Werewolf XLII: The meaning of life forever

[Volo]

Then it was that the Ar-Pharazôn, King of Kings sent his men East to find famed warriors from all over Middle-earth. For a great competition was to be held at the Golden Temple of Armenelos. Heroes of valour would battle each other and the last one standing would be deemed worthy and granted immortality. The trial of skills would last 15 long days and after a party to honor the winner, also lasting 15 days.

Only the best of the best were invited but even so many fell back in fear of the Númenóreans. The warriors finally chosen to set sail for the Island were of a truly mighty lot, each more fearsome than the preveous and each with a glorious past, all unlike.

-----------~~

18 beautiful ships arrived to the port of Rómenna that day, each bearing one of the warriors who sought eternal life. Or did they have more reasons than that to leave on this dangerous quest? At least most of the compeditors pondered most of their journeys about their preveous life, not all of course, as they were given free access to their favourite food, being a part of the greatest event to take place in Númenor. As their ships reached the harbour they were lead away into their personal lodgings for the night.

On the next day each was personally brought in front of the most important persons in the whole world. A third of the warriors had permission to enter the Ar-Pharazôn’s palace and were blessed there by the King of Kings himself, an other third was brought to the great altar of the Golden Temple where Sauron the servant of Melkor gave them the strength of Melkor. The last third was taken to Ar-Zimraphel the Queen. None but the six warriors themselves knew that Tar Míriel secretly showed them the hights of Meneltarma, the Pillar of Heavens where she prayed Eru to save the warriors from peril. Little did she know that this was forseen by Sauron…

The third day was the last day before the first battles were to begin. Ugh-Friedrich, the host showed the 18 heroes the arena prepared. He should have known better though. As soon as they entered the Temple’s large circle, all the doors around them were shut.

Something was wrong, quite clearly. Ugh-Friedrich tried his best to look calm and knowledgeable, but the warriors didn’t pay any attention to him. It took him some time to notice that it was primarily because Ar-Pharazon stood on a high balcony. He welcomed the warriors once again and told them that they weren’t allowed to leave this building. All exept Ugh-Friedrich. He told them that he wanted them to spend the last days of their lives together, but when somebody dared to ask him what was the reason of it, he glared at the brave one with slight madness and left the balcony while humming to himself.

After a short while of sulking around a new person entered the balcony, this time the Queen. Ar-Zimraphel panted hard and shouted to the warriors that they were being betrayed. As they looked at her in alarm they saw that she looked more afraid than anybody they had ever seen before. Even more afraid than the poor buggers some of them had killed in most painful ways. The first warrior to come to her senses asked the Queen to tell more, but she never got the chance to say another word because two of Melkor’s priests jumped at her from from behind the balcony curtains and dragged her away.

It wasn’t true horror the warriors experienced. The feeling was of such high bafflement that horror had to wait for another moment. And then Sauron entered the balcony and just stood there for a while. Then he started laughing and told them that six of them were now his servants. Werewolves to be precise. Quite strong as such. This caused anger in the warriors and they wished they could attack Sauron. The brave one shouted at him and challenged him to a duel, but Sauron just continued laughing and left the balcony.

The 19 waited for somebody else to appear, but nobody did come, Slowly a discussion began.


Alive:
Brinniel
THE Ka
Shastanis Althereduin
satansaloser2005
Aganzir
McCaber
Nogrod
Legate of Amon Lanc
The Might
Thinlómien
Valier
Groin Redbeard
Meneltarmacil
Kath
Gil-Galad
Roa_Aoife
Naria
Azaelia of Willowbottom
Isabellkya
Rikae
A Little Green
Ugh-Friedrich (host)

[Nogrod]

"That sweet talkin' honeylipped apprentice of Melkor is no good news! Now talk heroes so that we may aim our hammers right when the battles begin."

Nogrod the 'almost refused a request on him' -dwarf looked sternly around.

"We need to get a picture of everyone for the battles may otherwise come to pure random."

Nogrod spat on the sandy ground.

"I say everyone votes toDay for someone thus showing a commitment to this. I for one will go after a non-voter in the battle-rounds unless there are some better reasons to go after the other one. Now what say you?"

[Valier]

Ackkk!! Sauron! I too spit at this!! evil minions in our midst, dare I say they shall perish!! They and all that are evil!! I will do my part to bring them to justice, let us all gather our thoughts and talk, talk like there is no tomorrow. Let us weed out these baddies among us.
I am not sure I concur with Nogrod here but I will give it some thought. His way might just be the most productive way today. We shall see...

