The Rebellion of General Lu

[Caeli]

GAME Thread | OOC Thread

It has been one generation since the Tiger General's Rebellion, when a well-known general rebelled against what he believed to be a corrupt state and attempted to overthrow the Zhang Dynasty. Though he was well-supported during his battle to claim the throne, he lost crucial supporters in the Forbidden Palace and was eventually defeated by the emperor's loyal generals.

The emperor, who had been the victim of a deadly poison during an attempted coup d'état at the Forbidden Palace, died ten years after the end of the rebellion and passed the title of the Son of Heaven to his eighth son, who would become known as Emperor Xuanzong. His wife, Empress Wang, made an intelligent companion who aided him in his political decisions and policies. The country flourished and prospered, healing from the political, environmental, and financial damage originating from the Tiger General's Rebellion.

Unfortunately, the empress lost favor because she could not give the emperor a son. He became enamored of one of his concubines, who was both beautiful and clever. Originally of lowly birth, her newfound status as the emperor's favorite gave her the power to elevate her family's status, as well as bring her brother to the imperial court. Consort Yang's brother eventually became the chancellor at his sister's insistence; the emperor, who could refuse Consort Yang nothing, granted her everything from natural warm-spring pools for bathing, to political positions for her family.

However, Chancellor Yang was corrupt and jealous of anyone who could challenge his power. This included the powerful and charismatic military commander, General Lu. Chancellor Yang incited a rebellion by having friends and family of General Lu assassinated. Again, China falls into chaos. Many people in the Imperial Court blame Consort Yang, who they accuse of bewitching the emperor and bringing ruin to the Middle Kingdom.

Persons of Interest

Emperor Xuanzong, the Son of Heaven [NPC] - The Chinese emperor; he has been caught in the middle of the conflict between Chancellor Yang, the brother of his favorite concubine, and General Lu, a powerful military commander. In desperation, he suggests that he and the Imperial Court flee to Jiannan [Southern Sword City]. They are to leave the Forbidden Palace in seven days.

Consort Yang [NPC] - The current favorite of the emperor. She is as beautiful as she is clever, and has in recent years schemed to increase the power and prestige of her own family. There are hushed whispers and rumors that she is to blame for the current state of affairs in the kingdom.

Chancellor Yang [NPC] - The brother of Consort Yang. He gained the position of chancellor through his sister's connections to the emperor. He is a corrupt political official who is also keenly aware of those who may threaten his position. He antagonized General Lu into rebellion by ordering the assassinations of the military commander's friends and family. Fearing judgment, he now plots to have the emperor and his children assassinated so that he can absolve himself of his crimes and turn his attentions to his opponent, General Lu.

General Lu [NPC] - A powerful and charismatic military commander who commands armies in three regions. He has steadily gained momentum in his rebellion, in which he calls for the removal of Chancellor Yang from office and a trial examining his crimes against the country. He, along with many others, blame Consort Yang for the current state of affairs.

The Roles

*Charismatic Adviser - This member of the Imperial Court is thought highly of. Under certain situations, his/her vote weighs more heavily than everyone else's.

• Special: This is a special ability that activates only in tie-breaker situations in the day phase. It does not affect the player's other special abilities, if any.
• Note: If the Charismatic Adviser is lynched or killed by the Loyalists, the next Charismatic Adviser will be chosen by popular vote in the next Day Phase, before the lynch vote.

Yang Loyalists (3) - During their time in the Imperial Court, both Chancellor Yang and Consort Yang have managed to win over officials of the Imperial Court through bribery, or through seduction. While most of their loyal followers have been captured by the Imperial Guard for treason against the Emperor, a small number remain who intend to elevate the Yang family to the highest echelons of political power.

• Special: Once per turn (night), the Yang loyalists can eliminate one member of the Imperial Court.
• Goal: Kill all the key officials within the Court, including the Emperor and his most intelligent advisers. One of the Yang Loyalists must survive in order for them to win the game.

Minister of the Treasury (1) - The most respected and trusted member of the imperial bureaucracy is also the most feared, for it is this minister who may have the greatest amount of power in the Imperial Court. Fortunately for the Loyalists, the Minister is susceptible to the lure of gold... but in return, will have a promise of survival after he is bribed.

• Special: This player will arrange a misunderstanding that will cause the Minister of the Royal Archives to receive incorrect information about his target - that is, a Loyalist will appear to be innocent (Imperial Court), while a member of the imperial court will appear to be a Loyalist.
• Special: Unlike the Minister of the Royal Archives, he can only do this once per game, as rumors of his corruption could lead to his disgrace and beheading.
• Special: The Minister of the Treasury's survival/death does not affect the Loyalists, and he is not privy to the identities of the Loyalists or their discussions. The Loyalists do not know who the Minister of the Treasury is.
• Goal: This is a self-interested player interested only in his or her own survival. This player is immune to elimination by the Loyalists during the night phase after using the special ability, but is not immune to lynching during the day phase.

Imperial Court (5) - The officials of the Imperial Court firmly believe that Chancellor Yang and his sister, Consort Yang, are to blame for the current rebellion. For the good of the country, they seek to root out the Court of Yang loyalists in order to convince the emperor to remove the siblings from power and return peace to the kingdom.

• Special: Once per turn (day), the remaining members of the Court (including the Yang Loyalists) can choose to lynch a suspected Yang loyalist from among themselves with a majority vote.
• Goal: Root out the Yang loyalists, and in doing so eliminate Chancellor and Consort Yang's support within the Imperial Court.

The Vermilion General (1) - One of the Four Great Generals, he is named after the southern Chinese constellation. His loyalty cannot be questioned: he leads the Imperial Guards, and swore his loyalty to Emperor Xuanzong long ago.

