Tol-in-Gaurhoth revisited (aka Werewolf 2)

[The Saucepan Man]

Darkness falls across the land
The midnight hour is close at hand
Creatures crawl in search of blood
And terrorise your neighbourhood

And whosoever shall be found
Without the soul for getting down
Must stand and face the Hounds of Hell
And rot inside a corpse’s shell …

Welcome to the second game of Werewolf on the Barrow-Downs.

The original rules may be found here (http://forum.barrowdowns.com/showpost.php?p=388268&postcount=1). Additional rules for this game may be found here (http://forum.barrowdowns.com/showpost.php?p=389684&postcount=302).

The players are:

Anguirel (Grim Blacksmith)
Feanor of the Peredhil (Village Healer)
Holybtlass (Old Farmer’s Wife)
Eomer of the Rohirrim (Rich Merchant)
The Barrow-Wight (Strong Stonemason)
the phantom (Landlord of The Phantom Inn)
Fordim Hedgethistle (Tall Sheep-Shearer)
Encaitare (Grumpy Old Lady)
Ainaserkewen (Village Innocent)
dancing spawn of ungoliant
Oddwen (Henwife - er - she keeps chickens)
Son of Númenor (Timid Carpenter)
Nimrodel_9 (Simple Farm Girl)

The Village comprises:
3 Werewolves
1 Seer
1 Cursed Villager
1 Werewolf Hunter
1 Guardian
6 Ordinary Villagers
_________________________

The sun slowly sank below the horizon as the villagers reflected on the recent disturbing events. For several nights now, dreadful howls had been heard in the surrounding forest and each morning sheep and cattle had been found in the fields slaughtered and half devoured. Some terrible evil was afoot and the villagers feared for their very lives. They gradually fell into a restless sleep, hoping that they would not be next on the menu …
__________________________

It is now the first NIGHT. The Werewolves should contact each other, and one of them should notify me of their intended victim. The Seer should notify me who they wish to dream about and the Guardian should notify me who they wish to guard.

This post is timed at 1AM GMT on Saturday 21 May. The first DAY will commence 24 hours from now (1AM GMT on Sunday 22 May), or earlier if all notifications are received before then.

Good luck!

[The Saucepan Man]

The village awoke. All had overslept, for strangely no rooster call had greeted the morning.

The villagers convened in The Phantom Inn for breakfast, fearful that the night had brought yet more slaughter in the fields. Yet it seemed that neither sheep nor cattle had been harmed that night and, as they talked, it became apparent that not one of them had heard the dreadful howls of the previous nights. Some ventured to suggest that perhaps the wolfish fiends that had been besetting the village had moved on. Yet there was one who was not present. And, as the morning wore on and she did not appear, the villagers decided to pay her a visit to check on her.

As they approached her small house, they were immediately aware that something was not quite right. It seemed quiet. Too quiet. The usual sound of clucking and crowing was noticeably absent. Looking into the henhouse, the villagers saw that it was empty. Perhaps Oddwen had decided to kill her flock in preparation for a feast to celebrate the end of the village’s wolfish woes.

But, on entering her house, they were confronted with a terrible sight. A large pile of feathers mixed (worryingly) with human hair lay on the table. Oddwen’s entire stock of chickens had been slaughtered, plucked and hung from the ceiling. But it was not that which drew the villagers’ attention. At the end of the row of chickens there hung another figure, much larger than the rest. Suspended by her legs, her head lolling at an improbable angle, there hung Oddwen. Her neck had been broken and all the hair had been plucked from her head. She had been plucked and trussed like a chicken, as if ready for some dreadful feast …

Living:
Anguirel
Feanor of the Peredhil
Holbytlas
Eomer of the Rohirrim
The Barrow-Wight
the phantom
Fordim Hedgethistle
Encaitare
Ainaserkewen
dancing spawn of ungoliant
Son of Númenor
Nimrodel_9

Dead:
Oddwen (Villager) - slaughtered, plucked and trussed like a chicken on Night 1

Score:
Werewolves: 3
Villagers: 9

DAY 1 has now started. It will end in 24 hours’ time (11.30AM GMT tomorrow), or earlier if a clear majority on voting is reached before then.

[Fordim Hedgethistle]

Well it's terrible and all wot's 'appened to Oddwen, but ere's being thankful as it wasn't me...

Course, now I'm a-wondering who it might 'ave been who killed that lass and all her lovely chickens. Ooooh, how I would like a taste of one o' them right now; they always were the best things after a hard night with the bottle...

But who can tell about the folk in this cursed place? Some of 'em are not right, and that's for sure. That Phantom fellow and all: sure, he can pull a good pint, but what sort of a name is that to 'ave? I ask you? And Ainaserkewen: lookin' and actin' innocent all the day, but fair covers on foul books, I says...

*glower*

[The Barrow-Wight]

"One thing is for sure," said the mason, pulling his fingers through his greying hair. "We're going to need to protect ourselves."

He looked around the room, first at the unfortunate victim and then, one-by-one, a long stare into the eyes of each of his fellow citizens.

"One of you, or maybe more than one, is a werewolf. I have no magic eye to determine which of you it is, so I'll cast no accusations so early in the morning. But I will prepare a place where you can be dealt with when we do discover who you are."

The mason walked through the door saying, "This town needs a gallows. I shall be in the square building one."

[Eomer of the Rohirrim]

Poor Oddwen. We'll find the scoundrels who did this to you. And we shall be quick, yes.

Three of our own, but of whom do we have reason to suspect? Let us stare at each other with intensity; the guilty will crack before long.

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

The healer looked with intensity at all who were present. Poor, poor Oddwen, she thought. Who could have... She trailed off, sleepy still. It was far too early after a late night out to be thinking so critically. Who says that healers don't dance? she thought with an amused smile. But alas, that isn't the point... we've a bloody lot of werewolves on the loose, without a single clue as to who they are.

She glared more or less equally at almost everybody, glaring slightly more forebodingly at Anguirel. The two had quite a rocky past, though not everyone was aware. If he tries any of that funny business this time...

"Fordim," she said worriedly, "what gives you the idea that the phantom is not as pure and innocent as the wind driven snow? Or that Aina might be more than she seems. Why those two, do you pick?"

[the phantom]

The Phantom welcomed everyone into the common room and brought them drinks.

"I assure you, Mr. Hedgethistle, I had nothing whatsoever to do with my name. It was given to me by my parents. Though I have come to love my name- since it refers to me," he ended with a wink.

The Phantom then turned to The Barrow-Wight. "Werewolf, you say? Where did you come up with that? I never even thought about it- figured it was just a pack of regular old wolves. Are you versed in werewolf lore and know certain things to look for? If so, you'd better let us know what we are dealing with here."

The Phantom raised his voice for all to hear. "I think we should wait for a few more people to arrive before we start coming to any sort of conclusion. Everyone try to remember if they've seen anything funny the past few days and then tell about it. As my father used to say, 'nothing like a room full of smart people talkin' to fix a problem'."

"I'll be back in a bit, hon," he said quietly to Fea. "I'm going to take a walk around town and look for tracks and such."

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

Fea responded just as quietly. "I think I may join you. There is nothing worse than the first day when we have nothing, not even pointless accusations, to go on. There is no point in sitting t'home where I'll learn nothing for some time, when I could be out looking for answers. And besides... I heard that that lovely new couple in town is expecting. I should go see if they need any help.

[dancing spawn of ungoliant]

Dancing spawn was still shocked about the horrible deed that took place in her own village as she entered the Inn. Many had already gathered there but she didn't feel comfortable to sit down next to any other people. "Anyone here can be more than he or she claims to be", she muttered to herself.

Eomer stared disturbingly at every villager in the room and suffocative silence filled the otherwise cheery Inn. "The Barrow-Wight has gone off to build a gallows tree. I bet that poor Oddwen's death won't be the last one in this community", Dancing spawn sighed.

[Son of Númenor]

The already frantic murmur of the crowd turned into an audible gasp as I made my way into the square where the villagers had convened, outside of Oddwen’s house. I could feel my pale features growing flushed, my arms trembling. I should not, I decided, have come.

What’s he doing here? someone murmured, thinking himself out of the range of my ear.

I’ll bet he did it – him and his old mum, said another, bolder voice. I clenched my fists and drew a deep breath.

No coincidence, this: ‘im turnin’ up in public fer the first time in months, day after a murder’s be done.

I tried to redirect my attention; walking as composedly as my nerves would allow, I went and took a seat on a bench, next to an elderly man who I recognized: I’d built him a plain bureau for his wife a few months ago, a surprise for their anniversary. He nodded at me and smiled, I think somewhat gravely. My eyes were fixed downward on my feet, but I returned the nod.

"I’m only hear to listen, for the time being", I said, inexplicably compelled to explain myself to the old man.

That is as it should be, he replied. There was a pause. My wife thanks you for the bureau. It is quite sturdy.

I sat for awhile and listened to the villagers. To my surprise, one of the village elders called upon me to give my thoughts. I could feel the crowd’s gaze upon me, and knew that no answer I gave would be satisfactory. I also knew that my remaining silent could prove deadly in this panicked atmosphere.

"Well," I stammered, after some hesitation, "I noticed that Fordim was not only the first to speak, but the only to mention others’ names; was it perhaps a deflection of perceived suspicion? And then there was that old mason, planning the execution before it was decided who was to be executed; it seemed to me an overreaction, at the least." The crowd was visibly aghast at my audacity: me, the hermitic carpenter, making so bold as to name names.

There would be a time, I knew, ere the sun set this very day, when I would have to cast my vote for a hanging. With this in mind, I added, "Certainly now is not the time for rash judgement. I meant no hurt upon the characters of the men I named, if it be proved that my suspicions are unfounded."

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

As Fea and the phantom walked through the village, she whispered in his ear.

"M'lad, earlier you said
I never even thought about it- figured it was just a pack of regular old wolves. Did it not occur to you that the pretty lass was strung up to the ceiling? A pack of regular wolves can't tie knots. They sort of... um..." she thought for a moment, trying to put this delicately so that it might not be construed as suspicion so much as a somewhat affectionate correction. "M'boy, wolves lack the reach and the opposable thumbs."

Hearing a terrifyingly disembodied voice commanding them to return to the group, Fea and the phantom quickly followed orders.

As she looked around at the growing group of villagers, Fea began to post in a slightly different manner.

Fordim, I'd love for you to speak up and explain why you picked those two. Also, I'm very seriously considering dropping names like rabid ferrits (oh how I love this new phrase...;) ) just to see what people's reactions will be. Just to.. you know... spice things up a bit.

[Fordim Hedgethistle]

*Lighting his pipe and taking a contemplative puff upon it*

Well, Sono, if there’s no-one here as is willing to point fingers at others, we may as well just slit our own throats and do the Werewolves’ work for them! A very nice piece of reasoning you ‘ave there I must say. The first as speaks is the first to draw suspicion? What about the one who sits there with nary a word and an innocent smile upon her pretty face?

*Looks at Ainaserkwen*

The ol’ Barrow-Wight has the right idea there, I says. Let’s get up a gallows right quick and put it to use too! And I say let’s string up that there

++Phantom

Yea, yea – I hear you a-caterwauling for an explanation mistress Fea, and I aim to give it. It seems to me that if I were a Werewolf, and if I wanted to make sure I knew what was what about a town, I could do a lot worse that set myself up as the Innkeeper of that there town! What’s more, if I were a werewolf, and I wanted to have about me others as I could easily fool into trusting me, it seems I would want to be married. Of course, now that I think of it, seems to me that if I were a Werewolf, I might prefer the company of my own kind…

Now I just a-knows that there’s going to be some among you all who think that I’m a-trying to move the noose from around my own neck and onto another’s. Well, there’s not much I can say to that other than to say that I know I’m no Werewolf, but I can’t say that I know the same about that Phantom feller. The ways I see it is this – if we hang him there’s two results…

First, he’s a Werewolf and we’ve done right; then we’ll know that anyone who tried to save him, or who was mysteriously quiet in the matter, is probably one of those hairy beasts too!

Second, he’s not a Werewolf and we’ve done wrong, but then we can pretty much clear anyone who argued to save his life and begin to look a lot more closely at those who argued to hang him – and yes I know that if this happens, I’m sure to draw some people down on me: but if you do hang me, when my body stays as human as the day it came from out my mother, I hope that you’ll all remember my words here and feel sorry as to have turned against one who is trying to save this village!

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

Yea, yea – I hear you a-caterwauling for an explanation mistress Fea, and I aim to give it.
It isn't good enough.

set myself up as the Innkeeper of that there town
True enough, but you have to remember that we're talking about the phantom and that he is notorious for his love of being the center of attention. How better than by owning the gathering place? He's pret' much guaranteed attention all day long, most especially if he's all dressed up in what would be called a tuxedo if they happened to exist in this time period!

to have about me others as I could easily fool into trusting me, it seems I would want to be married
Easily fooled my word-that-would-be-bleeped-were-I-to-post-it! Just because I'm not randomly pointing fingers and casting a vote that can not be revoked doesn't mean I'm easily fooled. It means more that I am not a fool. Big difference, m'lad, and see if I come heal you next time you're ill. Although I'll bet you wouldn't want me to come heal you, if I'm such a fool. I might screw up and vote that the wrong illness get lynched from your miserable old bones!

some among you all who think that I’m a-trying to move the noose from around my own neck and onto another’s
Yes, yes there are, y'old fool. You have limited evidence, if you can even call it that, and yet you are pointing fingers (or are they paws?). Half of what you call evidence you did not gain from anything that's been said or done. 'Tis what was gleaned from an outside source, and those, Mister Hedgethistle, count for naught in these parts.

But if your idea is to point fingers and find out reactions, then I applaud you for your sheer talent at it. Although I have no idea what the phantom's reactoin will be (although it will probably include hearty laughter and finger-pointing as he's doing it), I know that by tossing out unfounded accusations, you've drawn a heck of a lot of attention to yourself. And you called me a fool, which means I'll be watching you closely and dessecting every word you say. Tread carefully, Mister Hedgethistle, before you accuse yourself right to the gallows.

[Holbytlass]

So quick, Fordim. You forget the third, that you and Phantom might be both innocent!
You have cast your vote and nothing can be done to change that. But before anyone else jumps on this bandwagon to hang Phantom, please wait. The gallows will keep, there is time before night. Perhaps others might vote for Phantom just to save their own necks (werewolf and innocent alike) from the noose. Perhaps innocent ones might feel there is enough of us to make Phantom a sacrifice. I am not siding with Phantom on his innocence or guilt, nor am I against Fordim for his boldness. Which, by the way, can taken as wolfish. Right now, I side with justice and patience, afterall, there are so many who have not shown up.

[the phantom]

You left out one of the possibilities, Fordim. Perhaps I am not only innocent, but also could make an extremely valuable contribution to this village when it comes to catching or protecting people from beasts.

I think we could do with a bit less haste and a bit more thought. All the townspeople haven't arrived yet- who knows what one of them might have to say? And your suspicions are ridiculous if you don't mind my saying so. I was here in this Inn all night- just ask my lovely wife. She's a light sleeper and would've noticed if I had been in and out. And as far as accusing her of being a monster...well...you had better watch your step. I'm not a violent man, but nobody talks about Fea like that!

