Long Game 18: Holly and Iron

[little wilson she/her]

Term 3: Month 1 - Where the River Meets the Ocean

 

Delta sat near the Omethi River, deep in thought. To say his day had been eventful would be an understatement. First he’d been brought On the Horns, and when he’d asked the Masters what the charge against him was, they seemed flummoxed, and eventually had a runner go out to get the actual file on him. Apparently, some degenerate (Delta was determined to find out who this person was) had simply wished to file a complaint about someone and had randomly chosen him. He could not fathom how or why, since he was as common as common gets. No one looked at him. Well, except the Masters. A number of them had decided that the complaint was actually valid (a curse be on their houses), and had charged him. Sure, it was only Undignified Mischief, which was hardly anything, but still. He was indignant. He hadn’t done any mischief. He was as unmischievous as a person could get.

 

Delta sighed. Now there was a blemish on his pristine record. He’d never, ever stepped out of line in his entire life. And yet, here he was in his second term at the University, and he had a charge. Ah, well. At least there was a plus to the whole “being brought On the Horns” thing. He’d been elevated. Again.

 

He was now a Re’lar, and he proud of his rank! He was also greatly looking forward to his new studies. He had so much open to him! All the possibilities!

 

Well, not quite all. But still! A lot! Who cared about being brought On the Horns and charges, especially such frivolous ones. He refused to let that get him down. He nodded, making up his mind. He’d simply throw himself into his studies. Surely the Masters wouldn’t charge him with anything else, when they could see how dedicated he was. Surely no one else would complain about him for such a horrible reason, when he was simply trying to study!

 

He stood, intent on walking back to the University to start his plan. He’d make them all see that he wasn’t as common as he seemed. Yes. Yes, he would. He stepped toward the bridge, but then he lost his footing, and ended up stepping on a mud patch, which caused him to slip and slide straight toward the river!

 

Delta couldn’t swim. He flailed his arms trying to catch himself on something, anything, before plummeting into the cold water right in front of him, but there was nothing to grab. Only mud. Slippery mud. Suddenly, Delta was wet. Very, very wet. And cold. And, worst of all, he was sinking. He kicked his legs and flailed his arms some more, hoping that maybe he’d break the surface of the water and perhaps someone would see him.

 

His attempts were unsuccessful. As his gulped in water and his vision went dark, he heard a faint splash above him, and something grabbed his arm. And then he blacked out.

 

---

 

Acaelus Starfire was brought On the Horns, but the charges were dropped!

Sev was brought On the Horns, but the charges were dropped!

Delta was brought On the Horns and charged with Undignified Mischief! If he hadn’t gone insane, he would have to RP an apology!

Kipper was brought On the Horns and charged with Undignified Mischief! He needs to RP an apology.

Amari (Araris Valerian) was brought On the Horns and charged with Conduct Unbecoming! He received lashes for his punishment.

 

Delta (Paranoid King) went insane! He is now in the Crockery.

 

These students were elevated: Kipper, Acaelus, Amari, Mind of Akasha, Delta, Sasuke Uchia, Dow, Silverblade

 

 

• Wilem (Mailliw73)
• Kipper (Kipper)
• Touka Kirishima (DeathClutch19)
• Acaelus Starfire (Kynedath) - Bookworm who rarely leaves his room or the Archives
• Amari (Araris Valerian)
• Ashad (Mashadar Mistborn) - lazy student drifting through the University on his father's money Student
• Varda Elentari (Elbereth) - a mediocre student
• Haelbarde (Haelbarde)
• Pyra Ghetti (Burnt Spaghetti)
• Reader (The Only Joe)
• Mind of Akasha (Bridge Boy)
• Delta (Paranoid King)
• Marcos Mayweather (Mark IV) - a scholarly student who avoid the arcane
• Corrin (TheMightyLopen) - a young man with large ambitions
• Klin (Clanky) - a large man who seeks eternal youth
• Aeaieis (ostrichofevil)
• [name withheld] (irulelikeSTINK) - a man convinced he's the last of the Amyr
• Sasuke Uchia (Weaving Webs)
• Sev (Wonko the Sane)
• Mac n Cheese (Thisismyusername)
• Danosaur (Danosaur)
• Neo (Neodymium) Student
• Dow (Dowanx)
• Silverblade (Silverblade5)

Edited March 8, 2016 by little wilson

[Guest]

Oh boy, I was elevated! Gotta love it.

