Tanuchan

Sorry... had some trouble... and seeing also the number of votes, I'm extending this day phase for another 20 hours. Thanks

I hadn't noticed the deletion of your threads/posts at Assembly and the Conservatory... until now. I saw your post. And although it did make me wonder, I knew what was happening in your life so I didn't give my opinion right then. I apologize, for I see something else happened that I might have helped to avoid. But whatever it was, YanYan, everybody now and then makes mistakes. You felt the need to apologize, and we certainly forgive it; I think also you should give both yourself and us another chance to know each other better. I know how much you enjoyed writing here. As Katz said... give it another thought. Let's talk, and not let small things turn into ugly monsters. *hugs* ~Tanny

The shouts from the people on the battlement call Tanny's attention again, and she shivers on feeling sudden unknown magic/energy channeling. I *must* let go of the flow... I can't keep linked as drained as I am... With an effort, she barriers herself completely to the energies she had been manipulating, having a sudden sensation of losing an extra sense. Bracing herself, she goes to YanYan and Brygad, looking down at the ex-demon. "That voice... I think I've heard that voice once... " whispers her, puzzled. A sudden cry from Vanessa, who rushes to the battlement leaving behind a puzzled sharpei, silences them all. "Heinrich?!" Katzaniel grabs Vanessa before she can leave and open the gate herself. "Vanessa! No!" "It's Heinrich! Let me go!" The tigertaur's grip is strong, and she talks quickly, urgently, before Vanessa's stress communicates to Malarasoth. "Vanessa, he was a demon an instant ago. He was, for all we now, attacking the Pen. He has disappeared, he has died! Caution is never too much. No one will harm him, but I have some misgivings as people who are given as dead and suddenly reappear wearing a demon-skin!" As her words seem to penetrate Vanessa's mind, she lets her arm go and hefts her spear. "We don't mean harm... if he doesn't either." Brygad and YanYan both shout at the ex-demon below, "Come out slowly and let us see you!" Tanny just observes quietly, siding with Katzaniel in her misgivings. She whispers to the tigertaur, "a Vampire lord... a demon attacking the Pen, who suddenly turns into a human..." The odd catch in the wolf-lady's voice instantly puts Katzaniel alert. "What do you think of... Heinrich, *if* it is really him... ?' "Odd... something odd," she shakes her head. "For an instant, I felt another twist in the flow... I don't know if it was just shapechanging, I'm too weary to pick it out now. I know that demon down there shapechanged into a human. Just that." "That, and something you can't define. A twisted energy, as you said. The same words that you used to describe what you felt at the mirror." "The mirror... Anna. Someone should look for her. She's the key... for something." Tanny looks back at the Castle, frowning. "For something, yes. And I want to know what it is. Do you think you can go with me and follow her? What's that place on the other side of the mirror?" A wolf takes the place of the woman, and she sends a thought with a hint of amusement, ::Four legs support me better than two, right now... just don't run too fast, friend. I think I can manage.:: Sending also a short warning to YanYan about where they're going, Tanny trots back to the Castle with Katzaniel. ::That place's the Temple of Mythul, at YanYan's city. He told me a little bit about it, some time ago. We must go there and bring Anna back...:: Edit: formatting

"You can call me Tanny," sighed Tanny wearily, hoping that the demon, now screeching in pain, would be gone before they had to recruit glider pilots. "No, I can't fly a glider... but maybe Vanessa can. At least she's used to flying Malarasoth... "

Tanny hears a barking right besides her, and find the small, cute sharpei looking at her curiously. She smiles, fondling him under the chin tiredly. "Hey, you're cute... but this is not a place for you... " The dog gruffs and snorts, sitting and looking straight at ther eyes while yapping and barking. Tanny looks at him, trying to make her foggy mind focus on something that calls her attention but that she cannot pinpoint. She shakes her head, feeling suddenly drained. Above the battlements, YanYan looks down at the demon, who howls in fury at finding himself stuck waist-deep into a tight-fitting hole, with some vines creeping around him and hindering his upper torso movements. Tanny notices the Scout grabbing the hay, and feels the sudden channeling of magic as a sudden wind comes. "Tanny, are you alright?" "Yeah... just... drained." She stands up with Katz' help, then looks at the sharpei, who by now seems to be getting angry. "I know you want something... but I just can't think right now... " Pillow's eyes glare at Tanny, then he steps back when a wolf appears suddenly where she had been. The wolf sits and rests her head on her paws tiredly, but stares at the sharpei. ::Well, little one... I can't understand very well your language... we are related but wolfish and doggish aren't that similar. Can you understand me?:: Tanny blinks as her mind tries to grasp both the barks and the thoughts, but soon she nods, ::Good enough... understandable for us both. Like related languages. Now, Mr. Pilocanci, what aid do you need, and how did you come to us exactly when we have an annoying demon at our gates?:: A rush of hot air touches Tanny's fur, and she turns as quickly as possible to see what seems a fiery whirlwind descending over the demon. YanYan grins, and Brygad lowers his crossbow. Edit: formatting

