WW: LXXXV - The Lost Philosophers of Maiar

[Eomer of the Rohirrim]

Nessa, Inziladun or Skip? I would agree that Skip looks the most likely guy to be set up (by Valier's slaying). Inzil looks the most like a cobbler to me.

I really want to kill Nessa but, like I said earlier, wouldn't they have killed me (or one of the other Nessa voters) if she was guilty? It's quite possible she is the sacrifical wolf.

Macalaure looks most like the standard 'straight guy'.

Cailin, Agan, Green and Shasta all look pretty innocent to me.

BG and Manwe - possibly a wolf in there but we need to first get a wolf who leaves a trail.

Rikae and Pitch are puzzles to me. Wilwa probably innocent. Legate could go either way.

I know I've forgotten a couple but I'll come back for you.

[Legate of Amon Lanc]

Around, but don't have much time to comment on stuff... maybe I will manage to comment on two or three things people have said, but probably most will have to wait till toMorrow if I am still alive.

I would have wanted to vote for El Ron Hubbard now, also after looking at the analysis of her. But she does not seem to get so much votes, so not sure if it has any sense to do it.

Could btw anybody post a voting tally now?

I could vote Nessa, but I'm not entirely comfortable with it simply because I am wondering if she could be sort of framed and all that, I'm worried if it is not all just "bandwaggoning" on some suspicion raised by Wolves. I am not right now 100% fond with voting Boro, even though I have suspected him earlier, lately he has dropped a bit. I am not sure about voting Zil more or less for the same reasons as what I said about Nessa and also because possibly he's just a Cobbler (see what I have said in one of my posts above about this subject).

EDIT: x.ed with people from Pitch onwards and a tally, thanks!

[Nogrod]

Deadline.

Inzil dies in a moment

[Nogrod]

The years passed. Although the Maiar had no way of checking on the time as there were no connection to the world outside their narrow corridor of doom – and the pale yellow light stayed the same all the time – they were quite confident the twenty years had gone a long time ago. But still, there was nothing but more of the same.

And more of the same.

And more of the same.

And more of the same.

“Okay. What do you think happened out there?”, Inzil queried finally.

“Utumno was attacked… and destroyed upon us. That’s my two cents. And they have forgotten us.” Boro said looking resignedly.

“Maybe they just don’t know we’re here?”, Mänwe suggested.

“They will not forget us… now will they?”, Cailín thought aloud.

There was a silence.

“I refuse to believe they would forget us!”, wilwa stood up and yelled.

“They will be searching for us through the ruins!”, Greenie added with a glimmer of hope in her voice.

“They will be here any day now!”, Blind Guardian shouted.

There was yet another depressing silence. Everyone knew that was not the case. Through the years there had been no sounds of any search whatsoever.


~*~

Decades went by.

A century went by.

And another.

And almost a third.


~*~

Suddenly they heard sounds from outside.

“They are coming!” Skip yelled and rushed up.

“They are coming to rescue us, Eru be blessed!” Legate added in joy.

“I never stopped believing in this, I really didn’t…”, Shasta muttered shaking with joy.

“A group-hug! Everyone!” Eomer yelled.

“The joy!” Elronds daughter cried.

There was a loud boom and dust blinded their eyes. First thing they were able to see was a glimmer of fire, and a familiar figure standing in front of them surrounded by the subdued flames.

“Sauron…”, Mac and Rikae noted in unison,shivering.

“Long time, no see”, Sauron nodded to them and smiled widely. “Things are advancing...” He added with a triumphant look. “My Lord is coming back soon, stronger than ever. He will just finish a few blows to those goody-goodies first. But meanwhile he has reminded me about you and the experiment. There is rumour about time coming ripe for the second-born to appear. And lord Melkor is more than keen to be there in time, with the right means.

So it’s you then Inziladun. Any last thoughts?”

“Well, I was kind of ready to vote for someone else to save my life at one point, but then I was quite ready to take the axe instead of them others focusing on the baddies… I was just resigned, I guess… and then, well she looked suspicious but because she begged for my other suspect I just thought to save her… *sigh* It’s been a rollercoaster-ride. I’m not sure what I think or want.” Inziladun burst and slowly shook his head. “I’m innocent, though. Like I said.”