• Special: The General can protect one other player from the Yang Loyalists once each night. He can choose to protect himself. He cannot protect anyone from the lynch vote.
• Special: If the General chooses to protect a member of the imperial court and he is targeted by the Yang loyalists during the night phase, s/he will die, but will grievously injure the Loyalists. As a result, the Loyalists will lose the ability to eliminate someone during the next night phase.
• Special: If the General chooses to protect him- or herself, and is targeted by the Loyalists during the Night Phase, the attack will be foiled and the General survives. The Loyalists will not lose a turn.
• Goal: Root out the Yang loyalists, and in doing so eliminate Chancellor and Consort Yang's support within the Imperial Court.

Minister of the Royal Archives (1) - The head of the royal archives is a low-paying but respectable position within the Court. He is relatively poor compared to the rest of the Court, but he is proud of his position and his knowledge.

• Special: Once per night, this player can determine if a member of the Imperial Court is a Yang loyalist.
• Goal: Root out the Yang loyalists, and in doing so eliminate Chancellor and Consort Yang's support within the Imperial Court.

[Caeli]

How This Game Is Played

• Each turn consists of a Night Phase and a Day Phase, with the exception of the first turn.
  
  • On the first turn, there will only be a Day Phase. No lynch vote will take place; instead, the Charismatic Adviser (tie-breaking role) will be chosen by popular vote. Only during this vote are players allowed to vote for themselves.
  • During the Night Phase, all players with special abilities are contacted. The Yang Loyalists, Vermilion General, and Minister of the Royal Archives must use their special ability. The Minister of the Treasury can choose when to use his or her ability.
  • During the Day Phase, results of the night phase are released. Everyone who survived will confer and choose one person to lynch. If there is a tie, the final decision will be made by the Charismatic Adviser. Everyone must vote. All votes only count for 1 vote (except in a tie, at which time the Charismatic Adviser's vote counts for 2 votes), and nobody can vote for themselves in the lynch vote.
  • If the Charismatic Adviser is killed in either phase, a new Charismatic Adviser will be chosen during the next day phase by popular vote, before the lynch vote takes place.
• When someone dies, only his/her alignment (innocent/guilty) is released. Targets of unsuccessful night phase eliminations will not be told that they were targeted.
• Only the Yang Loyalists know each others' identity.
• Deception, lying, and misleading is completely allowed in this game. Just remember that it isn't personal.
• If you send a PM to anybody else in the game, you must CC me in the PM.
• No information gathered outside of the IC thread (i.e., in PMs) may be quoted directly. However, you can repeat any information that you get in your own words as much as you like. You may lie about the information.
• You can change your vote freely until the last vote is tallied.
• Once you die in game, you become a ghost, and may not share game information through PMs. You are welcome to hang out and haunt the OOC, so long as you don't reveal any information that is not accepted as public knowledge.

Players

Remiel
Valerian
Saffron
Moirae
Ryven
Josietta
Leorobin
Niferbelle
Aiden
FoamWeber
Beguile's Mistress

[Caeli]

TURN 1, DAY PHASE

What with General Lu closing in on the capital, it was easy to convince the corrupt, foolhardy Chancellor Yang to review some of the correspondence from his contacts on the road, looking for conspiracies and secret plans where none existed. Once he was closeted in his study, it was easy to hint to several servants that the chancellor was working hard again, and had requested tea to be taken to his room... easy to dissolve a bit of tasteless powder in the water. Carefully dosed, it was a wondrous medicine for the heart and stomach; taken improperly or without need, it caused painful stomach cramps and forced the body into sweats.

Once that was done, the faithful courtiers of Emperor Xuanzong and the Zhang dynasty waited for news to arrive that Chancellor Yang was sick. The ghosts of General Lu's friends had come ahead of the army to haunt the murderer, courtiers and concubines murmured in hushed voices. Bad energy in the body, stoppered in a way that blocked healthy energy from reaching his heart. But he would be fine in seven days, and in the meanwhile, Consort Yang was at his beside, while the emperor alternately buried himself in reports brought in from outside the Forbidden Palace and visited Consort Yang in his rooms.

That was all according to plan, of course. With the chancellor and his sister out of the way, the members of the imperial court gathered to discuss the current state of affairs, wondering how best to stop the rebellion before it ripped the country apart again. The emperor, infatuated with Concubine Yang, was ineffectual when it came to punishing her brother for his crimes. With Yang Loyalists in the court, though, any action was currently impossible.

"Never mind that," another high-ranking minister finally said. "With the chancellor gone, we need to choose a spokesperson who can represent our will when the Emperor summons is." Usually, the chancellor tolerated no rivals, even among the advisers of the imperial court... this was an opportune moment!

Players
Remiel
Valerian
Saffron
Moirae
Ryven
Josietta
Leorobin
Niferbelle
Aiden
FoamWeber
Beguile's Mistress



Let the chaos begin! You are all voting to choose a Charismatic Adviser.

[Remiel]

"We must expunge ourselves of this Yang corruption, draw it out as of poison from a wound," said Councillor Remiel.  "I trust Saffron to speak for us all."

[Aiden]

Sun "Aiden" Ce paced in the center of the gardens with a slight hint of annoyance across his features. He was "The Little Conquer", the Warrior King of the Southern Provinces yet he had come under orders of General Lu to support him in his removal of Chancellor Yang. The Chancellor was a weasel of a man, his status gifted to him simply because his sister was the favorite of the emperor!

When the meetings came to order he moved to meet the others and hope that together they could find the Yang Loyalist. "We finally agree on one thing Lord Remiel, but I support Lady Niferbelle as adviser, she seems like a trust worthy supporter to our Emperor...as misguided as he may be...." He declared before taking a seat among the rest of them, the annoyance slowly fading away from his features.

[Ryven]

Zhuge "Ryven" Liang sat silent in the lotus position before a small table, his right hand grasping a calligraphy brush delicately.  He made graceful brush strokes across a scroll of parchment as some of the others spoke.  A cup of hot tea sat just to his side, the surface of the dark hued liquid flawlessly still as he made each motion of the brush.

