Salem - RP Closed

[Shenanigans_SC]

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y225/Mila_Muromachi/SIMS2/Salem/Salem.jpg

There’s a chill in the air as a father runs through the town. He’s headed to the doctor’s house, and there’s no time to lose. He turns sharply nearly slipping in a mud puddle created from the stormy night that has finally cleared. Catching his balance he heads down the back alley, cold air filling his lungs. He reaches the doctor’s back door and pounds it with his fists. “Doc!” his panicked voice echoes through the early morning mist. “Open up Doc! I need you!”

The door creeks open revealing a man behind it wrapping his robe around his body, tying the belt tightly around his waist. “What is it good man?” he asks trying to hide his irritation with being woken so early.
“It’s my little girl Elizabeth,” the man spit out between attempts to catch his breath. “She’s gotten worse in the night.” The doctor’s expression noticeably changed from irritation, to fear. “Her mother is sitting with her, please you must hurry!”
The doctor adjusts his wire spectacle frames on his nose. “Go, return to your daughter. I will get my bag and be there right away.”
The father nodded his head and began to run back home. Back around the corner he went, completely unaware of the shadowy figure who had tracked him.

~ * ~

Welcome to Salem, a game styled Role Play. This game is set in the late 1600s, in a small colony of the New World. A few girls have come down with a disease that no one can explain. Over come with blasphemous screaming, convulsive seizures, and trance like states, the girls’ conditions have the town frightened. There’s only one thing that could possibly explain such behavior. Witchcraft! The good church going ladies and gents have all began to fast and pray fervently. But will it do any good? That’s what we’ll have to find out.

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y225/Mila_Muromachi/SIMS2/Salem/Characters.jpg

The Characters:

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y225/Mila_Muromachi/SIMS2/Salem/WitchesClan.jpg
The Witches Clan:
There will be a group of witches who are trying to eliminate the townsfolk. These people will be chosen randomly. The number of witches ultimately depends on how many people we have participating. The witches will know each other’s identity as they are a clan after all.

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y225/Mila_Muromachi/SIMS2/Salem/TownFolk.jpg
The Townsfolk:
These are the innocent people in the town. You’re main goal is to rid your town of all the evil witches.

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y225/Mila_Muromachi/SIMS2/Salem/WhiteWitch.jpg
The White Witch:
The White Witch is in fact a witch, but of a good heart. The White Witch is truly bothered by what the other witches are doing to the people of the town. The White Witch has magical spells that are used to inquire about one participant’s role every “round”. The White Witch can then use their knowledge to persuade other’s decisions, hoping to rid the town of the dark witches. Be careful though, the Witches Clan knows of the White Witch existence and would love to get rid of him/her.

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y225/Mila_Muromachi/SIMS2/Salem/BlessedOne.jpg
The Blessed One:
The Blessed One is the only player who can protect other players from witches. During each night the blessed one picks one player to protect in secret. If the witches choose to attack the protected one, their spell will fail and that player will be saved.

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y225/Mila_Muromachi/SIMS2/Salem/TheGame.jpg

The Game.

The game will proceed in rounds. Each round will likely last a few days, but their length is at my discretion to shorten or prolong.

During the Night: The night is the Witches time to act. They can gather and pick a victim to kill, or they may choose not to. During the night The Blessed One will need to choose a person to protect and the White Witch will be able to find out the identity of one character each night.

During the Day: The day is filled with accusations from the town folk. An arrest will be made and a trial held. During the trial, the accused person will have a chance to defend their self. Then the village must decide to let the person go free, or hang them. Any hangings will be done just before dusk.

So basically it will work like this.
- Everyone sends me their vote on who they suspect is a witch.
- I roleplay a person’s capture and begin a trial.
- During the trial others can accuse the person, and that person has the opportunity to defend themselves.
- A town meeting is then held where everyone states publically if they think the person should be set free or hanged.
- The person is either released or killed depending on the votes, and night sets in.
- During the night the Blessed One pics a person to protect, The White Witch finds out the allegiance of one person, and the Witches Clan has the opportunity to kill one person.
- Morning comes, I reveal who was killed and the whole process starts all over again.

Characters making unfounded accusations, stating false facts and lies are part of this game. But you as a player must not tell anyone of your role in the game. No mater if your a townsfolk or a witch, or whatever, you're not allowed to reveal your identity to anyone. The game is over once one side has been eliminated.

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y225/Mila_Muromachi/SIMS2/Salem/Welcome.jpg

Applications.
1. Name
2. A brief description of your character.
3. A picture.
Pictures can come from anywhere and do not have to be a sim.
They can be of any age but must appear to be human please.

Once you’ve posted your application, please PM me the following information. (It is important that this stays private between you and me!)
1. Are you willing to be part of the Witches Clan?
2. Are you willing to be the White Witch?
3. Are you willing to be the Blessed One?

I plan to keep applications open for six days. We need to have a minimum of eight participants to begin.

Please remember, this roleplay is set in a Puritan Village in the late 1600s. You do not have to be an expert on the era or a history buff to participate in the roleplay, but please do your best to keep your character in the correct setting.

If there's any questions feel free to ask!
Thank you!

[Shenanigans_SC]

Characters:
1. Julianna Wardelle (pandaness) ~ Preacher's Daughter (http://forums.sims2community.com/showpost.php?p=1018773&postcount=7)
2. Calliope Nighwolfe (cherryp3) ~ Doctor's Daughter (http://forums.sims2community.com/showpost.php?p=1018827&postcount=9)
3. Nero Nighwolfe(Fayreview) ~ Doctor (http://forums.sims2community.com/showpost.php?p=1018919&postcount=13) - ELIMINATED
4. Hailey Morgana(GeeWayrocks) ~ Executioner’s Daughter (http://forums.sims2community.com/showpost.php?p=1019093&postcount=22)
5. Elizabeth “Lizzie” Dane(eternal_sunshine) ~ Seamstress (http://forums.sims2community.com/showpost.php?p=1019136&postcount=27)
6. Lucifer Deunna(Haylifer) (http://forums.sims2community.com/showpost.php?p=1019226&postcount=29) - DROPPED OUT
7. 7. Abigail Emerson(Titania) ~ Blacksmith’s Daughter (http://forums.sims2community.com/showpost.php?p=1019105&postcount=21)
8. Anne Abel (RosalindP) (http://forums.sims2community.com/showpost.php?p=1019735&postcount=32) - ELIMINATED
9. Bartholomew Roberts(Fnrtsman) (http://forums.sims2community.com/showpost.php?p=1020400&postcount=45)
10. Rev. William Hawthorne(Atropa) ~ Priest (http://forums.sims2community.com/showpost.php?p=1020503&postcount=48)
11. Samuel(veldagia) ~ Poet (http://forums.sims2community.com/showpost.php?p=1020932&postcount=59)
12. Mary Peddleweather(Vicci) ~ Butter Maker (http://forums.sims2community.com/showpost.php?p=1020971&postcount=62)
13. Charlotte Brannon(Shadowblade) (http://forums.sims2community.com/showpost.php?p=1021097&postcount=63)
14. Fenn Ramsey(PennyTheCorgi) (http://forums.sims2community.com/showpost.php?p=1021123&postcount=64)
15. Amber Harrison(ElektraNatchios33) (http://forums.sims2community.com/showpost.php?p=1021205&postcount=66) - ELIMINATED
16. Gerty Adams(Tjaames) (http://forums.sims2community.com/showpost.php?p=1021412&postcount=72) - ELIMINATED
17. Claire Pitt(innocenteyes) (http://forums.sims2community.com/showpost.php?p=1021508&postcount=86)
18. Mathias Starks(foolinthemoon)~Baker (http://forums.sims2community.com/showpost.php?p=1022425&postcount=141) - ELIMINATED
19. Barnabas Wardelle(Spoonerism) ~ Preacher’s Son (http://forums.sims2community.com/showpost.php?p=1022495&postcount=146) - DROPPED OUT

Official Map:
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y225/Mila_Muromachi/SIMS2/Salem/finalmapsmall.jpg (http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y225/Mila_Muromachi/SIMS2/Salem/finalmapbig.jpg)
(Click on it for a bigger image.)


~ * ~

Avatars:
Avatars have been removed from this post to make room for the character spreadsheet. All avatars can now be found here (http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y225/Mila_Muromachi/SIMS2/Salem/Avatars/).

~ * ~
Character Sheet:
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y225/Mila_Muromachi/SIMS2/Salem/CharacterSpreadsheet_Small.jpg (http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y225/Mila_Muromachi/SIMS2/Salem/CharacterSpreadsheet.jpg)
(Click on it for a slightly larger image.)

[Spoonerism_SC]

Oh, I would so love to be in this.

Luckily, I have no self-control so I probably will join.

[Pandaness]

:O

I must join this!

[Shenanigans_SC]

ooc: Shenan! No way! I mentioned something about this in the RP thread...
Yeah, when I was trying to get ideas I went through that suggestions thread. The witch trials and the wild west both caught my attention. That's how Tumbleweed Valley came to be. Now that it's nearly over, I thought I'd go ahead and start this one. Hope you can find the time!

Glad to see people are interested! Can't wait to see the characters ya'll come up with!

[Pandaness]

Name
Julianna Wardelle

Biography
Julianna is the preacher's daughter, fair and bright. At the age of 19, She is the youngest of three children, and the only girl. Her mother died during labor, and since then she has become sort of the "woman of the household". Because the boys' can't clean, sew, or cook, she was unfortunately forced into the posistion.

She is very modest and truthful, although somewhat shy and secretive. Her pale skin burns easily, so she prefers to stay inside and sew. You can usually find her at the church, as she is very true to her fairth and comes there each morning first thing. Sometimes, when she can get her hands on a book, she'll read it. She taught herself to read at a young age so that she could study the bible. Since then she has read it over 7 times. She believes in the afterlife, and has a strong faith. She is also extremely judgemental of people, and dosen't trust newcomers easily.

Although she is long-past due to wed, she has had no romantic relationships with anyone so far. She does, however, have an eye for a man out there.

Some of her friends have recently become victims of the witches' attacks, although she is skeptical of their existence. If they are, however, she wishes nothing more of them than to be hung at the gallows.

Picture
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a201/veryscarycandy/salem.jpg

( Anyone is welcome to be the Preacher or one of the brothers! :3 )

[photo]

I dont know how creative in writing I am but I might actually join this one... doesn't seem too bad.

[cherryp3]

http://i7.tinypic.com/4r1rv2g.jpg

Name:
Calliope Nighwolfe

Description:
A voice as clear as heaven’s bells, piercing eyes of the finest emerald, and a relentless devotion to her Lord has earned the porcelain-skinned goddess the admiration of the prestigious men and women of Salem Town. Calliope spends most of the day wondering about the town, humming under her breath and passing on the word of God to any open ear. Few disregard her lectures as the young woman has become something of a figure of the church ever since the new pastor, William, moved into town. Under the man’s wing she has come to appreciate the ‘Fire and Brimstone’ teachings and has gone so far as to accumulate her own nightly Bible study which focuses on these practices. During the day, however, she serves as the lead singer in the choir where her capturing voice could melt the coldest of hearts. Because of her delicate singing and her firm sermons, the elders affectionately call her ‘God’s Little Wonderment.’

Though, masked by Calliope’s angelic features and soft voice, sits a terrible beast of a soul. Calliope cares little for the people of Salem Town and often uses her position as the doctor’s daughter to bend the townsfolk to her will. Many a time she has acquired a patient requiring only a minor surgery, only to coincidentally find an inconceivably dangerous injury that required an immediate--and highly expensive--surgery. She earned her weight in gold through these precarious surgeries, purposely injuring many patients so that they might be forced into her trap. In fact, Calliope can almost appreciate the trail’s going-on. The incisions and mistakes can effortlessly be blamed on witchcraft, and she can rake in an even heftier sum for the extra work and the ‘summoning of God’s blessing’. The surplus from this money goes either to the fashionable dresses she has imported from London or serves as a wager on one of her many gambling nights. The fallen ‘angel’ looks up to Reverend William in everything she does, and enjoys nothing more than having a one on one chat with the man.


[Calliope is daughter to Salem's doctor, and is the only skilled surgeon in the town.]

Picture:
http://i1.tinypic.com/53fepa1.jpg

.extra. (http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=4t9pc76&s=1)

[trampledsneakers]

((O_O This is SO cool! I've played a game like this in real life, except it was Mafia. Way cool...I may just have to join...))

[cherryp3]

ooc: Trampled! Yeay! :D Yes, you must join.

[Shenanigans_SC]

Pandaness – Yes, I was working on an avatar template. I wanted to go for dark and spooky, not sure I quite pulled it off, but they’ll look something like this.
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y225/Mila_Muromachi/SIMS2/Salem/Avatars/testavatar.gif
I’ll be using them for a character spread sheet of sorts.

Cherryp3 – Yes, feel free to be the doctor’s daughter. If no one wants to be the good doctor then he can remain a NPC.

So everyone knows, all positions in town are free for the taking.

Trampledsneakers – This is pretty much exactly like the Mafia game. Different names and a different theme, but really the same game. Hope to see you join!

Photo_me – The great thing about these type of role plays is that your creativity feeds off of the other participants. It’s great fun really.

Please don't forget to PM me the three questions listed in the first post after you've posted your application. Thanks :)

[Fayreview]

Ohh! I'd like to be the doctor... If anyone has a problem with that I'm quite happy to be somebody else though... (by anyone I mean cherry of course.... i dont wanna just jump in as her father....:P)


Name: Nero Nighwolfe
Age: 57
Description: Nero has deep green eyes, his brow has deep lines as he frowns so much much, in fact this is his normal expression. Despite this he is a kind man, who would happily give anything he could to protect the townsfolk.... particularly his daughter. His slight arthritus in his hands means he can no longer perform complex surgery, he is lucky his daughter also picked up this talent or he himself may have been out of a job years ago. Nero is quite happy to keep a patients secrets if they wish, no matter what it is or who they are. Well within reason of course!
Nero has a secret though, a secret which would land anyone in trouble in this day and age... It's not like it hurts anyone, really its just his opinion... No matter how dangerous it is.

picture:

http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd301/Fayreview/Dee-echsbase.jpg

[funheart00]

O.o I must enter :P
I'll try and get in an application later today :)

[veldagia]

Great idea Shenanigans. Can I reserve a spot please. I will be back in next couple of days with an application - I'm just a little busy right now.

[Shenanigans_SC]

Cherryp3 – No problem! Most likely if I wasn’t 100% clear for you, someone else out there is wondering the same thing, just not voicing their opinion.

The White Witch is on the Town’s side. Each "night" round the White Witch gets to PM me the name of one character that s/he would like to know about. I then tell them if that one character is on the Witches Clan, is the Blessed One or is a Townsfolk. In most Mafia games I think it’s usually referred to as a detective of sorts. The White Witch is sort of like the Townsfolk secret weapon so to say that they'll have more knowledge than the rest. Let me know if I still haven't quite explained it good enough.

Veldagia – most definitely! I’m leaving the applications open for a week, so you have time. :)

[AtropaMandragora]

Shenan - A stupid question maybe, but... If the White Witch knows that a certain person is in the Clan, he/she could just come right out and say it, and that person wouldn't stand a chance in the trial?

[Shenanigans_SC]

Shenan - A stupid question maybe, but... If the White Witch knows that a certain person is in the Clan, he/she could just come right out and say it, and that person wouldn't stand a chance in the trial?

That is true. But the thing is will everyone trust that person if they do that? Don't forget members of the Witches Clan may be making up lies during the trials to protect themselves (or a member of their clan) or to falsely accuse someone they know is innocent.

But I do agree you have a good point. I will add to the rule that everyone is to keep their role a secret. The Witches Clan will know who is aligned with them, but other than that everyone should not know who is who. (In the beginning anyway.) Everyone is suspect.

[AtropaMandragora]

Oh, so the townsfolk don't know who the White Witch is? *slaps forehead* I missed that part. *s*

[trampledsneakers]

Shenan- Ahhh, that explains it! This is nearly identical...and I LOVE this game in real life, so I'm going to *have* to join. And about the white witch; in the game we played in real life, they were able to give away their identity if they choose to. It's not immediately known, but if they're desperate to make the townspeople believe them, they can tell them they're the white witch (the townspeople may or may not believe them) and they can then garner their agreement. However, this endangers the white witch because then her identity is also known to the dark witches as well. So you have to be really desperate.... just a thought. xD I say this only because that's how I played it in real life, but you can still make it so that they have to keep it secret.

I think I'm going to enter a male. I already have RP'd too many girls. >_>

[GeeWayrocks]

Name: Hailey Morgana

A brief description of your character: Hailey has a dark manner, and a well off family, but they are saddened, as Hailey's younger sister, Liana, just died from the sickness that has recently gripped the town. Even though she has a quick and sharp tounge, she is kind. At thirteen, her parents have said she might be in for the sickness, and every night, she prays she will not catch it. Her mother and father are trying for another child to replace Liana. Hailey is trying to find out what she can about the sickness, and visits her sisters grave regularly. She keeps a diary, and carries it everywhere with her.

(Hailey is the daughter of Salem's executioner)

A picture: http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb93/Maxx69_2007/4020gothique.jpg

(Will sim when game is fixed)

[Titania_SC]

Name: Abigail Emerson

Description: Being the only daughter of the town's blacksmith, Abigail was sheltered and protected from everything as a child. She grew up not knowing of anything "bad", living a very carefree life. When she was younger, Abigail was always the odd one out, never being allowed to do things the other children could do, but it didn't bother her much. Instead, she would help out her father or draw pictures to pass the time. After perfecting her talent for many years, Abigail paints portraits of wealthier citizens around the area.

Abigail has begun to see what's happening in the town, and she has started to question her brother's death. She was told to just ignore it, but now Abigail wants some answers to why he died. And perhaps some justice.

[[eternal_sunshine: I sort of stole your thing. =D If it bothers you, I can change it.]]

Picture:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v609/Way2Hopeless/RP/Abigail1edited.jpg

[trampledsneakers]

The method of death was typically hanging, I believe Titania. ;)

Shenan- Do we choose our job/position? I mean, for example, if you ended up being a townsperson, do you have to say what job you hold? And I assume that the actual witches are perceived as townsfolk by the rest of the actual townspeople, so they too have jobs? I ask because I've seen people listing jobs.

[Spoonerism_SC]

I have one question too, forgive me if it was already answered, regarding the White Witch.

Do the other withces know she is the White Witch? And can she be put to trial just like everyone else?

[trampledsneakers]

No one knows each others identities; you all assume you are fellow townsfolk. The only people who know for a fact the identities of others are the witches, and they only know the identities of other witches because they have to meet to discuss who they want to kill. The White witch can learn one person's identity night by night, but no one knows her identity. (Right? Sorry to answer for you Shenan, just thought I'd clear things up if possible.)

[eternal_sunshine]

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1425/1391494577_8bd3376367_o.jpg

Name: Elizabeth "Lizzie" Dane

Description: Outgoing and spirited, Lizzie Dane is a young woman of much resource, and well-known as the town's finest seamstress. Always willing to lend a helping a hand, Lizzie is known for her kindness in helping her neighbors, and will often to tend to stray, damaged animals - even going so far as to take them into her own home. Long an orphan, Lizzie was once married to a local blacksmith's young, handsome son - but he died just days after their wedding under...very mysterious circumstances. Bad luck, then, or something more sinister? The townspeople might have thought so once, but in the face of Lizzie's winsome, wholesome smiles and particularly skillful stitching, that strange incident has long been forgotten.

{Lizzie is the town's seamstress, and a widow of a blacksmith's son.}

Great RP! Let me know if I need to change anything; this is my first RP character, so I hope I did everything right! :)

[foolinthemoon]

Gosh darn it, i don't have time for another RP... GAH... *goes to make app* I'll have it in tonight or tomorrow :P

[Haylifer]

Lucifer Deunna

You enquire as to the past of Lucifer Deunna? Then, I shall tell to you an unfinished tale. The tale of an illegitimate son of an illegitimate woman, thrice orphaned; a tale of undeserved pain and greivance. The tale of the beginnings of Justice.

Spawn of a travelling gypsy girl and a mysterious stranger, he came into this world one icy December night. His mother, cast from the travelling clan and labelled as a witch-woman, fled to the church in a desperate plea for salvation. Crying with pain of birth and redemption, she begged the good vicar to take her unborn son and raise him as his own, kept far from the world of sin and evil. After what seemed like an eternity, a baby was born - a boy with skin as pale as death, hair of dazzling gold and eyes of a piercing cyan. With her dying breath, the doomed gypsy named him Lucifer, a name that meant "bringer of light".

The vicar remained true to his word, raising Lucifer until his sixth birthday. That very day, the good man of God mysteriously disappeared from the town, soon found hanging from a branch over the river. The twice-orphaned child was taken in by a kind-hearted woman by the name of Alice, a lady who had recently lost her first and only child. Lucifer was aged twelve when Alice's body was found, drowned in the same river that played host to the vicar's suicide.

Convinced that the Devil was the cause of his misery, Lucifer swore he would devote his life to destroying every trace of evil in the world. He made a promise to his dead mother, the poor vicar, and dear Alice, that he would stay true to his name. He would bring light into the world and use it to banish the darkness to whence it came. So one month before his eighteenth year of life when the rumour of witchcraft in Salem began, Lucifer vowed to hunt down each one of these Devil-worshipping do-ers of dark and evil magic and bring unto them justice.

I am this Lucifer. I am Justice.

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a332/liquidization/lucifer.jpg

[Shenanigans_SC]

Wow! I’m out for the morning and so many questions and posts await me! It’s great, I’m loving it!

Titania – From what I've read all but one were hung. The other was pressed to death under heavy stones because he refused to stand trial. But we're not trying to relive history exactly here (thank heavens!) but I honestly haven’t sat and wrote how I will RP the killing of everyone. I’m most likely to run with what was already RPed by you guys. If the towns folk are yelling “Hang Her!” she’ll probably get hung. If townsfolk are armed with pitchforks and axes, the person would probably die that way. It’s all at the mercy of the roleplay.

Trampledsneakers – no problem! You did a great job of answering the question and are completely correct. As for having to have a job or position… you don’t have to. You could be just a farmer, or just a house wife. It’s really up to you. Giving your character a “job” though helps to define them a bit. And as for how the witches are perceived, yes they should strive to blend in with the rest of the townsfolk. After all, if a witch's true identity is found out, they’re likely to be the very next one on trial.

Spoonerism – I just want to add that The White Witch can be tried just like everyone else, and fall to the hands of the Witches Clan just like everyone else. The White Witch has no special powers regarding survival in the game.

Foolinthemoon – lol I’m glad you’re making room. Really though, Desperado is about done, so is Tumbleweed Valley. So just say this one will replace those two. ;)

If I missed anyone's question, I promise it wasn't intentional. Please feel free to bug me via PM if needed!

For everyone who posted an application, I’ve added your names to the characters list. I will be making avatars later in the day when I have more time. If you want yours, check the second post in the thread for it from time to time.

And just a friendly reminder (some of you have already done this.... thank you!) but please remember to send me a PM letting me know if you're willing to play any of the special roles. I don't want to put the burden of Blessed One on someone who feels they don't have time to do it.
Thanks!

[Titania_SC]

Mkay, I added my app here (http://forums.sims2community.com/showpost.php?p=1019105&postcount=23) .
Er... eternal_sunshine: I sort of stole parts from you. =D If it bothers you, I can change it.

[RosalindP]

http://i19.tinypic.com/5ywacyc.jpg

Name: Anne Abel

Anne is a gentle, quiet, and very young-looking woman of 19, the wife of a farmer and daughter of a respected preacher. She prefers to sew at home (idle hands are the tool of evil!) rather than speak with other wives, and misses church sporadically due to her two-year-old son being prone to illness.

Because of this, many people are apt to turn a slightly suspicious eye to Anne, especially whenever someone brings up the unusual circumstances of her marriage: her husband, Jonathan, was originally engaged to a girl in the town her was born in, but she passed away from a mysterious illness and he came to Salem, immediately falling in love with the young, plain Anne. There is a vicious rumor among the children and younger teens in the town that she brewed a potion to kill Jonathan's fiancee and bring him to her, but the adults tend to dismiss this idea -- at least in public.

Anne, when confronted about this, will be quick to say that her son's illness and her husband's previous grief were punishments from God, and that she is hurt and shocked that anyone would dare accuse her of being in alliance with Satan.

(I realise the picture I'm using doesn't exactly fit the period, but I couldn't find anything else and my game keeps crashing!)

[Shadowblade]

This sounds like a lot of fun! I have a question though...how accurate does the speech have to be? I mean, modern slang is out, obviously...but I don't know how accurate and true to the times I can make my character speak. How strict are you on that?

[Shenanigans_SC]

...how accurate does the speech have to be? I mean, modern slang is out, obviously...but I don't know how accurate and true to the times I can make my character speak. How strict are you on that?

Not strict at all! What I really meant was along the lines of the obvious things. No TV, no refrigerators, no cars. Light oil lamps or candles instead of hitting a light switch. Whip the Ox to plow the field instead of firing up a tractor. No "Like Totally! Awesome man!" type talk.

Heck! I'm not even capable of keeping the speech "old english". lol

[Fayreview]

I can do oldish English.... but I just sound like a Guy from Victian England.... and nobody wants that

The other thing is... when were reading glasses designed?

[eternal_sunshine]

Mkay, I added my app here (http://forums.sims2community.com/showpost.php?p=1019105&postcount=23) .
Er... eternal_sunshine: I sort of stole parts from you. =D If it bothers you, I can change it.