“I know you are.” Sauron laughed. “And you guys are showing interesting signs of confusion and resignation. It seems mortals don’t know what they want from their life and try to mirror it from others… who don’t know it either… and then it will be just random, like which voice surfaces on top. I will report these interesting things to my Lord alongside the tapes.”

“Oh, and before I forget.” He took his sword and slashed Zil in two.

With that Sauron vanished.

Inzil's body lay there on the floor, in two pieces, and slowly started hissing, turning into stone.


The living:

Eomer of the Rohirrim - An associate of Ossë, speciality: lochs and ponds, great alliance with frogs
elronds_daughter - A spirit of no-nonsense
Macalaure - Carmótar, the Maia of housework
Shastanis Althreduin - A spirit of water
wilwarin538 - Belongs to Vána, cares for all the small garden dwelling, winged creatures
Nessa Telrunya - The patron of town criers across the world
Pitchwife - Tender of Oromë's dogs
Rikae - A spirit in charge of silicon & static electricity
Boromir88 - A Maia of Mandos, the interpretter of dreams
A Little Green - A spirit in charge of aliens, hummingbirds and farming
Blind Guardian -A spirit of evil ways
Skip Spence - A follower of Aule with an avid interest in behavioural sciences
Mänwe - A spirit of short acquintances
Legate of Amon Lanc - A Maia associated with the unfathomed depths of the world's seas but also with the waters surrounding Arda in the outer space...
Aganzir - Aka. Firebeck, a spirit of fire
Caílin - A spirit of secrecy


The dead:

Satansaloser2005 - (Innocent) A spirit of ducks, muffins and cookies; reduced to ashes and dust on D1.
Ozban – (Innocent) Yavanna's underling with inferiority complex. Caretaker of undergrowth and small bushes in general, especially blackberries; ripped to pieces, dried and unintentionally pulverized on N2.
Kath – (Innocent) A spirit of nostalgy; ripped to pieces, dried and unintentionally pulverized on N2.
Loslote - (Innocent) A spirit of sunshine and rainbows; melted down and turned into vapor on D2.
Kitanna - (Hunter) A spirit of all things unimaginative; committed a willful suicide on N3.
Thinlómien - (innocent) A maia who lives in Lórien and paints the dreams of those sleeping there; her destiny was buried with Utumno collapsing over her body on N3.
Valier - (Innocent) A handmaiden of Yavanna, collecting the morning dew from the petals of flowers; her destiny was buried with Utumno collapsing over her body on N3.
Inziladun - (Innocent) A vassal of Námo, serving as a warden in Mandos; cut in half and turned to stone by Sauron on D3.


It's now Night 4.

Sauron will see that you sleep... well, most of you.

[Nogrod]

Eä Herald - Narvinyë 19, 7th age

For today’s human, the fact that the Maiar remained relatively sane during that period of almost three hundred years in the narrow and dark corridor with no knowledge of their future, sounds incredible. Maybe that is why they are Maiar and we are not. But from the next recordings one can actually find traces of what is nowadays called the “Stockholm syndrome”, the odd psychological phenomenon where a hostage starts to feel warmly towards his or her kidnapper. Is that something to do with mortality, the total loss of one’s control to another person, and what does that tell of things like love? That will be for the future psychologists to research on.

Anyway, Melkor was back after the imprisonment – and a few other tasks he had managed to undertake after getting free. But even if he had been away, he wasn’t overlooking the experiment. With the promised advent of the forefathers and –mothers of our humanity, it was clear he wished to get even more out of the experiment.

That is probably the reason why he introduced the new element into it, to the absolute horror of all still present Maiar. It is oftentimes said that Melkor’s twisting of the firstborn was the greatest evil he had done – and the one that made Eru Ilúvatar the most mad. But it is quite clear that turning the uncorrupted Maiar into kinslayers – inspired by the his corrupted elves even if it probably was – stands dark rivalling the worst of Morgoth’s cruelty.

But let’s now go and follow the final moments of the encounter between Melkor and his captives.


