Long Game 7: The Annealing of Luthadel

[Wyrmhero he/him]

Day 4 has ended!

 

Sorry, I forgot to post an hour beforehand as a warning, but extra votes wouldn't have made a difference here at all.

Edited August 5, 2014 by Wyrmhero

[Wyrmhero he/him]

Night 4

 

"Who would like to begin today's proceedings?"

 

For a long while, nobody spoke. There was a shuffling of feet as people tried to look in any direction other than at Lord Heron, who was just sitting there calmly with a glass of wine.

 

"Well?" he prompted, offering his glass to a servant for a refill. "Surely the death of Lady Seeris would provoke some discussion. Tell me of her enemies! Of her friends! Just say something, rust you all!"

 

The assembled remained quiet, the only noise in the garden being the constant tumbling sound of the waterfall. Everyone seemed unsure of themselves, or at least they wanted other people to go first and save them the embarrassment of being wrong if they chose incorrectly. "This is no time to be politically minded," Heron muttered.

 

"It seems this city just isn't safe for the womenfolk anymore," Mesist said, just to fill the silence a little. "Suppose I'm not surprised that the Skaa went after them first. Bunch of cowards, the lot of them. Even Lord Urbain wouldn't do such a thing," he added, though the jibe was only half-serious this time. He was being slowly beaten down by Luthadel, not that he would admit it. The place just had an oppressive atmosphere, doubly so with the events of this week. Almost like a constant Soothing. How he longed to be back home, where he could enjoy riding through the plains of the Southern Dominance. With his House's luck though, he wouldn't be able to do that there for much longer.

 

"If I may ask a question?" Ren said, looking around at the assembled and stirring them from their silent thoughts. Clearly he was thinking even more along political lines, being new to the area and not wanting to offend people as a host. "I wish to know about Lord Kastner's reasonings during the previous ball."

 

Heron sighed and waved him on. "Ask your question," he said, permitting the action with clear weariness. "It doesn't look too much like you will get an answer, however."

 

"Speaking of previous days," Asyr said, the older noble clearing his throat to speak, "I want to know why Lord Phantomhive decided it would be better to make requests of the deceased Lady Raisaal's band rather than talk about this."

 

While the quiet accusations continued, Hadrian couldn't help but frown. Was this really how they did things here? There were murderers amongst them, in the sense of killing people who mattered rather than just Skaa, and they just discussed it amongst themselves? He quietly excused himself and disappeared into the study to find a servant as Ashette distracted them, saying something and then furiously denying that she'd said anything at all before anyone could catch it.

 

When he returned later (he would have to suggest to Lord Garde that his servants worked quicker in the future), it didn't seem as though he had missed anything. People were still standing around, saying nothing and doing nothing. Picking the sack up that the servant had given him, he through it as Lord Nuvidas' head. It exploded in a cloud of dull grey ash, coating the noble as though he had been rolling around in it from the day he was born.

 

"You have been as silent as a Skaa!" Hadrian said, a grin across his face. "Well, now you look like one too!"

 

As Wandrin stood up and began to shout angrily at Hadrian, Mesist walked over and clapped Hadrian on the back. "Impressive work. It seems as though they aren't just cowards, but they're a bunch of silent cowards too."

 

"I-what did you say about me?!" Wandrin asked, drawing himself up to his (somewhat unimpressive) full height. "Why, next you will be saying that Lord A'lees is intelligent, or Lady Sylinia was a Mistborn, or... or that Erikell is secretly a Terrisman! If you want to find the Skaa amongst us, perhaps you should look in a mirror!"

 

"I think the fact that Wandrin claims he isn't Skaa is proof enough that he is," Mesist said snidely. Lord Ruler knew the man wouldn't be able to find his backside without a map. He turned to the crowd. "Anyone else agree?"

 

"I mean no offence by this, Lord A'lees," Ren said, spreading his hands out in a reconciliatory gesture and carefully wording his suggestion, "but following you did not go so well for us yesterday. I would like to hear more before I vote."

 

"Lord Ruler, most nobles would pay good money to be put into a position where the Inquisition supports you killing your rivals off," Lord Heron muttered as he stood up, hiding a grimace. Moving closer to the light, it was apparent how pale he was. He spared a moment to glare at whichever Jain it was, since they were voting for themselves. Maybe Jain thought he was voting for his brother instead of himself, or something. It was unlikely that the boy would die from his gaze, but hope sprung eternal.

 

"The question we must consider," Kassel said, writing down his thoughts and unaware that, to the current discussion, this was a complete tangent, "is how Lady Seeris was able to be killed by a few Skaa. Even if she had three or four assassins after her, she was a Pewterarm. She should have been able to fight them off. And then there's the Soothing..." he trailed off when he noticed everyone was looking at him, trying to find the connection between discussions. "...I mean, I believe that Wandrin is a Skaa too," he said. "What was he even doing this last few days?"

 

"I have a life outside of these meetings, so you know," Wandrin said. "Unlike most of you all, I don't just sit around all day waiting for the next ball. Why, the name of Nuvidas is known throughout the Central Dominance as the watchword in detecting, and perhaps even further beyond that!"

