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[poppycock]

They're playing to the choir. The few sane voices arguing for more investigation do little to quell the presumptions.

What team are you?

[corporeity]

Hearts.
It would appear we’re one of the… gentler teams. No accusations of note, as yet.

And yourself? You’re with my Astarion, are you not?

[poppycock]

One might hope, though there's blood in the water. I doubt very much gentleness will hold.

I am. He's been helpful in presenting the facts about Paul's death.

[corporeity]

Yes, Paul was — is dear to him, as his sister Alia and beloved Alina are to me. They’ll not accuse a vampire after this.

Giles is a more difficult matter. Have you thoughts on what they’ve found? Jinx pointing to the Diamonds does narrow the field, if we trust whispers on the wind.

[poppycock]

I think I know of no supernatural or powered being on that team capable or willing to commit such brutal violence, but then again, I don't know everyone that well. What are your impressions?

[corporeity]

Of the Diamonds, we know Ani is innocent, due to her possessing what the game terms the “doctor” role.

As for the other members:
• Armand is a friend, but has displayed violent tendencies in the past, including against his fellow vampires. He attacked Spike brutally earlier this year after they quarrelled.
• Danny Johnson is a known killer whose tenure as a wolf last year was particularly grisly.
• An interesting case for Devon has been made on Jinx’s post. Pertaining to Castiel, not Giles.

I would rule out Caroline, obviously, and Spike, who holds great love for Buffy (Giles’ ward).

[ leaving out august one way or another, for now. ]

[poppycock]

Danny Johnson seems to have few friends interested in defending him. I've heard accusations and vitriol against him on the network, even before all this. He's also been quiet, so far as I can account. I might suspect him for any one of these murders. ( that said. )

I cannot count Armand out, but frankly I do not believe it to be a vampire. Not one in the right state of mind, anyhow. What of werewolves or other beasts here?

Devon seems a more likely fit for the angel's crucifixtion, regardless.

Why not Caroline?

[corporeity]

Besides that I hold her dear? I know such things do not exonerate any of us, and so: She exhibits great control. These scenes suggest anything but.

I've yet to make the acquaintance of any wolves, but I'm aware of most witches and wizards. On Diamond, that includes August and Devon, though the team has members I'm unaware of entirely.

[poppycock]

( he'll accept that answer. ) Were she a wolf, I suspect she would kill as swiftly and painlessly as possible.

Would either of them take to these festivities with such alacrity? Assuming their own volition even matters.

What do you think of this Saber?

[corporeity]

August favours blood magic and serves higher masters, so the element of ritual in Castiel concerns me more than the sloppiness of Giles. He would not harm another if he had a choice. His goodness is only rivalled by his interest in self-sacrifice.

As for Saber, he repulses me. He harasses women with abandon, including the girls who come to us from their high school soccer team. He celebrates bloodshed. He relishes cruelty for naught but the sake of it. Even if he were not a wolf, I would have no compunction casting my vote against him for the cage or, indeed, the sword.

[poppycock]

Castiel did not struggle against the nails. It's possible he was strung up after his death. He is, or was, an angel. His blood may be valuable.

You believe he'd target women or young girls, then, if given the power and the opportunity to do so?

There is one other you should know about. If you truly care for Caroline.

[corporeity]

No, I’m certain he would target a man. Preferably a romantic or sexual rival. As you can read for yourself, he’s the vindictive kind.

I care dearly for Caroline and any she would align herself with.
Is this about Kai Parker?

[poppycock]

Then perhaps he is the culprit.

Did she mention him to you?

[corporeity]

I believe him responsible for the attack on Jake, as Ani detailed.

To Astarion. He also came up organically in the Hearts chat as a known threat to the populace.

[poppycock]

Then he has my vote.

Good. He's not to be trusted. He's a violent sociopath with a particular curiosity for Caroline since he arrived. Were you told what he can do?

[corporeity]

And others, I assume, but two of our number will go to the gaol this week.
And I would rather know the other contender, before I cast my vote.

[ astarion, caroline, stefan, klaus, august — they’re all at risk, until the accusations settle. ]

Feast upon my magic and use it as his own? Quite alarming.

[poppycock]

A wise course of action, given the number of accusations rolling in.

( he, likewise, is in no rush. he doesn't have any intention on wasting it, but if his vote will pull just one number away from anyone he cares about... )

Yes. Would you know of any way to null this power, even temporarily?

[corporeity]

Well.
My condition is such that my magic is unpalatable, to be sure. Toxic, corrosive, consumptive.

That is to say, I imagine that any attempt to take it for oneself would backfire quite spectacularly. I need only hold an object to sap it of all magical vitality, for instance.

[poppycock]

( music to his ears )

If your magic is such, would it at all be possible to harness that effect, say in an object?

[corporeity]

No, I’m afraid he’d need to drink from the source, so to speak.

[poppycock]

A pity.

( a pause. while klaus wouldn't hesitate to force gale's hand, if need be, that would introduce far more variables than a useful object might.

so, more importantly: )

Would you be willing to stop him yourself, if it came to that? For Caroline?

[corporeity]

For Caroline, I would do anything. She was of great comfort to Astarion when he was alone here — and to me, even after that.

[poppycock]

( he has no reason not to believe gale—he also has caroline's trust, after all. but klaus has lived long enough to know how quickly allegiances change, and he takes that vow with a few grains of salt. )

Good. Because I would rather die than see any harm come to her.

[corporeity]

Good.

[ likewise. ]

Then perhaps you’ll be displeased to hear one Louis de Pointe du Lac attempted to use Caroline as a shield, in the last games, by leaking her name to the one accusing the vampires.

And that Lestat de Lioncourt has paid for the Yellowjackets votes in exchange for your own, cast against Devon in the previous round.

[poppycock]

Displeased, but not surprised. ( displeased only begins to cover it. certainly they would sacrifice her again, should the opportunity arise. ) For himself or for his paramours?

Yes, Lestat's influences and manipulations have been made to clear to me, and now clearer still. He won't succeed again.