Like a strong wind to clear the sky, Zhuge came unexpectedly.  The "Hidden Dragon" had planned to pay the emperor a visit, and as it turned out, it was a most opportune time to do so with the court in disarray.

He gently set his brush down to replace it with his white crane feather fan.  The man gave a slight nod, letting his eyes hide behind his lids for a brief moment before a hint of a smile crept to his lips.  "I would presume no other than Niferbelle to be the voice of reason.  She will act strong like a tiger, but bend like bamboo in the wind.  Such are the qualities of an effective leader," he said before giving her a nod.

[Zelric Miras]

Er "Leo" Long-rui glanced at the rest of ministers. This could become a dangerous affair if chancellor Yang got wind of their actions. "It must be done." He muttered for himself to reassure his decision and looked through the window at the garden beyond. "I believe Beguile's Mistress should be the one to speak for all. She is a gift to the sight, like the lotus on bloom, while still being intelligent and centered."

[Caeli]

Votes for Charismatic Adviser

Beguile's Mistress - 1
Josietta - 2
Niferbelle - 3
Remiel - 1
Saffron - 2
Valerian - 1

Yet to Vote: Aiden, Beguile's Mistress, FoamWeber, Josietta, Leorobin, Moirae, Niferbelle, Remiel, Ryven, Saffron, Valerian

[Autumn Sativus]

Saffron had sat quietly and watched as the others began voting. Eventually she came to a conclusion. "Remiel seems trustworthy to me."

[Beguile's Mistress]

   

The Lady Beguile composed her features after taking the time to study her compatriots.  She rose to her feet and took a dainty step forward to acknowledge the honor done to her.

"I am humbled by the trust placed in me and my ability to be your spokesperson by Councilor Leo.  I will hope that if it becomes necessary I will honor his wisdom but I must add my voice to the selection and suggest that Josietta would be a wiser choice.

[desert ashes]

After a brief study of those gathered, Moirae said, "Valerian would be a good fit for the position."

[Josietta]

Josietta was settled off to the side pouring a cup of tea as she glanced toward the others at the mention of her name. A smile was given and a nod to Beguile's Mistress for her consideration in placing the young woman in such a titled position.
She finished pouring the tea and settled it carefully back into place before offering a cup to the others.

"I would leave my own vote with Niferbelle"

She gave a polite nod and went back to the pleasantries of her tea service.

[Valerian]

After giving a brief bow of thanks to Moirae, Valerian also paused to study the group gathered together.  "I am sure that there are many here who would be able to fill this position most capably," she began, "and I find myself hard-pressed to decide.  Perhaps Saffron would be a good choice for the role."  She gratefully accepted a cup of fresh tea from Josietta and settled back to sip it quietly.

[Niferbelle]

Niferbelle's cheeks colored pink at Aiden's kind recommendation and she inclined her head to him respectfully, honored by her choice. The gesture was repeated for those who also expressed their confidence in her. After some of the others had the chance to chime in with their choices, she at last added her thoughts on the matter.

"I will, as always, faithfully serve the Emperor as I might best and am humbled to be considered, " she began, her voice soft and thoughtful. "But I would like to return the faith that has been shown me and in return suggest that Josietta is best suited to fill this role."

[Caeli]

Votes for Charismatic Adviser

Beguile's Mistress - 1
Josietta - 2
Niferbelle - 3
Remiel - 1
Saffron - 2
Valerian - 1

Unfortunately for the advisers of the imperial court, there did not seem to emerge any single leader who could take a majority of the votes. Most of the Court possessed impressive credentials, and a long track record of serving the emperor; there were few, though, who stood out any more than the others.

Still, as the discussion went on, it appeared that enough people had a high regard for Niferbelle that she was finally voted to be the informal leader for the advisers.

As the decision had taken much of the afternoon and evening, the Court decided to retire for the night, and take up the discussion of what to do about the kingdom's current situation tomorrow.

TURN 2, NIGHT PHASE

However, in the dark of the night, several individuals made their move with only the light of the moon guiding them. Some hoped to bring Consort and Chancellor Yang... and others hoped to bring them down.

[Josietta]

After serving Valerian she gave the female a polite but small bow before moving on to the next who wished tea. While listening to the decisions and debates on a choice of charismatic advisor she smiled at hearing the final results. She would have clapped had it been appropriate however it was not. Instead she bowed to the newly appointed Nifferbelle and continued on with her service.

Once the meeting concluded and night started to fall, she cleaned up the tea cups and such after making sure everyone had their fill. She finally bowed to each and made her way out of the chamber to clean the tea set and prepare for the nights rest.

[Zelric Miras]

Leo nodded when the decision was made and also bowed at Nifferbelle. He took the last of his tea with a sip and also stood up. "I bid a good night to all of you, hope you sleep well."

[Beguile's Mistress]

   

Lady Beguile was pleased with the final outcome of the voting and silently gave her approval to the selection before leaving the court to follow a path through the gardens to a tiny pavilion where she found a cushion on which to rest and meditate.  Her only company was the golden koi and gentle ducks that shared a nearby pond. 

She was sure that events would soon unfold that could spell disaster for some of them and as she meditated she prayed to her gods for the courage, strength and wisdom that would be needed in the days to come.

[Caeli]

TURN 2, Night Phase » END

And so the courtiers all slowly made their way back to their quarters. Some lingered longer than others in the large hall; others broke off to explore the gardens scattered throughout the Forbidden Palace, full of lush greenery, still ponds, and flowers full in bloom. Most of them felt safe walking with only one or two bodyguards, as was custom for highly-placed ministers and imperial advisers; after all, the Imperial Guard was well-trained by the most martial and strictest of the Four Generals.

Unfortunately, even well-trained bodyguards cannot fight that which they do not hear, and that which they do not see. First one, then the second was struck down in complete silence; deep cuts in their necks were testament to how they died, breath cut from their throats with assassins' wire. Remiel had only enough time to stand before he was struck down.

