Werewolf XLIV: In the House of Tom Bombadil - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Aganzir · 03-03-2008, 12:53 PM

The atmosphere in the house was rather depressed. The beggars knew that this was their last chance to kill a wolf, otherwise they would all die. Volo lost his hope already in the morning, and when evening drew near, several others followed his example.

”If we don't lynch a wolf now, I deserve a public flogging!” said Rikae.

”This has been a disaster. We've been played for fools,” sighed Nerwen.

Lommy and Durelin only looked depressed. Menel was still sorry about his brother's death – or innocence.

Maybe the pressure and frustration was too much. Maybe having spent four days under the same roof was too much. Suddenly Lommy and Nogrod attacked each other. It might have ended badly, but luckily the beggars had some buckets of ice-cold water near-hand, which they could now throw upon the fighters. That had a queer effect on them. They had been boiling over; now they became cold and sensible. Lommy found a sweet bubblegum somewhere and started chewing. Quickly, she was her cheerful old self again.

Finally, the sun was beginning to set. It was time to vote.

”To whatever end,” said Rikae.

”For best or worst,” said Volo.

”If Menel isn't a wolf, I promise I will kill you,” said Nerwen.

”Not that this is going to do any difference,” said Menel.

”May the force be with us,” said Nogrod.

”Let the chance be on our side,” said Lommy.

”Sorry,” said Durelin.

And Mith only voted.

**

Poor little Meneltarmacil stood alone. More than half of the beggars had turned against him.

Rikae turned to speak to him. ”Little Menel, do you like building snowmen?”

”Yes... But isn't it too cold for it? There isn't the right type of snow.”

”It doesn't matter,” said Volo, ”there's the snow and you are the man.”

Menel looked unsure. ”Err, I'm not sure if I want to try that.”

”Let's go now,” said Nerwen and took Menel by hand. Nogrod put on the coat that was hanging on the coatrack and followed them out. The other beggars followed silently.

”Stand still, laddy,” said Nerwen. Menel had no chance but to obey. Rikae, Volo, Nerwen and Nogrod started to heap snow around him.

Menel's legs were now covered by snow.

”Mummy, I'm cold,” he said helplessly. But all Mith could do was to stand where she was, watching the last living member of her family slowly being killed, and curse the thing that is called 'democracy.'

Menel's chest was now covered by snow.

”Mummy, I can't move my hands,” he said helplessly.

Menel's mouth was now covered by snow.

”Mummy, it's hard to breathe!” his scream was muffled by the snow.

”Does anyone have a carrot?” asked Nogrod.

”Here you are.” Durelin stepped forward, smiling, and put it where Menel's nose had been.

The night fell.

The beggars stood shivering.

Death pattered out softly. ”It is time.”

**

It was not called the Old Forest without reason, for it was indeed ancient, a survivor of vast forgotten woods; and in it there lived yet, ageing no quicker than the hills, the fathers of the fathers of the trees, remembering times when they were lords. The countless years had filled them with pride and rooted wisdom, and with malice. But none were more dangerous than the Great Willow: his heart was rotten, but his strength was green; and he was cunning, and a master of winds, and his song ran through the woods on both sides of the river. His grey thirsty spirit drew power out of the earth and spread like fine root-threads in the ground, and invisible twig-fingers in the air, till it had under its dominion nearly all the trees of the Forest from the Hedge to the Downs.

**

Rikae, Mithalwen, Volo and Thinlómien were standing by the gigantic tree. Three white wolves were standing behind them.

Death spoke.

”Awake, Willow-man! I have brought you the pay for a permission to go through your forest! Take these humans as my sacrifice to you!”

And the beggars were swallowed by hungry earth, and the whole wood was silent.

**

A few days later, the Shire was attacked from two directions. The first wolves crossed the frozen Brandywine river, but while the Hobbits were fighting against them, the main force came from behind the Hedge, from the Forest, and swept over the Shire.

Soon they were already plundering the southern lands.