Not at all! I really like what you did with the character. :) Yay! Our characters can be lovely enemies, perhaps! :P

[Shenanigans_SC]

The other thing is... when were reading glasses designed?
Good question! I had no idea so I had to google it.
Apparently at the time of this role play they had eye glasses of sorts, but not quite like we know them today. They were something like this:
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y225/Mila_Muromachi/SIMS2/Salem/spectecles.jpg

It seems the 'temples' (the part that extends to and wraps behind the ear) was created in the 18th century, right after our roleplay.

So, as you can tell, I already did not stay true to the time period, as I said the doctor adjusted his glasses. Sorry about that. I think little things like this will not effect the role play negatively. So if you want your character to have eye glasses go for it. Who knows, maybe your character actually invented them, someone else stole the idea and got credit for it ten years later. :)

[funheart00]

How old do the character's have to be?
I mean obviously really young is out, but back then young was different? So is the minimum age like 13 .. or 14 or something? Sorry with the dumb questions :)

[GeeWayrocks]

Says on the first page any age. That's why I made mine 13

[Fayreview]

Thanks for the info! I've finished the docotr... I'm sorry for the bodyshop pic but my Sims 2 keeps crashing... it looks like I may be in for a re-install.

http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd301/Fayreview/Dee-echsbase.jpg

[funheart00]

okii, thanks Laurie :)

[Haylifer]

Added Luce's picture :p His personality is clearly a reincarnation of Light from Death Note... I seriously didn't mean him to be but apparently now he is.

[Pandaness]

Haylifer, I'm sorry, but Lucifer is absolutely stunning ~!

[cherryp3]

ooc: *eyes pop out* *wheeze* Haylifer, Lucifer is gorgeous! And he's like Light? >__> He shall have a small fangirl base in the town I'm sure. x]

Oh, and Shenan? Calliope's bio is about to undergo surgery as well. She's still going to be a female and all, but there are some things that I'm going to fix...

[Shenanigans_SC]

I have no problem with you guys changing/editing/tweaking your characters before the role play begins. I just ask that you let me know after it's done. I'd like to read the changes and change any pictures if I need to. Thanks. :)

[AtropaMandragora]

Must... fight... urge... to join...
Nope, I give up. I'll have an app up in a day or so... or a few hours even. *s*


There's still no priest, right?

[Pandaness]

Okay, I ended up not making a boy, and not really changing her that much XD

Nonetheless, I have completely re-done my app, changed her name, and added her picture. I'll be sending in the question ma-jig in a second ^^

And Atropa, no Priest so far :3 Go for it!

[ElektraNatchios33]

oooh, the banner creeps me out.
I love the sound of this one, but idk.

*thinks of large obligation to be made. Looks at homework.*

OKAY! *Says in terminator voice* I'll be back.

[AtropaMandragora]

Pandaness - Yey. Although, it won't be Julianna's father. It would make him far too old, as the character I have in mind is in his early 20's. :)
But he's a collegue of her father's, so they'll probably know eachother anyway?

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Name:
Rev. William Hawthorne

Biography:
Somewhat of a newcomer in Salem, William - already a priest and a widower at the tender age of 23 - recently left England after the death of his wife, and set out to make a new life for himself in the New World. Despite being ordained, he serves mostly as an assistant to the current pastor, helping him with various duties and caring for the souls of the people of the small colony.
His good looks and soft, gentle manners have already earned him a reputation for being a pious, God-fearing man with a heart of gold.
In reality, he is anything but.
Although ordained, the number of sins on his conscience are many. Upon travelling to America, he left behind not only a history of adultery and debauchery, but also a web of lies and deceit. Serving as a priest in a small town in England, William used his profession as a front, to keep his vices hidden. Just like in Salem, the townspeople thought him to be a good, righteous and honest young man who saw it as his calling to serve God. That is, the townspeople who didn't know any better. Alot of the young English girls sooner or later discovered that the good reverend didn't practice what he preached. While some welcomed his lack of morals, there were those who didn't. Those girls were kept silent with a sound promise of having them accused of witchcraft if they uttered even one wrong syllable. And him being the priest, who was most likely to be believed? Some young girl with a vivid imagination, or the saintly, virtuous young man preaching to them all about the wages of sin?
Before long though, his wife discovered what was going on, and in order to rid himself of the threat against his "good name and character", he went before his superiors and with a "heavy heart" explained that he thought his wife to be a witch. He claimed it was the most difficult thing he'd ever had to do, as he still loved her, but knowing she was in league with the Devil, he simply had to do the right thing.
With a priest - and her own husband no less - testifying against her, William's wife didn't stand a chance.

However, since arriving in Salem he hasn't yet indulged in anything immoral, except having a drink or two in the privacy of his own home, as he's still observing the young women to try and determine who's likely to welcome any possible advances, and/or who might be scared into keeping her mouth shut. He's got his eye on one or two in particular, but has decided to bide his time, for now.

He's found somewhat of a peer in Calliope, who spends almost as much time as him preaching the word of the good Lord. He'd only been in town for a few days when he first heard her sing in the choir, and instantly declared her voice a gift from God himself. Upon then learning that she too gives sermons, he suggested they meet from time to time to discuss the contents of their individual sermons, and how to improve them.

Until recently, he didn't really believe in witchcraft, although on the surface he, as a man of God, appeared to be fully convinced of it's existence. Meanwhile inwards he merely considered it a tool used to scare people into obedience. But now, after the recent events in Salem, he's no longer too sure.
He does however take advantage of the situation, offering - out of the goodness of his heart - to hold Bible studies with the young women in town. They do appear to be the targeted group, after all, and knowing their Bible just may help save their unfortunate souls from being exposed to the supernatural workings in town.
He absolutely refuses to accept money for his services, but should someone want to invite the poor, lonely and soft-mannered widower for supper, or make him a bread or a pie, it would be downright rude of him to turn them away, wouldn't it?


Picture:
http://www.vintagestars.com/river/Test2/WilliamHawthorne1.jpg

[Shenanigans_SC]

Glad to see all the new applications! I'm updating the characters list and the avatars as I catch them. As some of you know from Tumbleweed Valley, I do slip up sometimes. So please make sure that I have your information correct, and don't be shy about hollering at me if I make a mistake. I don't mind one bit. :)

[Spoonerism_SC]

Dang, I have no time for this.


Homework is for squares anyway! :D

Cherry, I'm thinking about being one of your brothers. Okey dokey with you?

[Shenanigans_SC]

lol All this talk about homework waiting. I may need to make a disclaimer that I am not responsible for any unfinished homework and the results of mentioned abandoned homework. I am a mom, I don't want parents mad at me!

Thought I’d clarify a few things for anyone who’s wondering about the nitty gritty.

How will the roles be filled? I am compiling a list for each role consisting of who was willing to fulfill it. Once the applications are closed people will be chosen randomly. I’ll either pull out of a hat, roll a die or ask my five year old to pick. lol

What happens if the Blessed One protects a witch? Nothing much. The Blessed One will not be told if they succeeded in saving a life that night. If the Witches pick the person that is being protected, their spell will simply fail and no one will die that night.

At the beginning of the day rounds I will ask for everyone (excluding the Witches Clan) to PM me someone they suspect is a witch, and their reason why. This can be as silly as a birthmark or an accent. (Really back then moles were referred to as “witches’ marks”.) The person who was mentioned the most will be the one arrested. In case of a tie I’ll roll a die to decide. Actual Witches are not allowed a vote in who gets accused. That would just be plain silly as they know who the real witches are.

Any other questions, feel free to ask!

[cherryp3]

Profile has been reconstructed to include some new details about her character. :]

Post #8:: //Calliope Nighwolfe Application// (http://forums.sims2community.com/showpost.php?p=1018827&postcount=8)

[trampledsneakers]

Aww, I was actually going to create a character very similar to yours Atropa! How strange. o_o I was going to make a corrupt priest. Oh well. I need to come up with a new idea. This could be difficult. *wracks brain*

[AtropaMandragora]

trampled - Aw, I'm sorry. *s* Great minds, and all that, eh? ;)

I'll update Will's bio at a later time. Time = 5 a.m. which means brain = fried.

[Spoonerism_SC]

Whoops, sorry cherry. I meant to say Panda. :D I'm thinking about being her character's brother. Sorry about that.

[Fayreview]

Ok I've made a slight change to my character.... I've given him arthritis (please do correct my spelling... I'm dashing out ina sec or i'd have done it myself!)

[Haylifer]

Pandaness, cherry - Thankyou!! ^.^ 'Tis a shame he's an obsessive witch-hunter woman-hater, or I'd have him married off to my self-sim.

Shenanigans - I must say, the avatars are beautiful! I love mine and later on may put in a request to have the 'Luc-' changed to 'Hayl-' in mine and keep it permenantly XD

[PennyTheCorgi]

Are apps still open? I haven't done a RP in awhile but if they're still open I'd love to di this one. :)

[veldagia]

Name: Samuel
Age: 21
Occupation: Poet
Bio
The son of a wealthy land owner and wood dealer Samuel whittles away his days with his head in the clouds. He claims to be a poet and has even had a book published by a small company his uncle owns. People respectful of his father’s wealth would describe Samuel as eclectic, others declare he is just plain mad. He often confuses reality which has led to a few scandals been hushed away by his family’s vast bribes.

A master of illusion, he has appeared as an actor in several plays. Easily transitioning between the noble king and court’s fool in his avid portrayals of the fantasy worlds. He believes it is better to be a witty fool than a foolish wit so can be a little hard to tolerate at times.

Pic (will do a better one when I've got more time)
http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u61/veldagia/Phin/Samuel3.jpg

[Shenanigans_SC]

Aww! Thanks Haylifer. I'm glad they're liked. I'm always my own worse critic I think. ;)

PennyTheCorgi - Yes, applications are still open. It'll be open for applications for a week from the original post. (About four days from now) I look forward to seeing your application!

*edit*
Yay! Glad to see you made it veldagia!

[Pandaness]

Oh, and I'm fine with that Emily ^^

[Vicci]

Name: Mary Peddleweather

A brief description of your character: Mary is the local butter maker and town speculator. She loves to indulge in friendly town gossip, that hurts no one. Mary is middle aged, has a husband and a small frail child. She was her first and last child as Mary was lucky to survive the birth herself. She is generally a happy, friendly woman who enjoys her life, husband and daughter. She attends church alongside her family and greatly enjoys the company of the Lord.

Due to Mary's speculatory nature, she is often the one searched for by the village to answer and relay information about what she sees. She has a small house in the centre of the village which can see for a long way either end. This is useful to her for this purpose, and also for convenience, for her daughter can get ill easily.

Picture:

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y90/viccistar/Mary.jpg

Family Picture:

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y90/viccistar/Family.jpg

[Shadowblade]

1. Charlotte Brannon

2. Charlotte is naively innocent and very shy. She lives in a rundown cottage alone with her ailing father. He has been ill for a long time, and therefore unable to find her a spouse (their poverty has much to do with it as well). Charlotte handles all of the household matters without complaint, as she was raised to do. She secretly dreams of a husband to come and take her away to where she can live the life she's always wanted, with a houseful of children. She attends church at every opportunity, though the talk of the witches greatly interests her. She's careful not to reveal this information, of course, because who could she possibly trust? She's enemies with no one in particular, friends with no one in particular. She knows her father's time on Earth is slowly drawing to a close and is nervously pondering what the future holds for her once she is alone without her father's name to protect her. They have no money to attract a husband and no money to go to a new town once all the available men in Salem are gone. (This will be changing as soon as I can think of something more detailed and well...better!)

3. http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e367/jadedragon3892/Sims2EP12007-09-1818-00-12-96-RGB.jpg
(Sorry for the craptacular picture and Sim...but since there's only one pic, I figured it didn't matter too much)

[PennyTheCorgi]

Name: Fenn Ramsey

Bio: Fenn is a feisty, outspoken young woman.
She is the youngest daughter in a family of five children
and her father owns a large farm on the edge of town.
Fenn spends most of her time hiding in the barn to avoid
farm chores or reading in the orchard. Her oldest brother
taught her to read as joke when she was five and Fenn
has loved to read ever since.

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/PennyTheCorgi/_brutal_honesty__by_yamiza.jpg

(Pic by yamiza @ Deviantart.com)

[AtropaMandragora]

Okay, I updated William's bio and added a pic. :)

*edit*

Oooh, Shenan. Thanks for the avatar. I love it. Will switch once I get home.

[ElektraNatchios33]

Name: Amber Harrison

A brief description of your character: Amber loves to garden. A lot of people says she has a green thumb, but she insists she doesn't. Amber grows some of the best daffodils around. ( I have no Idea, haha)

Picture:
http://www.modyourpanties.com/hosting/070916144103-Ultraviolet2.bmp

[Shenanigans_SC]

Wow! I just want to say that I am pleasantly surprised with how many applications have already poured in. Thought I’d announce that applications are going to close one day earlier than originally posted. That still leaves about three days to get an application in.

I still need to hear from a few people on if they're willing to do a special role or not. If I don't hear from you, then I'll have to assume you're happier off just being a Townsfolk. If I list your name, and you already sent it to me, then I apologize, I must have lost it. I need to hear from veldagia, Shadowblade, and PennyTheCorgi.


At this point, I’d like to open up the thread to RP posts. No one has been assigned to the special roles yet. (That will not happen until after the applications are closed.) But I thought ya’ll would like to roam around the town, see who you bump into and what not.


http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y225/Mila_Muromachi/SIMS2/Salem/title.jpg
~ Day One ~
Time: Just after Dawn

Winter seems to finally be giving way to spring in Salem. Children are being sent out to gather eggs for breakfast. In a corner of the village the good Doctor Nighwolfe quietly closes a door behind him. Having to tell a loving father that his daughter won’t live to see another day is heartbreaking. Those who live close to the doomed household clearly hear the mother's sobs. Yet others go about their morning blissfully unaware of just exactly what type of day this is destined to be.

Special Note: Please keep your RPs in the morning time. We must have our first arrest before noon. This will help keep things lined up and coherent.
Most Importantly… Have fun!

[Fayreview]

In a corner of the village the good Doctor Nighwolfe quietly closes a door behind him. Having to tell a loving father that his daughter won’t live to see another day is heartbreaking. And it didn't get any easier...

You can tell someone their mother wont make it and they'll grudging accept it was the time to go... Tell them they will lose their partner and grief will set in. But to tell someone they will lose a child but them beyond grief to a realm where it was cold and dark, where life just didn't seem fair.

He walked out across the town, how many more people would he have to prononce dead this year? Nero set off towards the Reverend Hawthorne it would be easier if he came to the family rather than them braving the light of day to organise a burial.

As he knocked on the door he reflected how he didn't trust the new Reverend... but then again Nero never took well to people who liked his daughter... Particularly the ones who had a habit of promising salvation...

[Haylifer]

((OOC: Would a map be useful? Just for reference of where people live and to help with the town layout, seeing as there's a church and doctors surgery and Mrs. Peddleweathers house in the middle.. and stuff like that ^_^ I'd draw one but I'm a terrible map-maker.. Writing a RP. I'll post it some time this evening, it's getting long and out of hand!))

[Fayreview]

((Would there be a doctors surgery... wouldn't Nero just be making house calls?))

[AtropaMandragora]

(((ooc: A map is a really good idea. I picture Rev Hawthorne living really close to the other preacher, as it would be conveniant for them to live close to eachother.)))

William knew the doctor was likely to come by sooner or later. He had seen him enter the small house, and he had heard the mother's heartbreaking sobs. There would be a family in need of consoling today, of someone to help them in their time of grief. It wasn't William's favorite thing to do - in fact, none of his duties and responsibilities as a prriest were - but it had to be done. With their daughter ill, he had already spent alot of time in that little house, offering his support and a shoulder for them all to cry on. He was good at that; saying the right things. Not just the things people wanted to hear, but the things they needed to hear as well. There was usually a big difference between the two. Alot of the time, the things people needed to hear was far from what they wanted to hear, and there was the risk that they'd be angry and turn away. But William had a way of delivering these things with the greatest of care and with such compassion that people accepted what he had to say. There were times when they even welcomed it.

When the knock on the door finally was heard, William had just finished dressing, after washing off by the small basin next to the bed. Straightening his clothing, making sur he looked decent, he then walked over and opened the door, finding the good doctor standing there, as expected.

"Good morning, doctor", he greeted softly with his usual warm and gentle smile, while brushing a few strands of hair still wet from when he'd splashed water on his face, from his features.

[Tjaames]

1. Name: Gerty Adams
2. Gerty Adams is a 24 year old mother. She lives with her 4 children, and her husband died mysteriously 2 years ago. She makes little trinkets for the wealthier people, and makes a very decent living. She is pretty popular around town, but she knows that something shady is going on around town. She witnessed 3 hangings since she moved to salem, and is horrified of exposing her children to a sight of the death, so she has been planning on leaving as soon as she saves up enough money, but she is not sure how it is anywhere else.
3.http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e375/tjrjkjcj/snapshot_53fd497f_93fd4aba.jpg
She's a bit modern, I'll change the picture if wanted xD

[Shenanigans_SC]

Good idea Haylifer! A map is currently in the works. I’ll have to ask for just a bit of patience as I’m decent at altering images, but when it comes to making one from scratch, I’m nearly inept.
Fayreview – Yeah, I believe you’d just be making house calls. Medicine back then was rather hit and miss. They didn’t even have the concept of “infection” yet. Any surgical procedures that need to be done, I’m sure could be performed in your house.
I will do my best to situate people in town regarding RPs and descriptions already posted. Should have it up within 24 hours.

[Tjaames]

((Can I start? xD))

[Fayreview]

"Good morning, doctor", Nero saw the practiced warm and gentle smile and the few strands of hair wet from when he'd presumably splashed water on his face, that the Reverend was brushing away.

"Is it indeed?" Nero replied with a touch of weariness in his voice. "I fear that it is rather a bad morning, particularly for the poor Appleblossom family, the girl will need burying." The vein in his temple, just below his hair line, throbbed slightly. "And i felt it would be easier for you to go to them rather than for them to come out."

Nero quickly turned to leave, the Reverend annoyed him and he didnt have the energy to pretend he didn't.

[Tjaames]

Gerty walked slowly across the living room floor, holding a laundry basket. "Piper, could you please put a log in the fire, I must start breakfast soon." Piper was her eldest daughter, at 9. Her eldest daughter put down her doll, leaving 5 year old Ruth alone and disapointed. A faint cry came from down the hall. "Ruth, sweety, be so kind as to fetch your brother a bottle, and make sure he is warm." She said with a faint smile. 2 girls and a baby, Daniel, was a bit of a handfull. Piper screamed, and Gerty ran over to her, dropping the basket of clothes, scattering them all over the floor.

Piper cried, holding out her hand. "I touched the pot..." she winced. Gerty grabbed her hand and rushed her outside to the well (were there wells back then? xD.)"Hold your hand under the water." She explained to her eldest daughter, while pumping the water from the well. Piper winced when the water first hit her finger, then a look of reliefe covered her face. "Thank you momma!" She giggled, hugging her mother. Gerty sighed, knowing that she still had laundry to wash, and breakfast had to be on the table in less than an hour.

[AtropaMandragora]

(((ooc: Tjamees - Don't mean to ruin anything, but... isn't supper like an evening meal? Wouldn't it be "breakfast" as we're supposed to be RPing just after dawn?


Will type up RP for Will soon, but won't be able to post it for about 2-2½ hours. :) )))

[Tjaames]

(( ah I didn't realize the time xD! Thanks, I'll go in and change that :) )

[Shenanigans_SC]

Here's a very basic map. Consider it the ugly version. It'll get prettied up and made larger for easier reading after applications are closed. At least this way everyone can have an idea of where things are at. If there's any questions, feel free to ask.
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y225/Mila_Muromachi/SIMS2/Salem/mapsmall.jpg

[Tjaames]

((ooc:Yayyy I'm by Tom's Square... I hope thats good xD I predict some competition between the Ramsey farm and the Abel farm))

[innoscenteyes]

i would love to join but i have never done any of this stuff before. but it llooks fun and readin all this put a charater in my head.

[Shenanigans_SC]

((ooc:Yayyy I'm by Tom's Square...))
lol It's supposed to be Town Square. I think I need to ditch the "spooky" font for a clearer "readable" font.

innoscenteyes - go ahead and join! Everyone always needs that "first" RP to learn the ropes. And there's plenty of people here to help you out. You can also PM me if you have any questions. I do my best to keep my inbox empty. :)

*edit* changed the map above to be easier to read. The map will also be posted in the second post of the thread for easy finding.

[innoscenteyes]

ok thank you. i am looking for a dress for my character to take a picture in right now.

[Haylifer]

Monday. Daybreak. The time can be no later in the morning than six hours, perhaps seven; the merciless sun has yet to rise even a few minutes above the horizon of this godforsaken stretch of land. And what better way to start the day than to hear the sorrowful wails of a grieving mother as I can now? It is happening more often. Now, 'tis almost a daily occurence for yet another young soul to be claimed by the works of the Devil. I see the good doctor in his house across the street to my residence, filled with stress and sadness at being the bearer of such bad news. I hear the womens sorrow. I do not see their children. No, they must remain quarantined in the house with the sickness of possession, doors marked with a bold white-painted crucifix. The Devil's Plague, it has come to be known as...

Today, great steps are to be made for the greater good. Nobody else knows about my plans and I intend to keep them secret, although possibly at some point in the future I will need an aide or several assistants. Today I am going to play God.

* * *

Lucifer placed the quill neatly beside the journal and a long list of scribbled notes and found a long coat. Winter was still upon the village and thus it was still unforgivingly cold. He grabbed a knife, secured it in one boot, then poured himself a whiskey to fight the chill of the air. Leaving the residence, he headed down to the graveyard, empty and desolate as expected. He made sure to lay a flower and say a quick prayer to the two gravestones so important to him, then whispered another prayer to the sky, one to the mother who he had not the fortune of ever meeting. Father Thomas, the priest who raised him as a small child often told stories of how she was a brave and strong woman. Lucifer often tried to imagine how she once looked, pictured her eyes the same shade as his own and hair just as bright, her scent, her voice...

Suddenly, he realised his mind had wandered too far; he was losing concentration and wasting precious time by stopping here. Leaving the graveyard, the boy then reached the town square and headed to the centermost house. It belonged to Mrs. Peddleweather - the greatest source of inaccurate fallacies, scuttlebutt and hearsay in Salem. But unverified information was precisely what Lucifer required. Stepping up to the door, he rapped three times, just as a voice from the square called out to him.

"Lucifer!"

((OOC: Anyone can step in there :P I don't know if it actually is Monday.. but by Day 1 I thought Monday may make the most sense.. correct me if I'm wrong!))

[PennyTheCorgi]

"Fenn? Fenn where have you run off to now?!" Her father called. Eighteen year old Fenn burrowed farther into the sweet smelling hay of the barn loft and turned back to her book. " Shouldn't you be baking or something?" chuckled a voice behind her. Fenn jumped and spun around, dropping her book. "Damn it Andrew, stop sneaking up on me!" She snapped. "Now now, you'll never find a husband with a mouth like that!" Andrew chortled, dodging a kick from Fenn. "You wouldn't want Samuel to hear you talking like that, would you?" Fenn blushed crimson and aimed another kick at her brother. Still grinning, Andrew reached down and swept up the book. He burst into fresh peals of laughter as as he dangled it in front of her. "Poetry?" He snickered. "I teach you to read and you waste it on this?" Quick as a flash, Fenn's hand shot out to snatch the book from Andrew. "Piss off Andrew!" she growled, sliding nimbly down the ladder to the barn. Stashing the book in her dress pocket, Fenn made her way out the doors towards the orchard. "I'll tell father you said that!" Andrew called. "And I'll tell him about your precious hiding place!" he added for good measures. Fenn rolled her eyes. She knew these were empty threats, Andrew had been saying that for years. Without thinking, Fenn strolled off the well worn path to the orchard and headed towards town.

[innoscenteyes]

name Claire Pitt
Claire moved to Salem for a new start after the death of her husband and only son in a hunting accident. She took a job as a nanny for an upper class family so she could be with children hopeing it would help her get over the loss of her son. She loved Salem until the death of families starting occuring. It made the pain of losing her loved ones come back over and over again.

http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/cc169/playslackert/salem.jpg


-------------------------------------------------------------------
I hope this is alright.

[RosalindP]

((ooc: I'm quite sick right now so I won't be stepping in to RP until tomorrow or later in the day, but if anyone is in need of a character idea then feel free to take Jonathan Abel, my character's husband.. there are probably some interesting things you could do with him, but I'm too tired to think of any just now!))

[Tjaames]

Gerty stirred the pot slowly with a large ladel. The house filled with the aroma of sugar and grain. "Piper, sweety," she called out to her eldest, who was playing a "follow the leader" game with her younger sister. "Go outside and fetch me water from the well, please." Piper glared at her, as children do when asked to stop halt their fun for chores. "But Moth..." "Now, Piper!" Piper sighed, hunching over and mumbling under her breath, as she grabbed the bucket from a space next to the door.

"Ruth, make sure your sister doesn't need any help." Gerty said slowly, after waiting a long while for her water. "Breakfast comes when the water comes." Ruth nodded, holding her hands over her stomach as it spoke to her "Feeeeeed mee" she pictured her stomach saying to her. She giggled as a I child does, and skipped out the door. Soon after, she came back in with the pale. "Momma... Piper isn't outside. I think she ran out to Towns Square!"

[AtropaMandragora]

"Is it indeed?"

The doctor sounded tired, and looked as though the weight of the world was on his shoulders. Well, that was to be expected. Being the one to have to tell two loving parents there was nothing to be done for their daughter couldn't be easy. Especially not when you were the person they had looked to for help, that they had hoped would be able to make her well again. And when there was nothing to be done, they sometimes ended up blaming you, their sorrow so great that they needed a scapegoat. Most of the time, that scapegoat tended to be the doctor. And if not, it was usually God.

