the ELE as they did. Still, I suppose a wedding could be fun, and it would be a great opportunity to see how the ELE social elite handle their relationships with those of Gothic heritage.

It appears a date is a requirement, though. What a silly thing.

Current Mood: restless

This assignment is for Personal Development? It's not developing anything for me personally except a severe waste of my time. Who needs a costume? I don't need to hide behind some persona to pursue my agenda. I can do it proudly and in the open just the way I am. They really should come up with assignments that can actually aid our transition into contributing members of Neopolitan society.

That said, I've been in contact with Geraldine Houston. She was the first person of goblin ancestry to be voted to Neopolis City Council. She says she'd be delighted to speak on campus, which would be a very educational experience for all of us. I intend on contacting Dean von Kyphos as soon as possible to ensure that her appearance is allowable. Don't worry; once a date is set, I will make sure it is heavily advertised. There will be no excuse for missing it!

On a final note, this costume is supposed to relate to our powers, right? I guess I need to find something flame-resistant then.