**

Alive:
Nogrod the Agreeable, the leader of the beggars
his wife, Nerwen
Durelin, Rikae's widow

Dead:
Tom Bombadil (ranger) - killed on Night 1
Goldberry (seer) - killed on Night 1
The Barrow-wight (hunter) - killed on Night 1
Gwathagor, the child of Nogrod and Nerwen (ordo) - used as a battering ram on Day 1
Sally the Insufferable, a slightly mad crippled woman (ordo) - skinned, scalped and made to clothes on Night 2
the Right Honourable McCaber, Volo's child (ordo) - drowned in the Withywindle on Day 2
THE Ka, a blind old woman (ordo) - poisoned with carbon monoxide & throat slit open on Night 3
Boromir88 the Silent One, Mith's husband, Mac & Menel's father, an ex-pickpocket (ordo) - accused unjustly and carried away against his will by annoying trees at the beginning of Day 3
Macalaure the Guileless, Mith & Boro's son (ordo) - fell in snowball fight on Day 3
A Little Green, Lommy's little sister (ordo) - deceived by a big bad wolf and eaten on Night 4
Meneltarmacil, Mith & Boro's son (ordo) - died as a snowman on Day 4
Rikae the Kind, Durelin's wife - fed to Old Man Willow on Day 4
Mithalwen the Perpetually Sane and Serene, Boro's widow - fed to Old Man Willow on Day 4
Volo, a young widowed man - fed to Old Man Willow on Day 4
orphaned little Thinlómien - fed to Old Man Willow on Day 4

The game is over. The wolves win. Congratulations!

Aganzir · 03-03-2008, 01:26 PM

You wolves were just awesome.

I chose the roles by dice roll - I don't think I would have chosen quite that strong a pack if I had done it by myself. I had a few requirements for the pack, though - I wanted to have at least one wolf I could be sure would do some plotting (and they all were such), and I didn't want to have any non-posting wolves (which was not a problem in this game, anyway). I used my veto right once: the first pack chosen by the dice was Nogrod, Lommy and Greenie, and I didn't quite want them all to be wolves in my game (did someone mention favouring one's friends?)

I think one of the main contributors to the village's loss was sheer bad luck. Every wolf had been suspected, at least a little, but the lynches just always turned out to be in their favour. And lack of time, Boro's withdrawal and everything.

But this was really interesting to watch, and I can't deny I'd like to play in a game without gifteds myself as well (heh, I wonder if anyone else would anymore

).

And I definitely don't mind you starting to talk before the actual deadline, so no need to apologise. I don't have much time now (school starts way too early tomorrow), so it's just the better that I can see you talk a bit now.

**

Some minor things that pop into my mind right now:

I was on my art class with Lommy yesterday and she was speculating who the wolves were. Suddenly she said: "They are Nerwen, Durelin and my father, they are!" I admit I rather stiffened. Then she continued, though, "No, I don't think I could just guess them all right this way."

Also, it was extremely nasty (I laughed at it a lot, though) of Nogrod to remind everyone that he didn't visit computer before the deadline, because he actually rang me up about 1,5 hours before it and told they'd kill Greenie, one of the reasons being that she couldn't participate much today.

Rikae · 03-03-2008, 01:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aganzir

the first pack chosen by the dice was Nogrod, Lommy and Greenie, and I didn't quite want them all to be wolves in my game (did someone mention favouring one's friends?)

Mac and I talked about the possibility that was the pack on Night 4.

Rikae · 03-03-2008, 01:34 PM

Well, now that I've had a few minutes to think about it...

I don't see why I shouldn't play again if it is:
a) during summer vacation
and
b) Mac isn't playing

Seriously, it's a creepy feeling to advocate even fictionally "killing" somebody you're that close to, and also very disturbing to be decieved by them (or to decieve them, as in the last game.) At least for me, and I fear knowing this will make it too easy for other players when we're both in the game!

EDIT: Crossed, obviously, with Mac and Nogrod.

satansaloser2005 · 03-03-2008, 01:37 PM

Rikae, it occured to me after Mac died that you could possibly be a wolf again this game. I didn't think it true, but my friend and I were discussing it and could imagine Mac's face if that had been the case. I probably would have dumped you.

Okay, I've been meaning to ask this. Volo, what in the world....I can't figure out why you would say that Mac was confirmed as a wolf if he wasn't. Feel like explaining yourself? I mean, not that it didn't make me laugh like a hyena when I saw his role, but I'm confused.

Sorry. Back in a bit. Got to make a phone call.

