Werewolf XLII: The meaning of life forever

[Nogrod]

"That sweet talkin' honeylipped apprentice of Melkor is no good news! Now talk heroes so that we may aim our hammers right when the battles begin."

Nogrod the 'almost refused a request on him' -dwarf looked sternly around.

"We need to get a picture of everyone for the battles may otherwise come to pure random."

Nogrod spat on the sandy ground.

"I say everyone votes toDay for someone thus showing a commitment to this. I for one will go after a non-voter in the battle-rounds unless there are some better reasons to go after the other one. Now what say you?"

[Valier]

Ackkk!! Sauron! I too spit at this!! evil minions in our midst, dare I say they shall perish!! They and all that are evil!! I will do my part to bring them to justice, let us all gather our thoughts and talk, talk like there is no tomorrow. Let us weed out these baddies among us.
I am not sure I concur with Nogrod here but I will give it some thought. His way might just be the most productive way today. We shall see...

[Groin Redbeard]

Groin watched as Sauron left the balcony. Never in his entire life had he been in such a predicament.

He listened to the words of his fellow dwarf, Nogrod.

"Are you saying, Nogrod, that we should now choose whom we wish to do battle against?"

[Nogrod]

Originally Posted by Groin Redbeard

"Are you saying, Nogrod, that we should now choose whom we wish to do battle against?"

"I'm afraid we're not granted that luxury mate. They will set up against each other the way they will. In the worst scenario as He wills. That's why we need to have some talkin'... We need to have an idea of each other before we enter the battle-arena for real"

Nogrod kicked a rock in slight frustration but soon grinned for a thought that occured to him.

"Anyway if one wants to be a hero this is the chance... Just think of it. Gladiatorial fight threesome! One makes a move, another makes a move... Where should you look at, whom should you watch out for? Or should you make the first move? If the innocents make the first moves the evil one will just capitulate with an easy kill... So we need to get the baddie on defence and not leave her/him a room to outmanouver her/himself in the trio."

Nogrod sighed again.

"The only way to that is that we have some talkin' here as to form an opinion and with some brains and luck to have a chance of catching a wolf".

[Legate of Amon Lanc]

A figure before unnoticed stepped out of the shadows. The more fascinating on it was the fact that there were no shadows around at all.

"Fellow warriors," the figure spoke with an accent resembling too closely the accent of the Avari of Mirkwood. "I believe all of us acknowledge the advantages of voting for the odd one out -" he gazed at all people except for Azalia the Average "- even though it will not bring immediate results now, it will give us some guidance in the future. The other advantage is that we can retract and change our opinions the way we wish, and only our last decision can mark our real choice. Maybe this will make this day even more vocal than normal. Or at least I would like to hope so."

*dice roll: Sense Motive check*

"I would also like to say that even though Nogrod brought up this nice idea, I have a bad feeling about him. Look at his face. Look at his words. Is he hiding behind this helpfully-seeming proposition of his?"

*dice roll: Diplomacy check*

"Anyway, I am not suggesting anything, this is just a feeling, but I'm airing it."

*dice roll: Knowledge (psychology) check*

"Because I know that people may seem different when they behave in-character. A little different. Maybe. But not always, and also not totally."

*dice roll: Sense Motive check*

"No one here seems behaving totally different from how I know them, though. Or at least I know (or think I know) what I can imagine under this difference. Valier looks strange, Groin seems good though I have nothing to compare his behavior to, and Lommy seems okay as well. Nog is the most suspicious to me this far. I find that funny myself that I make such conclusion that early, but that's just it. Anyway, there is a lot to see today yet, this is just preliminary analysis."

*dice roll: Diplomacy check: Critical miss*

"Let's wait what the others have to say. Though I know there will be only a bunch of other mindless reapers who think they can be clever or they can fool us if they are Werewolves, or cannot even behave correctly when they are Gifted. I am not wishing you good night, because you don't deserve it. And I don't even know whether I won't come back. And no, I'm not going to tell you!"

EDIT: Crossed with all since Lommy

[McCaber]

Originally Posted by Legate

A figure before unnoticed stepped out of the shadows. The more fascinating on it was the fact that there were no shadows around at all.

Hmm, interesting. Then where have I been lurking for the past few hours? (checks sign on door) The "coat room." So that's why my vision was so obstructed.

