The academy - game thread

[Shandiar]

"well spoken and one of friends too. Which was something he failed to acknowledge."

[cidracin]

"Llandowyn I beg of you stop with all your denials and lies. You appeared at my door with a garden hatchet in your hand and tried to get me to help you kill Shiadrych. The next night someone tries to kill Micaere and they drop a hachet whilst fleeing. What am I to think that coincidently another of our number choose the same weapon as their tool of murder as well? Were you not around Micaere's last night with a hatchet. Perhaps your intent was not to kill? But why then would you not admit to being there? Perhaps you are under some spell? Please my friend stop lying and have some honour and admit to your wrongs.Perhaps then I can help you."

Coran pleaded.

[Allerion]

Coran, did you realize i was in my room last night? behind a barricaded door? Which was set ON FIRE? I find it amazing that i could be there and at Micaere's door at the same time.

But you still refuse to answer where you were. This refusal HAS to make everyone suspicious.

[Allerion]

(OOC: damn, i really need to read the entire post im responding to before i respond to it....)

I will not admit to being there BECAUSE I WAS NOT THERE. Under a spell? I realize i might not be the most magically-ept, but i can defend myself against those kinds of spells. I, for one, do not lie. The only one lying is you, Coran. You do not wish to help me. You wish to kill me. You want to see me dead. I cannot fathom why. I cannot fathom why you created this fable. All you are doing is killing an innocent Asur. If you can bear that on your conscious, you are a much more cold-blooded elf than I.

[Allerion]

I hope you all think hard about your decision to condemn an innocent. After my death, please remember those of you who killed an innocent Asur, and treat them as such. I have no more to say. I have explained what i did. If you chose not to believe me, I cannot help it if you will not heed the truth. So, unless many of you realize the mistake you are making, I will bid you all Adieu, and retire to my room.

(OOC: again, screw staying up till 5 a.m..... stupid time zones)

[NoOoDLe]

Slightly confused by the speed at which the discussion moved on from accusation to scold and back again Alexiah took a step back and distanced herself from it.

"How do we know who's lying and who isn't.. Should we risk killing an innocent elf for it?" She muttered to herself as she observed the conversation.

[Shandiar]

"I find it hard what to believe here, but one thing I do know, anyone trying to kill me or wish me dead during the night has a certain weight to that argument and therefore my vote still stands." Shiadrych said calm, but coldly.

[Paraicj]

OOC: magically-ept? Adept is the opposite of Inept, Allerion

"Micaere, if Llandowyn has planned to kill somebody who he thought was a swordmaster, then he cannot be a true Asur. No Asur would countenance such a thing, and Coran knocked him out for suggesting it. If he still claims to be Asur after such a plan, I would not believe it. He may not see himself as a Druchii, I do not know, but his actions are those of a Druchii.

If Coran is lying we may never know, as Llan will be dead. I trust him because he is my friend and Llan is not, and their stories do not match. Therefore, one of them is guilty of trying to kill one of us innocents. Either Llan tried to kill Shiadrych and perhaps Micaere, or Coran is trying to kill Llandowyn. One or the other is guilty of a heinous crime, and I am going to trust my friend in this situation."

Ashar shook his head at the convoluted conversation. This day seemed to have lasted a lifetime.

"Tonight, I suspect more of us will be attacked. The number of incidents last night seems to point to there being more than one, and perhaps as many as three, killers on the loose. Unless there is merely one very busy one."

[Ruerl Khan]

As the night falls on the academy of bells the innocent and guilty alike gathers in the common room to hand out the verdict that they have made, gathering slowly in a circle around the doomed Llandowyn (Allerion) who looks out in defiance against you even as you close in, his shoulders slumping in defeat before he proudly looks the mob in the eyes, meeting each of you with defiance, some of you look away, others of you continue ahead steeling yourselves.

At least I shall die as an innocent! Ulthuan shall never fall! are the last words he ever speaks as your collective weapons and spells rush in on the doomed Llandowyn reducing him to ash, as he dies the ashes are spread in the air leaving you to see clearly his soul as he was alive, a plotter who wanted to murder, a failed aspiration, but in the end innocent of any deeds.

