Kael
Deity
October 27th
[tab]Foxford is a tiny village on the outskirts of the Elohim empire. Largely forgotten by anyone of consequence its surrounding fur and deer camps are its only real value. Still the villagers of Foxford are a decent, if not overly supersticious lot, and are accustomed to seeing their children raised to go off to wars they never return from.
[tab]Foxford was quiet until the arrival of a traveler from the elven lands. This was no elf, but a man named Duin who carried a thick oak cudgel and quite a few gold coins. Unaccustomed to wealthy travelers the backwater inn and tavern were delighted to have his company, and sorry to see him go the following day. They wouldn't know until later that this man left more than gold in the village.
The Living:
[tab]Farmhand Dreiche2- Has been helping to turn the nearby land into wheat fields
[tab]Innkeeper Frozen-Vomit- Owner of the Scratch 'n Thistle inn (currently Mayor)
[tab]Merchant Bad Player- Traveling merchant that arrived in Foxford the same day Duin did
[tab]Wainwright Eerr- Wagon maker
The Dead:
[tab]Shepard QES- Protector of sheep
[tab]Cobbler Nikis-Knight- Shoemaker
[tab]Bar Wench Ploeperpengel- Works in the Gauls Breath Tavern
[tab]Hunter Teg Navanis- Foxfords most capable fighter, but even he couldn't stand up to a werewolf at night
[tab]Herbalist Sureshot- Wife of the Farmer
[tab]Farmer Woodelf- Farm owner and husband of the Herbalist
[tab]Blacksmith Grillick- More accustomed to making nails and farming implements than weapons
[tab]Tavern Owner Deathling- Bartender and owner of the Gauls Breath tavern and a Werewolf!
[tab]Mayor Thealien_83- Foxfords leader
[tab]Stablemaster Unser- Owner of the stable
[tab]Village Idiot Corlindale- Drunk and nair-do-well
[tab]Acolyte Loki- Has only been in Foxford for a month, recently assigned here from Cahir Abbey. A Werewolf!
[tab]Tanner Xuenay- retired hunter, now a tanner and leatherworker
[tab]Carpenter Lorgen- Craftsman and the final Werewolf!
October 28th
[tab]Crows gather over the Cobblers garden. Below the body of Sonne was ravaged almost past the point of recognition. Sonne was Cobbler Nikis-Knights daughter and barely past her 16th birthday. The tragedy of her death was overshadowed by an even darker realization, that she was killed by Werewolves. Tracks around the body show that there were three separate attackers, you will have to find and kill these werewolves if you are to survive.
[tab]Carpenter Lorgen and Blacksmith Grillick begin building gallows in the village square. Before night comes someone must be found guilty and killed for this crime.
Events:
1. While Duin was in town he seemed to have a fondness for Bar Wench Ploeperpengel. Several villagers even saw the two heading toward Duin's room together (although that isn't uncommon for the Bar Wench).
2. Several villagers spotted Herbalist Sureshot creeping through the village by herself well past midnight.
Votes:
Lynching:
[tab]Despite accusations and pleading from all sides Shepard QES is grabbed and dragged to the gallows. He insists he is innocent and that this is a mistake. There is only one way to be sure. Acolyte Loki prays for his soul and then the noose is put around his neck. He is dropped and in a few minutes the twiching subsides.
[tab]A careful examination shows.... that he was human.
[tab]Everyone heads back to their homes, the village has killed an innocent man. It is getting late and the werewolves will be hunting soon.
[tab]After the lynching Cobbler Nikis-Knight returned to his garden and sat in the spot his daughter was killed. The village was quiet until they heard his yelling:
[tab]"What do you want, why did you kill her?"
[tab]The response was a deep growl, an inhuman voice, "Where is the sword you stole from our master?"
[tab]"I don't have it, somebody took it." the cobbler pleaded, "Please stay back!"
[tab]Then only screams.
October 29th:
[tab]No one is surprised at what they find in the morning. Cobbler Nikis-Knights corpse ravaged just as his daughters had been. Three villagers dead and the werewolves are still among you. The gallows wait for their next victim.
Events:
1. After being kept from leaving during the day Merchant Civkid1991 went to get his horse just before dark and was stopped by Stablemaster Unser and several angry villagers. No one is to leave the village until the killers are caught.
2. Tanner Xuenay spent a lot of time in the Cobblers garden yesterday, and after Nikis-Knight is buried he returns and sits in it alone. Most of the other villagers are staying as far away from the garden as possible.