In the morning, a routine patrol found the three dead bodies laying as they had fallen in the pavilion. A search was carried out in Minister Remiel's rooms, but yielded nothing that marked him as a Yang Loyalist.

Surviving Members of the Imperial Court
Remiel - Not Loyalist; assassinated by Yang Loyalists (Turn 2, Night)
Valerian
Saffron
Moirae
Ryven
Josietta
Leorobin
Niferbelle
Aiden
FoamWeber
Beguile's Mistress

Please note that a player's special role, if any, will not be revealed when he or she dies.
Blue will mark those who are not Yang Loyalists (Imperial Court, Ministers of the Royal Treasury & Archives, Vermilion General).
Orange will mark those who are Yang Loyalists. Their roles are revealed because there are no Loyalist-aligned special roles.



TURN 2, Day Phase » BEGIN

Voting will now be held for the first victim of a Day Phase lynch vote.

[Aiden]

Sun "Aiden" Ce looked uncomfortable in the robes he was wearing, mostly forced to wear. His armor and weapons had been left in his room, the general from the southlands felt uncomfortable despite the silk that made up his attire. None of his complaints were voiced, there was more important matters at hand besides his itchy collar.  After learning of the death of Remiel, he attempted to gather all the information he could before it was time for the court to assemble once more.

"I believe Leo had something to do with the murder of Remiel." He declared after settling down.

[Josietta]

When the call came out from the patrol's findings, Josietta found her way out of her morning meditation and exercise to meet the others in the great hall. It was Aiden who she saw first and heard his claims on who must be to blame. She tilted her head some and wondered where such a blind accusation could come from but she would not speak against the General. She bowed respectfully to the handsome warrior but spoke softly of her own suspicions.

"General... maybe we should look to Saffron, she had gained his trust and friendship, maybe it was a ruse to allow her to get close enough to slay one of our Imperial Court. Perhaps she is a Yang Loyalist. But then you could be one as well or you could think the same of myself. I can only suggest a direction in hopes of being proved wrong. I am but a faithful follower of the Court and here to serve. May I get you some tea then?"

[Ryven]

He looked to the east as the sun began to rise giving bringing light and enlightenment to a new day.  Standing in the garden allowed him to think clearly.  His body stood tall hidden in emerald green robes.  It was still early, and he had not yet eaten his first meal.  Such things could wait when sorrow and despair were quickly approaching.  The Hidden Dragon swept his fan gently back and forth before holding it still before him.  It seemed as such an idle gesture, but he was testing the wind.  A warm wind was coming from the south.  The leaves rustled to join into the gentle bubbling of a nearby brook.

Zhuge "Ryven" Liang slowly turned and walked back into the compound, folding both hands behind him with the fan held upward in one's grasp.  He gave the others a respectful nod.  "It pains me to accuse one who I call a friend.  My hope is that the heavenly bodies above reveal their secrets to me this night, and Moirae proves not to be a serpent in disguise."

[Valerian]

Valerian bowed her head gravely on hearing the terrible news, and stood quietly for a moment, trying to come to grips with the situation and sort out her thoughts.  They could not afford very much in the way of mourning for their fallen comrade, but she, at least, would not forget him or his loyalty.

At length, she joined the others, listening carefully to their words.  For now they could only guess, an uncomfortable position, but action had to be taken.  "Any accusation is painful, yes, and I can only hope that we are not compounding this tragedy.  Perhaps FoamWeber has some knowledge of this dreadful murder."

[Niferbelle]

"I find this responsibility very grave indeed," Lady Niferbelle said softly, meeting the eyes of all of her compatriots. She sighed, hating to have to take action of this sort but knowing it was necessary. "I know that each of us have sound reasons for our suspicions but cannot be certain. I find myself agreeing with Lady Valerian. FoamWeber has been most quiet in all of these matters and I find the silence and lack of response disturbing."

[Autumn Sativus]

Lady Saffron was still quite upset from the death of her friend, obvious from the tissue still attached to her cheeks to wipe the tears. He had been the only one she could trust and now they were accusing her? She shook her head, disgusted at the thought. "Whomever did this, it certainly was not me, Josietta. I could never do such a thing to a friend. Perhaps you could?"

Having given her vote, she turned to find a quiet place to sit and contemplate where she could sit with her thoughts without having to listen to the others bicker over who must have done it. Did it matter who had done it? All that mattered to her right now was that a friend was gone.

[FoamWeber]

Lady Weber raised her eyes from her scrolls for the first time. "My silence is not a sign of guilt," she said, "only pondering. Rushing into accusations is not the answer to stopping the deaths." Returning to taking notes on her scrolls, she said "Josietta does seem to be rather suspicious to me. Perhaps some more investigation is in order."

[Caeli]

Lynch Vote for Turn 2, Day Phase

FoamWeber - 3
Josietta - 1
Leorobin - 4
Moirae - 0
Saffron - 2

Yet to Vote: Aiden, Beguile's Mistress, FoamWeber, Josietta, Leorobin, Moirae, Niferbelle, Ryven, Saffron, Valerian
Ghosts: Remiel
Last vote counted: [o]

[Josietta]

She tilted her head a bit at Foam and then to Saffron. She could understand why Saffron would ask her such a thing but to the young lady she wasn't sure about the other. Her brow rose slightly as she tilted her head. Her long dark locks falling around her shoulders as she had worn her hair down that day.

"Suspicious? I am but serving tea. How would that prove suspicious. Maybe you are trying to accuse me to throw the suspicions off of yourself Lady Weber."

Josietta was sure that now the Lady was nervous and for good reason. She continued to pour her tea for the guests as she always had. There was no reason for her to be worried. She was innocent. It was FoamWeber who seemed to be suspicious now.

[FoamWeber]

It would seem that Lady Weber had no choice. "I regret that I have been forced to reveal this so soon," she said, "but I am the Vermilion General, and completely loyal to our side. I am not the guilty one here."

