Tol-in-Gaurhoth (Isle of Werewolves)

[bilbo_baggins]

FEAR! FIRE! FOES! Awake, Awake! FEAR! FOES! Awake!

I think that we must needs discuss this at length before deciding because we have until nightfall (6 AM tomorrow, EST) before we will be hunted again.

Why are Feanor and Anguirel so bloodthirsty? I think they didn't get to drink enough last night when they killed Shelob!

Fear! Foes!

Rise, villagers. I call you not to hang anyone, but to decide in a council of gravity what we are to do. Shall we ask the eldest members of our brethren to lead? Or shall we all have equal say? What say you?

bilbo_baggins

[Kuruharan]

I do have to admit, I kind of agree with bilbo and Saucepan Man that it is at least a little odd the way Feanor came galloping up from out of nowhere and started throwing accusations around like they were going out of style...

[Oddwen]

Aye, and what of them that hasn't shown their faces yet? Still in bed, tired from last night's ravening?

It's as plain as the warts on yer faces that ++FIREFOOT's been rather flaky lately! And even the name...'Fire-Foot'...sounds suspicious to me! Draw and quarter 'em, I say! Hangin's too good for scum like these!

[mormegil]

I am in agreement with Oddwen. I think Firefoot is the culprit. Notice how tired Firefoot is today. That tells me that we have our werewolf.

[The Saucepan Man]

I think that we must needs discuss this at length before deciding because we have until nightfall (6 AM tomorrow, EST) before we will be hunted again.

Quite. Every innocent villager hung represents a victory for the dread beasts of the night.

Like others, Feanor and Anguirel are top of my suspect list at the moment. But I intend to reserve judgement until I have heard more.

[Anguirel]

The spirit of calm is prevailing. I suppose you're right, even if you have been a bit tricksy of late. We need to discuss the situation rationally. I retract my accusation.

Mithalwen has been strangely quiet after her initial inquiries...but surely...it could not be her...after all, she is of the Quendi...isn't she? Still, still, some say they skulk in elf form as well. Let a swift rider be dispatched to Nargothrond to see if the rumours are true.

In the meantime, there is no place for name-calling and prejudice in this village, and, though it pains me to say it, Oddwen's ridiculous and ill-founded lambasting of our friendly neighbourhood warhorse would seem to hint that she is either dangerously rash...or not one of us.

I believe Feanor acted in good faith, out of grief at the stricken spider, who was very dear to her. Accuse her not. She merely tried to do her duty.

What of the phantom? A dread spirit of darkness and wrath; 'twould be no great surprise to find him a visitor at Tol-in-Gaurhoth...

[Mithalwen]

Originally Posted by Anguirel

Mithalwen has been strangely quiet after her initial inquiries...but surely...it could not be her...after all, she is of the Quendi...isn't she? Still, still, some say they skulk in elf form as well. Let a swift rider be dispatched to Nargothrond to see if the rumours are true.

...

I have been in gainful employment in those hours which correspond with those I declaredearlier.Now Imust digest both the news of an innocent spider's death and these wild accusations...

[Anguirel]

My lady Mithalwen, I apologise. But surely your Elven senses and foresight can help us detect the true culprit?

[Mithalwen]

Ah but I wouldnot give rash counsel ..... a little time to analyse. Iwillgive you a considered response ere long.

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

I am of the opinion that not only is The Saucepan Man a werewolf, but he is a lawyer, if not a loyer, and that means that he knows perfectly well how to discredit a witness. So now, not only does he have the crime behind him, but he knows all the legal ways to keep himself looking innocent. But he's slipped. He doesn't look innocent at all! I say that ++THE SAUCEPAN MAN is our culprit, and that the phantom is in cahoots with him. Why else would Saucie place the blame on an innocent like me, and why, oh why, would the phantom be keeping so mysteriously quiet? That's just not like him at all, to stay out of the center of a discussion so important for so long.