~*~


“So, you wanted to know about the outside world? Well, they destroyed this place – which is just good from the point of view of the experiment, as now no one knows you’re here as everyone thinks Utumno was totally demolished. I did serve some time in captivity but I used my time well. After I was released I managed to corrupt the most powerful Quendi who then rebelled against the Valar, and a great darkness has fallen upon Valinor with the destroying of those annoying trees, Telperion and Laurelin. Let’s say it’s like tit-for-tat. Although I think I’m leading in what comes to swaying the newcomers…”

Melkor laughed so that the walls shook.

“The most powerful Quendi have already taken part in a kinslaying – and my balrogs have killed the most powerful of them. Oh, the world out there abounds in lament, hate, sorrow, ire, death, revenge, mutilation, cruelty… What a wonderful world!”

After some ranting like that Melkor became finally a bit more serious.

“But now, I have a new plan for you, or it’s just a slight alteration if you wish to see it that way. From now on, you will need to kill those you pick by yourselves! For that my servant Sauron has brought you some utensils you can use in whichever way you wish…”

Melkor waved his hand and Sauron took a step forwards throwing a heap of weapons to the floor in front of the astonished Maiar. There were swords, halberds, spears, axes, knives, flails, maces, tongs, scissors, pikes…

“That should be enough for even a more demanding taste…” Melkor laughed.

“And to just encourage you to use them as well… have you seen what my loyal servants have done to two of you we sleeping? You haven’t have time? Well follow me then”

Melkor lead them deeper into the corridor where they finally found a hole on the floor of stone. It was filled with some dark liquid – and there was something in the liquid as well.

“That’s what my dear servants do to you during the Nights. So do not be too restrained to get rid of them. Else, that will be the destiny of each and every one of you.”

Melkor and Sauron turned to leave, but Sauron glanced back to the Maiar. “Well done lads, well done!”



The Maiar came closer to the hole and realized there were the remains of their two friends – soaked in their own blood. They recognized the pale skin of the Blind guardian and the garments of the gallant Eomer. Their bodies had been mutilated.

It was outrageous.



The living:


elronds_daughter - A spirit of no-nonsense
Macalaure - Carmótar, the Maia of housework
Shastanis Althreduin - A spirit of water
wilwarin538 - Belongs to Vána, cares for all the small garden dwelling, winged creatures
Nessa Telrunya - The patron of town criers across the world
Pitchwife - Tender of Oromë's dogs
Rikae - A spirit in charge of silicon & static electricity
Boromir88 - A Maia of Mandos, the interpretter of dreams
A Little Green - A spirit in charge of aliens, hummingbirds and farming
Skip Spence - A follower of Aule with an avid interest in behavioural sciences
Mänwe - A spirit of short acquintances
Legate of Amon Lanc - A Maia associated with the unfathomed depths of the world's seas but also with the waters surrounding Arda in the outer space...
Aganzir - Aka. Firebeck, a spirit of fire
Caílin - A spirit of secrecy



The dead:

Satansaloser2005 - (Innocent) A spirit of ducks, muffins and cookies; reduced to ashes and dust on D1.
Ozban – (Innocent) Yavanna's underling with inferiority complex. Caretaker of undergrowth and small bushes in general, especially blackberries; ripped to pieces, dried and unintentionally pulverized on N2.
Kath – (Innocent) A spirit of nostalgy; ripped to pieces, dried and unintentionally pulverized on N2.
Loslote - (Innocent) A spirit of sunshine and rainbows; melted down and turned into vapor on D2.
Kitanna - (Hunter) A spirit of all things unimaginative; committed a willful suicide on N3.
Thinlómien - (innocent) A maia who lives in Lórien and paints the dreams of those sleeping there; her destiny was buried with Utumno collapsing over her body on N3.
Valier - (Innocent) A handmaiden of Yavanna, collecting the morning dew from the petals of flowers; her destiny was buried with Utumno collapsing over her body on N3.
Inziladun - (Innocent) A vassal of Námo, serving as a warden in Mandos; cut in half and turned to stone by Sauron on D3.
Eomer of the Rohirrim – (Innocent) An associate of Ossë, speciality: lochs and ponds, great alliance with frogs; skinned, gutted and sank into his own blood on N4.
Blind Guardian –(Innocent) A spirit of evil ways; skinned, gutted and sank into her own blood on N4.