Mod Notice We'll have an Honored Guest wandering around both the party and the Haunted House. He knows the rules for the WW game, so don't worry. Just interact with Pillow... a cute little sharpei... Thanks ~Tanny

LIST OF PLAYERS (at the beginning of 4th day phase) At the Haunted House... Leif Lady Celes Dragonqueen => there's a nice description on her profile Vahktang => Mr. Vahktang, Presidential Candidate Nave => Papa Smurf Gwaihir; Ayshela Merelas Finnius Gnarlitch => bitten by CheerMynx... it seems we have now a CheerItchy... Back to the Party... YanYan => for liking pranks too much... but innocent ones. (villager) Dean => too drunk, but not one for pranks... (villager) Degenero Angelus/Transe => caugh in a net... scary vampire, but not a prankster (villager) Cryptomancer => the first prankster Mynx => panic-striken, drunk, wereMynx... but an innocent one. (villager) NPC: Tanny Katz HappyBuddha Elwen MOD NOTES Day phase ends in about 48 hours. Enjoy the time! Listkeepers for this game: Katz and YanYan (that means they know who got all the roles and can act as backup mods if I go MIA) The Rescue Party (aka Cannon Fodder ): Yui Aegon Gryphon Tamaranis Inbi Infusco Horace (but no one knows she's at the Haunted House... Kerry & Terri, blonde twins Official Ghosts written by... Gryphon YanYan

Some of the guests follow the people taking Cryptomancer back to the Manor, but none of them leaves the strange house. Most have in mind that strange things are happening, and that it must be determined if Salinye's hostel is safe. Some don't want to leave their friends. And a couple have other, more private, agendas. Merelas finds Celes wandering towards the Library once more, and as she refuses to leave before checking if the Necronomicon is still there, he decides to go with her. A giggling is heard, and Merelas winces recognizing Gnarlitch's voice. At the hallway, Finnius and Ayshela wonder at Gwaihir talking to something they can't see (yet) and some others stray again towards the staircase. Ayshela suddenly notices the lack of a too-common noise -- Mynx's whimpers and cries. She looks around frantically, calling, "Mynx? Mynx, where are you?" Somewhere in the house, Mynx follows some tiny, twinkling ligts that keep just out of her reach. Giggling, oblivious to the darkness, she hums to herself contentedly, eyes slightly glazed as if hypnotized. There's a chill wind that touches her suddenly, and it seems to awake her from the trance. She turns around, eyes rounded in sudden fear as she notices she's alone. "W-where's ev-v-erybod-dy...?" A whispery laughter startles her, and she tries to run back to her friends. But the first door she tries is locked, and another one slams closed. Mynx cries for help, but the sound is strangely muffled in that dark room, covered by cobwebs but where there's an odd draft coming from the ceiling. Panicked, the cheerleader cries and sobs, banging at the doors and turning wildly around at each cold touch on her fur. Steps are heard, and Mynx gasps in sudden relief, until it registers in her mind that the sound comes from within the room... an otherwise silent, and empty, room. Mynx's screams lead a rescue party to the locked room, and soon Tamaranis and Katz break the door open. A violent gust of wind hits them as soon as they step inside, and both Tanny and Inbi rush inside ignoring their startled cries. "Mynx!" Collapsed on the floor, curled up in a very tight ball of fur, the cheerleader wimpers. "Mynx...." Tanny calls softly, but doesn't get any answer. After repeating her call several times, she sighs. "She's... out of mind. Too terrorized to react anymore...." She caresses Mynx softly, soothing, and waits while Katz goes find help to take one more back to the Manor. ~~~~~~ OOC Mynx was an innocent, absolutely drunk, cheerleader. It's Day Phase, and you have about 48h to find a wolf. List of Players at the OOC thread Good Hunting!

rofl That was great... (upcoming post at game thread, by the way )

I agree with Gryphon... hey, there are *lots* of places you could go to! There's a garden out there! And maybe a small cemetery? What happened to the second floor, where that staircase leads to? You are *exploring* that house to see if there's any lurking danger for Salinye's hostel!! The pranksters among you shouldn't stop you from that... Please?