Volo · 03-03-2008, 01:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by satansaloser2005

Okay, I've been meaning to ask this. Volo, what in the world....I can't figure out why you would say that Mac was confirmed as a wolf if he wasn't. Feel like explaining yourself? I mean, not that it didn't make me laugh like a hyena when I saw his role, but I'm confused.

I think I explaind it somewhere - yes, I'm quite sure I did.

Ah, here. So in the end I was right about Durelin's slips.

Nerwen · 03-03-2008, 01:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Macalaure

Nerwen!
Everytime I think you're guilty, you're innocent. Everytime I think you're innocent, you're guilty. Every innocent-looking Nerwen will henceforth be lynched by me! Gruesomely!

I thought you might decide that...

Er... I do hope you and Rikae are all right... I mean, after she lynched you this game and stabbed you in the back last game...

Rikae · 03-03-2008, 01:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by satansaloser2005

Rikae, it occured to me after Mac died that you could possibly be a wolf again this game. I didn't think it true, but my friend and I were discussing it and could imagine Mac's face if that had been the case. I probably would have dumped you.

I nearly dumped him for his fake confession!

That was EVIL, especially considering that I mentioned how nervous I was about proving I could read him.

satansaloser2005 · 03-03-2008, 01:47 PM

Yeah, that threw me for a loop too. I don't blame you. And in your defense, I'd convinced myself that he'd round off the Nerwen/Durelin team quite nicely, so I thought him wolfish too.

Thanks, Volo. I didn't see that post before. *is guilty of post-skimming, and is ashamed of herself for it*

And again. Noggie, I hate you....but you're totally my hero.

Nogrod · 03-03-2008, 01:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aganzir

Also, it was extremely nasty (I laughed at it a lot, though) of Nogrod to remind everyone that he didn't visit computer before the deadline, because he actually rang me up about 1,5 hours before it and told they'd kill Greenie, one of the reasons being that she couldn't participate much today.

Oh you spoiler!

Yeah we talked about this with Lommy after the game had resolved. I think it was just fair that if she used RL-reasons I could come up with my own as well...

And no hard feelings on either side...

Macalaure · 03-03-2008, 01:31 PM

Nerwen!
Everytime I think you're guilty, you're innocent. Everytime I think you're innocent, you're guilty. Every innocent-looking Nerwen will henceforth be lynched by me! Gruesomely!

But honestly: Excellent game, absolutely excellent.

Nogrod... I had a bad feeling about you from the beginning, but then I thought "Oh no, I'm always suspicious of him, let's wait til I have something solid." I hate you.

Durelin, even though you were the most-suspected wolf, very well-played.

I hope not too many are annoyed at the trick I played before my death. You were so firm about lynching me that day, I just had to take a little revenge. And I though that, while apparently playing horribly suspicious that day, I could still be of some use by causing some suspicious reactions.

Again, sorry Lommy for that stupid vote.

Rikae and I have been talking about Werewolf, and we reached the conclusion that it's not a good idea to play it against each other. I have some faint hope that Rikae will return after some time, when there is less work around.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rikae

Yep, the time and energy it takes (this time when I could least spare it), along with the inadvisability of playing a game involving deceit and accusations against one's fiancé.

This pretty much sums it up. I think Eomer and Cailín ended up with the same conclusion, I think. I'm probably also going to play less in the future, and only when the deadline is convenient, since I've had less free time for the last couple of months and will for the foreseeable months to come. It's rather annoying to spend most of your free time playing and getting little else done while knowing you're not even playing remotely your best.

By the way, Nogrod, Lommy, Lily: How do you manage not to slip your roles when you're around each other all the time while playing? This has proven to be really difficult for Rikae and me (well, mostly for me).