Now the day is still early yet, so I don't see a real reason to throw around suspicions. This is my first encounter with werewolves, but it doesn't seem too different from some of the other minions I've finished off back home. Sauron always did like the flashy ones.

But if I'm supposed to throw out suspicions, here I go. Nogrod has been the most vocal here, by a long shot. If he's a werewolf and keeps this up, it could be easier to trap him under his lies.

Valier and Groin haven't said much one way or another. This could work against them as well.

But at the moment my suspects are Taliesin Ka and Legate. I don't believe in long monologues or dice. My suspicions will change as the day goes on, so don't value them too much.

[Nogrod]

Originally Posted by Valier

I am not sure I concur with Nogrod here but I will give it some thought. His way might just be the most productive way today.

"You show me a more productive way and I will follow the lead." There was a mild sarcasm in his tone.

Nogrod the dwarf who had woken up this morning scanned the heroes around him in astonishment.

"Okay. I do appreciate the valour you show us by sleeping on this. Yes I do. That's brave. But I also know that everyone is not sleeping! Daydreaming in Melko's lap now are we?"

Nogrod sat down and cursed silently.

[Thinlómien]

Originally Posted by Nogrod

"I say everyone votes toDay for someone thus showing a commitment to this. I for one will go after a non-voter in the battle-rounds unless there are some better reasons to go after the other one. Now what say you?"

"I says AYE, agreed!" boomed Thinlómien with her most orcish voice. "Even though we aren't obliged to vote", she added sweetly, her tone now melodical as a nightingale's, "we'd do each other a great favour by doing so. It will leave tracks and something to ponder for everyone of us. I can see no reason not to vote - but seems no one has even claimed there are any this far."

"What else? It is oddly quiet around here. Almost an hour has passed (okay, I'm exaggerating here) and only that world-famous loudmouth Nogrod of Nogrod has voiced an opinion on anything. I can't believe timezones, other businesses and/or ambitious plans hinder this many people."

"Well, there's still, of course, plenty of time for everyone to appear. Meanwhile, would someone like to play some a-footbaging with me?"

EDIT: cross-posted with Valier, Groin and Nogrod... that much for my musings on it being quite here

[Valier]

Originally Posted by Nogrod

"You show me a more productive way and I will follow the lead." There was a mild sarcasm in his tone.

Please, master Dwarf, your sarcasm has no use, I for one am no leader, but I can and do find what I seek in the end. For I am a famed tracker!! I have faith in myself. It is others I do not trust. So I say your way may and (usually does) give plenty to talk about and speculate about in days to come.
But on a day such as today, when a vote does not really count, sometimes it muddles the minds of others later on. The first day is for the most part pretty random, but think with the vote not really counting today, it gives the evil doers among us a way to minipulate us with their votes . Seeing as most things today can be argued later as being first day not knowinness.

I say yes there should be some sort of a "vote" but keep in mind the implications of this being a free vote.

Valier pulled back her large hood and leaned on her bow. Now lets hear from more people. What say you all?

[THE Ka]

Taliesin wasn't much for speaking anymore. Simply, as for historical reasons in his own life, it wasn't the best course of action for him to take. As his old memories would tease him at times, he tended to remember how both his assumed parents recited with glee and also stiffled guilt at the great gift he had with words, in some ways. The story was repeated often, how upon finding his little self in a tattered skin of a bag, his 'blessed' caretakers declared a name for him immediately, to which the little Taliesin nodded and said, 'That'll do.' Apparently this meant that Taliesin was prime cut for helping those great, and advancing his family socially. Mostly, the latter.
Taliesin also had a perchant for honesty, and as for words, that meant at times he would find himself without control, spewing out what people needed to hear, not what they wanted. This of course, brought him much trouble with the folks who socially worked above not below. Which, even his dotting parents seemed to take with a new grain of salt, and sought out a way to control his 'wild tongue'.
He couldn't remember much inbetween that time and what caused him to take up the habit of the open road, only that it instilled his phobia, and left his parents and neck of the community without much 'appropriate' reknown. He probably knew well why, but didn't choose to remember how his simple guidence to local authority almost cost his life, and being seen as 'a great bane undone at the tongue!' He sometimes remembered that, and it gave him a little chuckle.

