TOL-IN-GAURHOTH XII, Erbar Telamarth - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Anguirel · 10-18-2005, 12:20 AM

Alas. Though I was once a famed pursuer and slayer of werewolves, I was sorely wounded in rescuing a village some time ago, and only narrowly saved from the werecurse by a passing healer; my sword will be of little use.

However, I shall put the benefit of twelve years in the saddle against Sauron's minions at your disposal.

Since there is no doubt that to dispatch this last village, Gorthaur will have sent the finest wolves in his arsenal, we are unlikely to catch one on this, the first day. The question is, should we give up hope and fall upon a volunteered innocent?

I think not-the problem being that such a lynching would leave no trail. Though we may in the rage of our loss, manipulated by wolves, rend apart one of our guardians, at least we will be able to cast cold, analytical eyes as to why we did so...who was directing us...

Wolves will rarely be bold enough to start bandwagons-though having said that, that statement may encourage them to. They will use subtle sophistry, malign influence, that appears to make the situation clearer but in fact obfuscates it. Beware of those who seem too confindent-"Well, if X is innocent, Y is certainly guilty."

We do have one Seer dream; but I would advise the Seer not to hint about it yet in any way, even if an innocent is about to be lynched. Worse things happen at sea, frankly; Seer, we need you to be undetected, to last, survive, and dream...

Estelyn Telcontar · 10-18-2005, 01:43 AM

I don't know whether to envy those of you who have had experience fighting those horrible werewolves or to be glad that I was able to live here in peace for so long! I am sad and bewildered, but it will not help me or us all if I am overcome by emotions. I must try to collect my thoughts to be able to find a way for us to escape the worst, the complete obliteration of the village that is our home.

I have made garments for so many of you; they clothe you well, but now I cannot help but wonder what dark hearts are concealed by those warm, sturdy yet lovely materials. How am I to trust any of you? Words are like clothing - they often hide what is underneath them. I cannot judge by what anyone says, but must wait to see what your actions reveal.

Fortunately, I have time today. I finished the most necessary sewing and ironing tasks yesterday, so I have nothing pressing to do. Besides, I do not want to be alone in my home or shop after this foul deed, lest fear overcome me. For now, I take comfort in speech with you, my fellow villagers.

Cailín · 10-18-2005, 03:13 AM

It's a comfort to hear that so far, everyone is prepared to stand up and fight this new threat, instead of going straight into hiding and helplessly await our doom.

Anguirel has some valuable points and I think I should add we should be careful of wolves trying to steer the lynching into a singular direction early on. Better to first get a general impression and then spread the voting, so we may avoid the wolves planning anything in advance. Being able to do that is their advantage over us and as long as we can undermine any strategizing, we should be fine.

And Esty, whether it is an asset we have fought wolves before, remains still to be seen. Our wolves also likely have past experience and can consequently more or less anticipate the reactions of the village. Besides, we still never managed to actually establish a wolvish behavior pattern.

Also, I’m sad to inform you all, later this day, a very important costumer from another village will be paying me a visit. Since this particular costumer is one of those skeptic people, I can predict without a doubt our wary attitude shall be undeservedly ridiculed, but I must admit I'm loath to lose such great patronage and will therefore be forced to keep my additions to our discussion brief today. I am sure, however, you will hardly miss my input and should the situation become extremely dire or confusing, I will naturally immediately rush to the cause, despite my customer's protests.

Firefoot · 10-18-2005, 05:05 AM

Sensible statements from all, sensible indeed. Yet fair words may hide a foul tongue, as it's said. Who can tell whether the words are heartfelt or utterly empty, masking the beast inside?

Now, a werewolf could be anybody, but there's some less than respectable characters lurking around this village. What have Fea and lmp been up to this past night? Or Shelob, finally looking to rise above your station by gaining that foul Sauron's favor? Or perhaps the opposite, Anguirel, trying to hide behind his noble facade?

These are dark days, dark days indeed - and as long as there are these wolves around, there will no doubt be suspicion and doubt. Yet we must work together. Our enemies delight in the division of their enemies.

littlemanpoet · 10-18-2005, 09:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Firefoot

What have Fea and lmp been up to this past night?

What Fea and I have been up to in the privacy of my bedchamber is strictly between the two of us.

Oh. I see that my words seem to imply a quite specific activity. Ahem. Well. I can assure you that I was in my bedchamber last night, though of course I did go outside to the latrine once during the night, if you must know.

And what of you, Firefoot? What were you doing last night?

Eomer of the Rohirrim · 10-18-2005, 05:13 AM

Hovering hippos! Hi-jinx have hindered my hopes, as it were.