He was an Asur after all, and the killer is still amongst you.

OOC: It is now NIGHT, those of you with special abilities may now PM me, the rest of you, quiet time. The night will last 23 hours and some 25 minutes from the time of this post.

Also, with Llandowyns dead the score is as follows:
Zorianay: Beauty from Naggarythe, murdered on night one.
Nashalon: Swordmaster in disguise, murdered in night two.
Llandowyn: Not-so-innocent high elf, killed by a mob on day 2.

I look forward to the carnage of tonight.

[Ruerl Khan]

It is now day

As the sun slowly rises above the academy and you once more gather in the common room, you find yourself short of not one... but two people, slowly gathering yourself in a group, fearing the inevitable you first find Hjiorych, very very dead, lying in a large pool of blood with his heart torn out, on his nightstand next to him is a tray with food brought there during the night somehow.

The other sight is no less gruesome to see, Alexiah lies torn to shreds, her face having an odd blue colour and her neck has scratchmarks as if she tried to tear something away, her mouth appears to be burned out and clumsily carved druchii runes are written into her flesh. However more than one of you immedietedly recognise the simple fact; This is not the work of a dark elf.

Neither of the rooms have any smell of dark magic, what so ever. Though there is a tang of magic in the air at both rooms.

OOC:
Summary:
Hjiorych (Uther Di Asturien) is very dead. Killed by a weapon.
Alexiah (NoOoDLe) is also very dead. Appearently killed by magic, appears choked to death.
Both rooms had magic used in them.
Hjiorychs room had a tray of food from the kitchen.
No real signs of druchii work, unless they suddenly forgot how to draw their own language properly.

You have 44 hours (that is, till the day after tommorrow evening, 22.00 GMT+2), to finish voting.

This makes the list of the not-so-honoured dead:
Also, with Llandowyns dead the score is as follows:
Zorianay: Beauty from Naggarythe, murdered on night one.
Nashalon: Swordmaster in disguise, murdered in night two.
Llandowyn: Not-so-innocent high elf, killed by a mob on day 2.
Hjiorych: not-so-innocent high elf, killed night 3.
Alexiah: A suprisingly innocent high elf, killed night 3. No, she was'nt a necromancer, she just liked wearing black clothes.

[Shandiar]

"Oh no not Alexiah - sweetheart and Hjiorych too. Apparently no Dark Magic was used this time, I wonder what spell can be used to choke its target? The assassin must be laughing as we speak, if we are willing to kill each other for personal gain and position at the academy. I feel disgusted." Shiadrych said.

[Prince_Asuryan]

Corvych looked disgusted at the presence of the two bodies, and turned away so as not to look at them too closely.

He spoke first of Alexiah, 'It must be hard to strangle someone if they are think you are going to the kill them... and why strangle when each of us can use magic? was it a planned attempt, with the killer close to Alexiah, or heat of the moment?'

He looked at Shiadrych. 'You have been spending the night with Alexiah for the past night. Why did she not do so again? I think she did, and as she lay next to you, apparently safe, and you saw the opportunity. You strangled her. I think a burned mouth could be symbolic of a lover kissing her, would you not agree?' He looked at the others to see if they agreed. 'This is clearly not Druchii work... did you kill Alexiah and then attempt to cover it up?'

He sighed. 'And Hjioryych. Did the supposed poisoner succeed tonight mayhaps? There is food in his room after all...'

The Dragon Mage looked round the room. 'I know it seems like I am only spinning tales, but does the tale for Shiadrych not fit? I will hear what you all have to say, but I believe I will be voting for Shiadrych today.'

[Squeak]

"Hjiorych! My friend, how, and why? You were a kindly soul, gentle and full of laughter. Possessed of an unnatural hunger, yes, but not a threat to any true Asur. May you find peace, and a banquet worthy of kings, in the next life." Andar dipped his head, and offered a quick prayer for his departed friend. When he looked up, a tear trickling down his cheek, he spoke softly to Vendyh "Do you weep to? Was Hjiorych not once your friend too? Until some rift grew between you? Has your heart grown so cold that you cannot forget what ever came between the two of you, call him friend once more, and weep with me? Or did the rift between you two grow so wide that you would wish this upon him? Tell me, what ever happened between the two of you, he was, and is still your friend, is he not?

