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I agree with Tau. I don't think Hydra is our guy.

Laurentus made a good point about Hydra being suspicious last night phase. But also remember that the former wolf is now a villager. So if we're to take Hydra's silence as a sign that he may have been wolf, the logical thing to do is to not vote for him.

Not really, I was the most suspicious person. When I referred to Wolf, I included Wolf-aligned Adventurer

Hmm, you do have a point, and Laurentus' arguments for Hydra being suspicious do work for him as Adventurer as well, perhaps even more so (voting for Doc -> may not have known or cared that Doc was wolf, being inactive despite being online during the lynching of Gerrick -> had just fallen to the light side). On the other hand, we are kinda grasping at straws at this point, and all of this might also just be red herrings considering that Hydra has been consistently silent throughout (no change like we might expect if he was the Adventurer and became wolf-aligned partway through).

Additionally, Laurentus didn't immediately point fingers at a single person, like he did for Doc or Gerrick, meaning that he probably didn't successfully scan the former final wolf, and anything he said was likely just his guesses. While Sapph was the most suspicious person to him, he also pointed out the counterarguments and other suspects, so we can't rule out the possibility of others being the former wolf.

Anyway, I must vote to avoid inactivity lynch. Following my earlier idea of lynching the formerly least suspicious people not in Lau's seer army, I am somewhat inclined toward Vote: Red Mones. Looking back to when Mones voted for Doc, he said that he didn't really know who to vote for and also was suspicious of Laurentus, making me think that he wasn't in communication with Laurentus and also wouldn't have been scanned later on (having helped turn the tide against Doc).

Hydra (given Sapph's point about him possibly being Adventurer) and No Lynch (since we have very little to go off of currently) are also some relatively good options, I think. I'm entering in the Red Mones vote for now in case I forget to come back later (and apologies if you die and I was completely wrong, since there's not much to go off of), but I'll change my vote if some better argument against someone else comes up.

I've got to get my vote in or else I'll be penalized. I was honestly pretty sure someone was going to come to the conclusion that taulover just did. I don't really have a way of defending myself and therefore will probably die, but I might as well go with a retaliatory vote and Vote: taulover.

In the interest of self-preservation, and because Sapph does have a point, I am changing my vote to Hydra.

The phase is now closed, I'll post the result of this phase shortly.

"Greetings, everyone.  I'm happy to let you know that the construction of our wonderful new base has finished." A hologram of Master Kringle (now Emperor Claus) stated in the middle of the resistance room, much to many surprised looks on the faces of both resistance fighters and masters.

"Wait, is that Master Kringle?" Master Hollen asked, as Master Krinkus sighed.  "It would seem so.  It looks as if the Jolli got to him as well.

"I'm sure you're wondering, "Wait, why is Master Kringle broadcasting to you today about the glorious nature of the Bellstar's completion?" Well, fear not...for I'm not Master Kringle, not anymore." the hologram stated, as the masters shot the hologram a suspicious glance.

"Master Kringle is still alive and well, somewhere in my old body.  I am Emperor Niklas Claudias Claus, taking new residence in Kringle's former body."  Claus explained, as this reveal caused the masters to stand up suddenly from their seats.

"Come again? Is that even possible?" Master Rudon asked, as the other masters seemed perplexed at this possibility.

"It has been my dream to bring Wintaros back to the way it was in the beginning.  As some of you may know, there was a time when the Jolli and Joieux were a once united force known as the Jollijeux.  When we were united, anything was possible, and the galaxy was at peace." Claus explained, as the resistance fighters nodded in agreement, shuddering slightly at the idea of ever being in the same league as the Jolli.

"And as I'm sure you may know, there was a sudden shift in the Kristma, when nearly half of the tribe split from the rest, becoming what you know as the Joieux today.  Those who call themselves the Joieux revel more in the misery and chaos of others, enjoying what they've called "free will" and reject the Jolli as they are led to believe that we seek to stamp out that very will for our own ends." Claus continued, as the resistance fighters seemed unsure of why he was explaining the obvious.

But the masters had an inkling of where this was going, as Master Nooa looked toward Master Hollen, who nodded in understanding.

"This is because the masters have--" Claus started, as Master Hollen sneakingly waved his hand, and the hologram shuddered for a moment.