[Groin Redbeard]

Groin watched as Sauron left the balcony. Never in his entire life had he been in such a predicament.

He listened to the words of his fellow dwarf, Nogrod.

"Are you saying, Nogrod, that we should now choose whom we wish to do battle against?"

[Nogrod]

Originally Posted by Groin Redbeard

"Are you saying, Nogrod, that we should now choose whom we wish to do battle against?"

"I'm afraid we're not granted that luxury mate. They will set up against each other the way they will. In the worst scenario as He wills. That's why we need to have some talkin'... We need to have an idea of each other before we enter the battle-arena for real"

Nogrod kicked a rock in slight frustration but soon grinned for a thought that occured to him.

"Anyway if one wants to be a hero this is the chance... Just think of it. Gladiatorial fight threesome! One makes a move, another makes a move... Where should you look at, whom should you watch out for? Or should you make the first move? If the innocents make the first moves the evil one will just capitulate with an easy kill... So we need to get the baddie on defence and not leave her/him a room to outmanouver her/himself in the trio."

Nogrod sighed again.

"The only way to that is that we have some talkin' here as to form an opinion and with some brains and luck to have a chance of catching a wolf".

[Legate of Amon Lanc]

A figure before unnoticed stepped out of the shadows. The more fascinating on it was the fact that there were no shadows around at all.

"Fellow warriors," the figure spoke with an accent resembling too closely the accent of the Avari of Mirkwood. "I believe all of us acknowledge the advantages of voting for the odd one out -" he gazed at all people except for Azalia the Average "- even though it will not bring immediate results now, it will give us some guidance in the future. The other advantage is that we can retract and change our opinions the way we wish, and only our last decision can mark our real choice. Maybe this will make this day even more vocal than normal. Or at least I would like to hope so."

*dice roll: Sense Motive check*

"I would also like to say that even though Nogrod brought up this nice idea, I have a bad feeling about him. Look at his face. Look at his words. Is he hiding behind this helpfully-seeming proposition of his?"

*dice roll: Diplomacy check*

"Anyway, I am not suggesting anything, this is just a feeling, but I'm airing it."

*dice roll: Knowledge (psychology) check*

"Because I know that people may seem different when they behave in-character. A little different. Maybe. But not always, and also not totally."

*dice roll: Sense Motive check*

"No one here seems behaving totally different from how I know them, though. Or at least I know (or think I know) what I can imagine under this difference. Valier looks strange, Groin seems good though I have nothing to compare his behavior to, and Lommy seems okay as well. Nog is the most suspicious to me this far. I find that funny myself that I make such conclusion that early, but that's just it. Anyway, there is a lot to see today yet, this is just preliminary analysis."

*dice roll: Diplomacy check: Critical miss*

"Let's wait what the others have to say. Though I know there will be only a bunch of other mindless reapers who think they can be clever or they can fool us if they are Werewolves, or cannot even behave correctly when they are Gifted. I am not wishing you good night, because you don't deserve it. And I don't even know whether I won't come back. And no, I'm not going to tell you!"

EDIT: Crossed with all since Lommy

[McCaber]

Originally Posted by Legate

A figure before unnoticed stepped out of the shadows. The more fascinating on it was the fact that there were no shadows around at all.

Hmm, interesting. Then where have I been lurking for the past few hours? (checks sign on door) The "coat room." So that's why my vision was so obstructed.

Now the day is still early yet, so I don't see a real reason to throw around suspicions. This is my first encounter with werewolves, but it doesn't seem too different from some of the other minions I've finished off back home. Sauron always did like the flashy ones.

But if I'm supposed to throw out suspicions, here I go. Nogrod has been the most vocal here, by a long shot. If he's a werewolf and keeps this up, it could be easier to trap him under his lies.

Valier and Groin haven't said much one way or another. This could work against them as well.

But at the moment my suspects are Taliesin Ka and Legate. I don't believe in long monologues or dice. My suspicions will change as the day goes on, so don't value them too much.

[Nogrod]

Originally Posted by Valier

I am not sure I concur with Nogrod here but I will give it some thought. His way might just be the most productive way today.

"You show me a more productive way and I will follow the lead." There was a mild sarcasm in his tone.

Nogrod the dwarf who had woken up this morning scanned the heroes around him in astonishment.

"Okay. I do appreciate the valour you show us by sleeping on this. Yes I do. That's brave. But I also know that everyone is not sleeping! Daydreaming in Melko's lap now are we?"