 

"We haven't heard anything from Finch either," Mailu said, cutting across Wandrin's outburst before another argument broke out. "What does he make of this?"

 

Finch looked up from his table, where a large plate of food was placed in front of him. He tapped the butt of his knife on the table a few times as he thought, then shrugged. "I'm not too sure really. I'd need to think about it more first."

 

Lord Izenry fidgeted a little with his hat, wary of the fact that he would be put under scrutiny once again. He wasn't exactly the most reputable of the people there for guessing correctly, after all. "I'm not certain about this either, if I am honest," he admitted. "Consider that no-one has spoken up for him. Either he's not Skaa, or they can stand to lose him."

 

"So what do you offer as an alternative, Alden?" Heron asked, watching him carefully. "If not Wandrin, then who?"

 

Alden flinched a little as his eyes drifted to Lord Heron's Canton of Inquisition tattoo above his eyes. He felt as though he was being judged, particularly after Racine had turned out to be supporting the Skaa like that. "Well, Lady Cett and Lord Phantomhive have been acting odd, and Lord Fathvell's been unhelpful, and Lady Lekal isn't necessarily cleared..."

 

"But you won't accuse anyone over it?" Lord Heron asked, sighing when Alden shook his head. "Fine. Then does anyone else having something to add in favour or against Wandrin?"

 

"I find it ridiculous that you all accept a single person's word on this matter," Wandrin said as he dusted himself down a bit. How do we know that Hadrian isn't Skaa?" he asked, pointing a cane at the young Lord. "For that matter, why would you trust someone who decides that the way to accuse someone is to ruin a decent suit?"

 

"I suppose I should explain," Kassel said, cutting in before Lord Penrod could speak again. He put his paper down on the fountainside, carefully making sure they wouldn't fall into the water. "I have heard many things about Lord Nuvidas these last few weeks, from a real detective." He ignored Wandrin's indignant spluttering. "I was informed that he is a Soother as well, so he may try to stop us by using emotional Allomancy. Just something to be wary of."

 

"It seems as though we are in some kind of agreement, for a change. All who support this accusation?" Lord Heron asked. He counted the hands raised. Ten of them. Nine nobles, and... Wait, should he count that ninth hand?

 

Wandrin turned to his Terrisman, Bamin, who was looking away from his master. "You traitor!" he shouted, making a grab for the much taller man's arm and trying unsuccessfully to pull it down. The servant remained resolute and refused to budge.

 

"You could at least make this somewhat respectable," Mesist said reproachfully. "Racine managed it, after all. A real class act. Tonul as well, and he was completely innocent."

 

Wandrin stopped at his futile attempt, whirling around at everyone. He burnt brass and released a Soothing pulse at all those around him, flaring it as much as possible. The oppressive atmosphere strengthened upon almost all of them as their emotions were slowly repressed one by one, leaving them feeling empty inside.

 

Then it suddenly stopped as a clip struck Wandrin's leg, and he collapsed onto the ground, a scream of pain escaping him as he landed on the coin embedded within his shin. Lord Heron advanced, another few coins in his hand, ready to be fired again. "You really think I wouldn't have brought some Copperclouders to prevent this from happening?"

 

He walked forward and pulled the whimpering Wandrin up by his arm, dropping him on his leg. Ignoring another howl of pain, Wyrm turned to Lord Garde. "I promise not to make your Keep too bloody," he said, before hauling Wandrin away.

 

Half an hour later, Lord Heron returned, seeming disappointed, but a bit more cheerful than before. There was more colour on his face, though admittedly some of it was blood. He threw a vial of brass to Fien, who ended up tossing it between his hands a few times before managing to catch it without dropping it onto the floor.

 

"Disgraceful," Wyrm simply said, giving a single disapproving look towards the House Lord in question, before continuing past the fountain and leaving.

 

Night 4 has begun. An extension has been granted, and so it will end on Thursday at 9PM BST (GMT+1).

 

Wandrin Nuvidas was a Skaa Soother, claiming to belong to House Urbain!

 

The next ball will be held at House Fathvell. If Kal Dell could send me a description of his Keep's ball, as the others have done, it would be much appreciated.

 

Wandrin Nuvidas (10): Hadrian Penrod, Mesist A'lees, Kassel Erikell, Jain Phantomhive, Cat Lekal, Fien Urbain, Finch Fain, Ashette Cett, Asyr Tuy

Finch Fain (1): Mailu Willen

Jae Kastner (1): Ren Garde

 

Player List

House Tuy

Asyr Tuy (a smart guy) [House Lord]

 

House Elariel

Quitania Elariel (QuiteContrary) - Unknown Rioter

Cat Lekal (luckat)

Hadrian Penrod (Araris Valerian) [House Lord]

 

House Seeris:

Sylina Serris (Theorymaker) - Unknown Pewterarm

Cadri Raisaal (Shivertongue) - Unknown Coinshot

Jain Phantomhive (Lightsworn Panda) [House Lord]

 

House Urbain:

Fien Urbain (Gamma Fiend) [House Lord]

Wandrin Nuvidas (New One) - Skaa Soother

 

House Morinthe:

Racine Morinthe (twelthrootoftwo) - Skaa Tineye

 

House Venture:

Tonul Venture (Tulir) - Noble Rioter

 

Unknown Affiliation:

1. Kassel Erikell (Kasimir)
2. Alden Izenry (Aonar Faileas)
3. Hyrun Tormander (The Only Joe)
4. Ashette Cett (Ashiok)
5. Kaldin Fathvell (Kal Dell)
6. Finch Fain (LeftInch)
7. Mesist A'lees (Metacognition)
8. Mailu Willen (Mailliw73)
9. Ren Gardre (Renegade)
10. Jae Kastner (jaelre)
11. TelZaan (Kandra NPC)

Edited August 6, 2014 by Wyrmhero

[Dellexe he/him]

Woohoo! Got another one. So we've got what, three, maybe four Skaa left at the max?

