WW LXXXVII - The Valley Forge - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Folwren · 08-13-2011, 02:54 PM

The dwarves of Erebor have fallen into dark times. A threat has come from the Dark Lord Sauron. His Nazgul demand allegiance, in reward for which of three Dwarven rings will be given. King Dáin wants nothing to do with it and has twice put off the messenger. But the messenger is going to come again, a third and last time, and he wants an answer, or war may break out.

But there is also a growing threat from within. Some dwarves do not like the king’s decision. They know the folly of defying Lord Sauron, and they also know that power could be gained if they received the three promised rings. A small group of dwarves in one corner of the community has decided to take matters into their own hands. They have formed a party, made themselves a name, and created a secret society. During the day, they attempt to persuade their fellow dwarves to rise in a revolt against the king and take what is offered them from Lord Sauron. At night, they go forth and execute any who stand in their way, making examples of them for anyone else who wishes to stand against them.

King Dáin knew not how to put down this inward uprising and deal with the traitors. He sent trusted dwarves down to the area where the killings were occurring, but these dwarves were murdered or sent back with their beards shaven and with the society’s brand imprinted on their shoulder.

Finally, one dwarf stepped forward and promised results, or his life forfeit. “Indeed,” the king told him grimly, “your life will be forfeit. For if you fail to bring down this uprising, those members of the Valley Forge will save me the trouble of removing your head.”

The dwarf bowed and withdrew from the king’s presence and set himself the task of learning the workings of the society of the Valley Forge. When he deemed himself ready, he traveled to the corner of Erebor where the Forge held its reign of terror. He quickly blended into the darkest parts and amongst the darkest dwarves of the place. In time, he was brought before the Forge’s leader, questioned, put through the trials of a new member, and permitted to enter into the society.

But in secret, he had already planted the first seeds of his real work. He had stirred the people up with ideas and rumors. The terrified dwarves were tired of being bullied and killed at whim, and as the king seemed to be doing nothing about it, they would do something for themselves. It was decided that they must purge the place of the evil dwarves, and each day a trial would be held and each night, they would decide on who was most likely to be part of the Valley Forge. And for such dwarves, there was only one punishment: death.

Night One begins in five minutes.

Players
Sally
Inzil
Nerwen
Boro
Galadriel
Eruhen
Bom
Glirdan
Finduilas
Rikae
McCaber
Wilwarin
Pitchwife
the Phantom
Mithalwen

Folwren · 08-13-2011, 02:59 PM

Night One

Their gathering place was dark, save for a few burning torches that flickered in the brackets on the wall. At the far end of the room, a fire burned. He stood facing a golden bearded dwarf who questioned him while the other members of the Forge stood in the shadows.

“You know the purpose of our company?”

“I do. It is to persuade our fellow dwarves to take the wisest course of action in regards to Lord Sauron’s offer.”

“And you are of one mind with us?”

“I am. It is our duty to remove any obstacles that stand in our way to accomplishing our goal.”

“And you are willing to endure the tests to join us?”

“I am.”

The dwarf nodded his head to another standing behind dwarf being thus questioned. Immediately, a black cloth was bound across his eyes.

“If you are brave enough, take two steps forward.”

The black bearded dwarf felt the sharp prick of a blade’s point at his chest, but he did not hesitate as he took two steps forward, pushing boldly against it. The pressure melted away as he advanced and from the dwarves surrounding him, there was an approving murmur.

“While working with us, you must trust and obey orders explicitly. If you are able and willing to do so, walk forward and do not stop until I tell you.”

This time, there was no obstacle in his way and he strode forward, blind as he was, until he had taken five strides and he felt the heat of the fire on his face and hands. Still he walked on, until he felt he must be about to step into the very flame. Then the commanding dwarf said from behind – “Stop!” He stopped, and waited, the heat from the furnace beating upon him. Then he was ordered to step back three steps.

“The final test is that of pain. Can you endure it?”

“I can.”