Well, there are many candidates for a first-round lynching now... including myself... so I'm glad to have someone to share the possibility Now, please... Nighth Phase extended for 8 hours, or as soon as I have all the PMs. Anyone who didn't send me their targets will have them forfeited if I don't get them until 8 pm EST. Have sent notice to those involved. Thanks

You should have seen my face when I Saw Cryp at the Mafia game and found out that "my" wolf at the Halloween game was also one there!

Timezones are tricky... I know it's about ten minutes too early for Deg, but I won't be able to post in the morning, so... ~~~~~~ Later that day, Degenero Angelus enters the Cabaret quite curious, dragged there by Elladan and Elrohir, plus Guido and Nuncio, who didn't leave him a chance to say a word of refusal to the invitation. There's just soft lighting and the conversation almost stops as the group enters, but nothing seems out of the normal. Except maybe for some amused looks and a bulge behind a curtain at the back of the room. A curtain Deg's sure wasn't there last time he'd been at the Cabaret. Tanny waves to him from a table, caling him, and as he's gently pushed there by his escorts, a clear and sweet voice, though disembodied, comes from the ceiling and involves all guests in the story it tells. The Wedding (May 11 2001) A wedding done, Between Captian_I, And his dear Dazy, It started off with lots of chat, Though once it starts all other things end, No one notices, The small blue robed man, Standing in the back with a pen and a napkin, Jotting things as the show goes on, Then everything goes quiet, As the bride, in blue, walks out, Followed soon after when her spouse, In black, walks down the aisle, As the song starts playing, And the priest gathers himself, The groom tells a story, That I think no one cared to hear, About how he and his dear, Found each other through the years, And for what seem like hours he continues on, Untill he finally starts the ceremony, The young blue mage looks 'round the place, Sees trees and little animals playing in them, Sun shining through the roof made by branches, The only lights in the place, The priest speaks up and the mage turns to watch, The words he says stir our hearts, He turns it over to the man, To profess his love for the woman, Then her turn comes up, Her turn to show her love for him, She states that she is nervous, And the priest just smiles, She doesn't say much, Just sits and looks into her man’s eyes, They come back together, And the man has a gift, Something of great importance to him, The man smiles, then takes a cross, That he "held dear for many years", And hands it to her, a symbol of his love, They swear their vows and they kiss each other, The people say "aww" and walk away. Deg blinks in surprise, sitting at the place Tanny points to. "That's..." "... a tale from the old AM boards," she completes, smiling. "You haven't forgotten it, have you?" "Of course not... This one took forever to write, and almost as long to read. Got one of my titles, The Poetic Reporter, out of this, from Peredhil." Peredhil appears on cue, hugging Deg. When finally Deg seems to recover and turns back to Tanny, she's nowhere to be seen. But there's a flame that appears suddenly near the ceiling, coming down and spreading itself until it frames words that glow in reddish light... Flicker (May 27 2003) A block of ice, So cold, so lost. But a fire burns, Inside of the frost, Fighting strongly, Struggling to stay alive. Holding onto life, By the last flicker of flame, Seeking to burn through, The cold keeps it tame, Though it never truly dies, It could be said, to be seen, Only through lovers’ burning eyes. The fire seems to shrink into itself, forming a ball of glass. Deg stares at it, lost in thoughts for a moment. Wishing I had had some real friends. I really was alone at that point. Merelas smiles at the illusion created by Tanny, who's momentarily beside him in tanuki form, and steps ahead to pick the glowing ball. Then he gives it to Deg, with a warm hug. A yerfing comes from a shadowed corner, and as some people turn Daryl darts into the room. He picks a parchment from his tail, putting it in a small box that Tanny brings. She nods her thanks at him, putting the box on the floor and stepping back. A thick smoke rises from the box, bringing still another poem. Stone (Jan 22 2003) In Stone we search, Trying to find, What we as humans, Left behind, The pain and pleasure, All thrown away. We hide ourselves, In our own minds, Hoping that no matter what, They'll all just go away, They scare us, And we scare them. They are what we used to be, Breathing, seeing, feeling, They are what we left behind, We became the Stone, 'A weakness' we said, And ran so far away. But even Stone's can bleed, When it's forgotten what it was, We can't go back now, Longing for what is lost, All we can do is hope, That the past will find us. Smiling, Deg mutters to himself, "This had a meaning. I don't remember what it was, though. It's good, and I like it..." There's still one more poem coming from the smoke-box, but now the smoke takes the form of a giant Buddha. On his belly, words that come from one more friend. The smoky HappyBuddha disappears with a wink, and the Cabaret's door opens, pushed by Solivagus who grins at finding Deg there. Then, he looks surprised on hearing the news. Ayshela flies past Solivagus, tacklehugging Deg in an energetic glee that sends both tumbling to the floor; both Tanny and Solivagus step aside to avoid being hit, and Ayshela helps Deg to his feet, before picking a package. The very first page of that pile, however, brings a poem copied in a neat hand. Fevered Delusions (May 18 2004) Dreaming dreams that only I can see Reality waiting on the edge of my mind Days pass by, a part of which I should be People and places, all that I have left behind Waking nightmares that only I can beat Shapeless horrors I see in the blackest night They howl and bellow, the evil screams of defeat With entrance to the waking world, I push back fright. Baring soul for the world to feel and see Everyone takes what they thought was theirs Though they're mine, and theirs they will never be I feel my conscious slip slowly away as the last piece tears Shaking his head, Deg reminds the day he has written that. Again, completely exhausted. This had some amazing imagery, and some amazing symbolism. I miss writing stuff like this, but I just can't do it very often. Katz peers in, and tacklehugs Deg as soon as he puts aside the latest gift. Then the tigertaur pushes aside the curtain, revealing a bit cake with 18 candles. Tanny hugs Deg last, and long, smiling. Slowly, others appear to give their good wishes as the small party goes on.

