Game Thread: Werewolf- this time it's real!

[the phantom]

Boromir stepped forward to stand next to Phantom. "Wait, earlier you said that Chris Tolkien had the Ring upon his finger. The 'great' Ring. How is that possible? The One Ring was destroyed! It was cast into the fires of Mount Doom."

Glorfindel started at the name of the fiery mountain. "How do you know that name, and of the plan to destroy the Ring?"

"Tolkien wrote all about it," said Boromir. "All about Frodo, and how he brought the Ring to Rivendell, and Elrond and Gandalf determined it should be destroyed, and then Frodo and eight others undertook the quest."

Glorfindel's mouth opened in surprise as Boromir continued giving details about the quest. The attempted passage of the Misty Mountains, the journey through Moria, and on to the Anduin.

"It seems that my old friend did indeed write many tales of this world," said Glorfindel. "Frodo did bring the Ring to Rivendell, and he and eight companions did follow the path you outlined. The Ring, however, was left behind in Rivendell, and it was certainly not destroyed."

"But why didn't you try and take it to the fire?" asked Mira, who had at last recovered her voice.

Glorfindel looked at her incredulously. "What? Take the Ring to Mordor? With Sauron's armies dwelling there, thick as ants, and Sauron himself ever watchful and alert? Surely you jest!"

"So you never decided to destroy the Ring?" asked Phantom.

"We did indeed decide to destroy the Ring," answered Glorfindel, "But we had not the strength to force Sauron from his realm and assure the Ring safe passage to the mountain. We needed first to gain the upper hand."

"But how could you gain the upper hand without destroying his Ring? Sauron's might was too much to contend with," said Boromir.

"Ah, now you have come upon the reason for the Ring being in your world," said Glorfindel. "Elrond and Gandalf both studied the portal and its workings extensively, and it was one of them, or both perhaps, who theorized that if the Ring were to be taken out of this world and into yours, and the portal closed, that Sauron would lose a greater part of his power, no longer being able to draw upon the Ring. Some of us even went so far as to hope it would destroy him completely, but alas, it did not."

"So, it didn't work?" asked Mira.

"It did work," answered Glorfindel. "After Tolkien left with the Ring, Sauron's designs went astray, and he was greatly weakened. He continued to hold the upper hand for many years with his vast armies of orcs and trolls and his alliances with the cruel peoples of the South, but every year we made some headway. As it stands now the dwarves have a firm foothold in Moria, the elves of Mirkwood have taken back most of their forest, and Ithilien has been cleared of evil. Everywhere we are drawing tight the noose, and we hope to begin assaulting the Black Gates and Minas Morgul soon."

"So things are going well?" questioned Mira.

"I would say yes, if not for what has happened here today, for it appears that the Ring has returned to this world, and Sauron's strength is sure to grow quickly. And if he recovers his Ring...." Glorfindel's face fell.

As he stood there in silence, one of the elves under his command approached bearing tidings. The Downers looked back and forth between the two as they traded hushed words. "Any idea what they're saying, Mnem?" whispered Phantom.

"No, it's too soft, and too fast," said Mnem.

Soon the other elf retreated back towards the door in the hillside, and Glorfindel turned his attention back to the Downers on the other side of the portal. "He has escaped," he said. "My scouts have found his trail, but he appears to be moving quickly- too quick to be caught until he stops to rest. Let us hope that he does so soon."

[the phantom]

"So, how does this portal work?" called Lalwende from the rear of the group, "And how did Tolkien come to be in your world?"

Glorfindel shook his head. "I do not know all there is to know on those matters. Elrond and Gandalf know the most, and have deemed it wise to remain silent, saying only that which is necessary. The gateway has played an important role in resisting the enemy, and we do not wish for information to find its way to his ears."

"But we don't even live in Middle-Earth," insisted Lalwende. "And though you don't know everything, you can at least tell us what you do know, or guess."

"I will not share all I know," answered Glorfindel, "But I will tell you part." Everyone gathered closer to the portal, anxious to hear his tale, but not so much that they crossed the threshold. "Tolkien appeared on this spot for the first time many years before the Ring came to Rivendell. He was found by the sons of Elrond, who were on an errand in these parts. The wilderness north of Rivendell is vast, and there are few paths, and so we believe that it was fated to be so, that he would appear when he did, and that they would pass by within moments."

"To open the portal, he spoke words from a piece of parchment, in the language of the high-elves. Do not ask how he came by the parchment in his world. I do not know. But I do know that he could open the portal from any location with the words and force of will, and that if he opened it repeatedly from one location, it became easier. Elrond advised him against this, worrying that opening it enough times from one place might make the boundary so weak that it would not close properly. How he came to this conclusion, I do not know. As I said, he and Gandalf studied this matter in great detail, and have not shared their findings."