Immediately, his right arm was seized by the shoulder and elbow. The sleeve was torn open and then he growled fiercely while biting back a cry as a burning such as he had never endured during his work at his forge pressed against his shoulder. They released him and the blind fold was removed from his eyes.

“Welcome our newest companion,” the Forge leader said. “Galin Ironfist is now one of us.”

Galin turned, his eyes blazing with a dull, dark fire. His shoulder throbbed where the sign of the Valley Forge was branded into his flesh. He looked from beneath his dark brows from one member to the next, memorizing their faces, and thinking silently to himself,

So. Now I know. These they are that I must bring down, or go down in my attempt.

Night one has begun. Forge members may PM each other. Sweetheart, send me your names.

Players
Sally
Inzil
Nerwen
Boro
Galadriel
Eruhen
Bom
Glirdan
Finduilas
Rikae
McCaber
Wilwarin
Pitchwife
the Phantom
Mithalwen

the phantom · 08-14-2011, 03:03 PM

I’m sure everyone else has thought of this already, but I just want to be the first one to say it.

King’s Dwarf- please die as soon as possible- as in the first two days. The instant you die and we see your role revealed, we can simply look at which individuals you suspected and lynch them, and presto! Game over. Good guys win. And if the bad dwarves figure out immediately Day 1 that you're the KD, so what? What are they going to do about it? Kill you? *snicker*

Sweetheart- find the King’s Dwarf as soon as possible, as once you find him it will make it more likely that he will die (due to him protecting you at night plus once you know who he is you can lynch him).

Now obviously KD, you can’t purposefully try and die too obviously, as that would count as revealing, but I’m sure you’re clever enough to figure something out. You know which people are likely to bite back if you attack them and so on.

And quick word of advice to the Sweetheart- don’t waste your time. I’m quite busy with my smithing, digging, and other dwarf stuff and have no interest in starting a family at the moment. Plus you’re just not my type. Uuuuuuuugly.

(Though I'm not sure why I bothered to say that. No doubt I was one of the people checked by the Sweetheart on the first night. Everyone wants a piece of Phantom.)

Be back later. Have fun.

satansaloser2005 · 08-14-2011, 03:07 PM

Sweetie, you wouldn't want to have kids with him anyway. He already neglects the one he's got, so what would he do with more?

Phantom is clearly evil, regardless of his possible role. We should lynch him straightaway.

wilwarin538 · 08-14-2011, 03:27 PM

Yay, I'm playing a WW game!!!! It's been so long, hopefully I'm not too rusty.

So KD is like a reverse cobbler, the baddies think he's one of them, but he really wants them dead? That's pretty brilliant. And if he can give a heads up to the watchdwarf that should decrease the number of night kills substantially. But we need to kill the KD in order to win, right? So really everyone wants him dead, but the baddies want him dead ASAP, while we'd maybe like to keep him around a bit longer so he can help out the watchdwarf. Hopefully I'm understanding this all correctly.

I don't work til much later tomorrow, so I should be able to come on quite a bit toDay.

Inziladun · 08-14-2011, 03:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wilwarin538

So KD is like a reverse cobbler, the baddies think he's one of them, but he really wants them dead? That's pretty brilliant. And if he can give a heads up to the watchdwarf that should decrease the number of night kills substantially. But we need to kill the KD in order to win, right? So really everyone wants him dead, but the baddies want him dead ASAP, while we'd maybe like to keep him around a bit longer so he can help out the watchdwarf. Hopefully I'm understanding this all correctly.

Ideally, the KD would be the last Forge member alive, and could hopefully then make xemself so suspicious so as to be an obvious lynch choice. A tough job, though.

And as phantom said, the KD could certainly give clues to help ferret out xyr packmates as well.

Pitchwife · 08-14-2011, 04:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by the phantom

King’s Dwarf- please die as soon as possible- as in the first two days. The instant you die and we see your role revealed, we can simply look at which individuals you suspected and lynch them, and presto! Game over. Good guys win. And if the bad dwarves figure out immediately Day 1 that you're the KD, so what? What are they going to do about it? Kill you? *snicker*

Good thinking there - provided that the KD would be willing to sacrifice his personal winning condition for the sake of a village victory. Also, KD, try to get lynched rather than Night-killed to avoid a double kill.