Day 4 has started.

[skip spence]

Oh dear.

At least the seer is still alive.

Going to check up on what Eomer and BG have been up to.

[Macalaure]

Sooo, shall we lynch Nessa next and secure the wolf victory?

Seriously, people. Inzil was a very obvious frame by the wolves, and we fell right into the trap, marching and singing 'Hurrah!'. It happens way to often that the strange ones are lynched, not the sinister ones...

Can we all please re-think your suspicions now? I haven't looked at the dead yet, but they seem to me like another no-trail kill. The wolves are very, very content with the way things have been going. We need to get our act together!

PS: First one to say something along the lines of "Even though Inzil was innocent, it's still good that we lynched him and found out. Now the distraction is gone. / We can learn a lot from it." will get my vote. The easiest way to get rid of the distraction is to realize it's a distraction and let it be. Best way to learn something is to lynch a wolf, not a distraction.

[/vent]

[Aganzir]

Originally Posted by Macalaure

Seriously, people. Inzil was a very obvious frame by the wolves, and we fell right into the trap, marching and singing 'Hurrah!'.

This wouldn't be the first time I saw a Macwolf trying to stop us lynching an innocent and say "I told you so" afterwards.

[Aganzir]

I think the strongest argument for Nessa's innocence is the fact that she didn't retract in order to save herself the day Inzil pulled a Legate-180. A wolf would care more.

[Legate of Amon Lanc]

Originally Posted by Aganzir

I think the strongest argument for Nessa's innocence is the fact that she didn't retract in order to save herself the day Inzil pulled a Legate-180. A wolf would care more.

Maybe she just forgot. I mean, it isn't so common to have a retraction in a game, I believe, so...

Gah, this post sounded rather innocent-ish again. But maybe it's good and will filter off my bloodthirstiness and make me actually think rationally (seriously, now the previous post was just... guh. But the idea about the kills of Seer picks, at least, might be possible, don't you think? It occured to me actually yesterDay already, but I forgot about it and then couldn't write it later as I didn't have time).

[Boromir88]

Originally Posted by Macalaure

PS: First one to say something along the lines of "Even though Inzil was innocent, it's still good that we lynched him and found out. Now the distraction is gone. / We can learn a lot from it." will get my vote. The easiest way to get rid of the distraction is to realize it's a distraction and let it be. Best way to learn something is to lynch a wolf, not a distraction.

Obviously you want the lynched-distraction to be a wolf. And are you seriously suggesting we just let Nessa walk away now? Time to get yourself new glasses because the wolves are standing right in front of you, but you're not seeing them. The wolves are just taunting and bluffing us at this point, but you're too focused on me. Now I know I haven't been playing up to my standards, but you'll only have yourself to blame when this is over.

I know I haven't been much use in forming suspicions, but I've tried what I can, by keeping up on reading everything and by not throwing away votes. I've been wrong in voting so far too, but I can't believe you're seriously saying we just let Nessa go.

[Aganzir]

It seems the wolves really want us to concentrate on Nessa... She's pretty much the only person Eomer and BG suspected. Either they're trying to frame her or want us to believe they're framing her. I find this deeply irritating.

If we don't get a wolf today, we're pretty much screwed. This is why I don't think we should lynch Nessa - just to be on the safe side.

There are a couple of people I'd love to see post more. I'm mainly talking about ed (I know you haven't played much but instead of writing how you have nothing to say you could actually go ahead and tell your opinions on everybody, and stuff), Shasta (way too smooth), Mänwe (self-explanatory) and Boro.

I am afraid of Rikae. Very afraid.

Will be back later.

[Legate of Amon Lanc]

Originally Posted by Macalaure

Sooo, shall we lynch Nessa next and secure the wolf victory?

Seriously, people. Inzil was a very obvious frame by the wolves, and we fell right into the trap, marching and singing 'Hurrah!'. It happens way to often that the strange ones are lynched, not the sinister ones...