Nogrod sat down and cursed silently.

[Thinlómien]

Originally Posted by Nogrod

"I say everyone votes toDay for someone thus showing a commitment to this. I for one will go after a non-voter in the battle-rounds unless there are some better reasons to go after the other one. Now what say you?"

"I says AYE, agreed!" boomed Thinlómien with her most orcish voice. "Even though we aren't obliged to vote", she added sweetly, her tone now melodical as a nightingale's, "we'd do each other a great favour by doing so. It will leave tracks and something to ponder for everyone of us. I can see no reason not to vote - but seems no one has even claimed there are any this far."

"What else? It is oddly quiet around here. Almost an hour has passed (okay, I'm exaggerating here) and only that world-famous loudmouth Nogrod of Nogrod has voiced an opinion on anything. I can't believe timezones, other businesses and/or ambitious plans hinder this many people."

"Well, there's still, of course, plenty of time for everyone to appear. Meanwhile, would someone like to play some a-footbaging with me?"

EDIT: cross-posted with Valier, Groin and Nogrod... that much for my musings on it being quite here

[Valier]

Originally Posted by Nogrod

"You show me a more productive way and I will follow the lead." There was a mild sarcasm in his tone.

Please, master Dwarf, your sarcasm has no use, I for one am no leader, but I can and do find what I seek in the end. For I am a famed tracker!! I have faith in myself. It is others I do not trust. So I say your way may and (usually does) give plenty to talk about and speculate about in days to come.
But on a day such as today, when a vote does not really count, sometimes it muddles the minds of others later on. The first day is for the most part pretty random, but think with the vote not really counting today, it gives the evil doers among us a way to minipulate us with their votes . Seeing as most things today can be argued later as being first day not knowinness.

I say yes there should be some sort of a "vote" but keep in mind the implications of this being a free vote.

Valier pulled back her large hood and leaned on her bow. Now lets hear from more people. What say you all?

[THE Ka]

Taliesin wasn't much for speaking anymore. Simply, as for historical reasons in his own life, it wasn't the best course of action for him to take. As his old memories would tease him at times, he tended to remember how both his assumed parents recited with glee and also stiffled guilt at the great gift he had with words, in some ways. The story was repeated often, how upon finding his little self in a tattered skin of a bag, his 'blessed' caretakers declared a name for him immediately, to which the little Taliesin nodded and said, 'That'll do.' Apparently this meant that Taliesin was prime cut for helping those great, and advancing his family socially. Mostly, the latter.
Taliesin also had a perchant for honesty, and as for words, that meant at times he would find himself without control, spewing out what people needed to hear, not what they wanted. This of course, brought him much trouble with the folks who socially worked above not below. Which, even his dotting parents seemed to take with a new grain of salt, and sought out a way to control his 'wild tongue'.
He couldn't remember much inbetween that time and what caused him to take up the habit of the open road, only that it instilled his phobia, and left his parents and neck of the community without much 'appropriate' reknown. He probably knew well why, but didn't choose to remember how his simple guidence to local authority almost cost his life, and being seen as 'a great bane undone at the tongue!' He sometimes remembered that, and it gave him a little chuckle.

As for today, this was yet another path along the original plan of his own to gain greatfully in youth and sit back and relax in old age, wherever, and whenever that might be. Usually, he looked like a serious and 'greatly interested' being during the past day or so, but his mind was usually wondering off somewhere, in another field of thought, singing out the tune, " Give me plenty open fields with the starry skies above, don't fence me in...". While witihn the temple, and reaching the last line of his little song, the open fields disappeared and he indeed was fenced in. The doors shut. Every bloody one of them.
This wasn't his phobia. His phobia lay way off, to the east with simple folk. This factor though, did indeed miff him a bit. The building by standards wasn't bad, but it wasn't exactly his taste, and probably would get on his nerves eventually the longer he remained.
The others about clammoured their equipment and some yelled in protest to the act, as the above Maia in disguised seemed amused by it all and simply walked away. Taliesin just stood there with his hands on his hips and his equipment, starring at Sauron with slight intrigue and a little interest.

"Damn. How does he do it?", laughed sarcastically one voice in his mind. He held back a little laugh as a throat cough.
He hadn't heard much of Sauron, and was far too concerned with other beings, and collecting wealth from any services he didn't mess up with his words. Though, he had heard how this Maia had a perchant for words also, but his words seemed to be the better resume than that of the simple mortal, and indifferent Taliesin.