Quote:

Originally Posted by the phantom

Sweetheart- find the King’s Dwarf as soon as possible, as once you find him it will make it more likely that he will die (due to him protecting you at night plus once you know who he is you can lynch him).

Like this as well. If nothing else, finding each other will make both your lives a little easier for a while - though maybe shorter; anyway, once you have found the KD and while he's alive, you should strive for the reverse manner of death (i.e. Night-kill rather than lynching).

Quote:

Originally Posted by the phantom

And quick word of advice to the Sweetheart- don’t waste your time. I’m quite busy with my smithing, digging, and other dwarf stuff and have no interest in starting a family at the moment. Plus you’re just not my type. Uuuuuuuugly.

Now this looks just like you're one of those Dwarves who prefer ogling long-legged elven blondes to doing their duty for the proliferation of our kind. No wonder we Khazâd are a dwindling race.

Quote:

Originally Posted by wilwarin538

But we need to kill the KD in order to win, right?

Depends on who you mean by we

. Technically, we don't, as he counts as an innocent in the tally IIRC - but phantom's plan does have a certain appeal.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bom Tombadillo

*cough* Would the Weredwarves care to reveal?

Naughty boy! Reveals are forbidden, remember? Or are you trying to get the Forgers modfired? If so, nice attempt, but I don't think it'll be that easy.

Folwren · 08-14-2011, 03:02 PM

Day One

The tests being completed and the ordeals well born, the new member of the Valley Forge was welcomed in on the meeting. He did not speak much, but he listened very attentively to the proceedings. They spoke at length of what the Forge’s next actions should be, and the threats related to their occupation.

“There’s dark work being done,” one dwarf said. “The dwarves here are becoming fierce.”

“What do you expect? I say we’ve pushed them too hard, too fast.”

“It’s not our fault. We’re just doing what’s best. We don’t have very much time. Lord Sauron’s messenger will be returning soon – we must have enough dwarves on our side before he returns.”

“You both are on the wrong scent,” a third dwarf observed. He looked dangerous, and his voice was grim as he spoke. He cast a glance about the circle of dwarves. “King Dáin has sent another dwarf to put a stop to us. I’ve heard rumor of him in the streets, but I’ve never gotten a chance to clap eyes on the fellow. If I had, our job would be easy.” He drew his finger across his throat in an unmistakable gesture. "But he’s trickier than the others Dáin has sent. He’s avoided detection while at the same time he’s caused unrest among the dwarves. They’re ready to strike against us, the fools, and I have little doubt it will come to violence.”

“We must take down the King’s dwarf and therefore take away their driving force.”

“How do we do that?”

“Find someone he has had contact with and question them.”

“I know of one. Many of the messages and word has come from her, so I believe she must be in close contact with him. It is Folwren.”

The leader of the Forge drove his fist into his knee as he growled a curse. “We should have dealt with her a long time ago.” He looked about at his dwarves and then nodded in decision. "I and two others will take care of this. Galin Ironfist, this shall be your first mission. Who else? Frer. Good. Come, then.”

Through the dark of night, the three companions stole through the streets of the village. They came to Folwren’s home, a low stone house standing alone. Galin was ordered within. “Use your knife,” they told him. "Make it quiet and swift. We may be in danger here if she is in close contact with the king’s messenger. We will stand watch outside.”

Galin slipped within and found Folwren fast asleep on her bed. He slipped a hand over her mouth and she woke with a gasp. He warned her to be silent and then let her go. “What are you doing here?” she whispered. “Do you not know it is dangerous?”

He nodded his head and said close to her ear, “I am part of the Forge now. I have come with two companions and they have sent me in to kill you.”

There was a long pause and then Folwren murmured. “I see. You must do it, of course. There is no other way.”

“Yes,” was all he said.

“You must find someone to help you in your purpose. Someone you can trust and send ahead to warn people, for you cannot do it yourself.”