Votes:
Lynching:
[tab]Divided evenly on the issue the villagers push both Bar Wench Ploeperpengel and Hunter Teg Navanis toward the gallows. The Bar Wench screams at the hypocracy of the crowd, who claim to be innocent even though many have shared her bed. She is quickly gagged before she gives away to many secrets.
[tab]The Hunter is the opposite, he accepts the villages demands and says nothing as the noose is put around his neck. He looks steadily into the angry mob, find the eyes of the Herbalist and holds her gaze until the lever is pulled.
[tab]When they are both dead the Bar Wench is cut down and examined... she is human.
[tab]Nervous glances are exchanged between the villagers. Another innocent has been killed. Steeling themselves the Hunters corpse is cut down and checked... he is human as well.
[tab]No werewolves have been caught, and the night comes for them to hunt again. The werewolves have been more cunning predators than the villagers expected and the fate of the prophet is unknown. You could hardly imagine a worse night for Foxford, it will only get worse.
[tab]As night falls the Herbalist is left crying alone in the village square, her husband offers no comfort.
October 30th
[tab]The call of crows can be heard throughout the village. They are flocking to Foxford and growing fat on human flesh.
[tab]When morning breaks you meet under the cover of black wings and find one person missing. The Hunters corpse is also gone, it is easy enough to figure out what happened.
[tab]After you left the village square Herbalist Sureshot cut the Hunter down. Without aide she dragged him to the villages small graveyard and dug his grave. Her tracks are easy to follow to the graveyard, and among a host of fresh graves you find the one she dug last night for the hunter. She gathered lialacs and planted them around the grave.
[tab]It must have been late when she finished and this is where the werewolves found her. They prefer fresh meat and didn't disturb the grave or the corpse of the Bar Wench which still lay on the gallows, instead they feasted on Herbalist Sureshot. And her suffering made the meal all the more enjoyable.
[tab]The gallows have claimed as many innocents as the werewolves, but they must be used again. Even though it has been inaccurate so far, it is the only weapon you have against those that hunt you.
Votes:
The Lynching:
[tab]Again everyone gathers around the gallows. You can't help but notice how much smaller the group is. But you are decided and Farmer Woodelf is brought forward to stand where Hunter Teg did the night before.
[tab]Acolyte Loki blesses him and the noose is put around his neck. The crows are getting even more brazen and they now sit right on the gallows, greedy for the bulging eyes of the dead.
[tab]The lever is pulled and Farmer Woodelf falls until the cord pulls taunt. The sickening crack of his neck cracking will at least mean that this nights lynching will be mercifully sweet.
[tab]After a few minutes the crows are shoo'ed away and the corpse is cut down. An inspection reveals that.... he was human.
October 31st
[tab]A thick grey rain covers most of the morning. Usually this would be enough to keep the villagers in their homes, but today you meet in the village square to see if anyone is lost. You gather in small groups until its obvious that only Blacksmith Grillick is missing, unable to wait longer you go to his house.
[tab]A chill runs through the group when they see the door to his squat cottage is broken in, some had hoped that the werewolves would only kill those out at night. Inside there are signs of a struggle, furniture is destroyed. His bedroom door, which had been reinforced by moving both the bed and dresser in front of it was broken through so quickly that the Blacksmith didn’t even manage to climb out of his window in time. He was caught still hanging in it, his flesh stripped off, his bones broken.
Votes:
The Lynching:
[tab]The village drags Tavern Owner Deathling to the gallows and puts the noose around his neck.
[tab]Acolyte Loki offers last rites only if the Tavern Owner confesses his crimes and asks for atonement. Deathling refuses, arguing that he has done nothing wrong and Loki doesn't give his blessing.
[tab]The lever is pulled and Deathling falls hard. The cord bites into his neck as he struggles against it. His muscles pull against the ropes that bind his arms and legs, but he is unable to break free.
[tab]No one goes up to cut him down. No investigation is performed, because in death the Tavern Owners boby reverts to its true form, that of a werewolf!
[tab]Everyone is silent, you have successfully stuck back at your hunters and claimed at least one life for those you have lost. Everyone cheers and heads into the Tavern for an impromptu celebration (and with the Tavern Owner gone all drinks are free). The werewolves will strike back tonight, but for now you have won a victory and shown that Foxford may not fall so easily.