[Mailliw73 he/him]

I highly doubt there are six or even five skaa total. I think there are one or two left. Giving the skaa so many members would make it too unfair for us. But we have already gotten two in four days, so were making very good progress.

[Gamma Fiend he/him]

Fien glared at the smashed vial of metal laying on the ground, the small flakes of brass sparkling gently in the flickering light of the torches that had surrounded the courtyard.

A skaa in my own house! He cursed to himself, bringing his foot down upon the already broken vial, shattering the glass even more. He knew his reputation would take a large blow from an embarrassment of this magnitude, but he knew him and his house would endure, somehow.

He angrily finished the glass of wine he was carrying around and tossed it over his shoulder, strolling out of the Gardre Gardens and out into the Night. For Fien, play time was over.

[Kasimir he/him]

...So...I guess I won't have to be submitting myself to a lynch (for this reason) after all, (at least)? >>
 
Kassel was pretty sure the only reason he was still absently making notes was to hide the trembling of his hands. "I think," he said, aloud, to no one in particular, "That, was way too much excitement for me."
 
A burst of coughing broke up whatever else he was about to say; he wished he'd taken the bitter extract but that made him drowsy, even as much as it eased the coughs. That wouldn't do; not when he had to attend Lord Gardre's ball and to make it home to Keep Erikell.
 
When it had passed, Kassel muttered, "I hate being sick. And I hate gambles."

[Araris Valerian he/him]

Hadrian left the ball in high spirits. While he had initially doubted that Kassel fellow, it seemed the man was loyal enough to organize a chain of informants capable of searching through even the murkiest bloodlines. Unfortunately, the skaa had always been most active in the night, and they now had a chance to find any weak links in Kassel's sources.

Lets keep this up guys, maybe all of the quiet people are skaa, although I hope the next time I cover someone in ashes they give a slightly more convincing reaction.

[Wyrmhero he/him]

An extension has been granted. The Night will now end on Thursday at 9PM BST (GMT+1)

 

Oh clarifications, how I missed thee...

• The 'overspill' damage from Improved Weaponry applies to both Coinshots and Skaa, but only if the target dies. Only one point of damage can overspill this way. If there are no other players in the House, nothing happens with it. Improved Weaponry can be used on players not from your House.
• You cannot use something that someone has told you as an Informant truth, even if they swear blind that it is. This is because you have no idea if they are being truthful or not.

Edited August 6, 2014 by Wyrmhero

[Gamma Fiend he/him]

Fien sat at his desk in his keep, trying hard to study the documents laid out in front of him, pouring over the texts looking for any clues or hints as where to look next for the skaa. Finding one among his own household has been an almost sobering realization at how far the nefarious rebellion had taken seed among the nobles of Luthadel. Good thing I have a little help with that, he smiled to himself as he reached for the nearest glass of wine.

"For the night is dark and full of spirits," he giggled, taking a large swig and wiping the excess around his mouth with his sleeve, leaving a  dark red stained smear on the otherwise bright and garish orange shirt he was wearing.

 

He lifted his head up and gazed upon the small holes in the wall that still remained when Cadri had played her prank on him a few nights prior. He wanted to remain mad at the precocious prankster, but he had to admit life had gotten rather dull ever since Lady Raisall had died. Mesist was just too easy and boring of a target. Such a droll man could only provide so much entertainment before the sport began to get old and wearisome.

 

A brilliant idea struck him and he suddenly rounded on Gamad, startling the silent Terrisman who had been standing in the corner, a wicked grin on his face.

 

---------------------------

A short while later Gamad was walking the streets with his head held low. Why do I carry out these petty tasks for the insufferable man, again? He asked himself for the dozenth time for the evening as he strolled through the silent, mist-filled streets of Luthadel. The looming shape of a distant keep reared up in front of him as lights flared up in the mists on high above walls as guards called down.

Gamad sighed one last time before declaring himself, letting those above know who had sent him and what for.

"A gift," Gamad yelled up to them. "A gesture of good will from my Master to yours," he said with a bow, offering up the wrapped package for them to see. As the minutes passed by, Gamad waited with silent dread as a slow bead of sweat rolled off of his head. I really hope they just tell me to leave without opening it....

---------------------------------

Fien is bored! He's decided to start a new rivalry with somebody! Whoever wants to accept, feel free to RP the rest of the scene, and think of some creative, hilarious insult that Fien could pack in a box to be delivered to you! Let's act like true nobles, for Lord Ruler's sake!
 