“I will try.” He reached beneath the folds of his cloak and drew his dagger. “I am sorry.”

Folrwen took his hand and guided the dagger point above her heart. She looked him straight in the eye. “So that others may be saved, I die. We are both servants of the king, and this is a war that must be fought. Do what you know must be done and do not regret it.”

A moment later, muffled bootsteps crept across the floor of the house and voice whispered in the darkness, “Ironfist! Is it finished?”

“Aye,” he said, aloud. “It is done and I have written the warning.”

***

The next morning, when a neighboring dwarf found Folwren’s body, he also found a parchment with writing in blood.

She aided the enemy of the Forge, and thus shall be the fate of all who try to stand against us.

Day One has begun.

Alive
Sally
Inzil
Nerwen
Boro
Galadriel
Eruhen
Bom
Glirdan
Finduilas
Rikae
McCaber
Wilwarin
Pitchwife
the Phantom
Mithalwen

Dead
Folwren - Moddess

08-13-2011, 02:54 PM	#1
Folwren Messenger of Hope Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: In a tiny, insignificant little town in one of the many States. Posts: 5,076	WW LXXXVII - The Valley Forge The dwarves of Erebor have fallen into dark times. A threat has come from the Dark Lord Sauron. His Nazgul demand allegiance, in reward for which of three Dwarven rings will be given. King Dáin wants nothing to do with it and has twice put off the messenger. But the messenger is going to come again, a third and last time, and he wants an answer, or war may break out. But there is also a growing threat from within. Some dwarves do not like the king’s decision. They know the folly of defying Lord Sauron, and they also know that power could be gained if they received the three promised rings. A small group of dwarves in one corner of the community has decided to take matters into their own hands. They have formed a party, made themselves a name, and created a secret society. During the day, they attempt to persuade their fellow dwarves to rise in a revolt against the king and take what is offered them from Lord Sauron. At night, they go forth and execute any who stand in their way, making examples of them for anyone else who wishes to stand against them. King Dáin knew not how to put down this inward uprising and deal with the traitors. He sent trusted dwarves down to the area where the killings were occurring, but these dwarves were murdered or sent back with their beards shaven and with the society’s brand imprinted on their shoulder. Finally, one dwarf stepped forward and promised results, or his life forfeit. “Indeed,” the king told him grimly, “your life will be forfeit. For if you fail to bring down this uprising, those members of the Valley Forge will save me the trouble of removing your head.” The dwarf bowed and withdrew from the king’s presence and set himself the task of learning the workings of the society of the Valley Forge. When he deemed himself ready, he traveled to the corner of Erebor where the Forge held its reign of terror. He quickly blended into the darkest parts and amongst the darkest dwarves of the place. In time, he was brought before the Forge’s leader, questioned, put through the trials of a new member, and permitted to enter into the society. But in secret, he had already planted the first seeds of his real work. He had stirred the people up with ideas and rumors. The terrified dwarves were tired of being bullied and killed at whim, and as the king seemed to be doing nothing about it, they would do something for themselves. It was decided that they must purge the place of the evil dwarves, and each day a trial would be held and each night, they would decide on who was most likely to be part of the Valley Forge. And for such dwarves, there was only one punishment: death. Night One begins in five minutes. Players Sally Inzil Nerwen Boro Galadriel Eruhen Bom Glirdan Finduilas Rikae McCaber Wilwarin Pitchwife the Phantom Mithalwen

