Tanuchan

I'm not sure if Celes' coming back tonight, as she said she'd be back just on the weekend... so I posted the second floor. She had sent me the plans yesterday, when I made Anna check all the rooms ~Tanny Edit: Katz, sorry for my description... I just made Anna walk from one room to the other, and as Celes had told me that she would post the floor plans with 2nd phase, I didn't worry so much. When I said "to the right" and "to the left" of the stairs, I thought I was being more or less clear...

Anna tastes the soup, adding some more spices until she's satisfied. How I hated peeling potatoes at the orphanage... sister Elisa was a pain in the neck, really. I'd never dare to ask Mariah to to such thing... well, she would never have to, being Lady Morrain's daughter, but... I guess I was her age. Now, where's the rosemary and the sage? I'll need those for the roast... She opens the oven, tasting the gravy then again adding more spices. Mother Rania knew better how to teach... maybe that's why there are no teachers at an orphanage, they are all too busy to enter such places. They know there are children at schools that need their care, but most of them never thought about the motherless... I'm glad she found me. I'm glad she taught me to read and write... and to cook as well. Satisfied with the cooking, Anna cleans the kitchen and leaves for her room. Mrs. Bess... it was the first house I worked in, and she was really strict about her servants. I've always thought she never liked me, but it seems I was wrong... it's true that I learned how to work well under those eagle's eyes. I suppose I have to be grateful to her. She picks a simple but tasty dark blue dress, adequate to receive the guests and at the same time work. Over that, she puts a light blue apron. I wonder how Mr. Kant guessed what I would need here... Looking at the mirror, she brushes her long black hair then pins it in a practical bun. Some strands of hair frame her lovely face, adding a simple beauty to her features. She frowns, though, pushing the strands back. Black, silky feathers... no, I won't think of this. After a final look at the mirror, she picks her keys. As she locks her door, her eyes fall onto the other keys. Library, games' room, storeroom, kitchen... but a lighthouse? It's true that captain Grant mentioned how dire the weather can be, and that there are rocks near the beach... but then, I wonder why there's no one to man the lighthouse...

In the shadows, the black shape of a medium-sized wolf stretches and a sigh is heard. Well, it seems I don't like this Scarlot very much... but it's true that some harshness is needed when you're selecting members for a guild... In her wanderings around the Pen, Tanny had once come to this same door following an intriguing scent, one that seemed to be of a fellow wolf. She had sat in front of the door, staring at the sign - "Scarlet's Office" - and musing about the small letters saying "Applicants apply here". Then, she had spent some of the next days exploring that part of the Keep that housed the Alliance of Vagabonds and Vanguards, and quietly listenened to the talk going around in the Confessional and even in the other areas of the castle. She had also come back to that door sometimes, and listened to the somewhat harsh voice of the tigertaur Katzaniel talking to Scarlot - not difficult with her keen wolf-hearing. She had sat exactly where she was now, letting the voices drift into her twitching ears and saving them for later consideration. And now she followed with her eyes as two men left the office with somewhat disgruntled faces - the ones called Morindas and Ensifer. A small mission/quest, then? It's not exactly what I expected, but it can't hurt to try. Besides, I'm starting to feel rusty and restless... exploring is nice, but I need to keep my skills honed... Some time later, Tanny returns to Scarlot's Office now in her human form. She knocks but doesn't wait for an answer, opening the door and entering in one fluid movement. Scarlot's eyes flash up, scowling. "No one here knows how to enter a room? Knock and wait for an answer first!" Grey eyes study Scarlot, not showing anything besides a cold curiosity. Tanny gives a small smile, bowing just enough to show respect - but never fear or submission. "I choose my actions based on my own analyses, Scarlot. It's part of what I am, so why would I show you otherwise, when you are the one choosing people based on their qualities?" "There could have been someone waiting for you just behind the door, impudent girl." The icyness of Scarlot's voice doesn't seem to intimidate Tanny, who hands in her application. "I knew you were alone and there was no magic being used in the room. I knew you weren't near the door. And there would be no reason for you to kill an applicant, so there was no need to fear a mortal attack. " Scarlot grunts and unrolls the parchment. Scarlot puts aside the parchment without giving any sign of interest. Tanny gives a most charming smile, and a glint of amusement appears in her eyes. That's good... no different reaction from the others. "You know where to find me. I'll wait for your decision." Nooding, she leaves the room without taking her eyes from Scarlot, and closes the door softly. Outside, she draws a deep breath. Gods... I'm glad I knew what to expect. She's not one to have patience with scared applicants...