[Anguirel]

Out of the strong come something sweet. Feanor speaks plainly and firmly, as did her illustrious male namesake, so they say. Wriggle your way out of that, o Saucepan Man!

Besides, I've just realised the clanking was probably me rolling about on my anvil in my sleep. (It was in many pieces in the morning.) I was having a peculiar nightmare which caused the slashing to make many to noise.

[The Saucepan Man]

I think the good, rustic sense Primrose is showing does credit to us all. She defends the innocent and helpless, and assaults the sophists.

On the contrary, I would suggest that those who seek to apply intelligence and common sense to solve this hideous crime show their innocence, since they are they risk attracting the attention of the Werwolves to themselves. Alas! 'Tis a risky business indeed, but I place the interests of the village as a whole above my own personal safety.

Should I be taken in the next few nights, you will know what to conclude ...

[The Barrow-Wight]

People have been editing posts, changing thier votes from bold to regular to bold again. We need to come up with a system that will allow me to keep track of the votes as I read through the DAY. I don't want to have to go to the beginning of each DAY and read everything to tally the votes. I prefer to add them as I go. So let's set up a standard way of doing things.

If you are voting for someone, their name should be in bold capital letters proceeded by a "++" (++SHARKU). The doubled symbol is intentional.

If you have already voted for someone and want to 'take it back', their name should be in bold capital letters proceeded by a "--" (--SHARKU). The doubled symbol is intentional.

Here is an example:

Earlier, I was really sure that --SHARKU is a werewolf, but now I am quite positive we need to hang ++THE BARROW-WIGHT.

If you are no longer ready to commit to an earlier vote:

On second thought, I think I'll hold off on my judment of --THE BARROW-WIGHT

Using this system will make things a whole lot easier for me and will cause less confusion for everyone.

To recap, do not edit old votes. Simply post a change as noted above.

* I am going back now into your posts to edit them to meet this standard.

** The current tally (1:11 PM EST) is:
** 1 vote for Anguirel
** 1 vote for The Saucepan Man
** 1 vote for Firefoot

Thanks

[Primrose Bolger]

On the contrary, I would suggest that those who seek to apply intelligence and common sense to solve this hideous crime show their innocence, since they are they risk attracting the attention of the Werwolves to themselves. Alas! 'Tis a risky business indeed, but I place the interests of the village as a whole above my own personal safety.

-- Saucepan Man

Words and reasonings as sharp as any Werewolf's teeth! What with all this protestation, this could well be another monster in fine clothing.

bilbo_baggins and The Saucepan Man!

As for hiding . . . all us villagers should hide, silver-tipped spear in hand, lest the cravens single us out . . .

[Anguirel]

All this defamatory nonsense! It simply took me a while, my dear loyer, to recall the existence of my anvil, since it had been reduced to dust as I tossed and turned. (Donation of another would be appreciated. It's awfully uncomfortable lying about on wood like this.)

((Are we allowed to post innocent PMs to prove how unsmirched we are? I think perhaps not. Nevermind.))

I assure you that though I was having lively conversations, they concerned the nature of Iarwain Ben-Adar and the exploration of the fortress of Himling. I'm a scholar as well as the best sword in Middle-earth. I have many assets. And I'm terribly law-abiding. Hanging (melting?) me would honestly be a really bad move.

Look at the skulking architects of slander! It disgusts me. I regret to add that I am quite sure ++THE SAUCEPAN MAN, with or without pots, is the verminous culprit.

[Firefoot]

I see people have begun to suspect me for my absense thus far. Let me assure you, it is because of no ill doings on my own part. I was here this morning before Day 1 started, so you see I had no chance to post my thoughts. Then, you see, there is this unfortunate thing called school, at which I never have a chance to log on to a computer. I have only gotten home a short while ago. So you see, 'tis for only very innocent reasons that I have been away.

Now, keeping that in mind, the primary suspects appear to be Fea and Anguirel. However, it is a known fact that werewolves kill their own families and dearest friends first, so that puts Fea in the clear since I, her very dear friend, am still alive.

