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Well, it looks like there is another message pinned to the Traceless Bulletins board. This one is penned in remarkably neat and legible handwriting, along with a pinned photograph of the writer- Traceless Council Human Liaison Marnie Jeong.

I would dislike for my perceived silence on the topic of the “The Dome” and the equity of Traceless citizens to be perceived as apathy. I feel incredibly strongly about this matter, and have voiced as much to my fellow Council Liaisons and the individuals I have been fortunate enough to speak with regarding this important topic.

I stand with the werewolves of Traceless as an ally, and I will continue to use my voice on their behalf. Mort Donald’s thoughts have been in line with mine from the beginning, and it is incredibly important to me to support his voice. I count Mort as a friend and know the feeling is mutual. We have discussed on numerous occasions the rise we have seen in sentiments of fear against werewolves. This frightens me, and I know it is wrong with all of my heart. 

Words hold power, and not just in the casting of spells. What we say to and about each other matters, which is why I waited so long to write something on this board. I feared usurping Mort’s voice, or in having my written words misinterpreted. Now I understand that I need not be afraid to tell everyone how I voted regarding both Domes.

My vote was a no for both Domes. Mort and I stood in unity for both votes. We understood that even that first vote, a dangerous precedent stood a chance of being created that would assist in fostering fear of werewolves. While this allowed an “optional” solution for keeping those newly swapped werewolves from being a danger to themselves or others, werewolves were not consulted about the implementation. Notably, no members of council would have been in werewolf bodies at the time of the full moon, so it may have seemed easy to make this vote from a distance. Whether it is officially precedent or not, the affirmative vote has created the precedent that the Dome can be used to contain werewolves... and for now, only werewolves.

This targeting may not last. Whomever is deemed dangerous or unsavory may see themselves targeted next. For now, though, the problem lies in disenfranchising our werewolf friends and family, and this cannot continue.

I am deeply appreciative that two more members of the council voted with me and Mort to prevent the second Dome from being permitted to continue. That was not a case of emergency, and was a gross abuse of power. Ethan Schuyler is a dedicated politician on many fronts, but he is short-sighted when it comes to listening to what the people of Traceless need and deserve the right to have. The world is not the same place it was even thirty years ago. With the rise of digital communication, news travels faster than ever. I understand that ‘safety’ as a concept is of prime concern to many, but the messaging may infringe on the rights and- dare I say- safety of others.

I will make a concerted effort to continue to make my perspective known and give increased transparency to my voting record. The council does not publish how the vote of council is divided, and I can see how this can create some apprehension in the community. My votes and thoughts are not a secret that I need to keep. Please feel free to ask me at any time about my thoughts, and I value yours as well. I have strong convictions when it comes to advocating for the rights of those that need it, and that is only furthered when I can hear the voices of our beautiful and diverse community.

Thank you very much for your time, and know that it is never a bother to speak with me- even if you believe our thoughts may differ.  It has been my deepest honor to serve Traceless on its council, and I intend to continue to do my best in capacity as a liaison. 

--Marnie

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A new notice has been posted to the Traceless bulletin board. It now seems to be a trend for council members to post pictures of themselves along with their messages. 

Salutations! I hope everyone’s having a stellar weekend in Traceless. It’s me, Al, your merfolk liaison. 

It’s been a little while since the vote regarding whether Fritz Barrow could be locked up in that bubble. I have to tell you, since that happened, I realized how many mixed feelings I’ve had about my vote for that first bubble.

Of course I voted to make sure that we couldn’t imprison someone in a new and special way after the fact. That didn’t, as the kids say, “hit right” with me. I did vote to allow for the Dome to go up the first time- only because I thought it would be a helpful option to keep everyone from having a messy full moon. Laurel and I worked on making The Dome together when we were swapped, actually. She wrote about it in her message on this very board! Having new powers can be a real hassle and a little scary. I have mixed feelings now because all of my werewolf friends felt singled out by that vote. I’m sorry to all of the werewolves who visit or live here. I didn’t realize that it would get this complicated or uncomfortable. Thank you for listening. Or reading.

That said, I also wanted to give everyone a heads up that Traceless General Store & Supply is having an “Al Bought Too Many Maracas” sale. Would you believe that when you order 10 maracas, they give you ten cases of the things? I love them, and I bet you’d love a pair in your home too. Or a dozen. 

- Your Pal Al

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Printouts from Twitter and a popular gossip website have been tacked to the Traceless Bulletins board, along with the following message:

Footage of someone shifting into a werewolf that looks genuine was posted to an internet tabloid website. Unfortunately, some more mainstream gossip websites and social media found the video and pictures. Fortunately, those humans on the internet shouldn’t be able tell who the werewolf is because the face isn’t visible at all while they are in human form. I heard through the grapevine that it might be Millie Cromwell from Las Vegas. 