If I had to name names, yours would be at the top of the list, Fordim. That carpenter, Son of Numenor, he knew what he was talking about when he mentioned you. He also knew what he was talking about when he said "Certainly now is not the time for rash judgement." I know some of you may be wary of Son, but I've always thought he was a intelligent, upstanding young man. We'd all do well to follow his advice.

I disagree with him on the mason though- The Barrow-Wight. Sure he's getting ready to hang someone, but I think it's because he doesn't want to get into all of the name calling and such. He's working by himself outdoors instead of slinging mud around indoors. Pretty smart, if you ask me.

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

There's also the fourth, Holby: that they're both werewolves and Fordim is quite cleverly messing with us.

But really, there isn't enough evidence out to accuse anybody of anything yet.

[Anguirel]

...announces the Blacksmith's (suspiciously?) tardy arrival. He advances on the lanky Fordim, a thunderous frown on his face. He speaks quietly, hoarsely, firmly.

"If ye wag yon tongue rashly, ye go about snapping blameless necks. Thine most o' all. Half the village be against thee already. Have a care, lad. Have a care."

Next the burly, solemn fellow turns on the innkeeper.

"As for ye, publican, lay off the mason. He's but a working man as I am. He has his craft to look to. Glance at yon walls and remember you have him to thank for them. Be not so ungrateful."

[the phantom]

lay off the mason
I did. This is what I said-
I disagree with him on the mason though- The Barrow-Wight. Sure he's getting ready to hang someone, but I think it's because he doesn't want to get into all of the name calling and such. He's working by himself outdoors instead of slinging mud around indoors. Pretty smart, if you ask me.
I was trying to say that I don't suspect the mason (BW).

[Fordim Hedgethistle]

they're both werewolves and Fordim is quite cleverly messing with us.

I ain't never had truck with cleverness! But I'm sorry as to have raised your hackles Miss Fea, I did not a-mean to go and call you a fool, but to say that if I were a Werewolf I would want to fool the people close to me.

And thanks a-plenty Miss Holbytlass for at the least appreciating my "boldness" as you call it -- there's many an other here who will be apounding on me for that very thing before long, looking at it instead as the sign of an evil conscience. Truth be told I'm rascally...a human, but rascally.

But I 'ave to ask what the great rush is to wait: what "evidence" do you all suppose is going to emerge before the second Night? T'ain't at all likely that the Werewolves are going to step forward and declare their guilt! And innocent folk can do little more than say they are innocent and be believed or not! If we all take a wait-and-see approach, then we'll be watching as night falls and have done nothing to avenge the death of Oddwen.

[Holbytlass]

I mourn Oddwen. My heart cries for her, and agrees that she should be avenged.
The avenging has to start somewhere and I fear for you, Fordim because of your boldness and vote, The Phantom and you are on the chopping block. Each of us has to decide where to place our vote.
As you have pointed out, no one else is really going to come forward with compelling evidence to put a third person (or themselves) on the block.
And I am scared of the possibility of both being innocent.

[Anguirel]

The smith looks fully answered-and indeed a little ashamed-after the phantom's speech.

Shaking his head sadly, he turns back towards Fordim.

"Well, lad, if ye want pain and sundering, let us have it in an orderly, well-forged sort of way. Let each villager stand forth and be questioned by the assembly."

Without hesitation, he steps, hard, on the shepherd's foot, smiling mirthlessly as the yelp rings out. "Well-volunteered, Master Hedgethistle. Now tell us-what exactly were you about last night?"

[Fordim Hedgethistle]

Sleepin! Ye daft, stumble-footed mallow! And that's the last I shall say on the matter.

[Anguirel]

The Smith does not comment, though he steps back and stops menacing Fordim. At last he nods.

"As for me, I didnae sleep at all. I spent a while sharpening the edges of my broadsword. I feared something mickle unnatural might occur. Did ye nae hear of the village not two-score miles north-east? The wolf-kin came...and they left no survivors. Though two were gibbeted, the third finished the job."

The Blacksmith spits on the ground. "That beast had many hanged corpses to devour by night. We do most harm to ourselves. The real evil the creatures bring is not blood, but strife. Nevertheless...we must set about our business, ill though it is."

[the phantom]

You know, Fordim, your abrasive manner is really rubbing me the wrong way.

I heard a tale about another village (http://forum.barrowdowns.com/showthread.php?t=11911) that got attacked by werewolves. The day after the first killing, there was a fellow by the name of Anguirel that started acting just the way you are acting, and he turned out to be a werewolf.

Now you might say that a werewolf would be a fool to act like that again, but perhaps doing it again would be the perfect cover. It would be a brilliant move for a werewolf to act like Anguirel did that time.

Singling out one person and going after them like this- others might be inclined to go along with you, thinking that you had some sort of secret ability to sniff out beasts. But why would someone with that sort of gift be so anxious to hint at it so early- before you've had a chance to really use it much? That doesn't make much sense to me.

I certainly don't know you are a wolf. You could very well be an innocent who just wants to hang someone and get this over with, but your behavior is not leaving me with much of a choice on who to vote for.

[Anguirel]

The Smith coughs loudly.

"You're on shaky ground, innkeeper. To my mind Fordim is behaving not like my namesake, but like our village healer's, Feanor of the Peredhil. I would remind ye that suspicion of that unfortunate-stirred up by a laddie remarkably akin to your ain good self-led to the eventual ruin of that wee hamlet. Do not fall intae Fordim's own trap and be sae swift to condemn."

[Nimrodel_9]

Rather late, Nimrodel sidled through the crowd to get a look. She gave a small squeak and quickly pulled back at the gruesome sight. She covered her eyes and moved away from the terrible scene. Poor Oddwen! Her presence would truly be missed! She had heard about what had happened and thought Oddwen's death had been exaggerated. Just regular wolves she had thought. Who would do something like this?! Then she heard the whisper of werewolves. She squeaked again. "Werewolves?! But I thought they were just tales to scare children!" She sat down on an overturned barrel and held her head in her hands.

[Holbytlass]

I wonder where the grumpy old one and the 'innocent' young one are?

[the phantom]

I would remind ye that suspicion of that unfortunate-stirred up by a laddie remarkably akin to your ain good self-led to the eventual ruin of that wee hamlet.
Actually, if I'm remembering the story correctly, that "laddie" never did get that poor innocent healer killed, he merely suspected her (understandably since she acted just like a wolf), and when his suspicion turned away from her to the true culprit, he was killed in the night. Plus, I would add, that the lad was correct on the first day.
Do not fall intae Fordim's own trap and be sae swift to condemn.
Hey, now, I'm not one you need to warn about that. I'm not the one who's voted to lynch someone.

[Anguirel]

Perhaps they're afraid. Perhaps e'en now they're at boarding up yon doors and windows. Who are ye to cast aspersions on your fellow womenfolk, Mistress? Did ye catch any sound last night?

[Encaitare]

Now, now, what's all this nonsense! Ye young 'uns be quarrelin' 'mongst yerselves 'bout poor Oddwen?? What's all this finger-pointin'?? 'Specially against Miz Fea here, who never did nothin' but help yer sick! Why, jus' las' month she gave me a tonic fer me achin' old joints, she did.

Now, I dunno nothin' about her fella, this phantom. I'm not one te frequent a tavern, not at my age. Maybe back when I was younger, when we danced here 'til the moon wuz high... but there I go, talkin' nonsense too.

Think wi' yer heads, now. D'ye really think a young lass'd be able te do somethin' like that to another person? No, I'm thinkin' it's gotta be someone bigger an' stronger.

[Nimrodel_9]

Nim stared around at the bickering villagers. She was glad her parents were away. Her father had a sharp tongue that could sometimes lead him into trouble without him even knowing it.

Most of the suspicion seemed to lean toward Fordim, Fea, and phantom. Now, if any of us did it, they probably wouldn't be here, she thought. She was about to say so when she realized she could not see her friend Ainaserkewen anywhere. She could never suspect that innocent little Aina would do something as terrible as this. But I could be wrong! What if it is Aina? Perhaps I should just keep my mouth shut for once and wait to see what the day brings. She could only hope it was not Aina. She would hate to lose a friend like her. Unless she really is a werewolf! Perhaps I will just stay away from her. That way I can't get her into trouble if she is innocent. Let the village decide. Nimrodel was just so confused. What else was new?

[Holbytlass]

Perhaps they're afraid. Perhaps e'en now they're at boarding up yon doors and windows. Who are ye to cast aspersions on your fellow womenfolk, Mistress? Did ye catch any sound last night?
They should be afraid, as all of us are; but I'm not casting suspicion (if that is what you mean by aspersions). I truly am wondering where they are. The 'innocent' part I used because that is what she calls herself.
I'm glad Encaitare came, we old ladies will do our best to bestow wisdom on this matter. Maybe not smarts (as in my case), but slow-thinking wisdom.
And as for, Ainaserkewen, I hope she does show up. So we know she is allright.
As for noise, I heard none.

[Encaitare]

I didn' hear nothin' neither last night. Me poor ol' ears ain't what they used te be. But now as I'm observin' ye all an' hearin' all yer stories, I'm wonderin' why Mr. Hedgethistle was so quick te accuse... an' te think of eatin' chicken at a time like this! Now, I ain't accusin' ye, lad, I won't have none of that till I think it's a good an' proper time, but still! In my day we had a little more tact that that!

An', Mr. Anguirel, I resent what ye said -- scared an' stayin' at home, my foot! But ye may be right in one respect. 'Twouldn't hurt us to lock the windows an' doors tonight in case the wolves come back -- if wolves it was.

[Son of Númenor]

After careful consideration, I've decided that we shouldn't be considering who's accusing who, but who's defending who. Now Fea has considerable reason to defend The Phantom -- werewolf or no -- as he's her husband and that's what a spouse should do; but Encaitare defending Fea seems strange, for insooth none of us should be defending anyone based solely on character. Evil wears many faces, as they say. That Enca would go out of her way to defend one person -- a person who has not even been directly accused, I believe -- to whom she has no familial relation, seems suspect.

[Holbytlass]

...but Encaitare defending Fea seems strange, for insooth none of us should be defending anyone based solely on character.
I'm going to stick my neck out a little on this one. SoN, I think you do right in reminding us all not to base our defending someone on character alone. But I think Enca's defence of Fea is not suspect (at this time) but just Enca being a product of her time. When women were women and men were MEN. And she might not have known that when a person transforms into a werewolf they become very strong, even women.
I'm sure your own dear mother might have sayings or ideals that do not happen at this time. How is she doing?

[Son of Númenor]

She is not well.

A word of advice, if I may: Don't stick your neck out too far with werewolves about.

I am anxious to here more from The Barrow-Wight, and from Eomer of the Rohirrim. The latter has been awfully silent, a trait I have not known him for before.

[Ainaserkewen]

Aina looked up from her corner where she'd been crying, her eyes red with tears, staining her dress.

"Nim! Oh, Nim you've heard then, about poor Oddwen. There's werewolves! And they've attacked a villager! Oh, I'm so scared. Now everyone is pointing fingers, starting to accuse people who might be werewolves in guises. I don't know what to do!"

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

Encai m'love, how are you? That cough that's been ailing you... has it cleared up since I've seen you last? I thank you dearly for speaking in my favor, but I'm afraid for you if you do again. You may cause suspicion that I'd hate for you to have. Not on my part, m'dear, never, but these villagers... That Fordim Hedgethistle... he's been pointing his fingers and I wouldn't doubt it, his toes, for as long as we've been standing here, and for less reason than lies in the head of a newt.

I pray you all, do not be so quick to suspect Encaitare... our long friendship may cloud her thoughts, but she is more honorable than even I... not a tricksy bone in her, while I am quite fond of causing a wee bit of mischief. Not that I've done any recently... Except, of course, for a bit of teasing now and then... And I've heard rumors that she who shares my name in the village not far from here played a mighty game with her peers...

I suspect at the time only those who have gone out of their way to give me reason to. Yes, Mister Hedgethistle, I speak of you. While you may be emulating my namesake (and doing a mighty job of it, I should add), I shouldn't wonder if you have an ulterior motive.

Much as I hate to say it, I do not currently mistrust... no, I'll rephrase, since I mistrust him greatly. I do not, at this very second in time, think that Fordim Hedgethistle is a direct threat to us. He is quite bright enough to realize the dangers of the position that he's placed himself in, and... well... Actually, I'm not sure.

Allow me to think aloud, if you please.

Fordim could be doing one of many things.

Let us proceed under the assumption that he secretly is a furry vicious beast: Fordim kept close tabs on the situation in the other village, and has seen the way that minds work. That he has chosen to emulate the most highly suspected, and ironically, nearly longest-lived villager (a very lovely lady, I might add... I'd met her several times) fascinates me. He knows well that her purpose for naming names so early on was to get a jump start on the action. He knows well that a person's reaction well reveals their thoughts, especially under extreme pressure. He knows, most especially, that the lass was pure and innocent as the wind driven snow. As a wolf, he sees this as the safest persona to adopt. The villagers would see that if she was innocent, than so might be he. There would be no long hours of dissecting motives, as hers have already been [at least partially] revealed. Mister Hedgethistle's extreme boldness and, to be quite honest, prickliness, can be seen as innocence. Why on Middle Earth, after all, would a true werewolf be so darned obvious.

Or 'tis even simpler... He's a werewolf and wants us to lynch an innocent. Any innocent will do, but he drew our Innkeeper's name out of a hat, and so that is why he is doing his best to lynch him.

Now we proceed under the idea that Mister Hedgethistle is an innocent, although rather pushy, villager. He could simply not fear for his life, as he knows that he is innocent, and so begins to cry wolf, if you'll pardon the pun, just to see what happens.

Or, even better, he's the seer, and dreamt about the phantom last night. It would certainly explain his um... fervor... in the phantom's guilt. As well as his hastily gathered, and not particularly convincing, bit of evidence.

Frankly, I'm leaning towards him being a werewolf trying to hide in the open, but I'm not positive yet. I certainly don't think he's a seer, because no seer is that stupid.

[Son of Númenor]

he secretly is a furry vicious beastThat is no secret.

*murmurs from the crowd*

Oh, you were talking about him being a werewolf. Apologies.

[The Barrow-Wight]

The mason returned to the inn sometime after midday to announce that a functional gallows had been constructed and was ready to use should a consensus be reached on a victim. While sitting near the window ,enjoying a mug of Phantom Ale, he listened attentively to the arguments of his fellow villagers. As he had expected, no one had confessed to the crime, and people were wagging fingers and tongues. He smiled when he heard that phantom had imagined natural wolves to possess knot tying abilities, but he frowned greatly when he heard of the accusations that had been made. Feanor had the right of it by saying they were working on almost no information, but BW knew he must eventually vote for someone.

He noted the different methods that people were using, and wondered if they were tactics or simply personalities. Silence could indicate secret thoughts, but more likely it revealed indecision. Garrolous assertions could like wise show that a person was extremely defensive or at the end of their nerves. With little to nothing to go on, this day’s vote would be the most difficult. He suddenly wished he had an 11-sided coin.