[desert ashes]

A curious glance was given to Ryven before Moirae's gaze turned, comments addressed to the group at large.  "I, too, find myself suspicious of Saffron."

[Josietta]

"if what you say is true Ms. Webber then I should look elsewhere for suspicions. My apologies, General."

Josietta looked to those gathered and bit her lip wondering just who was truly the traitor. Perhaps Aiden was correct and she should look to Leorobin as well.

[Zelric Miras]

Leo shook his head at those making accusations upon him. "The bamboo while tall and mighty, is defenseless against being preyed on by the bears. I am not the one to point your accusations too. I will vote with general FoamWeber against Jossieta."

[Josietta]

Knowing there was little the servant could do to change Leo's mind as she had non-verbally accused him, she just shook her head some and went about serving the tea. It was a highly stressful situation but her meditations would keep her in check and she would know she would likely be given a swifter death than those by the true usurpers if she didn't struggle overly much. She was no fighter just a simple girl who wanted to find peace in this troubling time.

"If that is what you wish to believe, Leo, then so be it."

[FoamWeber]

Lady Weber nodded. "It is fine," she said, "Everyone should be suspected at a time like this. Are you truly innocent?"

[Josietta]

A simple nod was given to the General and she gave a brief but genuine smile.

"Yes. Indeed I am. As I had stated before, I am but a servant to the Imperial Court."

[FoamWeber]

"Very well, I am willing to be swayed. If you are indeed innocent, I will not be the cause of your death." Lady Weber glanced around the room. "Moirae, I believe that you might not be as loyal as you pretend to be."

[Niferbelle]

Lady Niferbelle was most troubled. If Lady Weber was indeed the Vermilion General then lady Niferbelle had come all too close to a terrible mistake. She would have to change her vote, of course, but was hesitant lest she err again. But at last she spoke.

"Clearly I cannot continue to focus my suspicion on our vaunted Vermilion General," she said softly. "Currently I find myself listening to those who concerns about Leorobin."

[desert ashes]

Moirae's eyes calmly met that of the apparent General's.  "I am as loyal as you and have committed no treachery or treason.  My death would only result in another innocent being taken."

[FoamWeber]

Lady Weber stopped writing once more, struggling to remain emotionless. "I have been hearing this a lot- how am I supposed to know who is telling the truth?" She stared hard at Moirae.

[desert ashes]

Slowly one brow raised.  "It depends on who you would like to believe.  I am choosing to believe you are who you say you are, spirits help us if you've taken us for a fool.  Or you can follow what few acts have thus far happened: Remiel is dead.  He voted for the same person who voted for him.  If I were plotting the demise of many, I'd start by killing the person I voted for -- throw off any suspicion."

[Beguile's Mistress]

   

The time for dithering had come to and and Lady Beguile looked long and hard at all of the courtiers and counted their votes.  Things had fallen heavily for Lord Leo and there was nothing she could do to remove the threat.  Her heart was heavy as she pondered her her decision then spoke at last uttering one word that she knew would not condemn and one that she hoped with all her being was wrong.  Begging forgiveness in her heart she named her choice.  "FoamWeber"

[FoamWeber]

Lady Weber nodded at Moirae, satisfied. "Your reasoning is sound- I will trust your judgement. Everyone, I apologize for shifting so often, I just want to ensure that I have made the right choice. Saffron, you are too heavily implicated in this to be ignored."

[Autumn Sativus]

Lady Saffron shook her head at Lady Weber. "You have let those among us who wish to convince you they are true, do exactly that. You should be more wary of the one who changes your mind. I cared for my friend Remiel and would never have been able to hurt him like this."

Shaking her head sorrowfully, Lady Saffron was left with no choice but to change her vote to Leorobin to save herself. "I do not suspect you, but can only guess the one who throws accusations at me has reason to remove me. If you are as innocent as I am, many apologies." Lady Saffron had to hope that those with suspicions about Leorobin were correct.

[desert ashes]

Moirae's gaze turned to Saffron.  "I accuse you solely based on what I have already stated.  You claim you would never be able to hurt him, yet Remiel is clearly not here to defend himself or you.  Instead, he is conveniently dead.  Remiel's only fault was voting for someone whose loyalties have gone astray, which is true only if you are guilty.  Unfortunately, with so little other information to go on, there's no choice but to be suspicious of you."

Taking in a breath, the gaze swept to others assembled.  "For those interested in the pursuit of justice, I strongly advise you change your votes and look at the sole clue that is here."

[Autumn Sativus]

"If I die in the name of your justice, you will know the finger I pointed was not astray, then. It would be welcome relief from this unfortunate situation to join my friend in the afterlife. Perhaps it is you we should be suspicious of, happy to point your finger at a friend, am I an easy distraction from your crime?" It was too much of a guessing game and this lady did not want to stay and learn who would pay for the crime, especially since it looked it would be someone with no blood on their hands.

[desert ashes]

A small frown came forward.  "It is not with happiness that I accuse.  I hope there is no cheer among any who cast their suspicions.  The only thing worse than a friend being murdered is knowing one of us did it, but sadly we must accuse to find the truth.  If we do not do our best to find those who have slain once and will do so again if given the chance, then none are innocent."

[Ryven]

He observed the quarrelsome behavior in silence, standing as a stoic onlooker to the crowd.  The room filled with accusations as a swarm of locusts would overtake a field in the height of harvest.  It was almost humorous in the way each of them tried to make sense of the situation.

Zhuge "Ryven" Liang cleared his throat softly, letting his eyes flick back and forth between them all.  "It seems we have come to an impasse.  Votes change like the direction of the wind, and I'm afraid the evidence to support who and how Remiel passed from this plane last night is as transparent as the mountain spring," he spoke while moving back to the table he had sat before the day prior.  He took a seat and unrolled a fresh sheet of parchment.

