Redbright Institute Open Days

[undergroundmods]

VOTE SYLVIA REDBRIGHT – A BRIGHTER FUTURE FOR ALL.

"" (Watch on YouTube)

Welcome all to the Redbright Institute Open Days! Taking place on 15th and 16th April, this event is an opportunity for prospective employees, students, parents, and other interested parties to take a look around the school and see what it has to offer. Coincidentally, it is also a focal point of the Chancellor Sylvia Redbright's re-election campaign. While Sylvia herself won't be making a speech, there are plenty of volunteers with "I'M VOTING REDBRIGHT" badges around who are happy to convince you to vote for her.

The school is open from 12pm-10pm Friday 15th and Saturday 16th April.

Rules of entry
• No weapons. This is a school, there are children present. Any weapons or objects that could be used as weapons will be confiscated.
• No drugs or alcohol. Obviously. Don't try to sneak any in.
• No violence.

There is security within the school and present during the event. (In fact, if your character is a member of the Redbright Institute, you could have them acting as security if you want.) They will respond to and put a stop to any trouble.

Places to go
When you walk into the reception area, you can pick up a map which shows you where to go and a promotional leaflet outlining the Redbright Institute's fine work both as an educational institution and within the supernatural community.

The busiest area is the large Assembly Hall. Here a number of stands have been set up where you can talk to staff and student volunteers about various aspects of the school. Examples include: Job Opportunities, Student Applications, Evening Classes and Further Education, Equal Opportunities, Pastoral Care, Outreach, Learn About The Night Council, plus various sports and other societies. A giant banner reading "VOTE SYLVIA REDBRIGHT – A BRIGHTER FUTURE FOR ALL" hangs from the ceiling, while eager supporters offer "I'M VOTING REDBRIGHT" badges to anyone who enters.

Food and drink can be bought from the cafeteria. The drinks are non-alcoholic.

The various academic subjects (all the normal ones like maths, science, history etc) are represented in the classrooms where you can talk to teachers and students about how that subject is taught, see examples of students' work and discuss course options (GCSEs, A-levels, etc).

Head over to the greenhouses, however, and you'll see a very different type of chemistry in the form of creating potions and magical items, as well as lessons in magic. The teachers are happy to demonstrate for the benefit of interested witches.

In the sports hall you can watch a demonstration of students being trained to control and use their powers. These are mostly meta humans with various flashy abilities, but there are others too honing their skills and athletic prowess.

At certain appointed times, you can join a tour of the library. Access is only permitted with supervised groups, but the librarian is very happy to tell you about the wealth of magical and supernatural knowledge contained here.

Finally, as you move around between areas you may find yourself accosted by various students of different political affiliations shoving flyers into your hands or urging you to vote for the candidate of their choice. None of them are allowed to campaign in the main hall and they're moved along very quickly, but it may get a little rowdy.

Comments

[brightwitch]

Pictures of Sylvia have become ubiquitous lately, so one might be forgiven for doing a double take when encountering her in the flesh. She's present for a couple of hours on each day at least, keeping to the Assembly Hall which has the most tightly controlled security. Officially she's here to represent the school like all other staff, but of course she's fielding a lot of questions about her other job as President of the Night Council.

She greets each visitor with practised ease, offering a smile and kind word to every one. Questions? Of course, she's happy to chat. And there are lots of people who want to talk.

[wolfmarked]

Skip is out and about and doing her political rounds. It's worth paying a visit to Sylvia, definitely. After all, she's the Night Council President, and that's one of the seats Aunt Jenny is determined to get a voice on deciding for the East End Pack.

And Skip has no problems with Sylvia as president.

...She has to wonder if the charming Vice-President mentioned anything about their arrangement or not. Either way, she knows a lot about showing no shame.

"Ms Redbright. A pleasure to see you again." After all, she'd donated a painting after the bloodshed in Barnet, though whether or not that would be something she remembers or not. For this woman, she has her Chelsea accent. "How goes the campaign?"

[brightwitch]

"Very well, thank you," is Sylvia's automatic response to this question. She smiles warmly at the girl, although inwardly she's trying to remember who she is. When have they seen each other before? She meets so many people, it's hard to recall, but no doubt it will come to her in a moment... "It's always wonderful to meet supporters and feel a real sense of enthusiasm, a real buzz. Marvellous atmosphere."