"Very well. Go find her," says YanYan to Tanny, with a heavy sigh and thoughts already on this new problem, apparently not noticing a surprised and angry flash in her eyes as he treats her as a simple messenger. For a second, a quick retort comes to Tanny's mind, but she shrugs it off with a shake of her head. He's taking charge when there's no one else around right now. He has the right. She just shimmers into her wolf form and runs to the Chapel of Shards. I'll talk to him later. For now, I must find Anna. If this demon was sent by Fang... As she enters the corridor leading to YanYan's quarters, she senses a dim thought from him. However, the distance and the weakness of his skill make it difficult for her to understand it completely, ::... serious ... huge ... Vanessa ... right.:: . There's another urgent feeling that drowns the weak sending, and she sprints to the Chapel. Magic... channeling... Katz!! As she enters the Chapel she finds Katz on the floor, trying to stand up dizzily. Back into her human form, she pushes her friend back to a sitting position, examining the cut she has on her forehead. Some minutes later, YanYan arrives. "What the hell happened here?!" "The Mirror," Katz responds, "Anna used the Mirror. I tried to stop her, but she threw me into a wall." Behind Tanny and Katz, the Mirror shimmers. Finishing the healing, Tanny turns to the mirror. After some seconds, she looks at YanYan. "I can sense magic, used recently... but there's something not quite right here." "What do you mean?" "The energy is... twisted." Both YanYan and Katz look at her questioningly, and Tanny reaches again for the earth flow. "You both know I can channel the energy from earth. I sense it slightly twisted near the mirror. I don't know what could have caused it... either the Mirror being activated, or maybe Anna... we never had the chance to talk to her. Why is it that a Vampire-lord came to this place pursuing her?" She stands up, facing both of them. "Anna has disappeared and we have a demon at our gates. We need more help." "We don't have time. I have a plan, but I need a way to immobilize the demon. Can you do it?" Tanny hesitates, frowning. YanYan talks quickly, urgency in his voice and manners. "Can you or can't you?" There's an edge at her voice as she answers coldly, "Maybe I can, but I'm not a mage, Chief Scout. I manipulate energy, I cannot create things from nothing. " Katz, practical, pushes both of them out of the Chapel, running back to the battlement. "You can talk diplomatically later, can't you? I don't like the scream I've just heard!" Tanny nods, now hearing Malarasoth's screech, "I can't work too fast, but I think I'll be able to." After a second, on arriving at the walls, she completes, "Don't rush me. It's pretty complex. You may have to buy some time... but I think this is something you know how to do." YanYan nods, while yelling for someone to get him hay and a torch. Katz looks at Tanny as she sits on the floor, looking for a comfortable position. "What are you doing, Tanny?" "A big hole... under our friend outside." She smiles, already tapping the earth for the energy she needs. Edit: formatting

And at the time Cryp gave the intoxicating potion to Mynx, at the party, he wasn't a wolf yet, as the roles were rolled just after you went into the tunnel.