03-03-2008, 12:53 PM	#1
Aganzir Woman of Secret Shadow Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: in hollow halls beneath the fells Posts: 4,511	Day 4 The atmosphere in the house was rather depressed. The beggars knew that this was their last chance to kill a wolf, otherwise they would all die. Volo lost his hope already in the morning, and when evening drew near, several others followed his example. ”If we don't lynch a wolf now, I deserve a public flogging!” said Rikae. ”This has been a disaster. We've been played for fools,” sighed Nerwen. Lommy and Durelin only looked depressed. Menel was still sorry about his brother's death – or innocence. Maybe the pressure and frustration was too much. Maybe having spent four days under the same roof was too much. Suddenly Lommy and Nogrod attacked each other. It might have ended badly, but luckily the beggars had some buckets of ice-cold water near-hand, which they could now throw upon the fighters. That had a queer effect on them. They had been boiling over; now they became cold and sensible. Lommy found a sweet bubblegum somewhere and started chewing. Quickly, she was her cheerful old self again. Finally, the sun was beginning to set. It was time to vote. ”To whatever end,” said Rikae. ”For best or worst,” said Volo. ”If Menel isn't a wolf, I promise I will kill you,” said Nerwen. ”Not that this is going to do any difference,” said Menel. ”May the force be with us,” said Nogrod. ”Let the chance be on our side,” said Lommy. ”Sorry,” said Durelin. And Mith only voted. Poor little Meneltarmacil stood alone. More than half of the beggars had turned against him. Rikae turned to speak to him. ”Little Menel, do you like building snowmen?” ”Yes... But isn't it too cold for it? There isn't the right type of snow.” ”It doesn't matter,” said Volo, ”there's the snow and you are the man.” Menel looked unsure. ”Err, I'm not sure if I want to try that.” ”Let's go now,” said Nerwen and took Menel by hand. Nogrod put on the coat that was hanging on the coatrack and followed them out. The other beggars followed silently. ”Stand still, laddy,” said Nerwen. Menel had no chance but to obey. Rikae, Volo, Nerwen and Nogrod started to heap snow around him. Menel's legs were now covered by snow. ”Mummy, I'm cold,” he said helplessly. But all Mith could do was to stand where she was, watching the last living member of her family slowly being killed, and curse the thing that is called 'democracy.' Menel's chest was now covered by snow. ”Mummy, I can't move my hands,” he said helplessly. Menel's mouth was now covered by snow. ”Mummy, it's hard to breathe!” his scream was muffled by the snow. ”Does anyone have a carrot?” asked Nogrod. ”Here you are.” Durelin stepped forward, smiling, and put it where Menel's nose had been. The night fell. The beggars stood shivering. Death pattered out softly. ”It is time.” It was not called the Old Forest without reason, for it was indeed ancient, a survivor of vast forgotten woods; and in it there lived yet, ageing no quicker than the hills, the fathers of the fathers of the trees, remembering times when they were lords. The countless years had filled them with pride and rooted wisdom, and with malice. But none were more dangerous than the Great Willow: his heart was rotten, but his strength was green; and he was cunning, and a master of winds, and his song ran through the woods on both sides of the river. His grey thirsty spirit drew power out of the earth and spread like fine root-threads in the ground, and invisible twig-fingers in the air, till it had under its dominion nearly all the trees of the Forest from the Hedge to the Downs. Rikae, Mithalwen, Volo and Thinlómien were standing by the gigantic tree. Three white wolves were standing behind them. Death spoke. ”Awake, Willow-man! I have brought you the pay for a permission to go through your forest! Take these humans as my sacrifice to you!” And the beggars were swallowed by hungry earth, and the whole wood was silent. A few days later, the Shire was attacked from two directions. The first wolves crossed the frozen Brandywine river, but while the Hobbits were fighting against them, the main force came from behind the Hedge, from the Forest, and swept over the Shire. Soon they were already plundering the southern lands. Alive: Nogrod the Agreeable, the leader of the beggars his wife, Nerwen Durelin, Rikae's widow Dead: Tom Bombadil (ranger) - killed on Night 1 Goldberry (seer) - killed on Night 1 The Barrow-wight (hunter) - killed on Night 1 Gwathagor, the child of Nogrod and Nerwen (ordo) - used as a battering ram on Day 1 Sally the Insufferable, a slightly mad crippled woman (ordo) - skinned, scalped and made to clothes on Night 2 the Right Honourable McCaber, Volo's child (ordo) - drowned in the Withywindle on Day 2 THE Ka, a blind old woman (ordo) - poisoned with carbon monoxide & throat slit open on Night 3 Boromir88 the Silent One, Mith's husband, Mac & Menel's father, an ex-pickpocket (ordo) - accused unjustly and carried away against his will by annoying trees at the beginning of Day 3 Macalaure the Guileless, Mith & Boro's son (ordo) - fell in snowball fight on Day 3 A Little Green, Lommy's little sister (ordo) - deceived by a big bad wolf and eaten on Night 4 Meneltarmacil, Mith & Boro's son (ordo) - died as a snowman on Day 4 Rikae the Kind, Durelin's wife - fed to Old Man Willow on Day 4 Mithalwen the Perpetually Sane and Serene, Boro's widow - fed to Old Man Willow on Day 4 Volo, a young widowed man - fed to Old Man Willow on Day 4 orphaned little Thinlómien - fed to Old Man Willow on Day 4 The game is over. The wolves win. Congratulations!** __________________ He bit me, and I was not gentle. Last edited by Aganzir; 03-03-2008 at 01:06 PM.