"This is because the masters are correct.  We wish to make you slaves to the Jolli way, whether you desire it or not.  Peace is all that matters, even if you do not desire it.  Your absolute submission to us is all that we desire, not your approval to our cause.  To that end we've built the Bellstar, which will make sure that you obey us without question.  And once we've taken over every planet, you'll have no choice but to obey our rule." the hologram stated much to the resistance's shock, though the masters seemed much pleased with themselves.


Meanwhile back on the Bellstar, Emperor Claus stood in the center of the bridge.  "And as I'm sure you may know, there was a sudden shift in the Kristma, when nearly half of the tribe split from the rest, becoming what you know as the Joieux today.  Those who call themselves the Joieux revel more in the misery and chaos of others, enjoying what they've called "free will" and reject the Jolli as they are led to believe that we seek to stamp out that very will for our own ends." He explained, as his expression turned grave.

"This is because the masters have lied to you.  During the utopia of the Jollijeux, a detestable creature known as the Black Winter came to our galaxy.  This creature had an unimaginable power and desired nothing more than to bring Wintaros to nothing.  But to do this, the creature used its own dark power to corrupt many of the Jollijieux's hearts, turning them into creatures of chaos that would do its bidding.  These corrupt beings are your own Masters, those whose hearts and vessels now belong to the Black Winter.  They in turn corrupt the hearts of others, and sow chaos in hopes of fulfilling their own dark master's designs.  When they've corrupted the heart of a Kristma user enough, they will then turn that user into another dark vessel of the Black Winter...amusingly enough calling them a "master" even though they themselves are merely pawns.

To that end, we've created the Bellstar: a device that channels the pure light of the Jollijieux Kristma; a light that does not sap free will as you've been led to believe...but finds corrupted hearts and the darkness that seeps inside, and harmlessly removes it and thus removes the Black Winter's corruption.  We want nothing more than for you to be free of the corruption so that you can regain your former selves.  We wish for nothing more than for the free will that was stolen from you by the Black Winter and its minions to be restored...for the true unity of our tribes to be restored.

But the true goal of the Bellstar is to destroy the Black Winter once and for all, and to hopefully remove its influence on each of you for good.  I am truly sorry that you've all had to endure the betrayal of your own, but please do not hate them as they themselves cannot truly control what they do.  As one who has been alive since the Jollijeux Utopia, I've seen the cunning and cleverness of the Black Winter, and know that it pulls all of the strings.  The masters are not evil, nor are any of you that have been corrupted.  You're all merely pawns in a much more sinister game, and our only wish is to save you from your cruel fate.

Worry not though, even if the Bellstar fails, we will find a way to save you.  That, I promise all of you.  You all deserve a much better future than what the Black Winter has forced upon you."

Emperor Claus ended his speech, to the applause of several Merrymen as well as his commanders aboard the Bellstar.  They had each known his resolve and followed him unquestionably, knowing deep down that he would lead the galaxy to its long awaited salvation.

Merin seemed a little surprised that he was applauding as well, but he seemed more surprised in the revelations in the Emperor's speech.  Why had the Emperor not told anyone about his Jollijeux time? Why did he wait until this moment to speak of this "Black Winter?"  As he asked himself this, Claus walked past him on his way back to his chambers, giving Merin a look and a smile that told Merin that he already knew the answer to those questions.  And he was right...after all, if he had told Merin any of this during their outings, Merin would have immediately been skeptical and told the masters, who would have immediately reduced the Emperor's claims to "ramblings of an old man who wanted to control everyone."

But seeing how those who were converted firsthand seemed genuinely more happy and more free convinced him that there was truth to the Emperor's words.  Though he still didn't feel right going entirely against his own people, perhaps this was a good thing.  It meant that he still felt love for them deep down for who they were, but he also knew that there was indeed some dark hold that tightened on their hearts like a vine tightening its grip...for this was a feeling he had also known as their apprentice before he had been tasked to watch the Emperor when he was still the Grand Councilor.  But whereas the others had been converted via Kristma light, he had no such conversion himself other than his own gradual shift.  He could easily attest to the feeling of what felt was a strangling feeling on his heart loosening more and more the more he opened himself to the Emperor's way of thinking.  And now here he was standing by the Emperor himself, feeling as if for the first time he could finally breathe easily.

Merin followed behind the Emperor to his chambers, as they rode in the elevator together.