[Ashiok]

"Oi you! Terrisman! Open that box with the top facing yourself, and we'll see abou your master's 'goodwill'" Ashette proclaimed from on high.

"Um... Thanks but no thanks. I really don't want to be blinded..." He said anxiously and turned to leave.

"No. Don't go. Set the box on the ground facing up, and then open it. I'm curious now."

He did so, and ran back a couple yards.

The box suddenly blazed with limelight, and the sky said 'Ashette Cett is a storming idiot!'

"Tell your master that I like the gift, and will return the favor myself later. Leave now while I'm still amused."

How's that?

[Ashiok]

Did I scare y'all away?

Btw, the box had limelight carved into the shape of the words 'Ashette Cett is a storming idiot!'

And I'm gonna keep it and put it in front of my keep.

[Dellexe he/him]

Attention guys, I won't be able to get on after today. I'm going on a backpacking trip for a few days and won't have access to internet (and likely phone service as well). I should be back on Saturday if I remember the schedule right. Please don't kill me next day cycle because of inactivity.

[Araris Valerian he/him]

I see, another Wandrin.

[Dellexe he/him]

Pls no.

[Gamma Fiend he/him]

It was a few hours later when Gamad had finally returned to Keep Urbain, just wondering what in the pits his Master had been thinking sending that ridiculous gag-gift. It didn't even make any rusting sense. Storming? He asked himself, what kind of silly curse is that supposed to be? Luckily he had been able to store a massive amount of his vision just in time to prevent himself from being blinded by that eyesore of a spectacle. Even more bewilderingly, the Lady Ashette seemed to enjoy it! Lord Ruler, just how incompetent and fragile minded are these nobles?

"I have delivered your uh,.... gift, sir," Gamad reported as he entered into Fien's room, as the young lord was lying on the bed with a damp towel draped over his eyes. His ridiculous orange shirt perfectly matching the dark purple velvet blanket with the same bright orange trimming. It really was an affront to the senses. Gamad had always wondered the mental fortitude of young Fien when he had so easily accepted the horrible clashing colours that Gamad had told him were the House Colours. He didn't think there was any way Fien was that air-headed to believe him. But instead of calling him out for trying to trick him, Fien had enthusiastically embraced the colours and did his best to fulfill the image of a jester that the colours suggested.

"Er, thanks..... I guess. But try not to talk so loud," Fien groaned. "My head is killing me. I honestly don't even remember what I was thinking, sending that."

"Nor do I, sir." Gamad replied. "I also took the liberty to taking a look around the city for anything suspicious. All is quiet in the night. Almost too quiet."

"Bah, you sound like one of those melodramatic plays that these fluffy nobles always go see and rant on about. "Now turn those lights down, that glare is killing me."

Gamad sighed. "Yes, my Lord."
 

[Ashiok]

Ashette will return the favor in the morning... Just wait... I swear, if you die tonight, I'll avenge you. Also, I'll have nobody to talk to again. Don't die!!

[Metacognition he/him]

Mesist left the Ball with a little spring in his step. That was the second Skaa infiltrator he'd helped take down. 'Course the real victor here was that quiet Kassel guy, but he still felt like he had a hand in it. He was feeling pretty good about his business dealings once all this settled down. It would be hard for the surviving Houses to not feel at least a little indebted to him and his House once this was all done, right?

 

If there was a down side to the evening, it was that Fien hadn't made as much of a fool out of himself as he usually did. That would just have to be balanced out by the fact that there had been a Skaa right underneath his nose the entire time and he hadn't known it. 

 

As he mounted up, he started thinking about what he knew of the Fathvell House. Not much, to be honest, but he wondered what kind of spectacle they would have in store for the next ball. 

 

He suddenly stopped short and shook his head. What's wrong with me? Worrying 'bout their silly balls. As if it matters. If'n I keep this up, I'll get to be no better than Fien!

 

That sent a shiver through him. He was an honest, hard-working man and straight shooter with people. 

 

Though, he admitted to himself. The debates, the bargaining, and the dealing in this case are thrilling. It's like trying to strike a deal with another Horse Trainer; they know what to look for. It's just in this situation, the stakes are a bit higher. 

 

As he rode towards his little Keep, though he had just chastised himself for it, he found his mind turning over the events of the past few days and tried to see if he could piece together something that helped them find the other Skaa amongst them. 

Edited August 7, 2014 by Metacognition

[Dellexe he/him]

Oh trust me. It'll be a spectacle. Just don't go up the stairs.

[Kasimir he/him]

"Keep Fathvell," Kassel muttered, studying the invitation.

 

"I've heard the Lord Fathvell is away on a trip," said Drax, lounging on an armchair with his booted feet resting on the edge of Kassel's desk.

 

Kassel glanced up. "Kindly remove your feet," he said, sharply. "Really, Drax, I swear I've been trying to break you of that deplorable habit since...I can't even remember." He broke off in a short burst of coughing again, and sneezed into his handkerchief.

 

"Make me," Drax said, his tone very much bored, but he did so, nonetheless. "You're definitely sick. Are you sure it wasn't the steel? It most certainly didn't agree with me. I've given Dorran a piece of my mind."