"Well, whatever might be certain is that I - erm, wait everyone else, the lot of us are stuck. What a way to waste, I've had such better adventures than this. With a lot more front up pay too. Hrmm, whatever may be, I might as well become some member of the society here."

The dwarf nearby was rallying for words, and that everyone come forth, especially with honest words.
" Oh no..." Taliesin muttered and dragged a hand down his long face. He bit his tongue and battled with the otherwise willing words in his mind. He had forethought alright, but he knew very well that no one particularly means real honesty when they praise it. If they did, Taliesin might have to give them an embrace of utter astonishment. Either way, he might get knifed.

"The only way to that is that we have some talkin' here as to form an opinion and with some brains and luck to have a chance of catching a wolf".

"Or we could randomly end up gutting one another, either way that is progress by your assumption.", another sarcastic voice cracked within his mind.

Taliesin shook his head, and hoped no one took it as some mystical sign of body language. He took a gulp of water from his supplies and tried to focus his mind, before he lost his head.

Most men might descriminate the fighting abilities of other races in spite of their own, but Taliesin had no doubt anyone around him could easily kill him, and turn him into a wonderful batting effigy that all races great and small could enjoy a swack at.

He was not so much a gentleman, but just plan conscious enough to know that words at their sting too. As for that, eveyone so far that had spoke was throwing arrows. Clearing his mind again, he carefully said his next words, albet maybe too quite and stern than some of the others might have approved of in a 'warrior' type.

" Sorry for my silence, I must choose my words carefully. 'Tis only a bad habit, my speech can be horrible to minds who want certain answers... Anyways, so that we may not end up on the wrong start of things, I am Taliesin of Nothing. You may just call me Taliesin, because as for being 'of something' I own naught. It is safe to say we know nothing beyond our names and other little things, with this in mind I believe we shouldn't jest with ourselves that minds are really so simple - "

"Well no great wonder there genius!" ,laughed another thought in his mind he chose to ignore it for the time being, and cleared his throat softly again.

" Even if we do learn more of one another, there are many faces to a gem, what we wish to show is fortunately and unfortunately that of choice. So in short, if I may suggest that simply making a vote isn't going to change the fact we all can be responsible for many things. I really wish it was that simple, for this challenge turned into something we all didn't bargain for. Unless you enjoy surprises with great naive, which does have its charms only if you have the time. Anyways, putting pressure on everyone's words only aids those conditioned to lie, and gives suspicion to those who otherwise only mean to speak and reason simply. Which, Nogrod, I do believe that your words call for reason, but to hold at knife point only makes the wolf sing sweeter as you gut the lamb. So, instead of maybe near torture, or complete silence, as for a touchstone we can simply introduce ourselves and go on from there. "

Taliesin finished with an exhale and decided to kept his mouth tightly shut for the next hour or so, giving only a nod when called for. He prefered to take the observant stance, take notes, maybe put it into song, and then speak. Very carefully of course. He did have some vainity for living still.


~ Taliesin Ka

[Nogrod]

Originally Posted by THE Ka

Taliesin prefered to take the observant stance, take notes, maybe put it into song, and then speak. Very carefully of course. He did have some vainity for his life still.

"I do promise to quit this now. But how if we all acted like this Taliesin fellow here? Sit back and take notes of what others do? What notes there would be but notes of others trying to take notes on others who do and say nothing? Sorry milady, or dear sir? I always took you as a lady with my folklore but maybe appearances drive people to wrong tracks in this place?"

Nogrod reached for his cask and took a long draught.

"I have no major complaint anymore as people seem to be gearing up. But a thing I don't like is saying something while stating that saying something is not worthy of saying. On this kind of initial situation every word is valuable for without them the discussion will never take off. All those who discourage the discussion can be suspected of trying to hide and to hope of having as large silent crowd around them as possible."

Suddenly he noticed a new guy coming from the shadows and listened to what he had to say. Then he thought about it a moment before he opened his mouth.

"Now see what I mean. I can already say I'm getting quite weary of this stranger I have a bad feeling I need to face in the battle. Just look how nicely he lays the grounds for his attack on the actual battle. There is nothing there and he knows it, so he goes on saying

I find that funny myself that I make such conclusion that early, but that's just it.

But that's exactly what he can rely on when the actual battle begins..."

Nogrod looked at the figure again but he had already turned to leave. Nogrod shook his head but then turned back to his seat quite pleased.

"This is the way we should discuss here I think", he said. "This generates thoughts and suspicions. There's no other way of catching the wolves but action and reaction - and coming up with the reasons behind them".