Anna blinks, coming back to the present, and bites her lip. No... that's gone. I should forget him. A determined look replaces the dreamy one, and she turns back to the house. Seeing there's nothing to be done in the kitchen for a while still, she gets the list of guests and decides for a final check in their rooms. Well, one last time, just to be sure I got everything right... first floor. First room to the right of the stairs... Ms. Claudia VanCluesan. She enters the room, checking the bedclothes and the items over the dresser, keeping an eye for anything looking out of place or not impeccably clean. Satisfied, she goes to the other rooms after checking the name at the door and locking it. She puts the key back in the envelope with Miss Welch's name. To the right of Ms. Claudia's... Mr. Flats London. Everything all right here. She leaves Flats' room, then goes to the other side of the stairs. Still first floor... first room to the left of the stairs, Mr. Jeremy Erickson. Okay. Then, the next rooms... Mr. Luke Jesson... right in front of the Dining Room. Then mine... She goes upstairs, to the second floor. Now, the second floor... To the right of the stairs, first room... Mr. Tom Baker... ... then Ms. Victoria Butler. In front of Ms. Victoria's, there's Mr. William Horton's. She stops to take a look at the balcony, right in front of the stairs, then proceeds to the other rooms. To the left of the stairs... first Lady Melia Darshiva... ... then Mr. Kant's. In front of Mr. Kant's... Miss Adelaide Welch. Closing the last door and putting away the last key, Anna goes back to the living room and leaves the nine envelopes over the mantelpiece, awaiting for the guests. Well, it seems everything is ready... now, back to the kitchen. I really wish I had someone to help me... Stop worrying, Anna. Your days of whining are over... they've been over for a long time. You know you're up to the trust Mr. Kant seems to have on you. But I wish I knew why he isn't here. ~~~~ Edit: Lady Celes sent me the floor plan of the Manor... Edit2: added Deg's character's name.

Anna takes mental notes while going around the kitchen looking for the appropriate chinaware and silverware to be used. Then, she expertly checks the ducks being roasted, and frowns once more remembering the words in the letter she has received. She sighs, shaking her head. Well, this is really ... odd... Maybe Mr. Kant will arrive with the guests? Who would say I'd arrive to find this house empty and another letter telling me to get everything ready for nine guests? She leaves the kitchen after checking the soup, and from one of the windows she gazes at the sea. They must be arriving soon... I wonder what kind of people they are? Well... most of them probably are like other people I've already worked for. I guess I won't have anything to be worried about... except that I really would like to have someone to help me. Nine people aren't that many, really... but if it's just me about cooking and taking care of the house, I should talk to Mr. Kant. She keeps looking at the horizon, and a small smile appears on her lips as she remembers another place, at another time, where she gazed at the sea and felt the gentle breeze.

"Oh no!! Quick, spread out and hide!" The Dealer soon disappeared in the blackness of the ink, while Vinnie and Melving looked around them at a loss. They felt more than saw the harpoon passing close by - too close for their own comfort - and dashed away spreading more ink in the area. "Vinnie, let's separate!" "No, I don't want you marrying the girls." "Don't be foolish... that hunter will find us quicker if we stay together." "Pffft" Still arguing, both octopi kept zigzagging around the sea garden, aware of the shadow of the hunter trying to corner them. The mouth of a cave loomed ahead of them, and they swam inside as fast as their tentacles would propel them. They picked the first branching to the right, never noticing...

