(I forgot I have a D&D game today, so I'm opening the thread slightly early so I can prepare for that.)
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War had ravaged the land of Caltopia for decades. The Cult of the Hydra had been pushed back, beaten, and subdued, but at a terrible price. Many had died on both sides.
But, finally, a peace would be agreed on, ending the bloodshed. A treaty had been delivered to the King of Caltopia, already signed by the Cult. A century's worth of peace, free trade, and immigration between both kingdoms. Surely this was a day of great import, and all that was left to be done was have the King sign the document.
12 men gathered in the royal sitting room. A holy number. The King sat at the desk, looking down at the document. His hand reached and picked up his quill. As he dabbed it in the inkwell, he spoke. "Today is a grand day. Finally peace between our great nations will fall, and we can rebuild. Move forward and prosper. Our children will look back upon this day and think of us with pride. It is my honoURK."
His words were cut off suddenly, a knife severing his vocal cords. A few drops of his blood stained the treaty. Everyone looked on in horror as the life faded from the King's eyes.
11 men remained.
Then all hell broke loose.
"ASSASSIN!" someone screamed. Nobody is still sure who made that first declaration. Swords were drawn, threats given. One man's voice called above the clamor and forced their attentions.
"EVERYONE!" the Captain of the Guard called. "CALM YOURSELVES! The king still lives!" All eyes immediately focused on the Captain. "We planned for this. This dead man was a proxy. The King lives, and is still among us." The Captain pointed at the Duke of the Outer Province. "Tell the nobility what has happened, lock the door behind you, and let nobody out for the next six hours. We cannot risk the assassin leaving this room. GO!"
The Duke fled. Nobody tried stopping him.
10 men remained.
"Now. My loyal guards. I know one of you must be the assassin. In fact, I know exactly who it-" Another knife appeared suddenly, too quick to follow. It pierced the Captain in the right eye, killing him instantly.
Six hours to find the assassin. Worse yet, everyone knew the King was still in the room.
Nine men remain.
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Good luck to everyone! The first lynch happens Monday at 6:00 GMT. 24 hours or so.