[Paraicj]

Ashar gulped.

"Two more? Hjiorych? A cynic, yes, a glutton perhaps, but hardly a credible threat to anybody. An Alexiah, killed bya Druchii impersonator, perhaps to cover up a crime of passion? Corvych's story sounds far-fetched, but Shiadrych, I fear you must explain your whereabouts to our satisfaction.

Andar, there was strife between Vendyh and Hjiorych? I would know more of this, Vendyh is one I place above suspicion.

Corvych, given the nature of his death, I do not think poisoning was the cause for Hjiorych. Although, the food may have been used to gain entry to the room by one he trusted. Astar is one such, are there any others?

And magic, in both rooms. Perhaps used by both victims in their defence, perhaps not. No stick of Druchii magic this time though, so perhaps evidence of different killers. One of which was not Druchii at all, but more in the mould of the deceased Llandowyn, an Asur with a twisted desire to kill. Nearly as bad as a Druchii really.

So to my questions. Shiadrych, were you in Alexiah's room last night, and if not, why not, when you were together for comfort and safety the night before? Astar, did you bring food to Hjiorych, either innocently or not? And if not, do you know who else was friendly enough with him to be allowed into his room with such terrible consequences?"

This was becoming more and more terrifying. Five of the group were dead, not all by the same hand, and only one deservedly so.

"From the spirit of Llandowyn, we saw he had plotted murder, so Coran's story held out. I am glad of this."

[Prince_Asuryan]

Coryvch shrugged at Ashar's words. 'A far-fetched story maybe, I said just that. But to me it makes sense. I though only to share my opinion. The rest of what you say I agree with. Maybe the food was indeed to gain entry, and then as you say it may have to be someone Hjiorych knows. What of this argument between him and Vendyh, Andar? And why do you believe Vendyh above suspicion Ashar? she may be your friend, but I do not thing anyone should be ignored, friend or foe as you so aptly suggest someone Hjiorych trusted may have murdered him...'

[cidracin]

"I agree with Corvych and Ashar, Shiadrych owes the group an explanation about her whereabouts last night. I also would here more about this argument between Vendyh and Hjiorych."

Coarn turned to look Ashar in the eyes.

"Ashar, I'd like you to know that if you trust Vendyh then I also trust her. For you trusted and put your faith in me yesterday and the least I can do to repay you is to trust you as well. But I beleve it best for Vendyh if we get all the information out into the open. I should now, I tried to keep information from the group to protect Llandowyn and as a result Micaere could have been killed."

[Shandiar]

"I was asleep - alone in my chamber. No one can attest to that sadly. But I would be very very stupid to first sleep with Alexiah her one night and eagerly admit it for only the next night to choke her to death. No I didn't do such a thing, but someone did to place me in a trap, backed up by a seemingly well-thought story or so one think Corvych. I do not begrudge you taking her life out of jealousy."

[Andruillius]

OOC: Sorry for inactivity the last couple of days, I'm struggling to find motivation cause the main activites in my life are falling apart.

IC:

Vendyh twitched when Andar spoke to her about Hijorych, jittery eyes looking from one elf to another as she answered.

"Hjiorych and I were...acquaintances, I would not use the word friends because...well, I learned things about him that gave me little confidence nor trust in him," Vendyh said mumbling down at her feet.

"Still, I had no need to see him dead. To the honour of becoming Bel-Shannar's apprentice, he was no real competition - our master would never take an elf with such lack of control of his hunger under his wing." Vendyh looked Andar in his eyes. "And do not talk to me like that, Andar. I see what you are trying to do, and I think you should keep your forked tongue behind your teeth. Weep if you must, but I will not share your tears for Hijorych."

Vendyh gave Shiadrych a more compassionate, worried look. "It seems that Llandowyn is not the only of our own kin that wants to become victor through murder - it's disgusting that he has tried to conceal his actions through carving Druchii symbols. I found your little affair with Alexiah suspicious, but I wished it was challenged openly, not through a knife in the dark. For your sudden loss, I am sorry."