November 1st
[tab]Maybe free alcohol is a bad thing. Most of the village stumbles into the village square the next morning with a bad hangover. The are instantly sobered by what they find. The corpse of Deathling is gone, stolen by the werewolves. In its place is the corpse of Mayor Thealien_83. The two werewolves each put their claws in his ribs and back and split him in two. The gallows looked like they were painted with his blood and internal organs. Crows are feasting on the scattered pieces of flesh and there are so many that you have to get brooms to chase them away.
[tab]Still even with the loss and the hangover, last nights victory is not forgotten. There will be more deaths, but if the trend is continued and a werewolf is caught today and tomorrow then this war is almost over. That thought dominates all of your minds as you set to the task of finding the next victim for lynching.
Voting:
The Lynching:
[tab]Five is a majority in the shrinking village and Stablemaster Unser is greeted at his door by a mass of villagers ready for another lynching. He checks the horses in his care, and makes sure they have enough food to last the next few days. Then he removes his coat, folds it and leaves it on the tackle box and walks out to the square.
[tab]The gallows have turned dark from dried blood and has a stench so foul everyone covers their mouth and nose when they approch it. Still the afternoons grim business must be done and the Stablemaster is moved into position. Acolyte Loki blesses him and Stablemaster Unser mutters something about "that damn missing stableboy" before the lever is pulled and he does the deadmans dance.
[tab]No transformation follows. Still you cut his corpse down and check it for any signs he wasnt human. None are found. Stablemaster Unser was human.
[tab]Tonight the werewolves will strike again. By morning there will be only 7 left, 5 humans and 2 werewolves. There are only a few chances left to save Foxford.
[tab]No one sleeps at night in Foxford. Instead every door is barred, and every innocent villager hides in the shadows of their homes. For those that survive, the nights are full of imagined sounds and distant animals noises that sound more ominious since the werewolves arrived.
[tab]But not tonight. There is a crash so loud that everyone thinks the werewolves are coming through their own door. But the houses aren't touched. Instead you hear a low growl and a drunken challenge.
[tab]"What are .. come on! Killed my Sonne, the only nice one!"
[tab]You peek out of your houses and see Village Idiot Corlindale running through the village with a gleaming sword in his hand. Spirits stretch from the sword, the souls of those killed by it, and the reach for and surface the sword comes near. Gripping walls, a rain barrel, a tree only to be pulled back when Corlindale whips the sword the other way.
[tab]Two werewolves stalk the drunk, growling and leading him back into the village square, where they will have more room to maneuver. You briefly consider rushing out to help, but the werewolves glance at those peeking from your windows, and you are unable to overcome your fear.
[tab]Maybe if the Hunter was still alive, he could do something. Maybe with that sword Corlindale will be able to fight them off. Maybe...
[tab]When the werewolves get him into the village square they circle him. Corlindale is blubbering about the butterflies and Sonne when they leap. The sword moves on its own, as if to counter the attack, but Corlindales leg gives out and he tumbles backwards into the mud. One of the werewolves easily bats the sword aside, and the other sinks his teeth into Corlindales throat. The two feast, tearing him apart as you watch from your windows. He never stood a chance and you are suddenly happy, and very guilty, that you did nothing but watch.
[tab]After they have fed one of the werewolves picks up the discarded sword. Then, with a howl they both dissapear with it into the night.
[tab]Safe for a few hours you allow yourself to sleep and your dreams are full of dark shapes that hunt you and blue butterflies.
November 2nd:
[tab]In the morning you hope that 2 villagers will be missing, that the werewovles would have left town now that they have the sword. But of the group only Corlindale is gone, the hunt continues. But it is day now, and you are the hunters and they are the prey.
[tab]You have 2 chances left, today and tomorrow. If you fail to get a werewolf in either day Foxford is done.
Voting:
The Lynching:
[tab]Acolyte Loki is grabbed and dragged to the gallows. He curses those that are about to kill him and tells them of the punishment Junil will visit on their immortal souls if he is killed. Wainwright Eerr chuckles at this and says he will take his chances.
[tab]But no one can bring themselves to hang a man wearing the vestments of the church. Just the thought of a legion of crusaders marching through the village and catching a bunch of sleep deprived, crazed, hungry and half-drunk villagers stringing up a disciple of the state religion is to much to bear. Fortunatly a solution is found, remove the clothes.
[tab]It is getting late and the sun dips dangerously low. The first traces of moonlight hit the village and Loki beings to change. His hands are bound but the noose hangs loosly around his neck. His lips curl back to expose fangs and he lunges towards Xuenay, who was about to pull the lever, knocking him over the gallows railing.