Welcome to Werewolf, Cryptomancer Feel free to ask any questions, we'll do our best to help! And we hope you have fun! To the other players... I'd like to know if any of you rich guys/girls need a governess... ~Tanny

1. A Male Member of the Pen = Degenero Angelus 2. A Female Member of the Pen = Ayshela 3. Adjective = happy 4. Another Male Member of the Pen = Peredhil 5. An Article of Clothing = dress 6. Adjective = long 7. An Occupation = teacher 8. Adverb = slowly 9. Noun = house 10. Verb, past tense = slept 11. Adjective = deep 12. Plural Noun = scissors 13. Adjective = light 14. Adjective = lovely 15. Noun = lake 16. Adverb = admiringly 17. Verb, past tense = smiled 18. Adjective = bright 19. A Game = Monopoly 20. Plural noun = glasses

Another wolf joins Ozy, and soon both are tumbling in a... friendly... play... a bit to the biting side, but friendly anyway. Then, the black wolf jumps on Jamz, changing to human form and tacklehugging her down. *hugs* Happy Birthday, Jamz!

Well, as the filling of last spots seem a bit slow, I guess I'll play... ** Anna Raven, young governess to an upper-class family. Would any of the upper-class lords/ladies in the game need a governess? Lady Celes, do you need any other info besides what I've PMd you? ~Tanny

Well, while we wait for Lady Celes' game start... I was wondering if you'd like to post here what were your reasons to choose the people you chose, be for lynching, seeing, baning, or killing. As Mod, I know some of the reasons... but I think it would be interesting if people talked about that. It could even help improve RPing skills for future games. What do you think? Well, I had just time for one vote before being lynched, and didn't vote/defend myself because it would be the best solution, once I was stepping in as acting mod... Though, I am curious why Amanda got the votes. Was it because I was acting as mod, or because you did suspect I could be the wolf? ~Tanny, a curious wolf

*huge warm hugs* I'm sorry for the trouble you had, and I do hope things work out well for you. Come back when you can, we'll be waiting for you. Of course, maybe wolves decide that you're a perfect snack... ... nothing personal .... (j/k) Be well.

A bit late for Carnival... but I've been working on this one for some time, it would be a shame not posting ** Listening to tales Always with a smile, Dedicated and easy-going Yet strict when required. Cafe-owner and magess, Elven blood mixed to human's, Laughter she nurtures Expertly chasing off Sadness and gloom. Crises she deals with Rarely rising her voice Unless her anger is awaken: Storming then her words come. A lover of cats, Deftly manages her staff Energetically and full of ideas Running the Manor of Tongues. **

If you delay the beginning, I believe Vahktang will be able to be in - if there are still free spots. He had PMd me at the end of last game, saying he'd be out of town and without internet access for some days. Just a little FYI As I said in the Q+A thread, I'll be in if needed, otherwise I'll sit this out and watch your fun!

*hugs* Happy Birthday!

Refreshing, descriptive and one that just hints at the beauty and promise of a new day. It makes me wish to be there It's good to see a light poem. Thanks for sharing

The first stanza as a whole is what I like most... a crystal heart, it's beauty shattered not only by events somewhat out of our control (dreams and wishes not come true) but, sometimes, by ourselves. And the contrast to a stone heart, although still shaped and holding memories (so not an unfeeling heart) and so still able to hide in its core a gem. As an artisan picking his way, Thus I shape the stone Following the hard veins that hide beauty Sculpting that which will hold my memories Engraving my dreams and wishes Making me forever remember What I am, in my core, Although hidden it must be, Protected by the rocky layers Of a heart of stone. Thanks for sharing ~Tanny