Now hold on just a moment, my lovelies, don't stare at me like that! It's true that I'm a newcomer to this here village and so you'll all be wary of me; only natural, I suppose. But my designs included little more than laying low in this fine country and seeking peace. Angry Elves I may have expected, but Werewolves? That puts an apple in the mustard, if you take my meaning.

Nevertheless, you may yet be glad of my arrival, O fair townsfolk! I have much experience of combat. I am at your service.

In addition to the wise comments delivered beforehand, I would also ask my new fellows to look out for those things that we have to look out for, for they are placed so as to be found by those who are looking, if you'll follow me.

One other pressing matter: Is there a saloon in this town?

Boromir88 · 10-18-2005, 06:46 AM

Pah, phantom missed? What's this? The guy was nothing but a cocky lil airhead. Always wanting to be called, lord, or master, like he was someone of importance.

As far as my predictions, I just kind of want to take some stabs and see how close I am...

Sauce is a wolf because you just have to suspect someone like Sauce in the beginning, always, it's just the way it is.

Lhuna's a wolf, because she's not much of a healer, and I don't know why she calls herself one. I had went to her one time to find a cure for this dreaded wart that I had, all she did was cause me to spring more of them. Then I had to get my big toe amputated.

And Estelyn's a wolf, because her sewing is horrendous, only a werewolf with giant claws could do that bad of a job.

Anyway, how's everyone this morning?

mormegil · 10-18-2005, 07:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boromir88

Sauce is a wolf because you just have to suspect someone like Sauce in the beginning, always, it's just the way it is.

Boromir I believe that you are a bit touched in the head. There is nobody in this village named Sauce, unless you are using that as code for your friends. Somebody so cock-sure of his own ideas worries me especially when at least his first assumption is incorrect.

Now I have a method on the first day that could help us identify wolf behavior. If all innocents truly and surely pick a random person and go after them, then it will be just that random. It allows us a chance to get a wolf without influence but more than likely if one of there's is set to die they will be bailed out by a cohort, thus helping to reveal at least one or two. Mind you this is a best case scenario and more than likely we will just end up killing an innocent and get only minimal knowledge but it might be worth having a go.

Anguirel · 10-18-2005, 07:36 AM

I'm going to try and draw some conclusions from what I've heard so far. None of them, however, will be solid enough to vote on the strength of at this stage. I am not making any accusations and I do not aim to subliminally attach connotatations of guilt to anyone. I am just feeling for any possible source of information.

I shall approach this in terms of strategy. The other practical strategists have been Cailin, Firefoot, Eomer (sort of!), and, er, Boromir (which shows how little I have to go on...)

Cailin's first post is partly neutralised by her second (firstly asserting that our experience is a good thing, then reminding us of the experience the wolves also possess). She gives out useful general advice, which I would tend to agree with-discussion followed by a spread set of votes. Nothing suspect yet, or particularly helpful, admittedly.

Firefoot merely emphasises that we can't trust anybody. Her post is short on substance, and could possibly be interpreted as casting suspicion on a carefully selected bunch of innocents with a fellow-wolf thrown in; on the other hand it could be no more than it seems. For reference, she murmurs against Shelob, Fea, lmp, and me. Marginally more suspicious than Cailin. But probably I'm following a wrong scent and she's just stirring up a little discussion. Impetuosity isn't wolf-Firefoot's style.

Eomer...is playing an "irritate everyone in sight" game. More power to him!

Boromir is obviously just having a lark, but jocularity could hide a darker purpose. Besides, I demand that he retract his slur on the Lady Estelyn's sewing, or, injured though I am, I shall not shrink from challenging him to a duel a l'outrance...

EDIT: The messenger has entered the debate. I must say, I commend his plan. There seems to be no especial pit trap in following it-that I can see-though I doubt it will be dramatically successful either...

Estelyn Telcontar · 10-18-2005, 07:53 AM

Slandering my sewing, Boromir?? What kind of foul strategy is that? Even were I truly a werewolf, during the day my hands would be as skilled and delicate as you see them now. Were I truly a werewolf, would I give myself away by crude craftsmanship? Nay, talk like that is foolish at best and suspicious at worst. That is not the way to pin down who is guilty.

I claim no knowledge of anyone's secret inner life. On this first day, we can only guess and choose at random. As yet, we have only words, no deeds by which to judge our fellow villagers. May the Valar guide our choice - and that hopefully without the delay with which they so often act!

littlemanpoet · 10-18-2005, 08:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Estelyn Telcontar

I am sad and bewildered, but it will not help me or us all if I am overcome by emotions. ... I finished the most necessary sewing and ironing tasks yesterday, so I have nothing pressing to do. Besides, I do not want to be alone in my home or shop after this foul deed, lest fear overcome me.

