Elandera

PAFO

“We made a mistake,” said one arbiter. “A mistake that won’t happen again. The loss of the Head Arbiter is regrettable. We need to stop this threat.” A rememberer, dressed as a simple scorpion, sidled up to a group of costumed people. Several people agreed with the statement, and the scorpion found himself nodding as well. He felt so out of place, so uncomfortable in the room full of such important people. He was a simple rememberer, given the chance to attend a masquerade now that he finally had a day off work. “Did anyone actually see what happened?” A few shook their heads, but most just didn’t reply. A few of them found solace in knowing they were wearing masks. Maybe they could avoid being targeted if they remained anonymous. Especially if they didn’t get involved. The scorpion was content to just listen. He rarely had the chance to be involved in such discussions. No one was being direct in their conversation, so he felt lost. His mind drifted away, back to his home where a canvas sat drying. It was almost complete. His masterpiece. The painting that would make his name known among the greats. Maybe even as well known as Han ShuXen. “I don’t remember seeing the scorpion there last night. Maybe you know something about what happened?” A few among the crowd chimed quiet agreements. His attention was drawn back to the present, and is eyes grew wide. “My- my apologies,” they stammered. “I had work that needed completing last night. “Did you know someone would be killed last night? Is that why you didn’t show?” “No. I don’t even know– What did happen, anyway?” It was too late. Self-important people had decided the Scorpion’s fate. One signaled for a few guards to remove the scorpion, and several walked away. “Wait!” One person stepped forward, attempting to stop the guards. “Why would he show up at all if he were guilty? Surely, he must be innocent. At least for now.” The scorpion felt hope surge within him. Maybe there was still a chance. But no. No one was left to hear the plea for mercy. His fate was decided. His masterpiece would forever remain incomplete. Who would remember him? --- So many feathers. The captain of the guard shifted her ridiculous costume, causing a few of the feathers to fall. She was a Striker, not some festival-loving arbiter. However, the emperor had insisted she blend in. There was a threat, and she had to stop it. Even if it meant dressing like an ostrich. The crowd shifted constantly as important people within the Rose Empire, disguised behind masks and robes, jockeyed for better positioning. It was worthless, really. They didn’t really know the person behind the mask. She felt someone nudge her side, and she jumped. A tall man was standing behind her. The emperor. He was given away by his bearing. How did I lose track of him so easily? The captain hated that he, too, insisted on being anonymous. While she knew it would be “You’re supposed to be blending in,” he whispered. “Your majesty.” She bowed her head slightly. “With all due respect, my job is first to protect you and everyone here.” “Which might be difficult if you are spotted. Go. Pretend to be one of us for an evening. It’s actually quite relaxing to be someone different for a while.” Without fanfare, the emperor moved along to another group of people. The captain sighed, and shifted the feathers of her costume again. At least it moved easily. The emperor was right. Besides, his word was law, so mingle she must. She plastered a smile onto her face, which would be barely visible underneath her mask, and moved toward a large group. There was one among them who seemed to be glancing nervously around. Maybe this would be a good time for questioning, especially with the amount of drink that was making its rounds. A man in a white porcelain mask intercepted her, giving her a slight bow. “Captain.” Her hand went to a dagger hidden in the folds of feathers, but she smiled. She pitched her voice up slightly, trying to sound more feminine. “You must have me mistaken, sir.” “No, I’m quite certain.” He stepped closer. “Your mask doesn’t cover your eyes. No one else is quite as aware. No one else watches like you.” A chill ran down the captain’s spine. Something was wrong with this man. He was a Grand, yes. Probably an arbiter. Is he the one I’ve been hunting? She didn’t respond, so he continued. “When we bring down the Heritage faction, you can still have a place with us. Strikers would be invaluable.” She scoffed. A captain would not turn traitor so easily, especially not when the arbiters of the Heritage faction had done so much for her family. “We’d rather die than do it your way. They are under my protection.” “It is sad you won’t be able to protect them much longer.” She drew her dagger at his words, but in a flash, he rammed something hard and cold between the feathers of her costume. They did not provide nearly enough armor, and the blade slid easily between her ribs, piercing her heart. “Who will protect them now, I wonder?” He tore the dagger away and melded into the crowd. The captain collapsed to the floor, her heart beating out of rhythm. The blood stained the feathers as she took a final, shuddering breath. Amethyst Scorpion was lynched! They were a Rememberer for the Heritage Faction. Fuchsia Ostrich was killed! They were a Striker for the Heritage Faction. Vote Count: Amethyst Scorpion (4) - Chartreuse Penguin, Coral Swan, Cream Tuatara, Magenta Albatross Chartreuse Penguin (2) - Fuchsia Ostrich, Indigo Weasel Emerald Falcon (2) - Mauve Crocodile, Melon Dingo Player Count Revealed Rules and Roles Rule Reminder: PMs are open No vote minimum Tied lynches will be decided at random and one person will be lynched This cycle will close Sunday, September 15th at 11 a.m. PST ***WARNING: I may or may not be online at the time the turn ends. No votes or actions after 11 a.m. will be considered valid. The new cycle may be a bit late in getting posted.***

This turn has ended. The new cycle will be posted soon.

