Vampire V : Paris by Night...

[Elder Tsofu]

Well, now you can see if the numbers change and then decide if someone has broken a pact you made. Lies and deception etc.

[TigerFang]

Aww man do I really have to vote? I mean I'm not aligned with any of the factions in any way... and I think I'd rather stay that way for now.

[mangosta71]

Out of town doing the meetup thing in Baltimore. Please refrain from autolynching for the next few days.

[erikun]

Aww man do I really have to vote? I mean I'm not aligned with any of the factions in any way... and I think I'd rather stay that way for now.

I've noticed quite a few people unaligned, honestly, and nobody is going to be aligned to two factions. Just vote for whoever comes to mind. It's not like you can't change your vote afterwards, after all.

[Ramsus]

I'm aligned to two factions. Kinda. Possibly three or even four depending on how you look at things. This makes it a bit difficult for me to know where to point my vote sometimes.

[TigerFang]

Major: Gypsies
Minor: Church

That way I'm certain I won't influence the results in any way and everyone is happy... I hope.

[Helgraf]

It occurs to me I was less than obvious based on the number of PMs I haven't received. So let's make it absolutely official.

Night Phase (Phase II, Open Discourse) is underway

[Ramsus]

Oh, right. That's what happens when you tell us something will happen and don't remind us when it actually does.

[Helgraf]

Oh, right. That's what happens when you tell us something will happen and don't remind us when it actually does.

But we're not bitter at all, are we?

[Ramsus]

But we're not bitter at all, are we?

I think you misunderstood my tone. It was just a matter of fact statement.

[Helgraf]

I think you misunderstood my tone. It was just a matter of fact statement.

Then why feel the need to post it at all? My original statement was a reflection on my own inadequate communication.

[Ramsus]

*shrug* Just making commentary.

[Penguinator]

*shrug* Just making commentary.

A third party watched as the player and the narrator exchanged passive-aggressiveness. He found himself narrating what was going on between the two. "Odd," he thought, "Why should I do something like that?" He paused, then looked down. "Perhaps," he told himself, "because it's fun."

(I'm bored, can you tell?

Oh, before anyone asks, not with the game, just in general.)

[Lamech]

The giant block of white posted a flier: "Warning: it appears we have meta-commentary, and the meta is beginning to become recursive. I fear that soon the meta-faction will accomplish their faction win."

[Helgraf]

Gamespeak: All currently submitted actions have been recorded. Actions will be accepted until 9 pm eastern time tomorrow.

Storyline: From the Solarium, L'Emperuer giggled like a schoolboy planning a particularly impressive prank as he observed the people of Paris jockey for influence and support. Watched the nobles and the inquisition shore up their positions; the University and the Gypsies making alliances to strengthen their position. The Church moving around in the back, now and again a murmured conference between a prelate or bishop and those not formally committed.

And of course, those simpering fops of the Masqued, trading long established bonafides and prestige to bolster some and bring down others. They reminded him of himself when he was a young boy; still learning how to manipulate and guide others.

And it was these same lessons that made him certain - absolutely certain - that there were others out there ... pulling strings, tying cords together into a net. Hiding in the shadows, manipulating the major players. Threatening them, cajoling them.

He'd called the Concourse to force them into the open - that by observing them directly, he might glean something of their nature and numbers. And he had learned much ... but some critical pieces of the puzzle still eluded him.

And some still refused to participate. For these, a fitting punishment must be found.

Time to move another piece on the board.

"Exchequer."

The man was before L'Emperuer almost before his title was done being spoken, kneeling in supplication.

"Bring me Lady Adelheid. And release her companion from the cells."

The Exchequer did his best to maintain his composure, yet still the color drained from his face. "Begging your indulgent mercy Imperial Majesty ... are you ... certain?"

A single nod given in return. The Exchequer bowed and scurried out of the room.

"Lord Captain."

"Imperial Majesty."