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

Fea walked over to the Barro-Ight (:p) and slipped him a single coin.

The triick to it, m'lad, is to pick two names at a time and flip several times. Or there is the time-honored spell, chanted most easily to the beat of a drum, but in this case, I quite think that the rhythm of arguing voices may suffice. It goes much like this:

Eeny meeny miny moe,
Catch a werewolf by its toe.
If he attacks, kill him slow,
Eeny meeny miny moe.
The healer told me
To pick the very best one
And you... are it.


Or of course there is the hat trick. That is where you put all the names into a hat, and if you pick accurately thrice, everyone throws their hats at you. ;)

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

Oh words-I'm-too-prim-to-say... 'Tis nearly time for me to head off to bed, being the early riser that I've turned into out of necessity... I regret highly having to do this now, and without further evidence...

++Fordim Hedgethistle, I am sorry, but of all here, you are the only, and by that, I do most certainly mean only, villager to give me the slightest amount of a quiver in my soul, as well as many other poetic lines of near-nonsense that I'd rather not repeat. You accuse with evidence that would not hold up in the most scatter-brained of teenage girl lunch table debates. Also, you insinuated that I am a fool. Quite honestly, I am never going to let you live that down. Perhaps that's why I now have to vote for your life to end prematurely.

I only wish that I had more time, but I must to bed early this night, and to rise even earlier in the morning... Although I will certainly attend the hanging, you can be absolutely positive that I will utter no words. You can count on me to think long and hard tomorrow, and to inform you of my thoughts as soon as circumstances permit me to.

[the phantom]

He smiled when he heard that phantom had imagined natural wolves to possess knot tying abilities
Actually, at the time I said that I figured everyone was just exaggerating the killing and that Oddwen was probably just chewed up and left on the table or something. I didn't really believe that every last chicken was dead and that Oddwen was tied up- perhaps I didn't want to believe it. I wasn't with the group of villagers that went to Oddwen's this morning, you remember, I was here cooking up that nice breakfast you had. It wasn't until Fea and I took our walk that I got to look for myself.
I pray you all, do not be so quick to suspect Encaitare...
Indeed. I can hardly imagine her commiting a violent murder with weak knees and hardly any teeth. I mean- no one found gum marks on Oddwen, did they?

"Ready to turn in already?" Phantom asked Fea.

"Yes, I could really use some sleep after today."

"I somehow doubt that you, or anyone, will get much sleep tonight. I'd turn in for the night too, but I've got to stay up as long as people are here. I'd better nip back and tuck the kids into bed, though."

"What about me?"

Phantom grinned. "Anything for my queen."

He turned to the guests. "That big cauldron of stew is about done- everyone just help yourself to it when it's ready- but don't let any fights break out while I'm gone. Last time a brawl happened here half of my dishes ended up broken."

With that he turned and followed Fea through the doorway.

[Nimrodel_9]

Nimrodel looked up to see Ainaserkewen coming toward her. Wiping away her own tears, she started to rise. Then she remembered. She wanted so badly to go put her arms around her friend. But she could be a werewolf. Or not. Nervously she twisted her fingers and looked away. I can't say anything. I will not! If I open my big mouth and someone hears... they might hear something to make them think Aina did it! Nim had a way of speaking her mind... accidentally. Instead she said, "Yes. I heard." She couldn't bring herself to look Aina in the eyes. Foolish! You suspect your own friend! But of course she didn't do it. Not Aina. Never Aina. But what if she is? It's possible. She looked toward the crowd and heard murmurs of phantom and Fordim's name. She couldn't believe they were werewolves either. Well, someone is! If I have to vote for someone to die, I don't know what I will do!

[Son of Númenor]

On this day we must regrettably use only our suspicions to convict someone of an unspeakably heinous crime. The decision seems one that we are unworthy to make. Yet we must take action with what little knowledge we have. There is one I have felt more uneasy with as the day has worn on: his calm demeanor has felt artificial, his allegiances suspicious. I think that his death will lend us more insight than the execution of any other villager on this night. I now solemnly cast my vote for ++The Phantom.

[Fordim Hedgethistle]

Now we proceed under the idea that Mister Hedgethistle is an innocent, although rather pushy, villager. He could simply not fear for his life, as he knows that he is innocent, and so begins to cry wolf, if you'll pardon the pun, just to see what happens.

Or he's an innocent villager as has been meaning everything he says all day without a whisper of dishonesty, gamesmanship or prevarication -- his only interest being the well-fare of the village.

As it looks as though this might come down to a vote betwixt meself and that Phantom fellow I'd just ask as you all consider this: which of the two of us would you rather have around come the next day? If it does come down to this, I accept the judgement of the village, and no hard feelings...

I'm tired and I'm off to bed. If you decide to lynch me, try not to wake me up before a-putting the noose about me neck...

[the phantom]

The Phantom entered the room after Son had finished speaking. He had heard every word from the other side of the door.
the outcome shall lend us more insight than the death of any other villager
But why kill a villager at all? We are aiming to execute a werewolf, if I am not mistaken. Yes, no one knows for sure who's a werewolf and who isn't, but I can tell you that there is much more of a reason to suspect Fordim than there is to suspect me.

And what about Nimrodel? Nim is firing away like a crazed gunner at Aina with zero evidence whatsoever. Once again, possibly a werewolf trying to hide right out in the open. Surely everyone can see that there is more of a reason to go after Fordim and Nimrodel.

And as far as "allegiances", I would remind you that the Fea and I being married with kids thing started in the last werewolf encounter (http://forum.barrowdowns.com/showpost.php?p=388938&postcount=169).

And lastly- if this is indeed a completely random choice, am I really someone you want to kill on the first day? As the last game proved, I'm plenty handy as a villager. If I were a gifted villager (I'm certainly not claiming it), I would be extremely useful. Either way, it is a sore blow to the town.

And concerning how "calm" I have been, don't you all know me to be generally calm, dry, and level headed for the most part (excusing the occasional rant here and there, like this one). I have been slightly less than calm on a couple of occasions though, and right now I'm beginning to feel a tickle of frustration.
which of the two of us would you rather have around come the next day?
Oh no. A popularity contest. I hope those little green boxes that follow you around aren't an indicator.

[Son of Númenor]

I must be off as well. Good evening.

[Nimrodel_9]

Finally Nimrodel decided to put a word in. It was getting late and she knew she had to vote for someone. But not Aina, she decided. She couldn't bring herself to betray her friend. After all, phantom was right. She had no evidence. It was just her imagination getting the better of her. Slowly she walked toward the crowd. She fought back tears and said, "Why would you accuse me, Phantom? I'm just thinking what most other people are probably thinking about their friends. I'm no werewolf! But I agree with you and Fea that Fordim has been the meanest so far, and that it might be a trick. I'll vote for him. If he turns out to be a villager, think better of me. + + Fordim" I only hope I have chosen wisely! With that she walked away. "Let us see what the night shall bring," she whispered to herself, and shuddered.

[Encaitare]

Aye, me, it's gettin' late. Time fer me to turn in, I think. Oh, but a vote first, ye say? Kills me to do it, really -- though p'raps it'll end up killin' someone else a bit more. Let's see, now. A lot of ye seem right 'bout Mr. Hedgethistle. He's been actin' strangely. But then, I don' like what Mr. Son of Numenor was sayin' about me before. 'Tain't strange that I'd defend someone who's made me old age a little easier, not strange at all.

Now, I hate bandwagonin', but I agree that Mr. Hedgethistle has been actin' mighty odd. I hope you'll all forgive an old lady if I'm wrong, but it also seems a lot of ye all will need forgivin' as well if he turns out innocent. I'm off te bed now -- an' don' ferget what I said about lockin' yer doors tonight. Windows, too.

++Fordim Hedgethistle

[Ainaserkewen]

Aina watched her friend leave. This was maddening, everyone having to decide. But no one had said they were a werewolf, not the innkeeper, nor Fordim as Nim had suggested. How did Nim know that he was a werewolf? Maybe she was only guessing. Perhaps I must make a guess to? But what if who I guess is not a werewolf and I have lied? I don't want to lie, or to have any part in slaying a friend or a villager. But the werewolves must be stopped, because they slay friends and villagers. How am I supposed to choose? If the innkeeper is hanged, then who will look after his poor wife? And what of Fordim? Surely he can't be a werewolf, he looks like a villager! But wait, werewolves transform from humans to monsters.

Aina was very confused indeed. She looked around frantically for some kind of guidance, some logic that would bring light and truth and safety.

[The Barrow-Wight]

The mason emptied his umpteenth mug and mumbled blearily, “It is late, and there is no way I will be up early enough to cast a last-minute vote, so I will vote now. Please do not use me as an example of leadership. My vote, like all others here tonight, is completely uneducated and ultimately random in nature.”

He slammed his mug down onto the dirty table. “ Well, not totally random. My vote is actually based almost entirely upon my dislike of long expositions built upon shoddy evidence. It is additionally affected by my desire to avoid reading long passages of convoluted accusations.”

He raised his ale and shouted, “++ the phantom seems pretty sneaky to me! Somebody prove me wrong!”

[Holbytlass]

I'm sorry, but he who casts the first stone....
++FORDIM

[Ainaserkewen]

++FORDIM

[the phantom]

Well, it seems that Fordy's demise is inevitable now. I hope we are right, though if we are wrong I don't lament my vote one tiny bit seeing as I literally had no choice (the other option was me).
If he turns out to be a werewolf, think better of me.
I suppose I would if he does turn out to be a wolf.

If not, then you move to the top of my suspect list.

++ Fordim Hedgethistle

[Anguirel]

Another loud anvil whack interrupts precedings...

Now, I ken many o' ye are turning on the shepherd lad, Fordim. I ken that if'n I defend him and I gang wrong, ye'll be wailing for string me up, and little guid will it dae ye.

But to my mind, there be some what are using their tongues more slyly to urge us to the gibbet. Alas that such a dark day has dawned, and a crimson night is to fall. But if ye recall, twas the farmer's wifie that said:

"The avenging has to start somewhere and I fear for you, Fordim because of your boldness and vote, The Phantom and you are on the chopping block. Each of us has to decide where to place our vote.
As you have pointed out, no one else is really going to come forward with compelling evidence to put a third person (or themselves) on the block."

Well, I have it in mind to break that wifie's mould. Those who direct the flow of anger and wrath can be as dangerous as those who provoke it. Mistress Holbytlass jumps on a cause and tries to cloud our eyes from other culprits. Though Fordim has acted foolishly, and his fate is almost certainly sealed, I cast my vote for ++ Holbytlass. And part of me dreads lest I be right, and she come for my flesh in the small hours. Though if'n she does...I'll be ready for her.

[dancing spawn of ungoliant]

I haven't said almost anything during this deadful day and for a reason. I was afraid that my vote should lead to the death of an innocent for neither my heart nor brain could tell me, who was speaking the truth. But now I see that the decision has been made without me. Alas, my vote has no value in it (or maybe it's a good thing) but I have no reason to start to argue against the majority. With that I must cast my vote for ++ Fordim Hedgethistle.

[Eomer of the Rohirrim]

I go inside for a few hours to inspect my new purchase (Gondorian robes, since you ask) and find that you lot have already voted to lynch our good Fordim? What is this madness?

Nothing to go on? O I beg to differ. Fordim was an easy target for the rushed and the naive. Yes, he put his neck out and was willing to take the spotlight in order to coax those devilish wolves. However, this seems like very lame evidence. And realise please that I am not for one minute accusing the phantom at this time. I just see this as one of the silliest lynchings ever (although there was this one time in Rhun, o my....I'll tell you about it sometime).

Remember that the phantom and Fea have the perfect pretext for a defence. I'm not accusing either of the two, I'm just saying that this marriage is not really an adequate counter. Of course anyone would blindly defend a partner, but we cannot look too deeply into it.

I have a couple of suspects, but Fordim is not among them. If we find out that he is a werewolf then I take a bow to you all, and thank the stars above for helping our village. But I warn you of this: you have decided to lynch a man and I cannot understand why.

Because I still fear the wolves greatly, if I am to go tonite, please remember my thoughts on Fordim.

Now let us see, and hope that you have chosen wisely.

[The Saucepan Man]

The village was decided. The sheep-shearer would die. After all, the killings had started with sheep and cattle and his hut was nearest to the fields. And sheap-shearing was similar to chicken plucking, wasn’t it? Well, near enough as to make no difference. He had to be one of them. Didn’t he?

Fordim Hedgethistle faced the angry mob, his eyes wide with fear and desperation. As they advanced on him, he drew forth his great shears and brandished them at all who dared approach.

“I am no Werewolf!” he cried. “I am an innocent man!”

“What about Oddwen?” shouted one of the Villagers, “Why don’t you tell her about it?”

“Yes, we’ve suspected you for the longest time,” said another.

“Aye. We didn’t start the fire. You did!” added a third.

“Er - yes - I never liked him. Ever since he - um - married that uptown girl,” muttered a fourth, weakly.

“Enough Joel-ity,” cried the first. “Let’s lynch him!”

As the mob flew at Fordim, he swung his shears about wildly. Several villagers were injured in the ensuing tussle, but their numbers were too great for the suspected Werewolf. Eventually, he was overwhelmed and subdued. Caught up in the frenzy and angered by the wounds inflicted by Fordim, it did not occur to the Villagers that, were he a Werewolf, he might have transformed into a beast the better to defend himself.

In no time, the tall sheep-shearer was bound and led to the sturdy gallows built by the sturdy stonemason. Calm once more, he stared at the crowd impassively.

“Soon my innocence will be proved,” he said. “And you will see that I acted only with the Village’s best interests at heart.”

The noose was placed around his neck and the lever pulled. The Villagers crowded forward, eager to have their suspicions proved right. But there was only a brief struggle and a dreadful crack as Fordim’s neck snapped.

It seemed that Fordim Hedgethistle was nothing more than an innocent Villager after all …

Living:
Anguirel
Feanor of the Peredhil
Holbytlas
Eomer of the Rohirrim
The Barrow-Wight
the phantom
Encaitare
Ainaserkewen
dancing spawn of ungoliant
Son of Númenor
Nimrodel_9

Dead:
Oddwen (Villager) - slaughtered, plucked and trussed like a chicken on Night 1
Fordim Hedgethistle (Villager) – lynched and hung in a flurry of bad Billy Joel puns on Day 1

Score:
Werewolves: 3
Villagers: 8

NIGHT 2 has now started. It will end in 24 hours’ time (10.30AM GMT tomorrow), or earlier if all night-time notifications are received by me before then.

[The Saucepan Man]

The Villagers awoke once more, fearful of what the day would bring.

And it was not long before their fears were confirmed. A sickening stench hung in the air. The unmistakeable smell of burning flesh.

A steady stream of smoke could be seen billowing from the chimney of the Blacksmith’s workshop. Surely it was too early for him to be at work?

A few Villagers, stout of heart, ventured into the Smithy. But they soon wished that they had not. Most of what remained of the Smith’s body lay on his great anvil. It appeared that his own implements had been crudely employed to carve his corpse into portions. In fact, the remains would not have been recognisable as Anguirel at all were it not for his severed head, its expression grim and impassive as ever, lying at an angle to one side of the scattered joints of meat.