"There is nothing to lead me to believe that Saffron had any ill will toward Remiel.  There is a supposed truth that General Weber is, in fact, the Vermilion General.  That then leaves the question of why she revealed herself so early.  Did she think she might hide behind her title to protect her act of ill intent or is she simply revealing the truth so early for other reasons?  The stars have veiled their secrets from me on this matter, but I do find the nature of the revelation startling and possibly questionable.  May destiny reveal itself and lend enlightenment to my troubled mind," he said, picking up a brush once more and beginning to stroke it across the parchment in a graceful motion.

[Caeli]

TURN 2, Day Phase » END

Once the debates started, chaos ensued. Fingers were pointed in all directions, but without any sort of discerning proof, the ministers and ladies of the imperial court could only squabble about who might not have the interests of the emperor at heart.

In a moment of desperation, FoamWeber revealed herself as the Vermilion General, drastically shifting the votes into chaos once more.

When the votes were tallied, it was Leorobin who was sentenced to death.

Surviving Members of the Imperial Court
Remiel - Not Loyalist; assassinated by Yang Loyalists (Turn 2, Night)
Valerian
Saffron
Moirae
Ryven
Josietta
Leorobin - Not Loyalist; lynched by the Imperial Court (Turn 2, Day)
Niferbelle
Aiden
FoamWeber
Beguile's Mistress

Please note that a player's special role, if any, will not be revealed when he or she dies.
Blue will mark those who are not Yang Loyalists (Imperial Court, Ministers of the Royal Treasury & Archives, Vermilion General).
Orange will mark those who are Yang Loyalists. Their roles are revealed because there are no Loyalist-aligned special roles.



TURN 3, Night Phase » BEGIN

All players with special roles, please look for an incoming PM.

[Caeli]

TURN 3, Night Phase » END

The remaining ministers and ladies of the Imperial Court retired to their rooms in an uneasy silence, some choosing to skip their routine evening walk in the gardens in favor of spending the evening in their rooms, thinking about who the killers in their midst might be.

Some felt safe knowing that the Vermilion General (or at least, the woman who claimed to be the General) was in their midst... but alas, there is only so much protect one can provide. Moirae was the only person who did not wake the next morning; Moirae's bedroom room showed clear signs of a struggle. Around the minister's throat was bruising, clearly caused by a length of silk that had been discarded upon the Loyalists' departure.

Surviving Members of the Imperial Court
Remiel - Not Loyalist; assassinated by Yang Loyalists (Turn 2, Night)
Valerian
Saffron
Moirae - Not Loyalist; assassinated by Yang Loyalists (Turn 3, Night)
Ryven
Josietta
Leorobin - Not Loyalist; lynched by the Imperial Court (Turn 2, Day)
Niferbelle
Aiden
FoamWeber
Beguile's Mistress

Please note that a player's special role, if any, will not be revealed when he or she dies.
Blue will mark those who are not Yang Loyalists (Imperial Court, Ministers of the Royal Treasury & Archives, Vermilion General).
Orange will mark those who are Yang Loyalists. Their roles are revealed because there are no Loyalist-aligned special roles.



TURN 3, Day Phase » BEGIN

[Josietta]

Upon news of yet another death, Moirae, Josietta was disheartened. Another innocent lost in this great war. She sighed and made her way out to do her daily duties. She moved toward the kitchens to warm the water for the tea and prepared the leaves as proper. Her tea set was placed on the tray with great attention to detail and order. Once the water steamed she filled her tea pot and started toward the common room. Her eyes scanned the room for any who wished to partake and watched for signs of sleep disturbance or guilt upon the faces of the Imperial Court. It was a blessing however that the General was untouched, even after outing herself. But much to the loss of Moirae. Josietta could not think of who could do such a thing, perhaps Moirae was onto something when she set her accusations on Saffron and was killed for doing so.

[Autumn Sativus]

Lady Saffron was surprised to find herself still alive come morning but the news of Moirae's death was quite disheartening. "Well you see, Josietta, yesterday you accused me of the murder of Remiel simply because I was his friend. So, in turn, since Moirae was your friend, it must have been you that gained her trust so you could kill her, hm?"

"I believe you're trying to frame me. Removing Moirae simply so you can blame it on me. If I were one of the murderers among us, do you think you would still be breathing? You've done a good job to frame it on me and try to cover your tracks and once again if I must die in the name of justice, then it will be very obvious that you are far from innocent."

[Niferbelle]

There was no accusation she could voice, no proof of any misdeed to be paid out for everyo9ne to see. Innocents were dying, and save private conversations she'd sworn not to reveal, she had little guidance as to her next move. But as Lady Saffron spoke,  lady Niferbelle moved a little closer to her, silently offering her support and expressing her own suspicion of Josietta.

[Aiden]

Sun "Aiden" Ce was not very pleased with the news of another dying that night. He took his seat and looked at the remaining court members. "You are a great mind Zhuge "Ryven" Liang, your stratagem and skill does not compare to another, I suspect you might be one of the loyalist."
He finally broke the silence and made his accusation.

[Josietta]

She looked at the women who accused her and shook her head. She had said her piece before the last victim had fallen. She made a mistake with Leo and wished she could take it back and have left it at Saffron now. The woman seemed to be poisoning the minds of others with her political sways. The young servant could do nothing about it but continue to serve her tea and look to others for hope that they would see she was innocent amongst the traitors.

[Valerian]

After having watched quietly for a time, sensing the growing fear and tension in the air, Valerian spoke up at last.  "Your pardon," she said to the group, quietly, "but since our situation seems to be growing steadily worse, not better, perhaps we should start from the beginning, without any preconceived ideas.  It may be, for instance, that Niferbelle was not the best choice for Charismatic Adviser, much as it pains me to cast doubt on anyone who inspired such trust.  I fear I am beginning to think her loyalties may be suspect."  Though she bowed respectfully to the assembled gathering as she spoke, she also watched the face of the Adviser, trying to gauge the woman's reaction.