03-03-2008, 01:26 PM	#2
Aganzir Woman of Secret Shadow Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: in hollow halls beneath the fells Posts: 4,511	You wolves were just awesome. I chose the roles by dice roll - I don't think I would have chosen quite that strong a pack if I had done it by myself. I had a few requirements for the pack, though - I wanted to have at least one wolf I could be sure would do some plotting (and they all were such), and I didn't want to have any non-posting wolves (which was not a problem in this game, anyway). I used my veto right once: the first pack chosen by the dice was Nogrod, Lommy and Greenie, and I didn't quite want them all to be wolves in my game (did someone mention favouring one's friends?) I think one of the main contributors to the village's loss was sheer bad luck. Every wolf had been suspected, at least a little, but the lynches just always turned out to be in their favour. And lack of time, Boro's withdrawal and everything. But this was really interesting to watch, and I can't deny I'd like to play in a game without gifteds myself as well (heh, I wonder if anyone else would anymore ). And I definitely don't mind you starting to talk before the actual deadline, so no need to apologise. I don't have much time now (school starts way too early tomorrow), so it's just the better that I can see you talk a bit now. Some minor things that pop into my mind right now: I was on my art class with Lommy yesterday and she was speculating who the wolves were. Suddenly she said: "They are Nerwen, Durelin and my father, they are!" I admit I rather stiffened. Then she continued, though, "No, I don't think I could just guess them all right this way." Also, it was extremely nasty (I laughed at it a lot, though) of Nogrod to remind everyone that he didn't visit computer before the deadline, because he actually rang me up about 1,5 hours before it and told they'd kill Greenie*, one of the reasons being that she couldn't participate much today. __________________ He bit me, and I was not gentle.*

03-03-2008, 01:37 PM	#5
satansaloser2005 The Sweetest Spoiler Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: from beneath you it giggles incessantly Posts: 5,789	Rikae, it occured to me after Mac died that you could possibly be a wolf again this game. I didn't think it true, but my friend and I were discussing it and could imagine Mac's face if that had been the case. I probably would have dumped you. Okay, I've been meaning to ask this. Volo, what in the world....I can't figure out why you would say that Mac was confirmed as a wolf if he wasn't. Feel like explaining yourself? I mean, not that it didn't make me laugh like a hyena when I saw his role, but I'm confused. Sorry. Back in a bit. Got to make a phone call. __________________ "My heart always cowers behind the defense of my wit." Friendship is two pals munching on a well-cooked face together. Fenris bookworm.

03-03-2008, 01:47 PM	#9
satansaloser2005 The Sweetest Spoiler Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: from beneath you it giggles incessantly Posts: 5,789	Yeah, that threw me for a loop too. I don't blame you. And in your defense, I'd convinced myself that he'd round off the Nerwen/Durelin team quite nicely, so I thought him wolfish too. Thanks, Volo. I didn't see that post before. is guilty of post-skimming, and is ashamed of herself for it And again. Noggie, I hate you....but you're totally my hero. __________________ "My heart always cowers behind the defense of my wit." Friendship is two pals munching on a well-cooked face together. Fenris bookworm.

03-03-2008, 01:34 PM	#4
Rikae Mellifluous Maia Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: A glade open to the stars, deep in Nan Elmoth Posts: 3,489	Well, now that I've had a few minutes to think about it... I don't see why I shouldn't play again if it is: a) during summer vacation and b) Mac isn't playing Seriously, it's a creepy feeling to advocate even fictionally "killing" somebody you're that close to, and also very disturbing to be decieved by them (or to decieve them, as in the last game.) At least for me, and I fear knowing this will make it too easy for other players when we're both in the game! EDIT: Crossed, obviously, with Mac and Nogrod.