Study Hall -- Wednesday, September 28th

[principalconnor.livejournal.com]

Welcome to Wednesday's study hall. I'm in a considerably better mood than yesterday, which mostly means none of you will be getting set on fire today. I reserve the right to threaten you with it, though. You have no fucking idea how entertaining the looks on your faces are when I do that.

*grins wickedly and takes a drag off her cigarette*

The announcements for today --

-- Biff is missing once again from the front of the teachers lounge. If somebody could find that stupid goddamn bear and drag it back, I'd appreciate it. (I won't be rettaching any limbs you might lose, though. That's your fucking problem, not mine.)

-- After the events of last weekend, I'm thinking of lifting the weapons ban. I'll be opening up a discussion section in the comments for those opposed and those for the weapons ban to hash out any differences they might have, any requests they might have for licensing or policing those who wish to carry their weapons, and any other problems they might wish to discuss.

-- Parents Weekend will take place on October 28th, 29th, and 30th. For the record, you may make one new RPG journal for whichever parent, guardian, relation, or mortal enemy you might wish to bring in for your character. These characters cannot already be enrolled in the school or exist in town, and if you can find someone not already involved in the game to play them just for that weekend, all the better. However, these characters will not be allowed posting access on FH or any related communities, they will only be allowed to comment in designated threads -- open houses for classes, the Halloween dance, etc. They're only here to visit for one weekend, folks -- they won't be hanging in the dorms or taking classes or anything. Also, teachers will be allowed to call parent/teacher conferences with any of their students they might wish to meet with (or any "parent" they might wish to interview ... *snerk*).

(OOC: Also, for the record, I'm not playing John Connor anymore -- I've passed him off to someone else. Now he can get a little more play, the poor antisocial bastard. :))

Comments

Weapons Ban

[principalconnor.livejournal.com]

Well, go on, you little punks. Argue and complain all you want.

Re: Weapons Ban

[cameronmitchell.livejournal.com]

I think it might be a good idea to let students get a license in order to be allowed to carry weapons. Maybe this can be done with the help of the Gun club. Just letting anyone have a weapons is probably a stupid idea, but the zombie attack has proven that we are capable of brandishing weapons without killing each other and that it might even be necessary. So forcing the students to first take a test to proof that they can handle a weapon responsibly and forcing anyone who wants to hold it with him to register might be a good compromise.

Re: Weapons Ban

[psycho-barbie.livejournal.com]

What about those of us who use blades?

While I agree with Cameron on the need for licenses, gods know I've seen what dangers idiots with swords can be, it's a bit harder to test responsible sword useage than gun.

Re: Weapons Ban

[12parseckessel.livejournal.com]

Lifting the ban would make a lot of us a lot more comfortable. I'm not the only one feeling naked wearing just an empty holster.

not to mention the bad luck I'm in for over my knife

Re: Weapons Ban

[jerusalem-s.livejournal.com]

If weapons are reinstated, I want a list - for use in any eventual murder proceedings - of who has what.

Re: Weapons Ban

[principalconnor.livejournal.com]

That is definitely fair for anyone who claims they don't want to hurt anyone to do.

Re: Weapons Ban

[marieann-d.livejournal.com]

[[OOC'ly wonders if mutant/natural powers would have to be disclosed as well. Since Rogue's entire body could, technically, be defined as a weapon...]]

Re: Weapons Ban

[names-ash.livejournal.com]

I'm willing to set up a certification and licensing program, atleast when it comes to firearms. That way we can atleast test to make sure the kids who have guns know how to take care of 'em good and proper.

Re: Weapons Ban

[medusae-x.livejournal.com]

"With the sheer amount of underage drinking that goes on around here, we think it's a bad idea. The weapons locker was opened up during the zombie attack, and that worked well. It would've worked a lot better and a lot more efficiently if we had a warning system, as Alanna is campaigning for in her Student Council platform. Those of us with the innate ability to harm others have been required to take measures to ensure that we don't hurt our fellow students or teachers even by accident, and we feel it would be extremely unfair if other students were allowed to have their weapons ready to hand while we are required to peace-bond ours."

