Tol-in-Gaurhoth XXIII: Journey to Hy Brazil

[Cailín]

And we go sailing, sailing, ever westwards on the sea…

Some call it the Elder Islands, Hy Brazil or its elder variant Hybras, Avallon, the Otherworld…

And some very silly people have named it "Valinor" or even "The United States of America".

Some theorists claim that it was found a long time ago and is now the home of the world's most famous football team.

And some are still looking…

Captain Cailín's log

Scheduled date of departure:

19th of June, 10.00 PM

Crew:

Cailín
Nogrod

Passengers:

Durelin -- eye-borrowing Jounin instructor
Caranlondien -- ships's bartender
Holbytlass -- whale hunter
Findëasëa -- Occupational health and safety specialist
Lhunardawen -- seasick reluctant traveler
Kath -- plotting slave
JennyHallu -- Dread Pirate Roberta
Lalaith -- Football Widow
Diamond18 -- Weslamond, the Dread Pirate Roberta's protégé
Firefoot -- wandering traveller with a dog that dislikes pirates

Gurthang -- Plank Operator
Formendacil -- Ne'er-do-well stowaway of snobbish, blue-blooded origins
Nilpaurion Felagund -- renowned Jinchuuriki hunter
Rune Son of Bjarne -- crazy slave, with an obsession for cheese
Mormegil -- the vocal nitpick who can find fault in anything
Taliesin -- criminal who was set adrift
Saucepan Man -- Rear-Admiral Sir Horatio Potboiler
Sir Anguirel Spens (Anguirel)
Eomer of the Rohirrim -- slavedriver
Glirdan -- drunken porter
Friedrich Engels (the guy who be short)

[Cailín]

Aboard there shall reside:

Four Werewolves
One Seer
One Hunter
One Ranger
One Lover
Thirteen Ordinary Villagers

The Wolves

The four wolves may PM each other during Night phases only. They will then decide upon a kill (and possible strategy) and PM their choice to both the mods before the Night phase ends. The wolves win when their number equals or excels that of the villagers (including the Ordinary Lover).

The Seer

Every Night, including the first, the Seer is allowed one dream. The Seer will PM their choice to both the mods and the role of that person is revealed. The Ordinary Lover will appear as an Ordinary Villager to the Seer's eyes.

The Hunter

The Hunter will take down one person of their choice when they die, whether this be by the hands of the village or the wolves. Their pick may be changed at any time and as often as the Hunter likes (though certain moderation is recommended for the mod's sanity). The Hunter should PM their choice to both mods. Added to that, the Hunter is in touch with the Ranger and they may PM during the Day, allowing them to synchronise their Nightly activities.

The Ranger

Each Night, the Ranger can protect the person of their choice by sending the name of this player to both mods. They are not allowed to protect the same player two Nights in a row. Added to that, the Ranger knows the Hunter quite well and they may PM during the Day, allowing them to synchronise their Nightly activities.

The Lovers

One out of the team of the wolves and one out of the team of the ordinary villagers have overcome the barriers of hairiness, deadly fangs and general bloodthirstiness and have fallen madly in love. They shall be allowed to PM during the Night phase as well as the Day phase. Should one of them be killed, whether by hands of the village, the wolves or even the mods, the other shall die from grief. The Lovers can only win if they survive together.

Other rules:

- You may claim to be anything you like while on this ship, but under no accounts are you allowed to give absolute credit to your claim. Absolute credit is both the publishing of PMs from the moderators or swearing on the Bible / your mother's grave / your copy of the Silmarillion / any other credible thing as the mod takes swearing far too serious indeed.

- Coded messages are greatly discouraged.

- Dead players are dead. Indeed, though this forum suggests otherwise, this means you tell no tales.

- All players should be in invisible mode for as long as they are aboard the ship.

- Editing is only allowed to correct spelling and grammar mistakes, fix bold and italic type, or inform other players of cross-posting if this occurred.

- No vote for two days in a row means a bolt of lightning will mean you shall be eaten by sharks. Very unpleasant. Avoid it, I advise you.

- There will be no double or mass lynching. In case of a tie, the player who first reached the highest vote count is lynched.