[Caeli]

Lynch Vote for Turn 3, Day Phase

Aiden - 1
Josietta - 3
Niferbelle - 1
Ryven - 1
Saffron - 2

Yet to Vote: Aiden, Beguile's Mistress, FoamWeber, Josietta, Niferbelle, Ryven, Saffron, Valerian
Ghosts: Remiel, Moirae, Leorobin

[Niferbelle]

Lady Niferbelle at first looked surprised at the accusation leveled toward her but her expression quickly became one of resignation. She sat her cup of tea aside and folded her hands in her lap, troubled.

"I'm sorry if you feel the faith placed in me was ill advised," she said softly, directly to Valerian, and then glanced around at the other faces, wondering if they too were questioning her. "If I can address any reasons for your suspicions, I would be happy to do so. I know I have made mistakes but I am not the only one, and we are reduced to conditions such as this, accusing each other without evidence. We're all doing the best we can, I understand that even of you, Lady Valerian."

Lady Niferbelle inclined her head respectfully to her accuser then fell silent once again, anxious to hear what the others had to say.

[FoamWeber]

Lady Weber remained silent for most of the morning, deep in thought. Another innocent dead- this had to be stopped soon. "My vote will remain the same, then," she finally announced. "Saffron, I am still unsure where your loyalties lie."

[Ryven]

Awaking with the sun, Zhuge "Ryven" Liang enjoyed the morning air.  The crisp chill of the winter combined with the radiant sunlight brought him an inexplicable comfort which was a blessing in such uncertain times.  He strolled through the garden to admire the foliage and small pond.  Its surface gleamed with the new day's sun, the koi popping to the surface in intrigue.  However, all was not well. 

He heard the others congregating in the main compound, sounds of heated conversation could be heard following their joining.  The "Hidden Dragon" stepped in just as Sun"Aiden" Ce accused him of robbing Moirae of her life.  His deep eyes cut toward the man as he stepped slowly into the room.

"Your words are like a fluttering monarch, General Ce: elegant, but fragile.  I will not be slandered so easily without consequence.  The sword cuts both ways in battle, and so I must return your kindness with my own vote," he said with a nod.

[Beguile's Mistress]

   

Lady Beguile found herself in a most unenviable position.  Her heart beat steadily and her hands remained calm as she pondered her decision.  Her vote could possibly send someone to their death or add to the confusion.

Sighing heavily she asked for guidance and offered a pray for forgiveness. 

"I must speak the name of the one I believe responsible for this latest atrocity.  It brings me no joy to say that I believe Josiette to be at the heart of this unfortunate circumstance."

[Josietta]

"You are making a grave mistake Lady Beguile. Not only do you go against what the General believes is true but I can only think that those of you who are voting against me must be working together against the Imperial Courts. I must be onto something with Saffron and you all think to take out a simple tea lady who speaks out against one of your own is imperative as my voice is too strongly accurate. I will take my fate and allow the courts to do as they wish with me, knowing that I will not die in vain as the true traitors will soon be shown upon my death."

She went back to serving tea having spoken her mind. The idea of death did not bother the young Imperial servant, as she knew she was innocent in it all. She would go on with a clear mind and conscience.

[Caeli]

TURN 3, Day Phase » END

It seemed at first that the votes were split evenly between Josietta and Saffron, with no hope of being able to reach a resolution. Both insisted that they were innocent, but none of those who had thrown their votes against the lady ministers were willing to change their minds. Others among them seemed to have no clear third target - there was suspicion cast on the group's esteemed Charismatic Minister, but the suspicion didn't take.

Finally, it was a final vote that finally brought the most votes to Josietta, who was hauled unceremoniously into the formidable, eerily beautiful chambers in which highly influential ministers and lords who were arrested and brought to the Forbidden City for questioning. Taken there, she saw that she was given the choice of ending her life with a cup of tea, and a small vial of poison.

She went bravely to her death, proclaiming to her end her own innocence. The evening came and went uneasily; her room, too, was inspected but to no avail. There was no evidence that hinted even slightly at her being a conspirator of the Yang siblings.

Surviving Members of the Imperial Court
Remiel - Not Loyalist; assassinated by Yang Loyalists (Turn 2, Night)
Valerian
Saffron
Moirae - Not Loyalist; assassinated by Yang Loyalists (Turn 3, Night)
Ryven
Josietta - Not Loyalist; lynched by the Imperial Court (Turn 3, Day)
Leorobin - Not Loyalist; lynched by the Imperial Court (Turn 2, Day)
Niferbelle
Aiden
FoamWeber
Beguile's Mistress

Please note that a player's special role, if any, will not be revealed when he or she dies.
Blue will mark those who are not Yang Loyalists (Imperial Court, Ministers of the Royal Treasury & Archives, Vermilion General).
Orange will mark those who are Yang Loyalists. Their roles are revealed because there are no Loyalist-aligned special roles.



TURN 4, Night Phase » BEGIN

All players with special roles, please look for an incoming PM.

[Caeli]

TURN 4, Night Phase » END

Unfortunately for the imperial court, night did not bring surcease of the killings. Though some few ministers believe that the lack of evidence of traitors in the court (especially among those whom had already fallen) signaled their absence, many more were unsure that this was the case.

In the morning, it was a maid's scream that woke the palace complex. By the time the other ministers reached Beguile's Mistress' room, they had already shrouded her body and were taking it out. Strangled, some of the early risers whispered, and knifed to the heart; she had fought back, but there was no coming back once steel pierced her heart.

Again, the day began uneasily, with nobody sure of who they could trust.