 

Kassel said, "Drax, I can't burn steel." That was Allomancy; Kassel thought, as binary as the most classical of logic systems. It was one metal or all eight, if you'd any at all.

 

"Even so," Drax said. "How d'you know it wasn't from your metal?"

 

"I think," Kassel said dryly, "I am very--" he sneezed into his handkerchief again, and sighed. "--very certain that one doesn't get a cold from improperly-alloyed metal, whatever it is." He said, "Are you sure you can't go to that rusting Fathvell ball on my behalf?"

 

"Take it up with your uncle," Drax said. "I was rather disappointed to discover that metal poisoning differs from getting drunk--pewter just doesn't help with headaches as much as it does with a good hangover."

 

Kassel sighed as he stared at the small glass bowl on the table, and its unappetising amber contents. The house skaa had brought the medication in early tonight. He walked over to it. Drink deep, he told himself, and he held his breath as he downed the bitter liquid.

 

"Best hope you have nothing else to do tonight, little brother," Drax said. "I, meanwhile, have many things to do. Places to visit, people to scare, and to awe into silence with my gloriousness."

 

Kassel just rolled his eyes. "Stay alert. Don't get carried away, Drax. There are still skaa out there."

 

Drax said, and for the first time, Kassel saw a strange darkness in his older bastard half-brother's eyes. Drax said, "I know."

[Wyrmhero he/him]

Day 5

Lord Gardre politely stood in the courtyard on the edge of the grounds, waiting for his guests to all depart in their carriages. He stood lost in his thoughts, unable to forget the previous few hours' events. Wandrin had been Skaa? But he had seemed so... So full of himself, so arrogant, so... so noble.

And then there was how Wandrin's servant had defied his master like that. Well, he couldn't blame the man, considering his behaviour but... He glanced briefly at Bamin, trying to look away before he noticed.

"My Lord?"

Ren sighed. There was no getting out this, was there? "Bamin... You wouldn't do that to me, would you?"

"Of course not, My Lord," Bamin said, smiling a little. "I have served your family for many years, and unlike Bwin and his master, I have found you to be pleasant company. Besides, I have no wish to incur the wrath of the Steel Ministry or the Inquisitors for acting as such."

"The Inquisitors will go after Bwin? Isn't that a little much?"

Bamin sighed. "Indeed, My Lord. It seems strange that they would concern themselves with simple servants, but it is one of their lesser known tasks. It used to be that the Canton of Hegemony would keep watch on the Terris Dominance, but that was hundreds of years ago. Their duties passed to the Canton of Inquisition after their dismissal. Whether it will be an Inquisitor who tracks him down or someone similar to Lord Heron will depend on a few other factors."

"Huh," Ren nodded. "I didn't know it was their duty. I don't think I've even heard of that old Canton before, and I'm not exactly lax with my studies on the Steel Ministry."

"It isn't something most people know. I suppose I only know of it due to being a Terrisman. We have long memories," he said, as he rearranged some of the metal bands on his arms. "Master, we should probably go inside at some point. It is starting to become cold, and considering what you are burning..."

Ren smiled a little. "You're as superstitious as a Skaa sometimes, Bamin, wanting me to head away from the mists like this. But very well. Let's go and see how much of a mess Lord Heron has made of my Keep, shall we?"

*

Whatever mess Lord Heron had made, Ren immediately added to it on sight by throwing up violently, though he at least kept it to a corner.

A table in the centre of the room held upon it a corpse of some kind. Superficially, it was of the same basic size as Wandrin, though the features were impossible to determine. Large metal spikes had been driven through the arms to keep it pinned there, and hammered through the table to the other side. The chest had been pierced through multiple times and then torn open. The spine was twisted and bent, though whether it was from thrashing around in pain or one of Lord Heron's methods of... persuading... he couldn't guess. He really didn't want to either.

So much blood. The drying and browning liquid was everywhere: On the corpse, on the table, on the walls, on the mallets used to drive the spikes in, on the floor, everywhere. And the smell was even worse. Ren looked up from where he was heaving, leaning against the wall, and then instantly regretted it. Why had he come in here with his tin burning? The sight and smell would never leave him, he knew it.

He felt a comforting hand on his back. "My Lord, I will get some servants to tidy this away."

Ren opened his mouth to reply, and immediately regretted it, retching more bile up. "Burn..." He swallowed the acid back down with a grimace. "Burn it. Burn the corpse." He stumbled out of the room quickly, hand against the wall to steady himself. "I need air," he muttered. Yes, the cooling and refreshing mists would sort his head out.

"Is that really wise, My Lord?" Bamin interjected. "If you recall, Lady Seeris was murdered on her own grounds yesterday."

"I'll take some guards," Ren said, waving his Terrisman's concerns away. "Don't worry."

"I feel that I should remind you that many of Lady Seeris' assailants were of her own staff, and perhaps even of her own guard. Indeed, Lady Elariel's abductor posed as a member of Lord Heron's guard. I fear that we cannot trust the hired help with such an important task as your safety."

"Then you can follow me!" Ren said, walking off in a huff. "For The Lord Ruler's sake, I need some air, Bamin. If you're that concerned, then follow me and keep an eye on me." He put a hand to his head. "And get me a glass of water. Cold, if possible, from the icehouse. I'll at least wait for that."