"I fear that it is rather a bad morning," the doctor continued. "Particularly for the poor Appleblossom family, the girl will need burying."

Ah. So she was dead already. No wonder the mother had sounded so devastated. As long as the child was still alive, there was hope. Hope that the good Lord would grant them a miracle.
But with the girl gone, there was nothing. Nothing but grief and mourning.

"And I felt it would be easier for you to go to them rather than for them to come out", the doctor finished, before quickly turning to leave, without giving William the slightest chance to reply, or even offer a look of sympathy.

Hmph. The manners of that man. William hadn't been in Salem very long, but he'd already gotten the distinct impression that the doctor disliked him. Why, he didn't know. He'd been nothing but curteous and kind to everyone.

"Thank you, doctor", William said, despite doubting the doctor was listening. "The concern you have for those in need is truely a sign of a good heart."

With that he ducked back into the house to get his coat before leaving, locking the door securely behind him and heading towards the home of the unfortunate and now slightly smaller family.

[innoscenteyes]

Claire had a pounding head ache. The news of another child sick made her have yet again another nightmare of her son. It is the same one over and over, the scream of her child the fealing of panic in her heart and then seeing her sons lifeless body on the ground. It is a memory she will never forget, a memory that haunts her every moment. Rubbing her temple she got up from bed and walked to the basin with water. She looked in the mirro at herself and wept. She doesn't cry as often anymore, just when it gets over welming. She washed her face and got ready for the day. She needs to get the kid ready and fed. She loves the family she works for. There son Tommy reminds her of her son so much. He is about the age Adam(her son) was when he died. It helps her, seeing Tommy everyday. Ever since she took the job she doesnt hurt as much. Like he fills the void of where adam once was. "Tommy!" she yells. "yes" "come get breasfast boy! It is on the table waiting. You better hurry before it gets cold!" The cook always has breakfast ready early for them. Claire likes to take Tommy on walks in the morning to see the sunrise.After they eat they head out for the walk. She tells him," GOD has painted us a beautiful picture this morning." He looks at her puzzled and says "everything god does is beautiful" she just looks at him and smiles rembering her son lying dead on the ground. She is having a battle with GOD right now. She goes to church like everyone else but still her heart is asking why. Heading back home She yells to Tommy "don't run to far!" "I wont" he screams back. All right she thinks, we made it this far, we can go farther. We aren't done yet.

[Vicci]

Mary was busy in the house in the early morning light. She was getting breakfast ready for her husband and daughter. Her daughter often rose early and had trouble sleeping. Her husband on the other hand, was a log and Mary had to call him several times.

"Albert! Albert, wake up love! Breakfast will be ready soon. Albert! You need to rise for work!" Mary shouted loudly. She stood at the stove stirring the porridge oats. They were dreary and grey but made for a good meal.

"Hi momma." said a small voice. Mary felt little arms wrap around her waist and she spared one hand to hug her daughter back. She looked down at her dazzling blue eyes and blonde hair, stroking it gently.

"Morning Madeline. Can you please lay the table for me sweetie?" Madeline started collecting cutlery from the tray and laid out four places on the table. Mary looked at her whilst taking the porridge from the fire. "Madeline? Why have you laid four places? There's only ever been three of us.." Madeline looked up to her and skipped away to find her father. Mary frowned and walked to the table to remove the cutlery but before she touched it there were three knocks at the door.

Mary walked over to the door and answered it. She found a blonde male staring back at her. "Lucifer! Come in. It's good to see you." Lucifer greeted her and gave a brief smile before stepping through the door. "Come through to the kitchen, I just made breakfast, there's plenty for everyone, please do join us."

"Only if it's not too much trouble Mrs. Peddleweather?" smiled Lucifer.

"Don't be silly! And please, call me Mary.” Lucifer followed her into the kitchen and sat at the spare place laid my Madeline. How strange. How did she know..? Madeline and Albert were already waiting at the table. They both shared a brief greeting whilst Mary received four bowls. There really wasn't enough porridge portions for everyone, so Mary gave herself a small amount with the a majority going to the other three. No doubt Madeline would be hungry before lunchtime but she could deal with that later.

"So, Lucifer, what brings you here so early on this cold morning?" Mary smiled whilst passing around the bowls.

[Haylifer]

No sooner had Lucifer turned back to see who had called out to him, Mrs. Peddleweather had opened the door, greeting him with a large smile and ushering him into the warmth of her home. He gave a small smile in thanks, nothing more and nothing less. He was not here to befriend the woman or to make familiar with her home, regardless of her friendly nature. A job needed doing and he was purely gathering information for it.

"Come through to the kitchen, I just made breakfast, there's plenty for everyone, please do join us." said the woman merrily, leading Lucifer through into the kitchen where the homely scent of porridge wafted around and Mary's husband and daughter sat waiting expectantly at the table, laid for four rather than three. Perhaps the family are already expecting another guest, thought Lucifer. He opened his mouth to ask, but was immediately ushered into the empty place at the table by Mary and offered a bowl of warm porridge.

"So, Lucifer, what brings you here so early on this cold morning?" enquired Mary, ever curious.

"I believe I must have caught scent of this delicious porridge." he replied with a smile, although there was no glimmer of friendliness in his tone. After a few moments, he glanced up at her and his smile was gone, replaced with a somber expression and spoke in a lowered tone. "Unexplainable events have been happening in Salem, Mary. Children are falling mysteriously ill - I believe they are under possession by the Devil" He paused, allowing the family to gasp at this statement. "I am here for information on a number of people I suspect are commiting the sin of Devil-worship. Your reputation goes before yourself, Mary, as a popular and well-informed member of our society. If you do see or hear anything suspicious, I would only expect a good Christian woman like yourself to inform the correct people immediately." A slow smile crept over Lucifer's lips as he laid down the porridge spoon. "I thank your family for the great hospitality you have shown."

[Vicci]

Mary's eyes grew wide at what Lucifer had said. She could see Madeline looking at him with curiosity. Mary's blood went cold.

Lucifer put his spoon down and left his porridge uneaten. "I thank your family for the great hospitality you have shown." Mary smiled falsely and led him to the door.

"How dare you talk about such unholy things in front of my child!" She hissed. "She is young and impressionable and should not be informed of such things like devil-worshipping, as you call it. It was uncalled for and now she is going to ask me questions and it is your fault. Children are too young to understand such things and you, as a grown man should know better to bring that topic up in front of children!" Mary quietly raged. "Next time, ask to talk to me in private. That is not a conversation topic for the breakfast table." Mary opened the door and nodded at it as an indication for Lucifer to leave. "Good day to you, Lucifer." she said spitefully. She slammed the door, then at the last moment, caught it and closed it quietly as not to cause a scene.

Mary returned to the kitchen and took away the finished and unfinished bowls and took them to the wooden pot used for scrap food. She scraped remaining porridge out, and then started to rinse the bowl in a fresh-watered tub. She felt a kiss on her cheek and a hand on her shoulder.

"Goodbye dear, have a nice day." said Albert. He lowered his voice. "Don't worry about what Lucifer said, I'm sure our little Madeline didn't pay attention." He went over and picked Madeline up and swung her about. He kissed her goodbye and went to work.

As soon as Madeline heard the door close she got up and went to her mother. "Momma, what was that man talking about? What's "devil worship?"

Avoiding looking at her daughter, Mary replied. "Momma's busy darling, why don't you go and find one of your toys?" Madeline skulked off knowing that she wasn't going to get an answer anytime soon.

[Tjaames]

Gerty sighed heavily, adding the water that Ruth had delivered. "I swear that girl is going to be the end of me!" She thought, talking of Piper. She took the pot out of the fire, and placed it on a cloth in the kitchen to cool off. Daniel awoke again, Ruth was dancing to some music in her head, giggling, and Piper was off doing God knows what, God knows where.
"Ruth, hunny, tend to your brother, I'm going to find your sister. Don't touch your pourage until I return." Ruth nodded, although she didn't really hear what her mother said. She continued to dance franticly, but was interrupted by her baby brother. She skipped down the hall and into her mother's room, where Daniel's crib was. She tried to pick him up, but her efforts weren't succesful, so she hopped in the crib with him and attempted to make him stop crying.
------------
Gerty put on a jacket, and walked down the dirt road into Towns Square. It was less than a quarter of a mile away, so the walk was no trouble.

((ooc: Anybody want to catch Piper doing something bad in town? xD))

[Haylifer]

((ooc: Bah! Complete and total re-edit of le RP. You will find Luce sitting in the street being bored; interact!))

"Good day to you, Lucifer" spat Mary as she marched him out of her house, thoroughly disgruntled.

Back on the doorstep again, Lucifer could let out a smirk of grim satisfaction. She had taken the statement as he'd thought - it had frightened her, and probably the little one too. Women were all the same. Dependant on their husbands, insincere, disloyal, theiving... But that was irrelevant. He already had the Peddleweathers under the control of fear, and they would most certainly keep their ears open for further news. Mary had ruffled the boys feathers though.. How dare she be so rude to him like that? Glowering on the cold doorstep, he took out the long scrap of parchment and a quill, inking a few additional words to the bottom of his list. Peddleweather, it read, before giving a few insincere details.

Stowing the writing equipment away in his pocket, he paced back up the street. Women could not be trusted. By visiting them, he was putting himself at risk of contracting this deadly disease - and it was most certainly a woman at the root of this evil. No man was so disloyal to God.. certainly not.

Lucifer did not walk far. No sooner had he got off the Peddleweather doorstep, a little girl in a muddy dress ran up and tugged at the hem of his long coat. He pretended to ignore her, taking a few long strides that she couldn't catch up with. But the persistent girl scurried after him, again pulling at his hem. Finally he gave in and looked down at the girl, who was now grinning manically at him and thrusting an open palm upwards with some small offering on it. On closer inspection, the offering turned out to be a large dead beetle with a missing leg. When he declined to take the offering, the little girl began to growl and screw up her face in unhappiness. With a sigh, Lucifer picked it up between his thumb and forefinger.

"Is this for me?" he asked her, staring at the shrivelled insect. "You shouldn't be playing with insects. They're dirty, and bad for you." He smiled, one of his most sincere to date.

((Lucifers almost-nice side is coming out, briefly ^_^ He's in the town square, all ready for interaction ;)))

[innoscenteyes]

When Claire got back to the house the cook had informed her that the child had gone to be with the Lord. Claire felt an ache in her heart that was all to familure. " Thankyou for informing me" she said sadly and in a wisper. She didn't want Tommy to hear. Children need to be full of happiness not sorrow. It brought a memory to her of her husband and son playing in the field together when it suddenly started to rain and the smile on both of there faces. Even in the darkest of times her husband had a smile that warmed everyone. "Claire?" "OH yes" the calling of her name yerked her out of of her daydream. "I think I will be heading to town" she said. With that Claire left to go to town. She wanted to go to church and pray. She needed it. " I think it is time I have a conversation with the lord" she said to herself.

It wasnt a long walk. Claire liked to walk. She had done a lot of it before the accident. The town she had lived in before was very spread out. Her mind kept woundering to the child and the pain she must have suffered. As she was about to walk in the church she heard someone call her name questionally.

"Claire?"

---------------------------------------------------------
Someone what to talk to the complicated Claire?

[veldagia]

Samuel sat at his wooden table. Staring at a bag of grain as if it had a life of itself. Insects dwelled within it. He could hear their whisperings, always louder during the night now they were hushed. Speaking in evil whispered tones of witches and goblins, the devil casting people out. He took the stick and prodded the bag abruptly twice. Staring hard as a few grains swelled out under the pressure eyes narrowing, no, no they wouldn’t show themselves. Still the quiet scratching continued whispering of their fears.

He turned from them, determined to ignore the evil little creatures. They sought to taint his mind against the good god fearing townspeople of this town. Well he would not let them. He would write more poetry. Occupy his mind. His eyes cast around for inspiration and focusing on an apple an idea gleamed.

An ode to an apple: oh sweet crunchiness, how art thou so delicious, thy ripen sharp tones against mine tongue, thou posses the heart bobbing for fun, with form so round, and charms so rare, thus pleasure found, unlike the pear.

Samuel paused startled from his thoughts hearing a knock upon the door. Blinking rapidly twice he sat up bolt straight. “Who is it?” He called out.

((Aarg was a response to Haylifer as I thought Lucifer was at Samuel's door, :confused: - anyway anyone can come knocking))

[cherryp3]

Good morrow, Father! Sorry I missed you, but I am off to spread the word of God to that lazy poet, Samuel. I am certain he has a spot for the Lord under his wings, but he has failed to come to church for the past two weeks running! No doubt he has been lounging about with his head stuck in the clouds. Someone needs to pull him out and I am just the woman for the task, no? However, due to this urgent visit I shan’t have time to prepare your breakfast this morning. I do hope you can understand.

Yours Sincerely,

Calliope


Though it didn’t seem quite sugary enough, and lacked the charm and wit of her usual notes, Calliope knew it would have to do. Already the blonde vixen was running behind, all thanks to a splitting migraine from drinking one too many whiskeys in quick succession. Beyond the shadow of a doubt, the townsfolk would be wondering where she had disappeared to and why her nose wasn’t shoved firmly up someone’s rear trying to reel them into Sunday morning sermons. The lack of which would drive suspicions into the minds of the commoners, which in turn might have her nightly flings uncovered. Such an event wouldn’t be a pretty sight. Where would Calliope get money for her fineries then?
Sighing, the young woman gathered her skirts in her porcelain hands and signed a small heart aside her name. Today she would simply have to play the role of the innocent, sick young woman who--by the blessings of God--still managed to force herself from bed and share the Lord’s scripture. Or something like that.
Calliope hurriedly fled from the house, her eyes shifting to and fro as she slipped outside so as to ascertain no one saw her rushing outdoors. Concluding that, no, no one saw, she straightened herself up and patted her fly-away hair down. It would be a jaunty walk all the way to Samuel’s home, but she hadn’t been to that sector of Salem town in some time…

As the young woman strolled through the town, she waved at many familiar faces. Outwardly, her warm smile glowed upon them with a meek and dainty vigor, though inwardly she could do nothing but cringe at the sight of all the flies gathering about the town. Townsfolk were nothing more than mere puppets, so stupid, so uneducated.
They would believe a cricket to be the pope if you only told them so!

After some distance, Calliope took her stance before Samuel's door and rapped firmly on the oak. A heavy silence festered momentarily, and then...

"Who is it?"

Calliope cleared her throat a bit, then placed on a soft tone, "It's me, Calliope. Be a dear and open up, Samuel. I'd like to have a chat with you!"

[Shadowblade]

Charlotte inconspiciously stood listening to a group of wives talking in a hushed tone not far from the town square.

"All those poor girls, so sick...It's witchcraft, I say," one told her friend, who shook her head vehemently in response.

"Nay, it's not! Punishment for the Lord, it is. You know about the Appleblossoms, the controversy that is their family...Sinners will get what they deserve, and that's all this is."

Charlotte sighed as the ladies prattled on and walked away towards the church, her original destination. She balanced a fresh peach cobbler, still steaming, in her arms. She had made it special that morning, and was intending on dropping it off at the church for the collection they were taking up for the poor Appleblossom family.

Witchcraft, she reflected bemusedly, shaking her head. Why, not a chance!

"Claire!" she called, seeing the woman climbing the steps to the Lord's House.

(OOC: I think it was the Appleblossoms who lost a child, anyways...Someone correct me if not!)

[Shenanigans_SC]

(OOC: I think it was the Appleblossoms who lost a child, anyways...Someone correct me if not!)

Indeed it was the Appleblossoms. Can you please edit your post slightly so it is still morning time as requested in this post (http://forums.sims2community.com/showpost.php?p=1021226&postcount=67). We all want to stay in the same general time of day. :)
Thanks!

[AtropaMandragora]

William didn't stay long at the Appleblossom's house. Only seconds after being let in, he knew they weren't ready. They weren't ready to talk, and they weren't ready to bury their little girl, mainly because they were not yet ready to let go. He could understand that. They needed time to say good bye to their little daughter, to accept that she was gone.
Just like he always knew what to say, he also always knew when to say it. And this wasn't the right time. This was a time for him to stay silent, and just listen. To their words and to the needs apparent in their body language and on their faces. Right now, he could see that they needed to be alone, and so mere minutes after arriving he took his leave, but not before letting them know that he would be there for them when they needed him, and that he would see to it that they were well looked after in their time of grief.

As he made his way back to his house in order to fetch his bible and a few other things before heading over to the church, he let his eyes roam the town square, and greeted everyone he met with a warm smile, earning a couple in return. And if he wasn't mistaken, there were one or two adoring looks in there as well. Not that he minded. He knew he was considered good husband material by most, being known as a gentle but firm, virtuous man with high morals. He was old enough to offer the guiding hand needed by a young wife, but he was far from being too old for the girls' liking. And he was well respected, and made a decent living. He was nowhere rich, but that was simply because any money he earned and didn't desperately need, went into the church and it's various projects.
Or so everyone thought.


(((ooc: I'm leaving him approachable, because I seriously can't think of anything else for him to do)))

[veldagia]

Samuel stared at the door as the soft voice floated through it. "It's me, Calliope. Be a dear and open up, Samuel. I'd like to have a chat with you!"

Calliope, the porchalein angel, calling on him? His brain did a swift turn in his head and one hand shook slightly with the realisation. He’d not been to church. Father had told him to go many times. Always attend and pay his dues. But she was not father, no she had her own brand of hellfire. A sweet and sugary one.

Samuel shuffled towards the door, opening it a crack and peering at her. The slight blonde girl in front of him looked solid enough. He squinted slightly and when the vision did not waver he opened the door a crack further gesturing at her to hurry inside. Out of sight of prying neighbours with their gossiping tongues.

“What can I do for you Miss Callipe?” Samuel asked his hands twisting together nervously in front of him, already a scalded child. His eyes darted to the bag of grain, willing it to hush, to not speak such obscenities in front of a young lady.

[cherryp3]

"What can I do for you, Miss Calliope?"
Samuel inquired as he beckoned the young woman into the room. Calliope did her best to try to ignore the nervous glances the bizarre poet cast about the room. He seemed as though he had something to hide, and Calliope almost couldn't subdue the suspicious look creeping over her brow.

However, a quick and blithe greeting managed to gain her control over her facade, "Good morrow, Master Samuel! It has been a good while since I last saw you in God's house." As she spoke, her eyes raked across the rather cluttered home as if seeking out something. A charmed gasp issued past her petal lips and danced through the murky silence upon catching sight of a lumpy little couch. Without bravado the woman lifted her skirts and plopped down upon the sofa, just managing to make it dainty.

"Come, have a sit," she offered a sacharrine smile and her small hand patted the cushion next to her lightly. Like she were inviting him to sit on her couch. "I am certain you must have been very ill to miss service twice in a row," she continued on without much thought to her actions, "Whatever did you have? The flu?"
Her brow cocked, and an inquisitive look played across her delicate features.

[Pandaness]

Julianna stroked her corn-silk hair whilst she admired her reflection in a wooden bucket of clear water. Smiling, she dipped her finger in the cool liquid, twirling it through. How lucky it had been that her family had yet to be disrupted by the witches. She shuddered at the thought of the word. Witches were like fairy tales gone wrong. The real antagonists of the wild. If they existed.

Her brothers were probably out socilizing, something she seemed to lack. She would much rather express her feeling through touch and objects, verbal communication was too complicated. As she tied a satin ribbon around her locks, she got up and grabbed a basket of bread she had made earlier this morning.


The old wooden door shut behind her softly, and her feet peddled out to the Appleblossoms house. She spotted familiar faces walk through the early morning streets. All she could manage was to smile politely and head on, there was not time to be distracted.

She left the basket and a little grievance note on their doorstep, to avoid communication. What she needed to do was go to the church and pray for the little girl, and say good morning to the lovely folks who arrived every morning.

The church was not of large size, but the room always felt large inside. It seemed so full of empty, as if all the prayer was not there, and everyone was distancing themselves away. She noticed that Reverand William had arrived before her. He was usually before her, but for whatever reason she always felt as if it was a contest to get there first. He always made her feel embarrasesd, as Julianna had the slightest of crushes on him. Breathing a "Hello," to him accomponied by a little wave, she poked her head around looking for her father, who seemed to be in the back doing something. She genuflected to the large wooden cross at the head, and took a seat in a pew. On her knees, she began to "pray". She called it praying, but both her and the Lord knew that she was just thinking about what was going on around her, and how her days were going. Today, she was spilling her thoughts to him, shouting how happy she was that the witches weren't tormenting her, that there was food on the table, and how dashing William looked today.

( ooc: Julianna is approchable P: )

[PennyTheCorgi]

Fenn flinched as she entered the town square and saw Rev. William. She couldn't count the number of times she's hidden from her father when it was time to leave for church. Fenn hated the looks she got from the townspeople though. The scalding looks from the young women her age for spending so much time with their brothers and beaus (even though they were only friends), the looks of pity from the older women that knew about her mother's death, and the looks of distaste from the young men as they ran their eyes across the thin scar on her cheek. Fenn shook her head to clear her thoughts and walked on, supressing a flair of jealousy as she watched Calliope enter Samuel's house. She pushed against the high, heavy doors of the church and went inside. Fenn walked slowly down the long aisle, flinching with every step. She could swear that the clicking noise her worn shoes made with each step could be heard clear across town. Fenn stopped as she spotted Julianna. She had seen her before around town but never really spoken to her before, not wanting to deal with the taunts and jeers she usually received when she made an effort to be nice to one of the village girls. Fenn did feel bad though, she had overheard her father saying that some of Julianna's friends had the strange affliction. " Um, hello Julianna." Fenn whispered, unsure of what to say.

[AtropaMandragora]

Having picked up his Bible and a few pieces of parchment, William made his way over to the church. He was glad to have been lucky enough to have an empty house right next to the church just waiting for him when he'd arrived. He'd been told it had previously belonged to an old woman, a devoted christian, who had passed away only a few weeks before his arrival. It had been most convenient. Almost oddly so. It was almost as if God had wanted him there.
Because, despite his tendencies to listen to his carnal urges, he did believe in God. Sort of.

Upon entering the Lord's house, he found it to be empty. As expected. Although he'd only been there for a little while when his collegue joined him. They spoke only briefly, as they were both very busy, before Reverend Wardelle disappeared off towards the back.
William on the other hand stayed out in the sanctuary to work on his sermon. Sitting down on one of the many empty benches, he looked to the big cross for inspiration, putting the parchement, a quill and a tiny bottle of ink down next to him.
He'd just barely wrapped his head around the task, when quiet footsteps shattered his concentration.
He turned around to see who it was, ready to welcome them with a meek smile, but as his gaze fell on the ever so lovely Julianna, it quickly widened into a more friendly one. Or, if you knew him better than these townspeople did, a pleased one. Julianna was the first young woman in Salem who had caught his eye. Beautiful and fair, and with such air of innocence about her. She'd be simply irresistable.
But at the same time, she was probably the most dangerous one, being reverend Wardelle's daughter and all. If she'd refuse him, chances were her father would hear about it, no matter if William tried to scare her into keeping her mouth shut. And even if she'd welcome him, there was the chance of getting caught, as being seen together anywhere but in church, the Wardelle residence or quite possibly his own house, might have rumours starting up faster than he could say "Amen". Not because people would suspect him of actually doing something, but because he, as a priest, should know better than to go off with a young woman without some sort of chaperon.

However, it did seem she might actually have an interest in him, as her greeting consisted of an almost whispered "Hello", her cheeks seemingly turning a deeper shade of pink. And William was well-versed in the ways of women, and often know exactly how to interpret their signals.

He returned her greeting with a simple nod, and watched as she started looking for her father, and then eventually got down to pray. Waiting for her to finish, he scribbled down a few words on one of the pieces of parchment. Once he saw her stand, he put down the quill again, and looked over at her, almost about to address her.
But alas, the young Fenn beat him to it.

Strange seeing her here, of all places. She hadn't really made a habit of attending mass. But, if coming here with the place nearly empty, to pray in private suited her better, then it was better than nothing, he supposed.

[innoscenteyes]

Claire turned around to find Charlotte calling her. Claire like Charlotte. She is a sweet person and so full of insperation and personality even though she is shy. Seeing her put a warmth in Claire's heart and a real smile on her face.
" Oh dear Charlotte. It is so good to see you. How is your father doing?"
Claire could tell by her face that he wasn't well.
" He isn't well I'm afraid, but the Lord has blessed him with another day."
Claire loved how she could be so full of faith even through her hard time. Just then some children had run past playing and Claire saw a sparkle in her eyes. Claire knew that Charlotte wanted a family by the look and she thought it a same she doesn't have one and remembered the one she had lost.
" Yes the Lord has." Claire responded and then asked, " Would you like to go with me into the church?"
With a nod from Charlotte they went inside.
Claire sat down in a pew and waited for Charlotte to return from putting her cobbler in the offering. She looked toward the front of church and saw the Rev. William in a pew looking at Julianna and Fenn talking which was strange. She doesn't recalling Julianna and Fenn being friends. But it was the look in William's eyes staring at them that caught her off guard. Just then he turned around to see Claire staring at him. Then he quickly glanced over and saw Bartholomew and went to see him. It left Claire with a cold feeling in her bones. Then Charlotte came back and sat beside her.