"Tolkien was brought to Rivendell, and there he learned to speak with us and we with him. He showed great interest in the history of this world, and he asked always for tales, and took notes. After a brief time, he returned to this spot and opened the portal again, promising to return. And he did."

"So, he had a way to close the portal?" asked Boromir.

"Yes," answered the elf-lord. "The words of shutting were also written on the parchment. I do not know them, but Elrond does. I have already ordered one of my soldiers to hasten to Rivendell immediately with tidings. Doubtless Elrond himself will come soon, and he will be able to close the gateway."

"But- I don't want it to close," said Mnem, and many others nodded in agreement.

"It will have to close," said Glorfindel firmly. "When my scouts bring back Tolkien's son and the Ring, he will be returned to your world and the way will be closed, and it must remain so until the path is cleared to destroy the Ring. At that time, we will open the portal from this side and retrieve the Ring."

"But where will the portal open?" asked Phantom, "And how will you be able to find the Ring here in this world?"

"I do not know where the portal will open, but Elrond and Tolkien knew somehow, and had the details worked out. Doubtless Tolkien passed on the plan to his son, but under the circumstances, I think it probable that Elrond will wish to form a new plan. Likely he will need to meet with one of you, and will place the Ring in your care, as its current guardian has been proven untrustworthy."

[the phantom]

Merignor the Easterling stood in his usual place, high upon the side of a rocky hill across the valley from the place where the elves had delved their cave. The sun was sinking, and soon all of the little valley would be in shadow. Another fruitless watch. He was about to turn and call for someone to fetch the next watchman when movement in the valley below caught his eye.

There was something glowing, shimmering blue and bright in the valley. One of the elf sentries had left his post by the door. Soon the door opened again, and out of it ran a group of elves. He could not be certain, but it looked to be the elf-lord Glorfindel of Rivendell leading them.

Merignor turned and called into the cave to his rear. "Go tell the master something is happening, and that he should come immediately." He turned back to watch the scene below. The elf soldiers were moving off in different directions, leaving the cave, and Glorfindel, unprotected.

Through his bird spies, Sauron had learned long ago that this spot was special to his enemies. Elrond himself and Gandalf even had been spotted here on more than one occasion, and there were always a few elves stationed at the cave, though their purpose had never been discovered. Sauron determined that he should place an outpost here to observe, and if possible, ambush Elrond or Gandalf if they ever came to that place again with few guards.

For the job, he had sent no less than the Witch King himself. He knew the North well, and an attack upon the greatest of foes could not be carried out by any lesser servant.

Merignor was surprised when he was joined by the Witch King in a few short seconds. The message could not have reached him so quickly. "My Lord. There is something going on down below. And that elf, Glorfindel, is there unprotected without his horse."

The Witch King gave his orders swiftly. "Tell the men to prepare for an ambush quickly. My signal will come soon. And have someone bring me my horse immediately."

As Merignor retreated down the passage, the Witch King shivered with anticipation. Finally something had happened. He had waited nearly a year, taking no action. Just watching. Waiting. But the situation had changed, more even than Merignor realized. For even as the portal had opened, his master, Sauron, began to recover his old strength and will. The Witch King had heard his thought clearer than he had in years only moments before, and that is why he was already on his way to the lookout when Merignor's message reached him. Things were moving on a grand scale, and just as his master had long suspected, it appeared that this place was important in some way.

[the phantom]

"But why would you give the Ring to one of us?" Mira asked Glorfindel. "You see what it did to Christopher."

"Perhaps Elrond will ask you to share the burden," said Glorfindel. "I do not know. I will not be the one making the decision. Any other questions you have should be held until he arrives, or at least sends word."

Suddenly a shout was heard, and Glorfindel stepped to his left and looked intently at something beyond the portal that those in the pub could not see. From his side Glorfindel drew a horn and blew a single clear note, and out of the door two more mail clad elves emerged. Glorfindel drew his sword and began shouting orders.

"What's going on?!" yelled Boromir.

But at that moment, the Downers heard the sound of hooves echoing off the rock face in front of them, and the sound of many voices yelling war cries. Soon a great number of horses swept into view from both sides of the portal, closing fast on Glorfindel and his friends. Even as they lost sight of him, a black horse with a tall cloaked rider appeared around the right side of the portal. They could not see his face in the failing light, but he wore a crown, and his eyes burned brightly. Mnem said what everyone was thinking. "Oh crap- it's the Witch King."

[the phantom]

The Downers stood rooted to the spot as the Witch King dismounted and stalked towards the portal, a sword in one hand and a long knife in the other. "He's coming! He's coming here!" shouted Mnem in panic, backing away towards the entry hall.

Everyone took a step back as the Witch King, dark and menacing, stepped through the gateway and onto the wooden floor of the pub. For a second he stood surveying them in complete silence, and then he spotted at his feet a sheet of paper- rules for Phantom's Werewolf game. Everyone watched as he picked up the page and read it, front and back. He sheathed his sword, and from somewhere beneath his robes he drew a glowing orb. A palantir.