**** Final tally: Serena => 6 votes (Vahktang PMd me tying his vote to Lady Celes', as he's out of town and without internet access) Walter => 1 vote Other information... 1st night: Kill = Vahktang / Seen = Vahktang / Baned = Salinye (so, no kill) 2nd night: Kill = Lady Celes / Seen = Deggy / Baned = Salinye (another no-kill night) 3rd night: Kill = Ayshela / Seen = Salinye / Baned = Katz (Seer killed) The story * Lord Kinjiru was a werewolf in WW II, so I kept it. * Serena's changes started late, at the time she left HS. That made her quite insane, and she thinks everybody still looks at her as a nerdy high-schooler; so she decided to get revenge on them all. * I was unwilling to kill any of the characters from previous stories that were actually being played again, so I just let the wolves get caught. Sorry for Ayshela's character - I should have kept her badly hurt but alive, but I guess I wasn't thinking very well when I wrote that part. Some questions... * I ruled, in this specific game, that a wolf baned meant no kill (even if there were two wolves) unless the wolves had chosen the Baner as victim. Do you think it favors too much the villagers? Have in mind, please, that not all Baners are as active as Katz was. * I tried once using a rule saying "if two wolves, and one baned, there's 50% chance of no-kill". Would that be better (meaning, more balanced) than a 100% no-kill? * I ruled also that Baner/Seer couldn't reveal their roles OOC. Would it be interesting telling them not to reveal IC either? Would that favor the wolves? The mod has always been free to choose which set of rules best fits his/her game, so these questions are intended just to discuss the general idea a bit... thanks The thread is now open for comments...

Serena slowly backs away from the accusing glares, or at least tries to. But a surprisingly strong hand grasps her wrist, keeping her in the room. "I'm realy sorry, Serena. But I believe Lork Kinjiru would like to talk to you, and if you are innocent you don't have anything to be afraid of." Serena stares at Jaqui's blind eyes and yanks herself free, almost causing Jaqui to fall. "Of course, the blind girl who's snobbish enough to attack someone who can get where she cannot... " Serena's voice is suddenly sarcastic. "You're a fool. All of you." She looks around her defiantly. "You see, you all despised me... no, you still despise me, laugh behind my back, thinking how weird I am and that I should really have more normal friends... Because I can't stand your silly laughs and look at the boys like you do, or because I can understand what Mrs. Hunter says and you can't because you don't know from which end to start reading a book on Biology..." Serena's shrill laugh sends shivers up many backs while she keeps rambling with her feverish eyes on the other guests. Lord Washima fingers his katana nervously, for an instant considering if his honor allows him to attack a young unarmed madwoman. Walter suddenly notices a shadow near the corner, and blinks in surprise. Kinjiru nods silently to him, and soon blurs away into another shadowed place, nearer to his target. "You... all of you condemned my chosen mate." Serena's eyes catch Van Muncie's, and she snarls at him. "And YOU dared trying to kill him." She lunges at him. Lord Washima draws his katana in an Iatsu stroke as her shape blurs and re-forms as a grey wolf, the katana missing her head for fractions of an inch. A blur of black hits Serena's side with enough force to drive her away from Van Muncie, and the surprised guests see a black, bigger wolf bare his fangs at her. Golden eyes full of power stare at the smaller, maddened wolf, and for a moment she seems to hesitate. In that instant, Walter throws his poisoned letter opener, and Serena turns to him. The black wolf attacks, aiming for her neck. She twists away and the black wolf suddenly grows into a werewolf in hybrid form, turning to pin down his opponent. Serena also changes to hybrid form, and both lock into fighting. Three silvered sharp-pointed shurikens dig into the smaller wolf's back, and Serena howls in pain. One more in her neck makes her fall to the ground, shape blurring undecidedly between wolf and woman. Elisabeth looks at the twin geishas, Takako and Teruko, at opposite corners in the room, with admiring eyes. In their hands, silvery glinting reveal more sharp weapons. "I'm sorry, Serena-san. But this is needed for a while until your mind clears." The black werewolf form blurs, and Lord Kinjiru kneels besides Serena under the stares of stunned guests. He clasps a silver chain around Serena's neck before pulling out the shurikens, and her shape finally settles into a whimpering wolf. The ninja lord turns to his guests. "The chain was blessed and will keep her controled for a while. I will take care of her, as I had intended from the beginning. You were all invited to this party because I knew there was a born shapechanger among you. I needed to find her," he nods at Serena, "before the madness took her completely away and she started a killing frenzy. Now she will have guidance." He turns to Jaqui. "Thanks for your help, Jaqui-san. My trust in your skills was well placed, and you used wisely the wolfsbane. I grieve for Shana-san, for I wasn't aware of her Seer skills... I would have had someone protect her." He waves to his guards, who take the wolf away, and leaves with a deep bow. ************* OOC: Serena/Salinye was a wolf. Congratulations to the villagers!