[Legate of Amon Lanc]

Originally Posted by Nogrod

"Now see what I mean. I can already say I'm getting quite weary of this stranger I have a bad feeling I need to face in the battle. Just look how nicely he lays the grounds for his attack on the actual battle. There is nothing there and he knows it, so he goes on saying But that's exactly what he can rely on when the actual battle begins..."

*Hide check: failure*

The figure appeared again out of the shadows.

*Wisdom check*

"I am very well aware of that, sir," the figure spoke to Nogrod. "Nevertheless I can also say that the fact I focused on you with my first words had nothing to do with any private battles happening in the future. Which is intriguing by itself."

*Spot check: failure*

"Nevertheless, there is one person whom I would like to see here as well, for reasons you can imagine yourself, Nogrod. I fail to see him, now, but that does not matter - he will come. I would like to see him here for my picture to be complete. Yes, I challenge you for a duel, Nogrod, as you have forseen - but there is one more we need, and then it won't be a duel, it will be..."

*Speak language check: critical miss*

"...a trial!"

*Wisdom check: Success*

"Wow, actually, that's true... great..."

"Anyway, don't think I am here only to prepare my thoughts on you two. The biggest advantage of us being together here is that we can talk to everyone, and others can base their thoughts on our ideas even when we are not with them. And we know that when we meet again, lots of us will be gone..."

"Oh, and a note about this Taliesin guy. All the bards I ever met were chaotics, so take care. But I can't serve with any strong opinion about this one, because he is too..."

*Spot check: success*

"...long." *gazes upwards*

EDIT: X-ed with McCaber. This fella looks good to me. Probably neutral good. Almost lawful.

EDITEDIT:

"Oh, and I suggest whoever is not in invisible mode should do so. It does not matter much now when we are all here and it's day, but later it is most adviseable. You go into invisible mode like this. Look:"

*Hide check: Total success*

[Nogrod]

Originally Posted by Legate of Amon Lanc

The biggest advantage of us being together here is that we can talk to everyone, and others can base their thoughts on our ideas even when we are not with them.

"With this I truly agree with you o' figure of the shadows. Those people who disrepute the discussion toDay forget that the battles will shed a lot of light to the actual truth of the matter for those who come out alive from them... There are things to gather in there. And I do appreciate that you bring the discussions forwards. That's what we need to do.

It's a trial yes. I think everyone knows it will be a trial. That's the interesting thing. I mean it's not only who survives the "battle" but also how they do it. Some innocent kills in the trials may turn out victories for the enemies of Melkor in the end if people stay alert.

I'm waiting to hear from that Mighty warrior as well. But in the meantime I think I take a little nap and listen also to the others."

EDIT: X'd with Roa x2

[THE Ka]

"I do promise to quit this now. But how if we all acted like this Taliesin fellow here? Sit back and take notes of what others do? What notes there would be but notes of others trying to take notes on others who do and say nothing? Sorry milady, or dear sir? I always took you as a lady with my folklore but maybe appearances drive people to wrong tracks in this place?"

Taliesin had a little smile, which did give his heart some optimism but not much. When his actual gender came into question he gave an innocent laugh and wore an even bigger smile.

" Well, it is sometimes assumed that those with words tend to be of the female sort. Somehow, we all loose our form when others speak of us. Either in tales or simply the discussion we're having right now. Same as men have this silly assumption dwarves come from the earth, though I've only seen plants do such a thing. Then again, rumor has it you can makes Taliesin out of stormy sea water, a cauldron, and an angry crone. Though, for sanity purposes, I am pretty sure I am male in this life and form. Now you know two good things, my name and that I'm of the male sort. All in all, I believe anyone should speak a little if they want now, before this building and its decor drives us insane."

Taliesin found a comfy share of a colomn to rest upon, and listened with his little lute and other things, but he didn't dare play it being as it was only for the worst of circumstances. It seemed so far to him that humor quited the otherwise abrasive thoughts in his mind, and make his speech easier.

~ Taliesin

[Groin Redbeard]

Groin listened as Nogrod led the others in conversation. He listended and watched while the others expressed their opinions. When all grew quiet he rose to offer his advice.

"I admire Nogrod's assertiveness in calling for action, but this dosen't mean that he is one of the few who are under Sauron's controll. Nogrod has done more to help us than any of us put together!" Groin's voice rose nearly to a yell.

"Look at one who who calls himself Legate of Amon Lanc. He is quick to cast judgement on the rest of us. What say you to that?"