*

Ren walked slowly over his grounds, traipsing through the gardens that were not well-kept or trimmed for the ball today. His tin allowed him almost perfect vision through the mists, so he wasn't too worried about being attacked. He only really had to worry about Tineyes and Mistborn in today's thicker mist, and he highly doubted that the Skaa had another Tineye if they had sent Racine to spy on them. And if he was faced with a Mistborn, well, there was nothing he could do anyway.

He took a sip of his water and breathed deeply as he walked, Bamin keeping pace quietly behind him. It was still impossible to get that bloody visage out of his mind, even though nothing out here really reminded him of it. It was just that close to the forefront of his mind.

He said nothing to Bamin as he walked, and the Terrisman seemed happy to leave him with his thoughts. He felt Bamin to be a little paranoid though, considering how he was looking around all the time as though he expected a skaa assassin to jump up from the grass beneath their feet and attack them. Though considering how tall it was, Ren wouldn't have been too surprised if there was one hiding underneath it. He'd have to get a gardener to cut it tomorrow.

He eventually found himself meandering back to the fountain where the day's vote had taken place. It looked so lifeless and dull compared to just a few hours ago. The torches had long since died, and the tents had a small coating of water and ash upon them. He decided to sit at one of the tables for a short while, the Terrisman standing behind him.

"Stop hovering," he eventually said, gesturing to the seat opposite him. "Sit down. You're making me anxious."

"I am afraid I must decline, Master Gardre," he said with a shake of his head. "I may not be trained in combat, but I am still the only one here to defend you if an attacker appears."

Ren sighed. "I think the Skaa have more pressing targets than someone who can't even tidy his Keep and its grounds properly for a ball. Besides, I'll hear anyone approaching before they get close enough to attack."

"A Coinshot could attack without you knowing," Bamin pointed out.

Ren nodded hesitantly. "I suppose they could, couldn't they?" He placed his hands on the table and pushed himself up, not really wanting to expend the effort of doing it all himself. He just felt lethargic today. Perhaps it was playing host that did it to him, or perhaps it was his visit of that room, the sight and stench of death depriving him of vitality. "If it will stop you worrying, let's go inside."

He paused briefly at the fountain in the centre of his Keep's front grounds as he passed it, looking into the water. He chuckled a little at the Boxing that someone had tossed in, half buried under ash, impossible to see but for his tin. "It seems as though one of our guests thought it a wishing well, Bamin." He got no immediate response, and turned around. "Bamin?"

A powerful hand grabbed his neck inexpertly and plunged his head into the water, toppling him off his feet with the force put behind it. Ren fell into the fountain with a splash, his eyes stinging from the charcoal that floated within the water. He struggled and thrashed around, trying to grasp at the arm that pushed him under.

He managed to gain some ground, wiggling out of his assailant's grip and breaking the surface of the water with a gasp. His vision was blurry and he couldn't see easily, but his tin helped to define the image in front of him quickly. A tall figure, strong and well defined muscles on his forearms glistening as they dripped water into the fountain. "Bamin?" Ren repeated, disbelief prominent in his voice, fear a close second. "What are you-"

Suddenly, Bamin had moved, a blur as he was suddenly at Ren's head again, forcing him under the water before he had even been given a chance to catch a deep breath in preparation. He clawed at Bamin's hands, but this time the Terrisman had a proper grip on him. Bubbles of air escaped him as he failed to hold his breath. His lungs started to burn, his eyes ached with the pain of being kept open in the ashen water, and the world started to slowly fade.

When did he get so strong...?

*

House Fathvell was an old and established House in Luthadel, and this was evident most of all in the fantastic stained glass windows surrounding in their ballroom, each depicting a scene of The Lord Ruler's reign, all the way from his ascension to more recent events. The room was built in a two-tiered manner, with the higher level surrounding the ballroom in the middle.

The ballroom area was kept clear of non-dancers, and it had been polished to a high sheen. A podium graced the back of the lower tier, where a conductor led a large band of musicians as was the custom at Luthadel balls.

The higher tier was somewhat protected from the noise of the orchestra - not that they played badly - to facilitate deals and discussions at the tables placed there. Surrounding the walls below the stained glass windows were great fires of various colours. Every so often, a servant would throw a handful of dust onto the flames, sending them into a cascade of colour.

At the end of the higher tier, a large set of double glass doors led onto a balcony. It was said that the Fathvell kept a Tineye under the balcony, to overhear any private deals being made.

On the other side of the higher tier, another set of stars spiralled round and led up to a private balcony overlooking the entire room, far away from the din of music and chatter. It was a place for the Steel Ministry to congregate and discuss important matters, and it was rumoured that the Fathvells had invited another Inquisitor to keep on hand, rather than the one Lord Heron brought or sent previously.

Lord Heron himself leant against the balcony looking over the dance floor, watching each of the nobles arriving from far away. He seemed to be completely healthy once more, though somewhat tired and strained. As with the previous days, he waited until they all arrived before saying anything.

"Well?" He asked, as they looked to him. "You all know what you're meant to do. Talk, lie, scheme," he said with a wave of his hand. "Whatever you do, just get on with it today."