08-13-2011, 02:59 PM	#2
Folwren Messenger of Hope Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: In a tiny, insignificant little town in one of the many States. Posts: 5,076	Night One Their gathering place was dark, save for a few burning torches that flickered in the brackets on the wall. At the far end of the room, a fire burned. He stood facing a golden bearded dwarf who questioned him while the other members of the Forge stood in the shadows. “You know the purpose of our company?” “I do. It is to persuade our fellow dwarves to take the wisest course of action in regards to Lord Sauron’s offer.” “And you are of one mind with us?” “I am. It is our duty to remove any obstacles that stand in our way to accomplishing our goal.” “And you are willing to endure the tests to join us?” “I am.” The dwarf nodded his head to another standing behind dwarf being thus questioned. Immediately, a black cloth was bound across his eyes. “If you are brave enough, take two steps forward.” The black bearded dwarf felt the sharp prick of a blade’s point at his chest, but he did not hesitate as he took two steps forward, pushing boldly against it. The pressure melted away as he advanced and from the dwarves surrounding him, there was an approving murmur. “While working with us, you must trust and obey orders explicitly. If you are able and willing to do so, walk forward and do not stop until I tell you.” This time, there was no obstacle in his way and he strode forward, blind as he was, until he had taken five strides and he felt the heat of the fire on his face and hands. Still he walked on, until he felt he must be about to step into the very flame. Then the commanding dwarf said from behind – “Stop!” He stopped, and waited, the heat from the furnace beating upon him. Then he was ordered to step back three steps. “The final test is that of pain. Can you endure it?” “I can.” Immediately, his right arm was seized by the shoulder and elbow. The sleeve was torn open and then he growled fiercely while biting back a cry as a burning such as he had never endured during his work at his forge pressed against his shoulder. They released him and the blind fold was removed from his eyes. “Welcome our newest companion,” the Forge leader said. “Galin Ironfist is now one of us.” Galin turned, his eyes blazing with a dull, dark fire. His shoulder throbbed where the sign of the Valley Forge was branded into his flesh. He looked from beneath his dark brows from one member to the next, memorizing their faces, and thinking silently to himself, So. Now I know. These they are that I must bring down, or go down in my attempt. Night one has begun. Forge members may PM each other. Sweetheart, send me your names. Players Sally Inzil Nerwen Boro Galadriel Eruhen Bom Glirdan Finduilas Rikae McCaber Wilwarin Pitchwife the Phantom Mithalwen Last edited by Folwren; 08-13-2011 at 04:49 PM.

08-14-2011, 03:03 PM	#3
the phantom Beloved Shadow Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: The Stadium Posts: 5,971	here we go... I’m sure everyone else has thought of this already, but I just want to be the first one to say it. King’s Dwarf- please die as soon as possible- as in the first two days. The instant you die and we see your role revealed, we can simply look at which individuals you suspected and lynch them, and presto! Game over. Good guys win. And if the bad dwarves figure out immediately Day 1 that you're the KD, so what? What are they going to do about it? Kill you? snicker Sweetheart- find the King’s Dwarf as soon as possible, as once you find him it will make it more likely that he will die (due to him protecting you at night plus once you know who he is you can lynch him). Now obviously KD, you can’t purposefully try and die too obviously, as that would count as revealing, but I’m sure you’re clever enough to figure something out. You know which people are likely to bite back if you attack them and so on. And quick word of advice to the Sweetheart- don’t waste your time. I’m quite busy with my smithing, digging, and other dwarf stuff and have no interest in starting a family at the moment. Plus you’re just not my type. Uuuuuuuugly. (Though I'm not sure why I bothered to say that. No doubt I was one of the people checked by the Sweetheart on the first night. Everyone wants a piece of Phantom.) Be back later. Have fun. __________________ the phantom has posted. This thread is now important.

08-14-2011, 03:07 PM	#4
satansaloser2005 The Sweetest Spoiler Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: from beneath you it giggles incessantly Posts: 5,789	Sweetie, you wouldn't want to have kids with him anyway. He already neglects the one he's got, so what would he do with more? Phantom is clearly evil, regardless of his possible role. We should lynch him straightaway. __________________ "My heart always cowers behind the defense of my wit." Friendship is two pals munching on a well-cooked face together. Fenris bookworm.