*holds Ayshela tight when Finnius gives a chance to* I don't have special flowers, as I'm not very good at gardens... but... ** Looking from behind walls There's a heart aching to share Reaching out in sad singing Entrancing those who pass by. The song echoes in many places Bringing tears, sadness, or memories Though a few may smile in contempt Many will cry in deep resonance Remembering dark times And those who lifted shadows. Sad chanting fills the void Calling to dreams and birds afar Faint notes carrying power Stirring thoughts and sharp feelings Resting at last in unknown land Touching softly a caring heart. Reaching from behind walls There's a song sincere and sad Echoing in other, ancient walls Long broken by caring hands. There will always be someone, somewhere, who cares as deeply as you do. Let their song touch yours, a descant to make it brighter and lighten your sorrow. ** .. for you.

Well, I keep my volunteering... I'm PMing you with some info. ~Tanny

"I have 60. Did I hear 65? Someone, 65?" A black wolf sits at the back of the auction tent, thinking about the amulet and trying to decide on a bid. "YAP!" "Oh, beautiful wolf, are you bidding then 65?" Tanny looks angrily at the mage who had stepped on her tail in such an ungentle way, growling sullenly. The mate just smiles, patting her head absent-mindely before walking away, "Oh, sorry pretty doggie..." Sighing, she looks at the auctioneer and yaps confirming her bid, neatly tucking her tail under her left leg. *I must remember not to attend auctions in forms with tails ... *

The Suspects... Lady Celes Crusader- Elisabeth Christie, well-known socialite (WWIII) Vahktang- Lord Washima, Strong head of the Washima Clan (WWII) DeanTheAdequate- Dr. Van Muncie (WWI) Katzaniel- Jaqui, Blind and somewhat bitter young adult (WWVI) Eyremon- Wile E. Coyote (WWVII) Merelas- Walter Morrison, nerdy High-school kid (WWVI) Gwaihir- George, a merchant Salinye - Serena, ex-high school nerdy type NPC- Elwen- Hisoka Kyodai, geisha (WWII) NPC/mod- MeThinksUFoolish- (Any of my old characters I feel like using) NPC/mod- Tanuchan - Amanda Black The Victims Albert E. Milhouse - NPC, high school kid from WW IV, NPC kill Terauchi Eiji - NPC, Japanese minor lord from WW II, NPC kill Tanuchan- Amanda Black - innocent Xanthus- Javier - innocent Degenero Angelus- Markus Black - wolf Ayshela- Shana - Seer ~~~~~~ Edit: formatting

Many tired faces are seen at breakfast, showing clearly that the night hasn't been restful. Amanda is nowhere to be seen and, answering some questions from Elisabeth, Wetherby replies quietly, "She's with her husband. Mr. Black is weak and still recovering from his ordeal, and she refuses to leave him. You don't need to worry, Mrs. Christie. Lord Kinjiru has seen them, and also Mr. Javier, about fifteen minutes ago. Their rooms are in the far wing of the house." Elisabeth breathes a bit more freely, finding some respite in the fact that the locked people are apparently well. Serena looks around, becoming restless as Shana does not appear for breakfast. "Jaqui?" calls her in a whisper, "Jaqui, have you se... ehm... heard anything about Shana?" "Shana?" Jaqui's blind eyes turn to Serena's direction. "No... who else is missing, Serena?" "Heh... the man who tried to shoot Mr. Black yesterday... the odd one..." Both remain quiet for some seconds, then Jaqui calls Wetherby. The butler frowns and leaves, signaling two guards to follow him. Wetherby knocks awaken Van Muncie, who grumbles in answer. "Yes, yes, I'm alive and well. Can't a man rest after having been wounded by the mate of a wolf?" He opens the door a crack, and the butler just nods, satisfied. "We were worried, dr. Muncie. Don't forget that we still have one werewolf prowling, according to my lord Kinjiru." Leaving Van Muncie muttering, Wetherby knocks at the last door of that wing. "Miss Shana?" Several knocks later, Wetherby has the guards break the door open. He steps in carefully, then goes to the bed where Shana seems to be sleeping. "Miss Shana, it's breakfast... " He draws a sharp breath noticing a dark stain in the bedclothes. He turns the girl, who stares emptly at him, her throat nicely slit open. **** OOC: Shana/Ayshela was the Seer. It's day phase, story-wise going from breakfast until mid-afternoon. You have 48 hours to post your accusations. Good hunting! ~~~~ Edit: typos and formatting