My writing about Orlan has been posted at Assembly Edit: Please, can anyone correct the title for me? It should have been "Orlan and the Archmage Werewolf Game" Thanks! (Done )

While gazing down from his high tower, Orlan, The Sexy, Sexy Man of Terra, Elder of Bards and all things Chocolate, notices some activity at the outskirts of the forest near the Pen Castle. A group of people sit in a rough circle, and seem to debate something. Rapier catches his questioning look, and swiflty flies to do a bit of investigation. Some time later, the Fallen Dominion tells of what she has heard. "They are discussing some roleplay activity, Sir. They are mostly those who congregate at the Conservatory for what they call the Werewolf Game." "Hmmm... things have been too calm lately, Rapier. Almost too boring. I may have some ideas to help them... " Playing with the leaves of a bush, Tanny shakes her head at what Katzaniel suggests. "Sorry Katz... it won't work like this... we need something a bit more real... I mean..." "Reality in a roleplay activity, wolf-lady?" They all look sharply in the direction of the voice. A tall, lean man wearing a big black cloak smiles down at her, and she blinks in surprise recognizing The Sexy, Sexy Man of Terra. "I meant... we need things making sense... it's roleplay but we cannot just start doing things our characters wouldn't be able to. Like... don't know, men sprouting wings and flying." Orlan joins the circle of werewolf players, attracting the wondering gazes of the women and some grunts from the men. Flashing his charming grin around, he lays out a plan that had come to his mind not long ago - in truth, it had been created in a second of bright inspiration when Rapier told him the content of the overheard conversation. "Ah, but what is real in a roleplay? Maybe you need to experiment a bit with that." He waves off some flinching faces, including Tanny's. "And you need a good moderator for that. I'll offer you my services... wolf-lady." There's a hypnotic quality to his soft voice and laughing stare that makes Tanny nod without thinking twice, followed by Katzaniel. Lady Celes raises an eybrow, but agrees with a smile. The men look at each other, some shrugging and others just rising eyes to the sky. * * * * * The circle of players nods, listening to the setting of the game and also receiving the small envelopes with their roles. "You're all Mages from the same Guild. However, there are two spies from a rival Guild. A Hero can protect some of you, and there's one who secretly possesses a Scrying Mirror. I've already briefed you about the schools of magic... no questions? Good, so... let's play." Orlan gestures, and all of a sudden they're standing in the middle of a big hall, decorated with pictures of several Archmages of the past and tapestries depicting glorious battles. The biggest one, covering half of a wall, shows Gyrfalcon with Redemptio drawn, looking grimly at a horizon where a bright flame expands. Wondering, the group of players notice also that they're all dressed in long robes, the colors showing their allegiance. Tanny glances at a mirrow, smiling at seeing herself exactly as she had described when preparing her character. * * * * * "Cryptomancer's dead." The scene changes into the garden of the Guild, and there's a body all wrapped in vines. Strong, thorny, and involving specially his throat. The Mages look at each other, suspicious. "Verdant?" mutters a Mage. "Where have you been?" he turns, pointing aggressively at another one. "Overseeing my army. But I think you could well deal with this simple spell... don't you? I 've heard comments about you not being happy..." Others join the discussion, and a hand points towards Tanuchan. Orlan checks quickly who's the owner of that hand, and suddenly a dark cloud comes to life. Tumbling backwards in complete surprise, Tanny reflexively shimmers into her wolf form and jumps aside, turning too quickly and rushing into a pair of legs. Degenero yelps in surprise at the impact, stepping back to avoid stumbling over and at the same time grabbing Tanny~wolf, throwing her forcefuly away from him. *Noooo...* she changes into a tanuki just in time to avoid a hurtful hit into a bench, diving neatly under it. "You cannot change into a wolf, Tanny! You are a Phantasm, not a shapechanger!" shouts Orlan, weaving another illusion. "And meanwhile Vahktang has been hit..." Vahk cries in fear as a huge slab falls over him... and blinks when it passes through his body harmlessly. But something trips him, at the same time as Orlan hisses "Fall down!". The mage quickly makes a show of falling, moaning as if hit by an elephant. * * * * * "It's Night Phase. You're in your rooms. Sleeping." Following a flicker of Orlan's fingers, the players look around themselves surprised once more at their rooms. Oddly enough, at each night phase their rooms seemed to shift places and even universes, as the sight from the windows once showed three big green moons hanging on the sky. A sudden cry makes Degenero rush for the door, but Orlan steps in. "What..." "Nothing. Celes decided to summon some... creatures... to guard her sleep, and didn't find their countenances to her liking, I'm afraid... " he chuckles, before going on, "Now, your Seeing?" "Katzaniel." Orlan nods. Degenero reaches for the Scrying Mirror, but all of a sudden he finds himself gazing at Katz from an odd perspective -- a very high one. Surprised for a fraction of a second, he makes a movement and hits his arm violently against the unnoticed wall, shattering it. His momentum carries him with it, and he falls down on the top of the debris of the wall. Repressing a sigh, Orlan looks at Katz to be sure that she hasn't noticed the small flicker on the wall as his illusion takes hold again. Degenero stands up, brushing some dust off. "Orlan, what..." "Scrying Mirrors are no fun. No reality." Noticing Katzaniel leaving the room, Degenero tries to follow her -- being instantly transported into a corridor, again hovering above Katz and seeing her in front of a door. As she takes a guarding stance, he understands. "The Baner?" He senses Orlan's nod. A veil of blackness suddenly falls around them, leaving visible just Katz' figure. "Hey!" "Shh. Your Seeing is Katzaniel, not another one. See." Katz looks around her, sensing something slightly amiss. As she moves her head, she notices what seems a distortion field around her. She hisses, grasping her spear and ready for fighting. On the other side of the distortion field, two mages see just a door. As she gazes intently into what seems to be the center of that funny field, Katz is suddenly blinded by a white flare. Reacting in fury, she morphs into a big white tiger, slashing with both fangs and claws around her. There's a muffled cry when her left paw connects heavily with a rib, but her triumphant growl turns into a yowling of pain as a bright flame sears her fur. "No no no!" Orlan creates a strong gale that buffets both unknown mages away from Katz, while drenching the tiger with what seems a portable waterwall. One would notice that, oddly, the water dousing the tiger's fury disappears as soon as it touches the