[cidracin]

"Ardan, you have skill in the arts of divination have you seen anything that could help guide us in our desicion? Micaere, what are your thoughts?"

[Squeak]

Ardan stroked his chin "Shiadrych was in her room all night."

He turned his attention back to Vendyh "Vendyh, I'm not entirely satisfied. What did Hjiorych tell you, that you split so from him? I seem to remember our departed swordmaster, Nashalon, injuring his foot on the first night. He was strangely reluctant when you offered to heal him. I wonder why? You said something quite interesting yesterday. You said you did not believe Llandowyn was a Druchii, he lacked subtlety and cunning, yet you would vote for him none the less. An interesting approach, no?" He placed both of his hands behind his back, dividing his look between Vendyh and Ashar.

"And this relationship between you and Ashar is most peculiar. I have no great love for Ashar, its true, but he seems oddly under your spell. I would echo Coryvch, and ask you Ashar, why do you trust her above all others? Interesting that you do, and knew nothing of her relationship with Hjiorych. Coran says he trusts you, but I certaintly don't trust Coran."

He spread his arms wide "Don't misunderstand me, I'm not accusing anyone of anything, yet. But I think these are valid questions, and feel they need to be answered."

[Paraicj]

Ashar regarded Ardan for a moment, formulating an answer he hoped the obtuse elf would understand.

"I trust Vendyh as I trust Coran, as having my affection well before this sorry escapade began. We all have friends here. Some have enemies, though I do not think I do. We all trust some over others, Vendyh and Coran, I trust. There is little else to it. If evidence were presented to me showing either of my friends guilty, I will analyse it closely. If not, why should I believe any other's words over theirs'?"

With a lithe shrug, he continued.

"What we have here is merely a lot of different opinions and no evidence. As such, I will trust the opinions of elves I like over those I either don't, such as Llandowyn, which I am glad of, he plotted murder, and over those I am unmoved by, such as yourself Ardan. I bear you no particular emnity, but if you were to tell me a conflicting story than Vendyh or Coran, with no evidence from either of you, their freindship holds more weight than your existance.

If evidence of wrongdoing exists, I will doubtless be swayed by it. Who wouldn't? But equally so, word against word, I give more credence to those I like. I am only an elf after all."

He shook his head, this situation was getting more and more muddled.

"Vendyh and Hjiorych knew each other before and fell out. That much is clear. I am sure she will tell enough to satisfy us. I do not know her life history, just as none here no yours Ardan. You say Shiadrych was in her room all night as if it were fact. Is it? Or are you merely thinking out loud again?

Yesterday, we voted for someone to die. Today, it seems we will do the same. There is no evidence for anybody commiting wrong-doing, only theories. So far, Shiadrych is most suspicious to me, although Ardan might be able to help there. Why not go to your partner's room when you were together the night before, especially in these dangerous times where companionship could be the only protection against death.

Or, of course, the cause..."

Ashar finished cooly, putting on his sunglasses as the music blared. WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!

[Paraicj]

OOC: Sorry, got away on me a bit there

[cidracin]

"Ardan how do you know Shiadrych was in her room all night?"

Coran inquired.

[Andruillius]

Vendyh snorted in contempt to Ardan's questions. "Hijorych's actions and words are none of your business. He's dead, now leave him at peace. Nashalon's withdrawal was just as big a surprise to me as for anyone else. You'll have to make up your own stories if you want to incriminate me. None of us were dumb enough to believe Llandowyn was one of the dark kin, except perhaps you. I do not know who the Druchii is, Ardan. But I believed Coran when he said Llandowyn tried to murder Shiadrych. Because I trust him."

"You're accusing me of witchcraft and whatnot, and I can only say that if I had used a spell on Ashar, you would have noticed. Now, I will not listen to anymore of your vile bile," Vendyh said and seated herself in a chair close to Ashar.