[wolfmarked]

"Sofia Hughes," she offers.

If Sylvia doesn't remember her, she doesn't care. Not really. She's here for another purpose.

"I was here, actually, to inquire about your campaign and position on whether members of the East End Pack ought to have a voice in the vote for president and vice president." She smiles, trying to keep her voice easy. "I know a lot of them approve of the work you've done, and that's a large vote you could be getting but has to be silent."

[brightwitch]

The name is helpful. She nods in acknowledgement. Then... Ah, so the girl is a werewolf. Or perhaps not an activated werewolf, but one of the pack. They have seemed rather keen to talk to her recently.

"The pack has been outside the Night Council for a number of years," she answers. "They have no stake in the election – pardon the pun – which is why they don't take part in it."

She's vaguely intrigued to hear that Sofia thinks the pack would vote for her. Not something she would have expected ten or even five years ago, given the long memories of those wolves who remember that she was the one who denied them a vote in the first place. Perhaps they're starting to realize that if they want back in, they have to play nice.

[wolfmarked]

"We are outside the Night Council," Skip agrees. With her Chelsea accent and a conservative outfit, she's the poster child for the young vote. "But we have a great stake in the laws passed. Without a representative, of course, we've no part in those elections."

She's careful to sound unconcerned with that. That is an issue for a later date. She only cares about the agenda she's promised her attention to.

"But the laws bind us. So in the general parts of the election -- such as president and vice president-- we have a desire to be heard."

She smiles easily before continuing, still calmly. She's making no demands, just putting forward a suggestion.

"I've spoken to Mister Vrinak about the matter as well, and he seemed possibly receptive to it." Not that she'll go into how she got his support. "I thought I might at least advance the idea to you as well, ma'am."

[brightwitch]

"Really?" She raises an eyebrow at the mention of Vrinak. "Peter is in favour? I'm surprised." Actually, she's downright sceptical. Peter hates werewolves. "He's not known to change his mind. Whatever did you say to persuade him?"

It must have been a good argument if Vrinak listened to it. For that reason alone, Sylvia is intrigued to hear it. Although she suspects that he was probably playing lip service to the idea rather than committing to anything.

[stauncherhearted]

Honestly, Nancy wasn't here with any political thoughts. She was here because she wanted to take a look at the most comprehensive magical library in England (fuck off, Norrell) and see what she could find. She had promised Kyle she'd try to find his cure, and she took promises she made to her friends extremely seriously.

So armed with a notebook to take as many notes as she could, as well as her phone for surreptitiously copying more complex texts, Nancy made her way into enemy territory.

It helped that Redbright had met her once under the name of 'Emma', and despite her friendship with Abby and importance in Shadow Coven, and Nancy was still a relatively unknown person around London. Maybe vaguely familiar, but didn't all the witches at this point?

All the same, after some research, Nancy's happy to stop by the assembly hall and see what's going on politically. The signs already turn her stomach- she was not voting for Sylvia, not in a million years, nor was she particularly inclined to vote for any of the Witch representatives. Which is what spurred her to approach Redbright in the first place. "I have a question." At least she was sober. "neither of the candidates for Vice-President, or for Witch representative line up with my ideals."

Let's here what she has to say.

[brightwitch]

Sylvia turns to the girl and blinks, slightly taken aback by the lack of introduction. Sometimes people do feel entitled to simply barge in and air their views, however, so she takes it in stride.

"I'm sorry to hear that," she acknowledges. "What's your question?"

Since the girl didn't actually ask one.

[stauncherhearted]

Pardon, she was unaware she needed to introduce herself to ask a question.

The question was implied, but fine, if she needs to spell it out, Nancy will. "What would you suggest, then? Given I hate to throw my vote away. When so many amongst us don't even get a vote."

She wasn't a political person. But she'd grown very close with those who were.

[brightwitch]

Sylvia has a stock answer for that. "Well, I can only suggest that you consider each candidate carefully and vote for the one you believe would be best for our community. Would this be your first time voting?"