[tab]The rest of the villagers jump onto the gallows and push the half-transformed Loki back. Even bound he is a powerful creature and the villagers are unable to budge him.
[tab]Wainwright Eerr yells for someone to grab the lever, Caprenter Lorgen lets go of Loki and does so. No one is quite able to remember what happens next. Loki was growing, getting stronger, and pushing most of the village off of the gallows when Wainwright Eerr put both his hands on Lokis chest. Strange words were spoken and an intence naseua swept over everyone. Visions of a broken battlefield and a burning angel filled everyones mind and fire explodes in the cluster of pushing bodies.
[tab]Loki is thrown back and the lever is pulled. He stands on the edge of the trapdoor for just a second before losing his balance and falling. He hangs there twiching and dies in his full werewolf form.
[tab]Mayor Frozen-Vomit, Farnhand Dreiche2 and Merchant CivKid1991 roll in the dirt to put out the flames that hit them. The damage is superficial and everyone checks themselves to make sure no one was bitten, they weren't.
[tab]The Mayor sets a new mandate, tomorrows lynching will occur earlier in the day, and everyone laughs. Despite the near disaster another werewolf is dead. Tonight may well be the last night they hunt in Foxford. There is only one left and with a little luck tomorrow will be the end of this war.
November 3rd
[tab]Tanner Xuenay is simply gone. His home isn't touched, the door isn't locked or barred. There is no sign that anything unusual happened. But he fails to show up in the village square in the morning.
[tab]The small temple of the Order was ransacked overnight, the short pews are overturned, the altar has been broken open, the acolytes tiny living chamber has been searched. The sword and shield symbol of the church has been taken down and dumped on the dirt floor.
[tab]You consider holding off on the lynching for the day. Maybe Xuenay was the last werewolf and he fled the village rather than kill again. Maybe everyone left is innocent.
[tab]But late in the day, on a bluff overlooking the village that was once used for romantic meetings you find freshly dug earth. You dig it up and there between the lialacs you find Xuenay's body. Ravaged with claws and broken in half to better fit in the hole.
[tab]The werewolf is still hunting and the lynching must happen. The tanners body is uncermoniously dropped as all of you rush back to the square. Someone in the village is still guilty, someone must face the gallows.
Voting:
November 4th:
[tab]Wainwright Eerr rechecks the harnesses on his wagon. It is the day after the last lynching. Carpenter Lorgen was dragged out of his home and hung the previous afternoon, and he was the last werewolf. Still the villagers didn't rest easy last night, each expecting another attack. But the night was uneventful and all four of the survivors of Foxford meet again in the morning.
[tab]"You don't have to go."
[tab]"Really?", Wainwright Eerr looks up, "And when the Order sends a new acolyte to the village will you and Dreiche lie to him about me? If he finds out and tries to kill me will you fight for or against me?"
[tab]Mayor Frozen-Vomit doesn't answer.
[tab]"Besides, I am tired of hiding. These lands stink of the domination of the Order. They teach you to give up your freedom and trust them for your safety. But the Veil says that you make your own way. You can have faith or fire when the next werewolf comes through your door. You know which I prefer. "
[tab]"You're right. The tales about the Veil must be exaggerated by the priests, talk of sacrifices, blood rites and demon worship."
[tab]Now it’s the Wainwright's turn to be silent.
[tab]Merchant Bad Player comes back to join them, "I am so ready to get out of this place. A week behind and I've almost forgot what its like not to worry if my customers will be hung before they pay me."
[tab]The three chuckle. Dreiche is loading some of the food supplies onto the merchants wagon in exchange for tools. The winter stores won't be as important in a village with only 2 residents, but a village without a blacksmith or carpenter will need all of the tools it can get.
[tab]"Where ever you go, just be sure to tell the women that there is an innkeeper and a strapping young man with his own farm here in Foxford."
[tab]The small caravan begins to pull out of Foxford when the Merchant calls back, "Aye, we will tell the women. But until them you just stay away from the sheep!"
[tab]From a lialac covered bluff Duin watches the wagons leave. He has already dug up the sword that was hidden here for him. He can see Lorgen hanging down in the square and he briefly considers heading down to finish the job. But he has to make the Ljosalfar lands by nightfall and there is little time for such amusements. The pups had their fun and they are easily replaced when the baron needs more. So he tucks the sword in his belt and disappears into the forests.
Status:
[tab]The Game is over
[tab]The Village won!