[Squeak]

Ardan, ever so irritatingly, dipped his head in a mock bow "Thank you for so graciously answering my questions Vendyh. It was an absolute pleasure. Coran, the answer lies in your prior question, does it not? Why did you ask me what I had divined, receive an answer, and then return with another question on how I could possibly know such a thing? How peculiar. Unless you were trying to shift attention away from someone else? Is there not a shred of truth in that unpleasant observation? But! None the less, let us not waste time on questions like that. When there are so many more interesting questions."

He vigorously rubbed his hands together, as if cold, and half scowled, half smiled at Coran. "I shall I tell you what else I know. Yesterday you claimed Llandowyn had come to you confesseing his desire to kill Shiadrych because he believed her to be a swordmaster, and you knocked him out. We now know that Llandowyn was an innocent Asur, so why he would have tried to kill Shiadrych because he believed her to be a swordmaster is beyond me. Therefore, I don't believe that you were telling the truth. It makes no sense for Llandowyn to try and kill one of his protectors. You then claimed Llandowyn had attempted to kill Micaere, on foot of your prior bizare attempt at a reasoned accusation. And, lest we forget, Llandowyn had also had an attempt on his life that night, by someone wielding hydrafire, an oddly Druchii weapon, no?"

"I'll tell you what I know, Coran. Someone made an attempt on Llandowyn's life that night, and they failed. Seeking to make up for this failure, they decided to have him killed off the next day with a lie. Vendyh claimed that Llandowyn couldn't be a Druchii because he lacked the cunning and subtlety to be one. But you Coran have betrayed yourself, through your own cunning and subtlety. You are Druchii, I'd bet my own life on that."

He threw a finger to the air "But wait! Should we assume that is all to the tale? I think not. I doubt there is only one amongst us. Yesterday, when Coran accused Llandowyn of an attempt Micaere's life, Micaere said something quite interesting. She asked why Vendyh, Ashar and Hjiorych followed Coran's accusation like blind sheep. Well, we shall not know quite why Hjiorych did as he may, though his prior words of "lets just get to the voting already" may illuminate us as to why he acted so quickly. But Vendyh, whom the swordmaster Nashalon refused to let her touch, and Ashar, who follows Vendyh like a love sick pup, they say it is because they trust Coran. But who could trust Coran? Certaintly not his friend, Llandowyn, and certaintly not I, and nor should any of you. He has already lied to us, twice. Who then could trust Coran, but his own accomplishes? Who else would be quite so willing to follow another, then these jackals? They smelt blood, and they went in like a pack of jackals for Llandowyn's blood."

Ashar regarded the rest of the group, pointedly not looking at Coran, Vendyh or Ashar, and said "This is what I have observed. If I am wrong, though I doubt it, I will suffer the consequences. I did not vote yesterday because I did not believe that Llandowyn was a druchii. I will only vote if I am certain, and I am certain that Coran is an assassin. I must apologise for my length, though the truth is I fear I have left to much out, so, I vote: Coran, and if he be as I fear, then I believe Vendyh and Ashar have some more questions to answer tomorrow."

[Prince_Asuryan]

Coryvch listened carefully to the words of Ardan, nodding slowly.

'As a diviner, your words must have some truth to them. That, and what you say makes sense. I cannot still understand why Ashar would trust people so blindly, friend or no. I too must admit to following the votes, though I believe that I made it clear I was of the opinion that someone had to be sacrificed and Coran's tale was all we had. But it seems he was not truthful when he accused Llandowyn of killing Nashalon, and as I said at the time, why he did not come forward straight away.'

'Ashar, you ignore people and eliminate them to early, and I think that is unwise. It is the same with you Vendyh. Trust is not something to be used in this situation. While someone has followers, those of us who are innocent are outnumbered and will be killed off. We have to do something though, and Ardan's words make more sense and have more merit to me than my own suggestion and accusation of Shiadrych.'