One hour to get all your votes and actions in.

It wasn't my intention to reveal the role mechanics after they died, but I'm making the decision now (while it's still plausible) to do so. The Head Arbiter of the Heritage Faction: Change the vote of someone who's already voted.

The mask pressed against his face, too heavy to be comfortable. Vostrath kept reaching to pull it away, but knew that would be very bad. He kept fidgeting with it instead, trying to find a comfortable place for the porcelain to rest. He stepped into the hall. It had been transformed since the night before. Where rows and rows of tables had been, was nothing but empty floor. Dozens of people stood around the room, holding drinks and plucking decadent foods from passing trays. Everyone was dressed in extravagant costumes, making it impossible to find anyone. One strange person was holding a small statue of a fish, which appeared to be burned. What a strange person. Wait. Where is the emperor? Vostrath’s focus shifted to where the throne normally sat. It was gone. The emperor was nowhere in sight. Surely, he wouldn’t dress up like everyone else. Vostrath sighed. Of course he wouldn’t be able to find the emperor. No matter. Any strike against the Heritage Faction would be good enough for their cause. He scanned the room, looking for a fresh target. --- Othu stood quietly in the corner of the hall. Crowds made him uncomfortable, but he felt obligated to attend. Tosgyn had been a friend. Watching the people move and mingle was like watching a dance, though no one was actually dancing. It was all the politics. Othu lifted the beak of his heron costume and took a sip of his drink. It was smooth, and made his muscles relax just slightly. At least there was something comforting at this party. The relaxation didn’t last long as he noticed a tall man wearing a white porcelain mask walking his direction. He quickly downed the rest of his drink. “Good evening,” the man said with a slight bow. “Enjoying yourself, I hope?” Othu shrugged. “I suppose.” He looked down into his cup, regretting it was already gone. “Would you like another?” the man said, gesturing toward the empty cup. Othu nodded. The man waved for an attendant. As soon as she reached them he lifted two off the tray, handing one over to Othu. He took it gratefully. “Interesting time for a party, wouldn’t you say?” asked the man in nearly a whisper. “We recently discovered a text that detailed a week of masquerades to celebrate the changing seasons.” “And a death doesn’t stop a good harvest festival, does it?” Othu bristled at the comment. “Tosgyn was a driving force to make this happen. He would have wanted it to continue with or without him.” “Of course.” His tone was still condescending. Othu ignored the comment, opting to drink again instead. --- Vostrath felt a hand slap him on the shoulder. He turned to see a vulture standing next to him. He grinned beneath the mask. “Why so secluded?” asked the vulture. “Come, join the festivities.” “You’re right.” Vostrath turned to the one parading as a heron. He pulled a small poison-tipped needle from his pocket, hiding it between two fingers. “Enjoy yourself tonight.” He patted the man’s shoulder, feeling the needle slip through the fabric and into the heron’s skin. The heron nodded, and Vostrath took his leave to join the main group in the middle of the hall. --- “You’re contemplating something, Othu” the vulture said, a grin showing beneath the hooked beak of the costume. “I can see it in your eyes.” Othu looked up. “How did you know me? The vulture laughed, slapping his shoulder. “You’re the only one who habitually distances yourself from the festival.” Othu suddenly became anxious. There had been some small comfort in knowing it was a masquerade, but being so easily recognized was uncomfortable. Othu didn’t feel he belonged among the rest of the arbiters. He started to sweat, as if the room had become unbearably hot inside. Breathing became difficult, so he ripped off the mask. Still, air refused to enter his lungs. “Are you alright?” the vulture asked. Othu could do nothing but shake his head. Breathing. Why was it so hard to breath?[/] Darkness grew around his vision. He couldn’t stand upright. A wave of dizziness overtook him, and he collapsed to the hard marble floor. Why is it so hot? Am I… am I dying? The blackness overtook everything. Then there was nothing. --- The vulture cried out for someone to fetch a resealer. What was wrong with him? A glint of something in Othu’s shoulder caught his attention. He reached for it and pulled it out. A needle. Poison? Angry voices surrounded him. He heard at least one person shouting that he, the vulture, had killed Othu. They were calling him Glory Faction. Rough hands seized his arms and dragged him away. He was stunned. He tried to say it wasn’t him. He tried to show them the needle. They weren’t listening. “Shut him up,” one of the strikers said. Pain shot across his head, and he remembered nothing else. The vulture would not wake again. Amber Vulture was lynched! They were the Head Arbiter of the Heritage Faction Mint Heron was killed! They were a member of the Heritage Faction Vote Count: Chartreuse Penguin (1) - Cream Tuatara Mint Heron (0) - Mauve Crocodile Azure Mouse (1) - Amber Vulture (1) - Charcoal Hyena Amethyst Scorpion (1) - Coral Swan, Chartreuse Penguin Magenta Albatross (1) - Azure Mouse Player Count Revealed Rules and Roles Reminder: Rules for Anonymous Accounts: Rule Reminder: PMs are open No vote minimum Tied lynches will be decided at random and one person will be lynched This cycle will close Friday, September 13th at 11 a.m. PST.