floor. Unfortunately, the gale also entangles Degenero, who's sent hurtling towards the ceiling. He catches himself deftly before hitting, landing on the floor gracefully while Orlan deals with a cursing tigertaur and an unknown mage's fury. Some time later, Merelas curses and mutters while asking from news about whoever he had burnt. Orlan waves his questions away, nonchalant. "That one is perferctly alright now, fire-elf. But see if you control yourself." "It's easy when it's not you who's hit by... something with a blade," mutters him angrily, touching his still tender flesh where he had been hit. Peredhil looks at Tanny dubiously, as she reassures him, "No, it was an accident, Pered... ehm... you know... it's the first time we try... this... hm... eh... " "Live Action?" he completes, helpful. Tanny nods, sighing softly. But as the smiling figure of Orlan joins them, talking cheerfully about how exciting all this experience is, his voice numbs again her doubts and she agrees, turning again to thank Peredhil for lending his Healing skills. "You are welcome, Tanuchan... but be careful, please? Kat..." Orlan arches an eyebrow, and Peredhil swallows the name, "Kat-*cough*... *cough*... erm... well, they will all be fine in a little while." "Yes, yes, thanks for your help." Talking, Orlan leads Peredhil back to the Pen Castle. * * * * * Orlan observes the scene with a grin, enjoying the sparring between Merelas and Katzaniel and the confused look on Tanny's face, who hesitates in accusing either of them. "It's over. You are a spy and I know it!" accuses Katzaniel, whirling at Merelas. "The Seer is dead. You can't possibly know anything, Katz... unless you are the spy. Was it you who tried to kill Tanny yesterday?" "I am the one who protected her by guarding your door, spy! So that you couldn't leave to make one more victim in our guild!" Katzaniel points at Merelas, and her words are punctuated by a small lighting that jumps from her fingers. Merelas jumps back raising his hands in automatic defense, and an invisible shield deflects the lightning. Both Merelas and Katz look at each other and at Tanny, who shrugs, taking some seconds before going back to their accusations. Tanny looks sideways to where she knows Orlan must be, and feels a gust of wind pushing her towards the other two players. "Okay, okay, no OOC thinking..." mutters her, getting her attention back to the others. "How does any of you know I'm not a spy either?" "We are the last three. I guarded your door two nights ago, and we still lost Celes. I guarded his door last night, and nothing happened." Katz glares, bristling. Merelas just smiles at Tanny, "She knows because she is the spy. She tried to kill you but I guarded you these last two nights." All three stumble at once when the earth shakes not very gently, Orlan's reminder that their time for voting is near its end. Katz glances at Merelas, "I hope he gives us a bit more time... yesterday Dean twisted his ankle in the last earthquake". "Yes, and Phil D. Cat clawed me thinking I had pushed him," sighs Tanny. "Okay, then... Degenero once protected Katz, and he was the Seer. Sorry, Mer... down you go." Having got used to Orlan's tricks, Tanny extends her hand towards Merelas, hoping this time nothing like Celes' hordes of Psychic Wisps appear. They shouldn't have been surprised, but they are nonetheless. They look around themselves, at the plains and distant mountains, and a very fierce glow in the lower horizon. There's a strong ozone smell in the air, and smoke rises from several directions, marking burning towns and farms. Distant yells and thundering noises make them realize there are battles raging somewhere. There's a heavy feeling all around them, and they can't avoid shuddering. Orlan, observing the effects of his illusion, smiles in satisfaction. "Where...?" Merelas gasps in surprise. "Terra... we are in Terra!" "Terra? It has been lost long ago!" Katz turns around, a little shaky. Tanny looks at one and then the other, quite lost herself. Terra may have been lost, but this wolf here doesn't like that glow there... There's an earthquake, and a Dominion floats over them. "One of you is a spy, a traitor of you Guild. One of you shall fall today, as all in Terra shall fall. For Armageddon is near, and there's no escape should you fail." Flapping its wings, the bright Dominion leaves. Another rumbling, another quake, and they are on their knees. "Your fault, Tanny," mumbles Katz, "You let Orlan be the mod..." "Mine? Since when I choose mods? We all agreed to that, and you no less than others." "Sure that Orlan seems to have an hypnotic effect on women..." chuckles Merelas, standing up and lending a hand to Tanny, who glares at him. "Well, if you are a spy, it seems we have to get rid of you if we want to be in a ... safer... place... Sorry, Mer." Grinning, Tanny whispers something and Orlan answers by quickly producing a blinding flash that, unfortunately, affects also Katz. Not again! Holding her reflex change in time, she just whispers, "Creeping Vines." Merelas, blinded and attacked suddenly by thorny vines, reacts automatically calling flames and spraying liquid fire from his fingertips in a wide circle around him. The spray of fire triggers a reflexive defense on Tanny, who tumbles and rolls aside, finding earth's flow in a flash to create a shield around her and manipulating it to reflect the flames back. Katz's surprised yell at being burned registers, and she reaches for water energy to douse the flames. The sudden outpour of water, caused by both Tanny's manipulation and Orlan's interference, just enrages Merelas, who doesn't listen to the warning whisper from the Moderator, "Merelas, you're a Verdant! No fire magic of your own!" Calling to his inner fire, he hurls a fireball in the direction of his attackers. Stumbling out of its path, Katz trips on Tanny, breaking her concentration and making her change into her wolf form in reflex against the unknown attacker. All of a sudden, the tigertaur finds herself fighting a very angry pair of clawed paws and sharp fangs that snap too close to her eyes. She changes into a black panther, trying to free herself from the wolf. Tanny closes her jaws on Katz' throat, and lets go with a painful howl as lighting sears her fur. The scene blurs, and all three find themselves back into the forest near the Pen, hurting from several wounds and burns. Orlan looks down at them, his frown and annoyed voice framing eyes that twinkle in amusement. "You are terrible players. You accused Merelas and end up fighting among yourselves. You don't seem to grasp the concept of the game; Merelas, you're a Verdant and can't access fireballs; Tanny, you're a Phantasm and can't shapechange into a wolf; Katz, you're Ascendant and can't shapechange into a cat. And do you call yourselves roleplayers? Hah! I must start this game again." As a bright flame encompasses Merelas and he disappears into it, a wolf and a cat dart away into the forest, in opposite directions. Orlan laughs. "Well, Rapier, this was fun. I wonder if they are calling their friends for another game, or if they learned to stop complaining about lack of reality..."