- Votes should be cast according to the following format:

++Cailín

on a separate line. Votes will not be retractable - once you have cast your vote, it stays there.

- The narration will contain no clues. No, really.

- Real life problems should be reported on the official T-I-G thread.

- Day and Night Cycles will run from 10 PM to 10 PM London time. Check the time of this post and add 7 hours to see what time this is for you.

NO POSTING ON THIS THREAD BEFORE THE GAME STARTS! All questions you may have can be asked in the official T-I-G thread. Roles will be sent out now.

[Cailín]

In a pub not far from the harbour, two adventurers sat opposite each other. One of them appeared to be a young woman with a less than impressive posture and guileless eyes. The other was of a different mold: an old sailor with a weather-beaten face and hands that seemed to be made out of leather. He had the voice of one who was a stranger in every land.

"You are certain about this?"

The young woman nodded and smiled a half-nervous, half-mysterious smile.

"I swear, sir. I know I can find the place. I only need some help. Or, more precisely, a boat."

In contrast to his, her voice was high and clear, even audible when she tried to lower it to a whisper.

"You have a map? Directions?" He sounded sceptical.

"I have everything we need to know. You will just have to trust me."

"I fail to see why I need make you captain." He leaned back into the chair and took another swig of his drink.

"Well…" she started, and as she spoke, a fire appeared in her eyes that strangely contrasted with her innocent features.

[Cailín]

"Have you decided which way we are headed yet?" asked Nogrod.

Cailín stared over the bow of the ship, squinting against the rising sun. "Westwards, I should think," she replied absentmindedly.

"Hmpf," muttered Nogrod. "I still cannot believe I am going to leave you in charge of my ship."

"Only technically," said Cailín. "Do not worry, I am a great sailor. It's in my blood. More or less. You know. I have cousins."

"And a girl too. A girl in charge of my ship," continued Nogrod, more to himself this time.

"Technically," repeated Cailín. "Oh look, here they come. I managed to trick quite a crowd, don't you think?"

She looked unreasonably proud.

--

In the morning mist, a group of wary travelers had gathered on the docks. They eyed the ship with some suspicion, already quite forgotten why they had allowed themselves to be lured aboard by the innocent-looking girl with the tall tales.

"Not very impressive," remarked Caranlondien. "I don't even think they have a bar."

"Aye. A ship with no ale is no proper ship," grunted the Dread Pirate Roberta.

"Aye," imitated Weslamond, her protégé.

Firefoot's dog set off barking immediately, snapping randomly in the direction of Roberta and Weslamond.

"This is all wrong, I tell you," commented Mormegil, shaking his head. "All wrong."

"Definitely," agreed Holbytlass. "This ship's too small to hunt whales."

"It has a plank," Gurthang pointed out. "A good ship needs no more."

Taliesin grinned nastily. "Captain's a bit small, don't you think?"

"Does this ship even pass by Norroway?" asked Sir Anguirel Spens doubtfully.

"I never wanted to get on in the first place!" wailed Lhunardawen. "I hate water!"

"I'm bored," came in Formendacil, while examining his polished nails.

Nothing to worry about as long as I am present," roared Sir Horatio.

"Hai," added Nilp, never letting his eye of Durelin, who was already reaching for her shuriken.

"Come on, my pretties," smirked Eomer of the Rohirrim, a rather shady looking character, pushing Kath and Rune forwards.

"Abomination," commented Friedrich Engels, glaring at Eomer.

"Where's the cheese?" cried Rune in dismay. "I need my cheese!"

"Oh silent, you. How can I think of a flawless, infallible plan with you constantly yelling in my ear?" said Kath, annoyed.

"Yoo-hooo," sang Glirdan drunkenly, tardy as ever. "Adventure *hic* here I come!"

[Cailín]

As soon as the passengers had all boarded Cailín and Nogrod made ready to leave port. With Nogrod's clear instructions, they quickly hoisted the sails, while the passengers huddled together uncomfortably. Some were already glaring at one another. The deck would prove too small for the large group.

A storm caught them not three miles from the shore.

"Don't worry. That was supposed to happen," said Cailín, her eyes shimmering with excitement. "Adventurers always get caught in a storm before they get anywhere."