Over the wide furnace hung a great haunch of what appeared to be the Blacksmith’s leg, skewered on a poker and burned almost to a crisp. But even in its blackened state, it was clear that great chunks had been ripped out of it by terrible canine jaws. There could be no doubt that the Werewolves had enjoyed a hearty feast of barbequed Blacksmith the previous night.

But the Smith had not given his life without a struggle. The workshop had been the scene of a great fight. Tables and benches lay smashed on the floor and the tools of the Smith’s trade were scattered about. And among them lay a sturdy broad sword and a great round shield – unusual possessions for a humble village Blacksmith. But then it was clear that Anguirel had been no ordinary Villager. As those who had the stomach for it searched the scene of the dreadful attack, they realised that he had been busy over the past few days making preparations to guard the Village from the marauding beasts.

But who would defend them now …?

Living:
Feanor of the Peredhil
Holbytlas
Eomer of the Rohirrim
The Barrow-Wight
the phantom
Encaitare
Ainaserkewen
dancing spawn of ungoliant
Son of Númenor
Nimrodel_9

Dead:
Oddwen (Villager) - slaughtered, plucked and trussed like a chicken on Night 1
Fordim Hedgethistle (Villager) – lynched and hung in a flurry of bad Billy Joel puns on Day 1
Anguirel (Guardian) – carved up and barbequed on Night 2

Score:
Werewolves: 3
Villagers: 7

DAY 2 has now started. It will end in 24 hours’ time (10.45AM GMT tomorrow), or earlier if a clear voting majority is reached before then.

[Eomer of the Rohirrim]

O my! What a wretched time this village is having.

My heart goes out to Fordim and Anguirel. We really have to avenge them, and quickly.

Notice how we should probably start lynching werewolves, my people. Not innocent old men, crazy though they be. How could you suspect old master Fordim? What madness took you?

As for the newly deceased, it seems clear to me that all eyes will soon turn to Holbytlass, but I fear this will be a mistake. The werewolves are clearly trying to set her up, because she was accused by Ang. I don't doubt the smith's valour in thinking slightly left of centre, but I think that he made the wrong choice.

I for one am extremely wary of three or four people. Let me now name the first of those: Ainaserkewen. That lass, sweet and delightful looking though she be, has an air of treachery around her so great it now makes me shudder. She has been deviously quiet thus far, and voted for my good Fordim late (so as not to stick her neck out too far) and offering no reason (let alone a good reason).

She needs watching if you ask me.

Please forgive us Fordim, and may you rest soundly dear Anguirel.

[Holbytlass]

Thank you, Eomer, for seeing this as it is, a set-up.
Anguirel suspected me because he thought I was 'directing the flow of anger and wrath. he used my own words against me But if ye recall, twas the farmer's wifie that said:

"The avenging has to start somewhere and I fear for you, Fordim because of your boldness and vote, The Phantom and you are on the chopping block. Each of us has to decide where to place our vote.
As you have pointed out, no one else is really going to come forward with compelling evidence to put a third person (or themselves) on the block."(post56)
But what he left out was "And I am scared of the possibilty of both being innocent".(post20)
So why did I say that in the first place? It was in response to Fordim's question of why we should wait (post19). I suggested waiting because Fordim was so quick to accuse and vote for Phantom and wanted all of us to do the same. I wanted to here from everyone first(post14).
I know this will be hard to believe, but I didn't suspect Ang as being a werewolf trying to come after me even before his death proved his innocence. This is why...
He only heard part of what I said, AND he was mistaken about what Phantom said about the mason, Barrow-wight (post17,18,21). What I suspected was that he might have tinnitus. Lay-men's term it is called 'ringing in the ears'. That is an occupational hazard for a black-smith. The healer, Feanor, might be able to back me up on this, but maybe not on account of patient/healer confidentiality.
All I ask is for every one to read in full all I said, before putting my head through the noose.

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

Wow... Quite frankly, I wasn't sure if Fordim was guilty or not, but given the "evidence" that was available when I was compelled to leave, I had to vote for him. It was either him or the phantom, who I saw no compelling evidence at all against.

Now Anguirel is gone, and I'm relieved that he was no wolf, but I'm quite afraid now that we've no guardian.

The one, much as it swashbuckles me to say, that I currently suspect most, is Eomer of the Rohirrim. Also, Aina and dancing spawn have my eye on them. It's quite a lucky chance that I've three eyes, to keep tabs on these villagers. ;)

I'm not saying they are guilty, no, not by any means, but I'm certainly saying that they bear watching. As do we all, quite frankly, but Aina's hasty vote (with no corresponding comments), Eomer's suspicious lack of enthusiastic posting, and dancing spawn's voting once a clear majority had been reached tweak my nerve.

[Son of Númenor]

Now Anguirel is gone, and I'm relieved that he was no wolf, but I'm quite afraid now that we've no guardian.You knew quite well that he was no wolf, being one yourself!

You say that you voted for Fordim because there was no evidence to convict Phantom -- hogwash! There was less evidence against Fordim by any stretch of imagination: it was Phantom, after all, who suggested that he thought the murder of Oddwen was undertaken by mere wolves (his explanation being that he automatically assumed the silly villagers had exaggerated the nature of the killing).

It was you, Feanor of the Peredhil who so adamantly defended The Phantom, even calling poor old Fordim a "fool"; Encaitare who defended you despite the fact that she could not possibly know of your innocence unless she herself was a werewolf; and The Phantom, who defended Encaitare, only seemingly half in jest. Quite a coincidence then, that the three you name as being suspicious -- Aina, Eomer and Dancing Spawn -- are all excluded from this threesome, as well as the one who moved to the top of Phantom's "suspect list" in the wake of Fordim's hanging: Nimrodel_9. You used them all to off Fordim, and now your fangéd triumvirate can name them as suspects to deflect attention from yourselves!

I will cast my vote early on this day: String up ++Feanor of the Peredhil!

*Gasping for breath, amazed at having heard his own voice echo so loudly through the hall, the carpenter staggered, and fainted*

[dancing spawn of ungoliant]

Fea said:dancing spawn's voting once a clear majority had been reached tweak my nerve.
Have we come to this? Well, I'm sorry but even though I'm used to long days and tough work, I must sleep every now and then. It doesn't bother me if you want to stay up all night long (what she just might do), but I sleep at nights.

I have been thinking of what people have said on the first day and re-read their arguments and there's a thing that catches my eye every time. Now, I know that by accusing someone so hastily, I might end up joining Fordim. Also, if I should die during next night, I want to tell you, what I noticed.

There are three werewolves running around and I might have found some evidence, who they could be.

Fea didn't quite like Anguirel.
She glared more or less equally at almost everybody, glaring slightly more forebodingly at Anguirel.
Encaitare was very quick to defend Fea.
What's all this finger-pointin'?? 'Specially against Miz Fea here, who never did nothin' but help yer sick! Why, jus' las' month she gave me a tonic fer me achin' old joints, she did.
Then she (Enca) said:
I'm thinkin' it's gotta be someone bigger an' stronger.
She probably tried to shift blame to males.
Holbytlass, for one, is friends with Enca.
I'm glad Encaitare came, we old ladies will do our best to bestow wisdom on this matter
Enca spoke a bit harshly to Anguirel. An', Mr. Anguirel, I resent what ye said -- scared an' stayin' at home, my foot!
I'd believe that Son of Numenor came up with a theory of the same kind as I even earlier:but Encaitare defending Fea seems strange, for insooth none of us should be defending anyone based solely on character. Evil wears many faces, as they say. That Enca would go out of her way to defend one person -- a person who has not even been directly accused, I believe -- to whom she has no familial relation, seems suspect
Holbytlass defends Enca. But I think Enca's defence of Fea is not suspect (at this time) but just Enca being a product of her time.
Here's then what Fea said about Encaitare:I pray you all, do not be so quick to suspect Encaitare... our long friendship may cloud her thoughts, but she is more honorable than even I... not a tricksy bone in her, while I am quite fond of causing a wee bit of mischief.

Anguirel ended up voting for Holbytlass.

I don't undervalue Eomer's statement about Holbytlass. I know, if there were only a couple quotes, I wouldn't have the right to accuse anyone. It wouldn't even be very wise. All this, though, seems like an awful lot of evidence. I don't want to vote for anybody yet because it might be that they all aren't werewolves. It's still likely that a couple of them are and they are just using the third one.

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

*Fea looks at the prone body and spits in disgust.*

Quite honestly, SoNo, I thought you were more intelligent than that.

You knew quite well that he was no wolf, being one yourself
I obviously missed something important while I was gone yesterday, since I was unaware that I was so high on your list of innocents to randomly accuse and/or kill.

There was less evidence against Fordim by any stretch of imagination:
Explain to me then, SoNo, why any innocent (besides my lovely namesake in the other village) would start accusing with no evidence, vote so early on without hearing a single word against it (and vote irrevocably, which not even my namesake was fool enough to do), and be so utterly abrasive to everyone? If I can hear a plausible reason for me not to have thought him the only one lynchable given the present evidence at the time I had no choice but to leave at, than I will quite forcefully say "Oops." Since he was the only one I could vote for in somewhat good conscience when I left, I have no regrets.

It was you, Feanor of the Peredhil who so adamantly defended The Phantom, even calling poor old Fordim a "fool";
There wasn't the slightest bit of plausible evidence against the phantom at the time. Had I seen another person being so randomly and quite badly accused at the time, rest assured that I would have been defending him or her as well. And he called me one first, insinuating that I am easily fooled into siding with anyone. Choosing a character as an almost private (but not even, because it happened in the last thread) joke has nothing whatsoever with whether or not I eventually decide that Fordim was right and the phantom requires death. That decision will come when somebody presents believable evidence, or when I make astute observations on my own.

Encaitare who defended you despite the fact that she could not possibly know of your innocence unless she herself was a werewolf
That could be one of two things: we are friends, and she is giving me the benefit of the doubt and pointing out that there was no evidence against me... or you're right and she's trying to ally herself with me much like Anguirel's namesake in the last village did.

You used them all to off Fordim, and now your fangéd triumvirate can name them as suspects to deflect attention from yourselves!
I applaud your vocabulary, but actually, I suggest you reread some of my posts. I gave fair (and quite early) warning that I wouldn't be around yesterday, and lo and behold, I wasn't. How can somebody not even remotely present (since I was some four hours away from my computer) use people? All I did was vote for the person who seemed most suspicous at the time. Fault me if you want, but quite honestly, if you really think I'm guilty, then I really think you're a bit of an idiot. I think it's far more likely that your weak arguements and hasty vote for me are to cast a shadow on my purity and sway the innocent villagers into thinking along the lines of your own werewolf self.

[The Barrow-Wight]

The mason grumbled, "Namecalling and whining cast an even greater shadow on your so-called purity. Let's try to be civil in our arguments, and save the nastiness for the gallows."

[Holbytlass]

I realize Sono just voted for you, Feanor, but please, bring the smelling salts....Oh dear, another quick-voter.
Eomer is supicious of Aina
Feanor is of Eomer, Aina, Dancing Spawn
Sonofnumenor of Phantom, Encaitare, and voted Feanor
(To be fair) the late Anguirel of Holbytlass
The only thing we are absolute on is Oddwen, Fordim and Anguirel are innocent.
I did vote Fordim and he turned out to be innocent. This does not proof that Phantom is a werewolf nor that he isn't. I think his mind was bent on avenging Oddwen, they shared a mutual love of animals, she may have held a special place in his heart.
One person I'd like to bring up again is Nimrodel9. Fordim at very first was eyeing Phantom and Aina. Then he made his hasty decision for Phantom. It is strange that Nimrodel9 would be constantly naming her 'best-friend' Aina as a werewolf (post31) even after I stated the obvious that because of Fordim's quick vote, it had landed Phantom and himself on the block(post 20). (Of course, this is why I'm in trouble). And where are her parents, really?
As for Feanor, sure she should be lynched up for her loose tongue and overpriced medical bills, but that's about all she is guilty of.
I have major suspicions on Nimrodel9

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

*Fea belatedly pulls out her smelling salts and hands them over*

And I wasn't really name calling... it was more of an if/then statement. If he honestly thinks I'm guilty with such little evidence against me, then he's a fool.

And if I had not argued for my own innocence, what then? Would you attack me for not behaving like myself? Would you claim that I was not an accomplished enough liar to pull off arguing my case against SoNo? Perhaps I should have kept my mouth shut, but more because his accusation is so ludicrous than for any other reason.

[the phantom]

How could you suspect old master Fordim? What madness took you?
I think you know why he got lynched, Eomer. It was because he came out swinging and voted so quickly.

And I certainly hope no one blames me for my counter attack on Fordim and my vote since it was either his death or mine.
Ainaserkewen. That lass, sweet and delightful looking though she be, has an air of treachery around her so great it now makes me shudder.
Eomer, she gives me a shiver as well, but I think my suspicion of Aina might have more to do with the role she fills in this village- sweet little innocent girl. Truthfully, I don't really think there's a good reason to suspect her. Not unless she gives me one, anyway.
The werewolves are clearly trying to set her (Holbytlass) up
Well- I'm not so sure. It seems a bit too obvious to me. Would wolves have attempted such an obvious set up? Perhaps Holbtylass killed Anguirel and knew that everyone would assume it was a set up because it was so obvious.

I'm not saying that's a for sure, Holbytlass, and I'm not ready to vote yet, so don't get yourself too worked up.
The one, much as it swashbuckles me to say, that I currently suspect most, is Eomer of the Rohirrim.
We certainly can't rule anyone out, but Eomer is not high on my suspect list at all. I suggest we keep him out of this for right now as too many names and accusations muddy up the water.
It was you, Feanor of the Peredhil who so adamantly defended The Phantom
She's my wife.
The Phantom, who defended Encaitare, seemingly half in jest
A defense based on "gum marks" is obviously a jest.
You used them all to off Fordim
Now- that's not true at all!

Fordim was the first to attack. Who did he attack? Me. Was he the seer? No, so he obviously knew nothing. The fact is, I was hoping for more people to show up and post and see if we couldn't get people to say some suspicious things so we could make a better decision, but Fordim forced my hand.

As far as the others that voted for him, it was either Fordim, or me. You can't prove much by a choice that is nothing but a coin toss.

And did you hear Dancing Spawn's theory? It is entirely possible to have a "fangéd triumvirate" without including me.

Overall, a pretty well worked out theory, with some good quotes to back it up. Although, Spawn, I must tell you that I don't like you including Fea on your list, and I'm not likely to vote for her unless both of the other two turn out to be wolves and the seer proclaims Fea's guilt.
It's still likely that a couple of them are and they are just using the third one.
They could just be using Fea.
I have major suspicions on Nimrodel9
It's nice I'm not the only one, but I must admit that it's only a gut feeling. After reading everyone's posts today I think there is better concrete evidence for others at this time. But if we try SoN's theory or Dancing Spawn's theory and they turn out to be a false lead, we couldn't afford to ignore Nim any longer.

