Tanuchan

"Heheheahahah... stop, you little annoying things!" Tanny playfully bats away at the floating pumpkins, laughing. "Okay, okay... I give up...." She produces small chocolate candies wrapped in shiny, multi-colored foil, handing them to the little sylphs, and is delighted as she receives a lollipop. "Thanks, your little mischievous things... now, you see over there those catlings? The cheerleader and the caveman? And also that ... ehm... smelly little guy over there? I'm not sure you can get their attention... maybe it will be too hard for you... " She winks, grinning. The sylphs giggle and, after a quick talk among themselves, speed after their new challenges. Hehe... it will be fun... and this lollipop is *good*!

It's because you're a most annoying Seer/Baner when I'm the wolf... Though at least once I was completely innocent of your kill/lynch. And I certainly never imagined Vahk would vote against you... lol And to think of the times I was innocent and lynched because people thought it was high time for me to be the wolf... I love this game No idea... but who can say? Maybe she was a great-great-great-whatever-grandmother of the sisters...

I'm in! I'll think of a character, then tell you... ~Tanny

Yeah, *I* was surprised at being the wolf in two simultaneous games! Vahk, I almost killed you instead of Dragonqueen... it would have been fun if I had - three birthdays, three killings... lol... See you at the Mafia game... 'course I'll be there. Just don't you dare to roll me as a wolf again, or I'll never survive another game!!

I... won?!? Erm... amazing, indeed... *blinks* ... I thought I was dead... It was a real fun game for me! And loved the way Celes 'argued' with me in the last day phase (Sorry for the lynching tradition... I guess I'd better *not* be playing ww by my birthday next year... hehe) Vahk, a question... you were really IC supporting Anne. But did I really convince you I was innocent? *hugs all* I've posted a closing "comment" by Anne... maybe it gives a hint of what she had in her mind, besides what Merelas wrote. And I hope to see you all at the Halloween werewolf AND the Mafia werewolf that Vahk will be modding... right now, I hope? According to my poll (see the Halloween thread) we have enough people interested in playing two concurrent games - and the Halloween one won't be starting for another ten days, at the earliest. So, Vahk... ready to a Mafia game?