Surviving Members of the Imperial Court
Remiel - Not Loyalist; assassinated by Yang Loyalists (Turn 2, Night)
Valerian
Saffron
Moirae - Not Loyalist; assassinated by Yang Loyalists (Turn 3, Night)
Ryven
Josietta - Not Loyalist; lynched by the Imperial Court (Turn 3, Day)
Leorobin - Not Loyalist; lynched by the Imperial Court (Turn 2, Day)
Niferbelle
Aiden
FoamWeber
Beguile's Mistress - Not Loyalist; assassinated by Yang Loyalists (Turn 4, Night)

Please note that a player's special role, if any, will not be revealed when he or she dies.
Blue will mark those who are not Yang Loyalists (Imperial Court, Ministers of the Royal Treasury & Archives, Vermilion General).
Orange will mark those who are Yang Loyalists. Their roles are revealed because there are no Loyalist-aligned special roles.



TURN 4, Day Phase » BEGIN

All players with special roles, please look for an incoming PM.

[Aiden]

Sun "Aiden" Ce did not want to beleive it, he had trusted her but after the wrong accusations and the murders at night he stormed into the court. "Nifferbelle have you played me for a fool?!" He hissed as he stared at her, their late night encounter had made him feel secure unaware he might have bee playing right into the hands of the Loyalist. "Answer me!" He demanded, his temper compared to that of tiger, the very animal the entire Wu family revered.

[Autumn Sativus]

Lady Saffron was quite confused by now. All of the ones she had suspected were innocent. It seemed that those at fault were better at hiding than one might have thought. Saffron listened to Aiden and could only nod her head. "I am questioning your loyalties as well, Niferbelle. Have you played us all on to your side to mask your true identity?"

[Niferbelle]

Lady Niferbelle flinched at General Sun 'Aiden' Ce's harsh words, having in no way been expecting him  to focus his accusations on her. Instantly gone were any warm memories she might have been savoring. Saffron's own suspicions struck her nearly as hard and for a  moment all she could do was regard both of them in mute dismay. Eventually she found her words.

"I cannot adequately describe how you two have struck the very heart of me," she murmured sadly then composed herself, resolved to maintain her dignity no matter what. "General, it was you who sought me out. Never did I attempt to manipulate or influence you though clearly now I can see that you could not say the same of me. And Saffron...you have me speechless. It was your expressed suspicion of Josietta that motivated my last vote, not my own, and yet you try to cast the doubt on me?"

She shook her head slightly. "Now I find I can trust neither of you now but General Aiden, as you cast the first stone, I can only regretfully return the gesture."

[Autumn Sativus]

Saffron had no idea under which circumstances friendships had been forged, but it seemed apparent that Niferbelle had not been seeking out others and so could not have been conspiring against her. "I'm sorry, Niferbelle, I am confused. With more light on the situation, perhaps Aiden is trying to cast doubt on you to draw it away from himself?" The lady did not know, she had no real reason to suspect anyone to be more guilty than any other.

[Valerian]

"There is no point in voting against Niferbelle," Valerian pointed out, quietly and sadly.  "If my suspicions are wrong and she is innocent, then we may yet save ourselves for another night.  If she is a Yang Loyalist, then we are all doomed.  Three of us are with the Yangs; three of us are not.  Therefore, the votes will almost certainly tie, and Niferbelle will simply save herself with the power she was given to do so."

Then she paused, looking slowly around at the faces of all those who had assembled.  "We have only one last hope, to pray that Niferbelle can be trusted.  Aiden may in fact be guilty, but Ryven has also seemed suspicious to me of late.  My suspicions may be wrong, but now is the time when we must gamble to try to save ourselves.  I ask the other two of those gathered here who are not Yang Loyalists to vote with me and join me in this last, frail hope."

[Ryven]

When the maid's scream shattered the silence of the morning, he knew that the night had been filled with treachery.  Walking slowly through the garden as was his habit now in the morning, he made his way to the compound where chill of the morning air made way for heated debate. 

They were now six.  A dwindling number of courtiers remaining.  He calmly sat down near his table, his eyes taking in Valerian who cast suspicion.  "I admire your conviction, but know that you are wrong about me.  I must again return favor where favor is due.  I do have suspicions of Aiden, but you may also hide fangs yet to strike us all," Zhuge "Ryven" Liang said before setting his fan aside for a cup of morning tea to settle his mind.

[Valerian]

At the suggestion that she might have fangs, Valerian only smiled.  "I am very sorry to disappoint you, but I'm afraid I have no sting.  I am the Minister of the Treasury, and while I may be considered a neutral in this struggle, I have no love for the Yang Loyalists, and little desire to see them triumph.  If any here have a better argument to induce me to vote elsewhere, I will gladly listen.  Until then, I fear I will stand upon my convictions.  If I am in the wrong, it is at least through genuine error, not a desire to see any more innocent blood shed.  Can you say the same, Lord Ryven?"

[Aiden]

I will side with Ryven, Perhaps Valerian is hiding something from all of us.

[Autumn Sativus]

Lady Saffron was unsure whether the Minister of the Treasury could be trusted but she claimed to be siding against the Yang Loyalists. "Well, as there are only a few of us left, we may as well work together." She agreed with the Minister, changing her vote to Aiden though she remained suspicious of Ryven as well. "I hope you are correct, Lady Valerian."

[Valerian]

Again Valerian smiled, though sadly.  "So you are a Yang loyalist, then, Aiden.  Your sudden change in your vote gives you away, though it also gives me hope.  If Niferbelle can indeed be trusted, this time it might be a Loyalist that goes to join his ancestors."

[Aiden]

"She plays you for a fool, if I die here then Wu and its allies will not rest until all of your heads are placed on stakes and decorate this very court. " Aiden sneered at them and moved to send out as message to his brother and father in the south to let them know what had transpired, accepting his death was but the first step in ridding the country of the loyalist who spawned from a whore's clutch on the emperor.

[FoamWeber]

Lady Weber rubbed her eyes. The past few days had been wearing on her- no one seemed to know who was guilty, and innocent after innocent was being put to death. It had to end now, before another innocent was murdered.
"Saffron", she said, "My vote will remain unchanged. I have not seen anything yet to contradict my earlier accusation."