"Merin, do not be surprised if the Joieux are still hostile to us even after my speech.  I have no doubts that the Masters have either refused its showing to their people, or have used the Black Winter's power to manipulate into it something else." Claus stated as Merin nodded in understanding.

"To that end, we need to get back to their base and see just what has transpired since." He continued, as Merin seemed worried.  "But what about the Bellstar?" he asked, as Emperor Claus merely smiled.  "Worry not, my boy.  I have high hopes that the Bellstar will be here when we return, and we'll soon be able to do just as I promised." he stated.

They arrived in the Emperor's chambers, activating their Holo-guises.  The now resistance-fighter looking and sounding Emperor Claus looked to the Merryman who stood at the chamber entrance as he did during each of their outings.  "Tell no one that we've left.  We'll be back in time for the Bellstar's first test." Claus stated as the Merryman saluted in understanding.  Claus and Merin then both teleported themselves away to the resistance base.

"I knew it! The Emperor wants us to be his obedient lapdogs!" a resistance fighter shouted as the two quietly made their way into the crowd.

"What else would you expect? We already knew the Jolli wanted to steal our free will away from us, and that speech just confirmed it! He even said "We wish to make you slaves to the Jolli way, whether you desire it or not." bluntly for all of us to hear! He's a despicable coward!" another fighter shouted.

It was just as the Emperor said: the masters must have manipulated the hologram to play on the resistance's fears.

"Masters, I have terrible news!" a resistance fighter shouted as he ran into the compound.

"What is it?" Master Hollen asked, as the resistance fighter took a moment to regain himself.

"It seems our brother, Elffsas, was seen in a Jolli rally by another Joieux user.  Elffsas claimed he was trying to break up the rally...which looking back at reports, he actually was.  But the Joieux user was enraged at seeing one of us there and assumed he was one of the Jolli in disguise...and he...well, he killed Elffsas in the heat of the moment." the resistance fighter explained.

"That is troubling news.  Where is the joieux who found him now?" Master Rudon asked.

"He was taken in for questioning, though it seems as if he was just truly enraged in the moment." the resistance fighter stated.

"Well damn.  Elffsas made some pretty good brews, guess I'll have to get them from someone else now." Master Krinkus stated.

Hydra, aka Elffsas, a resistance fighter was found at a Jolli rally (attempting to break it up) by a Joieux user, and killed after he was assumed to be a Jolli.

You heard the news Joieux! The Emperor has taken over Master Kringle's body, and has finished work on the Bellstar! You can't let him take away what you all hold dear and become slaves to the Jolli.  So now it's time to take to the skies and destroy that Bellstar once and for all!  That's right, it's time for a Battle Phase!

Emperor Claus, please send me a PM of who you wish to convert.

Adventurer, a scenario will be appearing shortly.

This battle phase will end at 7:00AM PST on 12/20/2018

@Fortis Scriptor and @Syraj: Both of you did not vote in this last phase.  If you do not vote in the next phase, there will be consequences.

Also, be prepared for the end of this battle phase, as it's guaranteed to be a merry one.

Also Gerrick's death has also been updated with a story.

Dammit

I'm okay with taking the inactive hit rather than lynching someone without any evidence.

Be careful though, until we lynch the last wolf, they'll be picking us off one by one.

Yeah, good point. I wish luck to everyone except to the wolf. Go fuck yourself wolfy.

DEAD
Well... rip me! Sorry for being so inactive guys! Good luck!

Everyone was gearing up to get ready for what they considered one of the biggest battles: the battle to destroy the Bellstar (the second round). The masters still were unsure of how to destroy it, as it seemed like it had no glaring weaknesses to exploit.  Not to mention, as it was finished and gearing up for a test run, it was obvious the Jolli would place a barrier to protect it once more until it was ready to fire.  But they still had to try, because their way of life was at stake.

Merin, on the other hand, took this time to explore the base a bit more, spotting something that seemed out of place on one of the resistance fighters' beds.  Sitting there was a familiar looking black box with a button...a holo player that the masters had usually forbidden the resistance from having, believing they were a tool for the Jolli to spy on and manipulate them to their ways.

Picking up the box, Merin turned on the holo player, seeing the familiar recording of the Emperor giving his speech...though this one seemed to be untainted by the masters, as it gave the identical speech that he had seen the emperor give.  He couldn't help but wonder why this was here, who had access to this, and why?