"Arrest the following people. Joxer t' Mighty, The_Grimmace, D_Lord, Diva De. I will have no filthy neutrals in my court."

"Yes Imperial Majesty."

The Captain turned to go.

"Also..."

The Captain turned slowly back toward L'Emperuer.

"Yes, Imperial Majesty?"

"Step closer. What comes next is not for others' ears."

The Captain did as he was told. L'Emperuer murmured to his ear. The Captain swallowed reflexively, then murmured, "As your Imperial Majesty commands."

"Dismissed, Lord Captain."

[Helgraf]

Gameplay: Action submission deadline is now past. Night will end with posting of the nighttime narration.

[Helgraf]

As evening turns into night, the guests are escorted to adjoining chambers, where the maneuvering continues into the wee hours under the watchful eyes of the Palace Guard.

At high midnight, all are gathered once more before L'Emperuer. He is smiling, a warm, radiant smile totally unlike his expression earlier in the evening.

"Ahhh ... esteemed citizens of Paris and notable guests. My agents have completed the business of regarding all of your personal requests, boons, et al, et cetera.

For purposes of determining the most successful faction, each major vote was considered to be worth thrice that of a minor vote. Those who issued a major vote, but refused to fully commit to the game by issuing a minor vote were assessed a two point penalty against the value of their major vote.

Ahhh - I did not tell you all the rules up front to my little game? No, I did not. Indeed, the very notion that I be required to do so would suggest some sort of shift in power away from my August Personage. Rubbish!"

L'Emperuer drew forth a kerchief and lightly blotted his forehead.

"The tallies stand as follows:"

038 Nobles--- (32.478632478632478632478632478632%)
031 University (26.495726495726495726495726495726%)
025 Gypsies-- (21.367521367521367521367521367521%)
014 Inquisition (11.965811965811965811965811965812%)
009 Church--- (7.6923076923076923076923076923077%)

"It is clear the nobles hold the largest share, yet an alliance of two or three could easily overcome them. As they have demonstrated internal loyalty, We hope they shall next proceed to demonstrate external loyalty.

It is also clear that the Gypsies have gained significant support from nearly all quarters; the Inquisition offered them no aid, yet they gained more than twice the minority support of any other group gathered here. They have gained thereby our Favour.

Results
The Nobles have won the first Open Discourse event, activating their faction power.

The University has gained the support of three factions during this event.

The Gypsies were given the most breadcrumbs, gaining more than double the number of minor votes of any other faction. Each member of the Gypsies faction is granted 1 token of Imperial Favor.

Day begins and will last roughly 48 hours. Open Discourse I has ended.

The bodies of Fleeing Coward and Urien were found dissected and dismembered in the Seine. The coward's body parts were more bloated, suggesting they were dumped in on an earlier day. (They are considered Destroyed and cannot be returned to life.)

[Helgraf]

((Ahem? Has everyone left in protest then?))

[Lamech]

Well you see I don't want to vote first, because that risks starting a counter-wagon and I'm a fan of living!

Penguinator, Helgraf is demanding votes.

[Larspcus2]

I was going to wait until five minutes before the deadline and then snipe someone with a vote, but you had to go and ruin it

[Zjoot]

I just haven't been playing close enough attention to this game to know who to vote for.

[Ramsus]

I'll go with Zar Peter.

[bladescape]

The Grimmace isn't paying attention!

[Lamech]

Hmm... Lindon, I heard a rumor your a better choice.

[Alarra]

Well, umm...okay, I guess I could vote for someone... Lindon?

[billtodamax]

Larspcus2 then.

[Penguinator]

Hmm... Lindon, huh?

[cd4]

Sounds like a possiblity that we have a scry, therefore Lindon.

[TigerFang]

I'm going to follow this rumor of a rumor and vote Lindon.

[banjo1985]

My faction has informed me that Penguinator is a vampire. Make of that what you will.