[Danosaur he/him]

Here is everyone who has been elevated:

1st Elevation: Haelbarde, Pyra Ghetti, Wilem, Acaelus, Varda, Marcos, Kipper, Sasuke Uchia, Dow, Silverblade

2nd Elevation: Touka, Amari

3rd Elevation: Mind of Akasha

 

EDIT:

I am not a skindancer

Edited March 8, 2016 by Danosaur

[Wonko the Sane he/him]

I am not a Skindancer.

 

You're kidding me! Bridge Boy again? What are you doing that we aren't, man?

[Haelbarde he/him]

Quick Links

> Signups

> Term 1: Month 1

> Term 1: Month 2

> Term 2: Month 1

> Term 2: Month 2

---

I'm with Wonko... wow! 

[TheMightyLopen he/him]

Darn it. I've never been elevated. :/

 

I am not a Skindancer

Edited March 8, 2016 by TheMightyLopen

[Mark IV he/him]

Neither am I a skin dancer.

[Jo and the Bush all/any]

I'm worried about Mind of Akasha The limited number of elevations tells me that most people are focusing on a limited number of study's. The fact that he's been elevated three times means that he's focusing on a branch no one else is. We've been assuming that the Skindancers would try to attain mastery of the branches that make rooting them out easier, but what if they're instead focusing on the ones they think no one else will, In order to more quickly limit our options?

 

So Bridge Boy, I would very much like to know what branch you've been studying, and why. If you don't wish to say why in thread, send me a PM, and I promise I won't reveal the information. (Note that I can't promise it won't be interecepted.) (And Yes, that is two votes on Bridge Boy.)

Edited March 8, 2016 by The Only Joe

[TheMightyLopen he/him]

How did Araris get Conduct Unbecoming from my one vote?!? Really sorry about that. 

 

So PK was the only one who went insane, so I'm assuming the Skindancers are the reason. As far as possible reasons why they picked him, I'm not sure. He was a Yllish Commoner, which is the middle class, so not a terrible threat there. He'd been elevated once before this Month, so I don't see how that would make him a priority target. It's possible it had to do something with his field of study, or that they're targeting each Class so we can't learn much from the attacks or predict where the attack will go. PK voted on Kynedath first Month(RP reasons), BB 2 Months ago(his double voting on Mailliw as the reason) and last Month a random vote on Mailliw. Most of PK's posts were RP. So really, nothing much to report. I do think the choice is odd though, but I'm not sure what the reason could be for it. I should note for those who may not know, PK is Bridge Boy's brother.

 

I never had a PM with PK.

 

Once again, I would like to encourage players to post the "I am not a Skindancer" phrase, just in case we've got a Linguistics Analysis player already. If most everyone does it, it will make it harder for the Skindancers to avoid saying it, but if Student players just ignore it, they have no reason to say it. It's a pretty solid idea, but works best with everyone's cooperation.   The only issue I see is that Student players can't lie, but it's not something that they should be doing a lot of anyways. 

 

BB's 3 elevations is very surprising to me. As Joe pointed out, it would seem that he is focusing on a field of study that not many other players are probably in. Which, in my mind, suggests he has a somewhat different motivation from the rest of us. I'm not gonna say that going into a less sought after field makes him a Skindancer, but it does make me suspicious. Also, I made a PM with him 2 Months ago, and he told me he had no idea what his power was, or even what field it was in, which struck me as very odd. I would guess he's focusing on a single field of study, so if that's true, wouldn't that mean he had a reason for selecting that field, and at least knew what all the abilities were for that field?

[Elithanathile he/him]

I have no idea what I am doing to get elevated so much. I'm focusing on two fields, and I felt they were pretty common ones, so I think it's just random chance that I keep getting elevated. I will not PM anybody with my fields, because if they are an eliminator, then I'm kinda dead. So yeah, you'll have to trust me that this is luck, and I am doing this for the good of the village.