[Roa_Aoife]

Originally Posted by Groin Redbeard

Groin listened as Nogrod led the others in conversation. He listended and watched while the others expressed their opinions. When all grew quiet he rose to offer his advice.

"I admire Nogrod's assertiveness in calling for action, but this dosen't mean that he is one of the few who are under Sauron's controll. Nogrod has done more to help us than any of us put together!" Groin's voice rose nearly to a yell.

"Look at one who who calls himself Legate of Amon Lanc. He is quick to cast judgement on the rest of us. What say you to that?"

I say it's an improvement. Better to suspect many than to suspect none. At least he's saying something and stirring conversation.

As clever as the dice rolling is, though, I could do with out it. And besides, most of those skills belong to the rogue class.

[Roa_Aoife]

(OOC: *blows dust off BD link* Let's see if this still works...)

Roa stepped forward. "So this is what it's come to?" she said quietly. "I agree with the rather loud dwarf on one point at least. Voting today may give us all tools that we'll need in the future. (OOC: It will certainly help give me something to analyze. ) That said, I do hope some here offer suggestions in their future posts rather than continue in this... 'character typing.'

"Right now, my eyes are watching Thin. Quick to agree with the loudest voice that we should all offer opinions, and yet voicing no opinions of her own? Agreement in words and not in action is not truly agreement."

(I don't know how long I'll continue IC, but I'll certainly be wary of those who continuely make long posts that consist of nothing more than role-playing, and no real suggestions, suspicions, or ideas. *coughKaandlegatecough*)

[Thinlómien]

Nogrod
#2 Is the first one to post. Says that everybody should vote, calls for discussion.
#5 Replies to Valier, and states, rather ironically, that if she has a better suggestion than voting, he's willing to listen. Complains about people being away.
#7 Replies to Groin, says that we need to have ideas of one other before we enter the trial days. Also warns about innocents not making the first move on the trial days and says they should try to corner the wolf. says that people should talk.
#11 Criticises Ka's decision to remain in the shadows and observe. Says that in the current situation, anything is worth saying. Says discussion-discourages can be suspected. Encourages others to follow Legate's example and throw some opinions around.
#17 Agrees with Legate that toDay will be great material in the Days to come. Says: "Some innocent kills in the trials may turn out victories for the enemies of Melkor in the end if people stay alert."
#21 Responses to Menel, says one should try to take contact with those s/he's going to play with in the trials.
#24 Realises he doesn't know who will he be fighting against.

Valier
#3 Urges people to talk "like there is no tomorrow", is not sure if she agrees with Nogrod about voting.
#8 Says she's no leader but rather a solitary soul. (Sorry for phrasing it that way, couldn't resist...) Says Nogrod's way of playing (?) creates plenty to talk and speculate about. Warns against the danger of evildoers manipulating the "ghost vote". Says that "most things today can be argued later as being first day not knowinness."

Groin Redbeard
#4 A few insignificant lines & "Are you saying, Nogrod, that we should now choose whom we wish to do battle against?"
#14 Implies that Nogrod is leading the discussion. "I admire Nogrod's assertiveness in calling for action, but this dosen't mean that he is one of the few who are under Sauron's controll. Nogrod has done more to help us than any of us put together!" Points to Legate's quick accusations and asks what others think of it.

THE Ka
#9 in-character, "Anyways, putting pressure on everyone's words only aids those conditioned to lie, and gives suspicion to those who otherwise only mean to speak and reason simply. Which, Nogrod, I do believe that your words call for reason, but to hold at knife point only makes the wolf sing sweeter as you gut the lamb." Says she will take an observing stance.
#18 in-character
#22 Apologises and explains in-character posts. Says that she would hate to have the trial with someone she has no opinion on or to vote randomly and have bad guilty conscience in the trials.
#30 Says she's present but has nothing special to say. wonders if everybody is aware of the pre-day. Says posting and reading toDay is important.
#41 Hopes that the rest of the players will come. "Since even the wolves don't know other wolves, the pre-game day is anyone's gambit and everyone's reference book. Same is true with specials and innocents, etc. So, I guess in a way there is some relief having the ambiguity so that individual styles and plays come forth when players post. Usually these things get lost when the wolves and specials know each other in their roles."