Day 5 has begun. It will end on Saturday at 9PM BST (GMT+1).

Ren Garde was a Tineye, belonging to House Urbain!

My thanks to Kal Dell for help with his House ball.

Player List

House Tuy
Asyr Tuy (a smart guy) [House Lord]

House Elariel
Hadrian Penrod (Araris Valerian) [House Lord]
Quitania Elariel (QuiteContrary) - Unknown Rioter
Cat Lekal (luckat)

House Seeris:
Jain Phantomhive (Lightsworn Panda) [House Lord]
Sylina Serris (Theorymaker) - Unknown Pewterarm
Cadri Raisaal (Shivertongue) - Unknown Coinshot

House Urbain:
Fien Urbain (Gamma Fiend) [House Lord]
Ren Gardre (Renegade) - Unknown Tineye
Wandrin Nuvidas (New One) - Skaa Soother

House Morinthe:
Racine Morinthe (twelthrootoftwo) - Skaa Tineye

House Venture:
Tonul Venture (Tulir) - Noble Rioter

Unknown Affiliation:

• Kassel Erikell (Kasimir)
• Alden Izenry (Aonar Faileas)
• Hyrun Tormander (The Only Joe)
• Ashette Cett (Ashiok)
• Kaldin Fathvell (Kal Dell)
• Finch Fain (LeftInch)
• Mesist A'lees (Metacognition)
• Mailu Willen (Mailliw73)
• Jae Kastner (jaelre)
• TelZaan (Kandra NPC)

Edited August 7, 2014 by Wyrmhero

[Araris Valerian he/him]

I'm gonna vote for Kaldin! Actually, I would like to start by voting for red: Lord Tuy, since his great house is the only one that hasn't seen any attacks and he's been a bit quiet. I don't know who we should lynch at this point, but I think it is something we should consider when deciding.

[Metacognition he/him]

Mesist entered the Fathvell Keep with trepidation. Not for the host and not even for the supposed Inquisitor hiding above them all, but for the drama that would be taking place tonight. His own hunt for the Skaa had been fruitless and if everyone's silence meant anything, then that meant they weren't doing any better.

 

It seemed they were stuck relying on their own wits.

 

Considering some of the present company, -he thought with a glance in Fien's direction- that's going to make things difficult.

 

When Lord Heron called on them to start the typical backbiting, Mesist stood in the back. He stared into the depths of his wine, as he swirled it around, hoping to find answers there. Surprisingly, he did! 

 

A shadow passed over his wine glass and he raised his head to find out that the owner of the shadow was Mailu Willen. That got him thinking. Mailu had been the second most vocal person in the debate against Racine and he was one of the last ones to vote for Wandrin and only then, after Kassel had provided compelling evidence. 

 

Other than that, the man seemed to hang back and rarely said anything. Seemed like a popular tactic among possible Skaa. 

 

-------------

 

I don't have much as far as suspicions go at this point, but I did go back through the thread and the information above is correct. Mailu could just be horrible at picking who to defend, or he could be a Skaa trying not to stand out too much. Either way, a little information wouldn't hurt at this point, Mailu!

[Mailliw73 he/him]

Honestly, I've just been busy this game, more so than for past ones. That's why I haven't said too much. About Racine, I guess the skaa were just careless that first cycle. I honestly thought it was a setup, everything was happening just too perfectly. After that happening to me in your QF2, Meta, I was wary of it happening again. But, obviously, I was wrong and everyone really had checked up on Racine.

Wandrin seemed too inactive to be a skaa. No one really defended him and he never responded to accusations, not really. It seemed that nobody cared if he died. Knowing that he was skaa, the skaa must've just given up on him becoming active. I was trying to get Finch to show up and see if he was going inactive too. By the time he posted, I never had time to go and change my vote.

That's why I voted as I did. I think the skaa are/were careless and Wandrin was too inactive for them to care. I haven't decided who I think is most suspicious yet though.

[Gamma Fiend he/him]

Fien entered the ballroom of Lord Fathvell's keep and immediately was struck with the impression, Now this is a real ballroom! The suitably painted stained glass murals depicting the Lord Ruler and all of the traditional Steel Ministry dogma, matched with the textbook layout for architecture of what was properly expected of a noble. It was quite convincing.

 

"Ah, yes!" Fien exclaimed drunkenly, already a few glasses of wine deep, "Time for another round of guess who! Unless somebody has some sort of damning evidence they'd like to present, I'll assume that we have nothing solid to go on for the moment?" He paused after asking the question, waiting, hoping, for some sort of response. "No? Very well then, it appears we'll have to do this the old fashioned way."
 

While Fien was originally surprised at his sudden outburst and attempt to take charge, he knew deep down that his rage couldn't be quieted. They had first infiltrated his house, pretending to be one of his own trusted subjects, and then they had immediately turned their daggers towards Ren, one of his most trusted and loyal members who had been responsible for rooting out the traitor Raccine. He knew he could no longer play games, and he knew he couldn't count on that fool Mesist on getting any actual results. No. Fien was reminded once again why Fien was a Great House, for they were powerful and to be respected. And the skaa would rue the day they ever started this war.