The cycle is over. The new turn should be up shortly.

One person is lynched at random of those in the tie.

There is about one hour left in the turn. Get your votes and actions in now. Remember, there is no vote minimum. Vote Count: Amber Vulture (1) - Charcoal Hyena Amethyst Scorpion (1) - Coral Swan Chartreuse Penguin (1) - Cream Tuatara Magenta Albatross (1) - Azure Mouse Mint Heron (1) - Mauve Crocodile

I've been seeing/getting quite a few questions about the format of this game. This game does fall into the more classical village/elim format.

Another rule announcement (because I'm forgetful ): Group PMs are NOT allowed, but one-on-one PMs are permissable. No action is needed to create a PM.

I made a mistake with the player list. It now correctly represents the number of players in the game.

Rule announcement: There is no vote minimum for lynches.

He walked as confidently as he could down the rows of reveling arbiters. The Heritage faction was a farce, established on a base of drunkenness and apathy. He was there to spark the revolution. That didn’t change the fact his hands were shaking as he reached into a pocket for the vial. He remained focused on his goal: The emperor. Remove the keystone and the arch would fall. A tall figure cut him off in his path. A minor arbiter of the Heritage faction. “Vostrath, relax! You look so somber. It’s time for celebration!” He forced himself to smile. “A celebration of what, exactly?” “The Rose Empire, of course!” “Of course.” He still smiled as the woman forced a drink into his hand. Keeping his lips closed, he lifted the goblet and pretended to drink. “Good,” she said. “Now, go, celebrate!” Vostrath gently pushed past, returning to his original task. With purposeful strides, he walked up to the emperor’s table. “Emperor.” He gave a flourishing bow and set the goblet he still held down in front of the man on the large throne, making sure it was next to the cup already on the table. “Compliments of Arbiter Shume.” “Arbiter Vostrath,” said the emperor, granting his permission to stand upright again. Vostrath withdrew his hand, and with swift movements, poured the contents of his vial into the Emperor’s cup. “Wonderful festival tonight.” The emperor gave only responded with a small nod. “Head Arbiter Alba wanted me to send her regrets at not being able to attend tonight. She is not feeling well.” “Thank you. Send her my regards.” The emperor waved a hand of dismissal. Vostrath bowed again before turning to leave. --- “He’s so stiff,” said Arbiter Tosgyn, gesturing toward the retreating Glory faction arbiter. The emperor watched Vostrath, not gracing Tosgyn with a response. He became too talkative when he was drunk. The Glory faction had become unusually accommodating as of late. It concerned the emperor. What were they planning? His arbiters ignored his concerns, calling him paranoid. They all believed their reign was untouchable. He didn’t agree. Tosgyn rambled on, but the emperor ignored him. Their festivals would only go so far at pacifying the rest of the eighty factions, but the Glory faction would not be so easily swayed. There had to be something they could do. Something they could use to cut down their influence. Tosgyn caught his attention as he reached for a cup. Too drunk to remember his own drink, he grabbed the emperor’s. He had already brought it to his lips before the emperor could stop him. Why was he even sitting there? With a smack of his lips, Tosgyn smiled and continued rambling on. The emperor tuned him out again. Until a strangled noise interrupted his thoughts. He looked to Tosgyn, whose eyes were wide. His face grew red and foam started falling from his mouth. The man collapsed forward, head slamming onto his plate of half-eaten food. Shouts of alarm rang out through the hall. The festival devolved into chaos. The emperor looked toward the doors. Toward Vostrath. The emperor shouted for his Strikers to follow. He was already off in the distance, a mere silhouette against the setting sun. Welcome to Cycle 1! I apologize for the delay in getting the turn posted, and with the trouble on the anonymous accounts. Everyone should have updated passwords now. I modified the original PMs. If PASSWORD is in blue and italicized, it should be correct. If you experience any further problems with signing in, please let me know. Reminder: Rules for Anonymous Accounts: Player List EDIT: I forgot to include the general rules as a reminder: Each player will have one action available per cycle PMs are open Tied lynches will be decided at random and one person will be lynched Additionally, this turn ends at 11 a.m. PST on Wednesday, September 11th.

