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I took a short trip to the Baronial Manor of Dockside, where G'nort resides as the current title holder of the area. He was comfortably dressed in a smoking jacket as we sat by the fireplace for the interview.
"Really? I thought everyone knew who I was," replied G'nort when I asked him to tell The Oracle readers about himself since probably there were some that didn't know who he was. "Hmm, I suppose the easy way out would be to say I grew up at home. Home being the land of Urnst, not the one I'm in charge of now, but the real Urnst that I lived before I ended up here. And some people, honestly, would say 'Grown up? G'nort? He hasn't grown up yet. Hmph' Well, there's being grown up, and being an adult who knows how to have fun and not take everything so dramatically seriously."
The reply confused me thinking there were two Urnsts, so he cleared that subject for me. "Two Urnsts are subjective, really. For example, you have people here in RhyDin from so many walks of life. The Americas, Europe, and other places. It's all the Nexus' fault… So, the world I'm from has it's Urnst, and the land I was thrown into charge of was run by some uneducated blokes who, seeing my vast superior knowledge being useful, gave me control over. It had no name, so I named it Urnst. And now it's a thriving civilization."
This made it clear that G'nort is another 'victim' of the Nexus. I asked him about this and he said, "For better or for worse, yes. I've fairly much given up on any return trips, but one never knows when you're thrown in. I just hope I'm not thrown into some really barbaric times where my flashing smile has me burned at the stake for witchcraft or something insane like that."
The word witchcraft caught my attention and made me wonder how witches were treated in Urnst. "What, Urnst of the witchburning? We don't do that where I am." He chuckled at the notion. "Witches have their uses. Since technology isn't really available in Urnst, there's naturally some unwanted factions who'd love to cause dissension amongst the populace. Should it be necessary, they usually develop defensive and offensive spells, charms, items to use against any strong forces who may intend to invade. Actually, witches may be a somewhat derogatory title, I prefer spellcrafters and sorcerors/esses."
G'nort has always had a reputation with the ladies so I asked him about this and how he managed to capture the lovely Kaja, who was also one of the most eligible women in the Arena: "Yes, I've had a rather extensive reputation with women. I can be incredibly charming when I want to be, or blatantly obvious to an obnoxious extent. When I'm being obnoxious, I'm not seriously flirting, but just attempting to be entertaining. When I want to be charming, well, I married Kaja, didn't I? My history in being a flirt, well, generally comes with being a Man-About-Town, charming women and making them want more. I have to admit to some success in the arts of love, too. I was pretty much one of the more desired males of the great Arena. She (Kaja) had plenty of suitors because she's one of those incredible women men just want."
When he referred to himself in the past tense as one of the most desired men in the Arena I asked if that was not the case anymore. So he replied with a smile "Well, when you're married, you have to tone it down a bit. Gotta be settled. Don't want the ugly jealousy monster to rear its head and start causing trouble in paradise. Rumors happen and your own paper has its gossip section. The Paparazzi can be rather meddlesome. But I assure you, I still got it. Just hope I never get a divorce."
I explained that I pay them well to do their job, so yes, they can be quite ruthless. "About that. If its your reporters climbing trees and peeking through my windows, or following me at night, I think I should warn you, I have no problem with breaking their knees." I did promise I would tell them to back off a bit. "Okay then. The Tabloids are worse. Maybe when I'm elected, I can put up some sort of "Anti-Paparrazi" law. A person/celebrity, such as myself, has rights to privacy."
I thought a quick change of subject was needed and asked what were his plans should he win the election. "Plans? Well, to keep as true as possible to all my campaigning promises, of course."
I heard the rumor that Talomar has a group of Harpies helping him with this campaign, to which G'nort commented, "That doesn't surprise me. Harpies are notoriously evil creatures with a violent nature. He must be using them to bully people into voting for him. My campaigning has been, so far, via word of mouth. Using my charm and friendliness to win over the crowd."
That made me comment that he would have to kiss a lot of babies, and probably their mothers too. "Well, I adore children, mind you. And mothers, well, all I can promise them physically is a kiss. Anything more would get me in trouble with my lovely wife. Who, I might add, supports my political run completely."
I asked to please expand on Kaja's position on the election, "She thinks that, though I'm incredibly awesome, that she's not sure how much it will be possible to help out this troubled city. She supports me in everything I do, of course, as I support her endeavors. I'm just the more flamboyant and outgoing of the two of us."
I commented that I had always thought that Kaja was an outgoing person too. "She can be. I'm just more showy. Probably why I started this campaign idea. There's never been any law in RhyDin. I'm just the type of guy to try making some."