"So, like I've said before, it looks like we can't exactly rely on Information on finding the rest of the skaa. They most likely know better than that to leave themselves vulnerable like that again. Of course it's still a way for inconsistencies to be found among people, we can't count on Informants to find the skaa for us anymore. Likewise, whoever the Genie fellow is, we can't just sit around and wait for them to peg the right target and find the skaa. When it always gets down to the last couple or few eliminators is when it gets hardest to root them out, as they've obviously done the best job of deception so far. We need to make sure we're all still be openly active in attempting to find those who are most suspicious. We shouldn't be relying on the game roles or mechanics to find the skaa for us."

Fien took a deep breath, sweat breaking out and beading down his forehead in the harsh glow of the limelights from above, all of the nobles attention focused on him. He wondered if he had made a mistake and committed himself too far, letting people know too much about how competent he actually was. He gasped and floundered around, grabbing the nearest container filled with some sort of alcoholic beverage, and in his flailing knocked over a glass of wine from the silver-lined platter that a skaa servant was carrying around. The glass shattered and a large stain spilled across the immaculate ballroom floor, looking like a stain of spreading blood. Gamad glared disapprovingly from the darkened corner of the room, shaking his head in a disapproving manor.

Fien gulped, remembering that Ren's Terrisman Steward hadn't checked in since his master's murder and was starting to be considered a suspect. I can trust him, right?....

 

-----------------

 

Edit: oops, thought I included my vote. XD Right now I'm going to flag Finch Fain. Right now I still, also, have no hardcore suspicions, but I remember still not being satisfied with the explanation he gave us for his inconsistencies earlier. That coupled with him being active on other parts of the forum but still not really checking in or participating in the game at all. Inactivity is really going to hurt us the most in the long run, and rust, we've already have one skaa hiding in that list.

 

Speaking of, I do hope with Newan being super inactive that he didn't learn as much potentially sensitive info as he could have, because we have had a nice bit of information flow through there, but it won't be good to assume the skaa didn't get that info. For that matter, I have not completely given my trust to this Chain^TM  of Genie to other players. The more people involved, the more risk of infiltration. Especially if they haven't been cleared yet, if they have, great. If not, I really hope there's some way out there to relay this information of who's been potentially cleared, just so if that list can be trusted then nobles won't be wasting their time trying to find Information about people who are verified Nobles. But I also wouldn't completely count out the gambit of a skaa giving up an apparently inactive team member who was starting to garner suspicion as it is.

One thing I've also been wanting to look at is the role-distribution. We've had one Tineye and one Soother skaa so far, which was pretty much expected. But the fact that there are 3 alleged Coinshots worries me a little bit. We've had 3 alleged Tineyes, one being a Skaa so far, which can't be called a trend, but it's something to look at. Also the list in my Doc has 3 claimed Rioters, which I'll need to take a closer look at as well. But if we do have 3 coinshots in actuality (Cadri, and the claimed Ash and Asyr), then I would definitely bet on a Lurcher being a skaa. But we'll need to see if those coinshots are skaa or not first, I think. Especially since those are dangerous roles for the nobles potentially to begin with, as they have a way better chance of hitting a noble over a skaa.

Like I said, I have no solid suspicions or leads at all still, since Raccine was discovered so early and Newan was so inactive, but that doesn't mean we should still rely on powers and mechanics to figure this out for us. We should be able to get some idea of how a GM balances these games possibly (unless they're just trolling us, of course, which I wouldn't put past The Wyrm, Your Honour), and we can still rely on people's behaviours and logic and deduction to root to the bottom of things. We already got 2 of the skaa by Day 5, people! Let's keep that momentum going!

 

Edit: Redacted vote.

Edited August 9, 2014 by Gamma Fiend

[Aonar he/him]

Alden was nervous. The last time he's thought he understood what was going on, he'd nearly lead to the murder of an innocent. This time, however, Alden believed that he truly saw what was going on. Waiting for Fien to finish his strange spiel about "roles and game mechanics" he gathered his courage to speak.

 

"I believe that Asyr Tuy, Lord of House Tuy, is a Skaa. Or at the very least, he is actively aiding the infiltrators." Despite the fact that Alden was still sitting, and had spoken quietly, it seemed as if every eye turned towards him. Swallowing nervously, he stood and continued.

 

"I am sorry that I am unable to provide much evidence for my case, but the fast majority is circumstantial, or relying upon facts that would be detrimental if they were to be revealed to the general public. I cannot be completely certain that this is truth, but I think that some among us have already put the pieces together and arrived at the same conclusion. To be more sure, I would like to ask Lord Erikell if he knows who Ren contacted before his death. Assuming that his information compliments my deductions, we can be fairly certain that Lord Tuy is Skaa." 

 

Sitting back down and doing his best not to feel foolish, Alden waited, hoping against hope that the other Nobles would give some thought to his accusations.

 

 

So... yeah. I don't know if what I've worked out is anything like true, but Kas should be able to come to the same conclusion I did if he has the info I think he has, so that should be able to confirm. I am sorry I can't go through my whole process, I'd like to, on the fairly good chance that I've missed something, but doing so might give the Skaa info they really shouldn't have. (Although, in all honesty, I'm surprised they didn't work it out themselves, if they knew Ren was the Tineye.)