[AtropaMandragora]

William watched in silence as Fenn spoke to Julianna, curious to see how Julianna would react. From what he'd learned so far, Fenn didn't really seem to have many friends in town. Though he had yet to figure out why. She seemed nice and well-behaved enough, although he did recall hearing something about how she seemed to prefer to be around boys rather than spend her time doing what young women were supposed to be doing. Maybe that was why? By never spending times with the young women, she never gave herself a chance to befriend them, and by avoiding developing her skills as a woman - sewing, cooking, and whatever else it was that women did - the young men wouldn't consider her wife material. Because, what man wanted a wife that couldn't carry her weight around the house?
Still, maybe she would grow out of it? Spending so much time with so many people, William had learned that girls often went through a phase where they wanted to be boys, simply because men were the ones in charge of all thing of great importance. They were the ones with responsibilities, who got to do things. Girls tended to want that too, until they learned that it simply wasn't for them.
Although, Fenn really did seem like she'd be old enough to have accepted that by now.

Sitting there, watching the two of them, William suddenly got the feeling that he himself was being observed. Turning his head slightly, he caught glimpse of a another woman. Not as young as the other two, but not a whole lot older either. Claire was her name. William had made sure to learn the names of everyone in town. Being a newcomer, it gave them a sense of worth, made them feel special, that he'd learned their name so quickly.
But why was she looking at him like that? She had the strangest expression on her face, like she didn't know what to think.
Didn't know what to think about what? Had he been too obvious, watching Julianna? He couldn't have been. There was nothing odd about him looking at the people entering the church, was there? He should even be expected to watch them, as the people who came to the church were likely to want to talk to him, or Reverend Wardelle.
So why that odd look?

The sound of the door opening once more dragged his attention away from the dark-haired woman, and instead he turned to look towards the source of the new sound. Why, it seemed Bartholomew Roberts had chosen this to be a day for one of his frequent visits to the church. Ah yes, he was indeed due for one of those.
Though it seemed he'd prefer it if William approached him, instead of the other way around. Wasn't that always the case with rich people, William thought to himself as he slowly stood and started making his way down the aisle, towards the door. They always seemed to have a need for people to come to them, as they themselves were above coming to someone for whatever reason.
Although Bartholomew didn't really adapt the look of arrogance that most rich people seemed to have etched in their features, which lead William to believe that maybe he just didn't want to bring any unwanted attention to himself. He did seem like a very private person.

"Good morning, Bartholomew", William greeted the man as a vague but welcoming smile settled on his lips.

[innoscenteyes]

(((ooc: Shoot, didn't see your post until now, innocent. Will edit in a little while, to include her)))[/QUOTE]

its alright it took me a while to write it. for some reason I had gotten writers block.

[AtropaMandragora]

(((ooc: There, I added Claire. :) )))

[Fayreview]

Good morrow, Father! Sorry I missed you, but I am off to spread the word of God to that lazy poet, Samuel. I am certain he has a spot for the Lord under his wings, but he has failed to come to church for the past two weeks running! No doubt he has been lounging about with his head stuck in the clouds. Someone needs to pull him out and I am just the woman for the task, no? However, due to this urgent visit I shan’t have time to prepare your breakfast this morning. I do hope you can understand.

Yours Sincerely,

Calliope


Nero smiled his daughter was spending time with Samuel, he liked samuel and they shared a particular bond that he had yet to mention to anyone, and would continue not to... It really would only complicate his life.

He opened the door and considered trying to sleep, but the sun was up which meant that Nero had no chance of sleeping. Instead he lifted his latest project and carried it outside. The carved windmill he was working on, was one from the English countryside, where he had lived until the age of 8, he wondered why the windmill was so clear in his mind... Maybe he was still English at heart.

After having set the windmill down, he wondered up into town, he trusted the people around enough to leave his door unlocked. Unfortunately it was at this point Nero tripped and stumbled into the closest person to him.

[eternal_sunshine]

Lizzie had rose early, before the dawn, to finish what was left of last night's needlework by candlelight. Now, morning had come, and it was the time Lizzie loved best - the sky still pink-tinged with dawn, but clear and giving the promise of another lovely day.

She grabbed her basket, full of people's mended, clean clothes and undergarments, and stepped outside to begin her rounds through the town. She saw many friends, more acquaintances, and she had a pretty smile and some pert teasing for them all. She was just handing old Mrs. Dowling her petticoats when, she saw Lucifer talking to a small girl - dirty and unkempt, the girl was - in the town square.

She smiled for Mrs. Dowling, but no remarks, pert or otherwise, came to her lips. She was too uneasy. Lucifer...she knew who he was, but he frightened her a little. Maybe it was the name, for who would name a god-fearing child such a name? Who would dare?

She watched him for a little while, not really knowing why she did, arms caught up in her heavy wicker basket and skirts muddied from walking.

[Shenanigans_SC]

Ooo! I see our little town is just bursting at the seams with drama already! It's lovely. :)

I will be closing applications very soon. I know it's a day earlier than I said previously. I will be firing up my randomizer and getting the names of the people for the special roles and PMing those people. Later today we will begin the first part of the game regarding Day 1.

May the adventure begin!

[AtropaMandragora]

(((ooc: Fnrtsman - There are actually 4 women in the church; Julianna, Fenn, Claire and Charlotte. :) )))

"Good morning Reverend", Bartholomew greeted William back, giving him the hint of a smile in return of his own.

William saw the man glance around the church, and as he did a shadow of uneasiness stole across his face. Mm. It was currently a bit too crowded for him. William had figured it would be. Bartholomew wasn't the open type of person who didn't mind who saw him talking to the priest, or doing anything at all for that matter. He treasured his privacy. So much so that he was rarely seen in town, unless he was on his way to see the Reverend.
Which was why it came as no surprise when he turned back to William, asking;

"Is there someplace a bit more, private that we could go?"

William had expected the question, and thus had already thought of a place.

"Of course", he said, motioning towards the door. "I'm afraid reverend Wardelle is already in the back, and I think it would be best not to disturb him. But the door to my humble home is always open."

With that, he followed Bartholomew outside, and together they headed for William's house. It was only next door, so the walk there could hardly even be called a walk. Within seconds they set foot on his porch, and once William had unlocked the door, he swung it open and gestured for Bartholomew to enter before him. Well inside he closed the door behind them, and offered Bartholomew to take a seat at the small table with just enough room for two chairs.

"Can I offer you something?" William asked, not particularly eager to take on the female task of serving his guest, but with the apparent lack of a wife in his household, there was little else to be done. "I don't have much, I'm afraid, as the calling takes up most of my time, but I do have tea and some biscuits?"

[foolinthemoon]

((i was working on one Shenanigans, sorry for the wait, its hectic between school and work and i've been dumbfounded if i still can add him, let me know, by the way, if its too late, have fun <3))

[RosalindP]

"Oh! My apologies, how clumsy I am these days-" exclaimed Nero, stumbling back up before extending a hand to the blurry shape of the person he had knocked over. He adjusted his spectacles. "Why, Goody Abel! I haven't seen you in town for a great while."

Anne Abel collected her parcel from the ground and took his hand, looking considerably flustered. "It is quite alright," she said quietly, brushing the dirt off of her dress, "Jacob has been very ill as of late -- not with the terrible affliction plagueing those girls, praise the Lord. My husband has graciously carried out my errands for the past week so that I may take care of him."

"Ah, why did you not inform me earlier? I could have a look at your son and perhaps tell you what ails him."

"I did not want to take your attention from the Appleblossoms, Doctor," she said, and then gestured toward her parcel. "That is why I came into town this morning, to deliver my condolences and this bread for the poor family. Could you point me to where they are at the moment, or to where I can drop this off? I'm afraid Jonathan did not tell me.."

((ooc: Sorry if that's a bad entrance/post, I haven't roleplayed for a good six years! If anything needs correcting, do tell me.))

[Shenanigans_SC]

foolin - sent you a pm... applications are still open for another 10 hours or so. Feel free to post a pictureless application if you can.

RosalindP - you did just fine!

If I can ask one thing from everyone. When you make an RP post, will you please put your characters name in the Title of the post. It may help others out just a bit.
Thank you!
-Shenanigans

[Haylifer]

Lucifer turned from the small child. He had the uncomfortable feeling he was being watched, a sort of self-consciousness that was hard to explain normally. Raising his head, he realised the cause of this feeling was attributed to Elizabeth, holding a wicker basket and going about her usual work.

"Child, I don't know where your mother is. Perhaps we should consult Ms. Dane?" The girl nodded madly again - she gave Lucifer the impression of an insanely happy Jack Russell. He made a note to never make the mistake of bearing children of his own. That would seem an unlikely event to occur though, he would never trust a woman enough to make his wife. In firm belief, he mentally repeated the treachery and malice women were capable of - then took the girl along to see Elizabeth. He didn't fail to notice how she purposely averted her eyes when he approached, undoubtedly through fear of his righteous presence.

"Good morning, Ms. Dane. I trust the sewing industry holds well this season?" he smiled coldly. It was a mere statement, not true concern; he couldn't truly care whether the sewing industry had all but collapsed. "This child appears to be making mischief, one of Ms. Adams' wandered too far from home, I presume.

[Spoonerism_SC]

((Oh no! I absolutely will post my application as soon as I get home- I'm at school right now. Panda, I am bad at making a biography. Help me maybe please? :D:D:D))

[innoscenteyes]

" I"m sorry Charlotte but I must be going. It was nice to see you darling."
With that Claire left her with a look of confusion. She simple didn't feel comfortable in there anymore. She was worried about the look in Rev. Williams eyes. It wasnt a look of anger nor greed but Temptation. Why would he be looking like that at Julianna. Oh Lord. I must be dreaming this up! Why would a man of God be interested in a girl. The lord has taking his interest in those things away. I have simple lost my mind and with that Claire threw it in the back her her mind. Making sure not to think of it. She then relized that she didnt accomplish what she went there for. She never prayed. There was too many people there for her any way. She will simple do it later when she will be alone. I will get a few things while I am here. She was going over a list in her head when she almost walked straight into a wall. "Oh lord!" she said a little to loud. She started giggling. Then remembered that is how she meet her husband. She had ran into him when she had her mind on other things. Oh how sweet he was. She missed him terrible. Claire had always wanted a family and was exstatic when she had gotten married and had their first. She wanted another but they never did have one.

Claire glance to the side and had seen Lucifer and Elizabeth talking. Oh that Lucifer scaring the wits out of everyone. He is such a boy full of muck! No dout he was scaring Elizabeth to death. Am I the only women in this town to think he needs a good kick in the arse and be willing to do it herself? He does good work for the Lord but he is a rude boy. At the age of 18 he is this way. It was unbelieveable. Claire was only 22 a young women herself. She had married quite young a birthed young, but through her tragety never was she so rude and pushing. With a look of dare she told him more than asked him,
"Lucifer will you be a good boy and leave so I may have a chat with Elizabaeth. Thanks you are such a good one."

[GeeWayrocks]

Hailey opens the door, and walks out. Her long dress falls somewhere around her ankles, and occassionaly, she stumbles on it. She likes to just walk around in the morning, as the air clears her head. She hears snippets of gossip from various women. Apparently, another girl was killed by the strange sickness. This saddens her, because she knows the pain the family is going through. She walks to the graveyard, and spends some time at Liana's grave. After talking to the grave, as she always does, she goes to the church, to pray for the rest of her family to have good health.

[Haylifer]

Elizabeth had barely chance to reply to Lucifer, or even take notice of the child, when someone else approached them. Claire Pitt, yet another widow of Salem.

"Lucifer will you be a good boy and leave so I may have a chat with Elizabeth. Thanks you are such a good one." she insisted.

"Indeed, Miss. Pitt", replied Lucifer sourly, expressing his dislike for the womans patronising tone. "Perhaps you'd be so kind as to take this little one back to her mother, once your urgent business with Ms. Dane has commenced. Good day." He nodded curtly, glaring at the woman with contempt at her rudeness. To usher him away so quickly, naught could be that vitally important except her own female selfish bigotry.

To the church went Lucifer, to confess his sins of anger at Claire and Mary. Both of those toads deserved no less than God's wrath, yet he was the one who felt divine wrath most in all of Salem. He crossed himself furiously as he entered the stone building of God, pacing past the pews until he reached the front of the church. It was relatively empty, considering the majority of Salem had taken to attending services and sermons wherever possible; although there was one individual present, head bowed in prayer so Lucifer could not recognise who it was. He mused over approaching them, but decided that it was best not to interrupt their prayer and seated himself some distance away.

((Blah.. nothing to do at the moment so he's slunk off back to Church :p Feel free to be the mysterious other person praying. In fact, please do step in.))

[GeeWayrocks]

((Edited my post to be the person praying.))

Hailey finishes her prayer, and gets up, noticing someone else had entered the church. After watching him for a few minutes she tries to get out as quietly as possible.

[PennyTheCorgi]

Ok, updated my post with a better (non sim) picture. I take NO credit for the picture. It's by the uber talented yamiza @ deviant art.

[Shenanigans_SC]

Okay, I'm holding out for Spoonersim and foolinthemoon, then we'll get the game started.

I must apologize publicly, as I had said there would be more time, and then thought of closing it early. Perhaps I have too much time on my hands as I struggle with impatience and I'm excited to get this started. I can't wait to see how this all plays out!

[funheart00]

((o.O Aw! I missed it, never mind :P Great idea Shenanigans! :)))

[Haylifer]

A minute or so later, the girl praying stood up and made to leave. Lucifer found her familiar, trying to grasp at a name to go with the face. She wore a long dark dress and a sullen expression, as though life had been a little too hard on her too.

He returned to praying, but an instant afterwards remembered why she appeared so familiar. It was no other than the executioners daughter - Liana Morgana, was it? No, Liana had died a few weeks previously through devilwork. It was the elder sister, Hailey. She made for the doorway so quietly that anyone less observant than Lucifer would not have noticed.

"Wait," he said, catching her moments before she left the church. "You are sister to Liana Morgana?" She nodded sadly. Lucifer reasoned that someone so close to a victim of witchcraft may be able to add valuable information to his research. But he was not so without tact to ask the child about it in a place of God, where she was undoubtedly still mourning her loss.

"I understand. Death is no stranger to me, either. I will pray for her soul."

[GeeWayrocks]

"I understand. Death is no stranger to me, either. I will pray for her soul."

"Thank you." Hailey begins to play with her skirt. Her father had told her to stay away from him, as he seemed to be in league with those causing the sickness. She bit her tounge, wondering whether or not to ask him. Probably best not - her father made up most of the rumors in the village.

[eternal_sunshine]

Lizzie had barely time to answer Lucifer - indeed she could not - before Claire Pitt announced an urgent need to speak with her. Lizzie suspected, due to the haughtiness of Claire's tone that she thought she was 'rescuing' Lizzie from the surely diabolical influence of Lucifer Deunna. He'd spoken to her well-enough, but that smile! Very, like his name implied, devil-may-care; and very, very cold.

She turned to Claire with...relief? It was true Lucifer did make her uncomfortable, but there was no denying that he was interesting, at the very least.

"Mrs. Pitt," she said warmly. "I trust all is well with you on this lovely morning?"

The young girl still stood firmly between them, her dirty, little face looking none-too-pleased at having been foisted off on the two of them.

[Haylifer]

"Thank you." said Hailey, casting her eyes to the floor as she played with her skirt nervously.

Lucifer took a few steps backwards, until he was able to sit on the nearest pew in what he hoped was a slightly less intimidating manner. True, many found him intimidating, or just pure scary in his cold-hearted and determined demeanor. His eyes flicked up to the young girl briefly, then returned to the cold stone floor as he leant forwards in thought. When he spoke, it was slowly, the tone less monotonous than that which normally came from his vocal chords.

"Three people I have lost who were once close to me. My good mother, who died before she could even hold me in her arms. My adoptive father, a priest, a man of God. He took his own life many years ago. And a woman I still remember, the closest thing to a mother I have ever known. Also gone." His voice cracked as he felt the tears prickling his eyes, but blinked them back furiously. He wasn't sure whether Hailey was listening or not, or even still there - he didn't care. Seldom few knew Lucifer's past yet he sat telling it all to a child he barely knew.

"I won't let the devil win, Hailey..." His voice found new strength at this statement, and he looked back up at her with confidence. "And I won't stop until he's left Salem forever, and daren't return. I am going to wipe out every trace of sin in this town, for that is God's will and mine. I'll bring them to justice... Judge them for the criminals they are."

Reality gripped Lucifer. He was sat in a near-empty church, telling his wants and woes to some young girl he'd hardly met before.. He stood up abruptly and grabbed at the large door-handle.
"I - have to go." he said, losing the cool air of authority he normally used and replacing it with something more fretful.

[GeeWayrocks]

"Three people I have lost who were once close to me. My good mother, who died before she could even hold me in her arms. My adoptive father, a priest, a man of God. He took his own life many years ago. And a woman I still remember, the closest thing to a mother I have ever known. Also gone." "I won't let the devil win, though..." "And I won't stop until he's left Salem forever, and daren't return. I am going to wipe out every trace of sin in this town, for that is God's will and mine. I'll bring them to justice... Judge them for the criminals they are."

Hailey listens intently, she's never heard anything like this man's story before. Unfortunately, he seems to get nervous.

"I - have to go."

Hailey watches as he opens the door, and quickly walks out. After a few minutes, she runs after him.
"Wait!" Maybe he can tell me why Liana died.

[Fayreview]

"I did not want to take your attention from the Appleblossoms, Doctor," she said, and then gestured toward her parcel. "That is why I came into town this morning, to deliver my condolences and this bread for the poor family. Could you point me to where they are at the moment, or to where I can drop this off? I'm afraid Jonathan did not tell me.."

"Abel you know i can never be to busy to see any of the towns residents," Nero said with a smile. "As for the bread it's that house over there," he pointed, "I'd go with you myself, but after pronouncing a death I always feel like a grim, so I tend not to force myself upon the family."

He gave her another smile and returned to his windmill to continue his carving. If it weren't for the Applebossom death it would have been a most wonderful day.

[innoscenteyes]

Indeed, Miss. Pitt", replied Lucifer sourly, expressing his dislike for the womans patronising tone. "Perhaps you'd be so kind as to take this little one back to her mother, once your urgent business with Ms. Dane has commenced. Good day."

"Why yes. I would love to." claire said smiling at the child.

Claire wasn't suprised that Lucifer wasn't happy with her for stepping in, but she really didnt care. She didn't want him talking to Elizabeth. He puts fear and worry into to many people. He needs to do what he does quietly claire reminded heself.

"Mrs. Pitt," Elizabeth said warmly. "I trust all is well with you on this lovely morning?"

" Yes a fine morning. I hope yours is well. Sorry to burst in on you but Lucifer has a way of making his presence known. He might be an intriguing person as most women find young and old a like, but he is no one to play with. I would feel sorry for the women to get matched up with him. He isn't one for love."

[Pandaness]

( ooc: Oh gee darn look how far behind I am! I shall edit this post with a RP in approx. 3 hours. Darn online classes! *shakes fist* )

[Vicci]

Mary bustled about in the kitchen rushing to wash up and put the bowls and pans away. It was time to face her daughter and relay the events of last night. Losing a friend was never easy, though she feared her daughter would not understand. Mary found Madeline in her room, looking through her small stack of toys. She turned to face the door as her mother walked in.

"Hi Momma. Did you finish the dishes? Where did Mr. Deunna go?"

"He had to leave, other business to attend to. I have - " but she was interrupted by Madeline. She was staring up at her intently, clearly interested in a certain subject.

"Of devil worship? Does he do devil worship? Is it bad Momma?" Mary stiffened then sighed. She knew that avoiding the subject would not prevail.

"Do you remember in the bible when Jesus was tempted by the devil when he was fasting in the desert?" Madeline was still looking at her, not understanding. "I'll show you the story later. But the devil is not a nice man. He tried to tempt Jesus into doing bad things. Jesus didn't do the bad things because he loves God. The bible says 'Worship the Lord your God and serve only him.' Therefore devil worship goes against God and it is bad."

Madeline's eyes widened. "I don't think I want to worship the devil Momma. He sounds like a bad man." Mary took her daughter into her arms and hugged her.

"Me neither, Madeline. God is a nice man who gave us this small town. He may not have given me or your father much or good jobs, but we have you, and that is all we need." Mary stopped for a second before moving onto the news about Elizabeth. "Madeline love. You know that Elizabeth from across the road was ill? The one you played with after Church?" Madeline nodded. "Last night her illness took her and she died. The Doctor did everything he could but it was her time." Mary smiled at her daughter warmly. Madeline looked hurt but also slightly confused.

"Where did she go?" Madeline enquired. "After she died, what happened to her?"

Mary was prepared for this. Madeline had never encountered death before so it was all due. "The angels came away and took her spirit to see God. She'll live with God up in Heaven. She'll be well looked after." Madeline smiled at this news. "I was planning on going to thank God at the Church for taking Elizabeth in. Do you want to come?" Madeline nodded eagerly. They both set off for the Church hand in hand, Mary making one of her many regular appearances before she had to start with her work.

((Anyone can bump into them for conversation or catch them in the church. Either way works. :)))

[veldagia]

"Come, have a sit," she offered a sacharrine smile and her small hand patted the cushion next to her lightly. "I am certain you must have been very ill to miss service twice in a row," she continued on without much thought to her actions, "Whatever did you have? The flu?"

Callipe took complete possession of the room making Samuel feel a guest in his own home. Yet he did not resent the intrusion, rather he accepted it mildly. He sat besides her gingerly keeping a respectful distance between them. Then nodded twice to confirm he had indeed been unwell. It seemed a plausible excuse after all. “I’ve been a little run down, nothing serious.” He said grimly. He’d shut himself away in the house. Not because of physical illness, no he had needed more time to think, to write poetry.

“It is nice of you to be so concerned.” He added, politely. The last thing he wanted was Callipe spreading news that he was unwell, then he’d have to deal with an ebb of visitors and might have to invent some illness to keep the Doc happy if he should call.

“Perhaps you could summarise what I have missed for me. Though rest assured I will be visiting this week.” The words were said with genuine feeling and only the barest grin brushed against his lips to be quickly replaced by one of mellow interest that darted through his sapphire globes.

[Haylifer]

A short while after his hurried exit of the church, Hailey's small voice called after Lucifer and she emerged from the church after him.

"Wait!"

He didn't turn back, nor did he stop. He slowed down his pace a little though, giving the girl a chance to catch up with him. Already he'd said too much, lost his hardened demeanour that he supposed protected him from the sinful world out there. Without a warning glare in his eye, he'd surely perish like those before him. Now he'd let go of his defences, and was struggling in regaining them, and was scared.

"Wait, please!" shouted Hailey again as she tried to keep up with his pace. This time, Lucifer stopped fully, leaving eyes fixed on the ground.
"What.. what is it?" he managed to say, voice sounding quiet and distant.
"My sister.. Do you know how she.. what happened to her?"

He turned to face the girl, seeing her eyes wide and searching for answers.
"Only God will know that, Hailey. Although.." he began to add a sentence, then stopped abruptly. "I have to be somewhere. God be with you and your family." She ran after him a few more steps, wanting her answers.

"No, please.. go on?"
Lucifer sighed, rubbing his head as though it hurt him. Perhaps he should tell her his suspicions. But she's only a child, and her sister has just been killed.. Not a child, nearly an adult. 13 was old enough to take a job, therefore she had right to know what he thought.

"Now, it's only a thought.. I've been thinking this for some time. Since the death of Alice, the good woman who raised me. I believe Liana may have been-"

Again, Lucifer stopped mid-sentence. This time, Mary was the cause of that. She held the hand of young Miss. Peddleweather, taking her to church. The sight of Mary and remembrance of her reaction to speaking of the Devil in the presence of children gave his weak-willed conscience a kick into silencing his thoughts. Instead, he smiled briefly to Hailey, nodded politely to Mary and set off back home.

[foolinthemoon]

((Working on getting pic, for now, here's the app
I didn't think i'd seen a baker, and i know, a male baker, but :P))


Name: Mathias Starks
Age: 26
Job: Baker
Bio: Mathias comes off a bit of a loner at times while trying to conceal his double life. By day he's a Baker, a Business man of sorts. While seemly friendly and quiet, his true nature eats at him. He wishes he could reveal whom he really was, but he could never expect the towns people to accept his behavior, so he keeps to himself. He has no children, and no wife, though there are rumors that he once had both, before he came to Salem. He has set his eyes on one however, though he must keep his feelings to himself until the night has fallen, and he's free to be who he really is.

Pick one... muahahaha...
http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l270/foolinthemoon/snapshot_13fee221_f3fee65d.jpg

http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l270/foolinthemoon/snapshot_13fee221_13fee4c7.jpg

http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l270/foolinthemoon/snapshot_13fee221_93fee73d.jpg

[Haylifer]

((OOC: Yay, foolin'! And, Mathias the Baker! <3 Hee.. spam :p Welcome to Salem :heyhey: ))

[AtropaMandragora]

(((ooc: foolin - Mathias Starks, huh? Would he be an ancestor of our good sheriff Starks? ;) )))



Much to William's relief, Bartholomew politely declined his offer of tea and biscuits, saving him from suffering the indignity of playing housewife.
Instead, William could simply take a seat on the other side of the table. Resting his arms on top of it, his fingers interlaced as he waited for the man to make known his purpose of coming to the church, and William.

"It seems there is something wrong with the town", Bartholomew said, casually leaning back in his chair. "Do you have any idea what it could be?"

For a moment or two, William simply looked at him, the almost constant but vague smile slowly fading, only to be replaced by a look of solemnity.

"Ah, yes", he said, sorrow and distress staining his voice. "There are sinister powers afoot in Salem. A Devil's illness, striking at our young, invading their bodies, making them convulse and voice the most horrible things."

He gave a heavy sigh, and shook his head, staring down at the roughly carved table surface.

"It drains them of all that's good and pure. Of all life. Why, just an hour ago the Appleblossom's lost their youngest daughter."