Then take comfort with me, fair clothier, and I can soothe your whelming feelings. My room is just upstairs and I've prepared it especially for your comfort and relief. And if you feel the need to discuss the horrors, I am quite willing to do that as well, just you and me.

10-18-2005, 12:20 AM	#1
Anguirel Byronic Brand Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: The 1590s Posts: 2,778	Alas. Though I was once a famed pursuer and slayer of werewolves, I was sorely wounded in rescuing a village some time ago, and only narrowly saved from the werecurse by a passing healer; my sword will be of little use. However, I shall put the benefit of twelve years in the saddle against Sauron's minions at your disposal. Since there is no doubt that to dispatch this last village, Gorthaur will have sent the finest wolves in his arsenal, we are unlikely to catch one on this, the first day. The question is, should we give up hope and fall upon a volunteered innocent? I think not-the problem being that such a lynching would leave no trail. Though we may in the rage of our loss, manipulated by wolves, rend apart one of our guardians, at least we will be able to cast cold, analytical eyes as to why we did so...who was directing us... Wolves will rarely be bold enough to start bandwagons-though having said that, that statement may encourage them to. They will use subtle sophistry, malign influence, that appears to make the situation clearer but in fact obfuscates it. Beware of those who seem too confindent-"Well, if X is innocent, Y is certainly guilty." We do have one Seer dream; but I would advise the Seer not to hint about it yet in any way, even if an innocent is about to be lynched. Worse things happen at sea, frankly; Seer, we need you to be undetected, to last, survive, and dream... __________________ Among the friendly dead, being bad at games did not seem to matter -Il Lupo Fenriso Last edited by Anguirel; 10-18-2005 at 06:29 AM.

10-18-2005, 01:43 AM	#2
Estelyn Telcontar Princess of Skwerlz Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: where the Sea is eastwards (WtR: 6060 miles) Posts: 7,500	I don't know whether to envy those of you who have had experience fighting those horrible werewolves or to be glad that I was able to live here in peace for so long! I am sad and bewildered, but it will not help me or us all if I am overcome by emotions. I must try to collect my thoughts to be able to find a way for us to escape the worst, the complete obliteration of the village that is our home. I have made garments for so many of you; they clothe you well, but now I cannot help but wonder what dark hearts are concealed by those warm, sturdy yet lovely materials. How am I to trust any of you? Words are like clothing - they often hide what is underneath them. I cannot judge by what anyone says, but must wait to see what your actions reveal. Fortunately, I have time today. I finished the most necessary sewing and ironing tasks yesterday, so I have nothing pressing to do. Besides, I do not want to be alone in my home or shop after this foul deed, lest fear overcome me. For now, I take comfort in speech with you, my fellow villagers. __________________ 'Mercy!' cried Gandalf. 'If the giving of information is to be the cure of your inquisitiveness, I shall spend all the rest of my days in answering you. What more do you want to know?' 'The whole history of Middle-earth...'

10-18-2005, 05:13 AM	#6
Eomer of the Rohirrim Auspicious Wraith Join Date: May 2002 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 4,859	Hovering hippos! Hi-jinx have hindered my hopes, as it were. Now hold on just a moment, my lovelies, don't stare at me like that! It's true that I'm a newcomer to this here village and so you'll all be wary of me; only natural, I suppose. But my designs included little more than laying low in this fine country and seeking peace. Angry Elves I may have expected, but Werewolves? That puts an apple in the mustard, if you take my meaning. Nevertheless, you may yet be glad of my arrival, O fair townsfolk! I have much experience of combat. I am at your service. In addition to the wise comments delivered beforehand, I would also ask my new fellows to look out for those things that we have to look out for, for they are placed so as to be found by those who are looking, if you'll follow me. One other pressing matter: Is there a saloon in this town? __________________ Los Ingobernables de Harlond

10-18-2005, 06:46 AM	#7
Boromir88 Laconic Loreman Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: USA Posts: 7,521	Pah, phantom missed? What's this? The guy was nothing but a cocky lil airhead. Always wanting to be called, lord, or master, like he was someone of importance. As far as my predictions, I just kind of want to take some stabs and see how close I am... Sauce is a wolf because you just have to suspect someone like Sauce in the beginning, always, it's just the way it is. Lhuna's a wolf, because she's not much of a healer, and I don't know why she calls herself one. I had went to her one time to find a cure for this dreaded wart that I had, all she did was cause me to spring more of them. Then I had to get my big toe amputated. And Estelyn's a wolf, because her sewing is horrendous, only a werewolf with giant claws could do that bad of a job. Anyway, how's everyone this morning? __________________ Fenris Penguin