I’m sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but wanted to make sure that everyone was aware.

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Traceless Village Council Approval Ratings - January 30, 2021 and August 30, 2021

(For high quality, we recommend opening the image in a new tab)

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On a scale of 1 to 10 how stupid are you feeling right now? Personally I think you’re breaking the limit at a solid 15. Keep it up council leader and you might get to 20.

"Although the intention of the forum was an openminded question and answer session, I must admit I am feeling remorseful for my actions. I... apologize for the difficulties you have faced in this particular instance." It seemed very difficult for Ethan to say this.

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Elaine: You may not have intention of ever using it again, but your words so far have indicated that it is a thought that lingers in your mind to use it again. Either way, you avoided answering my question. Either of them. Is it not worrisome that Mr. Kuhn doesn't seem to know what came over him and is now on leave? And What sort of regulations would you want in place for the dome to be used in the future?

It is important to thoroughly investigate the implications of such a tool as the Dome. Only once due diligence has been completed in researching this magic and hearing the perspectives of citizens, the council can come to an informed decision together.

I was disheartened to read that article about a dear colleague in the papers, and agree that it is worrisome. However, I will not speculate regarding how Paul is feeling or contribute to gossip.

As for future regulations regarding the Dome, I am interested in determining with certainty whether there are not potentially beneficial uses for the Dome. If we do discover any uses whose benefits as though they could outweigh the cost, I would support implementing a town vote on whether those uses would be permissible in emergency uses pending council vote only in those emergency situations. Given reactions to the Dome so far, I would vote against any uses that the town does not show support for.

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Dom: I'd be open to talking and voicing my concerns about this whole situation but seeing how you keep giving people the run around in your answers I'm not really sure what that would accomplish. But you're welcome to come to Thirst N' Howl for a drink and chatting about the situation.

"It can be difficult to express nuance and provide promises in a public forum like this before having a chance to discuss with the council. I'm not in the business of making empty promises. I can see where that might leave a bad taste in your mouth. That's exactly why I think a one on one conversation would help, and I would be happy to stop by your business," Ethan said with a small smile.

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Elaine: Made sense at the time. But you do understand, now, that it did help to start a precedent, despite what you said earlier. The fact that you even entertained the thought of using something that had already gotten so much backlash against a single member of our community, and the fact that Mr. Kuhn doesn't seem to know what came over him in helping you set this dome in place -- is this not particularly worry some or troubling to you?  To continue on this whole precedent thing, you did just call the dome a "new tool" meaning its something the council, or at least you, are viewing as something that can and should be used once again? That is the point of a tool is it not? Someone stealing your wallet, is not such an urgent situation to lock someone in an impenetrable dome, and while you can relate it to being in a jail cell there are precedents in place for doing such things but there are none for this dome. So what sort of regulations would you want in place for the dome magic to be used in the future? It would be nice to hear from our council members on what they believe to be the best course of action and their stance on the dome and its abilities before the next election or before there's a need to hold an emergency election.  

--

"I hear you, and I would need to confer with the rest of the council members. Calling it a tool does not mean we have any intention of using it ever again. For example, I have no use for kitchen utensils because I do not eat. However that is not to say that I do not consider them tools... even if they are tools I have no use for. My initials thoughts were that the Dome could be a useful tool in extreme circumstances. However, when this topic is discussed at a future council meeting, I will take into account that this is the preference of some townsfolk never to be used again. Thank you for sharing your opinions with me. You have given me much to consider."

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Deacon: So you are confirming that you acted without notifying the police until after the barrier was already up? You are aware that just because you are on the council does not give you the authority to detain, correct? I believe your removal from power is inevitable at this point and you may want to save yourself from the grievance a public outing will cause.

"With all due respect, this is a question and answer session and not a trial. I can point you toward your boss if you have any further questions regarding police cooperation on the evening in question. Good day, Detective."

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Isobel asks: whether you consulted the police chief or not, it is still not your job to arrest someone. I don’t know what opportunity fell into your lap, as you’ve said, because the community did not give you either the permission or the go ahead. Furthermore, you deciding on your own volition that you want to arrest Fritz because they have stolen in the past does not warrant you to play judge jury and executioner. And if you had any self respect for anyone other than vampires you would understand that.

"While I appreciate visitors to Traceless taking an interest in our town, this forum was intended primarily those who reside or own property in Traceless. Your opinions have been noted, but as I have said to several citizens at this point, I have no intentions of carrying out similar acts in the future. I respect the opinions of those that clearly disapprove, and look forward to implementing regulations around this new magical tool to ensure it is not used in a way counter to the will of the town's citizens."