[foolinthemoon]

((pics up, theres three to chose from... lol, all very... different. :P and Atropa... maybe... :D ))

[Spoonerism_SC]

Name
Barnabas Wardelle

Biography
Barnabas is the eldest of the preacher’s three children. Since his mother’s death, when he was just five years old, Barnabas has been extremely protective of his younger siblings. To anyone he meets, he seems stoic and aloof. He doesn’t often go anywhere besides the old church. Because of this, people tend to think that he is either an extremely devout Christian man, or find him a possibly blasphemous pagan.


((That's all I can do right now! Sorry, I'll finish when I get home from practice and dinner with my grandparents. I'm sorry))

[ElektraNatchios33]

((I am just jumping in here. Forgive me if I'm a little rusty :)))

Amber was out in her garden picking marvoulus flowers, of all different sizes. Some were larger than normal, especially her roses. The petals were as big as her ear almost. A woven basket was on the ground beside her where a large pile of flowers sat. She would take them inside and turn them into a marvelous masterpiece of a bouquet. Her prices were fair, but not cheap. She usually sold them for 3 pounds a piece, and some of her profits went to the church.
She took the flowers inside and set them on a worn wooden table. She began to form them into a bouquet when somebody knocked on the door.

[Shenanigans_SC]

foolin - lol he's positively wicked. Love him!
Spoonersim - Ya did just fine. Don't worry, I know there's other things more important.

Everyone - now that we have our last two applications turned in, Applications are infact closed. I will be posting the first round soon!

I'd like to share the official map with everyone. Now I never claimed to be a good map maker, so don't laugh too hard. If there's someone out there who is capeable and wants to make a better one, feel free to PM me, I'll send you the original image. But for now it will do.

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y225/Mila_Muromachi/SIMS2/Salem/finalmapsmall.jpg (http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y225/Mila_Muromachi/SIMS2/Salem/finalmapbig.jpg)
(Click on it for a bigger image)

[eternal_sunshine]

"Yes a fine morning. I hope yours is well. Sorry to burst in on you but Lucifer has a way of making his presence known. He might be an intriguing person as most women find young and old a like, but he is no one to play with. I would feel sorry for the women to get matched up with him. He isn't one for love."

Lizzie was, frankly, mortified. That had certainly never been her intention; the thought had never even crossed her mind.

"Mrs. Pitt," she said, "I am a respectable widow, as are you. I do not regard men in the village; indeed, I keep to myself and hope others will allow me that courtesy."

She tightened her arms around the heavy wicker basket; she badly wanted to set it down - it was getting monstrous heavy. "But, forgive me, Mrs. Pitt! How are your your little pupils doing?" She knew Claire was a nanny of sorts for a wealthy family in town.

"I hope they are not giving you too much trouble," she added, with a wink.

{OOC: Love the new map Shenanigans!}

[AtropaMandragora]

Having lifted his gaze back to Bartholomew's face moments after telling him about the Appleblossom's tragedy, William registered the look of shock on his features. Shock, and something else. What was it? It was an almost distant look, as if Bartholomew remembered something. Briefly, something fluttered in the back of William's head. Something he'd heard about the man before him. A rumour. A terrible rumour. Something about withcraft... in his family? His parents? His grandparents?
No, William couldn't remember. He'd heard about it before the illness first struck, when he still didn't truely believe in witchcraft, and so he'd just dismissed it and forgotten about it.
But if he'd been hoping Bartholomew would shed some light, he was utterly disappointed. Batholomew merely nodded, saying;

"Please give my condolences to the family. Tell them I grieve for their loss."

Hmmm. Those two sentences made William wonder.
While they were perfectly natural and polite, and pretty much what one would expect Bartholomew to say, to William they sounded almost too polite. Like Bartholomew was in a hurry to leave the subject?
There was something odd here...
Still, best not ask questions. He'd leave that to Lucifer.

"So", Bartholomew said a few seconds later, looking at William, and indeed changing the subject. "Shall we begin my forgiveness of sins?"

William simply nodded, not wanting words to possibly betray any sign of suspicion lingering in his voice. With a deft hand, he motioned the Sign of the Cross, and then looked at Bartholomew, awaiting his confession.


(((ooc: Shenan - The map looks great. :) )))

[ElektraNatchios33]

((better than any map I could have made.))

[Shadowblade]

(OOC: It's a pretty good map! One question though, is it in scale? I was curious how far it was from the Brannon cottage to the lake...)

[Shenanigans_SC]

Salem
~ * ~
Day 1 : The Hunt Begins

“Someone must pay!” Mrs Appleblossom was running through the streets. Her hair was unkempt, her eyes swollen from so much sobbing. As she got into town square, she stood upon a bench making it her personal platform. “First the Charles’ child? And now my darling Elizabeth? Really how twisted and evil must you be?!” A crowd had started to gather around the manic woman. “As sure as God lives, I tell you all that there are murderers among us!”

Most of the crowd had quieted down to hear what the woman had to say, however a few whispers could still be heard. First a male’s voice, “She lost her mind she has!” “The poor dear, the grief has overtaken her.”, said a woman. “Someone should go get the doctor.” Still another… “Forget the doctor, get a Priest!”

“Murderers I tell you! Enemies of God! Friends of the Devil!” she continued to rant. “Monsters so foul that they prey on our children; our innocent, helpless children! There are Witches among us, determined to take every last one of our children!” Majority of the crowd gasped at the nature of her ranting, yet others nodded in agreement. People were coming out of their houses to see what the commotion was all about. Mrs. Appleblossom continued, pointing out to the crowd. “You know who you are, and soon everyone else will also.” The townsfolk looked around. Surely there was not a soul in their midst that was capable of such things. Right?

“Woman, you have lost your mind!” a lone person shouted out. Mrs. Appleblossom’s head sharply turned in their direction. “Have I? How would you explain the death of my poor Elizabeth? Not only hers, but Vicky's, and Liana’s as well.” She wasn’t going to give him a chance to answer that question. “Even the good doctor Nighwolfe can’t explain what has overtaken them!”

The crowd stirred with whisperings and mutterings among themselves. She continued, “Sure, you say I’ve lost my mind! But everyone here has heard the rumors. I am only the first determined enough to put an end to this horrendous attack on our children!”

The woman, though ranting like a loon did have a point. Plenty of people have speculated Witches were at work in their little town. Some people were here solely because of those rumors.

“What do you say we do?” called someone from the crowd.
“For the sake of your children, watch those around you! Don’t trust anyone! If you see someone, something, report it to me at once! With God as my witness we will have a witch hanging from a tree by sunset! Who here is with me?”

~ * ~

The town is about to embark on its quest to purge the Witches from its population. It is time to speculate.

The next two days I want everyone to PM me who they suspect is guilty of witchcraft. Please include a reason for your speculation, no matter how silly. At the end of the two days whoever has had the most speculation brought against them will be arrested and put on trial.

RP rules-
You are free to enter mid morning with your RPs, but please do not pass the lunch hour. Lunch time is when the arrest will be made. You can Role Play your characters approaching Mrs. Appleblossom if you like. Perhaps you’d like to tell her she needs to be locked up herself, perhaps you’d like to voice your willingness to help her.

If there are any questions, feel free to send them my way.

*edit*
Oh, and glad ya'll like the map. :)
Shadowblade, I can't honestly say it's to scale. I mean, the tree is way bigger than the buildings. lol Just do as you like with that aspect, I don't think anyone would hold it against you. :)

*edit #2*
Everyone who fulfills one of the special roles (ie witch, white witch or blessed one) has been notified via PM. So if you have not heard from me that means you are an innocent towns person.

[Pandaness]

"Um, hello, Julianna."

Her indirect gaze at William was interupted by a girl he had seen around town. She believed her name was Fenn, and she seemed even more timid than herself. Also, she wasn't the more popular girl in town either, at least Julianna had a couple good friends. Pity most of her friends had become recent victims though...

She quickly unclasped her hands, looking swiftly to William, who had been staring at her as well. He looked down and started to talk to another minister. Because it was rude to sit down talking to a girl, she went up and greeted her at the church's doorway.

Her hands were tangled and hung behind her resting under her bottom. She approched her cautiously, trying to recall if she had been friends with Elizabeth. Well, she didn't really seem like she had any friends.

"How are you dear? Fenn, correct? My, I haven't really spoken to you since we were very young. What brings you to the church at such an early hour?" She replied to her, trying to cover up her reluctancy. As she noticed the situation around her, she almost regretted her previous statement, shrugging. "Actually, seems as if the chapel is quite full this morning," she added laughing nervously.

[PennyTheCorgi]

"How are you dear? Fenn, correct? My, I haven't really spoken to you since we were very young. What brings you to the church at such an early hour?" She replied to her, trying to cover up her reluctancy. As she noticed the situation around her, she almost regretted her previous statement, shrugging. "Actually, seems as if the chapel is quite full this morning," she added laughing nervously.

"Yes, it's Fenn." Fenn mumbled. Her name almost always brought on questions, and she was reluctant to tell them that her names literal meaning was a marsh. " And I'm fine, thank you. I'm sorry about your friend." " She attempted to smile but could feel it coming out as more of a grimace. Julianna gave her a wan smile, her eyes darting back towards the chapel. "Thank you." she said. Fenn resisted the urge to stare at her feet. She never felt this out of place around her brothers or the other village boys. With them she could laugh and joke and talk just as roughly as they did. "I..I guess I'd better go." she mumbled, turning to leave. She hadn't gone more then two steps though when she heard commotion outside. She turned back to Julianna seemed just as confused. "what's that yelling?" she asked.

[Titania_SC]

“For the sake of your children, watch those around you! Don’t trust anyone! If you see someone, something, report it to me at once! With God as my witness we will have a witch hanging from a tree by sunset! Who here is with me?”

Abigail had just entered the town square when Mrs. Appleblossom ran in. She had heard the rumors, stories she thought they were, of witches and their attacks, but it never occurred to her that they were real. They were only supposed to be something the school children talked about and nothing real. Right?

Someone cried out an "Aye!".

Oh dear lord, what's going on?

[Pandaness]

"Yes, it's Fenn, And I'm fine, thank you. I'm sorry about your friend." She mumbled to her. Not to think rudely, but it was a bit odd for a girl to direct conversation, and then avoid it. "Thank you."

"Oh, well. She was innocent, the killers are mercililess. Thank you for your remorse, dear." She replied as brightly as she could in a situation like this. Then silence.

"I..I guess I'd better go." Fenn dead headed to the door, and Julianna quickly exaimened her face. It was pretty, although awkward. She was pale, and her dark hair contrasted with her bold features. Her eyes were sullen, and light blue circles hung gracefully below her bottom lashes. She was beautiful, unlike any other random girl in town. She was as unique as her pretty name, she was also extremely secretive, which set her apart from the rest of the fish in the ocean.

Shouting boomed nearby, and the sound echoed through the church. Fenn mumbled something about the matter. "Ah, I wouldn't dwell," Julianna reassured her worried, or perhaps agitated face. "It sound like dead old Ms. Appleblossom. Seems as if now one can help her now. Gone mad she had," she finished shaking her head subtly.

[innoscenteyes]

"I hope they are not giving you too much trouble,'' Elizabeth asked.

" The children are well. I'm sorry if I made you think I was implying that you were intersted in that way. I was simply saying that Lucifer isn't the type of man to engage in a con..... what is that yelling?" Claire was cutt off. She could hear Mrs. Appleblossoms yelling. Claire and Elizabeth quickly exchanged glances and hurried off to see what was going on.
It was Mrs. Appleblossoms“Murderers I tell you! Enemies of God! Friends of the Devil!” she continued to rant. “Monsters so foul that they prey on our children; our innocent, helpless children! There are Witches among us, determined to take every last one of our children!”
Oh Lord Witches! Evil witches among us. Killing our children. Lord is this true? How can this be? We must protect them at all cost. At that time the tears were filling her eyes the image of her son came back again.
------------------------------------------------------------
umm question where do i live?

[AtropaMandragora]

Bartholomew had barely had a chance to utter one syllable of his confessions when he was suddenly interrupted by shouting, coming from outside. From the town square, to be more specific.

"I think that we have a problem in the square", he said, standing abruptly and hurrying outside.

William followed only a few feet behind. The angry voice doing the shouting sounded alot like Mrs Appleblossom. Oh dear. It seemed she was so beside herself with grief that she had decided to take matters into her own hands. While it was a most commendable thing to do, it wasn't the wisest. Not in her frail mental condition.
And getting the rest of the town worked up like this...
William knew a thing or two about mob mentality. It was not a pretty sight, and often did more harm than good.
Maybe he should just try to calm her down, before it all got out of hand? The last thing they needed were for people to start pointing fingers at eachother just because they had seen this or that neighbour give them an odd look, or because the cows had stopped milking after a visit from someone.

Carefully making his way through the crowd, William finally stopped by the bench, looking up at the raging woman.

"Mrs Appleblossom..."

He spoke softly, despite the shouting going on around him. With an authority such as his, speaking in a gentle tone usually made people listen more intently, even if they were currently screaming their lungs out.

"Mrs Appleblossom, please, do come down from there. I understand your pain, but this is not the way to go about ridding us of the witches we all know dwell within the limits of this town. Making people suspicious of one another in a time when we really need to stick together... Not only for safety, but because several pair of eyes see more than one. If we stick together, sooner or later the witches will make a mistake and reveal themselves."

At least he thought so. It seemed to make sense. But right now, his main concern was to calm everyone down, starting with Mrs Appleblossom.
It took him a few more minutes of gentle persuasion, but he finally got her to step down from the bench, and be taken back to the house by her husband.

Once he'd done that, he turned to the rest of the crowd, still calm and collected.

"Good people, I do urge you to think twice before 'reporting' something to Mrs Appleblossom. She's in mourning, which is understandable, and she need'nt be burdened with anything further. If you do have suspicious, please, turn to our good Mr Duenna, or myself, as we are better capable and prepared to deal with these... witches."

With that, he took his leave and started heading back to his house, to continue what had been started there before all this commotion.

[Shenanigans_SC]

umm question where do i live?

In this post (http://forums.sims2community.com/showpost.php?p=1021673&postcount=96) you had said the cook informed you of Elizabeth Appleblossoms death. I understood that as you were working for the Appleblossoms. I'm sorry that I mistook that. There are empty houses still on the map I'll add your name to one of them if you like.

[innoscenteyes]

Oh I am sorry I meant the cook for the family I worked for. I am sorry for the mistake. I should have stated it more clearly. I didnt wait to indroduce her as a real playing character so I had just said the cook.

[Shenanigans_SC]

Oh I am sorry I meant the cook for the family I worked for. I am sorry for the mistake. I should have stated it more clearly. I didnt wait to indroduce her as a real playing character so I had just said the cook.

That's okay, I really should have asked. I put you in the empty house by the Appleblossoms. You may have to refresh your screen to see the changes. :)

And Bartholomew! "Beautiful Chaos" lol What a trouble maker you are. ;)

[innoscenteyes]

thankyou. I guess a big house is suited for the wealthy family I am working for. :)

[AtropaMandragora]

William hadn't stepped far from the bench when another, sudden booming voice was was heard. And this time, it seemed to be directed at him, personally.

"And how do we know that you aren't the witches? What a better way to cover up your Sorcery then with your title!"

Those were words that had the good Reverend stop dead in his tracks, and with eyes slightly widened in complete and utter surprise his gaze searched for the owner of that hostile voice. When it found him, William's eyes widened yet a little bit more. Bartholomew, of all people? Bartholomew, who had just been in his house about to make his confession?
Blinking a few times, William simply stared at him at first. Then the shoutings of the others seemed to pierce through the veil of sheer disbelief that had settled over him.

"That's preposterous!" he exhaled, letting out the air that had been pressing in his lungs as he'd forgotten to breathe. "Have you gone mad?"

Still, plain and obvious logic didn't seem to convince the part of the crowd that seemed to side with this madman.
Oh dear God. It had started already. William had thought he'd managed to calm them all down, but then Bartholomew had simply pushed them all over the edge. How could he, a man of such importance, be so irresponsible?

"You're truely being serious?" William said, as it all dawned on him; they actually expected him to answer such a ridiculous accusation. "How can you possibly... I don't understand how you could..."

For once, the words seemed to escape the usually very eloquent Reverend.

"I have done nothing but good since my arrival here...", he finally managed. "And you, Bartholomew have come to me time and time again. As have all of you. Have I ever not fulfilled my duties? Have I ever not gone far beyond my duties, and offered you any and everything I might have that might help you in whatever it has been that's been troubling you? I... I cannot believe you would accuse me of such a wicked thing. I've been right there, I've been sitting with the poor girls and their families, I've prayed with them. I've watched helplessly as the life has just been drained from them."

A pained shadow stole across his face as he looked at each and every face staring back at him, trying to make them realize just what he'd been forced to witness the past couple of weeks.

"How could I sit by someone's deathbed, praying for their soul, if I was the cause of it all? How could I spend hour upon hour in the church - in the Lord's very house - if I was in league with the Devil? I am not claiming to be a saint, for I am not. I am a flawed human being. But that is all."

And as those words were being spoken, his voice gradually grew firm, as did the look on his face. It was as if by speaking them, he realized just how ridiculous the accusation had been; completely unfounded, nothing more than a cruel joke.

"Please Bartholomew," he said, locking gazes with his accuser. "Do explain yourself."

[Tjaames]

((I'm not going to be able to post until Saturday, I have a cabaret tomorrow, enjoy rping and feel free to use Gerty anywhere :) ))

[Shadowblade]

Charlotte slunk around the edge of the crowd, craning her head to hear every last part of the conversation. Witchcraft, she thought excitedly. Maybe it is true. Oh, I do hope Father will not hear of this...Too much excitement for his frail health.

Making a quick decision, one that she hadn't made for a long time, she stepped into the center of the crowd and spoke. "Pardon me, sirs...Please forgive me, but is it not true that this is what the witches want for our town? Fighting amongst ourselves? I think I do not need to remind you of how suspicious you both look standing here accusing each other! Guilty or not, this is not helping this situation." It was the most she had ever said in the presence of any of the townspeople and she flushed hotly at being so outspoken. She continued on despite her embarrassment. "Salem cannot simply start hanging her citizens on a whim! This decision is not to be made lightly. Please, think about what you are suggesting! To kill one of us..." She shook her head. "It is nothing but immoral! Something you should know quite well, Reverend, and all the rest of you as well! God's children, we are, and this is how we act at the first test of faith he sends us."

Thoroughly shamed and suddenly remembering she was in the presence of superiors, she dropped her head. "May the Lord forgive our sins," she said respectfully. "We must pray."

(OOC: That was WAY over the top, I know, but I suck at the RP thing and Charlotte wanted in on the action. Hopefully the religious talk is okay, I'm not used to it!)

[AtropaMandragora]

William had been eager to hear what Bartholomew had to say for himself, to explain the accusation he'd made. But he didn't get a chance. Young Charlotte decided to step in.

"Pardon me, sirs... Please forgive me, but is it not true that this is what the witches want for our town? Fighting amongst ourselves? I think I do not need to remind you of how suspicious you both look standing here accusing each other! Guilty or not, this is not helping this situation."

William frowned slightly. The dear child hadn't at all been listening to what he'd said, had she? It annoyed him greatly, speaking to people who didn't listen. "Accusing each other?" He had made no accusation whatsoever. He wouldn't dream of it. In fact, he'd just spent several minutes convincing a woman completely distraught by sorrow that it wasn't the right way to go about things, only to go on trying to convince the crowd as well.

"Salem cannot simply start hanging her citizens on a whim! This decision is not to be made lightly. Please, think about what you are suggesting! To kill one of us... It is nothing but immoral! Something you should know quite well, Reverend, and all the rest of you as well! God's children, we are, and this is how we act at the first test of faith he sends us."

The reverend's frown deepened. Now just what was that supposed to mean? Something he should know quite well? He did know. Why else would he be saying the exact same thing she was? Foolhardy little girl. It was obvious she lacked a guiding hand, her father being ill and all. Otherwise she would've learned to listen to her elders.

"Young Charlotte", he said, biting back the harsh lecture that had been on the tip of his tounge. "I do believe you've misinterpreted most of what I said. I have accused no one. I simply asked Bartholomew for his reasons for accusing me. You see, I happen to fully agree with you, and it saddens me that you weren't paying attention. These are important matters, and it's simply far too dangerous to lash out, just for the sake of stirring trouble..."

He glanced over at Bartholomew, before looking back at Charlotte again, finishing his sentence;

"... or for simply not having listened properly."

[Shadowblade]

She bristled. His presumptuous tone irked her, but she simply inclined her head. She knew her place in society, and she wouldn't be foolish. "I apologize, sir. I misinterpreted your words. This situation is just overwhelming for all of us." She bit her lip and look to the townspeople. "So what are we to do? How do we protect ourselves?"

[innoscenteyes]

Claire hurried and wiped the tears from her eyes. No not here, she thought. I cant let it out here. I must remain calm. Listening closely on what everyone was saying Claire was astonished. I never would have thought to blame Reverand. He would not do such a thing, but we cant trust anyone. I cant dream of someone here being a witch and causing harm to anyone.
Claire kept going over what Bartholomew said. Wouldn't a witch put focuse on someone else. Wouldnt a witch blame someone else to take focuse off him or herself. Claire shot a look to him. Could he be one? Eyeing him closely. Why would he cause such rucus in town. Try to turn everyone away from the Reverand?

then she heard Charlotte say,"May the Lord forgive our sins.We must pray."

She is right, we must. I think it is time now to have that conversation with the Lord. Leaving the crowd, She went into the church. Not staying to listen to the responses from the crowd.

[AtropaMandragora]

(((ooc: One question - if we hang a witch, we'll get told they were a witch, right? But how will the townspeople know? Unless the witch actually confesses, no one in town can know for sure if they were truely a witch or not? So will we just keep RPing like the characters still don't have a clue if what they did was right or not, or will there be some way for them to know they were right/wrong?)))

[Shenanigans_SC]

Good question Atropa. Here's my guidelines for anyone who's wondering.
The identity of those killed by the townsfolk will be given after their death. I may use some creative writing, stretching reality a bit to do that. (As if we're not stretching it already. ;) ) Perhaps I'll say that everyone present felt an evil spirit leaving their midst. Perhaps I'll roleplay someone running to the crowd with proof that that person was the White Witch or whatever.

Now those who are killed by the witches will not have their identity revealed. Obviously the witches won't kill one of their own, but if they manage to kill the White Witch or the Blessed One, no one will ever know. (Until the RP ends of course.)

Hope that clarifies things?

Also, just because someone is accused does not mean that person absolutely will die. After a suspects arrest there is a trial. Then people must say openly on the forums (in character) if they want that person let free or not. Obviously the RP would drag out forever if no one was ever 'killed'. So there is a limit of two in a row that can go free. After two in a row are let free there must be a death. I know it's hard to put someone to death when you have no idea if they're a witch or not. But it's gotta be done to advance the roleplay. Besides, you don't want to let the witches win. If no one is ever hung, then the witches would win automatically.

Sure hope I didn't confuse things even more!

[Fayreview]

Nero sighed... Witches! How could people repeatedly blame things on witches... He gritted his teeth and retuned to carving flowers onto the ornamental windmill base.

Unfortunately everywhere was like this, and he was in danger, it could be worse. If he had been a mid-wife it would have meant almost certain death... He finished his careful task then got up from his seat and went in search of Mrs. Appleblossom. Someone had to calm her a little and she had still refered to him as the 'Good Doctor' so there was a chance she would listen to him.

He got up and placed the windmill indoors locked his house, (he would from now on you can trust hysterical people.) And then proceeded across town in order to locate the poor woman.

[Vicci]

Mary had been standing listening to the whole gathering cautiously. She had not uttered a word for she was analysing everything. Could they be correct about witches? At the mention of them her hand had grown tighter around Madeline's. She would have a lot of explaining to do. Madeline understood not to ask questions or bug her mother whilst there were outcries.

After the frankly preposterous accusation of the Reverend being a witch, Mary had spoken against this as had many people. Those who had agreed were clearly insane. God would not let a man of power into such a position with those kinds of sins, honestly. Did no one think around here anymore?

Once everything had died down Madeline got fidgety and Mary sent her away to the river to play, warning her not to get too close to the edge. Mary joined the small crowd of people left talking about what had happened.

"I agree with, well, everyone. We cannot start to hang people in a whim. I think it needs a lot of consideration. Why don't we start regular town meetings about this where we can elect a suitable council to help us? We would be able to sit and meet in one place, under one roof. It will be much easier."

[AtropaMandragora]

Immediately after his scolding, Charlotte seemed to realize her mistake, as a look of distress and embarrassment settled on her face.

"I apologize, sir", she said in a weak voice. "I misinterpreted your words. This situation is just overwhelming for all of us."

That, William could agree with, and he gave a slow nod, following her gaze as she looked at the rest of the crowd and continued.

"So what are we to do? How do we protect ourselves?"

Unfortunately, no one seemed to have a simple answer. Or even any answer. They all just started exchanging helpless looks, as if hoping the person standing next to them would have a simple solution to offer. But this wasn't a simple situation, and thus, it had no simple solution.
So instead of being answered, Charlotte's question was left hanging in the air, for everyone to ponder in silence, and quietly most people started returning to their chores.

A few still lingered, however. Mainly women who were yet feeling an urge to discuss what had just happened. But joining them was Bartholomew, trying to start things up again. And then there was William, who was still waiting for Bartholomew to explain himself.

Odd, how he seemed determined to keep feeding the chaos stirring within them all. It seemed he really wanted things to get out of hand. Why? What did he stand to gain? And why had he not yet explained his reasons for accusing William?
Well, the answer would be obvious. But William refused to make any accusations. Bartholomew might have lost all his sense of responsibility, but William had not. He would not accuse someone simply because he had a gut feeling, and he most certainly would not stoop to accusing someone simply to bring attention away from himself. He, unlike Bartholomew, didn't want the mob mentality to take over and claim innocent victims. There had been quite enough of those already.