[Son of Númenor]

*Sono awoke in a daze, with Feanor of the Peredhil standing over him. Captured by the 'wolves! he thought, but soon realized that she was trying to revive him with smelling salts.

He heard The Phantom speaking as he stood up:*

A defense based on "gum marks" is obviously a jest.Nevertheless, your comment was meant to divert attention from Encaitare to other suspects.

[Eomer of the Rohirrim]

To Sono and Fea and anyone else who thinks that my posting habits are suspicious: I sleep at nite, and the Atlantic Ocean is rather wide. :p

And I stand by my claim that Fordim was highly unlikely to be a werewolf. So he made the first accusation. That only means that he was trying to get the ball rolling, so to speak. I am, quite frankly, amazed at the villagers' poor lack of judgment regarding Master Hedgethistle.

I am also wary of Encaitare. And one especial other who I shall not yet name. The accusations made against Fordim offer much, in my mind...

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

*smiles at the phantom*

I'll be very put out if you're truly a werewolf. You're just so darned charming, I'd hate to have to kill you.

All right Eomer... the time zone difference has me a little messed up with posting at the moment. With most other circumstances, individual times mean nothing. You're currently off my list. Well, not really... but you are a few steps lower.

SoNo, you are really just intent on my guilt, aren't you? I guess my if/then statement turned out to be true. I would hate it for you to be guilty as well, but if it's a choice between your death and mine, my friend, then I am reasonably sure that you can guess who my vote is.

*Fea turns to the mason*

Mister Wight... I'd love to hear all your thoughts on this. You've been quite silent and observative through all of this, and I'd love to know what your thoughts are.

[Ainaserkewen]

All this deceit has me cowering my friends. Your suspicions and accusations of everyone are dangerous. We must watch who is banding together and who is being forced apart. I think that is the way we will distinguish the real wolves. Will not the wolves try and save each other? Or worse, try and fool us by accusing each other to make themselves out as innocent? And what of this seer? If only we had a sign secret only to real humans who's judgement to trust!

I cannot weep any longer, I've wept for so long. I'm scared for my life by the hands of werewolves and now by the hands of my own friends. Can not a system of harder evidence be used to truly distinguish who is who?

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

Not unless one of our members steps forth with blood congealed in his or her hair, canines bared, and claws unsheathed, Aina m'darling.

[Eomer of the Rohirrim]

Sono and The Barrow-wight voted against the phantom when it was clear that Fordim the innocent would soon attract many votes. Strange behaviour for wolves, as they had a very obvious chance to kill Fordim immediately.

The carpenter and the mason are the least suspicious in my mind.

[the phantom]

Strange behaviour for wolves, as they had a very obvious chance to kill Fordim immediately
Actually, when SoN voted, Fordim and I were tied at one vote a piece, so it was really a choice between two innocents. Perhaps he feared me more? When BW voted, there was only a one vote difference between Fordim and I. I don't think it was an "obvious chance to kill Fordim". It was equally an obvious chance to kill me.

Therefore, I don't think that their voting removes them from consideration.

I honestly think that they voted for me instead of Fordim because they rather would've had him around, possibly because 1) Fordy has never had the chance to experience a werewolf town and I have, 2) they like Fordim more than they like me.

Even though I do not excuse them, I do not particularly suspect them, especially not BW. Though, if he too votes to lynch Fea and she is proven to be innocent, I might have to change my thoughts.

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

Strange behaviour for wolves, as they had a very obvious chance to kill Fordim immediately.
I've got this way of thinking, Eomer, where whatever I've got going through my mind, I find it safest to assume that somebody else is also considering it.

My thoughts with this:

Sono and The Barrow-wight voted against the phantom when it was clear that Fordim the innocent would soon attract many votes
are that that's certainly what I would have done. You do the stupidest thing imaginable because nobody would assume you stupid enough to do it. And once they get used to over-thinking every single one of your actions, you revert to telling the complete and honest pure-as-the-wind-driven-snow truth.

Quite honestly though, if you wanted to be thought of as innocent and you were a wolf, wouldn't you start acting innocent? Nobody is going to intentionally act guilty. That's just common sense.

[Encaitare]

That could be one of two things: we are friends, and she is giving me the benefit of the doubt and pointing out that there was no evidence against me... [Fea]

Which is exactly what it was. As of yet, I have no reason to suspect Fea. That could change later in the game. I'm certainly not trying to create alliances.

Nevertheless, your comment was meant to divert attention from Encaitare to other suspects. [SoN]

Isn't that all what we're doing, in a sense, whether innocent or werewolf? Trying to cast the blame away from those we don't want to see get killed? While the phantom's comment was obviously a joke and not something I expected to see, I suppose I can see how you'd think it was a defense. Let me just say that it was not premeditated.

I'm feeling a fair share of suspicion towards just about everyone right now. I'm almost positive that one of our two "naive" lasses is a werewolf. Which one, I'm not sure... I'm just getting bad vibes from the way-too-innocent thing.

Anyone else think SpM is having a delightfully sadistic time coming up with these fascinating (not to mention themed to each person) deaths? ;) :p

[Eomer of the Rohirrim]

phantom, I disagree with you. As soon as Fordim put his strategy into motion I immediately guessed that the two of you were innocent (mostly because of the number of players, really - chances were that any 2 of the 12 would be innocent).

However, it seemed blatantly obvious to me that Fordim would attract more votes because it was he who cast the first stone. Within the first few posts on this thread I could tell that Fordim was in trouble. You I did not fear for at all. This was proved to be a good guess on my part.

As to why Sono and The Wight voted for you I can't really offer a certain answer. Most likely they just wanted to defend Fordim because no-one else was doing it at that time. So they picked on you, even though (I do not believe) they really thought you were guilty. So I don't suspect those two characters.

I am noticing a theme developed over the game though: that is, I shall have to vote before much of the analysis is posted, or either wait until the end by which time a majority vote will already have been reached. I was the only one to not vote the last time. It's slightly panicked but I will vote tonite, and very soon.

[the phantom]

However, it seemed blatantly obvious to me that Fordim would attract more votes because it was he who cast the first stone. Within the first few posts on this thread I could tell that Fordim was in trouble. You I did not fear for at all.
Well, I can tell you that I most certainly did fear for myself, but perhaps my judgment was clouded because my neck was on the line. Your logic does make sense.
Most likely they just wanted to defend Fordim because no-one else was doing it at that time.
I suppose that could be the case.
While the phantom's comment was obviously a joke and not something I expected to see, I suppose I can see how you'd think it was a defense. Let me just say that it was not premeditated.
I second that. Other people accusing Enca of being a werewolf brought to my mind an extremely humorous image of an elderly werewolf, so I made a little joke.

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

I'm with you, Eomer. I'm noticing this insane trend with my own posting where either I will vote early or not be able to at all. Unless something changes drastically and soon, I'm quite sure already of who gets my vote. Although, to be quite honest, it may not be who y'all are expecting.

The healer doesn't tell the secrets behind all of her remedies, you know.

[Eomer of the Rohirrim]

How do you lot think I became so rich? By making foolish decisions? Take a look outside your window and gaze at my beautiful house; think about it. I make decisions and have them work for me; I take risks and I get lucky.

Enca I am less suspicious of you than I was earlier: I genuinely think you are just a maverick old lady, so I may be forced to beg your pardon down the line, m'lady. Just a suggestion...

On this day I vote for a girl who has been one of the quietest players so far. She has contributed no theories and has lingered in the shadows for most of the time. Even when pressed for explanations by her friend (whom I suspect to be in real fear) she kept tight-lipped. She voted for Fordim the innocent just as the voting was nearing its climax.

It's a risk, but a risk which I feel is worth taking. Today I vote for ++Ainaserkewen.

If I am wrong then I neither expect nor ask for your forgiveness, young lass. However, if I am wrong, then know that I will feel terribly ashamed.

[Holbytlass]

I feel as you do, Eomer, about at least one of these young quiet ladies being a werewolf. As I mentioned earlier, I lean a little more towards Nimrodel9.
Right now, I'm going to throw out something that has been nagging in my mind these last couple of hours. It is just thoughts for now.
Fordim rashly accused and than voted for Phantom. He turned out to be innocent. Most of us voted against him. Most of us feel guilty about that. This time SoN rashly accused Feanor than voted for her. Maybe, he takes this as an opportunity to do the same, hoping we won't vote for him. Maybe a regular ol' wolf-trick?

[The Barrow-Wight]

My suspicions run toward the people who argue the most, especially when it seems more accusatory than defensive. An early votes says less to me than the people who jump on it or at it. Though people can cleverly disguise themselves to be the opposite of what they really are, there is little else for me to go by other than what I see.

Currently I am highly suspicious of three people in this village, though two others have recently dislodged a pebble from my stony cranium. If my assumptions, which I will keep private for the moment, are correct, I have a 60% chance of hanging a werewolf this afternoon. If I am wrong, my odds only go up as the number of players dwindles. Of course, if I am wrong the number of true villagers goes down, and my odds of surviving go down as well.

I’ve still got some time to look for wolf-sign, so I’ll wait a bit before casting my vote.

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

The healer looked around with an exceptionally grumpy expression on her otherwise beautiful face. She could only hope that her companions, guilty or not, did not think that her malcontent was of their doing... she could only hope that her anger at the world did not cloud her judgement.

I've carefully looked back upon all of our discussion, and can only come to one conclusion before, yet again, I must leave prematurely. ++Son of Numenor, out of nowhere you accused me. You didn't whisper once ever before this particular announcement (http://forum.barrowdowns.com/showpost.php?p=390171&postcount=64)that you even suspected me. Quite the contrary. You quoted me as calling Fordim a fool... an action that I don't even remotely regret, since that entire diatribe was simply me throwing back in his face that he insinuated me to be less than. More a joke than anything, I was annoyed that he would call me gullible, whether directly or no, and I thought to use his own word against him.

My defense of the phantom, another of my "actions" you seek to use against me, is the defense against the innocent that *should* more often be seen. He was accused with bad evidence. I pointed it out. You'll notice that the only deaths I vote for are those that have a fair bit of evidence in their favor. His had none worth sneezing at. Start accusing other people with pathetic evidence and I'll defend them as well, see if I don't.

You comment on my lack of suspicion for Nimmy... that the phantom suspects him, so why don't I? What's the phantom's suspicions got to do with anything? Just because he is clever, intelligent, and subtle beyond belief doesn't mean that he's always right. And besides... I was not accusing, I was stating that those particular actions of theirs made me nervous. I've since changed my thoughts regarding Eomer, and quite honestly, you've taken up his recently vacated position. Spawn and Aina are not so much suspected now as two others who will remain nameless.

SoNo, you post infrequently, and randomly. Your first few were to advise listening and not to be all that hasty. You contradict yourself immediately after with your sudden and irrevocable vote to lynch me.

If it's a choice between your head and mine, it had certainly better be yours.

[Son of Númenor]

SoNo, you post infrequently, and randomly.My work keeps me busy.

I am hardly surprised that you have voted for me; as was the case yesterday, you have chosen the one who first spoke out against you or your husband. I only hope the village learned from yesterday's misdeeds.

[Encaitare]

Enca I am less suspicious of you than I was earlier: I genuinely think you are just a maverick old lady, so I may be forced to beg your pardon down the line, m'lady. Just a suggestion... [Eomer]

I'm glad to hear it, young man. If ye should beg me pardon, I'm sure I shall give it. :)

As I said before, I'm still suspicious of that Aina. Shame, really -- she seems like such a nice lass. I'll be waitin' as long as I may to cast me vote in case anyone else has somethin' to say.

I've been learnin' a thing or two from these events, though... actin' friendly be a dangerous thing. People are likely to suspect ye for anythin'. It seems ye got to be all fer none and one fer one...

[The Barrow-Wight]

The mason coughed loudly so that everyone looked his way.

“I’ve come to the conclusion,” he said, “that one person among us is causing so much noise that I cannot think straight. Though that person may in the end prove to be innocent of being a werewolf, they could never be found anything but guilty of causing a confusing clamor. In order to rid us of the beast, or the distraction from such cause, I cast my vote for ++ Feanor of the Peredhil and hope to find better clarity when she is gone.”

[Encaitare]

I shall stick to me aforementioned opinion: ++Ainaserkawen. Me apologies if I be wrong, lass, though a lot of good it'll do any of us then...

[the phantom]

I hope so, because I'd hate to be the only one who is.

I'm going to go back and read all the posts from today and attempt to summarize everyone's position.

Eomer says that Aina needs watching and was wary of Enca but took it back. He directed suspicion away from Holbytlass and also believes that BW and SoN are innocent. He voted for Aina.

Feanor suspected Eomer but doesn't much any more, and she has her eye on Aina and Dancing Spawn. After SoN voted for her she was fairly focused on him, and then voted for him.

The Barrow-Wight has kept his thoughts fairly quiet and voted for Feanor.

SoN seems, for the most part, completely sold on the Fea-Phantom-Enca triumvirate. He voted for Feanor.

Dancing Spawn suggested that the trio was Fea-Holbytlass-Enca.

Holbytlass has her eye on Nimrodel_9 and somewhat on Aina as well. She does not believe Fea is guilty.

Enca hinted at Nim and voted for Aina.

Aina posted but did not accuse or defend anyone.

Nim has not posted today.

Four people suspect Aina, three Feanor, two Enca, two Nim.

Two have voted for Feanor, two Aina, one SoN.

Many of us are holding our votes till the last possible second hoping beyond hope that someone will slip, or present new evidence. This is unlikely to happen.

We are extremely spread out. Everyone has his own theory and none of them are a complete stretch- but of course only one can be true. Or possibly none of the current theories are correct. Perhaps the truth is a combination of suspicions such as Aina-Nim-SoN (it's just an example, I'm not trying to imply anything).

Needless to say, this round seems to be just as much a shot in the dark as the last one.

I will vote before I turn in for the night, but I honestly cannot say which way I will be voting.

[Ainaserkewen]

Whatever I have done to raise suspicions or offend (especially you Eomer) I am truly sorry. Please, say what I must do to clear my name and consider it done.

I am consciously not letting my mind wander to any suspicion without logical cause. Everyone, as was said earlier, is taking very different roots to catch these killers, and I suppose I am not different. I have no clever theories or accusations such as the rest have. I don't know if I admire you for coming to such colourful and strong conclusions, or to feel frightened that someone's wayward glance will be drawn to me. However, I must chose mustn't I?

The first choice, as many said, was so difficult and without any real information like we found out our victim completely innocent and with barely a defence. I don't want to end up another victim with no cause. But this is the reason I voted so concisely. I had no reason, though I paid close attention to the arguments at hand, and chose according to my own mind's workings. I was wrong, and I am sorry.

Though I don't have any theories of my own to whom might be the killers, I do read carefully the theories of others. So far, though I don't want to "band together", as was referenced in an earlier word of mine, with him, the Barrow Wight has the coolest head for these things. Whether his cool head is that of a killer, I don't know, but his words sound as true as bells on a Sunday morning. I don't wish to vote yet, but I do respect your opinions, dear mason.