"Markus would never in his life kill." The simple statement, said in a crystal-clear and sure voice, quiets the general murmuring. Amanda's bright green eyes show her absolute trust in her husband as she crosses the room to stand at his side. "He acts very strange for a loving husband... " murmurs Shana, almost apologetically. "He even admits that he suspected you." Markus shakes his head slightly, wrapping an arm around Amanda. "I didn't say I suspected her. I said I wouldn't be surprised if it had been her." "And you accept that so calmly?" asks Elisabeth to Amanda, sharply. "A husband that..." "I killed before. And it is possible that I kill again, if I have a strong enough reason to." Elisabeth gasps, and Amanda continues. "Yes, I've killed and Markus forgave me and accepted that. I won't go into what made me do what I did, but I will say that it was a just revenge on people who did great wrong. I regret the death of people who were innocent bystanders, but I would do it again if needed. And Markus knows that." "Mrs. Black, I'm sorry but that does not mean that your husband is innocent now," says Jaqui. "No. But you don't know him as I do. He has never killed in all his life. And never he will." Amanda faces everybody, and some start to doubt Markus' guilt. The full moon's light enters through the open curtains, bathing the Blacks in its silvery light. Van Muncie steps in, a crossbow aimed at Markus. "He's a wolf. A werewolf, and you're risking your life being with him. Unless you're his mate and are helping him, m'lady. If you're innocent of these murders, step aside or you'll get killed." Someone cries for Lord Kinjiru, and Markus and Amanda move at the same time. Van Muncie shoots, but the knife thrown by Amanda hits his arm, shifting his aim. Markus jumps aside, crying in pain as the silvered bolt hits his shoulder. "MARKUS!" Amanda holds him, pale, as Lord Kinjiru rushes to them while guards attend to Van Muncie and quickly lead the protesting guests out of the room. "Fool," mutters Kinjiru, though Amanda can't guess who the remark is directed to. She grabs Markus' hands in horror as his form seems to blur, refusing to let go, while Lord Kinjiru quickly yanks out the bolt. "Markus Black," Kinjiru's voice is urgent, "What is your natural form?" "I didn't kill... I swear on my soul... " He looks at Amanda, and his shape seems to solidify again. "Near a month ago... hunting... a wolf came..." Kinjiru nods, signaling his guards. He turns to Amanda. "I may help. He's not a born shapechanger. Trust me." *** Near an hour later, Lord Kinjiru returns to his guests. "I apologize for the rudeness, but it was very dangerous for you to stay there. Had Mr. Black been a born shapechanger, probably many would have been killed or injured while trying to restrain him. He's been infected near a month ago, but I believe I was in time to help him." He raises his hands, stopping the flood of questions. "There's still the werewolf who infected him. I know Mr. Black is telling the truth when he says he can't identify who it is. So, I ask you to be careful." ****** OOC: Markus Black/Degenero Angelus was a wolf. It's night phase, and story-wise it goes from soon after dinner to early morning. Wolf/Baner/Seer, you have 24 hours to send your PMs. If I get all of them, I may go to day phase sooner.