"My master will be quite interested to see this," said the Witch King with a cold laugh. "It seems that the Isle of Werewolves he ruled in the First Age has been made into some sort of... game." The Witch King turned his head from side to side, looking at each Downer in turn, and then he spoke slowly, relishing his evil thoughts as he made them known. "I wonder if you would find this game to be entertaining if the deaths were real. I have learned much necromancy from my master, and can call up spirits. Perhaps I should call for a couple of Werewolf spirits, and a vampire." He looked down at the rules again. "Oh, and Grima, of course. His soul has long been in our keeping."

As it dawned on the Downers what the Witch King was suggesting, they dashed for the hall, but the Witch King raised his hand and the outer door slammed shut on the heels of Lalwende and Mnem, who alone of the group made it out in time. The Downers closest to the door began to beat upon it, while others ran to windows and attempted to break them. But no one could do any harm to the windows or door. There seemed to be some invisible layer shielding them, preventing them from exiting. Amidst the panic, the Witch King held aloft the palantir and let out a high piercing shriek. Through the portal four bright red orbs came flying, and each of them entered into a Downer. Due to the surrounding chaos, no one except the Witch King marked which four.

As Phantom ran back into the main room to try the rear door of the building, he spotted on the floor the very parchment that Christopher Tolkien had used to open the portal. He picked it up and grabbed Boromir as he went running past. "We can shut the portal with this!" he said.

"Maybe, but we don't want him in here with us," said Boromir.

"All right then," said Phantom. "You get a couple others to try and push him back through the portal, and I'll start reading. I'll save the finish for when he's on the other side."

"Do you know Quenya?" asked Boromir.

"Not really," answered Phantom, "But I know the pronunciation rules. I ought to be able to read it at least, even if I don't know what I'm saying. Besides, it's the only chance we have I'm thinking."

"Right!" said Boromir. "I'll see if I can get a couple people to help me."

The Witch King was still standing near the portal, and seemed to be deep in communication with Sauron using the palantir. He payed no attention to the Downers running this way and that, trying every potential exit. But suddenly Boromir's voice was heard shouting, "Now! Now!" and he along with Mira, Nerwen, and Lommy all rushed forward, bulling into the Witch King, pushing him back through the portal.

Phantom had finished reading all but the final phrase, and watched intently, waiting for the Witch King to fall back through the portal. But he stopped short of the gateway. The push was not enough. With a yell, Phantom charged forward and flung himself upon the Witch King. His extra push tipped the scales, and the Witch King toppled back through the portal. As they fell, Phantom shouted, "Antan vanda sa caruvantes!" As the Downers looked on, eyes wide, the portal vanished. The Witch King was gone.

Several fell to the floor and wept in relief, but those closest to where the portal disappeared rushed forward to the still forms of Nerwen, Boromir, and Lommy. They could not be revived. The Witch King had stabbed at them as they sought to drive him back, and his knife had dealt them mortal blows.

"But where are Phantom and Mira?" asked one.

"I think they went with him," answered another. "Through the portal."

Two Downers returned from the entry way with grim news. The spell had not worn off. They were still trapped in the pub.

"The question is, are there now evil creatures among us?" asked one Downer.

Then there appeared a great light high in the air, and out of it four glowing blue orbs emerged, and a voice spoke. "There is evil among you, and the spell sealing you in is strong. But there was room left in the enchantment for us to aid you with four spirits, even as it was written in the rules which the Witch King used to work the spell. The enchantment can only be broken by following the rules of the game. We hope that many of you survive."

Then the light went out, and all of the Downers fell to the floor in an enchanted sleep.

[the phantom]

(SAVED- for day beginning post and tally in case no one is around to open the day. Day 1 begins in 10 hours and 48 minutes)

EDIT: Here's the list.

• Aganzir
• Alonariel
• Brinniel
• Fea
• Firefoot
• Formendacil
• Green
• Gwath
• Izzy
• Kent
• Kuruharan
• Lari
• Nienna
• Nilp
• Nogrod
• Sally
• Shasta

Score: 14-3

[Mirandir]

Sooooo Day 1 has officially started. Unfortunately, I don't have the list of people who are currently alive and dead because our dear modgod failed to send me that particular information. But figured I'd just let you all know that we're officially open for business since nobody's posted yet.

[Aganzir]

"Well that was quite a show."

Aganzir's voice is bitter. She is still in shock due to the fact that she has lost three of her (several) favourite Downers. She has no idea how Lommy ended up in the pub. According to her knowledge, she should have been in Prague having fun with Legate. Maybe they decided to pay us a surprise visit, she thinks, but where's Legate then? Did he run away when he noticed something was wrong? That coward! I always knew he was up to no good!

"So," she says, "I suppose we are to play werewolf then."

She looks around to see if anyone is paying attention.