08-14-2011, 03:27 PM	#5
wilwarin538 Fluttering Enchantment Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Canada Posts: 2,508	Yay, I'm playing a WW game!!!! It's been so long, hopefully I'm not too rusty. So KD is like a reverse cobbler, the baddies think he's one of them, but he really wants them dead? That's pretty brilliant. And if he can give a heads up to the watchdwarf that should decrease the number of night kills substantially. But we need to kill the KD in order to win, right? So really everyone wants him dead, but the baddies want him dead ASAP, while we'd maybe like to keep him around a bit longer so he can help out the watchdwarf. Hopefully I'm understanding this all correctly. I don't work til much later tomorrow, so I should be able to come on quite a bit toDay. __________________ Comme une étoile amarante Comme un papillon de nuit C'est la lumière qui m'attire La flamme qui m'éblouit Fenris Muffin

08-14-2011, 03:02 PM	#8
Folwren Messenger of Hope Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: In a tiny, insignificant little town in one of the many States. Posts: 5,076	Day One The tests being completed and the ordeals well born, the new member of the Valley Forge was welcomed in on the meeting. He did not speak much, but he listened very attentively to the proceedings. They spoke at length of what the Forge’s next actions should be, and the threats related to their occupation. “There’s dark work being done,” one dwarf said. “The dwarves here are becoming fierce.” “What do you expect? I say we’ve pushed them too hard, too fast.” “It’s not our fault. We’re just doing what’s best. We don’t have very much time. Lord Sauron’s messenger will be returning soon – we must have enough dwarves on our side before he returns.” “You both are on the wrong scent,” a third dwarf observed. He looked dangerous, and his voice was grim as he spoke. He cast a glance about the circle of dwarves. “King Dáin has sent another dwarf to put a stop to us. I’ve heard rumor of him in the streets, but I’ve never gotten a chance to clap eyes on the fellow. If I had, our job would be easy.” He drew his finger across his throat in an unmistakable gesture. "But he’s trickier than the others Dáin has sent. He’s avoided detection while at the same time he’s caused unrest among the dwarves. They’re ready to strike against us, the fools, and I have little doubt it will come to violence.” “We must take down the King’s dwarf and therefore take away their driving force.” “How do we do that?” “Find someone he has had contact with and question them.” “I know of one. Many of the messages and word has come from her, so I believe she must be in close contact with him. It is Folwren.” The leader of the Forge drove his fist into his knee as he growled a curse. “We should have dealt with her a long time ago.” He looked about at his dwarves and then nodded in decision. "I and two others will take care of this. Galin Ironfist, this shall be your first mission. Who else? Frer. Good. Come, then.” Through the dark of night, the three companions stole through the streets of the village. They came to Folwren’s home, a low stone house standing alone. Galin was ordered within. “Use your knife,” they told him. "Make it quiet and swift. We may be in danger here if she is in close contact with the king’s messenger. We will stand watch outside.” Galin slipped within and found Folwren fast asleep on her bed. He slipped a hand over her mouth and she woke with a gasp. He warned her to be silent and then let her go. “What are you doing here?” she whispered. “Do you not know it is dangerous?” He nodded his head and said close to her ear, “I am part of the Forge now. I have come with two companions and they have sent me in to kill you.” There was a long pause and then Folwren murmured. “I see. You must do it, of course. There is no other way.” “Yes,” was all he said. “You must find someone to help you in your purpose. Someone you can trust and send ahead to warn people, for you cannot do it yourself.” “I will try.” He reached beneath the folds of his cloak and drew his dagger. “I am sorry.” Folrwen took his hand and guided the dagger point above her heart. She looked him straight in the eye. “So that others may be saved, I die. We are both servants of the king, and this is a war that must be fought. Do what you know must be done and do not regret it.” A moment later, muffled bootsteps crept across the floor of the house and voice whispered in the darkness, “Ironfist! Is it finished?” “Aye,” he said, aloud. “It is done and I have written the warning.” *** The next morning, when a neighboring dwarf found Folwren’s body, he also found a parchment with writing in blood. She aided the enemy of the Forge, and thus shall be the fate of all who try to stand against us. Day One has begun. Alive Sally Inzil Nerwen Boro Galadriel Eruhen Bom Glirdan Finduilas Rikae McCaber Wilwarin Pitchwife the Phantom Mithalwen Dead Folwren - Moddess