Uncountable years later, deep in woods not far from Salem, a lone adventurer finds a small shrine. Although well hidden and in ruins, it still hints at a simple beauty in reverence to nature. Amid the ruins, already almost covered by green leaves and the roots of trees, there is a rustic tomb. Mortal body of a priestess, Rest in peace while your soul flies Towards the Goddess, mother of all. May your penance in another life be brief For crimes commited in the name of faith May your story teach those who come Temper faith with wisdom and forgiveness. A niche near the carved altar reveals a tattered book, written in an neat hand and containing what seems to be the lore of nature mixed to personal annotations. Among its pages, it's possible to recognize descriptions of herbs and how to use them, songs of praise and blessing, discoveries made observing animals and plants. Scattered between these pieces of knowledge, paragraphs reveal that the book was also a kind of journal. Charles had to fall tonight. I loved him, I really did... not as my nature asks, but with respect for his intelligence and mind. But he became too dangerous. He's starting to look at me and wonder what I'm teaching our children when he's not around. He doesn't look very gently on my herb garden, I think he suspects some of the herbs aren't just weeds or what I say they are. He doesn't like me taking the children to the forest so they can learn about nature.... somehow, he *knows* I'm not taking them there because of 'God's' stronger presence. I know he wouldn't hesitate in taking the children from me, and he would hold his hand just for a little while before sending me to the gibbet. He must go, unfortunately. But being the widow of the Reverend could bring me also some protection... we have been married for 15 years, we have lived in this town for the last 13. I should be able to stay alive until my mission here is complete. There's a date and a name scribbled in parenthesis... June, 1692, in the town of Salem. Then, after a blank space, a date of some days later. It was a bit risky, but no one really suspects what I have in the garden. Charles' tea was laced with a potent and undetectable herb... his heart collapsed after some time. So that townspeople have something to base their accusations, I painted that magic symbol. They will probably accuse someone of sending either a demon or a lighting to do their evil work. I am sorry for the seeming innocents of the town, however I have made sure that no real innocent suffers. At the very least, those will have a painless death if I can reach them in time. The next few pages bring some random thoughts, then there's a passage that seems to have been written in haste. Silence is getting dangerous. My children tell me that she's always asking them to tell their thoughts about matters of faith. I have taught them many things already, and there's nothing they say that can be linked to witchcraft as these people see it... however, if Silence tells too much to Allison and an adult really questions the children, people may want to question me also. I wish I could take Silence with me... she is a smart girl, and intelligent. She questions instead of following blindly. But if she risks either my children or myself, I must see that she becomes a true avatar of her name. But she's a child... Goddess, I cannot harm a child... what am I to do? And others, smeared as if someone had cried over them. Amelia is kind and generous, but too strict in her beliefs. She has asked more to her children than just about Silence's words... she has asked also what *my* children say. Blessed be Nancy and Grahan for loving my own children and trusting them, telling them about the funny questions their mom was asking... She has always been near us, but lately... the Goddess forgive me if I'm wrong, but Amelia is always nearby, always meeting me out of the church, always sending small gifts to 'help me in my widowhood". I see some suspicion on her. I pity Samantha Bones. She was absolutely harmless, and a victim of the mob this city has turned into. I just hope they don't turn on me as they've had on her, or on the Mercys... but the Mercy's were foolish. Missing services, showing too much interest on the children... that was badly handled. Thank the Goddess that they didn't know who was their Priestess here. May the Mother's Blessing fall over this land and the children. Over the last line, something written as an afterthought... I shouldn't have... not her... she was a friend. Dangerous, but a friend none the less. The lines seem to tremble in the next paragraph, again some weeks after the last one. After those first days when Silence has been looked at with suspicion, Allison is taking from her daughter all that's good in her... curbing her curiosity and intelligence to keep her faithful to the Church. I am in part to blame, for I was afraid for my own children and added to that suspicion myself. However, since then I vowed to try to keep Silence well and bring her fully into the Goddess' arms. So, I will have to separate her from her mother... *** A mistake! I wanted her sick and weak... Mother, forgive me... it was too strong. Allison is dead. The last page of the book seems to refer back to those events... So, this is what I have collected in these long years of serving the Mother, the Goddess who protects us all. May she forgive the men who now deny her, and may she forgive what I did in my eagerness to give some strength to a failing worship. In Salem I have killed and made people suffer. I learned better, after that. I never lied. Silence had in her all the knowledge I dared to give her without clashing with the Church's teachings. Those marked me as a witch. She had the seed of witchcraft, according to the Church's view. I saved my life, and I hope Silence at last could understand that knowledge out of the Bible isn't evil. She escaped, but never knew who helped her... my friends who must go unnamed, who took her in, and let her choose her own life. She hates me even now, I know... I did kill her mother, and never denied that. But what she saw that night... an innocent ritual of blessing over an herbal potion to ease my little Hannah's cough. And she was convinced I was a witch... so close... ... Anne Arynn, priestess of the Goddess. ~~~~ Edit: typos

Silence looks unbelievingly at Goodman Parcel. "I do not bear false witness! I saw her!" "Silence, confess whatever else you hide in your heart." Anne keeps her voice level, somewhat sterner but still gentle."You know more about witchcraft than what you are saying. Let the innocent part of your soul guide your words, unless it has been so tainted, so blackened by evil that you do not have the will to confess. Goodman Parcel is a man of the church, and he zeals for our protection. Trust him as you trusted my husband. If you back from evil now, Silence, there is still salvation for your soul." ((OOC: I realized that I never officially posted an accusation... so here it goes: accusing Silence Whitney/Lady Celes))

Tanny, holding the door open, blinks in astonishment. "N-nave? No, Papa Smurf... again...?" whispers her, her face revealing disbelief. Nave/Papa Smurf enters humming blissfully, winking at her in passing. "Aw... " She sighs, closing the door then smiling to herself. I hope he has fun... and doesn't drive others crazy... Hmm... I wonder what Finnius will think of another blue man? As she giggles she attracts Katzaniel's frown, and apologizes quickly. "Sorry Katz... it wasn't about you, truly... I was just wondering about Finnius... and... " she nods at Nave, and Katzaniel frown turns into an amused smile also. "Yup... " "Do you want something, Katz? I'm going over to the bar... I'm a little bit worried about Mynx, she sure is a perfect cheerleader... " Too perfect... should she be drinking that stuff?

