The Unsmurfy Question

In the Aeon of the Champion story series, the Unsmurfy Question refers to the debate surrounding who would succeed Tiberian as "Papa Smurf", or leader of the lrace. This question primarily pertains to the trials of Generation Squib, who were still growing up by the time of the traumatic Bleakest Night in which Papa Smurf was summarily executed by a Dark Paladin of the Nightstand Guard, on suspicion of sorcery. After Lo'Shin himself was captured when smurf efforts to save him failed, the surviving smurfs abandoned their home, fleeing to remote parts of the world to start new lives.

Perspectives
"Playing intellectual is an entirely different game to being intellectual." Lo'Shin himself feels compelled to use his powers to help his people, especially given how divided and hopeless they appear to be. However, his calling, as dictated to him by Sun Emperor Onochi, also looms, putting terrible pressure on his conscience.
 * Some smurfs, such as Hefty, believe that the Smurfs as a race are done for good following the Bleakest Night, and each individual should 'smurf out for themsmurf' (in his own words), adding that no one among them was old enough - or responsible enough (with an accusative glare at Jokey in particular) to lead.
 * This relatively nihilistic viewpoint is challenged by the more optimistic types such as Smurfette, who believes that the Smurfs are pressed but not crushed; persecuted but not abandoned; struck down but not destroyed. The loss of their home and their beloved father should not discourage progress, even if a leader is unclear at the moment.
 * Brainy believes that, as Papa Smurf's former assistant, he should be entitled to succeed him as leader of the smurfs, in addition to his intellect and ability to "smurf respect from my fellow smurfs." Critics, such as Tuffy and Gutsy, accuse Brainy of mere sophistry, and also point to his poor personal approval ratings. They are also quick to mention the fact that he was dismissed as assistant by Papa Smurf for being a general pain in the tookus.
 * Handy takes a technocratic approach, believing that the Unsmurfy Question can be solved through technology; the use of techmaturgy and related material could help replicate the effect of a loving, patriarchal figure and bridge the gap between the years lost and the years ahead. The ethical nature of his work is disputed.

Trivia

 * The Unsmurfy Question is named so as no-one particularly wants to discuss the death of Papa Smurf; some are even still in denial.
 * The Smurf Village Conservation Society was set up Lo'Shin after he escaped Changuu Island in 13 AGY, with the aid of the night elves of New Vigrith and taurine of Faerun.