[Kynedath]

So yeah, you'll have to trust me that this is luck, and I am doing this for the good of the village.

Bridge Boy

[Elithanathile he/him]

Wow. See previous post. That makes total sense.

 

The reason I am not sharing, is because currently, I have been elevated three times, by chance. This means the skindancers will come for my blood about this time, and I'm certainly not going to give them any more reasons to. I have found someone trustworthy, and shared one of my abilities, but I will not post my capabilities in the thread for all evil people to see, just to assuage your conscience that I'm not holding out on you. I'm not. And even if I did reveal my fields, they offer no proof to you that I am innocent, and you guys could probably find a way to gain another reason to lynch me instead.

 

Also, Burnt spaghetti, I checked a little farther into you, and you're good. Sorry for voting on you before.

 

Kynedath, on the other hand, has not earned my trust yet, as he has mostly posted RP, and his vote on me before gives no reason as to why he did so.

[Kynedath]

I just don't like the sound of that last sentence. I object to blind following. This game isn't about just trusting someone because they asked you to. It's about evidence, elimination, logical processes and critical analysis. Besides, that response was pretty defensive if you ask me. No to mention trying to place suspicion on me and attempting to blow this out of proportion. It seems like you are trying to make this a full blown feud.

Edited March 8, 2016 by Kynedath

[Elithanathile he/him]

I'm saying you have to trust me, I'm just saying don't automatically assume I'm an eliminator just because I don't want to make myself a target. And yeah, I am kinda defensive, because I have lots of people voting for me, due to me withholding information and random luck.

[Mark IV he/him]

Linguistics had been fun. They'd been taught the differences between the Cealdish accent and the Vintish accent. But, mostly just 'ooo's and 'aaah's. But, what Marcos was really happy about was that he'd been promoted to E'lir. It had kept him uplifted for the whole month.

Now, the class had been adjourned for the day.

Suddenly, voices drifted down the corridor. Angry ones.

Woah! What's that noise? Marcos thought. The sound must have echoed down the hallway.

Upon inspection, it turned out that Acaelus and another student were having an argument. Marcos listened for a moment, building an idea of what the conversation had been about. Apparently, being promoted to Re'lar was cause for suspicion.

"Mind of Akasha, isn't it?" Marcos said, interjecting in the conversation. Both of them turned towards him.

"So, what's the problem here?" Marcos asked both of them. The trio spent a few moments in silence. Then...

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

I hope one of you continues the RP. If we're going to have an argument, might as well reduce tution while we're at it.

Also, my thought on the matter-

Being promoted to Re'lar isn't really suspicious. Like I and Lopen spoke in our PM, the fact that one isn't elevated early on is just pure chance. And, vice versa, the fact that one was promoted to Re'lar is also chance. It was bound to happen sooner or later.

Just for confirmation, could we know whom you told your field to BB? Just so that we know you told someone.

EDIT: I'm going to inrease the RP length a bit because I realised after posting that it is not long enough.

EDIT: Done elongation.

Edited March 8, 2016 by Mark IV

[Elithanathile he/him]

I did tell someone, but I'll leave it to them to decide whether they want to reveal themselves or not.

[Mark IV he/him]

No problem. Just do tell us if and when they decide to not tell.

[Wonko the Sane he/him]

How did Araris get Conduct Unbecoming from my one vote?!? Really sorry about that. 

I did try to warn everyone about that possibility. With the masters randomly assigning DP, the number of votes we put on people doesn't really matter. It's possible, however astoundingly unlikely, for a single RP-inspired vote to get someone expelled. I really think we need to put more thought into where our votes are going.

 

 

I have no idea what I am doing to get elevated so much. I'm focusing on two fields, and I felt they were pretty common ones, so I think it's just random chance that I keep getting elevated. I will not PM anybody with my fields, because if they are an eliminator, then I'm kinda dead. So yeah, you'll have to trust me that this is luck, and I am doing this for the good of the village.