My time has run out. Do I vote for those who would soon have me hanging and buy into this reasoning? Or do I cower behind the decisions of those would know more about the world than I? I'm not old enough to make such decisions!

++Feanor

[the phantom]

After rereading everything and giving it some thought, I am willing to give Eomer's idea a try.

+ + Ainaserkewen

Sorry, m'dear.

[dancing spawn of ungoliant]

I'm balancing between three hypothesis. One is Eomer's, second is SoN's and the third is mine. It seems that people have different reasons to vote for her, but I'd like to try the theories of SoN or mine. I'm so sorry if she's innocent but under these circumstances I don't know who else I should vote for but ++ Feanor.

[The Saucepan Man]

The vote had been close, but eventually the Village reached a majority decision. Feanor of the Peredhil would be hanged on suspicion of being a Werewolf.

“This is ridiculous,” she protested. “Dammit, I’m a healer not a Werewolf!”

The mob began to advance on her. Well, I say mob. It was really just a small group, given the village’s alarmingly high current death rate and the fact that not all present were persuaded of her guilt. But it was enough to convince Feanor of the gravity of her situation.

“You’re all fools!” she cried, tears welling up in her eyes. “Why would you kill the village healer? Who will tend to your ailments with me gone? And what of those whom I have helped in the past? Is this how you repay me?”

But the flurry of questions did not deter her assailants. Brandishing forks and stakes and coils of rope, and whatever else came to hand, they continued to approach.

“Can’t you see? With my death, the Wolves will just grow stronger,” Feanor implored. “If you hang me, you will see that I am innocent. And then you’ll be sorry. Think of the consequences of your actions.”

But the villagers were in no mood to think further. They had made their decision and that was that. It was Feanor’s quick tongue that had got her into this situation, and it was not going to get her out of it.

Realising her protests to be in vain, Feanor finally resigned herself to her fate. Calmly, she allowed herself to be bound and led to the gallows. Standing there before the noose, she surveyed the baying crowd and spoke her final words.

“You bay for my blood now. But there are three among you who will be baying for yet more blood before the night is through. So be it. I shall die with the dignity which you have failed to show by your ugly deeds.”

And so Feanor of the Peredhil was hanged, and her words proved true. For no Werewolf was she, but an ordinary Villager.

Oh dear! It looks like the Villagers had better find a Werewolf. And fast …

Living:
Holbytlas
Eomer of the Rohirrim
The Barrow-Wight
the phantom
Encaitare
Ainaserkewen
dancing spawn of ungoliant
Son of Númenor
Nimrodel_9

Dead:
Oddwen (Villager) - slaughtered, plucked and trussed like a chicken on Night 1
Fordim Hedge thistle (Villager) - Lynched and hung in a flurry of puns on Day 1
Anguirel (Guardian) - Carved up and barbequed on Night 2
Feanor of the Peredhil (Villager) – Lynched and hung despite her quick tongue on Day 2

Score:
Werewolves: 3
Villagers: 6

NIGHT 3 has now started. It will end in 24 hours’ time (12.45PM GMT tomorrow), or earlier if all night-time notifications are received by me before then.

[The Saucepan Man]

It had been a traumatic few days. The remaining Villagers were in mortal danger. But things could have been worse. At least they still had their Seer. They did not know who he or she was, but they could rest assured that he or she would be secretly working night and day to assist them in their plight.

When the Old Farmer’s Wife did not appear the next morning, no one was unduly concerned. After all, she had been a loner since her husband, the Old Farmer, had died. A bit crazy in the head, some said. With her runes and her crystals and the like …

An almighty crash signalled the dropping of an enormous penny.

As one, the Villagers rose and rushed to the Old Farm where the Old Farmer’s Wife lived. It stood there, silent and forbidding, as if it were taunting them. A few brave souls ventured forth and cautiously entered. And they were mightily relieved to see the Holbytlass sitting at her table, her head in her hands.

“What’s the matter, Old Farmer’s Wife?” one of them asked.

But there was no reply.

Another stepped forward to comfort Holbytlass. But, as she did so, the old woman’s head lolled back to reveal two empty sockets where her eyes once had been. Blood poured down her front from a gaping wound which ran from one ear to the other. And grimly the Villagers watched as two severed eyeballs dropped from the old woman’s hands, rolled languidly across the table and fell to the floor.

“Is she alright?” someone asked.

Quick, call the Healer!” cried another.

As the more observant reader may have noticed, these Villagers were not the sharpest tools in the box.

Living:
Eomer of the Rohirrim
The Barrow-Wight
the phantom
Encaitare
Ainaserkewen
dancing spawn of ungoliant
Son of Númenor
Nimrodel_9

Dead:
Oddwen (Villager) - Slaughtered, plucked and trussed like a chicken on Night 1
Fordim Hedgethistle (Villager) - Lynched and hung in a flurry of puns on Day 1
Anguirel (Guardian) - Carved up and barbequed on Night 2
Feanor of the Peredhil (Villager) - Lynched and hung despite her quick tongue on Day 2
Holbytlass (Seer) - Eyeballs plucked out and throat slit on Night 3

Score:
Werewolves: 3
Villagers: 5

Er, Villagers, you realise what happens if you don’t find a Werewolf today …

DAY 3 has now started. It will end in 24 hours’ time (11.45PM GMT tomorrow), or earlier if a clear majority on voting is reached before then.

[The Barrow-Wight]

Because she was the seer, we need to analyze what Holybtlass has been telling us. She obviously did not dream of Fordim on that first night, or she would not have voted for him. I’m guessing that she dreamed of Anguirel, since she often repeated the word ‘innocent’ when referring to her.

But notice that after Night 2, Holybtlass began a sustained campaign against Nimrodel_9 that was repeated until her murder. She was killed for her knowledge, of course, which makes it obvious that ++ Nimrodel_9 is a werewolf. It is a shame that we did not get one more night of the seer’s dreaming.

In case I am slain this night, I will share some more thoughts now. Nimrodel_9 spoke of Fordim, Fea, phantom, and Ainaserkewen, voting for Fordim on Day 1 and missing the vote on Day 2. Each time she mentioned Ainaserkewen it was in “did she do it?” and “no she didn’t” type of thing that I think was an intentional ploy to separate herself from Ainaserkewen. This, along with her perfect record so far of hanging innocents (she voted for both Feanor and Fordim), incriminates Ainaserkewen.

So, if I’m right and I’m dead tomorrow, I recommend Aina goes next. I just hope that if they do kill me, I am not Cursed.

[the phantom]

If you want to hear my thoughts just read Barrow-Wight's post again. His is the only conclusion.

+ + Nimrodel_9

[Son of Númenor]

++Nimrodel_9

[Encaitare]

++Nimrodel_9

I also have a vague suspicion of the Barrow Wight... he's almost too logical. But that's an issue for another day; my vote remains the same for Nim.

[dancing spawn of ungoliant]

I think Holbytlass was quite clear about this matter. ++ Nimrodel_9.

[The Saucepan Man]

There was little discussion that day. Without even affording her the opportunity to defend herself, the Village decided unanimously that Nimrodel_9, the simple Farm Girl, would be hanged.

Silently, she watched as they surrounded her, her young face suffused with terror and her wide blue eyes pleading with them not to harm her. How could such a simple, innocent girl be a Werewolf?

But as they made to bind her, she threw her head back and let out a baleful howl. And within seconds, a terrible ravening beast stood before them. Sleek, strong and wolfish, she snarled and snapped at them as they sought to subdue her. With a mighty sweep of her claw, she sent two of them flying, and then turned to face the rest, baring her dreadful fangs as she growled contemptuously at them. The Villagers were taken aback with the speed of the transformation. But they were not to be deterred and, despite her speed and strength, there remained sufficient numbers to bring her under control. Bound from hairy head to hairy foot, she was dragged struggling to the gallows.

Nimrodel_9 twisted and turned for what seemed like an eternity as she hung from the gibbet. But eventually her body went still. And it was once more that of a simple Farm Girl, at peace at last.

Living:
Eomer of the Rohirrim
The Barrow-Wight
the phantom
Encaitare
Ainaserkewen
dancing spawn of ungoliant
Son of Númenor

Dead:
Oddwen (Villager) - slaughtered, plucked and trussed like a chicken on Night 1
Fordim Hedgethistle (Villager) - Lynched and hung in a flurry puns on Day 1
Anguirel (Guardian) - Carved up and barbequed on Night 2
Feanor of the Peredhil (Villager) - Lynched and hung despite her quick tongue on Day 2
Holbytlass (Seer) - Eyeballs plucked out and throat slit on Night 3
Nimrodel_9 (Werewolf) – Lynched and hung when the struggle was done on Day 3

Score:
Werewolves: 2
Villagers: 5

NIGHT 4 has now started. It will end either once the remaining Werewolves have chosen their next victim or otherwise in 24 hours’ time (10.10AM GMT tomorrow).

[The Saucepan Man]

The Villagers rose late the next morning. Successive sleepless nights and the previous day’s successful lynching had drained them of energy.

The now habitual headcount took place in the common room of The Phantom Inn and the Villagers’ worst fears were confirmed when yet another of their number was found to be missing. Could it be that the Rich Merchant was on another of his lucrative business trips? Or perhaps he was still tucked up in his bed. Whatever the reason, the Villagers agreed that it was best to check.

Eomer of the Rohirrim’s opulent mansion stood slightly outside the Village, scrupulously set apart from the proletarian masses. Many had eyed it jealously in the past and were now secretly thrilled at the prospect of seeing inside the magnificent abode, albeit fearful of what horrors they might discover within.

But it seemed that the merchant was away on business, for the great wooden door was locked and no movement could be seen within. With a mixture of excitement and fear, a few of the Villagers hoisted a brick through a window and were able to unlatch it to gain entry. For what seemed like hours, they wandered down corridors and through rooms and found not a soul. Until eventually they came upon the merchant’s office.

The room had clearly been the scene of a struggle. Furniture was overturned, books and papers lay scattered about and great chests lay open, their valuable contents strewn across the floor. And on the desk sat the merchant’s fine brass scales, a pile of gold coins in one cup finely balanced with something red and glistening in the other. On closer inspection, the Villagers were filled with horror. It was a chunk of flesh weighing, according to the scales, precisely one pound.

It was not until the Villagers stumbled upon the merchant's bedchamber that they discovered the balance of Eomer of the Rohirrim’s body. As well as having taken their pound of flesh, the Werewolves had clearly made a hearty meal of him.

Overwrought, the Villagers returned to the inn (although not quite so overwrought that some did not take the opportunity to indulge in a little wealth redistribution before they left the mansion).

Living:
The Barrow-Wight
the phantom
Encaitare
Ainaserkewen
dancing spawn of ungoliant
Son of Númenor

Dead:
Oddwen (Villager) - slaughtered, plucked and trussed like a chicken on Night 1
Fordim Hedgethistle (Villager) - Lynched and hung in a flurry puns on Day 1
Anguirel (Guardian) - Carved up and barbequed on Night 2
Feanor of the Peredhil (Villager) - Lynched and hung despite her quick tongue on Day 2
Holbytlass (Seer) - Eyeballs plucked out and throat slit on Night 3
Nimrodel_9 (Werewolf) – Lynched and hung when the struggle was done on Day 3
Eomer of the Rohirrim (Villager) - Relieved of a pound of flesh and devoured on Night 4

Score:
Werewolves: 2
Villagers: 4

DAY 4 has now started. It will end once either a clear voting majority is established or in any event in 24 hours’ time (12.30AM GMT tomorrow).

[The Saucepan Man]

The day had long since broken. Yet the village remained eerily silent. Where was everyone?

EDIT: Fair warning - If no one votes at all, I am toying with the idea of having the local militia turn up, summarily execute a random player, and then depart ...

[dancing spawn of ungoliant]

If no one votes at all, I am toying with the idea of having the local militia turn up
Random killing doesn't probably help to solve who are the villains ( if the militia doesn't at random choose to kill a werewolf).

Well, I can see that I was wrong with my theory.
The Barrow-Wight spotted one of the culprits yesterday and I'd be interested to hear, what he has to say today. Otherwise I don't have any other guidance than Holbytlass' arguments.

[the phantom]

Well, it seems to me that there is one person in particular that we should hang today. Encaitare seems to have her eye on The Barrow-Wight, but two days ago when we lynched Fea she voted for Aina, as did Eomer and I. Yesterday, The Barrow-Wight recommended that Aina go next. The reasoning he gave for his choice is as good as any right now. We would really kick ourselves if we did not hang her and she turned out to be a wolf. BW recommended it and Enca and I already voted for her once, so it seems logical to stick with our previous resolve and vote for Aina today.

[The Barrow-Wight]

I haven't replied because I am so afraid to make a misstep. My last vote was made with conviction, and the rest of the village followed it. My next vote will be with less conviction, so please don't use me as your guide. Ainaserkewen is my main target still, but I have created doubt in my own mind, and I need to hear what others say before I commit to a vote.

I will throw some light on what I have noticed:

1) dancing, aina, and son always vote the same.
2) dancing always votes last, and always with the majority.
3) aina waits for a person to get several votes before casting her vote

If Aina is a werewolf, mine would have been a possible vote, but Eomer's would have been a sure vote, since he voted for her before. I believe this is why he was slain rather than me.

In order of suspicion, highest on top, here is how I currently rate all of you:
Ainaserkwen
dancing spawn of ungoliant
Son of Numenor
the phantom
Encaitare

[Son of Númenor]

1) dancing, aina, and son always vote the same.This may prove irrelevant, but I feel I should point out that you yourself have voted every time for the same person as the three of us.

I have not the evidence to cast a vote, and will not do so presently, having already been the catalyst for the hanging of an innocent villager. My suspicions are much the same as The Barrow-Wight's.

[dancing spawn of ungoliant]

2) dancing always votes last, and always with the majority.
I'm sorry if that looks suspicious (and I somewhat understand if it does) but I vote late simply because of geographical reasons. I'm from a different part of the world so I'm never available to vote at the same time as you guys.

If you look at what time my previous votes were cast, they were: Vote 1) 8:58 AM GMT, Vote 2) 8:55 AM GMT, Vote 3) 8:20 AM GMT. As you can see, my votes are always cast around the same time, and it's because that's when I am able to vote.

And about me voting with the majority, well, that's what most people do - that's what a majority is.

[The Barrow-Wight]

you yourself have voted every time for the same person as the three of us. I don't suspect myself yet. :D

[Ainaserkewen]

I so respect your logic Mr. Wight, though not on this bit of reasoning you've spoken.

3) aina waits for a person to get several votes before casting her vote You're observations are very correct about me, I do wait to see what the majority vote is. Why? The Democratic flaw has always been that those who vote for people less popular and most likely not to get voted in (or dead in this case) have "wasted their vote" because it didn't go towards making an important decision. In most democratic votes (at least where I'm from) this doesn't matter too much. However, if my inklings (which aren't backed up by any fact save Nim) were broadcasted, and especially if they were right, than surely I would become a dangerous target.

Notice also how the one who has supected me from the beginning was a werewolf! I'm not out to get those who suspect me, tightening the noose around my neck, only to convince them that I'm exactly who I say I am.