This is a poem that has a great flow and works beautifully with rhyming. I'm unable to translate this, as many things are peculiar from Brazilian culture and the whole point of the poem is the rhyming... I thought I would share this here The meaning of the title is "Street of Rhymes" A rua da rimas by Guilherme de Almeida A rua que eu imagino, desde menino, para o meu destino pequenino é uma rua de poeta, reta, quieta, discreta, direita, estreita, bem feita, perfeita, com pregões matinais de jornais, aventais nos portais, animais e varais nos quintais; e acácias paralelas, todas elas belas, singelas, amarelas, douradas, descabeladas, debruçadas como namoradas para as calçadas; e um passo, de espaço a espaço, no mormaço de aço baço e lasso; e algum piano provinciano, quotidiano, desumano, mas brando e brando, soltando, de vez em quando, na luz rara de opala de uma sala uma escala clara que embala; e, no ar de uma tarde que arde, o alarde das crianças do arrabalde; e de noite, no ócio capadócio, junto aos lampiões espiões, os bordões dos violões; e a serenata ao luar de prata (Mulata ingrata que mata...); e depois o silêncio, o denso, o intenso, o imenso silêncio... A rua que eu imagino, desde menino, para o meu destino pequenino é uma rua qualquer onde desfolha um malmequer uma mulher que bem me quer é uma rua, como todas as ruas, com suas duas calças nuas, correndo paralelamente, como a sorte diferente de toda gente, para a frente, para o infinito; mas uma rua que tem escrito um nome bonito, bendito, que sempre repito e que rima com mocidade, liberdade, tranqüilidade: RUA DA FELICIDADE...