10-18-2005, 07:36 AM	#9
Anguirel Byronic Brand Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: The 1590s Posts: 2,778	Examining my fellow villagers I'm going to try and draw some conclusions from what I've heard so far. None of them, however, will be solid enough to vote on the strength of at this stage. I am not making any accusations and I do not aim to subliminally attach connotatations of guilt to anyone. I am just feeling for any possible source of information. I shall approach this in terms of strategy. The other practical strategists have been Cailin, Firefoot, Eomer (sort of!), and, er, Boromir (which shows how little I have to go on...) Cailin's first post is partly neutralised by her second (firstly asserting that our experience is a good thing, then reminding us of the experience the wolves also possess). She gives out useful general advice, which I would tend to agree with-discussion followed by a spread set of votes. Nothing suspect yet, or particularly helpful, admittedly. Firefoot merely emphasises that we can't trust anybody. Her post is short on substance, and could possibly be interpreted as casting suspicion on a carefully selected bunch of innocents with a fellow-wolf thrown in; on the other hand it could be no more than it seems. For reference, she murmurs against Shelob, Fea, lmp, and me. Marginally more suspicious than Cailin. But probably I'm following a wrong scent and she's just stirring up a little discussion. Impetuosity isn't wolf-Firefoot's style. Eomer...is playing an "irritate everyone in sight" game. More power to him! Boromir is obviously just having a lark, but jocularity could hide a darker purpose. Besides, I demand that he retract his slur on the Lady Estelyn's sewing, or, injured though I am, I shall not shrink from challenging him to a duel a l'outrance... EDIT: The messenger has entered the debate. I must say, I commend his plan. There seems to be no especial pit trap in following it-that I can see-though I doubt it will be dramatically successful either... __________________ Among the friendly dead, being bad at games did not seem to matter -Il Lupo Fenriso Last edited by Anguirel; 10-18-2005 at 07:40 AM.

10-18-2005, 03:13 AM	#3
Cailín Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Lurking in the shadows. Posts: 711	It's a comfort to hear that so far, everyone is prepared to stand up and fight this new threat, instead of going straight into hiding and helplessly await our doom. Anguirel has some valuable points and I think I should add we should be careful of wolves trying to steer the lynching into a singular direction early on. Better to first get a general impression and then spread the voting, so we may avoid the wolves planning anything in advance. Being able to do that is their advantage over us and as long as we can undermine any strategizing, we should be fine. And Esty, whether it is an asset we have fought wolves before, remains still to be seen. Our wolves also likely have past experience and can consequently more or less anticipate the reactions of the village. Besides, we still never managed to actually establish a wolvish behavior pattern. Also, I’m sad to inform you all, later this day, a very important costumer from another village will be paying me a visit. Since this particular costumer is one of those skeptic people, I can predict without a doubt our wary attitude shall be undeservedly ridiculed, but I must admit I'm loath to lose such great patronage and will therefore be forced to keep my additions to our discussion brief today. I am sure, however, you will hardly miss my input and should the situation become extremely dire or confusing, I will naturally immediately rush to the cause, despite my customer's protests.

10-18-2005, 05:05 AM	#4
Firefoot Illusionary Holbytla Join Date: Dec 2003 Posts: 7,547	Sensible statements from all, sensible indeed. Yet fair words may hide a foul tongue, as it's said. Who can tell whether the words are heartfelt or utterly empty, masking the beast inside? Now, a werewolf could be anybody, but there's some less than respectable characters lurking around this village. What have Fea and lmp been up to this past night? Or Shelob, finally looking to rise above your station by gaining that foul Sauron's favor? Or perhaps the opposite, Anguirel, trying to hide behind his noble facade? These are dark days, dark days indeed - and as long as there are these wolves around, there will no doubt be suspicion and doubt. Yet we must work together. Our enemies delight in the division of their enemies.

10-18-2005, 07:53 AM	#10
Estelyn Telcontar Princess of Skwerlz Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: where the Sea is eastwards (WtR: 6060 miles) Posts: 7,500	Slandering my sewing, Boromir?? What kind of foul strategy is that? Even were I truly a werewolf, during the day my hands would be as skilled and delicate as you see them now. Were I truly a werewolf, would I give myself away by crude craftsmanship? Nay, talk like that is foolish at best and suspicious at worst. That is not the way to pin down who is guilty. I claim no knowledge of anyone's secret inner life. On this first day, we can only guess and choose at random. As yet, we have only words, no deeds by which to judge our fellow villagers. May the Valar guide our choice - and that hopefully without the delay with which they so often act! __________________ 'Mercy!' cried Gandalf. 'If the giving of information is to be the cure of your inquisitiveness, I shall spend all the rest of my days in answering you. What more do you want to know?' 'The whole history of Middle-earth...' Last edited by Estelyn Telcontar; 10-18-2005 at 08:01 AM.