Nogrod gritted his teeth and made no comment. After a while, only the pleading voice of Rune begging for cheese was heard of the raging of the winds.

As dusk settled, the storm lay down as quickly as it had appeared, though the ship still seemed to be spinning in every direction. Confused, Nogrod ran to the front of the ship, pushing several weary-looking passengers aside, and spotted Cailín, who was fervently spinning the ship's wheel. Every once in a while, she glanced at a piece of weathered paper she was holding.

"Cailín, let me handle the wheel. We need to get her stable!"

"You said I could be the captain, remember?" yelled Cailín. "Besides, you have no idea where we are heading!"

"Cailín, do not be a fool! We need to work together. You cannot steer the ship all by yourself!" grunted Nogrod. He considered for a moment. "It seems you cannot even steer a ship, period.

"I can perfectly well do everything. And by myself," said Cailín, while giving the wheel a final twirl. "There she goes. I'm sure fate will take us wherever necessary."

Nogrod cast her a disbelieving look.

"Oh, and I shall take the cabin," Cailín added. With a last look at the disturbed passengers, taking little note of Lhuna, who was looking decidedly greenish, leaning over the railing, she retreated for the Night.

[Cailín]

Captain Cailín's Log

We left port with 21 passengers aboard. None of them seem particularly interesting. Nogrod is so annoying. Where we are now? Tis a secret.

--

Night One has now started. Werewolves, you may talk but do not need to decide upon a kill toNight. Lovers, do as you will. Seer, please PM Nogrod and me with your first dream.

[Gurthang]

the guy who be short:

post #'s 63, 158, 221, 225, 267, and 269

Really not much to go on. Most of it doesn't make much sense to me. He has been more active toDay, but only slightly. His vote for morm seems to have some basis at least, although I do not like that half that base is tradition. Also, I'm rather confused by him, and his lack of valuable input is a big black mark in my mind.

Holbytlass:

post #'s 46, 69, 73, 79, 84, 128, 172, 177, 180, 211, and 247

First thing I noticed, her thoughts on everyone she puts forth in 69 and 70 are very sketchy and leave much to be desired. A couple of the comments seem back and forth. Not in itself too suspicious, though, as it was Day 1.

Shows a list of suspicion based on bluffs in post 79. Half the list is now proven innocent, and I think the others (including me) to be innocent. I don't like this because she seems to base suspicion on what I would deem banter, which, I guess, first day isn't all that bad since there's not much else to go on.

Ends up voting for Nilp and says Eomer bandwagon is spite. Nilp was on her list, but I really think we'd gotten used to Nilp being suicidal, and the idea that it's a bluff just doesn't jive with me.

In #128, she spends most of the time talking about Jenny seeming suspicious, then doesn't put her on the her suspect list. Seems flip-floppish to me. And then she posts her suspect list in 172, and Jenny is on it.

Post 211 she votes for Lhuna. I wouldn't find this too strange, except that her only reason is self-preservation. Which I don't think too highly off because it seems that a wolf rather than an innocent would be worried about surviving.

Now, she gives a list, based on voting, in post 247. Personally, I love lists from voting, except her list is about vote placement. I think that vote placement is based more on timezones than being a wolf.

Overall, it's a lot of bits and pieces that don't add up to a whole lot. The feeling I'm getting, though, as opposed to Guy, is that she seems to be trying to have a presence without really adding a lot to the discussion. Guy's just not there, but Holbytlass seems there in word, but not in deed, if you get what I mean.


On an unrelated note, I agree with morm about Glirdan. I've not noticed it too much before, but this last statement really caught me as a set-up.

Originally Posted by Glirdan

There's something that does not sit right with me about that Man [Saucepan]. I swear, if he's not dead toNight, I will be quite surprised and really suspicious.

I think I'll go through Glirdan's posts real fast before I vote. If I had to vote now, I'd probably go with Holby.

[Gurthang]

Well, I've read through Glirdan's post, which leaves me very little time to decide.