This reminded me that G'nort had been a pirate once, so I had to ask about it. He smiled at me and said, "Everyone has to have a career, right? Yes, I, umm, was a pirate. Seafaring life and all that." But we all know G'nort as a businessman. "Indeed. As my fortunes grew and I was placed in control of a nation, I had to point everything, including my life, into a positive direction. That came with starting businesses. Began with small stores, grew quickly into larger corporations. Made more partnerships which increased revenue, and finally becoming the CEO of my own conglomerate. It's a classic story of a kid from the streets making good."
I showed him a copy of the RhyDin People magazine where he was selected as Sexiest Man Alive and asked him how he felt about it. He chuckled when he saw the cover, "Well, of course I am honored by that title. It's always a pleasant thought to be found sexy. I just hope I'm remembered in life by more than my suave, ruggedly handsome yet delicate features and more for my contributions to society. But make no mistake, it's a great honor."
I didn't want to take more of his time so I asked him for some last words: "Well, the obvious thing is that, as a candidate, I'm for the people because I'm one *of* the people. I don't have any businesses that are, say, intergalactic, I'm land based so I can keep in touch with everything that goes on here. I'm not a bloodsucker, I like my drinks to be chilled and flavored. And above all, I'm an equal opportunist. Society has a place for everyone, even the bad guys. My job would be to make sure the bad guys just aren't so bad. Horses in every stable, food on every plate, security officials patrolling every street, lamps and other safety features to make Rhydinians feel safe, secure and healthy. I'm working for a Better Tomorrow, Today."
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The count arrived at the The Oracle offices in a black carriage. He was dressed to kill in mirror-shined black boots, a heavy, woolen, black overcoat that covered a white scarf, and black leather gloves. After we settled in my office I started right away with my interview.
My first question, what made him decide to run for Governor. "In a word, concern. Concern for the way of life in our city and surrounding lands. I've been here for quite some time and I've noticed a lot of changes. I believe our city is going through 'growing pains' and good leadership is necessary in these times. I believe I can provide that leadership to not only maintain a good way of life here, but to actually improve it."
His reply seemed a bit contradictory due to him being a vampire, so I voiced my concern. "How is that contradictory? Cannot a vampire desire a better city? Is a vampire incapable of good leadership skills? People are usually down on what they are not up on. People hear the name 'vampire' and think all kinds of bad things. Why is that? Do I look like I should be hanging upside down in some cave? I have the same passions and desires as everyone else. I really don't see it as contradictory at all."
I assured him that he did not look like he should be hanging upside down from a cave, but vampires do thirst and not for water; so how did he handle that. Would he avoid his own supporters and go after G'nort's? "Avoid? I'm not sure I quite understand. If you are asking, am I going to suck the blood from my own supporters, I'll respond by saying I don't even suck the blood from my detractors. Yes, I need blood about once every three days to remain healthy. I suppose you could think of it as a little energy boost, but I also enjoy fine food at the best restaurants, excellent wine, and all the things that others enjoy."
A few months back there was an incident in a S.E.C.T.O.R. construction site where three men died, one of them drained of blood. How did he explain that? "Oh yes. A terrible accident. He fell into an elevator shaft and by the time he was found, he lost a great deal of blood. I'm afraid the word 'drained' was a little dramatic and gave the wrong impression. I just want to point out that since that day, we have had zero injuries at S.E.C.T.O.R."
That brought other suspicions to mind but apologized by saying that perhaps I had the wrong impression and decided to change the subject by asking him of his place of origin. "I come from very humble beginnings on another planet. My father encouraged me to strive to keep bettering myself. I got involved in trade between cities and met a man who actually traded between planets. I signed on to help him and eventually took over the business. I extended the trade routes, and through good management skills and the vision to always make things better, the trade business grew into the largest interplanetary trade organization in the galaxy. S.E.C.T.O.R. - Space Equipment and Commodities Trading Organization - provides necessary trade to over 230 different planets."
How did he inherit the title of Count? "The title actually came through my marriage to Countess Dominique. It's really to designate a land owner who has been bestowed the title. It's a title that's conferred by the ruler of the land, but I actually inherited it through marriage."
I asked about the Harpies. Wasn't it a drastic measure to use the help of such evil creatures. Could we expect to see harpies flying around town bullying people into voting for him? "They are supporting me in my goal of being governor. And when we speak of *harpies* we are really talking about a group of very prominent women. Besides my wife, Tara Rynieyn, there is Jewell Ravenlock, Amythyst Oak, Wyheree Black, ummm, Vicki, and many others. It's just a fun name they give themselves, but their dedication to this city is very serious, and they are fully supporting my bid for Governor of RyhDin. In fact, they encouraged me to enter this race."
I asked how his wife felt about his decision to run for Governor. "Tara is fully supportive. She's behind me one hundred percent and has even become my campaign manager. This brings up a point I'd like to make for your readers. I'm financing this entire campaign with personal funds, and all those who are supporting me are volunteers. Unlike my opponent, I have no one on the payroll. Anyone who helps my campaign is doing it voluntarily and totally without remuneration."