She looks young, perhaps still a teenager. Sometimes young people are disappointed to find that no candidate matches up exactly with their perfect ideal of what a leader should be. But that's not how the real world works. Sometimes you have to settle for the least worst option.

[stauncherhearted]

"It will be," and she manages to smile about that, because it is kind of exciting. She's nineteen, it's her first time voting in supernatural or mundane anything. Not that she can vote in mundane elections anyway, given that legally, she doesn't exist. But in the underground community... Hopefully they can unseat Norell. That's the most immediate issue that Nancy sees.

"That seems like such a copout."

[brightwitch]

It's called democracy, sweetheart. That's how the game works. But she knows that would be condescending to say, so she offers an understanding nod instead.

"I know it can seem that way." She gives a half-shrug. "I won't say it's an easy choice, but in the end one of the candidates is going to win and for the first time you'll have the opportunity to vote for who you think that person should be. I would always urge everyone who can to vote, even if you're not overly enthused about the candidates. Think of it this way: if you don't, someone will win anyway and you'll have missed your chance to make a difference."

[protagonized]

If you asked Simon what Outreach does on any given night, he wouldn't be able to tell you. As far as he's gleaned during his time on the team, it mostly involves roughing up magical malefactors and not getting enough sleep. But apparently it also involves standing next to Sylvia Redbright on a Saturday afternoon in April with a pained smile on his face, passing out maps of the Institute's grounds, dodging questions about who he's supporting for Metahuman and Shapeshifter Representitive, and keeping an eye on Mrs. Redbright herself in case any of the opposing factions--mostly Circle Midnight and the fae--get any bright ideas. Actually, that last bit's probably due to him being a Guardian as well, but the jobs do tend to overlap a great deal.

"Mrs. Redbright," he says during an uncharacteristic lull in the crowd, "Alfie Baxter and his friends are trying to set up in the hallways again."

[brightwitch]

She rolls her eyes. "Go turf them out, would you? Thank you, Simon."

Alfie and his crew aren't serious contenders, so she feels no guilt whatsoever in getting rid of them. She doesn't even dislike him as a student: he's bright and enthusiastic, but she's surprised he hasn't got bored of this joke campaign yet. He'll give up at some point, she's sure. Until then, they're a bit of a nuisance.

[protagonized]

Teenagers, Simon finds himself thinking as he removes Alfie's group from their table in the stairwell, pretending to know a lot more about fire safety laws than he actually does to counter their loud accusations of toadyism and political repression. He's only four years older than they are, but it feels like decades. (He conveniently ignores that his best friend and the girl he sleeps with regularly are both Alfie's age, or near to it. Teenagers in groups tend to be far less palatable than teenagers as individuals.)

Once that's done with, he returns to standing awkwardly at Sylvia's shoulder, on the lookout for anyone who might present a threat. It's only when he smells a werewolf on the grounds (who so far doesn't appear to be out for more than a weekend with his family) that he remembers his conversation with Skip the other night.

"Mrs. Redbright, may I ask a question?"

[brightwitch]

She nods when he returns, an acknowledgement of his help in rooting out any potential trouble-makers. Even at a school event, Sylvia is too high profile not to have security nearby at all times. Simon fits in easily with the other students so he's unobtrusive, if only he wouldn't hover awkwardly.

She's about to tell him to retreat to a corner when he asks the question. Sylvia glances sideways at him, tilting her head.

"Of course."

She's curious. What does he want?

[protagonized]

Mrs. Redbright is looking at him expectantly and suddenly the question feels horrifically inappropriate, but he's committed now. Simon clears his throat.

"I was talking with a friend the other day," he starts because it's as good a place to begin as any. He takes a deep breath. "Why aren't werewolves allowed on the Night Council? I hadn't thought about it before, but my friend was right. There aren't any. Why?" He tries to sound curious an casual and mostly succeeds.

[knowstheworld]

Of course Childermass would not miss such an opportunity to investigate the Redbright Institute and have a legitimate reason for being there. Not that he really has any reason to be gathering such information, but one never knows. He takes a special interest in the library, taking note of what books there are there and the variety of them, being familiar with a lot of the titles from Norrell's own personal collection and some, even, that have escaped the man himself. Not that he would tell him that of course. He knows how Norrell gets when he finds out about books he does not have, and besides, most of which are not on topics the man would collect anyway. The Institute does not solely accept witches, after all.