[tab]Foxford is a tiny village on the outskirts of the Elohim empire. Largely forgotten by anyone of consequence its surrounding fur and deer camps are its only real value. Still the villagers of Foxford are a decent, if not overly supersticious lot, and are accustomed to seeing their children raised to go off to wars they never return from.
[tab]Foxford was quiet until the arrival of a traveler from the elven lands. This was no elf, but a man named Duin who carried a thick oak cudgel and quite a few gold coins. Unaccustomed to wealthy travelers the backwater inn and tavern were delighted to have his company, and sorry to see him go the following day. They wouldn't know until later that this man left more than gold in the village.
The Living:
[tab]Farmhand Dreiche2- Has been helping to turn the nearby land into wheat fields
[tab]Innkeeper Frozen-Vomit- Owner of the Scratch 'n Thistle inn (currently Mayor)
[tab]Merchant Bad Player- Traveling merchant that arrived in Foxford the same day Duin did
[tab]Wainwright Eerr- Wagon maker
The Dead:
[tab]Shepard QES- Protector of sheep
[tab]Cobbler Nikis-Knight- Shoemaker
[tab]Bar Wench Ploeperpengel- Works in the Gauls Breath Tavern
[tab]Hunter Teg Navanis- Foxfords most capable fighter, but even he couldn't stand up to a werewolf at night
[tab]Herbalist Sureshot- Wife of the Farmer
[tab]Farmer Woodelf- Farm owner and husband of the Herbalist
[tab]Blacksmith Grillick- More accustomed to making nails and farming implements than weapons
[tab]Tavern Owner Deathling- Bartender and owner of the Gauls Breath tavern and a Werewolf!
[tab]Mayor Thealien_83- Foxfords leader
[tab]Stablemaster Unser- Owner of the stable
[tab]Village Idiot Corlindale- Drunk and nair-do-well
[tab]Acolyte Loki- Has only been in Foxford for a month, recently assigned here from Cahir Abbey. A Werewolf!
[tab]Tanner Xuenay- retired hunter, now a tanner and leatherworker
[tab]Carpenter Lorgen- Craftsman and the final Werewolf!
October 28th
[tab]Crows gather over the Cobblers garden. Below the body of Sonne was ravaged almost past the point of recognition. Sonne was Cobbler Nikis-Knights daughter and barely past her 16th birthday. The tragedy of her death was overshadowed by an even darker realization, that she was killed by Werewolves. Tracks around the body show that there were three separate attackers, you will have to find and kill these werewolves if you are to survive.
[tab]Carpenter Lorgen and Blacksmith Grillick begin building gallows in the village square. Before night comes someone must be found guilty and killed for this crime.
Events:
1. While Duin was in town he seemed to have a fondness for Bar Wench Ploeperpengel. Several villagers even saw the two heading toward Duin's room together (although that isn't uncommon for the Bar Wench).
2. Several villagers spotted Herbalist Sureshot creeping through the village by herself well past midnight.
Votes:
Spoiler :
Lynching:
[tab]Despite accusations and pleading from all sides Shepard QES is grabbed and dragged to the gallows. He insists he is innocent and that this is a mistake. There is only one way to be sure. Acolyte Loki prays for his soul and then the noose is put around his neck. He is dropped and in a few minutes the twiching subsides.
[tab]A careful examination shows.... that he was human.
[tab]Everyone heads back to their homes, the village has killed an innocent man. It is getting late and the werewolves will be hunting soon.
[tab]After the lynching Cobbler Nikis-Knight returned to his garden and sat in the spot his daughter was killed. The village was quiet until they heard his yelling:
[tab]"What do you want, why did you kill her?"
[tab]The response was a deep growl, an inhuman voice, "Where is the sword you stole from our master?"
[tab]"I don't have it, somebody took it." the cobbler pleaded, "Please stay back!"
[tab]Then only screams.
October 29th:
[tab]No one is surprised at what they find in the morning. Cobbler Nikis-Knights corpse ravaged just as his daughters had been. Three villagers dead and the werewolves are still among you. The gallows wait for their next victim.
Events:
1. After being kept from leaving during the day Merchant Civkid1991 went to get his horse just before dark and was stopped by Stablemaster Unser and several angry villagers. No one is to leave the village until the killers are caught.
2. Tanner Xuenay spent a lot of time in the Cobblers garden yesterday, and after Nikis-Knight is buried he returns and sits in it alone. Most of the other villagers are staying as far away from the garden as possible.