"What are you doing here soldier?  You should be getting ready for battle." Master Rudon said as he approached the room.  "Oh, I'm sorry sir, I found this sitting on one of the soldiers' beds, and I was just about to turn it in." the disguised-Merin replied, feeling slightly guilty deep down.

Master Rudon took the cube from Merin's hand as he examined it, and then pushed the button revealing the speech that he had seen.  Rudon's expression turned grave as he smashed the cube in his hands.  "Do not believe anything you see, as it was clearly edited.  What you saw in the planning room was the real speech." Rudon explained, as Merin nodded.  "Of course, the Jolli would do anything to manipulate us." He replied, as Rudon produced a short smile.  "That's correct, I'm glad that you understand that."

"Hey, what are you all doing in my room?" A resistance fighter named Krampus asked.  "This is...your room?" Master Rudon asked, as Krampus seemed puzzled.  "Yes it is master, is something the matter?" Krampus asked as Master Rudon nodded.  "I'm afraid so.  One of your comrades found a very interesting box sitting on your bed." Master Rudon explained, as Krampus looked horrified.

"Wait, I can explain.  It's not what it looks like!" Krampus started, as Master Rudon pulled out his Cane, flicking it as it changed into his pair of Chakrams.  "Rudon, hold!" A voice commanded as Rudon was about to strike.  The figure of Master Revelus walked up, as Rudon relaxed himself.  "Let this one live, for now.  They may prove useful." Master Revelus stated, as Master Rudon seemed confused.  "But what if they're a Jolli spy?" Rudon asked, as Revelus surprisingly let a small grin slip.

"I doubt they'd give themselves away so easily if they were.  However, if I'm wrong, then we'll be able to squeeze them for info on their "Emperor" of course.  But for now, we'll confine them to their quarters until we figure out what to do with them." Master Revelus explained.

Merin struggled for a moment with his emotions.  Why did he give away an innocent soldier?  What if that was Emperor Claus in his disguise (they all looked similar with their helmets on)? Surely if it was, then Emperor Claus would have no troubles using his Kristma to teleport away from there and avoid any potential torture.  Yes, that thought comforted Merin a little more as he made his way back to the Bellstar base.


"Masters, I have terrible news!" A resistance fighter shouted as he ran into the docking area.

"What, again? Can we get good news for once? Who died this time?" Master Krinkus asked as the soldier seemed confused.

"Look, we've been through the motions already, it's not hard to see that you're here to tell us that someone else died, so tell us who, and how, and why we shouldn't kill you ourselves right here for giving us this news." Master Hollen explained.

"No, nobody has died, sirs.  We have a report that our top soldier, Jacob Marley, was ambushed by the Jolli, taken captive, and converted into one of them." the soldier explained, as the masters looked to one another.  "Why do they insist on taking people from us?" Master Rudon sighed out, as Master Revelus turned toward the soldier.

"Thank you for this news." He said simply, as a Cane appeared from out of nowhere and impaled the soldier.  "W-why?" the soldier asked, as Revelus and the masters walked away.  "Because I don't tolerate bad news.  The next time anyone gives us bad news, you'll share the same fate.  Enjoy your 12 hours of agony before you die." Revelus explained as the masters made their way back into the planning room.

Syraj aka Jacob Marley, a Resistance fighter, was converted by Emperor Claus.

The Adventurer chose to report the soldier when they found the holo-cube on the soldier's bed.  This in turn angered Rudon, who almost killed them if it hadn't been for Revelus' surprising intervention.  Because of this, Krampus was simply confined to their quarters.  That means that in the next planning phase, Sapphiron aka Krampus will not be able to vote...but doesn't free them from being voted against.  This will still count towards the inactivity count.

Alright folks, it looks like this may be our last Planning Phase! With only 4 players left, it's absolutely crucial that you figure out the Jolli this round if you don't want the Joieux to win.  Keep in mind that the Adventurer still lives, but even if they share a win with the bad guy, their being alive doesn't affect your end count.  That being said, you'll still want to pick the right person, since there will be no stopping the Joieux from claiming their final victim in the next Battle Phase.  And no matter who they choose, it may spell the end for the Joieux.

This Planning phase will end at 7:40AM PST on 12/22/2018

And before I forget, the results of the Wheel of Merriment:

Basically, nothing happened.  It's a free round!