[Encaitare]

We have lynched three people thus far: Fordim, Fea, and Nimrodel. As we are all aware, the first two were just normal villagers, and Nim was a werewolf. Just to sum up, this is how everyone has voted:

The Barrow-Wight: the phantom, Feanor of the Peredhil, Nimrodel_9

the phantom: Fordim Hedgethistle, Ainaserkawen, Nimrodel_9

Encaitare: Fordim Hedgethistle, Ainaserkawen, Nimrodel_9

Ainaserkawen: Fordim Hedgethistle, Feanor of the Peredhil, (no third vote)

dancing spawn of ungoliant: Fordim Hedgethistle, Feanor of the Peredhil, Nimrodel_9

Son of Númenor: the phantom, Feanor of the Peredhil, Nimrodel_9


I believe I got this correct; if not, please let me know. I am suspicious of Aina as well, and now that I look at the voting stats and hear what BW has to say, I'm also a bit wary of ungoliant. I'll put in my vote later tonight in case anyone else has something to say.

[The Barrow-Wight]

if my inklings (which aren't backed up by any fact save Nim) were broadcasted, and especially if they were right, than surely I would become a dangerous target For the good of the village, reveal your thoughts. If we get this vote wrong, the village is quite possibly doomed.

[the phantom]

I'm not meaning to rush anyone, but we have just over two hours left. We need to make sure and vote. If we don't, the two wolves will be able to pop in a few minutes before the deadline and kill whoever they choose by combining their votes.

Even if only two of our four innocent villagers sit this vote out, there is a chance that the two innocents won't vote the same way, so once again the wolves will be able to pick whoever they want. I don't particularly want to see that happen.

At this point my reluctance to vote is not due to indecision, but rather apprehension because of the importance of this vote. I keep on going over things again and again and my decision remains the same and yet out of fear of choosing wrong I don't vote.

But very soon I will be leaving and I must choose before I leave. If you have anything to say that you think might sway me, say it very very soon.

[the phantom]

Well, no one said anything to change my mind, so I am going to go ahead and vote.

Nim's extremely odd behavior towards Aina got my attention early on. Now, one of the duo has been proven guilty, Aina's main accuser is dead (Eomer), and she did not cast a vote for Nim. And since the village nearly hung her two days ago and instead hung an innocent, I feel duty bound to put her in the noose this time. In addition, her chosen role, "village innocent", makes me entirely uncomfortable.

My head and my gut both tell me to vote for + + Aina and cross my fingers.

[The Barrow-Wight]

Without further hesitation, I want to hang:

++Ainaserkewen

Let the pile on begin!

[the phantom]

It appears that most of the villagers are asleep (in another time zone), or they forgot what time the deadline was.

Or perhaps they were afraid that if Aina turned out to be innocent they would share in the blame. Or maybe they were worried that Aina was the hunter and that if they voted for her she might take them with her. Perhaps the wolf/wolves did not vote for that reason?

We now wait for SPM.

[The Saucepan Man]

The Village had become a hotbed of paranoia and fear. No one dared speak lest they condemn themselves or draw attention from the Werewolves amongst them.

As the fourth day drew to a close, only two votes had been cast. But with those two votes the village chose Ainaserkewen to face the gallows. Seemingly, they had something against young and seemingly innocent lasses. As the remaining Villagers turned to her, she stared at them dumbly, as if she could not comprehend what was happening. Then, promptly, she fell into a dead faint. But, seeing this as some cunning wolvish trick, they immediately seized the poor simple girl and roughly bound her.

It was not until the noose was round her neck that she came round. She had but a moment to look imploringly at her accusers, her innocent young face suffused with fear and disbelief, before the lever was pulled and the rope snapped tightly around her innocent young neck.

And innocent it was indeed. For Ainerserkewen was no Werewolf, but the simple village lass that she had appeared to be.

Tsk! You should be ashamed of yourselves hanging a poor naïve young girl like that. :p

If the Werewolves manage to avoid the Hunter tonight the village is doomed! But, should they choose the Hunter as their victim, the game may just continue …

Living:
The Barrow-Wight
the phantom
Encaitare
dancing spawn of ungoliant
Son of Númenor

Dead:
Oddwen (Villager) - slaughtered, plucked and trussed like a chicken on Night 1
Fordim Hedgethistle (Villager) - Lynched and hung in a flurry puns on Day 1
Anguirel (Guardian) - Carved up and barbequed on Night 2
Feanor of the Peredhil (Villager) - Lynched and hung despite her quick tongue on Day 2
Holbytlass (Seer) - Eyeballs plucked out and throat slit on Night 3
Nimrodel_9 (Werewolf) – Lynched and hung when the struggle was done on Day 3
Eomer of the Rohirrim (Villager) - Relieved of a pound of flesh and devoured on Night 4
Ainaserkewen (Villager) - Lynched and hung all innocent and young on Day 4

Score:
Werewolves: 2
Villagers: 3

NIGHT 5 has now started. It will end once the Werewolves have chosen their next victim or in any event in 24 hours’ time (1.15AM GMT tomorrow).

Moderator’s note: Unfortunately, as I am going away weekend and will not be back until Monday evening, you will all be kept in suspense. The 24 hour deadline for the Werewolves to make their choice still holds, but the consequences will not now be revealed until Monday night.

[The Saucepan Man]

Son of Númenor awoke on the fifth morning to find the village deserted. The Phantom Inn was no longer the usual warm, welcoming haven, but cold and empty. The innkeeper was nowhere to be seen, and neither were the sturdy stonemason and the handicrafts woman.

“Ah, at least Encaitare is awake,” he thought to himself, seeing a plume of smoke rising from her chimney.

So, donning his red hooded cape, the timid carpenter set off to visit the grumpy old lady, who just happened to be his grandmother.

On entering her house, he noticed a large haunch of meat roasting over her fire. He caught his breath as he recalled the horrors of previous mornings, but was relieved to see his grandmother sitting up in bed, a large toothy grin on her face. She wore her familiar nightdress and nightcap and a pair of small round spectacles were perched on her nose. And yet, there was something different about her. Something not quite right …

“My what large eyes you have, grandmother,” he said.

“All the better to see you with, my child” she replied.

“And what large ears you have, grandmother,” he continued.

“All the better to hear you with, young man,” she replied.

“And what large teeth you have grandmother,” he ventured again.

“All the better to eat you with!” she roared and, quick as a flash, the old lady leaped across the room at the carpenter with surprising agility. And, as she did so, she underwent a startling transformation ...

For what was left of Encaitare was slowly roasting over the fire, while the creature hurtling towards Son of Númenor was not his grandmother at all, but one of the Werewolves that had been troubling the village so.

Living:
The Barrow-Wight
the phantom
dancing spawn of ungoliant
Son of Númenor

Dead:
Oddwen (Villager) - slaughtered, plucked and trussed like a chicken on Night 1
Fordim Hedgethistle (Villager) - Lynched and hung in a flurry puns on Day 1
Anguirel (Guardian) - Carved up and barbequed on Night 2
Feanor of the Peredhil (Villager) - Lynched and hung despite her quick tongue on Day 2
Holbytlass (Seer) - Eyeballs plucked out and throat slit on Night 3
Nimrodel_9 (Werewolf) – Lynched and hung when the struggle was done on Day 3
Eomer of the Rohirrim (Villager) - Relieved of a pound of flesh and devoured on Night 4
Ainaserkewen (Villager) - Lynched and hung all innocent and young on Day 4
Encaitare (Villager) - Roasted over a fire and replaced in her bed on Night 5

Score:
Werewolves: 2
Villagers: 2
_________________________________

Epilogue

As dancing spawn of ungoliant leaped on Son of Númenor, she tore a huge chunk of flesh out of his arm with her cruel teeth. But, as they lay on the floor together, the carpenter reacted the quicker. Jumping up, he made straight for the door and out into the open air, where he was confronted by the Barrow-Wight.

Which, in the ordinary course of events, would not have been a problem. But Son of Númenor had been bitten by a Werewolf, and his curse had already started to work its terrible magic. He tried to cry out a warning to the stonemason, but a dreadful howl issued forth from his mouth, which by now had become more a canine snout than a mouth.

The Barrow-Wight, being a Werewolf Hunter of some renown, was prepared. Seeing before him a creature half transformed from man into wolf, he let loose the trusty silver bolt from his crossbow and it struck Son of Númenor square in the forehead. As the carpenter crumpled dead to the ground, the Barrow-Wight let out a triumphant cry.

But his jubilation was short-lived. As one Werewolf appeared at the doorway to Encaitare’s house, a growl behind him told him that another was closing for the kill.

“Rats!” he muttered, before being torn limb from limb by dancing spawn of ungoliant and the phantom.

Yet again, the Werewolves had won!
_________________________________

For those who are interested, here are the facts and figures:

Starting roles:
Anguirel (Grim Blacksmith) - Guardian
Feanor of the Peredhil (Village Healer) - Villager
Holbytlass (Old Farmer’s Wife) - Seer
Eomer of the Rohirrim (Rich Merchant) - Villager
The Barrow-Wight (Strong Stonemason) - Hunter
the phantom (Landlord of The Phantom Inn) - Werewolf
Fordim Hedgethistle (Tall Sheep-Shearer) - Villager
Encaitare (Grumpy Old Lady) - Villager
Ainaserkewen (Village Innocent) - Villager
dancing spawn of ungallant (Handicrafts Woman) - Werewolf
Oddwen (Henwife) - Villager
Son of Númenor (Timid Carpenter) - Cursed
Nimrodel_9 (Simple Farm Girl) - Werewolf

NIGHT 1:
Werewolf victim: Oddwen
Seer Dream: Feanor of the Peredhil
Guardian guards: Fordim Hedgethistle

DAY 1:
Votes:
the phantom - 3
Fordim Hedgethistle - 7
Holbytlass - 1
Lynched: Fordim Hedgethistle

NIGHT 2:
Werewolf victim: Anguirel
Seer Dream: Anguirel
Guardian guards: Eomer of the Rohirrim

DAY 2:
Votes:
Feanor of the Peredhil - 4
Ainaserkewen - 3
Son of Numenor - 1
Lynched: Feanor of the Peredhil

NIGHT 3:
Werewolf victim: Holbytlass
Seer Dream: Eomer of the Rohirrim

DAY 3:
Votes: Nimrodel_9 - 5
Lynched: Nimrodel_9

NIGHT 4:
Werewolf victim: Eomer of the Rohirrim

DAY 4:
Votes: Ainaserkewen - 2
Lynched: Ainaswerkewen

NIGHT 5:
Werewolf victim: Encaitare

DAY 5:
Villagers - 2
Werewolves - 2

The Werewolves are victorious!

[Son of Númenor]

Drat! I feel personally responsible for this loss; I voted for The Phantom to be lynched on Day 1, and should have stuck with that conviction on Day 2. Kudos to The Phantom: you were able to completely divert my attention away from you -- I was convinced that your wife, Feanor of the Peredhil, was the werewolf, and was using you in the way that in reality you were using her. After she was proved innocent, I became more timid in my accusations, essentially following along with yours and The Barrow-Wight's logic for the last few votes. Dancing Spawn was a logical next choice for lynching, but you moved to the bottom of everyone's suspect list. I think the village would have strung up The Barrow-Wight or me before you. My hat's off to you.

[the phantom]

Though Spawn and I are the surviving werewolves, don't forget about Nimrodel_9. She played her part perfectly. She was a huge reason for the innocent Aina getting lynched, she allowed herself to be an early target of my suspicions (to make me look innocent), and though Holby (the seer) went after Nim, it brought the seer to our attention so we could kill her before she could do any more damage.

Well done, Nimrodel_9. :)

And Dancing Spawn- great job. In our nightly planning sessions, you warned me of things that I was already uneasy about and you bolstered my thoughts on things I was fairly confident about. Basically, you always told me exactly what I needed to hear to make me confident in a decision. It was a pleasure working with you. :)

And so, BW was the hunter. Spawn and I guessed that a couple nights ago and that was one reason we didn't try to kill him. I also thought it would be lovely to keep SoN and BW alive because they tried to vote for me the very first day. The village should have listened to Fordim- but it didn't, and it certainly came back to bite them (pun intended).
I think the village would have strung up The Barrow-Wight or me before you.
Ah yes, another reason we wanted you and BW around.
I feel personally responsible for this loss; I voted for The Phantom to be lynched on Day 1
But you realize that you and BW did far more than most in your failed attempt to lynch me. Many probably never considered me till it was too late. The other villagers should feel more responsible for the loss because they didn't follow your lead.
I was convinced that your wife, Feanor of the Peredhil, was the werewolf, and was using you in the way that in reality you were using her. After she was proved innocent, I became more timid in my accusations
My poor, poor wife. :(

Fea's death was supposed to buy me some innocence, so it is wonderful to know that it worked somewhat. Though I defended Fea and voted to lynch Aina instead, that was just to further convince people of my innocence and set up Aina to be a lynching target for a later day. I knew that Fea would die that day, since we had already agreed that Spawn would vote for her (and the other two that hadn't voted at that time were not going to vote before the deadline because of what time zone they were in).
My hat's off to you.
Thank you, sir.

*bows*

And also, a pat on the back for Saucy. Great job running the game and coming up with sickening deaths! Heh- that's not something you hear someone congratulated for very often.

[Eomer of the Rohirrim]

Great game everybody, and congratulations to our winners!

dancing spawn I suspected a fair bit, but phantom? I was so naive! :rolleyes: Completely missed that one. My suspicions were generally based on guesswork; the werewolves played a fantastic game, I think.

I feel I must apologise to Aina for directing that lynch mob in her direction. No hard feelings, I hope.... :D

Looking forward to the next game where I can maybe get something right. By the way Fordim, what was I again? Was I "SO TOTALLY a werewolf"? ;)

But these wolves are tricky, aren't they? Cheers!

[Nimrodel_9]

I suppose I can post now? Even though I am dead?

Good game everyone!

Phantom and Dancing Spawn, I have been avenged! Nice job! :D

[The Saucepan Man]

... and though Holby (the seer) went after Nim, it brought the seer to our attention so we could kill her before she could do any more damage.I feel that I should point out that Holbytlass never actually dreamed of Nimrodel_9. That her accusations of Nim marked her out as the Seer was therefore entirely coincidental ...


Great job running the game and coming up with sickening deaths! Heh- that's not something you hear someone congratulated for very often.Why thank you. :) Actually, with the open roles people chose and the secret roles that were assigned, the deaths more or less wrote themselves. And, dare I say it, they were rather fun to write. I do, however, have to credit the phantom with the idea for Holbytlass' death.

I must also say that it was rather fun to watch the Villagers adding two and two together, coming up with five, and rushing off down completely the wrong track. :D :p As the game wore on, I became rather good at predicting who would be lynched and who would be mauled during the night (which helped in coming up with their deaths).

[Kuruharan]

What a sick demented soul he is! :eek:

(Oh...wait a minute...I guess somebody suggested to the Wight the means of extermination for a couple of prior victims... :rolleyes: )

[Encaitare]

Never suspected you, phantom. Well done. Nice game, guys!