I'm Nehrathi, one of the Queen's maids. However, Celes, it seems to me (from the poll results until now) that we'll have more players if you start after the Halloween WW is done.

The red figure vanishes all of a sudden, and the silence that takes the place of the scream is as shocking as the laughter was. Mynx renewed wail has the effect of starting people into action, and Ayshela is the first to react, grabbing Finnius and Leif, "She'll fall...." The three hardly have the time to brace themselves as the drunk CheerMynx falls heavily on them, screeching. Gnarlitch looks at them, apparently undecided as to giggling or screaming in sympathy. Tanny, Merelas, and Gwaihir kneel besides the very pale and unconscious Runemage, Tanny resting a light head on his forehead. He looks his normal self again... They notice his scars are gone, and there's no sign of the third eye. The soft green glow that indicates Tanny's use of earth Healing washes away the last remnants of the red aura. "Someone find Tamaranis and Aegon... he must be taken to the Manor. Peredhil will help him much better than me." Vahktang nods, leaving the room with half a mind of trying also to find other exits besides the tunnel. "The book! Where's that accursed book?" Celes looks at the ceiling, then to the floor around both Cryptomancer and Mynx. The book seems to have vanished. And they seem to hear a whispery laughter, repeating until fading away, "Hear the curse of a haunted soul, that walks with you, your blood to chill, and burn your spirit cold. Be so bold as to run, we shall find you still..." ~~~~~~ OOC Congratulations! Cryptomancer was a prankster (wolf). He has been freed from the curse, and will be healed completely at the Manor. It's Night Phase; wolves/Seer/Baner, PM me your targets. Day Phase starts in about 30 hours (Monday, around noon EST). Many thanks and a hug to Cryptomancer, who wrote the scene of his own "lynching" .

Partial tally: Cryptomancer, 4 votes (plus Leif's = 5) Vahktang, 1 vote Gnarlitch, 1 vote. We have still 5 missing votes, so I'm extending this day phase for another 12 hours, at the end of which whoever has the most votes will be sent back to Custos Manor. Remember that Leif votes with the majority, so in case of a tie his vote does not count unless he posts it. Feel free to keep RPing

((OOC note: I've received a notice from Leif yesterday; he votes with the majority for this round, unless he finds the time to post.))

Tanny looks at the cumbersome repeating crossbow, then at Brygad and YanYan still talking. Softly, she taps the Scout's shoulder. "Sorry, YanYan... I can't possibly carry this around... I'm at my best with a good pair of claws and teeth." She smiles at his look, continuing, "Oh, I can use well a bow and a short sword, but I'm sure there are other people who are much more skilled than me and that will gladly pick the crossbow. But..." She's interrupted by a panicked girl, babbling something about a demon at the south gate. "What?" "Vanessa... she arrived on Maralasoth ... there's a demon... " Tanny turns to YanYan, urgent, "Where's Anna?" ~~~ Edit: making it coherent with next post.

lol I like them! Specially the first. Thanks for bringing them here, Joat! It's good to start the day with fun reading ~Tanny

Um pequeno Café Um pequeno Café em um canto do mundo escondido timidamente recolhido em si mesmo porém cheio de tesouros à espera de quem os encontre e, reconhecendo seu valor, se acomode em uma mesa: calor, alegria e apoio oferecidos sem receio ao viajante cansado, ouvidos prontos para estórias e coração aberto para novos amigos. ~~~~~~ I wrote this when the "new" MoT was opened, and have been struggling to get a decent English version. However, translation is one of my weaknesses, and it's worse yet when it's in verse. Any way I re-write it in English, it still doesn't feel "right" in relation to the original. (I always feel it would be so much better to write a new one in English!) So, if anyone in the boards can lend a hand (Spanish-speaking people, maybe?) I'd be glad for the help; either post here or PM me. I'm adding below the English version, but sincerely I don't like it. The worst passages/words, that I feel don't convey the right feeling, are in parentheses. Thanks A small cafe in a corner of the world hidden shyly (closed in itself) but full of treasures waiting for a finder who recognizes its value (and sits at a table): warmth, laughter, and support, offered without restraints to a tired traveler, ears ready for new stories and heart open to new friends.