Can we all please re-think your suspicions now? I haven't looked at the dead yet, but they seem to me like another no-trail kill. The wolves are very, very content with the way things have been going. We need to get our act together!

It is totally disgusting, and yes, I am going to re-think my suspicions. Basically straightaway I could start from people like you, Aganzir, Rikae, okay, Eomer is dead, otherwise I would have said him, but then possibly Shasta for example. If the bunch of you four is it, then I am going to be disgusted beyond comprehension.

Speaking of this: could the kills possibly be not simply kills which are aiming at killing possible Seer picks? Like, BG was one I have suspected somewhat, likewise Eomer was sort of the enigma hovering in the background. Nessa, unless being a Wolf herself, would in such case probably have been left alive because she provides a suspect possible for the lynch. Anyway, I think the idea of killing possible Seer picks (among other things) is plausible, because with two kills, the WWs could afford doing that, in my opinion... That way, they'd get a lot of advantage.

Now I can be left to ponder if Mac's outpour is genuine, I am right now most worried that it's not. Likewise the person who posted after him.

Originally Posted by Aganzir

It seems the wolves really want us to concentrate on Nessa... She's pretty much the only person Eomer and BG suspected. Either they're trying to frame her or want us to believe they're framing her. I find this deeply irritating.

If we don't get a wolf today, we're pretty much screwed. This is why I don't think we should lynch Nessa - just to be on the safe side.

I can just see a Wolf-Agan saying this, of course. Especially with Nessa as her packmate. "A reasonable suggestion, let's not lynch Nessa, really, people". Of course, it all can be in many ways, Agan being really innocent (but no, I just cannot believe that because she is still alive and well), Nessa being innocent, and all that...

(Well I must say about this post in general, the question is again, how much I am getting generally paranoid. Like, I am now, I think, in the mood to switch into suspecting some people just because I don't want them to gloat after the game - and yes, that's exactly like Agan and Mac - so I would in fact prefer to e.g. lynch Agan out of purely "selfish" reasons, so that if she is a Wolf and is lynched, even if the Wolves managed to win later, I could say "ha, I told you so". But okay, okay, I think right now I should probably do it the way that I will go to sleep and post again in the morning, when I can actually think about things more "seriously". Because right now I honestly fear of making up horrible nonsenses if I continue to be here.)

edit: x-ed with one Agan

[skip spence]

Blind Guardian:

Day 1:
Makes one insignificant post; says she won't vote.

Day 2:
Makes four insignificant posts; votes Nessa because of a "feeling" and because she "is too confident".

Day 3:
Makes two insignificant posts plus a summary of Inzil's actions; still suspects Nessa and again votes her

Eomer:

Day 1:
He has as a pretty quiet first Day. The posts with constructive contents:

Originally Posted by Eomer

Getting somewhat wolvish vibes from Nessa, Skip and Loslote; I always want to kill Kitanna, Greenie, Lommy and Kath and nothing's changed on that count, though traditional feelings are rarely valid in any given game

Originally Posted by Eomer

Well, I'd rather let Inzi live. Nessa looks a bit funny to me, so...

++NESSA

Day 2:

Thinks that the Ozban kill suggests a seer hint. (Ozban voted Nessa on Day 1) Then follows up with this:

Originally Posted by Eomer

All the loudmouths appear innocent to me. Inzi, Pitch, Rikae, Agan, Legate, Mac - nothing's ringing any bells for me. In any case, I'm happy to leave them all around and wait for the trails when we finally do get a wolf.

Nessa is still bothering me: she just feels like a wolf. The Ozban kill seems to tie in with it, so I'd be most inclined to kill Nessa today.

Skip feels less like a wolf today. Lommy is probably wicked but I can't get anything on her just yet. Elronds daughter and Blind Guardian, hmm... not sure. Valier does look pretty creepy. Too many people meaning it's difficult to separate feelings for everyone.

But still

++NESSA

Day 3:

Originally Posted by Eomer

Valier did not strike me as a seer. I suppose the wolves feared her reputation as a formidable wolf-spotter, and decided to end things.

I need to go through Lommy's posts but, as far as my memory serves me, this strikes me as another odd kill.