Votes:
Spoiler :
Lynching:
[tab]Divided evenly on the issue the villagers push both Bar Wench Ploeperpengel and Hunter Teg Navanis toward the gallows. The Bar Wench screams at the hypocracy of the crowd, who claim to be innocent even though many have shared her bed. She is quickly gagged before she gives away to many secrets.
[tab]The Hunter is the opposite, he accepts the villages demands and says nothing as the noose is put around his neck. He looks steadily into the angry mob, find the eyes of the Herbalist and holds her gaze until the lever is pulled.
[tab]When they are both dead the Bar Wench is cut down and examined... she is human.
[tab]Nervous glances are exchanged between the villagers. Another innocent has been killed. Steeling themselves the Hunters corpse is cut down and checked... he is human as well.
[tab]No werewolves have been caught, and the night comes for them to hunt again. The werewolves have been more cunning predators than the villagers expected and the fate of the prophet is unknown. You could hardly imagine a worse night for Foxford, it will only get worse.
[tab]As night falls the Herbalist is left crying alone in the village square, her husband offers no comfort.
October 30th
[tab]The call of crows can be heard throughout the village. They are flocking to Foxford and growing fat on human flesh.
[tab]When morning breaks you meet under the cover of black wings and find one person missing. The Hunters corpse is also gone, it is easy enough to figure out what happened.
[tab]After you left the village square Herbalist Sureshot cut the Hunter down. Without aide she dragged him to the villages small graveyard and dug his grave. Her tracks are easy to follow to the graveyard, and among a host of fresh graves you find the one she dug last night for the hunter. She gathered lialacs and planted them around the grave.
[tab]It must have been late when she finished and this is where the werewolves found her. They prefer fresh meat and didn't disturb the grave or the corpse of the Bar Wench which still lay on the gallows, instead they feasted on Herbalist Sureshot. And her suffering made the meal all the more enjoyable.
[tab]The gallows have claimed as many innocents as the werewolves, but they must be used again. Even though it has been inaccurate so far, it is the only weapon you have against those that hunt you.
Votes:
Spoiler :
The Lynching:
[tab]Again everyone gathers around the gallows. You can't help but notice how much smaller the group is. But you are decided and Farmer Woodelf is brought forward to stand where Hunter Teg did the night before.
[tab]Acolyte Loki blesses him and the noose is put around his neck. The crows are getting even more brazen and they now sit right on the gallows, greedy for the bulging eyes of the dead.
[tab]The lever is pulled and Farmer Woodelf falls until the cord pulls taunt. The sickening crack of his neck cracking will at least mean that this nights lynching will be mercifully sweet.
[tab]After a few minutes the crows are shoo'ed away and the corpse is cut down. An inspection reveals that.... he was human.
October 31st
[tab]A thick grey rain covers most of the morning. Usually this would be enough to keep the villagers in their homes, but today you meet in the village square to see if anyone is lost. You gather in small groups until its obvious that only Blacksmith Grillick is missing, unable to wait longer you go to his house.
[tab]A chill runs through the group when they see the door to his squat cottage is broken in, some had hoped that the werewolves would only kill those out at night. Inside there are signs of a struggle, furniture is destroyed. His bedroom door, which had been reinforced by moving both the bed and dresser in front of it was broken through so quickly that the Blacksmith didn’t even manage to climb out of his window in time. He was caught still hanging in it, his flesh stripped off, his bones broken.
Votes:
Spoiler :
The Lynching:
[tab]The village drags Tavern Owner Deathling to the gallows and puts the noose around his neck.
[tab]Acolyte Loki offers last rites only if the Tavern Owner confesses his crimes and asks for atonement. Deathling refuses, arguing that he has done nothing wrong and Loki doesn't give his blessing.
[tab]The lever is pulled and Deathling falls hard. The cord bites into his neck as he struggles against it. His muscles pull against the ropes that bind his arms and legs, but he is unable to break free.
[tab]No one goes up to cut him down. No investigation is performed, because in death the Tavern Owners boby reverts to its true form, that of a werewolf!
[tab]Everyone is silent, you have successfully stuck back at your hunters and claimed at least one life for those you have lost. Everyone cheers and heads into the Tavern for an impromptu celebration (and with the Tavern Owner gone all drinks are free). The werewolves will strike back tonight, but for now you have won a victory and shown that Foxford may not fall so easily.
November 1st
[tab]Maybe free alcohol is a bad thing. Most of the village stumbles into the village square the next morning with a bad hangover. The are instantly sobered by what they find. The corpse of Deathling is gone, stolen by the werewolves. In its place is the corpse of Mayor Thealien_83. The two werewolves each put their claws in his ribs and back and split him in two. The gallows looked like they were painted with his blood and internal organs. Crows are feasting on the scattered pieces of flesh and there are so many that you have to get brooms to chase them away.