As Bartholomew still didn't seem to have the tiniest intention of explaining himself, William shot him one last look, before turning back and once again heading for the church. He no longer held any desire to hear Bartholomew's confession, nor offer absolution.
Still, should the man come seeking it - because Lord knows he'd need it now more than ever - William wouldn't refuse him. Because, despite William's many flaws as a priest, and despite what feelings of resentment and aversion he might be experiencing, he still fulfilled his duties. Well, the ones that people could see, anyway. Not doing everything exactly by the book wouldn't hurt anyone, would it? Nor did it make him a witch. A mockery to the priesthood, maybe, but not a witch.

[eternal_sunshine]

"We shall wait. By noon today we will gather back here and decide as a town who will be hanged. Then by dusk, someone will be hanging."

Lizzie's heart dropped at Bartholomew's words - hangings and trials in Salem! The accusations, she was sure, would be just dreadful, especially without a council to moderate the wilder, irrational impulses of a town mob. She had heard some people in the crowd cheer, but Lizzie had not the heart for it. There was nothing pleasant, she had observed, about seeing bodies hang from the gallows.

"God be blessed that we are all wise in our accusations," said Lizzie, quietly. "And take care not to harm innocents, or to accuse falsely. But, if indeed, there are any witches in Salem, they must be routed out - evil cannot live among us!"

[Fayreview]

" True, we cannot just simply go around hanging people. But this is OUR town. Nothing would ever get done if we left it up to a council. I say we the people, As one Unifide voice should decided who is guilty among us."

The crowd cheered at his speech.

" We shall wait. By noon today we will gather back here and decide as a town who will be hanged. Then by dusk, someone will be hanging."

Nero, had come in just in time to hear the end of this ranting... His mind turned back to the windmills and the feilds of Berkshire, the heart of England, a place he felt himself he wished he was a part of.

However he simply shouted "Bartholomew is this not a drastic action, we cannot go around hanging members of the community.... Aren't we better than that?"

He then turned on his heel and walked to the back the crowd where he stopped an whispered to Lizzie, "let's truely hope there are no false accusations.... or then we are no better than witches ourselves."

[innoscenteyes]

Claire sat in the church unsure of what to pray and say to the Lord. All the while hearing everyone out side talking about what to do. It all seemed to come quickly. Witches, murder, now hangings. Claire went to the front of the church and got down on her knees and begain to pray:

" Lord I know I have done wrong and I ask for your forgiviness. So many things have gone on around here and I dont know what to do. The images of my son still haunt my mind. The devil is in my head and I know it. The devil is killing our children, Lord something must be done. What are we to do? Are there really witched among us? We need to find a way to weed them out. Lord I ask for you to give my knowledge and guidenece on what needs to be done. Lord I ask that you give me strenght if in a situatin to need it. Lord I ask you to watch me carefully and let me make no wrong choices. Lord I ask the same for the good people of Salem. Let us remain helthy and help us to weed out the evil ones and send them to hell where they belong."

Claire felt better after her prayer. It had been a while since she has spoken to him. She had lost that relationship she needs. She felt warm and good inside like everything was going to be ok now. She felt stronger now than ever before. There is something she had to tell the people. she went out side on the church steps and said,

'' People, wouldnt the witches need a place to practice there craft? I say we hunt for them. Scatter and search for a place where they would be doing the devil worship. Go in groups of the two and three. No one needs to be a lone now. No one we can trust. The cave at the end of town or they mysterious forest? Leave no stone unturned. What say you? Maybe we can find some clues to who the witches are. We need facts. As said before we can meet back here for lunch , state and present our findings. By dusk we will have a hanging."

[GeeWayrocks]

"Now, it's only a thought.. I've been thinking this for some time. Since the death of Alice, the good woman who raised me. I believe Liana may have been-"

Unfortunately, Hailey did not hear the rest of Lucifer's sentence, as a woman was talking to another woman in front of them. As he walked away, Hailey let out a frustrated groan. Then she remembered - he lived in the house right across from her. She'd ask him tonight. Instead, she watched a woman rant and rave about "Devil Work". After a while, she wandered home, when she got the news - her mother was with child.
A baby Liana.

[eternal_sunshine]

"Let's truely hope there are no false accusations.... or then we are no better than witches ourselves."

Lizzie turned to look into Nero's worried, green eyes.

"To be sure," she said, softly. "I fear the situation has gotten out of hand. To be openly talking about killing our neighbors! If there are witches in Salem, of course...that is dangerous. But I fear for the good, honest folk of Salem who might get caught up," she stopped to look at still the agitated lingering crowd surging around Bartholomew, "in the net of the overzealous."

[Haylifer]

The sharp quills irritating scratching was more than prominent in Lucifers thoughts as it moved across the parchment. He couldn't concentrate on his work, not in this state of mind - both drained and stunned at his sudden release of emotion. Books piled around the oak desk in his study - thick dusty volumes inlaid with gold leaf, some stained with candlewax. Their titles were prompt and formal - Legal Practises of the Supreme Court, Punishment and Retribution: A Brief History, The Ecclesiastical Courts of America: Revised edition and so on. Lucifer supposed that some day he would move to the city and take the oath to become a practising attorney. It was true that not many homing-pidgeons of Salem had ever dreamt of venturing to the larger, rich cities of the east coast. But Lucifers dream was obscured with a passion for revenge here in Salem, and he repeated to himself that not until the witches had paid for their sins would he leave. Finding some comfort in the thought, he returned to inking essays on the paper.

Not for long; some commotion was stirring up just outside Lucifers house, out on the town square. Above all others, one voice could be heard, recognisable as Mrs Appleblossom, shrieking in hysterical tones about her demands for justice. Lucifer laid his quill down, opening the window to further his understanding of the situation. As the woman went on, he realised she was near-to regurgitating his very own thoughts - as though a second witness wasn't firm enough evidence, he thought as quotes from those heavy law books returned to him. But clearly this woman was hysterical over the loss of her daughter. She needed to be calmed down, if she intended anyone to take her seriously. He grabbed his coat, and headed out into the crowd.

By the time he had left the house, accusations had begun to fly around the frenzied group. Lucifer gave a despairing sigh; how could anyone hope to progress anywhere when mass hysteria was setting people onto each other like wild animals? Mr. Roberts appeared to be confronting the Reverand, who retorted with astonishment that such a thought was possible. More accusations flew, people enraged, until Mr. Roberts again silenced the crowd by declaring a hanging by nightfall. This time, hushed whispers began - A hanging, here in Salem? What a dreadful thought!

Lucifer stepped from the shadows onto a slight elevation in the ground, giving him a makeshift stage to gaze across at the gathered crowd. Others may find him intimidating, but this worked wonders for his stage presence. He spoke out clearly through the cold night.

"Nobody shall be hung here in Salem." This time, it was he that brought a hushed silence to the crowd. Bartholomew, and several others, opened their mouths to protest. Lucifer interjected their retorts. "Not without holding a fair trial. To hang an innocent person would mark us as equals to these Devil-worshipers, commiting great sin. Therefore we must be entirely certain that those we convict are indeed witches."

[GeeWayrocks]

Hailey stared out her bedroom window. She watched as Lucifer announced something about not hanging people without a fair trial. She agreed, and ran to her doorway to hear more. She had something to say, but again, she held her tounge. She edged closer to the crowd, black hair whipping around her face in the wind.

[Fayreview]

"To be sure," she said, softly. "I fear the situation has gotten out of hand. To be openly talking about killing our neighbors! If there are witches in Salem, of course...that is dangerous. But I fear for the good, honest folk of Salem who might get caught up," she stopped to look at still the agitated lingering crowd surging around Bartholomew, "in the net of the overzealous."

"You are a truely intelligent woman Lizzie, I beg of you, think twice even before doing nothing, thanks to Mrs Appleblossom these shall be dark days in Salem. Darker than we have ever seen before." With that Nero sighed and shook his head... life could be so very difficult.

[PennyTheCorgi]

"Ah, I wouldn't dwell," Julianna reassured her worried, or perhaps agitated face. "It sound like dead old Ms. Appleblossom. Seems as if now one can help her now. Gone mad she had," she finished shaking her head subtly.

Fenn gave a slight nod towards Julianna. "yes..I'm sure your right." she replied. But somehow, Fenn didn't feel like everything would be alright. "Thank you for your time Julianna. Have a pleasant day and may the lord be with you." Fenn said, to distracted to be shy. Turning away she pushed against the rough church doors and out into the square, blinking in the bright sunlight.

"-hang an innocent person would mark us as equals to these Devil-worshipers, commiting great sin. Therefore we must be entirely certain that those we convict are indeed witches."

Fenn's blood ran cold. Hanged? who would be hanged? "What's going on?" she whispered urgently to the person next to her.

(I left it open so anyone can answer her :) )

[GeeWayrocks]

"People are saying there are witches in Salem, and that people should be hung if they are. But Lucifer says they should give them a fair trial, incase we hang innocents, and I agree. Although, I do know my Papa wouldn't mind hanging innocents." Hailey said the last sentance more to herself than anyone else.

[Spoonerism_SC]

Barnabas wiped his sweaty brow with the back of his hand. He leaned on his wooden shovel heavily, sighing. The weight of his body pushed a splinter deep into his palm and he jumped, sucking in a breathful of air with a grimace.

With his hand throbbing, he looked around the green graveyard. The tall church stood wise and welcoming among the peaceful trees, whose long branches swung gracefully in the slight breeze. The place had an eerie beauty to it, one that wasn't felt on just the other side of the stone church.

He looked down at the freshly upturned ground, knowing that soon the sweet little Appleblossom child would be under the rich soil.Barnabas had always helped his father by digging the graves for the recently deceased, but lately he had been doing much more often. Too often. Especially the graves tailored to fit smaller bodies; children.

Ever since he had returned from his journey, there had been gossip and whispers of blasphemy: witchcraft was around the town! Now usually Barnabas stayed away from the gossipy women, but talk of witchcraft was serious. Innocent people could be saved from a terrible fate.

Hysteric cries snapped Barnabas out of his thoughts, and he shook his hand to try and dislodge the splinter. He walked to the front of the church, passing by Town Square. A crowd had gathered, listening to people argue and yell out passionately. They were speaking of this witchcraft; hangings. dear Mrs. Appleblossom must have been mad with grief, for she seemed crazy as a loon. Other citizens joined the debate, but Barnabas merely shook his head. Nothing could be decided in that mess- they would need a town meeting.

He pushed open the door of his family's home, hoping that dear Julianna would be home to help him extract the painful tree which had lodged itself in his hand.

"Julianna? Are you home, sister?"

((OOC: I haven't updated his bio yet, but I will soon. Barnabas (who can be called Barny, or Nabby I suppose, or any other nickname by his family / few friends) has been on a trip, helping to explore new land! He has been gone for about a year, and just recently returned home. :D))

[Shenanigans_SC]

Only 24 and a half hours left to get your vote in! I've only heard from two people so far. Remember that perhaps others are suspecting you, so you're better off sending in a vote to make your odds of survival a little better!

[veldagia]

((OCC cherryp3 I replieed to you in post #138 just in case you missed it.))

[AtropaMandragora]

As William headed back towards the church, he heard yet another person address the crowd with an authority few possessed. Reaching the top step, he stopped a few feet shy of the church door, and turned to look, and listen. He wasn't surprised to find that the one speaking this time, was Lucifer.

"Nobody shall be hung here in Salem", he boomed, his words echoing between the small buildings surrounding the Town Square. "Not without holding a fair trial. To hang an innocent person would mark us as equals to these Devil-worshipers, commiting great sin. Therefore we must be entirely certain that those we convict are indeed witches."

Finally. Another voice of reason. Hopefully he'd succeed where Wiliam had obviously failed. The townspeople feared him, and he seemed to prefer it that way, whereas William, although respected, was supposed to be the firm but fatherly type they could turn to, always. And while some may fear the scoldings and reprimands he'd been known to give to those repeatedly missing Mass, he himself wasn't feared. At least he didn't use to be.
After Bartholomew's outburst, who knew what people were thinking? Most of them were so innocent, and so very impressionable.
Yes. William truely hoped Lucifer would reach them, and make them see things clearly. Not only for his own sake, but for the foolish Bartholomew's sake as well. No one had questioned him out loud, but William had seen the apprehension in the eyes of some of them. They didn't trust Bartholomew any more than they trusted William. First the rumours of witchcraft in his family, and now this... strange behaviour. He, who only left his house to see the Reverend, now accusing the Reverend himself of witchcraft. Why, if he suspected William to be a witch, would he come to confess his sins to him, and not Reverend Wardelle? And how could he be so certain, so bold in his accusation? It was almost as if he didn't care if he sent an innocent to the gallows.
And there was only one kind of person who cared little about the innocent; the kind who was already killing them.
It was all very odd indeed.

Still, William didn't stick around for the crowd's response. Instead he turned again, opened the door and stepped into the church, welcoming the the cool air that immediately brushed against his face.
This was going to be a long day. And it wasn't even yet noon.

Much to his surprise, Julianna and Fenn were still in there. Had they not heard the commotion going on outside? Or were they just staying in a place they deemed safe, away from the angry mob?
If so, it was probably a wise thing to do. Why, with the way people were carrying on out there, the next accusation made could very well be against one of those young girls. Fenn in particular, for being an outcast, and for consorting with boys in a way considered immoral by most. It was clear to William that the townspeople didn't need much else to suspect someone of being a witch. Soon, they'd probably be suspecting their own mother of being a witch. But surely they would think twice about accusing Julianna, Reverend Wardelle's daughter? William really hoped so. She was such a sweet young thing, fair and naive. And a devoted Christian, always coming to church first thing. Sometimes she was there even before William was. Yes, he could only hope they'd leave her alone, and not rob him off the opportunity to... get to know her better.

As he passed by the two girls, on his way to the back room, he offered them both a soft, melancholic smile, but no words. They seemed preoccupied talking to eachother, and he wouldn't be so rude as to interrupt.
Although he couldn't keep from letting his gaze linger on Julianna, just a few moments longer than he probably should have.

[Shenanigans_SC]

Ooo!! The priest has a thing for his superior's daughter. Boy is that going to go down in the history books! ;)
(Just teasing ya Atropa. :p )
Bad, bad host, spamming up her own thread. :handbag: I'll cut it out now.

[AtropaMandragora]

(((ooc: I know! *lol* I just wuv my crooked priest. He's so much fun.)))

[innoscenteyes]

Seeing that people never heard her and Claire didnt have the courage to stand up again she went back in to the church and sat down. Deep in thoughts of everything that was going on. How can all this happen to me? A year ago she lost her husband and son. Now all this. Children being killed by witches. Witches of all things. Lord how will over come this? What will we do? Knowing she has asked the lord this to many times to count Claire just sat there waiting for something else to happen.
----------------------------------------
Claire is approachable:)

[foolinthemoon]

((Soooo behind! *cringe* reading to catch up then i'll post :D Edit: oy! sorry so long, i had alot to write...))

Mathias walked silently as he walked towards the bakery and his home, He'd seen the father running for the Doctor's. "Another child." he spoke quietly. No one seemed to be there to hear him, but he still spoke. A slight cloud rose above him, as the chill in the morning air had yet to lift. He unlocked the front of the home that had been converted to a shop and walked in as the Doctor and Father rushed by once more.

He took the scarf from around his neck and hung it on the stand beside the door. It would be time for him to cook a few loaves soon, and the brisk walk through the still dark town always helped him prepare for the day and push his thoughts aside until night fall, when he could let them overwhelm him again. Only a few moments had passed when he heard faint sobs, no doubt a mother hearing of the upcoming passing of her beloved child. He only stopped what he was doing a brief moment before continuing, Why should the death affect him?

Before long, Mathias found himself covered in flour and yeast as a few fresh loaves sat on the counter cooling. The sun was now just rising as he decided maybe he'd make something sweet, seeing as a few of the kids often stopped in trading chores around the shop for a cookie, or cake. He didn't eat alot of sweets himself, and almost despised them. Though his memories took him back to being a child and having a sweet tooth. It seemed he recieved a continous scolding for even asking for a treat, so he learned not to ask, then he learned to almost hate them all together. He looked up seeing a few towns people, but none had come into the shop. One person caught his eye in particular, but he was quick to bring his attention back to the dough infront of him as he could almost hear his mother screaming her disapproval in his ear. Damn you woman, Stay dead! he thought. No matter how many times he told himself she was dead, she seemed to be standing right beside him, telling him how full of evil he was for simply being.

He wrapped 2 loaves up to take to the Church. He took one every sunday to the Priest. The other was for the Appleblossoms, He expected that they'd not be interested much in food after the passing of their child, but it seemed the curteous thing to do. He took the sack of bread and walked over to the door, picking up his scarf once more. The frost on the grass and windows started to thaw as the Sun worked it's way up into the sky, but it was still quite chilly.

He walked with his head down, oblivious to what was around him, listening only to the sounds of his steps as he hurriedly made his way to the Church. He didn't own much of a horse, he really saw no need, He was very happy on foot, and spent most of his free time roaming around the village and near the woods doing nothing. He neared the church nodding at a few women who had gathered, surely headed to Mass as well.

He walked up the steps of the church and took a seat in the back pew. There were many people there, and once again his eyes was drawn to one, instead of making a spectical, he closed his eyes and prayed. "Dear God, take this evil from me. Make me as I should be in your eyes." Though a thought pricked him as he said his small prayer, Who's to say you aren't as you should be? He quickly swept it to the side keeping his head down. He sat there silent as he listened to whispers around him. Speculation of the rising Deaths floated in the air. One person said something that caught his attention in peticular, as a female shushed her in protest.

Witches?

[Fayreview]

Nero sighed as he left the scene of the commotion, he was really leaving for the sake of being seen leaving, it means people would know where to find him if anyone fell to a "witches curse" soon and now the hysteria had set in, the world and his wife would be sick.

He quickly headed home and as was the family practise left a note for the daughter on his door.

My Darling Daughter Calliope

I will be spending the day by the church, I have to go see your mothers resting site today of all days, for it was today the two of us entered Salem and met all those long years ago. If you need me or just want to talk come find me.

N.

I assume anyone else who came to look for me was nosey enough to read this note but nevertheless I will be in the graveyard if I'm needed.


With that he headed off slowly shaking his head glad that his darling Reeney was not around to see what was happening in the town she loved.

[Vicci]

Mary left the ever thinning crowd to go and find Madeline. She found her on the bank of the river making a daisy chain. She helped her to finish then hung it around Madeline's neck. They then both set off back to church back on their path of what they had set out to do. Mary was conscious of the time for she had some requests for butter, but at this moment the Lord was more important.

Mary and Madeline sat down next to Claire. Mary guided Madeline in her prayer trying not to speak too loudly. "Lord, please help us and aid our trade. Thank you for looking after Elizabeth, she will be missed. Please look after Salem and it's members. Guide us through the right paths. Amen."

Mary turned to Claire and checked she wasn't praying. She found a worry line upon her forehead so Mary placed her hand upon Claire's as reassurance. "Salem is facing some bad times at the moment. I think it will become most difficult for us, especially those with children. Everyone is worried, including me, though I do not know if I believe in these -" Mary paused and whispered the word out of Madeline's earshot. "witches. I don't understand why the Lord would allow them in our community." Mary paused to see if Claire would answer. "As for the poor Reverend! He only does his best for us then someone goes and accuses him. It's all wrong!"

[innoscenteyes]

Claire was startled when Mary and Madeline sat next to her. She was deep in thought but she enjoyed the company. She watched Madeline pray. She was a beautiful little girl. She wished she had one of her own, but she doesnt, not a husband nor a son,anymore.

"witches. I don't understand why the Lord would allow them in our community." Mary paused to see if Claire would answer. "As for the poor Reverend! He only does his best for us then someone goes and accuses him. It's all wrong!"

Claire look at Mary a second and wispered so Madeline couldnt hear," I dont know why there are here. I think we need to find them and get them out. Evertime I hear of another child dying, I feel the pain of the day I lost mine over again. I dont think we should go arpound accusing anyone. I think we need facts. but the town is so destraute that we will just pick a, person we think doesnt fit. Oh how I wish this would all go anyway."

Claire had tears in her eyes. She thought of telling her secreat of nightmares. She knew if only Mary would look in her eyes she could tell she was hinding something. Once again she look at Madeline and smiled. How how she missed her child. She wouldn't know what to do if something would happen to her Tommy.

[Pandaness]

Fenn kept her head down for the very brief exchanging of words they spoke. But Julianna, she wanted to extract the truth from her, to psycho analyze her emotions and face. She had nothing. She was so, drab.

"Yes..I'm sure your right." She eventually replied, though seemingly doubting her words."Thank you for your time Julianna. Have a pleasant day and may the lord be with you."

Julianna waved after her as she left, calling, "And also with you! Try to stay out of the mob, and keep your family and friends close!" The smile she had on her face drifted, and her arm lowered. Fenn really would make a fine witch candidate, she looked like the other "witches" did at their hanging. Like they were already dead. In the back of her mind, she knew that she could very well be the next, but it wasn't probable. She had nothing that could be used against her, really, and she was so polite and nice to everyone.

The conversation had distracted her from noticing that the Reverand was once again in the building. She whipped her pale blond hair around and he quickly looked down. She soaked up his presence before departing back home. "Good day to you Reverand, may the spirit of the Lord be with you always!" She called out before entering the crowd.

It hit her that it would be much easier if she had stayed inside, away from it all. There was screaming and shouting, foul words, wiches, and hanging. She wanted to get away from it all, to just go home or back to church. Luckily, it was such a short walk home, although it was one filled with confusion and people. As she weaved through the crowd, she bumped into several people, each time emitting a meek little, "Excuse me," until she was finally at her front door. She slammed it behind her after she entered, sighing as she sunk to the floor closing her eyes. No wonder Father left so early this morning.

A strong hand rapped at the door, startling her. She quickly lifted herself up and smoothed her dress and hair before turning the brass knob, letting only her tiny face petrude from the crack.

"Julianna? Are you home, sister?"

It was dear old Nabby. So he had been cutting wood this morning. She embraced him softly, noticing the wood poking through his rough hands, encircled with vermillion blood. She carefully pushed him away, clasping gently onto his wrist.

"What is it that you have done to yourself, brother? How careless you are!" She cried, fixing her eyes upon the wound. "Come quickly with me!"

Pulling him into her bedroom, she sat him down at a wooden stole, as she scavenged around looking for some cloth. "Ah, have you been to the church this morning yet? I'm sure you've noticed the mass of people outside. Ms. Appleblossom, bless her. She had gone mad, just putting on a show for the town," she spoke trying to make small talk to her brother whilst she looked. Finally, she found some gauze in a little box she kept under her bed. "Soon enough, I don't believe she'll have any daughters to target anyway." Her voice was very rushed and lachrymosed, as she fondled the box. She headed into the kitchen, grabbing a wash cloth and the bucket of water. Heaving back over into her bedroom, she sat in a stool next to Barny. She picked out the piece of wood lodged into his hand, and he grimaced as it came out. Breathing "Sorry," she let the wet cloth wash over his injured hand, wiping the blood away.

As she tightened the gauze around his wrist she looked up at him and asked, "Won't you please stay here with me today? I get very lonesome here by myself all day, and I'm not sure if it is right to return to the church just yet."

[PennyTheCorgi]

Fenn's breath caught in her throat. Witches? Could that be what was making the girls sick? Fenn shook her head slowly, surely grown men and women didn't believe in ghosts and ghoulies anymore. Witches were just a tale told to naughty children at bedtime. She heard whispering behind her and turned to see who it was. A round faced woman behind her abruptly stopped talking and slung away, pulling her children with her. Fenn looked around at the village girls with their rosy cheeks and bouncing curls. She glanced down into the fountain at her own pale face, large eyes and straight, dark hair. Of course they would suspect her. She was the outsider, the girl who ran with the boys. She already knew about the scandalous stories that flitted around town from one person to the next. But it wasn't like that, the boys were no more then brothers to her. Fenn turned one pale hand over. She had always been pale, just like her mother. "Pale as the grave" her father use to say. It was true too. Mother hadn't looked much different lying there in her coffin. Except for the livid scratches across her neck and face. Fenn snorted, if she was a witch then mother would still be alive. No, she was no witch. Just a pale, quiet girl who was scorned for being different.

[Shenanigans_SC]

Salem
~ * ~
(Monday) Day 1 : The Trial

The morning had been quite an eventful one to say the least. Some citizens drug produce crates and spare lumber into the town square, creating a makeshift stage of sorts. The townsfolk were split over the events that Mrs. Appleblossom had put into motion, seemingly single handedly. Or did she have help? Some speculate as to how deep Lucifer’s role in things go; as it is he who volunteered to lead this trial. Either way, some were quite horrified at the activities of the day while others were grateful that something was finally being done. Even if they didn’t catch a real witch, perhaps the turn of events would scare the real ones away; far away from their family and loved ones.

Throughout the morning various people could be seen talking to Mrs. Appleblossom, with Lucifer by her side. Were they pleading with her to reconsider? Or were they informing her of their suspicions? No one would really know, so it didn’t matter much. As the lunch hour loomed Mrs. Appleblossom garnered the support of some of the huskier men in town. They would be doing the dirty work of cornering the first suspect and dragging them into town square.

It appeared as if everyone was gathered there today. Even those who were staunchly against it found their curiosity getting the better of them, drawing them out to see just what was going to unfold.