Could be exactly what they want, and I'm loathe to fall into a trap, but I think they would have killed me by now if Nessa was a wolf. Could be time for a re-think on my part. Need to start looking critically at these helpful, co-operative loudmouths.

Nessa, Inziladun or Skip? I would agree that Skip looks the most likely guy to be set up (by Valier's slaying). Inzil looks the most like a cobbler to me.

I really want to kill Nessa but, like I said earlier, wouldn't they have killed me (or one of the other Nessa voters) if she was guilty? It's quite possible she is the sacrifical wolf.

Macalaure looks most like the standard 'straight guy'.

Cailin, Agan, Green and Shasta all look pretty innocent to me.

BG and Manwe - possibly a wolf in there but we need to first get a wolf who leaves a trail.

Rikae and Pitch are puzzles to me. Wilwa probably innocent. Legate could go either way.

++NESSA

But I'm happy enough with Inzi too.

It takes no Sherlock Holmes to see the pattern here...

Two alternatives:
Nessa is a part of a Wolf-pack trying to get rid of the seer who they believed is either BG or Eomer.

The wolf-pack is setting us up (again). That seems all too likely eh?

It really is time to have a fresh look at the people left alive.

EDIT: x'ed with Leg and Agan

[Shastanis Althreduin]

Originally Posted by Alive

elronds_daughter - A spirit of no-nonsense
Macalaure - Carmótar, the Maia of housework
Shastanis Althreduin - A spirit of water
wilwarin538 - Belongs to Vána, cares for all the small garden dwelling, winged creatures
Nessa Telrunya - The patron of town criers across the world
Pitchwife - Tender of Oromë's dogs
Rikae - A spirit in charge of silicon & static electricity
Boromir88 - A Maia of Mandos, the interpretter of dreams
A Little Green - A spirit in charge of aliens, hummingbirds and farming
Skip Spence - A follower of Aule with an avid interest in behavioural sciences
Mänwe - A spirit of short acquintances
Legate of Amon Lanc - A Maia associated with the unfathomed depths of the world's seas but also with the waters surrounding Arda in the outer space...
Aganzir - Aka. Firebeck, a spirit of fire
Caílin - A spirit of secrecy

Right then. A list, to first get my thoughts in order, one by one.

elronds_daughter - Quiet. Second, after Manwe, on my list of "people Shasta will analyze today".
Macalaure - Intermediate. I've been giving him a pass thus far on the basis of his outspoken-ness. This needs to stop.
wilwarin538 - I honestly don't remember much of anything that's she's said or done in the last couple of days. This is a problem - she's slipping under my radar.
Nessa Telrunya - The wolf-frame-favorite, it seems. Lots of the talk the last few days has been about her, and thinking back, I don't recall her ever passionately defending herself. Contrary to what I said about Inzil yesterday, I'm not sure lynching her is the best option today.
Pitchwife - Under my radar. I need to have a closer look at him today.
Rikae - Interesting. A lot of what she's done has made me think she's being her typical wild-ordo self. As of right now I'm okay with her.
Boromir88 - Pinging my radar a bit. I need to go back and see exactly why, but I need to see more of him today.
A Little Green - I stand by the fact that I think she's being quieter than usual. Another one pinging my radar.
skip spence - A bit farther under my radar than I'd like. One I will be looking at today.
Manwe - Tops my list of 'players to analyze' today. I don't think anyone has paid much attention to him at all, and I don't like that.
Legate of Amon Lanc - I thought him suspicious in the beginning, but what I've seen since makes me think he's more innocent. A conundrum, but I think I'm okay with him right now.
Aganzir - Entirely too evil to be evil, if that makes sense. Possibly a cobbler, but I sincerely doubt she's a wolf. (More likely cobbler than innocent, though.)
Cailin - I like her style, but I'm afraid I may have been giving her a pass due to that. One I'll be looking at today.

[Shastanis Althreduin]

Now, taking the above information and putting it in a form that makes sense -

Green

Legate
Aganzir
Rikae

Green-Yellow

Nessa
Wilwa
Cailin

Yellow

Skip
Elronhubbard
Mac

Yellow-Orange

Boro
Greenie
Pitch
Manwe

Red

None