Childermass is, of course, a member of Circle Daybreak and the Night Council both. Which means that across both factions, he has the ability to vote for Sylvia's right to stay in her chair. Moreover, he has attended several sessions by now and several personal conversations between her and Norrell besides, being the man's personal assistant. Isn't the democratic process wonderful, to have your future resting in the hands of those such as him, Sylvia?

"How generous of you, to put aside such a time as this during such a busy time of the year," Childermass comments to her, knowing well why it is that she's done so.

[brightwitch]

Norrell's manservant. A practical, level-headed man, but he lurks. A lot. Sylvia nods at him, giving a wry smile.

"Well, it is all work. Nothing generous about it. How is Gilbert doing? First time on the campaign trail, he must be exhausted."

Norrell, she suspects, won't much like all the networking and socializing required over the next month or so. He'd far rather be locked away in his study with all those dusty old books.

[knowstheworld]

Childermass inclines his head at her in return for her smile. And for the question about his master, at that.

"He is busy. Tired, yes, but that will not keep him down. You have become acquainted with the man yourself, ma'am," Childermass responds. "From Council meetings and the likes. I imagine you will be able to understand from that what sort of an approach he has to this sort of a challenge." Meticulous. Bull-headed. He knows what he wants and he will not rest until he gets that. No matter what he has to do or who he has to plow over to get there.

[brightwitch]

"Yes, I have an idea." No doubt they're thinking the same thing. "So what brings you to my school?"

Spying for Norrell? Trying to covertly gain support? She can't imagine it would be an academic interest, unless he surprises her by saying he wants a career change. Then again, who knows. He doesn't give much away.

[knowstheworld]

No, he isn't looking for a change in career paths. If he were he would have done so a long time ago. But he has been in Norrell's employ for two decades, give or take. He would not just walk off the job like this, simply because he does not approve with how the man is handling his business, his politics lately.

"Would you disapprove of the idea that I'd simply fancied a look around?" he asks, with a shrug. "We did not have such an Institute as this, in the North." Perhaps he might have attended it, instead of going into Norrell's employ, if there had been. Of course, that is if they would have accepted one such as himself, without so much as a penny to his name. Certainly no honest penny, at least.

Open!

[hurtfew]

So much as he dislikes crowds and the like Norrell would be remiss to ignore an opportunity when it presents itself. So, of course, on at least one day he makes himself available to very kindly be present at the Night Council's stand. He answers questions as pleasantly as he can, willing to talk to students and other interested folk who come forward, and is always ready to talk about what an excellent president Miss Redbright has been. How much he has enjoyed working with her! How much good she has done! How well they have all worked together, and how much good they have done!

There are one or two slightly irate questions directed his way, but despite an arch of an eyebrow he deals with them relatively smoothly. Norrell is well versed in people disagreeing with and mocking him, it makes bitterness simmer unhappily inside him but he can handle it.

Those who have visited him before may even recognise the bright red hair of Lascelles mixing with the people near his stand (no doubt talking up how great Norrell is) and Drawlight's extravagantly dressed figure subtly spreading gossip about the other candidates. Norrell himself, however, stays on the stand -- and offers a small smile to anyone who comes to speak with him and a questioning loft of one eyebrow.

Open!

[akillersmile]

Kyle's mostly clueless as to why he's here. Redbright suggested attending the open house to get some questions answered, but now that he's here, he has no idea who of the masses of people to try to ask. So he starts chatting people up at random, flashing them a charismatic smile that he knows often gets him what he wants and trying to steer the conversation away from the fact that he's human — yes, just a regular human. If the person seems amicable enough, he might even get to asking them their thoughts about the Night Council, Redbright, the witches, and dark magic. He wants to learn more about the differences between Daybreak and Midnight from people outside of it, who are more likely to be objective.

Otherwise, well, he's still a young guy who's interested in chatting up attractive girls and palling around with the guys his age. He might even, somewhat begrudgingly, be dragged into conversations with adults whom he's already familiar with. Whatever he can do to fill the night.