"I would never in my life harm a child, Silence! They are a light in the world, and their pure hearts will follow the Truth if they just listen to it. How can you accuse me of blasphemous rites, when my own children pray at the church at your side? They tell me how curious you are, and how many questions you ask. That's not a sin per se. Neither is to look for an answer. The sin may be what you do with the answers you get. The sin may be in your heart, and you be so naive and trusty that you don't see it in yourself. Think, Silence... why do you think you recognize these supposed gestures and chanting? Have you never been curious about witches and witchcraft... about why people become witches?" Silence keeps true to her name, remembering questions she asked to her mother in what seems ages ago. Anne nods. "Yes, I thought so. I believe you asked your mother. I think you may even have asked my husband, because you trusted him. But maybe you have asked to more people than we know? Maybe you really saw, or heard, or read those descriptions somewhere? Keeping that knowledge in your heart, reviewing it, commiting them to memory, unwittingly inviting evil into your very soul?" Her voice softens, and although she wants to hold Silence's hand, she restrains herself knowing the girl will just step back. "As I said, it is still time, Silence. Confess what you have in your heart. I believe you may not even know they are sinful, but they are tainting your soul and will drag you to them. We will protect you, you can still be saved. You can still back from that bleak path where curiosity took you."

Happy Birthday Lady Celes! *hugs* How about that birhday lynching, to consolidate the tradition? (Considering that you're accusing me, I heartily support the idea... *laughs* ) Wish you a really enjoyable day! ~Tanny

"What things do you think my garden explains? My husband knew what I have there, and I don't have anything to hide. The garden is there for anyone who wants to look at it. Charles did help me sometimes, not frequently, that's true. The garden has always been my responsibility. Now, think... you have learned much with me in that same garden. When did I send you home with anything but good herbs? How many times you asked me about all those herbs, and I truthfully answered your questions, even teaching you how to recognize poisonous plants? Is that the work of a witch?" Silence stares at Anne, searching for an answer. Anne presses on. "Silence, you said truthfully... you trusted everyone. And in that innocent trust, I believe you were perverted by thoughts that aren't those we taught you. Your mother, my husband, myself. God's work is clear in this town, it has been for the last dozen years. I didn't break anyone's trust, dear child. And you, in your innocence, does not see what you have done. Who but you has seen those gestures? Who can describe then, and that strange tongue you claim I have used? A twisted soul makes what it wills from the truth. Part of you still wants to be innocent, Silence, but you have been tainted. Confess your sins to God now, and you may still be saved. You are still mostly innocent, I believe."

"Silence, what you are saying is very serious. It was late, and all this that has been happening makes people afraid. My own children are getting jumpy at night, when before these last weeks they had never had reason not to have a peaceful sleep. There's no sense in what you are describing." Anne sighs softly, frowning. "Yes, I went to the garden to pick some herbs, because Hannah has a cough and I rather treat that early. You can go and check with her, if you want... just don't scare her. I was preparing a herb tea, as my mother taught me long ago. I'm used to singing while I'm cooking, and everybody who has ever been with me in a kitchen know that. However..." She looks at Silence with piercing eyes, studying her, seeming to weigh her. After a pause, she continues softly, "However, Silence, your description of gestures and chants shows also that you may be too familiar with things that aren't appropriate for an innocent girl. Did you see them before, Silence, or did you practice it alone, hidden from others?" Silence looks at her in deep anger. "God is my witness, it was as I told you." She looks around. "Widow Arthur is a witch!" "I'm no witch, Silence. I've been living in this town for thirteen years. People know me. I was married to a Reverend of the Church for fifteen years. Do you think he would have been deceived so long, were I a witch?"

"Weird rituals and chantings? Silence, this is going a bit too far, even for a grieving girl." Anne's voice becomes harsh. "Accusations of witchcraft are very serious and must not be used as tools for pettiness. If you are claiming that you saw me doing witchcraft, describe exactly what I was supposedly doing." Is she really innocent and acting upon the will of others... or is it that I do not want to believe she can be so... sly? She is one that I cannot swear is under God's guidance...

Anne shakes her head, eyeing Silence carefully. "Picking herbs and bizarre chanting? Silence, many people keep herbs in garderns, and there are several kinds of chanting besides those you listen to in the church. I keep several herbs in my back garden, because some of them are blessed with restorative powers. My husband knew about them, and sometimes helped me weeding the garden. Even you have helped me, Silence. And in my childhood I learned many songs that I still sing today. They may not be as beautiful as the Lord's songs, but they are nothing more than different songs." I've seen Silence going around... maybe I should have been more careful about her. Was Amelia right, then? "You are grieving for your mother's death. Or maybe... is it possible, Silence, that you have been trying to gather herbs and help your mother, without knowing what you were giving her? Who have you been talking to, dear girl? No one knew your mother was sick. Why didn't you call anyone to help her?" Dabbing with things that she didn't know about... an innocent in the hands of evil...