This made me wonder, if he won the election, how was he planning to run office? Would he work the night shift? Talomar found this amusing saying, "No, no! Of course not. Even now I do most of my work at SECTOR in normal working hours. I get by with only a few hours sleep. Also, if I have the great privilege of being the Governor of RhyDin, I'll step down from any active role in SECTOR and devote my time fully to doing all I can to make our land a better place to live."
I asked if he had any specific plans for the city. "Ahh… now we get to the questions that matter. Yes, I do. As I said before, we're going through growing pains. More people are coming into our land and I intend to see that they are made welcome. We need education in diversity. We've already seen how ignorant some people are about vampires, and from what I see, they represent no little percentage of our land. I want to see new people quickly integrated into our fine society."
Feeling a bit insulted at being called ignorant, I asked him to enlighten me. Who did he prey on when the thirst struck? Talomar laughed and explained, "We are back to my eating habits. There are blood banks just for that purpose. Even the Inn has its own supply; not only for my wife and I, but for many others. Where do you think the Inn gets it from? Panther is not going out draining young children of their life's blood. He gets it from blood banks. I have a supply that comes not only locally, but from trade with other planets."
No, obviously Panther doesn't go draining young children of their blood; someone else does, but I dropped the matter and picked up the copy of RhyDin People magazine. I showed it to him and asked him what he thought of being selected Sexiest Man Undead. He was quite surprised. "Well, this is the first time I've seen this, but my first thought is that I think that I should have had the larger picture. I'm much prettier than G'nort. But, even so, I'm very flattered that the RhyDin People magazine has given me this honor."
As we had reached the end of the interview I asked for some last words. "I think people haven't understood how much I already watch over them and stand ready to help. I've healed Icer from a deadly wound; the same with Moon Lyght. I've offered protection for Tera when she was being threatened. I'm currently protecting a young girl by the name of Sarah, a girl who's been threatened by Zodiac. I've saved the life of FireSong. The list goes on and on. I say this not to toot my own whistle, but to let people know that if I do this for our people now, there is so much more that I could do if I were their Governor. I look forward to really serving the people of Rhydin on a full time basis. I'm dedicated to making the land in which we work and play a better place for everyone."
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By GAVILEAN STARFARE
The Governor race is heating up, but one candidate has a lot to learn when talking politics; namely, watch what you say in public because you never know when the mic is turned on or who is recording you.
Candidate G'nort Dragoon-Talanador, aka G, was a little loose of lip when recently speaking with Kitty Onyxfire Helston at the Red Dragon Inn. It seems that while his billboards speak of "a safer, more secure RhyDin" he's not beyond murder, corruption, by-offs and whatever else it will take to get elected.
A tape was recently delivered to The Oracle in which G tells Kitty that Skyler is an insect; and then after saying, "Skyler, really, is one of the greatest scums of the realm," went on to say, "Better kill'im now before he hurts her (Jewell Ravenlock)." Several witnesses raised a brow at that one.
G then spoke of the RhyDin group known as "The Harpies," saying, "And we all know Harpies are evil creatures… Whereas I am a noble Politician." Most in RhyDin is well familiar with the club that includes Tara Rynieyn, Jewell Ravenlock, Amythyst Oak, Vicki Chylde, Wyheree Black and many of our other popular ladies, for they have been around from the beginning, yet evidently G didn't know this, and one must ask, "Why not?" When Kitty said that Amthy was a member, G was surprised and said, "And here I thought she was fond of me… I'll have to charm her."
If that's not enough, evidently G doesn't even know his supporters. When Kitty said, "If it's any consolation, I know you have Miles' vote," G responded, "Who is Miles? Or rather, remind me who Miles is." This was shocking because anyone who has spent anytime at all in the inn knows who Miles is. This does not bode well for G for Governor.
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Kitty was concerned for G's lack of knowledge of those in our city and said, "It's entirely a valid worry, dear boy. You really must get out and about more," to which G replied, "Didn't I hire you to spread the Gospel of Gnort?… you're on my payroll? So, how much word have you spread?"
Kitty replied, "I have been very verbal of my support for you and why. I'm also pretty good at mudslinging. Which I've also done a time or two." G seems to agree, saying, "In a political campaign, a little mudslinging is most accepted."
So what's in it for Kitty? Witnesses heard G saying, "You know, Kitty, if this works and I'm made Governor, there might be room for you in the Governor's mansion." When G heard that Kitty's own mansion had valuables he became very interested. Is this what G really meant when he says he wants to "clean up" the city?
This promises to be a very interesting race with the G'nort side slinging the first mud. Thus far the Talomar camp seems to be running a very clean race, but that could soon change. In any event, we're sure that both candidates will be a little more careful about what they reveal in public places.
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