[The Barrow-Wight]

I hate to be a sore werewolf entree, but the role-playing aspect of this game made it less enjoyable than it could have been. Friendships, relationships, etc. blurred every post, making it difficult to determine who was playing a role and who was playing the game. In the future, if the moderator wants to inject a bit of RPG into a game, I think it is very important that it be stipulated that all players are individuals and have no 'virtual' ties with other players.

I should have made more of a nuisance of myself. As the hunter, I was taking phantom with me next if I was was targeted.

[Ainaserkewen]

Funny, my death came at a very convenient time. I just graduated this weekend and was without a computer for 2 days. I didn't even get the chance to check and make sure I was dead, but with the crowd left over, I just assumed my votes were the majority. I was tempted to put in my last post "If you kill me, you'll lose." But I didn't. I wracked my brain to try and prove myself innocent, well, I tried.

[Anguirel]

I liked the RPGing stuff, myself...it turned theorising into climactic passages, and made Saucie's posts rather richer. I particularly enjoyed the redistribution of Eomer's wealth.

This is really too frighteningly addictive. I'm going to rest next game, I think.

[dancing spawn of ungoliant]

Thanks for the excellent game, everyone! As Anguirel said, this is really addictive.

I think the RPG aspect can be very misleading but also very funny to read. I found SpM's posts really enjoyable! I especially loved the Little Red Riding Hood touch in the last one :D

Phantom & Nim, it was a pleasure to terrorize the village with you! :)

[Eomer of the Rohirrim]

Not taking anything away from his performance, but I do think the phantom was awarded a significant slice of luck when Fordim accused him out of nowhere. This afforded him sympathy straight from the off, didn't it? After that, all accusations against the phantom boiled down to the initial confrontational accusation that I saw as a strategy, and nothing else. Perhaps Master Hedgethistle is a true seer!

It's funny how little things work out to turn a game. Remember when mormegil chose to dream about Firefoot? Very lucky because Firefoot was actually playing a blinder and could have caused much havoc were it not for that dream.

I agree that it is addictive, but surely it's better than other vices........right? Right?

[Holbytlass]

I think Mormegil will agree, that being the seer is VERY difficult. At the beginning, the seer has to choose one out of 12 (or more) with a 1 in 4 shot of hitting a wolf.
That he hit one right off the bat is very amazing and kudos to him.
As far as my game went, I always felt like I was playing catch-up. I never dreamt about a wolf, and I felt it was my duty to protect the innocent to the best of my ability. Some may be wondering why, if I KNEW Feanor to be innocent, why didn't I vote for Aina and at least force a tie. Simple, I fell asleep and never woke up till after the deadline. The main flux of voting happened to be around 2 a.m. my time.
I apologized to her, and do so again publicily. I'M SORRY. (Besides, I feared the tongue-lashing prepared for me more than the wolves or the gallows :D ).
I found the turn of events bizzare when I found out that Angriuel, who suspected and voted for me turned out to be the Guardian. Although he got BBQ'ed that night, it would have been surreal trying to protect the person who was out for me, who was really supposed to be protecting me (or at least the gift).
Now we come to Nimrodel9. That was pure speculation as was SonofNumenor. After I lost my eyes and whatnot, I was screaming at my screen when everyone just started voting for Nim (very hasty, again). I thought I would go down as the worst seer in the history of the game! As stated before, it was pure-dumb luck. But it would have not lasted. My wolf ranking was Eomer (I dreamt about him, innocent) then Barrow-wight and Son of Numenor. Maybe, I will still hold that title. ;)
Again, Great Game!! I love it. No, really, ILOOOVE IT. It's my....prrrrecioussss.
Oh, and good luck next seer, you're gonna need it.

[The Saucepan Man]

I hate to be a sore werewolf entree, but the role-playing aspect of this game made it less enjoyable than it could have been.As I stated, it was not my intention to create an RPG, but to provide the players with a background from which to start their posting (and to make my job of devising their deaths easier ;) ). I was also hoping that it would assist in eliminating extraneous matters (such as BD friendships, PM'ing activity etc) from the game. I didn't intend that it should cause the game to be much different from the first one and, after an initial flurry of RPG-type posts, I don't think that it really was. Most of the discussion revolved around who had said what earlier, who had voted for whom etc.

As for friendships and relationships, I think that it would be difficult to eliminate these entirely. Whether there is a role play aspect or not, alliances will form and it is likely that reasons (village relationships) will be given for this. Although I do think that the phantom and Fea should be banned from ever participating in the same game again ... :p ;)

In any event, I guess that the style of the game is really a matter for whoever is moderating it, provided that the players are happy to go along with the style that he or she suggests.

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

Although I do think that the phantom and Fea should be banned from ever participating in the same game again ...
I'm hurt. You can't possibly believe how hurt I truly am. ;)

Quite honestly, I spent a good portion of my time lying. Not about any of the he said/she said evidence and why I voted for certain people, but I didn't ever tell a soul who I really suspected. Even after I died, nobody knew. I couldn't for the life of me figure out why Fordim went after the phantom before any proof was there, and after that, I kept a close eye on the phantom.

Honestly, ol' boy, plain old wolves hoisting people to the ceiling and tying them there? Good grief.

I kept waiting for him to screw up. It was exasperating, to tell you the truth, because he never does. Drives a girl mad.

But the one who really got to me was Sono. I knew that I was innocent, and I couldn't understand why in the world he would so immediately accuse me.

But then again... like Holby said... I'm sneaky and I play games. Which is no doubt why she dreamt about me on night one. Just to get that out of the way. :)

For everyone's piece of mind though... no worries of me and the phantom working together on the next game (not that we ever actually worked together on any of them)... my internet's down at home and I've got ten class days left before graduation, plus work, which means no time at all in which to play.

Saucie, my hat's off to you for your grisly and oh-so-entertaining slaughterings. I loved the last...

[the phantom]

As for friendships and relationships, I think that it would be difficult to eliminate these entirely. Whether there is a role play aspect or not, alliances will form and it is likely that reasons (village relationships) will be given for this. Although I do think that the phantom and Fea should be banned from ever participating in the same game again ... :p ;)
A very rude statement, if I may say so. Is a tiny bit of friendly interaction amonst Downers a crime? Hmph! Some people just have no appreciation for that sort of thing.

If you really are considering the ban, how about a compromise? If the positive interaction is the problem, Fea and I could refer to each other "attercop" and "tomnoddy" and throw in an occasional "fool of a Took". Is that belligerent enough to allow us to play?

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

Or, of course, we could pretend that we hate each other and immediately accuse each other of everything in sight no matter what the circumstance just to show how truly serious we are about our non-commitment to um... anything. Yeah.... ;)

[Anguirel]

That would be still more confusing. "Are they triple-bluffing?"

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

Now I understand... tp, our sheer brilliance (and of course good looks) have them intimidated. They are terrified to attempt to match our wits. ;)

[the phantom]

Now I understand... tp, our sheer brilliance (and of course good looks) have them intimidated. They are terrified to attempt to match our wits. ;)
Remember, you're just supposed to think that, not actually say it. Well, actually, I suppose you can say the good looks part if you want. No one seems to get too offended by that. Just leave off the bit about brilliance and wit. That seems to rile up all those competetive big-ego sorts. But you are correct, of course. It would be nearly impossible to defeat a Fea-Phantom wolf team, whether we were coworkers, friends, lovers, or bitter enemies.
"Are they triple-bluffing?"
Ha ha!
That would be still more confusing.
In other words- perfect.

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

Just leave off the bit about brilliance and wit. That seems to rile up all those competetive big-ego sorts.
Indeed. Which explains my saying it in the first place. It's just so much fun to watch those competetive big-ego sorts get riled up. Of course it's not so much fun when they suggest a ban against us... :p

It would be nearly impossible to defeat a Fea-Phantom wolf team, whether we were coworkers, friends, lovers, or bitter enemies.

The mere thought makes me giggle in anticipation of future fun. You know they'll never trust us. But wouldn't it be all kinds of fun if we were to use that against them?

If only I could play in the next game... That would be a blast and a half if we ended up true partners in crime.

[The Saucepan Man]

See what I mean ... :rolleyes:

[The Only Real Estel]

I should have made more of a nuisance of myself. As the hunter, I was taking phantom with me next if I was was targeted.

So you actually did suspect Phantom?

[Fordim Hedgethistle]

Not taking anything away from his performance, but I do think the phantom was awarded a significant slice of luck when Fordim accused him out of nowhere. This afforded him sympathy straight from the off, didn't it? After that, all accusations against the phantom boiled down to the initial confrontational accusation that I saw as a strategy, and nothing else. Perhaps Master Hedgethistle is a true seer!

I think the slice of luck he was afforded came about when the mob decided not to adopt my strategy -- or, for that matter, any strategy -- and to instead hang me on the "evidence" that I had developed a strategy...

Fordim: "I have a way of hunting down werewolves."

Werewolf: "He has a strategy for hunting down werewolves. He must be a werewolf."

Villagers: "Hang him! Hang him!"

Odd logic indeed!

[Holbytlass]

Forgive us! Forgive us! Hopefully, if you play the next game, you will get your revenge. Also, is your signature curses and insults to us that voted for you in another language? :D

[Saurreg]

I would like to try out for the next game...

...Provided we go back to the original rules and someone explain to me how the time cycling works for the next round. I propose we follow the GMT as shown on the board if that's all right.

[Fordim Hedgethistle]

Forgive us! Forgive us! Hopefully, if you play the next game, you will get your revenge. Also, is your signature curses and insults to us that voted for you in another language? :D

Nothing to forgive! I badly misplayed my opening gambit -- it was my bad luck that I accused a werewolf, as that meant I immediately brought down three wolves on my neck, which meant they only needed to fool...er...sway three villagers to their 'cause'.

The siggy is actually a bit of dialogue from Bladerunner rendered in Old English.

[Mithalwen]

I think the truth is that the best course of action will always to be lynch Fea instantly. She is the Werewolves' greatest asset even if she doesn't happen to be a werewolf herself....... :D

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

Oh come now, Mith, that's just mean. :( The only thing that makes me an "asset" to the wolves is the fact that people can't distinguish between being outspoken and being guilty. Everyone knows that I'm outspoken... you'd be even more suspicious of me if I were to lay low and keep out of the discussion. I can't win either way, and that bites.

[The Saucepan Man]

The only thing that makes me an "asset" to the wolves is the fact that people can't distinguish between being outspoken and being guilty.

Quite honestly, I spent a good portion of my time lying. I would posit that it is actually in the villagers' best interests to tell the truth (albeit that it is advisable to keep quiet about any secret role that they might have). Accordingly, it seems to me that a villager who spends much of their time lying is likely to be an asset to the Werewolves, since this serves to spread (or increase) confusion and carries with it the likelihood that the liar will be suspected of being a Werewolf him- or herself...

In any event, the game has been over for some time now and has been well and truly dissected in the subsequent posts. I should be grateful, therefore, if one of the Admins could close it.

[Mithalwen]

Oh come now, Mith, that's just mean. :(




Not mean.... assuming you mean what I think you mean by mean which isn't what I mean by mean... just practical ...and you admitted you spent a lot of time lying .... if you confuse people enough you will look guilty at some point - and so it will be easier to get you out of the way before perpetual confusion sets in..... and remember you haven't been killed by werewolves yet. And if you haven't noticed this game has wakened my usually dormant competitive streak and linked into the ruthless efficiency that is usually reserved for my professional life. There may be casualties... :D

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

No, it's just mean because the only things I lie about are suspicions because it's nice to see who defends who and what the reactions are. If I'm killed immediately every time (or banned from playing with certain members), than what's the point of joining in? "Keeping things simple" defeats half the fun.

[Mithalwen]

Well bottom line is you make yourself vulnerable. If you have to more or less take a stab in the dark on your vote, then the good target is the one who will pay a grief dividend in the event of them being a lynched innocent. If I play games I play them to win - if you don't take them seriously they aren't fun.

[Encaitare]

I think I'll sit the next one out, just to take a little break. It was a fun game, though, and I'd definitely be interested in playing sometime again. :)

[the phantom]

I think the slice of luck he was afforded came about when the mob decided not to adopt my strategy -- or, for that matter, any strategy -- and to instead hang me on the "evidence" that I had developed a strategy...
But you must realize that no one but a werewolf can have a truly solid strategy on day one since only the werewolves know who is innocent and who is not. Day one is a complete shot in the dark, and everyone knows it, so if you seem to know what you are doing on day one people are going to suspect you. Sorry, lad, but that's just the way it is. Maybe they'll listen to you next time (of course, you might be a wolf next time).

Plus, you should have picked a different target. Sure, I'm disliked by some and you might get their votes, but there were also a couple of villagers that I am friendly with and they were not too anxious to get rid of me. You should've gone after BW. People would've piled on him, I bet. :p
it was my bad luck that I accused a werewolf, as that meant I immediately brought down three wolves on my neck, which meant they only needed to fool...er...sway three villagers to their 'cause'.
Ah, but four of the first five "kill Fordy" votes came from villagers. We wolves did not even lead the counter charge- we let the villagers do it. ;)
I think the truth is that the best course of action will always to be lynch Fea instantly. She is the Werewolves' greatest asset even if she doesn't happen to be a werewolf herself....... :D
Ha ha ha!

By the way, I've finished my review of this game. You can read it on the Random Thoughts (http://www.freewebs.com/phantombarrowdowns/randomthoughts.htm) page of my website. I included excerpts from pms sent to Spawn and Nim during our nightly planning sessions, as well as a couple of my pms to Saucy declaring our target for the night. Enjoy...

[The Saucepan Man]

No, it's just mean because the only things I lie about are suspicions because it's nice to see who defends who and what the reactions are.I agree that this is a valid strategy at the start of the game, since you can tell a lot by people's reactions to being accused (or defended). My own view is that, since this is (as I see it) a team game, Villagers should be more concerned about flushing out the Werewolves than avoiding being killed, unless they are the Seer or the Guardian, in which case their lives are more valuable. After all, a Villager is going to get killed each night, and you might as well risk being that Villager (or even risk getting lynched) in order to follow a course which you think will assist the Villagers in their ultimate goal of eliminating the Werewolves. Accordingly, my suspicions are always aroused when someone seems to be putting more energy into defending themselves or avoiding saying anything controversial than into trying to deduce who the Werewolves are.

But I do agree with Mithalwen. Your strategy is one which makes you vulnerable. And I think that it's value becomes less as the game wears on when clarity rather than confusion is of most vlaue to the Villagers.

Nice analysis, phantom. I wondered how your suspicions that BW was the Hunter had arisen. I like the thought processes that went into selecting Enca as your victim on the final NIGHT although, from what I knew, I was pretty sure that you would pick her,

[Holbytlass]

Oooohh....I have chills running up and down my spine! Nothing like reading about thoughts on your own demise. And that squeezing the eye thing :eek: , I'm sure SpM did you all proud!!

[Encaitare]

I like the thought processes that went into selecting Enca as your victim on the final NIGHT although, from what I knew, I was pretty sure that you would pick her,

I had a bit of a foreboding feeling as well...