-phantom

Now this would be true, unless, of course, you are both werewolves. Now phantom is one clever person, and I'd imagine he'd be quite good at covering his tracks. Also, I daresay Fea has been somewhat too vocal about her accusations; it would seem that she would shift the blame to one other than herself. These two lie under my suspicion, though I would not cast a hasty vote.

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

I am in league with no-one but myself. I do however sympathize mightily with those innocent but being mobbed any how. And wouldn't you all feel terribly guilty if you lynched me and only then found out I was telling the truth? I would never dream of lying to you all. What a nightmare this whole situation is.

However, it is a known fact that werewolves kill their own families and dearest friends first, so that puts Fea in the clear since I, her very dear friend, am still alive.

Not true. My friend, you've forgotten the pack-mentality of wolves. They are not likely to kill each other, but given the nature of this suspicious group, my pointing out this scientific evidence will likely get me hanged. I see that Kuruharan is certainly suspicious... I was distraught, can't you see? Perhaps I spoke too hastily, but does that mean you will kill me? I can't understand why you're all so quick to pack me off to the gallows.

[mormegil]

In careful review of what Fea has said up to this point my dubiety has been minimized. I have come to this conclusion because I can sense that she is very distraught at this and was emotionally moved to be so outspoken. My suspicions are turned elsewhere. Firefoot claims he was at school, but I still feel uncertain about this. Phantom, I just can't get a good read on though I feel we must keep and eye on him.

[mormegil]

Okay we still have a werewolf among us and we need to eradicate this problem. We were successful yesterday and I hope that we can be so today. We know now that Anguirel was in cahoots so this quote may help in our search of the partner.

Originally Posted by Anguirel

Mithalwen has been strangely quiet after her initial inquiries...but surely...it could not be her...after all, she is of the Quendi...isn't she? Still, still, some say they skulk in elf form as well. Let a swift rider be dispatched to Nargothrond to see if the rumours are true.

In the meantime, there is no place for name-calling and prejudice in this village, and, though it pains me to say it, Oddwen's ridiculous and ill-founded lambasting of our friendly neighbourhood warhorse would seem to hint that she is either dangerously rash...or not one of us.

I believe Feanor acted in good faith, out of grief at the stricken spider, who was very dear to her. Accuse her not. She merely tried to do her duty.

What of the phantom? A dread spirit of darkness and wrath; 'twould be no great surprise to find him a visitor at Tol-in-Gaurhoth...

While not fool proof I think we can see that Anguirel supported Firefoot and Feanor. Could it be that she tried to calm our suspicions and throw us off their tracks? What is the opinion of our citizens?

[bilbo_baggins]

Having seen some foolish people not being discreet about PM'ing, (I have done it myself) I think I have some paths to follow. But I name no names for now as I don't want to be completely wrong.

But I will say this: mormegil, I think that either you are very clever and are a werewolf yourself, or (as I think) you are on the right track.

bilbo_baggins

[mormegil]

Alas I am innocent on both accounts of being a werewolf or clever. Merely I thought to check who Anguirel supported and came to conclusions from that. Currently my heart pities poor Feanor and her pleas seem to be that of an innocent. Seem mind you, I'm not certain, but unless I get a good alibi from Firefoot my heart directs me to her being the werewolf among us. Notice how Anguirel affectionally called her the warhorse and avoided saying her very name. Attempt to say a guilty is innocent?

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

Having seen some foolish people not being discreet about PM'ing, (I have done it myself) I think I have some paths to follow. But I name no names for now as I don't want to be completely wrong.

Yes, I'm a fool. I keep forgetting to ghost myself. Don't bother following this particular path... it was a PM to littlemanpoet discussing my signature. Ask him if you don't believe me.

But I do thank you for not wanting to name names... it shows good faith, and I shall return good faith with good faith.