She shrugs. "Frankly, until a better definition of 'weapon' and a better list of the rules and regulations for weapons exists, we think it would be a very bad idea to lift the weapons ban."

Re: Weapons Ban

[cameronmitchell.livejournal.com]

Defining weapons is a good idea, but banning half and leaving others with natural 'weapons' seems unfair to me. And what are you going to do? Throw those students out because they can do magic or what else it is they can do?

Re: Weapons Ban

[names-ash.livejournal.com]

::pulls out his clipboard::

You got a list of people in this "We"? Just for the record, I mean. And can you specifically state what sort of measures you've taken to make sure you can't hurt anyone?

Not trying to be skeptical, but seeing as last I heard you were the one around here with the ability to turn into a giant window-smashing snake, I just want to make sure you and this "we" are as "peace-bonded" as you say. For the record.

::looks at 'Duce, calmly, pen poised to write::

Re: Weapons Ban

[sharon-valerii.livejournal.com]

*blinks* If guns and knives are being banned and/or requiring registration, why not things like mutant powers and magical abilities and wands? They can all be used to harm others.

Re: Weapons Ban

[valentine-tart.livejournal.com]

I have to agree with Valerii. Most of the students who carry weapons are less dangerous than those who don't have to.

I've spent my life at the business end of pulse, gauss, laser, and plasma weapons. I'm handy with a knife, and I can do plenty of damages without either.

I have a hot temper, but I have never, and will never, use my weapons in a situation where there is any other choice.

I'm far less convinced that Angelus, say, or Draco, will be as restrained.

Re: Weapons Ban

[valentine-tart.livejournal.com]

Very simply, it's this.

We're here in a school with people who can kill us with their eyes, their minds, magic, whatever. They keep their weapons because they can't be separated from them.

I've had at least one weapon on my body at all times since I was ten. I'd have died more times than I care to count if I hadn't. I'm not me without a weapon anymore. And I'm probably more dangerous if I don't have something to protect myself.

Fear is the most dangerous weapon. Not arming us won't stop people like me from making threats if we're cornered and those threats could get us killed.

More than that. We proved that we can work together during the zombie attack. We showed that we can use our weapons responsibly. I would offer that the Colorado gang, and some of the bad-world types like myself, might be willing to engage in peer-group discussion about responsible use of weaponry. Dr. Daniel Jackson has agreed to be the advisor to those of us who wish to be armed, and you know he's one of the most gentle people around.

Re: Weapons Ban

[positive-angel.livejournal.com]

I think responsible weapons registration is a good idea. I think that it also should go for cutting and bludgeoning weapons too.

Magical abilities notification is also a good idea.

Something I want to bring up, though, that bothers me. To my knowledge, the magical users have not made it a habit to flaunt their magic in the face of student and staff. Not to the extent I've seen and heard the gun/weapons people have.

While it can be argued the magic users pose a more dangerous threat because their 'weapons' can't be 'peace bonded' or taken away, I haven't felt near the fear of their 'weapons' going off because they felt the need to wave it in someone's face in a drunken bragging session.

The weapons ban wouldn't even be an issue if people had been handling them responsibily in the first place. Pulling a gun on another person is just irresponsible. Feeling the need to arm yourself against your fellow student or teacher is just boggling. Is this a high school or a school for juvenile delinquents? But some need their guns to feel better so, what can be done?

Perhaps less complaining about weapons and more emphasis on individual responsibility - as a student, as a teacher, as a staff member - would be in order.

That said, I like the accountability measures being discussed because it does demonstrate that even if I don't understand this need to arm ourselves against each other. THAT is where my distrust of all this lay.

Imagine how all of this sounds to those of us who don't have offensive magic spells and who don't want or need weapons and just how uneasy it makes us to hear bravado spouted about prying weapons from dead fingers.