What I found is not much suspicious. His analysis' seemed rational to me, and I actually agreed with quite a few of his points. Some did seem weird, though, for instance pointing at Diamond for being the first to post. I also really don't like that last sentence about Saucepan Man. I don't know why, or even how exactly it would work, but it seems way too much like he's setting up for something. And, yes, I do think Glirdan would be that obvious.

And now Holby's looking a little better. Her lack of care for her own safety puts her in a better light, but that could just be in response to my suspicions of her for that reason.

Oh! I'm gonna wait just a little longer before voting. It will be for either Holby, Guy, or Glirdan, but I just don't know which.

[mormegil]

Okay, I may die and I humbly request that all innocents look at the following very closely

Firefoot
Gurthang
Rune
TGWBS
among others

Don't forget about SpM. I think he's innocent but if alive too long don't give him the benefit of the doubt. Scrutinize everything.

Anguriel seems innocent enough to me now.

[mormegil]

Originally Posted by mormegil

Okay, I may die and I humbly request that all innocents look at the following very closely

Firefoot
Gurthang
Rune
TGWBS
among others

The only wolf I never suspected was Kath, which is extremely odd as I always tend to suspect her. Well played all. I really must get over Glirdan I seem to perpertually suspect him and have aided in his demise in two games recently, both innocent . Also it was my single-eyed approach to Glirdan that made me lower my guard on Anguirel whom I truly suspected for quite some time. However, credit must be given to him for lowering my suspicion of him. Well played.

[Kath]

And Kath - you shall forthwith be know as the expert in "damning analysis".

*bows* Thank you Sauce, but you weren't so shoddy yourself. Many of my friends will testify to the fact that I was terrified of you for two Days straight after I think you pegged all three of us.

Ang - you join Lhuna amongst the ranks of traitors. Why is it I always get killed by the Lovers All I can say is that I'm glad the villagers won in the end, I don't think I could have stood it if the Lovers had been victorious.

Cailin, Nogrod, thanks for some fantastic death scenes, and you're quite welcome for the inspiration Cailin!

I can post the wolves PMs if you like, though since Gurthang was PMing Ang behind my back for a while he may have more than I do.

[Anguirel]

I'm afraid I was getting so many PMs and was living in such various locations that I was unable to keep them...

[Gurthang]

I almost want to wait longer; Cailin said she might be late, but I don't want to take the chance.

++Holbytlass

We need to break this tie, and Holby is the only one who I suspect that is among the those who are tied. May you be a wolf.

[Findëasëa]

Hmm, I really don’t think that Durelin or Morm is guilty. I have played with both of them before and their actions in this game have been consistant as far as I can tell. I have never played with Holby before so I am not sure how she would act, but I am not really suspicious of her either. Since I have not had time to go over all of the posts today, I am basing my vote off of impressions that I had of people on Day 2.

++Rune

For reasoning behind this vote please look at post #166. This is the best I can do for now.

[the guy who be short]

Foolish, Holbytlass! You would have survived this day - morm got more votes first.

But it is done. Thank you none the less.

[Cailín]

It is over.

Please stop talking.

[the guy who be short]

Just for the record, I am in favour of a novus republic, headed by the three innocent lasses. Best get that in the open right now.

One could still be a lover, but the other two will outnumber her. It is a risk I am willing to take.

And, frankly, I don't care what the rest of you think. I know it's a good idea.

[Diamond18]

I have to admit to a certain yearning to see the Lovers prevail, so I'm somewhat disappointed in the win we villagers were handed. But it was a fun game to read over -- many kudos to Cailín and her trusty sub-mod Nogrod for excellent narrations and a wonderful concept. I did however feel for Lal at the end with the "fishwife" portrayal. Oh and it hurt my feelings that no one was purported to care when I was eaten by eels. (Otherwise my death was perfect. )

I wasn't really involved in the game enough to matter but I did manage to use up all my available time trying to get Eomer and SpM lynched. Eomer I was never really serious about but boy do I feel a fool for being so sure about SpM. I'm sorry, but you looked extremely wolfish to me and being as I was either too tied up or tired to properly immerse myself in the game (alas, I am not the kind who can pop in, do something brilliant, and pop out) you were the only suspect I had and so I went for you with all my energy.