As for today, this was yet another path along the original plan of his own to gain greatfully in youth and sit back and relax in old age, wherever, and whenever that might be. Usually, he looked like a serious and 'greatly interested' being during the past day or so, but his mind was usually wondering off somewhere, in another field of thought, singing out the tune, " Give me plenty open fields with the starry skies above, don't fence me in...". While witihn the temple, and reaching the last line of his little song, the open fields disappeared and he indeed was fenced in. The doors shut. Every bloody one of them.
This wasn't his phobia. His phobia lay way off, to the east with simple folk. This factor though, did indeed miff him a bit. The building by standards wasn't bad, but it wasn't exactly his taste, and probably would get on his nerves eventually the longer he remained.
The others about clammoured their equipment and some yelled in protest to the act, as the above Maia in disguised seemed amused by it all and simply walked away. Taliesin just stood there with his hands on his hips and his equipment, starring at Sauron with slight intrigue and a little interest.

"Damn. How does he do it?", laughed sarcastically one voice in his mind. He held back a little laugh as a throat cough.
He hadn't heard much of Sauron, and was far too concerned with other beings, and collecting wealth from any services he didn't mess up with his words. Though, he had heard how this Maia had a perchant for words also, but his words seemed to be the better resume than that of the simple mortal, and indifferent Taliesin.

"Well, whatever might be certain is that I - erm, wait everyone else, the lot of us are stuck. What a way to waste, I've had such better adventures than this. With a lot more front up pay too. Hrmm, whatever may be, I might as well become some member of the society here."

The dwarf nearby was rallying for words, and that everyone come forth, especially with honest words.
" Oh no..." Taliesin muttered and dragged a hand down his long face. He bit his tongue and battled with the otherwise willing words in his mind. He had forethought alright, but he knew very well that no one particularly means real honesty when they praise it. If they did, Taliesin might have to give them an embrace of utter astonishment. Either way, he might get knifed.

"The only way to that is that we have some talkin' here as to form an opinion and with some brains and luck to have a chance of catching a wolf".

"Or we could randomly end up gutting one another, either way that is progress by your assumption.", another sarcastic voice cracked within his mind.

Taliesin shook his head, and hoped no one took it as some mystical sign of body language. He took a gulp of water from his supplies and tried to focus his mind, before he lost his head.

Most men might descriminate the fighting abilities of other races in spite of their own, but Taliesin had no doubt anyone around him could easily kill him, and turn him into a wonderful batting effigy that all races great and small could enjoy a swack at.

He was not so much a gentleman, but just plan conscious enough to know that words at their sting too. As for that, eveyone so far that had spoke was throwing arrows. Clearing his mind again, he carefully said his next words, albet maybe too quite and stern than some of the others might have approved of in a 'warrior' type.

" Sorry for my silence, I must choose my words carefully. 'Tis only a bad habit, my speech can be horrible to minds who want certain answers... Anyways, so that we may not end up on the wrong start of things, I am Taliesin of Nothing. You may just call me Taliesin, because as for being 'of something' I own naught. It is safe to say we know nothing beyond our names and other little things, with this in mind I believe we shouldn't jest with ourselves that minds are really so simple - "

"Well no great wonder there genius!" ,laughed another thought in his mind he chose to ignore it for the time being, and cleared his throat softly again.

" Even if we do learn more of one another, there are many faces to a gem, what we wish to show is fortunately and unfortunately that of choice. So in short, if I may suggest that simply making a vote isn't going to change the fact we all can be responsible for many things. I really wish it was that simple, for this challenge turned into something we all didn't bargain for. Unless you enjoy surprises with great naive, which does have its charms only if you have the time. Anyways, putting pressure on everyone's words only aids those conditioned to lie, and gives suspicion to those who otherwise only mean to speak and reason simply. Which, Nogrod, I do believe that your words call for reason, but to hold at knife point only makes the wolf sing sweeter as you gut the lamb. So, instead of maybe near torture, or complete silence, as for a touchstone we can simply introduce ourselves and go on from there. "

Taliesin finished with an exhale and decided to kept his mouth tightly shut for the next hour or so, giving only a nod when called for. He prefered to take the observant stance, take notes, maybe put it into song, and then speak. Very carefully of course. He did have some vainity for living still.