-And all this from a student who's only magical abilities involve healing and flying and doesn't own a weapon to speak of.

Re: Weapons Ban

[actingltcrumpet.livejournal.com]

Archie stands, clears his throat, and by force of habit takes his hat off. He turns it absently in his hands as he speaks, hesitantly but clearly.

“Ma’am, I would respectfully suggest that the concern of those in favor of the weapons ban may be partially misdirected. I understand that there is a certain fear of students violently turning on each other, but if I may say so, this concern is relatively minor. We all know that this school is . . . unusual. Strange things happen: I point to locker 327 as an example. As another example, it’s my understanding that Edward Elric opened what appeared to be a closet door in the common room and found himself in a desert; who knows how soon it will be before another student is inadvertently displaced, and whether or not the situation is less benign? And I don’t feel I need to point out the weekend’s events. Therefore, I respectfully submit that, by and large, what we wish to defend ourselves against is the more dangerous aspects of the school’s capricious nature -- not each other.”

He pauses and takes a long, slow breath, then begins to pace back and forth in front of his desk. “I have lived the past few years of my life in close quarters with many other men in conditions that are far from luxurious, in situations that would try the patience of a saint. If anyone is likely to lose their temper and lash out at his fellows, it would be in that situation. Our straits are nowhere near so dire here.”

Agitatedly, he twists his hat in his hands, quite unconscious of the damage he’s doing to it; he stares down at his feet as if collecting himself, then draws another breath and looks up at Principal Connor. His face is flushed and he is trembling, though it’s barely perceptible. “I’ve seen what happens when one man chooses to unleash the maliciousness of his nature on his fellows. I have been the victim of it many times. It may seem odd that among so many able-bodied men, one might be allowed to exercise ill will so freely on the rest, but madam and fellow students, this is what happens when we allow fear to keep us from taking a stand. We were all terrified of being punished further for it, and our captain was not a man who commanded authority. I don’t think that the latter is the case here.

“My suggestion is this: we establish neutral parties to whom we can report situations of feeling threatened without fear of retribution. How matters would be dealt with from that point on I’m not sure, but it would be worth putting on the table so that everyone is comfortable with the proceedings. I agree with those who have emphasized the need for clear accountability measures; should any one student demonstrate an inability to behave responsibly with a weapon, let actions be taken against that one student individually. Further, we make sure that for all of our students who are not versed in martial skill and wish to learn, the options are available for them, as it’s only fair. I would even go so far as to suggest that those of us with weapons skill volunteer to teach them; it would demonstrate that we can be trusted with our weapons, as well as build their confidence.”

Re: Weapons Ban

[emo-padawan.livejournal.com]

We are all coming to Fandom High with our own galaxy's/dimension's/world era's rules in mind. In my galaxy, it would be unthinkable for a Jedi to be seen without his lightsaber--it's a mark of who his is and what he stands for almost more than it is a weapon. Where Callisto comes from, brutality has been the way of life she has known and she doesn't know what it's like not having something to protect herself with, however unnecessary it may be at Fandom High (though tentacle monsters and the lurching undead don't exactly convince me that weapons aren't needed). Others come from more peaceful times and view weapons as an anathama.

I think some sort of common ground can be found. Weapons should be reinstated, provided that the wielder proves compentence with the blade, gun, blaster, knife, or whatever. They should have to re-prove their competence every few months.

I've heard arguments that beings need their weapons to protect themselves against other students and teachers who attend Fandom High, and I believe that to be a larger problem stemming again from a lack of understanding about magic, weapons, and other special gifts that the beings at FH have brought to school with them. I'm not suggesting that we have some kind of group sit-down where everyone stands up and says things like "my name is Anakin Skywalker, I have been using a lightsaber since I was nine years old and am considered the tenth-best in the galaxy at doing it. Oh, and I can use the Force to lift heavy objects, sense the future occasionally, and get a reading on most being's feelings," but perhaps some sort of document laying everything out for anyone who's interested in knowing would do something to allay the fears of being attacked by one another.