 

 What if you were given protection? I may be willing to send a Bloodless your way, if you would tell me your abilities in return. If not, I'm afraid I have to agree with Kynedath on this one. Since the very beginning, you have been the single most suspicious player in this game, and it's gotten worse over time. You have consistently refused to explain your actions, even in the face of compelling arguments that you should. If you continue to withhold what you claim is extremely valuable information from the village, I will have no choice but to assume your guilt.

 

Consider that you have already admitted to the Skindancers that you have a powerful ability, one that they should try and kill you for. How exactly are the specifics of that ability relevant at this point? They don't care which of the many powerful Village-support abilities you have; their attention is on you in any case. The only hope you have of avoiding that attention is that they might believe that you are bluffing (which, I suppose, is actually a possibility, given your irrational reticence). The only people who do care which ability you have are the Village, because we need to know about it to get any good from it.

 

Finally, if you have managed to confirm and and make a trust connection with another player, why aren't they coming forward to defend you? Who are they? Surely you aren't afraid to give us that information, when it poses literally no risk to you, and almost no risk to your partner.

 

 

Once again, I would like to encourage players to post the "I am not a Skindancer" phrase, just in case we've got a Linguistics Analysis player already. If most everyone does it, it will make it harder for the Skindancers to avoid saying it, but if Student players just ignore it, they have no reason to say it. It's a pretty solid idea, but works best with everyone's cooperation.    The only issue I see is that Student players can't lie, but it's not something that they should be doing a lot of anyways.  

 

Funny you should mention that... I was just about to say the same thing. You see, I now have more reason than ever to believe it to be an effective strategy: earlier this cycle, I finally made contact with a Linguistic Analyst. 

 

I intend to protect this person's identity by acting as a liaison between them and the Village. So far, they have successfully checked and confirmed both myself and TheMightyLopen (I will keep making my declaration, though, in case we get another Analyst over the course of the game).

 

So, Bridge Boy, perhaps there is a way to have your cake and eat it too -- have you told a lie this turn?

 

[Elithanathile he/him]

Consider that you have already admitted to the Skindancers that you have a powerful ability, one that they should try and kill you for. How exactly are the specifics of that ability relevant at this point? They don't care which of the many powerful Village-support abilities you have; their attention is on you in any case. The only hope you have of avoiding that attention is that they might believe that you are bluffing (which, I suppose, is actually a possibility, given your irrational reticence). The only people who do care which ability you have are the Village, because we need to know about it to get any good from it.

 

Finally, if you have managed to confirm and and make a trust connection with another player, why aren't they coming forward to defend you? Who are they? Surely you aren't afraid to give us that information, when it poses literally no risk to you, and almost no risk to your partner.

 

 

 

Funny you should mention that... I was just about to say the same thing. You see, I now have more reason than ever to believe it to be an effective strategy: earlier this cycle, I finally made contact with a Linguistic Analyst. 

 

I intend to protect this person's identity by acting as a liaison between them and the Village. So far, they have successfully checked and confirmed both myself and TheMightyLopen (I will keep making my declaration, though, in case we get another Analyst over the course of the game).

 

So, Bridge Boy, perhaps there is a way to have your cake and eat it too -- have you told a lie this turn?

The bloodless would be useful, but probably hold off on this turn, but I'll send you the information for you to decide whether to protect me or not. They probably haven't defended me because they haven't been active. And yeah, it doesn't pose any risk to me, but I trusted them with my information, so I will continue that trust, and not give away any of their information. If they decide to, that's fine, but I will not reveal my partners info. My most common SE gamestyle has me being very tightfisted with information, which does include telling half-truths and lies to defend my information, so just to warn you, any information I do give the village may not be entirely truthful. But that same view of the importance of info makes me respect others information as well. And no, I cannot think of a time that I lied this turn. I might have, but I can't remember.

[STINK he/him]

Yo, I'm here.

[Kynedath]

"So, what's the problem here?"

 

Oh no. He hadn't wanted Marcos to see him arguing. Over the last month, Acaelus had grown fairly comfortable with him. Of course, he still had his insecurities, but they had declined through social interaction with someone who seemed to like him. Acaelus could now confidently hold a conversation for over two minutes. Like he was doing right now. Except more friendly. This situation was a bit more hostile than the rest he had experienced.