~ Taliesin Ka

[Nogrod]

Originally Posted by THE Ka

Taliesin prefered to take the observant stance, take notes, maybe put it into song, and then speak. Very carefully of course. He did have some vainity for his life still.

"I do promise to quit this now. But how if we all acted like this Taliesin fellow here? Sit back and take notes of what others do? What notes there would be but notes of others trying to take notes on others who do and say nothing? Sorry milady, or dear sir? I always took you as a lady with my folklore but maybe appearances drive people to wrong tracks in this place?"

Nogrod reached for his cask and took a long draught.

"I have no major complaint anymore as people seem to be gearing up. But a thing I don't like is saying something while stating that saying something is not worthy of saying. On this kind of initial situation every word is valuable for without them the discussion will never take off. All those who discourage the discussion can be suspected of trying to hide and to hope of having as large silent crowd around them as possible."

Suddenly he noticed a new guy coming from the shadows and listened to what he had to say. Then he thought about it a moment before he opened his mouth.

"Now see what I mean. I can already say I'm getting quite weary of this stranger I have a bad feeling I need to face in the battle. Just look how nicely he lays the grounds for his attack on the actual battle. There is nothing there and he knows it, so he goes on saying

I find that funny myself that I make such conclusion that early, but that's just it.

But that's exactly what he can rely on when the actual battle begins..."

Nogrod looked at the figure again but he had already turned to leave. Nogrod shook his head but then turned back to his seat quite pleased.

"This is the way we should discuss here I think", he said. "This generates thoughts and suspicions. There's no other way of catching the wolves but action and reaction - and coming up with the reasons behind them".

[Legate of Amon Lanc]

Originally Posted by Nogrod

"Now see what I mean. I can already say I'm getting quite weary of this stranger I have a bad feeling I need to face in the battle. Just look how nicely he lays the grounds for his attack on the actual battle. There is nothing there and he knows it, so he goes on saying But that's exactly what he can rely on when the actual battle begins..."

*Hide check: failure*

The figure appeared again out of the shadows.

*Wisdom check*

"I am very well aware of that, sir," the figure spoke to Nogrod. "Nevertheless I can also say that the fact I focused on you with my first words had nothing to do with any private battles happening in the future. Which is intriguing by itself."

*Spot check: failure*

"Nevertheless, there is one person whom I would like to see here as well, for reasons you can imagine yourself, Nogrod. I fail to see him, now, but that does not matter - he will come. I would like to see him here for my picture to be complete. Yes, I challenge you for a duel, Nogrod, as you have forseen - but there is one more we need, and then it won't be a duel, it will be..."

*Speak language check: critical miss*

"...a trial!"

*Wisdom check: Success*

"Wow, actually, that's true... great..."

"Anyway, don't think I am here only to prepare my thoughts on you two. The biggest advantage of us being together here is that we can talk to everyone, and others can base their thoughts on our ideas even when we are not with them. And we know that when we meet again, lots of us will be gone..."

"Oh, and a note about this Taliesin guy. All the bards I ever met were chaotics, so take care. But I can't serve with any strong opinion about this one, because he is too..."

*Spot check: success*

"...long." *gazes upwards*

EDIT: X-ed with McCaber. This fella looks good to me. Probably neutral good. Almost lawful.

EDITEDIT:

"Oh, and I suggest whoever is not in invisible mode should do so. It does not matter much now when we are all here and it's day, but later it is most adviseable. You go into invisible mode like this. Look:"

*Hide check: Total success*

[Nogrod]

Originally Posted by Legate of Amon Lanc

The biggest advantage of us being together here is that we can talk to everyone, and others can base their thoughts on our ideas even when we are not with them.

"With this I truly agree with you o' figure of the shadows. Those people who disrepute the discussion toDay forget that the battles will shed a lot of light to the actual truth of the matter for those who come out alive from them... There are things to gather in there. And I do appreciate that you bring the discussions forwards. That's what we need to do.

It's a trial yes. I think everyone knows it will be a trial. That's the interesting thing. I mean it's not only who survives the "battle" but also how they do it. Some innocent kills in the trials may turn out victories for the enemies of Melkor in the end if people stay alert.

I'm waiting to hear from that Mighty warrior as well. But in the meantime I think I take a little nap and listen also to the others."