Legate of Amon Lanc
#10 Supports voting. Has a bad feeling about Nogrod. Says Valier is strange while Groin and Lommy are ok. Finds it funny that he is taking conclusions so quickly.
#13 Responses to Nogrod about the trials. Says he would like to see The Might around as he assumes they will be in the same trio. Has vague (and unserious?) suspicious of Ka. Suggests people to change into the invisible mode.
#46 "I don't like the "loud players may manipulate the village" and all the other cliché "loud-quiet" debates -- Now I could say that all who try to make fruitless debate like this are wolves." Doesn't like Menel's pessimism. EMPHASISES the fact that WE DON'T KNOW who are we going to be against!!!! ( ) "And P.S. Roa, but lots of these are Ranger skills as well!"
#47 Clarifies: "What I meant by the first sentence was that Brinn and Menel, or whoever it was, said it makes no sense to vote. My reaction is that only for the wolves it's tactically better not to vote today." Says we should vote.

McCaber
#12 Says it's too early to throw suspicion around, but if he's supposed to do so, he would name Ka and Legate, as he doesn't "believe in long monologues or dice". Says it will be easy to trap Nogrod if he lies, says that Valier and Groin haven't said much one way or another and it could work against them in future.
#38 Thanks Menel and says: "Just because I don't feel a need to say everything that crosses my mind doesn't mean I'm a wolf."

Roa_Aoife
#15 Agrees we should vote. Suspects Lommy for agreeing with Nogrod in words but not in action. Says she'll be wary of people who only post in-character.
#16 (Double posts, ie starts characteristic flood-posting. ) Says that it's good that Legate is stirring discussion with his comments and that it's better to suspect many than to suspect none.
#23 Notes about invisibility. Points out that the wolves don't have a relevant mutual strategy as they don't know each other and will work as individuals. "Thin, who has not returned, still has my interest, as do Ka (for lack of substance- you're a wonderful writer but that's not helping) and Menel (for trying to dampen discussion.)"
#25 Agrees with Lommy that quiet people are dangerous, but wonders says her statment on manipulative wolves rings false. Clarifies to Ka that there's nothing wrong with ic in general, but if one posts only in character, it is a problem.
#27 Thanks Lommy for clarifying her statement.
#28 Asks where's everybody, jokingly calls for the lynching of Nogrod.
#31 Wonders if people know they should be around. "Still, when my day in the arena comes, should niether of my opponents seem particularly suspicious I'll probably (probably, mind you, not definitely) vote the one who posted the least on this day." Corrects Lommy's maths and claims we stand a good chance of winning this game.
#35 "The unfortunate thing, Azaelia, is that this is our only opportunity to help each other out. When the trial day comes, this is the only context each of will have to work with." Corrects Azaelia about what she (Roa) and Lommy were actually saying. does not look forward to trialing with those who are silent toDay.
#36 Goes and hopes to be back.

Meneltarmacil
#19 Thinks there's nothing to do toDay.
#37 Observes that the loud vs quiet debate is going on and critcises it. Joins the debate by saying that loud ones are slightly more dangerous, because they affect the votes.

Shastanis Althereduin
#32 pops up

Azaelia of Willowbottom
#33 pops up
#34 Agrees with Roa about the effectiveness of loud wolves. States the obvious by saying loudness and quietness point more to the person's playing style than his/her role. "It is very important not to throw today away completely, and also that it is probably worth a bit more than it normally might be, but I also don't think I will be basing my decisions about the innocence of the other two people on my trial day on today alone."
#39 Thanks Roa for clarifying. Agrees that blank trial days are a no-no. "For the record, I think the loud wolves are just as dangerous as the quiet ones."
#40 Comments McCaber's post by saying "I think it's not a good thing to be too silent, keeping every thought to oneself, but too much talking from one person just serves to muddy the waters and can attract the wrong kind of attention from the direction of the wolves or from that of innocents."

Brinniel
#42 While she sees why Nogrod and Lommy want everyone to vote, she disagrees with them. Concludes that we can do nothing toDay, since the wolves are in the same situation with the ordinaries and there will be no lynch.
#44 Says she does usually find Day1s useless, but this one is an exception. says there is no way of concluding what kind of behaviour is wolvish. "Anyways in all technicalities, this isn't Day 1 at all. So in all arguments, Day 1 could still very well remain a critical Day when it does come around.."

Nothing from
satansaloser2005
Aganzir
The Might
Kath
Naria
Gil-Galad

So... based on this, I'd say that Roa looks slightly suspicious with her friendliness and constant agreeing, it's something I find uncharacteristic for her and wolvish. Brinniel gives wolvish vibes with her general attitude and way of saying things and her pessimism. I have already stated my opinion on Zali and Valier and I'd like to add Menel to that list for his contradictory stance on the infamous loud vs quiet debate. Thanks to his two latest somewhat odd posts, I'm slightly wary of Legate as well. Groin's suspiciousness is most probably just newbieishness in disguise. Shasta could be nominated for the least constructive presence, but that - I'm afraid - does not make him a wolf.