 

"Marcos, you know how I hate being uninformed right? I spend my days in the library reading and researching. I believe that knowledge and logic are the only ways to reach reasonable conclusions. Well I was just talking to the Mind of Akasha, who managed to wedge himself into a conversation where I had to trust his facts blindly. After a comment on belief without a firm base, he started insulting me, called me out for staying in the library all the time."

 

Acaelus turned to the Mind of Akasha, voice gaining a hostility it had never shown before. "And for the record, my life sucked before I came here. I won't have you come up to me and make it worse. This university is the only place that I have found that I can escape my nightmare of a life. That library where I spend my days, it's the best place to forget. Don't you dare rob me of all that I have done to make myself happy for once." With that, Acaelus turned and stalked off down the hall.

 

                                                                                                                                                                                                             

 

Alright, there you go Mark. Do with it what you will. Or you could take it BB. Whichever.

 

Wow, I had no idea that writing angry rants could actually make you angry. I wrote that in like four minutes while the rest took me almost half an hour.

 

Also, I am not a skindancer.

[Jo and the Bush all/any]

Now that we have a confirmed Linguistic Analyst, I'll start saying that I'm not a Skindancer.

 

I'm not a skindancer.

 

Bridgeboy, just saying you've told someone isn't helpful, unless we get a confirmed analyst to check you for lies. Can you at least have whoever you told send me a message, saying that they at least know what your powers and reasoning are? I'm not asking for what they are, just proof you've told someone.

[Wonko the Sane he/him]

Stink, are you saying you're BB's confidant? If not, what was the point of that post?

 

BB, your 'common SE playstyle' is simply bad for the Village. As I have pointed out in the past, the Eliminators thrive on secrets. We vastly outnumber them. In a straight fight, we have the advantage. The only way they can possibly win is by keeping us from trusting each other, and the way that happens is through secrets and lies. I staunchly believe that in almost every conceivable situation, telling a lie hurts the Village more than telling the truth possibly could, and while not nearly so damaging as a lie, keeping secrets is still a dangerous proposition for the Village.

 

At its core, this game is a fight over information. The central goal of the Village is to uncover information, while the central goal of the Eliminators is to conceal it. Pretty much everything that happens in any game of Sanderson Elimination is a direct result of the conflict between these two goals. If an action causes more information to be revealed than concealed, then that action is unilaterally good for the Village. If it causes the opposite, it is good for the Eliminators.

 

It is true that there are times when it is better for the Village to keep certain information concealed. In all such cases, however, revealing information is still the ultimate goal. These are simply the situations in which temporarily keeping a secret now could allow for the revealing of even more information later. And even in these scenarios -- which, I might add, are much rarer than you seem to think -- It is always best to try and reveal every snippet you possibly can without significantly endangering the revelation of future information. Secrets hurt the Village, end of story. You need to decide if the damage your secrets do is really worth what you're getting out of them.

 

Regarding your potential Analysis, I must demand that you go over all your posts and PMs so far and come up with a definitive answer as to whether you've lied or not. This wishy-washy "I don't know" strikes me as a perfect way for a Skindancer to prepare to counter a damning result from their scan. Figure out if you lied, and if you did, tell us what lie you told. I warn you that this is essentially the last straw with me. Almost every word out of your mouth is serving to increase my suspicions of you; if you keep refusing to comply with this simple, fool-proof Alignment test that poses absolutely no risk to Villagers, I will have to conclude that you are a Skindancer.

Edited March 8, 2016 by Wonko the Sane

[Silverblade5 he/him]

Reason why I'm not a skindancer: there is currently a black market contract for sabotaging me. No matter which side I'm on, self sabotage is never productive unless there's some form of insurance I can easily collect on. I don't think this exists. I am highly confident that whoever posted this contract is a skindancer.

[STINK he/him]

"Stink, are you saying you're BB's confidant? If not, what was the point of that post?"

 

It was a post 'cause I wanted to post.