Lucifer took his place upon the stage, and then cleared his throat demanding attention from the crowd. “Today we gather under the most solemn of circumstances.", he said calm and quiet. "As you all know our town has been under attack by those who find great joy in preying on the young.” Lucifer began to slowly pace back and forth, every head in the crowd turning in unison as they followed him. “We ourselves must be careful to guard our hearts against the evil one. We must be steadfast in doing the Good Lord’s work." For the first time his voice began to rise. "We cannot become as they are, killers of the innocent!” A wave of agreement swept over the crowd. Lucifer smiled, he was right where he wanted to be. “I said we would have a fair trial, and that is what we shall have!”

As the crowd roared with excitement and anticipation, Lucifer nodded his head signaling to Mrs. Appleblossom that it was time. “Make way, coming through!” Two of Mrs. Appleblossom’s goons were parting through the loud still cheering crowd. “Get your hands off of me!” their captive demanded. The crowd was so thick; those even a few feet away could not see who it was, hardly anyone could even hear the suspect. “Is that Lizzie Dane?”, one person speculated. “Oh heavens no, I bet its Fenn Ramsey.”, another replied.

“Go on! Get up there!” The burly men nearly threw the suspect upon the makeshift stage. Silence fell as the crowd gasped in shock.

Lucifer stood on the stage, his expression impossible to decipher. His voice was eerily calm and cold. “Bartholomew Roberts, you are hereby charged with practicing unholy acts, preying on the innocent and betraying your fellow citizens.” He paused, no doubt for dramatic effect. “You, sir, are formally charged with practicing witchcraft!”

“This is unbelievable!" Bartholomew retorted. "I have supported finding and eliminating those enemies of God from the very beginning!” Bartholomew spotted Reverend William at the back of the crowd. Surely, he had something to do with this. Bartholomew turned to address Lucifer, “I tell you I am no more a witch than you or Mrs. Appleblossom there.”

The crowd stirred up once again with talk. Bartholomew turned to address the crowd. “For years I have kept to myself, never harming a hair on any head, nor bothering a soul. Now you accuse me of such evil doings?!” He then turned to address Lucifer. “I know I am an innocent man. Start your trial, and let’s prove it so!”

The crowd was silent; accusing one in public was much more difficult than doing it in private. “Well, get on with it now!”Bartholomew yelled at the crowd. “We haven’t got all day!”

A lone voice was heard from the crowd. Bartholomew could not see who it was, but could tell it was a man’s voice. “Indeed, you are very excited to rid the town of Witches. Is it not just an act to cover your own involvement with them?!” Before he had a chance to answer, another in the crowd added “Yeah! You are the very one who accused the good Reverend William! How much more against God could one get?”

Bartholomew prepared his answer for them…

~*~

And there you have it! The trial will last for three real life days, unless everyone states their personal verdict earlier than that. You are encouraged to voice your character’s opinion, and participate in the trial aspect of the RP, either accusing or defending Bartholomew. Fnrtsman, naturally you are free to defend yourself against all accusations. Unfortunately, Bartholomew cannot get down from the stage until all accusations have been played out. I’m sure someone can get him a chair if he’s up there for too long. ;)

For everyone but the accused, you are required to state in roleplay whether you think the accused should die, or be set free. It can be as simple as saying that your character “Shook his head in disbelief, as obviously the man is innocent.” However your character feels, it needs to be said somehow. I also request that you state the obvious in an OOC comment for me. Just add ((OOC: My character votes to hang him.)) That way there’s no misunderstanding on my part.

The trial will be limited to three days. If there are those who do not vote, then they simply don’t count. I will be watching for people who sit on the fence too often, and trust me, you don’t want to be one of those. ;)

All RPs are to take place in the afternoon, as Bartholomew will either hang, or go free before night. If there are any questions, like always, please feel free to ask here, or via PM.
Thanks.

[innoscenteyes]

Claire stands in the corwd woundering who they will bring out. Seeing that Lucifer is going to being seeing that all goes well. She agrees with him about needed a fair trail. it is true we need to get all of the witches out of Salem but she doesnt want to see the people she has grown to care for die. She hopes the truth will come out. She listens as Bartholomew speaks. He speaks the truth. Why would he want to harm our children, but then again why would anyone want to harm them.

[AtropaMandragora]

(((ooc: Fnrtsman - I would've appreciated it if you had discussed this whole "I know all about William's indiscretions" thing with me first. It's the courteous thing to do in an RP, instead of just deciding out the blue that your character knows something they really have no way of knowing. Some would consider it a form of godmodding. Big no-no.
However, I'll play along. If nothing else, it could make for some entertaining RP. ;) )))

[RosalindP]

Anne watched the stage with horror -- Bartholomew, charged with witchcraft? No, no.. he was a good man. Wasn't he? Oh, heavens, something like this in Salem..

His speech fell on deaf ears. All she could think was, dare I speak up in his defense? Many of the townsfolk looked bloodthirsty and furious, and Lucifer's expression nearly terrified her. Who would listen? Perhaps if Jonathan said it, someone would take notice. She shook on her husband's arm but he just shook his head at her and glared back up at the stage. Oh Lord, he believed the accusations!

Unable to hold back or come up with a proper argument, she desperately shouted out, "Let him free! He's done nothing!"

((ooc: again, sorry if that was bad.. still sick, and I just woke up. If it's not obvious enough in the RP, Anne believes he is innocent))

[Spoonerism_SC]

((I'm sorry, but I'm dropping out. Sorry to anyone this affects, but I'm leaving S2C for a while. Thanks.))

[Fayreview]

((Oh... its pity to see go from S2C but I did the same thing.... trust me we all come back!))

Nero dropped his voice, "Anne I'm sorry it's a lost cause I don't believe he did it either, but we can't do anything. Hysteria has taken over Salem."

((Nero believs there are no Witches so everyone is innocent until proven guilty.))

[GeeWayrocks]

Hailey watches, as Bartholomew is brought up to the stage. Her parents are behind her, and her mother places a hand protectively on her shoulder. She knows her father will give his opinion soon, and it won't be a nice one.

[Vicci]

Mary sent Madeline home before the trial. Her husband came home from work and they both went in front of the makeshift stage whilst Lucifer brought on the "witch". Bartholomew was brought onto the stage and Mary gasped. I knew it. Ever since he accused the Reverend! Mary watched flabbergasted as people were calling the man… innocent of all things! Clearly, they needed guidance. Mary spoke up, quietly at first, but growing louder.

"Can't you see it? This man has caused harm and grief to us all. Only a witch could do such a thing. He killed his parents, he stays inside his house all day and never leaves it. What else could he be doing in the house? He has no job, no wife, no family. It only leaves witchcraft." Mary paused and waited for hushes to die down. Soon she had everyone's attention. "What man could accuse a man of God for such a thing of witchcraft? The Lord would not allow a witch in his house and when do you ever see Bartholomew in the Church? Only a man of pure evil could speak such evil accusations. I undoubtedly find him guilty. I have not believed in witches before now, but when I look at this man I get shivers. I can see it through my very eyes. Maybe one day you will see what I do."

Mary felt her husband squeeze her hand. It was a little bit of reassurance and she thanked him for it. Who knows what the townspeople would think of her now. She was only speaking her mind after all.

((This would be a guilty, if you couldn't pick it up. ;P))

[AtropaMandragora]

William had kept to himself for most of the day. By choice, he told himself, having locked himself away in the back room of the church. But deep down, he wasn't so sure. Maybe it was just an excuse, to keep himself from facing the possibility of people avoiding him.
Some of the townspeople had actually listened to Bartholomew's accusations, and taken it to be the truth, believing William was, God forbid, a witch. He didn't understand it. Why would they believe such a thing, simply because a man they didn't even trust said so? William had heard the gossip. He remembered it more clearly now, having had his memory jolted by the accusation thrown at him. For a long time rumour had had it that Bartholomew might be a witch. The strange death of his parents, the way he kept himself locked in his house, away from everyone... Was he just trying to save himself? Making the first accusation before it was made at him?
But why William? Surely William had never done anything to harm him. On the contrary. He'd been there to hear Bartholomew's confession, he'd offered advice and the Lord's forgiveness. He hadn't even listened to the rumours about Bartholomew. So why then?

He spent hours pondering that one question, and he kept coming back to only two possible answers. Either Bartholomew really was a witch, who was trying to save his own behind by averting attention away from himself, or... Or God was punishing William for his wicked ways.
No. That was nonsense. He didn't really believe in God... Did he...?

Still mulling the question over, he suddenly heard another flare of excited voices from outside. Oh dear, had the town found some poor scapegoat already?
Hurriedly he left the backroom and made his way out of the church, only to stop abruptly on the top step, as if frozen.
The person being dragged up on the makeshift stage was none other than Bartholomew himself. Apparently, people still had a little faith left in William.
But while that made him breathe a big sigh of relief, he was still horrified at the scene playing out before him.
Lucifer prancing around, looking much like judge, jury and executioner himself, and Bartholomew, angry and shouting at the equally agitated crowd to get on with it.
William shook his head. This would not end well.

"Good people of Salem", Bartholomew began, in his given attempt to defend himself. "Me and my Family have done nothing to hurt you for well over one hundreds years. In fact it was because of my family that this town has survived. I have done nothing to harm this town. And why should I? What cause would I have for killing your children. Would not my Ancestors look on me with shame?"

William's brow furrowed slightly. He was defending himself using the same reasons William had spoken when Bartholomew had accused him? If this was proof of his innocence, how could he not see that it all applied to William as well? What reason did William have to hurt the poor, innocent children of Salem? What harm had he done to the town? Not a thing. He'd done just the opposite. He'd cared for the grieving families, seeing to it that their crops were harvested and that they had food on the table. He'd offered advice and guidance to those who came seeking it, he'd held Bible studies with some of the children in an attempt to save their innocent little souls from being infected by this illness plaguing the town.
If this was Bartholomew's honest defense, it made him a hypocrite.
A hypocrite, but not necessarily a witch.
William still had his doubts. One of the reasons being something Bartholomew himself just brought up:

"I have in fact gone for confession of my sins almost every day?" he shouted from the stage. "And in secret too. Why would I have a cause for witchcraft?"

At this, William saw a few people glance his way, as if looking for confirmation that this statement was true. Since it was, William gave a slow nod.
Well. "Almost every day" was maybe a bit of an over-statement, but it didn't change the fact that Bartholomew had come to William to confess. And he had set foot in church, something William doubted any witch would do. The good Lord would smite them as soon as they set foot in his sanctuary.
Although... It just occured to William that just because someone made a confession, it didn't mean they confessed everything they were guilty of. William would know, having made numerous semi-true confessions himself.
And had Bartholomew not stopped right by the church door, and stayed there until William approached him, instead of the other way around? Just this very morning he had stepped inside the church, only to stop but a few feet from the door. Almost as if he hadn't dared go any further? Or as if... something had stopped him, by fate or way of the Lord?

The realization hit William with such force it made his jaw drop. Had he been that blind? Was Bartholomew a witch after all?

No. NO.
He quickly shook his head. He would not get carried away like the rest of the people he had scolded for being rash and wanting their neighbours hung without a shred of tangible evidence. He refused.
But while he wouldn't make any accusations, he didn't really have anything to suggest Bartholomew was innocent either. He had already offered what he could; confirmation that Bartholomew had come to confession.
And that might not go very far with this raging crowd.

"What man could accuse a man of God for such a thing of witchcraft?"

Mary's voice was heard over the murmur following Bartholomew's statement. She spoke with passion and conviction, and she even defended William, bless her good heart.

"The Lord would not allow a witch in his house and when do you ever see Bartholomew in the Church? Only a man of pure evil could speak such evil accusations. I undoubtedly find him guilty. I have not believed in witches before now, but when I look at this man I get shivers. I can see it through my very eyes. Maybe one day you will see what I do."

While some of what she said was based on the rumours going around town, some of it did indeed ring true. Bartholomew never came to mass. He just settled with coming to William for his frequent confession. That was all.
And he did have a cold air about him, an icey look in his eyes. Especially when looking at William. Such disdain evident in his pale orbs. What man held such contempt for a man of God, if not one holding the same contempt for God himself?

Still, there was no real proof. And after having begged the townspeople to stay calm and not be hasty, he couldn't just simply let go of his principles (the few he had), and send a man to the gallows based on rumours, suspicions and indications alone. Even if he did think Bartholomew just might be a witch.

"While I do not understand why Bartholomew, if not a witch himself, would accuse me of such a horrendous deed, I cannot say such an accusation is proof of anything more than foolishness."

For once outside the church, William's voice was loud and firm, easily heard by the crowd standing between him and the accused.

"I will not condone killing a man without undeniable proof", he said. "I wash my hands of this so-called trial."


(((ooc: William is REALLY unsure, but he'd rather give people the benefit of the doubt, and so he's voting not guilty.)))

[GeeWayrocks]

"Good people of Salem. Me and my Family have done nothing to hurt you for well over one hundreds years. In fact it was because of my family that this town has survived. I have done nothing to harm this town. And why should i? What cause would i have for killing your children. Would not my Ancestors look on me with shame? I have in fact gone for confession of my sins almost every day? And in secret too. Why would i have a cause for witchcraft?"

Hailey watches her father. A dark expression is on his face. She knows what he will say, trying to avenge Liana's death. She sqeezes his hand, and he looks at her.
"Wait until more evidence is shown. Please, Papa." Richard Morgana looks at his daughter's face, but does not say anything. He eventually nods, but the expression does not leave his face.

[Mysticrose_x3]

((Wow, great rp! too bad it's too late to join.))

[Titania_SC]

She was scared. So, so, scared. Now, how could anyone be safe? Of course, no one was safe ever, and no one had been safe for a while. But now, Abigail could see what was happening, the terrible things, the death, and the pain of the families.

She now knew about her brother, about his death, it must have been witches. It just had to be. Who else would be capable of it?

"Why would I have a cause for witchcraft?" Bartholomew asked the crowd, trying so hard plead for his innocence.

Abigail didn't care what he said, she didn't care about his motives. They were lies, all lies.

Someone has to pay, she thought.

[[Abigail is super conflicted about whether Bartholomew is guilty, but she wants someone to die, so she'll go with guilty]]

[Haylifer]

Lucifer faced the accused directly, watching Bartholomews actions intently, studying his body language, how his eyes darted around the audience like a small rodent caught in a trap.. The man recited an appeal to the heated audience, pleading that he had done no harm. Little good that would do, most of the angry mob demanded a hanging tonight - as had Mr. Roberts himself, he recalled.

"Good people of Salem", began Bartholomew, in anything but honesty; those 'good' people of Salem were baying for blood at the man's heels. "I have done nothing to harm this town. And why should I? What cause would I have for killing your children. Would not my Ancestors look on me with shame?" he finished. Lucifer laughed mirthlessly to himself; those very Ancestors that disappeared mysteriously without a trace, leaving behind a very large sum of money to their only son?

Now it was time for the prosecution to step forward. The steps played out in Lucifers mind, line after line from those textbook law cases. The prosecution in question was none other than Mary - who had fortunately left her dearest daughter at home on this occasion.

"Can't you see it? This man has caused harm and grief to us all. Only a witch could do such a thing. He killed his parents, he stays inside his house all day and never leaves it. What else could he be doing in the house? He has no job, no wife, no family. It only leaves witchcraft." She went on, protesting in particular about Bartholomew's verbal accusation towards the Reverand, that man of God. Lucifer made note for that to appear in his inquisition soon. Once Mary fell silent again in the crowd, Lucifer took a step further forward on the stage and spoke again.

"Mr. Bartholomew Roberts, the evidence against you is as such. It has been made no secret how your parents died under mysterious circumstance, leaving behind their fortune and estate to their son, yourself. You have then withdrawn yourself from society, living out a life of secrecy for which we cannot account for. Furthermore, you go so far to commit blasphemy by accusing a servant of God of neglecting in his duties and treachery. Unless one can warrant an explanation for this behaviour, we are all in agreement that this is indeed peculiar, if not suspicious activity. Do you deny the evidence before you?"

The meagre evidence presented was no more than esoteric threads of information, spun by vicious words of mouth into something much more potent. The guidelines for a fair trial stated that all evidence against the accused should be presented, allowing the defendant to make excuse or falsify the evidence. Lucifer stuck deftly by those very guidelines, revelling at the shadow of fear he cast over the crowd. For God himself was to be feared, was he not?

((OOC: Luce doesn't wanna jump to accusations before he hears Bartholomews reply to the evidence :p))

[innoscenteyes]

Claires head was spinning. AS all the noise and accusation against him were layed out images if tinny boxes with dead schildrenwith them, sick children dying, greieving mothers, and her son. Lying dead. His funeral came back to mind. Shesing him so pale in his eternal resting place. Asking god why all this was happening. She was remember the nights of being lonely in her home. Tears started rolling down her cheeks she didnt stop them this time. It was too much for her to bear. Poor Mrs. Appleblossom. HEr mind got so cluthered with images and psin that it was to much to bear. SHe passed out on the ground.

[AtropaMandragora]

(((ooc: Aww, Luce didn't hear the Rev. :D *lol* Can't wait for Bartholomew's reply.)))

[Haylifer]

((OOC: Oh! Thanks for reminding me Atropa, in my head I was gunna have Luce see the Rev as the witness in his little court setup, but my brain doesn't usually communicate well with my hands when I type.. :p))

[eternal_sunshine]

"Only a man of pure evil could speak such evil accusations. I undoubtedly find him guilty. I have not believed in witches before now, but when I look at this man I get shivers. I can see it through my very eyes. Maybe one day you will see what I do."

Lizzie listened to Mary's voice with rising alarm. That...couldn't be true, could it? Lizzie shrank from the thought of anyone, let alone the seemingly normal Bartholomew Roberts, standing trial for witchcraft. It seemed utterly surreal, like a waking dream.

"Imagine if your parents were horribly killed with no explanation. And no less killed by each other. How could i stand to be in the town with that kind of name? How could i bear to be under God's holy house except to ask for forgiveness. I tell you I could not. That is why I have stayed in my home these years."

She watched Bartholomew cry, a little, and it felt ugly to see a grown man shed tears like that. Lizzie wrestled ruthlessly with her conscience - of course she was positively moved by Bartholomew's plight, but...

"What if, indeed, he is a witch?" Lizzie mumbled to herself. "Is this just a smokescreen to play on our feelings? Witches are the Devil's lure, after all."

A few people near her turned their heads, but offered no comment. She looked, frantically, from the faces of the crowd to Bartholomew, and thought about Nero's earlier words of caution, as well as Mrs. Appleblossom's dead Elizabeth...

((ooc: Lizzie, like everyone else, just doesn't know! Still, she will err on the side of caution and vote not guilty.))

[Shadowblade]

"The Lord says thou shall not kill," Charlotte said quietly as she looked with pity at poor Mr. Roberts on the stage. "Our town would only be smited should we choose the sinful action. If he is a witch, the Lord will take care of him. It is not our responsibility to make that final judgement. The Brannon family does not condone sins such as murder."

(OOC: Charlotte votes not guilty.)

[ElektraNatchios33]

Amber watched everyone defend Bartholemew. But a witch in Salem!

((Sorry. Out of Roleplay ideas! Amber votes guilty))

[cherryp3]

ooc: Wargghhh. Sorry I drifted off, I went and got myself in a tizzy with all these rps. x___x I'm so sorry for leaving you hanging Veldagia!
I will have a post for Calliope up as soon as I return from school but as for now I hope it's ok if I say that Calliope's jurisdiction is guilty.

[PennyTheCorgi]

Fenn shook her head sadly. What was happening to the people of Salem? Were they so spooked by fairytales as to turn on one another? Bartholomew struck her as a bit odd, but surely not a witch. "There is no such thing as witches and no innocent person should die for a crime with no proof." She mumbled.

(Fenn votes not guilty. :) )

[foolinthemoon]

Mathais stood making his way outside, he'd left the bread for the priest where he'd be sure to find it and now he was on his way to Mrs. Appleblossoms. He slipped out quietly, with no one seeing him. He looked around, and it seemed half the village had gathered, throwing accusations and starting rumors. Mathias rolled his eyes and stepped off to the side. He spotted Mrs. Appleblossom with Lucifer and stepped into a form of a line just to speak to her. He waited impatiently as he soon realized that the line was to accuse people as he heard their hysterics. "If we dont' find the witches and burn them out, They will kill us all!" One person agreed, then threw out a name. "I thought that I'd bring you a loaf. I'm sorry to hear of your loss." Mrs. Appleblossom nodded graciously as he continued, "Please let me know if there is anything else i can do for your family." Mathias looked at Lucifer. There was something about him, that Mathias just couldnt' put his finger on. He gave a smile of sorts, "Good Afternoon" before walking off. The woman stopped him. "Wait, do you not have an opinion for me to hear?" "He smiled at her placing a hand softly over hers and smiled. I believe that God Will take care of these matters, and the sickness that plagues us, and that Also God will welcome those who have been taken with open arms." She smiled and patted his hand.

Walking the long way back through the nearly empty town, He was pushed aside by some burly men. "Doing God's work here! Get out my way!" one had managed to snarl. 'What the hell?' he thought, attaching a word to the end not appropriate for a Sunday. Watch your mouth! he could hear his mother saying. He rolled his eyes and continued toward the bakery when he overheard two women who were rushing back to the crowd, "They're going to hang him!" Mathias eyes flew open wide and he turned around. "Who?" The girls turned in shock, "Why, Bartholomew! Are you going to watch?" But Mathais had already passed the ladies on his way back to the church.

When he got back People were in a bigger frenzy than before, and Bartholomew stood on the stage, looking frightful. But anyone, guilty or innocent would be afraid of dying. But to believe that Bartholomew practiced Witchcraft was hard to believe. He shook his head in disbelief as they continued on, but inside, he was wondering if the crowd would really hang a man of their own village without second thought, in such mass Hysteria. So in the back of the Crowd, he watched.

((I know, confused, Mathias votes guilty, he doesnt' believe he'll be hanged))

[Fayreview]

Nero stood there listening to people continue the talk about witches.... How could there be witches in Salem what kind of insane perosn would assciate Salem with Witches? And more to the point who was crazy enough to believe witches existed?

"What if, indeed, he is a witch?" Lizzie mumbled to herself. "Is this just a smokescreen to play on our feelings? Witches are the Devil's lure, after all."

Nero placed his hand on Lizzies shoulder for two to three seconds to show her he knew what she meant, he'd have left it longer but that wasn't socially acceptable.

Maybe the people of Salem weren't crazy to believe i witches maybe they were just scared... He too was scared however he felt they just had a disease on their hands spreading through the town.

[AtropaMandragora]

(((ooc: Haylifer - He's more than welcome to do that, although that wasn't what I meant. :) )))

[GeeWayrocks]

Hailey looks at her father. She's telling herself Bartholomew is not guilty, but from her fathers expression, her opinion doesn't matter. She sighs, and prays more people will see he is innocent.

[veldagia]

Samuel listened to the points made by all parties, his head being pulled from one side to the other by the reasoning. Finally he let out a long, sigh. Bartholomew had thrown evil accusations himself, filled with such vehnom that it was hard to believe he was a God fearing townsman. For was it not Bartholomew that threw the first stone, and yet he could not claim to be without sin himself.

Still Samuel didn't know what to think, the man claimed he had o reason to harm the children. But as the tears dripped from Bartholomew eyes, Samuel looked away feeling shame for the man, to loose his composure in front of them all well it was surely a sign of weakness. And such weakness was surely the devils work, for the devil called to the weakness in man’s heart.

His eyes finally rested on the father of Hailey. He looked so adamant that Bartholomew was guilty. And Samuel could not help but be swayed by the man’s conviction.

((OCC voting Guilty. I think
Will add better RP when/if have more time, final assignment for open uni due at the moment - arg!))

[cherryp3]

ooc: T____T Poor Bartholomew. I have changed my mind to not guilty.
Eh, I hope it's alright if I magically poof Calli over there. x]

Calliope peered upon the spectacle with trained emerald eyes, the curve of a snarl hidden behind the jade fan clasped in her hand. The townsfolk bickered amongst one another like brawling chickens in a hen house. Opinions exchanged in a tizzy with little regard to others, taking no mark from each opinion, each point of evidence. Clearly there were numerous points held by both sides, though none sought to listen--only to be heard. Such triviality would get them nowhere quickly.
The elegant woman wove a golden tress about her finger as she angled her head ever so slightly. Guilty? She found it quite possible. His swift attempt to place the blame upon someone else's shoulders--and the reverend at that-- was quite eccentric. Yet, there remained too many void spaces to say. They clearly needed more evidence from both parties in order to prove his innocence or guilt. Still. Innocent before proven guilty always seemed the proper way to handle such situations. As if to echo her thoughts, she heard the voice of the young reverend bleeding a levelheaded determination over the chaos.

"I will not condone killing a man without undeniable proof," his sultry voice called over the racket. "I wash my hands of this so-called trial."
Calliope nodded, batting her fan at a swift rate. William had a viable point. She cleared her throat so that her delicate voice might be heard, “Despite the suspicious activity this man has infected himself with, and the hasty pointing of fingers, I too think that this trail is pointless without further evidence. Shall we stain our hands with the blood of the innocent so hastily? God’s sheep should be concerned not only for the wellbeing of the entire pack, but also for the health of the individual.”

[Haylifer]

((6 votes either way at the moment, I think! I feel like I have phenomenal cosmic power :D Even though there are another three votes to come in.. Oh the fun Luce will have, confusing himself!))

The accused stared solemnly at the ground. In repentence, wondered Lucifer? Or in defeat? The dusty boards beneth the mans feet became speckled with droplets, though it wasn't raining. Bartholomew showed no shame in freeing his emotions, and a human more empathetic than Lucifer may have felt pity for the poor man. Compassion, however, was an alien concept to Lucifer. He saw Bartholomew's tears as weakness, or a facade, or cowardice. But who wouldn't be afraid in his situation?