I might vote one of those persons and watch them all very closely toDay, but if I'm still alive when the "finals" begin, I will be paying a lot more attention to the ones that have not caught my attention in any way toDay, mostly the non-posters, that is. I will leave soon-ish, but be back a few hours before the deadline.

EDIT: xed with Volo

[Thinlómien]

1) Wow... I'm glad to see those three joining our ranks. I only hope they will be able to post at least a little toDay and timezones don't prove problematic to them (I'm mainly thinking about Isabell and Rikae here).

2) Where is everyone? For a village of this size, it's very quiet here. Is everybody this confused about the playing days?

[Groin Redbeard]

Originally Posted by Thinlómien

Groin's suspiciousness is most probably just newbieishness in disguise.

Thank you Thinlomien for your kind words. I like you analysis very much, the best we've had of yet.

Right now the only one whom I think is a wolf is Brinniel
. The one who was eager to postpone yesterdays discussions. I think she just dosen't know who her fellow Were Wolves are, that's why she dosen't accuse anybody.

[The Might]

Har har, hear I am!
Btw, could any of you be so kind and explain this whole trio thing to me again...I am not quite sure that I really understand how this thing is supposed to work.

Didn't really noticed that the game started till, then again I haven't been on for quite a while.

So, my early thoughts... are not yet there.

[Shastanis Althreduin]

Welcome to the three new people! ^^

I suppose that means they'll be in the arena together on the seventh day?

I'll pop up with more substance later.

[Azaelia of Willowbottom]

Well. Day 1 and I'm already attracting suspicion. Welcome back, Zali. :P

Anyway.

Originally Posted by Aganzir

Azaelia because she doesn't really say anything. Agrees with someone, discusses (IMO) irrelevant matters such as quiet/loud wolves, and doesn't express any suspicion.

I was just joining in the conversation at hand, which happened to be, at least in part, about quiet/loud wolves. I was also worried by the fact that Roa had said that she was going to be using today a lot and that people who weren't particularly active today were going to be more likely to get her vote on trial days, since I am generally a quiet player. And I'm a bit rusty at this. *sigh*

I haven't expressed any suspicion because it's just the first day. I have already said that while I'm not throwing today away completely, I do not want to base any opinions on today alone. It must be a personal style thing. I'm not a fan of the finger-pointing that happens on Day 1s. I'm actually not a fan of Day 1s in general. I don't think we have enough from anyone yet to form a solid opinion.

Anyway, this is possibly my last post of the day, since I have class soon.

[Nogrod]

Originally Posted by Azaelia of Willowbottom

I haven't expressed any suspicion because it's just the first day. I have already said that while I'm not throwing today away completely, I do not want to base any opinions on today alone.

I don't think anyone is saying one should lock one's opinions toDay! But if people do not talk there is nothing to gain from this Day and it has been a useless banter and speculation of a few.

Let me illuminate this with an example.

Let's say I'm thrown in the ring with say Naria and Gil-Galad (and let's assume for the sake of the argument that they will not show up before the trials). Now if they keep up with their "hunker down & lay low" tactics how am I supposed to decide which one to vote? Another one of them will be a wolf so I'd need to get it right but how? Throwing a dice?

Let's take another example.

If I'm to be thrown on the arena with Lommy and Roa I'll have lots to read and think - and I'm pretty sure they will give me further food for thought that Day as well. So I may base my vote on something instead of pure guesswork.

And even if the wolves are on their own toDay it is right what Legate noted: they may toDay accidentally vote or make open suspicions over their mates and that might be a burden so it's suitable for the wolves to be lenient and nice to everyone. And what's more important, they should not voice any suspicions they actually have - for surely they are on the look out for their mates now - just not to spoil their game later. So look carefully at those being nice and smooth but also to fabricated suspicions eg. those that can be easily reverted as pure Day1 testing or banter.

I'll try to follow my own advice soon and give you my views on people.

[Valier]

Wow...I went to bed thinking I would have page upon page to read today, but to no avail. There seems to be only about 10 new posts. This quietness is disheartening, I should be around till almost the end today, so lets hope some more people turn up. I'm off to read, and hopefully form some opinions no matter how weak they may be.