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Deacon: That doesn’t sound like an answer to whether or not the chief of police was involved in the placing of the suspect in the dome made specifically to hold werewolves or not. Whether or not the suspect has been suspected of other crimes; were proper procedures used to apprehend the suspect by someone of the law? Either way, you do not have the jurisdiction to place anyone under arrest. If the police chief were involved I’m sure the entire town would like to hear from him directly.

"As I said to the last person, we were more broadly discussing general tactics. He was one of the first people I notified after ensuring Barrow would not burgle me further in the most secure way available to me at the time. I cannot speak for the Chief otherwise."

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Aurora: Mr. Schuyler, I appreciate double talk, and giving the run around as much as the next person, but in this instance not answering the question to the best of your ability, and truthfully, is just making you look more and more guilty and like someone that the citizens of Traceless should not trust. So answer the question truthfully. Was the Chief of Police involved in creating the barrier to imprison Fritz Barrow

"Well... The Chief of Police is a werewolf, and does not possess the kind of magic that could be used in creating the barrier to imprison anyone," Ethan said with a sigh. "Chief Hersch and I were cooperating more broadly in a general plan to address Barrow's misdeeds. We had been in regular conversation on the subject in the days leading up to the incident... and Barrow happened to steal something of value of mine within my sight. It made sense at the time."

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Ayla: I have not cared for the decisions you have made in the past, but this is certainly one I care for the least. You are setting dangerous precedent in your actions and nothing you have said suggests any hint of remorse. So, tell me, what further plans do you have to turn Traceless into a dictatorship?

"Firstly, this has not set a precedent. I can assure you that this will not become a commonplace method for containing people. That much, the council has agreed upon. I was using a newly created tool in an urgent situation. Seeing the people's response, I have no interest in utilizing this method unless a system that can be worked upon that is amenable to the people. Further, I have no intention of altering this town's core governmental structure which has been an elected council for centuries. As long as I have a say in the matter, this is how I would choose for our government to continue."

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HJ: So imprisoning someone like you did is like really not dope. How would you feel if someone like put you in a dome? The domes are already like scary and not dope for werewolves. It like super doesn't matter what Fritz did, we have like a whole dope justice system, and this makes it like seem like we could be thrown into a dome any time you want? That's not dope.

"In my mind, this was more humane to do than to leave them in a small jail cell with the full moon swiftly approaching. I appreciate hearing the perspective of werewolves on the matter. In the future, perhaps it would be better for modified versions of traditional methods of jailing to continue, but that would be something to vote upon. Another thought that ran through my mind at the time... To my understanding, shifted werewolves are quite large. If we had needed to repair the jail cell afterward due to Barrow's shifting, it would be cruel and unusual to levy the tax on them or even the townspeople."

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Dom: As a property owner and resident of Traceless -- you don't speak for me, or represent my interests. Trapping a wolf in a dome because you believe her to be a problem or a thief is not your job. That's the job of the detectives and officers of the city. Not a city council member. So as someone who fits the shit you just said to Isobel -- turn in your resignation.

"As a property owner and resident of Traceless, you should be well aware that I am an elected official. Perhaps you did not vote for me, but I do my best to represent you and work with the other branches of government. While my actions may have gone against your beliefs, even the best of politicians cannot please everyone. I have my priorities, and they may differ from yours, but I have invested a great deal in keeping Traceless a safe and comfortable place for us all. That said, I encourage you to continue to voice your opinion. It is impossible to please everyone, but it is important that I listen. I would be happy to discuss this further in a one on one setting to ensure your concerns are heard. I do want to understand your perspective, and would appreciate the opportunity for an open dialogue on equal terms."

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Elaine: Sir, I think you need to get your own story straight. You just told Deacon that you apprehended her *then* contacted the chief of police that you had her and let them do what they thought best. You then told Isobel that you were *already working* with the chief of police when you trapped Fritz in the mini-dome. So which is it, were you working with the chief of police before or after you trapped her. If it was *after* then she's not wrong and you need to tender your resignation.

"I wasn't aware that I needed to bore you with the minutitia of how having a working relationship with the police works on a day to day basis. However, I am happy to do so in the future. I have previously discussed my thoughts regarding Barrow with the Chief, and this opportunity fell into my lap. Are you saying you wouldn't have interest in apprehending a criminal making off with your possessions? They've gotten away with much more than this one money clip in the past," Ethan said, shaking his head.

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There's nothing baseless about my insults. You're trash and have no business being on the council. So I stand by what I said, get fucked.

"You are free to have your own opinions. However, it is my business being on the council. I have been instrumental in keeping our village safe from threats in the past, and can assure you that I will continue to do so."