[Primrose Bolger]

. . . and what of them that hasn't shown their faces yet?

We sleep the sleep of the innocent!

Does everyone realize that the werewolves are going to be the one who will speak the least!

'Twas bilbo_baggins who came up with that reasoning. To throw us off the track, I think.

They'll be yammering away from the first, those shadowspawn will. Though, I'm thinking they'll let the innocent raise the alarm, then they'll stick their wolfish noses in . . . and all the while laughing at us, and licking their lips at the prospect of taking another down.

It's bilbo_baggins who bears watching in my mind.

[The Barrow-Wight]

To make things even easier for your poor, blind moderator, please post votes in BOLD CAPITAL LETTERS. Thanks!

[The Saucepan Man]

To make things even easier for your poor, blind moderator, please post votes in BOLD CAPITAL LETTERS. Thanks!

Does that mean that votes cast so far don't count?

If not, I should be most grateful, Anguirel, if you would amend your post to unembolden my name. I wouldn't want to be hung on a technicality.

It seems to me that all we really have to go on so far is the presumption that those making quick and rash accusations may be seeking to deflect blame from themseleves. But, as Feanor of the Peredhil points out, that's hardly firm evidence of guilt.

However, one point did occur to me on reflection. Feanor originally said:

The Saucepan Man did it! I swear, I heard pots clanging around last night.

Now, assuming that the Werewolves are aware of what they are doing, what sense does it make that one would go about murder attired in pots and pans? And, if they are unaware of their foul deeds, it seems most likely that the transformation process would break the straps holding the pots and pans in place. See, they are really rather tight. So, either Feanor heard something other than a Werewolf or she is lying.

Maybe my pots and pans were rattling in the wind. But it has never happened before. So, does anyone have any idea as to what she might have heard? If not, I would conclude that her story was a ruse to deflect blame and find her guilty.

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

It seems to me quite possible that the person who committed the foul deed would be the first to rush in and hurl wild accusations about.

And since when does being an early riser mean that one is capable of murder? I slept badly last night, plagued by bad dreams, and then when I wake to find one of my friends of the village murdered in her sleep, you blame ME for it? Your evidence is circumstancial at best, and you must believe me... I would never hurt a spider. Just ask Bokkie in the chat room... I have my big brother do things like that for me. Not that I would in this case... Shelob was such a nice girl, and now *weep* she's gone. Can't we all just get along?

Like others, Feanor and Anguirel are top of my suspect list at the moment.

Don't you all see? The suspect tries to cast blame on the suspicious! To tarnish my good name with calls of "werewolf" and "murderer"... You may as well just lynch me and get it over with.... Trying to kill a good and honorable person such as me... How dare you?

[mormegil]

Well dear Fea if you slept so poorly certainly you must have heard some commotion in the village. Pray tell us who you heard.

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

What did I hear? I heard a scream, which I assumed was simply a bar fight. I heard snarls and growling, which I assumed to be my neighbor's dogs, and I heard the sound of pots and pans, which I assumed to be a dream. Now, I've gone and woken up and discovered the body of my dear friend, and am being accused of the wrong-doing by those who might have well done it themselves!

[Anguirel]

There, there, Feanor. It's all right.

Saucie, you blackguard. You've really upset her now. You're trying to play the wise mediator, but that sly lupine cruelty just keeps slipping through, to my mind.

I think the good, rustic sense Primrose is showing does credit to us all. She defends the innocent and helpless, and assaults the sophists. I say bilbo and The Saucepan Man, spider molesters the both of them, could have teamed up against the defenceless Shelob. But the bearer of pots is the ringleader, based on my analysis hitherto. Also, the phantom still hasn't tried to defend his character. Does that prove his honesty? Or darken his name?

Alack, there are so many miscreants in this blighted village that I cannot yet decide who to condemn outright. Interesting to note, though, are the frequent duels we have all witnessed between the Saucepan Man and the Phantom. Is this antipathy a cover-up for their blood drenched schemes?