ADVISEMENT: The first turn has been delayed slightly due to a problem with the anonymous accounts. @Fifth Scholar or @Alvron please contact me as soon as you can.

Sign-ups are now closed! Please be patient as I distribute roles and anonymous accounts. Also, remember all anonymous account rules found above. The new turn will be up shortly.

Last call! Sign-ups close in about 2 hours!

Hey everyone! Consider this your 24-hour warning. If you're still debating signing up, time is running short! We have 13 players currently signed up. That's works, but I would love a few more.

Wonderful! And welcome to SE!

Change notification: Game start and rollover times have changed from 11 p.m. PST to 11 a.m. PST. That was a typing error originally, as most nights I will be at work at 11 p.m. and unable to conduct rollover.

Dim light from the setting sun fell on a group of men and women sitting around a table. A few of them spoke in hushed but urgent tones. The air was thick with nervous tension. A tall woman, who seemed to be leading the discussion, was unaffected. She pressed forward, demanding the attention of everyone in the room. A small man in the corner fidgeted with a gold ring on his finger. Light glinted off the “You can’t possibly-” he began to say. “Yes, I can,” the woman responded. She stared at him, a hardened determination clear in her expression. “They are weak. Now is the perfect time.” --- Raucous laughter filled the Great Hall. The emperor smiled as he looked across the gathering of arbiters. Members of each of the eighty factions were there. Despite most of their arguments against the practices of the Heritage faction, they all loved a good feast. “Aren’t we missing someone?” asked the head arbiter. “Hmm?” The emperor had developed quite a talent for ignoring the droning of the head arbiter. The man liked to hear himself talk, even if no one else was listening. “The Glory Faction seems to be missing. At least, their leaders.” “Ignore them. They’re simply jealous of how far we’ve come.” Welcome to MR37/AN6: An Empire is Falling! It takes place in the Rose Empire prior to the events of The Emperor’s Soul. This will be an anonymous, blackout game. Most game-relevant rules will not be revealed except to those to whom they apply. See the following for those rules that will be revealed to everyone. The Heritage Faction: A new threat has arisen against the Heritage Faction’s hold on the Rose Empire. The leaders must unite and remain strong if they wish to keep their hold of the empire. To win, eliminate all threats against your faction. The Glory Faction: The Heritage Faction has been in power for far too long. It is finally time to carry out years of planning. It’s time to bring down their reign. To win, eliminate anything that threatens to thwart your plans. Miscellaneous Rules: MR: 48hr combined day/night cycles Maximum number of players is 25 - Players can sign up in the thread, but it is preferred they sign up through a PM to the GM. Each player will have one action available per cycle PMs are open Tied lynches will be decided at random and one person will be lynched Sign-ups will close Monday, September 9th at 11 a.m. PST. Fifth Scholar will be the IM. He has requested to not be included in player-to-player PMs at this time. Reminder: Rules for Anonymous Accounts: There are a number of rules associated with the use of an Anonymous Account. Please follow them carefully. Given the potential for abuse of Anonymous Accounts, any rule breaking using the accounts will be dealt with harshly. 1) Do not change the password of the anonymous account you are issued. 2) Do not use the anonymous accounts to PM any non-anonymous account, other than the account of the GM. Please do not use your normal accounts to PM anonymous accounts. 3) Do not change anything cosmetic about the accounts, including member title, username, signature, and avatar. 4) Do not reveal your identity or explicitly claim to be another player. You will be sent a PM with the anonymous account information. All other information will be sent to that account, which is where you will also submit actions. Please check which account you are on prior to submitting a post on the thread. If you do post from the wrong account, tag a moderator (Fifth Scholar or Alvron first) so it can be addressed as quickly as possible. Player Count Quick Links Rule Clarifications

Welcome to SE!

I will also take a spec doc.

What Alvron said. I have, in my year and a half here, ruined many a game for the village as a villager. My "analysis" is rarely ever correct, and usually ends up misleading me and others more often than not. But I enjoy the community and the debates. Plus the Cosmere/Sanderson themes make it even more fun (even though my RPing has taken a drastic decline). Though I was kind of pocketing you, what I said in the game was the truth. You aren't a bad at SE. If you are, all of us are as well. I really enjoyed the short time I was able to play with you, and I do hope you join us again. If you don't feel comfortable playing, we'd definitely love to have you spectate. Just know, you're always welcome, no matter how good you think you are.

Once I figured out you were the coinshot, I knew it was trolling. Still nice to have someone not vote on me... At least at the beginning. I hope you all enjoyed the last two turns as much as I did. Being an outed elim in the thread is a blast.