[tab]Still even with the loss and the hangover, last nights victory is not forgotten. There will be more deaths, but if the trend is continued and a werewolf is caught today and tomorrow then this war is almost over. That thought dominates all of your minds as you set to the task of finding the next victim for lynching.
Voting:
Spoiler :
The Lynching:
[tab]Five is a majority in the shrinking village and Stablemaster Unser is greeted at his door by a mass of villagers ready for another lynching. He checks the horses in his care, and makes sure they have enough food to last the next few days. Then he removes his coat, folds it and leaves it on the tackle box and walks out to the square.
[tab]The gallows have turned dark from dried blood and has a stench so foul everyone covers their mouth and nose when they approch it. Still the afternoons grim business must be done and the Stablemaster is moved into position. Acolyte Loki blesses him and Stablemaster Unser mutters something about "that damn missing stableboy" before the lever is pulled and he does the deadmans dance.
[tab]No transformation follows. Still you cut his corpse down and check it for any signs he wasnt human. None are found. Stablemaster Unser was human.
[tab]Tonight the werewolves will strike again. By morning there will be only 7 left, 5 humans and 2 werewolves. There are only a few chances left to save Foxford.
[tab]No one sleeps at night in Foxford. Instead every door is barred, and every innocent villager hides in the shadows of their homes. For those that survive, the nights are full of imagined sounds and distant animals noises that sound more ominious since the werewolves arrived.
[tab]But not tonight. There is a crash so loud that everyone thinks the werewolves are coming through their own door. But the houses aren't touched. Instead you hear a low growl and a drunken challenge.
[tab]"What are .. come on! Killed my Sonne, the only nice one!"
[tab]You peek out of your houses and see Village Idiot Corlindale running through the village with a gleaming sword in his hand. Spirits stretch from the sword, the souls of those killed by it, and the reach for and surface the sword comes near. Gripping walls, a rain barrel, a tree only to be pulled back when Corlindale whips the sword the other way.
[tab]Two werewolves stalk the drunk, growling and leading him back into the village square, where they will have more room to maneuver. You briefly consider rushing out to help, but the werewolves glance at those peeking from your windows, and you are unable to overcome your fear.
[tab]Maybe if the Hunter was still alive, he could do something. Maybe with that sword Corlindale will be able to fight them off. Maybe...
[tab]When the werewolves get him into the village square they circle him. Corlindale is blubbering about the butterflies and Sonne when they leap. The sword moves on its own, as if to counter the attack, but Corlindales leg gives out and he tumbles backwards into the mud. One of the werewolves easily bats the sword aside, and the other sinks his teeth into Corlindales throat. The two feast, tearing him apart as you watch from your windows. He never stood a chance and you are suddenly happy, and very guilty, that you did nothing but watch.
[tab]After they have fed one of the werewolves picks up the discarded sword. Then, with a howl they both dissapear with it into the night.
[tab]Safe for a few hours you allow yourself to sleep and your dreams are full of dark shapes that hunt you and blue butterflies.
November 2nd:
[tab]In the morning you hope that 2 villagers will be missing, that the werewovles would have left town now that they have the sword. But of the group only Corlindale is gone, the hunt continues. But it is day now, and you are the hunters and they are the prey.
[tab]You have 2 chances left, today and tomorrow. If you fail to get a werewolf in either day Foxford is done.
Voting:
Spoiler :
The Lynching:
[tab]Acolyte Loki is grabbed and dragged to the gallows. He curses those that are about to kill him and tells them of the punishment Junil will visit on their immortal souls if he is killed. Wainwright Eerr chuckles at this and says he will take his chances.
[tab]But no one can bring themselves to hang a man wearing the vestments of the church. Just the thought of a legion of crusaders marching through the village and catching a bunch of sleep deprived, crazed, hungry and half-drunk villagers stringing up a disciple of the state religion is to much to bear. Fortunatly a solution is found, remove the clothes.
[tab]It is getting late and the sun dips dangerously low. The first traces of moonlight hit the village and Loki beings to change. His hands are bound but the noose hangs loosly around his neck. His lips curl back to expose fangs and he lunges towards Xuenay, who was about to pull the lever, knocking him over the gallows railing.