Personally, I'm more concerned about what might be sneaking up through the plumbing or what I'm eating from the yearbook table than in who might be sitting next to me in class, but I can understand that not being everyone's view. I hear that there may be a way of erecting some sort of energy field prohibiting weapons or other gifts being used against each other in anger. I can only see that as being a positive step.

*shrugs*

Basically, it comes down to trusting each other. Without communication, we can't learn about each other. Without knowledge, there is fear. And fear leads to, well, bad things happening.

Re: Weapons Ban

[the-ascended.livejournal.com]

As I have apparently been appointed faculty advisor of "Get Weapons Back To Students" club *blinks*

I think that the responsible students with high enough grades should be allowed to carry weapons. The same goes for teachers. If they show respect to their fellow students and teachers, keep up good grades, go to classes, they probably will show the same respect when they carry a weapon. In this day and age, to take someone's weapon away seems like taking away a part of them. This is not to say that I don't agree with the weapons ban, it was a good idea in theory. But I believe that there are the small percentage of students who could responsibly carry a weapon on their person.

Re: Weapons Ban

[alchemy-4-arson.livejournal.com]

I think weapons are an excellent idea. After all, a lot of the students here who might abuse the privalege carry their weapons with them already anyway-- super strength, fangs, etc. The rest of us would only benefit from the added protection.

Still, there should be a registration process to determine competency. If a student wants to carry a weapon, they should be required to prove they can use it safely and effectively. Giving guns to someone who's never been taught how to use one is just asking to get shot.

Re: Weapons Ban - Reverse Discrimination

[valentine-tart.livejournal.com]

Perhaps I wasn't clear before, and I'd like to be.

First, I don't think the mages or mutants or others are bad guys. I don't feel I need weapons against them anymore than I need weapons against anyone else.

That said, however, I feel that this is a case of reverse discrimination. The mage-types come into it like this: they can't put their weapons down. So they aren't asked to. They're asked to choose not to use them.

I'm not a mage. I'm a gunbunny. I am physically capable of putting my weapon down. But because of that, I'm asked to do that instead of asked to choose not to use my weapon.

What I'm asking or asserting is that the Administration's stance is discriminatory against those of us whose weapons can be detached from their bodies. We're not given the same respect as those who can't detach their weapons.

Please come up with a system that punishes irresponsibility or bad behavior on an individual basis. Not one that penalizes us by the type of self-defense we choose.

Re: Weapons Ban

[12parseckessel.livejournal.com]

My lab partner can melt solid stone with a few well chosen words. This is a very nice talent. I'm pleased he has it.

But being disarmed means I would have to hide behind him--and he's half my size--if things got ugly like last weekend.

A man doesn't do that. He stands on his feet and defends those smaller than him.

Re: Weapons Ban

[janet_fraiser]

I am trained to save lives, not take them. I am trained to heal, not hurt. I have never threatened anyone with a weapon if my life or the life of someone I love was not at stake. I have training in how to use firearms. I know how to use a firearm responsibly. Would you like to see my gun permit? I have one, and it's legal. From Colorado, of course, as it hasn't quite been six weeks yet since I've been in Virginia, so new paperwork will be arriving shortly.

Registration of firearms makes perfect sense to me. This is normal for where I come from. The right to carry firearms--with restrictions--is also normal for where I come from. I don't believe that expanding it to bladed weapons is a big problem.

I am not concerned with threats from the portion of the population of this school that isn't baseline human. I'm not concerned with making them register their abilities or powers. For the most part, they seem to be good-hearted people (and really, is anyone not watching the JA with a magnifying glass?). It's discrimination.

If something happens and there is a problem, we will deal with it. This student body is full of a number of different people, all with unusual and unique talents, all of whom are capable of dealing with unusual situations. If we weren't, we wouldn't still be here.

Boiled down, my points are this:

1. Allow those who wish to carry firearms and bladed weapons the chance to prove that they are responsible users of those weapons.