EDIT: X'd with Roa x2

[THE Ka]

"I do promise to quit this now. But how if we all acted like this Taliesin fellow here? Sit back and take notes of what others do? What notes there would be but notes of others trying to take notes on others who do and say nothing? Sorry milady, or dear sir? I always took you as a lady with my folklore but maybe appearances drive people to wrong tracks in this place?"

Taliesin had a little smile, which did give his heart some optimism but not much. When his actual gender came into question he gave an innocent laugh and wore an even bigger smile.

" Well, it is sometimes assumed that those with words tend to be of the female sort. Somehow, we all loose our form when others speak of us. Either in tales or simply the discussion we're having right now. Same as men have this silly assumption dwarves come from the earth, though I've only seen plants do such a thing. Then again, rumor has it you can makes Taliesin out of stormy sea water, a cauldron, and an angry crone. Though, for sanity purposes, I am pretty sure I am male in this life and form. Now you know two good things, my name and that I'm of the male sort. All in all, I believe anyone should speak a little if they want now, before this building and its decor drives us insane."

Taliesin found a comfy share of a colomn to rest upon, and listened with his little lute and other things, but he didn't dare play it being as it was only for the worst of circumstances. It seemed so far to him that humor quited the otherwise abrasive thoughts in his mind, and make his speech easier.

~ Taliesin

[Meneltarmacil]

*nibbles on moose jerky*

To be honest, I don't know that there's anything we can really do toDay that would really matter. There aren't going to be votes, so there won't be anybody trying to persuade villagers to vote for others. Of course, discussion about wolf strategy is a possibility, but that does not often lead to productive conclusions and can get the innocent lynched for suggesting "the wrong idea" to the village. Also, if people start sharing ideas on what could give a wolf away by his/her posts, that would most likely backfire and give the wolves a tip as to how better to remain undetected.

If there's anything that could make a good talking point, I'm all ears, though.

[Nogrod]

Originally Posted by Meneltarmacil

If there's anything that could make a good talking point, I'm all ears, though.

Now there's a tree-way battle ahead of you man and you know who they will be there with you - unless Sauron will twist that for his own amusement. If I were you I'd first of all wish to contact those that are going to share the arena with you and try to make them talk so as to have something to base your ideas of them on the actual battle. Then I could think of trying to look at other trios and to see what happens there - to be that much wiser after the initial matches are over.

I think there is exceptionally lot to do toDay - and there's no lynch toDay so you can quite be all over the place and still survive - until the threesome battle that is but anyway. And if you're an innocent your death might actually help the village if you press those in a death-match with you wisely enough.

EDIT: X'd with Lommy

[Roa_Aoife]

Psst.. Ka, Menel, you're visible.....

Wolf strategy? My understanding is that each wolf will be on their own in each battle. They can't even have a relevant strategy toDay, since they don't know who each other are. (At least that's my understanding of the rules....) It appears that each wolf is going to be on their own for the most part. It will go almost entirely to luck, especially if one supposed to fight has been killed, either by a wolf or the gaurdian. Wolf strategy will assuredly be to survive, but they will have to do so separately. And in this we have a great advantage indeed, for they enemy can't work together to confuse us.

Our strategy, as it is, will have to rest primarily on toDay. This will be difficult, since the wolves don't know each other yet, and we won't be able to look for connections. But the more we discuss and post today, the more ammunition we will have in coming days to battle the evil in our midsts.

That said, Thin, who has not returned, still has my interest, as do Ka (for lack of substance- you're a wonderful writer bu that's not helping) and Menel (for trying to dampen discussion.)

EDIT: X posted with everyone from post 19 down.

[Thinlómien]

Originally Posted by Valier

But on a day such as today, when a vote does not really count, sometimes it muddles the minds of others later on. The first day is for the most part pretty random, but think with the vote not really counting today, it gives the evil doers among us a way to minipulate us with their votes . Seeing as most things today can be argued later as being first day not knowinness.

I don't really know what to think of this statement. While it seems to be plausible - a thought that should maybe be thought about more - my initial reaction to this was suspicion. For two reasons. One, it plays down the importance of discussion and accusation. Two, it looks like a statement that will be followed - by the stater herself or from some other person - debate that is mostly about the vocal players who might be manipulating the village! How horrible!