Vote: Coran

[Shandiar]

"Ardan thank you for your insights. I guess a diviner as yourself would know such a thing as my whereabouts at night."
She smiled charmingly before her expression changed slightly.
"I too have news for you. Isha appeared before me last night in a dream. I know dreams can hardly be classified as hard evidence, but in the lands of the Asur, on Ulthuan where boundaries between reality and the metaphysical realm often are torn or even broken, Isha told me that Coran had lied about Llandowyn, not even that, but did so in the attempt to cover up the death of Nashalon, the Swordmaster. I was told Coran is the bad apple in the basket, a lier and a murderer."
Shiadrych moved around theatratically as she spoke pointing her finger at Coran. "Therefore by Isha I vote Vote: Coran"

She cleared her voice now the vote was cast. "Don't expect me to forget your accusations so easily Corvych, that was bad played."

[DarkTyrany22]

Micaere observed the flow of the conversation, and was visibly pleased at Ardan's latest speech as the hint of a smile crossed her face. She chose this time to finally speak up.

"Perhaps I should add another dimension to this." Turning to Ashar she queried, "Ashar, is it an arcane trinket or some natural talent that allows you to block the forces of magic? It is not any wizardry, and there is no use denying it. I know it to be fact. I hardly believe such a skill is natural, so the question that immediately comes to mind is... what need does and Asur mage have for such a defensive bauble in this setting?"

Letting that question sink in for a second, Micaere continued, "I must say I do find your seemingly blind faith in your friends as disturbing as the rest. It does seem to suggest that Ardan's thoughts hold some vein of truth. I will vote Coran today as I did yesterday, because I truly believe in his guilt although I do have my doubts about these dreams of Shiadrych's. However, know that you carry the weight of my suspicions Ashar."

[cidracin]

Coran looks grim at first as Ardan and then Corvych vote for him. At Shiadrychs words his face shows some suprise as though something shorrifying has been revealed to him.

"It apears that the group has set itself against me and that I will not live to see another sunrise and that I can accept although with a heavy heart. I will do my best to convince you that I am noble and a true defender of the landof Ulthuan although in your words I can tell that you are now intent on my death liek sharks that smell blood in the water. However I am a proud son of Aenarion and before I die I will do my best to aid you in the task of finding the assassin among us. The first thing I have to say is that Llandowyn was an attempted murderer, you all saw that in his spirit so why now am I called liar. He wanted to kill Shiadrych but I knocked him out. He believed her to be the Swordmaster and thus that she was also going to be selected as the Loremaster's pupil. He wished to kill her because someone who has proven themselves as a Swordmaster shows disipline and skill, qualities to be desired in a prospective mage. The next night he failed to murder Micaere with a hathet like the one he held in his hand when he came to my door the night before.

Next I warn you that you should not heed your nightly dreams for just last night someone appeared in my mind in the guise of Bel Shannar the Loremaster and told me that Alexiah was a necromancer and that I should do my best to get the others to vote for her. That night she was killed and we all now know that she is an Asur. I believe that the Druchii appeared to me in my dream and tried to trick me into eliminating the innocent Alexiah. but something happened that he didn't count on. Another of ur group, not a Druchii, but an ambitious Asur like Llandowyn killed Alexiah and spoiled the assasins plan. Do not heed your dreams even if Asuryan himself appears before you. Shiadrych I now trust you more than any here and I urge you to protect yourself tonight for the assassin will likely come for you. And tommorrow make sure no Asur heeds any dreams, for als it seems that I will be gone.

Ashar and Vendyh i hope you two are innocent and if that be the case I hope you make it out of here alive.

Hjiorych was killed by the Druchii so I urge you all to try to figure out who killed him and not Alexiah for it was not the assassin that killed her.

Ardan I don't trust you but I don't believe you are the Druchii.

Therefore I vote for Micaere for you are the one who is the Druchii. Corvych is too bold to be the assassin and tries to control the group too directly to be an assassin. Micaere you are the only one left in my eyes and I ask that tommorrow that you all vote for her if I am killed for it is her who I believe is the assassin. If not her then Corvych."

Coran grasped Ashar's arm and gave Vendyh a hug and began to pray and prepare himself for what was to come.

Vote: Micaere

[cidracin]

" I do not fear my death for I am pure in Asuryan's eyes and when you see my soul it will have no taint and it shall blaze as bright as any star."

Coran says and then he continued with his final prayers.