We're in day phase... assuming the normal 48-hour period, and that weekends are slow, I think we can keep this day phase until Tuesday afternoon or night, whichever time is best for you? And you sure try to jump back! If by any chance your 'net keeps crazy, you can always leave instructions with Katz... she knows the specials roles, as she posted the night phase results... My two cents *hugs Merelas* Don't worry, Mer... we know you've been having 'net trouble for some days. Just come back to us as soon as possible!!!

I'm posting this here because it's not official... I'm not sure if Katz has it, and Merelas apparently has been having trouble posting. Tanuchan-- Anne Arthur Vahktang-- Thomas Parcel MeThinksUFoolish-- Eric Dobbins Lady Celes Crusader-- Silence Whitney DeantheAdequate -- Reverend Arthur => Victim of the Witch; FaithKeeper Katzaniel-- Amelia Parcel => killed by witchcraft Dragonqueen-- Allison Whitney => killed by witchcraft Eyremoon-- Samantha Bones => Victim of the Trial (lynched) Cryptomancer-- Donovan James => run away from the village (lynched)

Tanny and Katz approach the silvery figure, curious but carefully, and Tanny sighs in relief recognizing Cryptomancer. "Welcome to the party, Cryptomancer... beautiful entrance, really." She smiles at him. "Hm... your costume?" Listening to Peredhil, she turns and greets him and his bodyguards as they enter, laughing softly at Guido. "It's a ... perfect costume... love it!"

lol Loved this!

Yay!!! Glad to see you in, Gwai! *grins, predicting lots of fun*

*So you're a bad guy, huh?* The wolf blinks after reading the application, a bit surprised. *Guns and biological warfare aren't my idea of fun... but it may be interesting. Maybe I should root for the good guys' side?* She grins teasingly at Ghost of Dawn, who scowls at her almost as if he could read her thoughts. She gives him an amused barf. *I don't think I'll stay this time... who knows what that lizard will dump onto my head this time... Good luck anyway, bad guy!* Winking, she friendly nudges him and leaves the office, peering out first to be sure Wyvern's isn't on her way. Good to see you around - just take care where you're pointing that M-4, please...

"Welcome, Elwen and Aural..." Tanny smiles at them, showing them in. She notices Elwen's apparent uneasiness, and tries to put her at ease. "I see you're a fairy... or maybe a dryad? It's a nice costume. Please, come in and have fun... you're the first to come, but you can better enjoy the drinks and the buffet while the others arrive." Dante Blackreek arrives seconds later, and Tanny stammers her greetings. "You know what they say;'Nothing spells success like excess.'" She glances at Katz, but shrugs and shows Dante in. "Well... I hope you have fun..." And that you don't really do any necromancy in here... ~~~~ Edit: Ghost of Dawn included, and typos

Tanny waits by the door, smiling and winking at Katzaniel. She wears a long, short-sleeved dark-blue dress delicately embroidered with leaves and flowers at the hem. From her waist hang a curved dagger and a pouch, and on her forehead there's a mark of the Goddess. A matching dark-blue, hooded cloak completes her costume. Didn't have much time to think about costumes, but I do hope I look enough like a priestess of Avalon... I did think about keepng in wolf form, but Katz said it would be cheating... She laughs softly, reminding the scene with Katz growling when she tried to argue that a wolf couldn't be on costume, and that if people could use costumes of gorillas, why couldn't she wear a wolf's shape? There's a rustle, and she turns her attention to the door. "It's almost time... "

Anne looks in horror as Allison quiets down just to die in the arms of the several people trying to restrain her - herself and Goodman Parcel among them. So many deaths... why? "Allison... rest in peace, and may the Lord embrace your soul..." Anne murmurs a quiet prayer, lowering her head in sorrow at one more death. Then, she looks around her. "Silence... poor girl... Where is she? Has anyone seen to her, gone to her?" Goodman Parcel also finishes a silent prayer, and meets Anne's eyes. "Silence will need help... " says Anne. "We must find her." He nods silently. Charles... Amelia... Allison... good people, God's people... why did they have to die? Help me not doubting... I lived all my life in faith, accepting Thy guidance in my heart... if they died, it's because there was purpose... to root out the evil in this land, at the least...

Not yet, dear candidate We'll put the party post this weekend, either later today or tomorrow. Everybody's welcome to RP at the party and interact at will. But the ww game in this party will be starting just in about two weeks... So, to clarify: 1- party starts this weekend. It's a party, so... have fun! 2- the ww game that happens during the party will start in about 2 weeks, after we have a better idea of who among the party-goers is going to participate in the ww game (one can just enjoy the party, or the game, or both) Any doubt, please post here or PM either me or Katz ~Tanny

Happy Birthday! *huge hugs*