Instead of being mean and orcish to anyone, I simply meant that we ought to concentrate on someone else than the loudmouths toDay. We need to focus our attention at trying to provoke discussion or reactions from the more silent ones. The chatterboxes will come out with their thoughts anyway. I would hate to have my trial with two people I have absolutely no opinion on. Lastly but not least importantly, as there can be no disastrous results from wolves trying to manipulate us toDay (as long as we have our wits back in the Days to come) , let them do it and catch them doing it. I'm far more concerned about the wolves who will try to slip under the radar, as that is what I suppose many of the furry fellows here are trying to do toDay.

Ka has been all the time in character. It really makes her less suspicious to me. A wolf might be more concerned about her appearances. Yet, on the other hand, a wolf might count on that no one minds a little in-charactering at the start of the first day and use it as an excuse for saying nothing constructive...

Originally Posted by Groin

"Look at one who who calls himself Legate of Amon Lanc. He is quick to cast judgement on the rest of us. What say you to that?"

I say, he could very well be either provoking discussion or a wolf throwing suspicion around for fun, knowing he can always say he was trying to provoke reactions. So, in conclusion, I say nothing. Or then I can say that while I have no clue of his alignment, I'm laughing all too much at his posts, it's not good for my health, maybe we should lynch him. Wait, lynch? No lynch toDay... how sad.

Originally Posted by Roa

"Right now, my eyes are watching Thin. Quick to agree with the loudest voice that we should all offer opinions, and yet voicing no opinions of her own? Agreement in words and not in action is not truly agreement."

You see, I was supposed to force myself write an English research paper instead of really writing anything (except a short "hello") here tonight, but looking at this post, it looks like I couldn't keep the decision and it's going to be a long night for me...

EDIT: xed with our local pessimist :-P

[THE Ka]

Ka has been all the time in character. It really makes her less suspicious to me. A wolf might be more concerned about her appearances. Yet, on the other hand, a wolf might count on that no one minds a little in-charactering at the start of the first day and use it as an excuse for saying nothing constructive...

Oops. I thought we had to stay in character. Sorry for being a dunce, I've had neverending study for a literature class, and forgot about that.

I would hate to have my trial with two people I have absolutely no opinion on.

That or being plagued by a guilty conscience because you end up having to randomly vote. Probably why I tried to stay in character.

~ Ka

[Groin Redbeard]

Groin listened as Nogrod led the others in conversation. He listended and watched while the others expressed their opinions. When all grew quiet he rose to offer his advice.

"I admire Nogrod's assertiveness in calling for action, but this dosen't mean that he is one of the few who are under Sauron's controll. Nogrod has done more to help us than any of us put together!" Groin's voice rose nearly to a yell.

"Look at one who who calls himself Legate of Amon Lanc. He is quick to cast judgement on the rest of us. What say you to that?"

[Roa_Aoife]

Originally Posted by Groin Redbeard

Groin listened as Nogrod led the others in conversation. He listended and watched while the others expressed their opinions. When all grew quiet he rose to offer his advice.

"I admire Nogrod's assertiveness in calling for action, but this dosen't mean that he is one of the few who are under Sauron's controll. Nogrod has done more to help us than any of us put together!" Groin's voice rose nearly to a yell.

"Look at one who who calls himself Legate of Amon Lanc. He is quick to cast judgement on the rest of us. What say you to that?"

I say it's an improvement. Better to suspect many than to suspect none. At least he's saying something and stirring conversation.

As clever as the dice rolling is, though, I could do with out it. And besides, most of those skills belong to the rogue class.

[Roa_Aoife]

(OOC: *blows dust off BD link* Let's see if this still works...)

Roa stepped forward. "So this is what it's come to?" she said quietly. "I agree with the rather loud dwarf on one point at least. Voting today may give us all tools that we'll need in the future. (OOC: It will certainly help give me something to analyze. ) That said, I do hope some here offer suggestions in their future posts rather than continue in this... 'character typing.'

"Right now, my eyes are watching Thin. Quick to agree with the loudest voice that we should all offer opinions, and yet voicing no opinions of her own? Agreement in words and not in action is not truly agreement."

(I don't know how long I'll continue IC, but I'll certainly be wary of those who continuely make long posts that consist of nothing more than role-playing, and no real suggestions, suspicions, or ideas. *coughKaandlegatecough*)