2. Do not require those who have natural abilities or gifts to register them. Obviously they have learned to use them in a responsible manner, or they would not be attending this school.
(OOC: Wow, does Janet's mun think Janet is idealistic here, given that Angelus is attending the school.)

3. Those that possess firearms or bladed weapons should register them. Perhaps simply a note in their school records?

4. Those that possess firearms or bladed weapons should have some sort of secure place for those weapons when they are not carrying them. This place should be inaccessible to others. They sell a very nice selection of combination-coded lockers for firearms.

5. I also agree with Archie's suggestion that measures for accountability and safety training be put in place.

Re: Weapons Ban. LISTEN UP, SCREWHEADS!

[names-ash.livejournal.com]

::having gotten lost in the seeming anarchy, Ash decides it's time to speak up again::

::He slams his clipboard against a desk as loudly as possibly. Under normal circumstances, he'd just have fired his remington into the air to get everyone's attention... but that probably wouldn't be the best option, given the topic of conversation::

Alright you collected heads of knuckle, LISTEN UP!

If I so much as hear another kid think of this as a students protecting themselves against other students issue, I will throw you in detention, got it?

This is an issue of student's being able to defend themselves from outside attack.

Every one of you screwheads already has the best arsenal in the world when it comes to dealing with your fellow students. Rover, Principal Connor, and any of the staff and faculty is infinitely better qualified to handle your interpersonal conflicts better than any spell, gun, sword, optic blast, voodoo curse, or anything like that.

We are not turning this place into a concentration camp. We merely want to make sure we have proper knowledge of what offensive capabilities every kid has, just in case there is ever an issue that arises. We are doing this for your protection, not for your discrimination. There will be no stinkin' badges or serial number tattoos. Just because you have special powers doesn't mean we're planning on writing up a file or anything.

I've already begun to form a committee to evaluate all of you students, those who want to carry weapons, and those of you with magical capabilities. We will be both making sure you can treat your weapon properly... note, that means not only can you fire it, but you can properly lock the thing so there will be no more "finding" of guns in the hallways. And we will make sure you are psychologically responsible to handle such a weapon as well.

Now, does anyone have anything to say about the real topic here, and not going off and joining tangent madness and insanity?

Re: Weapons Ban

[can_be_more]

(OOC: God damn work and Pacific Time Zone)

The way I figure, I have absolutely no problem registering my weapon. The first week here Janet was attacked by a giant squid. The second week, we had werewolves. The third, there were zombies. There was a frelling battle. I don't fear for my life but I'm not comfortable without my weapon, especially with proof that I may need it when I don't expect it. And there are several of us here who are trained to use these responsibly, in the sense of being military. I don't know who's supposedly waving guns about, but they're the ones you're going to hear about instead of those of us who have only used a weapon when a situation actually called for it.

As for magic users registering... How many of them can actually help that? If we have restrictions on weapons, then they could be restricted on when it is appropriate and when it isn't (OOC: Hey, Hogwarts could do it). There it is.

Re: Weapons Ban

[deadlikegeorge.livejournal.com]

*shrugs* I'm all for the weapons ban, personally. Can't we, like, be emo and full of angst without going Columbine?


((OOC: Seriously, though, this is supposed to be a high school, and the students are supposed to be teenagers. Strange, otherworldly teenagers, but teenagers all the same. Is the weapons ban that unfair? The students are allowed to fuck teachers and each other, drink all the alcohol, and take all the drugs they please. Seems pretty fair to me. ;)

It's all too easy to pull a gun on someone or cast a spell to get yourself out of a situation. AND THAT MAKES IT BORING. I don't want to play a boring, predictable game. George could potentially be a threat to every living being in this school, and you can't kill her because she's already dead. So is she considered a weapon, too?

Anyway. I think the weapons ban makes this game more interesting. You're forced to be more imaginative than "So-And-So pulls revolver and kills Antagonist dead."))