Lucifer hushed his conscience. God had assigned to him a mission, and he would fulfil it to perfection. That meant not executing the wrong person. To kill a witch was an accredit in the eyes of the Lord, for witches were inhuman. But to kill a fellow man would surely break the commandment 'Thou shalt not kill', a terrible sin. Bartholomew had hardly given satisfactory explanations for the evidence mounded against him. His defense was poor. He had, however, managed to convince fifty percent of the mob before him of his innocence. Witchcraft? Or truth? The crowd were in division over Bartholomews fate; some declared his innocence, where others condemned him to death. Anything Lucifer said henceforth would undoubtedly have an effect on the crowd, swinging them either to declare the man as guilty or not guilty.

What would the Lord Jesus do? Forgive Bartholomew, let our Father in Heaven judge his sins for Himself. Turn the other cheek to witchcraft, declare the accused an innocent man...

Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live... Witchcraft was only performed by inhuman beings - witches. Jesus' teachings did not apply here, and the Lord had explicitly given commandment Himself for their execution.

There were ways of testing Bartholomews humanness, however. Mrs. Appleblossom herself had divised a method she referred to as 'dunking' - the accused was bound and tossed into the pond. A witch would use it's own powers to save itself, floating rather than sinking. If the 'witch' sunk, they were cleared of all charges and freed. A genius method, in theory.

Lucifer paced the stage, occasionally glancing back at Bartholomew as though he expeted a written declaration of innocence or guilt to spring forth from the man's breeches. But alas, one did not. He considered the mans past, and its inexcusable nature that pointed towards guilt. Perhaps he also wished to regain control over the town as his ancestors had, doing so through witchcraft means. It was too risky to let Bartholomew live. He looked out to the crowd, opening his mouth to voice declaration of the mans guilt...

And in doing so, caught sight of a pair of eyes, wide with confusion and looking directly at Lucifer - or more likely, Bartholomew. When their eyes met, it felt as though.. no, not a feeling he could describe. Was it hatred? Was it God, telling this person he had made eye-contact with was a witch? A most peculiar feeling.. and it threw Lucifers thoughts completely. In the moment it took for the boy to regain himself, the eyes were lost amongst the crowd..

"I..." he started, watching Bartholomews tears fall. His voice came much softer than before when he spoke, and only those close could hear him.

"I believe a number of us are mistaken, and have fallen under the cruel spell of the witch ourselves. My verdict is not guilty. Bartholomew Roberts is an innocent man."

((Mm.. now I didn't expect that. Huge RP, I'm sorry! Eyes? I don't know whose they are :p Luce hates women anyway, heh.. Apparently, he says not guilty now.))

[Shenanigans_SC]

There's still about 26 hours left to get your verdict in, but I wanted to rundown who I have their votes from. If you've already voted, please make sure your name is listed where you intend it to be.

Voting Innocent-
Anne Abel
Rev. William
Charlotte Brannon
Fenn Ramsey
Calliope Nighwolfe
Lucifer Deunna

Voting Guilty-
Mary Peddleweather
Abigail Emerson
Lizzie Dane
Amber Harrison
Mathias Starks
Samuel

The following people implied in their RP that they are voting innocent. However did not include the ((OOC)) comment that I requested. I know you may think it's painfully obvious (and I admit I do too), but I asked for the OOC comment for a reason. I'm afraid I must request everyone to abide by it.

I believe the following people all vote innocent, but need OOC or PM confirmation.
Nero Nighwolfe
Hailey morgana


So that leaves the following people who have not voted yet.
Claire Pitt
Gerty Adams
Julianna Wardelle

[AtropaMandragora]

Listening to Bartholomew defending himself against the accusations stated by Lucifer, William couldn't help but notice how he kept avoiding answering one of them. The one he'd kept avoiding since the very start; why he'd lashed out at William. William had questioned him then, and gotten nothing. Now, Lucifer was asking him, and still; nothing.
Perhaps he had no good explanation? Perhaps the truth about why he had done it would cause him to hang for sure? Or perhaps he simply didn't know? People do have a tendency to act erratic under pressure. Currently, all of Salem was proof of that.

Still, there was one thing that Bartholomew had said just now, up on that stage, that William just couldn't understand, no matter how he tried to analyze it.
And the usually so perceptive Lucifer didn't seem to catch it. Instead, his previously strong and powerful voice grew soft, it almost turned into a whisper, as he stated his belief that Bartholomew was innocent.

Something was wrong. Lucifer was overlooking too many things, accepting vague answer to too many all too important questions. For a moment, the prospect of Bartholomew and Lucifer being witches darted through his mind.
Was it possible? Lucifer, of all people?
William had said he washed his hands of this trial, but with Lucifer faltering, he had to step in. He had been unsure of Bartholomew's guilt. He still was. But his gut feeling was starting to grow strong. Almost too strong to silence. He had to speak up.

"My good Lucifer," he said, still standing on the church steps so that his voice was carried over to the makeshift stage. "I do not mean any offence, but I believe there are questions still demanding answers."

Every head in the crowd turn, and he could see the surprise on several faces. Yes, he was going against his own words, having said he refused to participate. But that was when he'd trusted Lucifer, despite the man's somewhat overzealous nature. Now, all of a sudden, it felt as if he trusted no one.

"Bartholomew", he said, turning his gaze from the blonde young man, to the accused. "You ask how could you bear to be under God's holy house after the death of your parents. Those are peculiar words, coming from a good christian. How could you bear to be any place other than in God's holy church? Is the church not where one comes to pray for the souls of our dearly departed? Is it not the place to seek comfort, to talk to God, and to be granted an inner peace? So why then, would you find it unbearable, had you not turned from God already?"


(((ooc: GAH! Can I withdraw my vote, until Bartholomew has answered? I don't know what to believe! *lol*)))

[Shenanigans_SC]

(((ooc: GAH! Can I withdraw my vote, until Bartholomew has answered? I don't know what to believe! *lol*)))

Yes, changed votes is allowed as long as it doesn't go over board and confuse the daylights out of me! I urge everyone to not wait till the last minute though. I will be cutting off the vote time and then writing up an RP. If you vote, or change your vote after I stopped counting votes then it may not be counted.

[innoscenteyes]

Claire awoke at home. She looked up and saw the cook had brought her there. What happened? The cook told her. I must get back! Claire ran to the trail to fimish hearing what everyonehas to say.

((ooc: I am not quite sure if he is innocent or not yet. srry.)

[AtropaMandragora]

Yes, changed votes is allowed as long as it doesn't go over board and confuse the daylights out of me! I urge everyone to not wait till the last minute though. I will be cutting off the vote time and then writing up an RP. If you vote, or change your vote after I stopped counting votes then it may not be counted.

(((ooc: Well, hopefully, Bart will have answered within 26 hours, and I'll be here tomorrow night, so I'll be sure to get my vote in. Sorry for confusing you. This is just really hard. *lol*)))

[Shenanigans_SC]

(( Is Spoonerism still in this RP? I noticed she quite some of her others, and from what I know she's taking a break from S2C, so I was wondering if I should just post Julianna's RP and vote, and just treat her brother as a NPC. ??? Anyone know? ))

Several posts up Spoonersim said they were dropping out of the RP, so you're free to treat their character as an NPC.

*edit* Found the post. It's here. (http://forums.sims2community.com/showpost.php?p=1024668&postcount=206)

[AtropaMandragora]

(((ooc: Eh, Fnrtsman, I don't know if it's intentional or not on your part, having Bart lie/exaggerate, but William was never convicted of anything, nor was he ever accused. His wife caught him, but he had her hung before she had a chance to say anything. :)


So, I don't know how to respond to this. The difference is kind of huge, between Bart saying William was found guilty of something, or simply stating that there were maybe suspicions of him committing adultery. :/ )))

[Pandaness]

While Julianna let her brother rest up in her bedroom, her curiousity led her back to the door where she could hear the ruckus evolving outside. He father's right-hand-man, a servant of God, was now being made out a witch. How corrupt it had sounded at first, that is, until the Reverand testified.

He had never really seemed to like old Bartholomew too much, and neither had she really. It seemed kind of odd that even with his money and status he chose the path of Christ. All he sounded like he was doing out there was accusing William for acts he could not prove. He needed to support his own weight, not toss it on someone else. He didn't even act as a secular being, or one with much experience and confidence, like her father and the death of his wife, and the mystery that become of the Reverand's history. They both had something to make them want to trust and believe, but he always seemed to get life served to him on a golden platter. It must have been hard being born into wealth.

But what would make him resort to witch craft? Was his occupation just a coverup for it all? He was distant from others, and never really addressed Julianna, not that she wanted it. Out there, the Reverand and Lucifer were making some pretty harsh, but believable, accusationns. Her head began to spin from the smell of blood and the shouting.

She actually didn't really care if he hung or not, as long as she did not have to witness it. If he was innocent, well, who would miss him? His parent's were long dead and he didn't have any siblings. Her father would be able to manage the church without him. The Reverand might even become closer to her family without him in the way. And if he was guilty, than at least one of the witches would be terminated, and her friends and her might live to die another day. Either way, the outcome was neutral for her, and she would be able to sleep at night knowing she made the right decision. It wasn't her choice if he hung anyway, she was just a miniscule fraction of a whole; A fraction that might be gone soon.

(( Ah, thanks. *slaps forehead* For whatever reason I must've missed it.

And Julianna voted guilty unless Barty does some explainin'! Sorry Barty, but she prefers the Reverand ;)

Also, I will probably edit this post in a sec with her sputtering at his accusations :] ))

[Shenanigans_SC]

Okay. HOLD THE RP PLEASE.

I see possible RP conflict sneaking in here.
Fnrtsman...I'd like for you to explain how Bartholomew knows these things about Rev. William. You say he 'studied', but what? Let's remember, this RP is set in the days before telephones, before any reliable form of mail. Surely there weren't any books written about Rev. William at his young age. IF you can explain how Bartholomew's friend found this information then I will allow your post. As Atropa said, William got rid of the evidence (so to say).

If you can not explain just how his investigator friend found this out, I need to ask you to reword it so you are accusing him and not knowing it. There's a difference, one the character thinks something happened, the other he has proof. I know this game is a dirty game, but we need to keep it to accusations and rumors, and not made up facts. Yes, Atropa has let us as people know these things about her character. But the characters in the story do not know these things.

It's kind of similar to someone standing up and saying "I know Bartholomew is guilty! My parents were friends with his, and they warned me to stay away from the house because the whole lot of them are witches! I went anyway and was horrified to see Bart himself standing in front of a cauldron and wearing a pointy black hat!"
Made up facts... not the same as rumors.

[cherryp3]

ooc: o___O
If serious changes aren't made to Bartholomew's post--and perhaps even if there are--Calliope's vote changes to guilty.
There is simply no way she could betray her partner in crime in such a way, and I admit I skimmed through and got myself confused concerning several important facts.
Whenever you give the clear, Shenan, I'll be typing up another RP addressing this. Sorry to pester you with another vote change! I'm just somewhat confused...and if it isn't too much trouble would like to have the vote retracted until things are fixed a bit.

[Shenanigans_SC]

Understood cherryp...

I'd like to ask everyone to hold off and give Fnrtsman a chance to respond to my post. I will extend the trial's deadline to make up for any lost time if necessary. But I'd like to give Fnrtsman 24 hours to respond.

[Shenanigans_SC]

Ahh... Fnrtsman, no ones going to hang you because you messed up. Especially since you admit you made a mistake and took it out.
I'd like to encourage you to post again! You never know, a lot of people voted you innocent!

Okay everyone, Fnrtsman has deleted the earlier post. So I'd like you all to just continue as if it was never made please.

Resume Role Play!

[AtropaMandragora]

Ok.................. sorry i geuss i got confused. I thought that William was convicted? and i thought as a rich guy it would be possible to hire and investigator? Oh well. I am really sorry guys, i kinda crapped up this RP. you can go ahead and hang me now. REALLY sorry Atropa. i wasn't trying to be mean or piss you off. I got a little confused.

(((Ah, don't feel bad. Mistakes happen. And for the record, I'm not pissed. I thought it was an interesting turn of events. *lol* But if it's no do-able, then it's not do-able.
It's all in his bio though. :) He accused his own wife of witchcraft, just in order to discredit anything she would say, AND to have her out of his hair. The court believed him, and she was hung. Though if digging REALLY deep, Bart (or rather, someone working for him) MIGHT have pressured on of William's.... uhh... "interests" into talking. But that's a stretch, and would take alot, cuz either they were William's willing playthings, and would keep their mouths shut for his AND their own sakes, or they were not so willing but were threated into keeping quiet. But anyway, that was what I thought you had in mind, when indicating Bart knew about it. :) )))

[Fayreview]

((Nero did vote not guilty... he doesn't belive there are witches as of yet))

Nero looked around the square all these poor humble people feared for their lives... well all the ones at the front his eyes drifted to the back where his daughter stood in her lavish refinery... looking at her now in this terrible time he could see she was different. She was spoilt... looking at her now he could tell she always had been. But was it any wonder? It was he who had made her so. Nero shook his head and walked over to her...

"Calliope my dear how are you feeling?" He was careful not to stand in the way of her view to the stage and therefore stood beside in such a way he could she the frozen snarl on her face, she had her mothers beautiful hair and his eyes. To look at she was even more stunning than her mother... But Reeney had always such a sweet woman.

[Shenanigans_SC]

Just wanted to clarify, since we had a bit of a stir up. There are nine hours from the time of this post for the following few people to get a vote in.

Calliope Nighwolfe (cherryp3) - (withdrew vote previously)
Claire Pitt (innocenteyes)
Gerty Adams (Tjaames)

[AtropaMandragora]

(((ooc: Shenan - William is also on that list, as I withdrew his vote. I'll soon RP his final vote though.
Oh, and, Lizzie actually voted "not guilty". You have her name under "guilty". See post #219.... So that makes it 7 "innocent" and 6 "guilty", with me, cherry, innocenteyes and Tjaames left to vote. Right...?)))

[innoscenteyes]

Claire Looked around the crowd. SHe was looking at everyones faces. Some were horrified other anger. She was glad that there wasnt too many children there. She looked into face of Barthomew. there would be a hanging shortly and claire had to vote. She couldnt beyond a reasonable doubt say he was guilty. And she wouldnt condon one if she wasn't sure.

((ooc: It hasnt been proven that he did it, so Claire is going with not guilty.

[Shenanigans_SC]

Thank you Atropa for catching my mistake on Lizzie's vote! I don't know how I missed that. And for clarifying that you wanted to withdraw yours, so as of right now, your vote tally is correct.

*edit* heehee... Clair snuck her vote in while I was typing.

[innoscenteyes]

She has been waiting for him to slip and say something that would make him guilty but he never did. So she cant say he is guilty.

[AtropaMandragora]

"You're right, Reverend."

Bartholomew spoke once again, and this time his voice was almost but a whisper.

"I should have been at the church. That is were I could have found peace. But I felt like I couldn't leave my room. I felt like I would have gotten hanged for something I didn't do if I left my house..."

It was an easy answer. Too easy.
Which was why William believed him. Had Bartholomew been guilty, surely he'd been trying to make excuses, entangling himself in lengthy explanations? He wouldn't have backed down at William's question like this, he wouldn't have surrendered to William's logic. Right?

The young reverend kept swaying back and forth in his beliefs. There were so many "but"'s and "what if"'s. And again he found that it all boiled down to just one thing; could he be sure that Bartholomew was a witch?
He couldn't.
Not even the way Bartholomew had accused the reverend could be chalked up to anything more than simple fear of being accused himself. According to him, he had already been living in fear of getting hung, even before this Devil's illness took over the town.
No. The choices he'd made, albeit strange and seemingly shady, hadn't necessarily been the choices of a guilty man. Just a foolish one.
So for now, William had to go with his mind, and not his gut.


(((ooc: So, yeah. Will does still vote not guilty.)))

[Haylifer]

Moments later, the bizareness of his actions were dramatically revealed as he came back to his senses. Had he just defended a.. a witch? Bartholomew, the swine, glowered from where he was held on the stage. Did Lucifer imagine it, or did the mans face contort into a victorious smirk? No, it was an illusion from the flickering torchlight.. It must be. Bartholomew couldn't be a witch - there was no real evidence for it. Every single fact put against the man was thrown together with complete irrelevance, and that was why he had no excuses for it. For Lucifer to condemn an innocent man was sacrilege.

But if he was guilty? Then Lucifer would also be guilty of letting a witch live to see another day, to kill more people! People like his mother. His thoughts were interrupted by the Reverand, who appeared to have returned following his earlier departing announcement.

"My good Lucifer, I do not mean any offence, but I believe there are questions still demanding answers." said the Reverand, standing prominently on the church steps. Lucifer nodded slightly, allowing the attention of the crowd to direct itself towards the other speaker.

"Bartholomew. You ask how could you bear to be under God's holy house after the death of your parents. Those are peculiar words, coming from a good christian. How could you bear to be any place other than in God's holy church? Is the church not where one comes to pray for the souls of our dearly departed? Is it not the place to seek comfort, to talk to God, and to be granted an inner peace? So why then, would you find it unbearable, had you not turned from God already?" The Reverand finished, gazing at Bartholomew with a demand for answers.

Lucifers brow furrowed - had not the Reverand dismissed the case already, pulling out of any responsibility he may have had for Salem? Yet now he returned with a renewed attack on Bartholomew. After he'd forgiven his acts as simple 'foolishness' already once, was he now withdrawing that opinion? True, the man had right to be angry over Bartholomews accusations, but once he had already forgiven the man... If Bartholomew was an innocent, could that possibly mean he was right? If Bartholomew was correct, then was Reverand Hawthorne distinctly less than innocent? But that all depended on one thing. Bartholomew's innocence. It was undoubtedly the opposite way; Mr. Roberts was a witch, diverting attention from himself onto another in the hope that the people of Salem would believe him. Lucifer would not be fooled though, as he already had once.

Bartholomew replied to the Reverand, avoiding eye contact suspiciously. Lucifer felt a pang of anger as his feelings towards the man darkened suddenly..

"You're right Reverand, I should have been at the church. That is where I could have found peace. But I felt like I couldn't leave my room. I felt like I would have gotten hanged for something I didn't do if I left my house..."

The irony of the last statement irked Lucifer. It raised new suspicions - so the man already suspected he would be hung? An innocent mind would not have been so self-conscious - but the statement had been given without a trace of fight left in the man. A witch would have laced the words with curses and hexes to mesmerise the audience, or spun a tale of excuse. Or was Lucifer already falling under that spell, as he had once before in that moment of vague thought?

It had not gone unnoticed that the Reverand appeared satisfied with Bartholomews answer, having stepped down from his elevation. Lucifer watched the man carefully, musing over whether or not he was guilty of Devilwors- No! To accuse a servant of God of such high sins was completely sinful in itself - he discretely muttered an apology to the Lord. But a position in a church would be a perfect disguise to cover unholy acts.. Dismissing the thought, Lucifer once again spoke with renewed confidence and authority.

"People of Salem, I urge you all to fight the treacherous poison of the witch. It is to confuse and confund us all, setting us against each other like wild animals on the path to righteousness. The Lord asks us to be truthful in our accusations, and to never condemn an innocent. He is greatly displeased that a witch is in our midst - Death is the only acceptable punishment for witchcraft. Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live. Mr. Roberts, how do you plead?" he snarled, slowly walking up to Bartholomew.


((Obese post! :p They're all ending up like this, I'm sorry! Can we shorten Bartholomew to something, Fnrtsman? Like Barty? It's taking a very long time to type out :D I don't change my vote, I just changed Lucifers attitude - he's very bipolar, poor fella.))

[cherryp3]

ooc: I'm just trying to get my vote in before the time limit is up.
Calliope votes guilty. Heehee. u___u'
I will have this post accompanied with an actual RP shortly.

Calliope stared upon the stage, her snarl fading so that it might alter into a look of pure confusion. The man chased himself about in circles. Each time he spoke another word some townsmen cried, "Paradox!" while others screamed with equal vigor that he was in fact completely innocence. The shame they were bringing to the Lord by trying an innocent man would be even greater than when the illness of the village daughters began to worsen. Though, a greater sense of disquiet hovered at the outskirts of her mind...but it was gradually taking over the entirity of her mind, until it was fully consumed by that eerie thought.

The blonde goddess was thrown without a care from her thoughts as a very concerned, soft voice greeted her ears, "Calliope my dear how are you feeling?"
She provided her father a strained smile as she clapped her fan shut, allowing it to drop just below her bosom, "Ah, my dearest father, I am ever grateful for your concern. I feel...as best I should I presume, though, this man enrages me more than any words could provide and tries the good patience the Almighty Lord bestowed upon me." She shook her head hesitantly, before continuing on, "He was so very quick to point his finger to the reverend, a charming and wonderful man. My heart cannot believe that someone with such shifty behavior might hold a clean spirit."

A porcelain finger touched to her petal lips, emerald gaze locking upon the very grim scene before her. Bartholomew's tears drenching down his cheeks. All of those eyes watching like vultures, some screaming for death to the which...others for liberation of the innocent. It was so very hard to know which the proper side to take was.

"There is another thing that qualms my passive spirit, father," Calliope spoke with the greatest caution, the thoughts still malformed within her mind. "Honestly. If one is to only think. If Bartholomew is indeed a witch as many so claim, who is to say that those who bequeath him with innocence are not witches as well? And what of his innocence? Could those crying guilty be witches also?" She shifted uncomfortably at the very thought that, no matter what side chosen, either could lose depending solely upon that solitary trail. "It is a most grim prospect. Enemies no matter which way you turn. Uncertainty in every nook and corner. Dark times are upon us, and I fear this dark cloud above our heads will not dissipate with the dawn."

[Haylifer]

((OOC: For the sake of evening things out, I'm going to change my verdict to guilty. Which I think puts us on 8 either way, waiting on one vote. Am I right? :p Oh, I'm a fiend, putting poor Gerty under so much pressure and raising the tension!))

[Shenanigans_SC]

Hay... you're a brat! (I mean that in the most loving of ways.) I think for future rounds we will put a limit on how many times a person can change their vote. But I'm a firm believer that rules need to be made before the play so for this round I guess we'll just be waiting till the very end.

[Haylifer]

((Oy, I only changed my vote the once :p It was just a strategically placed once.. heh :D))

[cherryp3]

ooc: I'm sorry Shenan! I believe I changed mine the most? Next time it probably won't be as confusing. No miscommunication and the like. ;]
Plus--I've learned a good lesson about skimming posts.
x___x

POST EDITED

[Shenanigans_SC]

This trial’s outcome was indeed a tie as Gerty Adams (Tjaames) never voiced their opinion. So I had to fire up my randomizer. And it said that it believed Bartholomew was….

~ * ~

The scene was set, all had gathered around. The accused had his chance to defend himself, and the others had their chance to be heard. As the hours went by some had walked away, obviously disgusted with what they had seen and heard. Around the time of five o’clock Bartholomew gave his final heartfelt plea.

"For living in shame all these years, I plead guilty. For running from God's renewing presence, I plead guilty. For being ashamed of my parent’s name I plead guilty. But for cursing your children, Salem's beautiful children who will carry on the name of the town, I plead Not Guilty."

A quiet fell over the crowd. Perhaps his words had finally reached their hearts. Or was it some other power? Someone in the crowd suddenly shouted out. “Let the man go!” Mrs. Appleblossom quickly stood from her bench, her eyes shooting daggers at Lucifer. “Yeah! Let the man free!” shouted another, followed by more and more voices crying out the same decree.

Bartholomew’s head lifted. Was he dreaming? Were they really shouting, demanding his freedom? He had thought he was a dead man, now he’s being given a second chance?

Mrs. Appleblossom stormed off, obviously angry and upset. Sure, Lucifer had promised a fair trial, but she had promised a hanging by nightfall. And Bartholomew had supported her! Now no one was going to pay? She could not hug her beautiful Elizabeth goodnight, and no one was going to pay? A twisted smirk soon crept over her face. Oh no, she thought as she hurriedly made her way home. Someone is going to pay alright! Someone is going to pay dearly.

~ * ~

Congratulations Bartholomew, looks as if you get to live to see another day!

Everyone is welcome to bring the fall of night in their RPs. Night will last for two days if I get all the needed PMs from my Witches Clan, my White Witch, and my Blessed One. Three days max.

[PennyTheCorgi]

Fenn breathed a sigh of relief as Bartholomew climbed down from the gallows. This whole business of witches was silly to her and she was glad no one would die that night. But the malice in Mrs. Appleblossom's eyes chilled her. The woman was clearly pained with grief. And just as an injured animal would attack, Fenn was sure Mrs. Appleblossom would find another poor soul to accuse. As darkness crept over the horizon, Fenn turned towards home. Unfortunately, she was too busy reflecting on the events of the day to see the crack in the cobblestones. With a sharp cry she fell, landing hard on her hands and knees, her battered book of poetry flying out of her hands and coming to rest against the fountain.

[innoscenteyes]

Claire was turning to go home. She was glad he had been set free. The only thing left is for them to determine who the real witches are. Her mind set in thoughts she barely missed seiing Fenn fall. She quickly ran to her.
" Oh dear! Are you alright?"

[PennyTheCorgi]

"I-I'm fine..thank you." Fenn said quietly. Sitting back on her heels she peeled back the sleeve of her dress, flinching as the roughspun clothes rubbed against the wound. The cut on her arm was small, no longer then her pinkie finger, but it was deep and already the blood had seeped through her sleeve, staining the material a deep crimson. "Do you know if the doctor is still awake?" She asked Claire." I believe I need his medical attention."