[tab]The rest of the villagers jump onto the gallows and push the half-transformed Loki back. Even bound he is a powerful creature and the villagers are unable to budge him.
[tab]Wainwright Eerr yells for someone to grab the lever, Caprenter Lorgen lets go of Loki and does so. No one is quite able to remember what happens next. Loki was growing, getting stronger, and pushing most of the village off of the gallows when Wainwright Eerr put both his hands on Lokis chest. Strange words were spoken and an intence naseua swept over everyone. Visions of a broken battlefield and a burning angel filled everyones mind and fire explodes in the cluster of pushing bodies.
[tab]Loki is thrown back and the lever is pulled. He stands on the edge of the trapdoor for just a second before losing his balance and falling. He hangs there twiching and dies in his full werewolf form.
[tab]Mayor Frozen-Vomit, Farnhand Dreiche2 and Merchant CivKid1991 roll in the dirt to put out the flames that hit them. The damage is superficial and everyone checks themselves to make sure no one was bitten, they weren't.
[tab]The Mayor sets a new mandate, tomorrows lynching will occur earlier in the day, and everyone laughs. Despite the near disaster another werewolf is dead. Tonight may well be the last night they hunt in Foxford. There is only one left and with a little luck tomorrow will be the end of this war.
November 3rd
[tab]Tanner Xuenay is simply gone. His home isn't touched, the door isn't locked or barred. There is no sign that anything unusual happened. But he fails to show up in the village square in the morning.
[tab]The small temple of the Order was ransacked overnight, the short pews are overturned, the altar has been broken open, the acolytes tiny living chamber has been searched. The sword and shield symbol of the church has been taken down and dumped on the dirt floor.
[tab]You consider holding off on the lynching for the day. Maybe Xuenay was the last werewolf and he fled the village rather than kill again. Maybe everyone left is innocent.
[tab]But late in the day, on a bluff overlooking the village that was once used for romantic meetings you find freshly dug earth. You dig it up and there between the lialacs you find Xuenay's body. Ravaged with claws and broken in half to better fit in the hole.
[tab]The werewolf is still hunting and the lynching must happen. The tanners body is uncermoniously dropped as all of you rush back to the square. Someone in the village is still guilty, someone must face the gallows.
Voting:
Spoiler :
November 4th:
[tab]Wainwright Eerr rechecks the harnesses on his wagon. It is the day after the last lynching. Carpenter Lorgen was dragged out of his home and hung the previous afternoon, and he was the last werewolf. Still the villagers didn't rest easy last night, each expecting another attack. But the night was uneventful and all four of the survivors of Foxford meet again in the morning.
[tab]"You don't have to go."
[tab]"Really?", Wainwright Eerr looks up, "And when the Order sends a new acolyte to the village will you and Dreiche lie to him about me? If he finds out and tries to kill me will you fight for or against me?"
[tab]Mayor Frozen-Vomit doesn't answer.
[tab]"Besides, I am tired of hiding. These lands stink of the domination of the Order. They teach you to give up your freedom and trust them for your safety. But the Veil says that you make your own way. You can have faith or fire when the next werewolf comes through your door. You know which I prefer. "
[tab]"You're right. The tales about the Veil must be exaggerated by the priests, talk of sacrifices, blood rites and demon worship."
[tab]Now it’s the Wainwright's turn to be silent.
[tab]Merchant Bad Player comes back to join them, "I am so ready to get out of this place. A week behind and I've almost forgot what its like not to worry if my customers will be hung before they pay me."
[tab]The three chuckle. Dreiche is loading some of the food supplies onto the merchants wagon in exchange for tools. The winter stores won't be as important in a village with only 2 residents, but a village without a blacksmith or carpenter will need all of the tools it can get.
[tab]"Where ever you go, just be sure to tell the women that there is an innkeeper and a strapping young man with his own farm here in Foxford."
[tab]The small caravan begins to pull out of Foxford when the Merchant calls back, "Aye, we will tell the women. But until them you just stay away from the sheep!"
[tab]From a lialac covered bluff Duin watches the wagons leave. He has already dug up the sword that was hidden here for him. He can see Lorgen hanging down in the square and he briefly considers heading down to finish the job. But he has to make the Ljosalfar lands by nightfall and there is little time for such amusements. The pups had their fun and they are easily replaced when the baron needs more. So he tucks the sword in his belt and disappears into the forests.
Status:
[tab]The Game is over
[tab]The Village won!
That is the most extraordinary thing I`ve heard in a long time. What threats did woodelf`s wife make? Something about Mutton Stew?
