Imprisonment III - The Schism

[Judge Sam]

IMPRISONMENT III

The villagers of the 17th Century Burg were shocked after the announcement that there were not just one, but two groups of Spies in their midst. It was visible on their stunned faces as they brought mail to the post office. You could see it in their eyes as they bought groceries at the market.


Many were trying to come to grips with the fact that 7 out of their 24 villagers, nearly a third of them, were working undercover for sinister purposes.

One of these groups was the Orthodoxy, the group of three. They were working to establish the Official Church’s order concerning the Holy Book. The Religious Authority had demanded in a recent decree that the Burg change a significant part of their religious tradition. These three were hired to make sure that order is carried out. They strongly believe they are acting in the best interests of the Burg and their Creator.


The other group, the group of 4, is the Traditionalists. They refused to accept this change and decided to worship as they always have, according to their own local customs and traditions. They appointed themselves revolutionaries and are committed to act. But in their fervor to make sure change stays far away from the Burg, they are willing to do anything to maintain their own power.


Two factions, one goal: secure the Burg for themselves.




SAFE:




VULNERABLE:

[Judge Sam]

The Citizens of the Burg were not feeling too hopeful at the moment. With 5 of their own already gone and not a single Spy captured, things were not looking up. Worst of all they suspected that another one of their own could be kidnapped and Imprisoned at any time, without warning. Though they weren’t unified as a group, they did have one advantage. There existed secret powers within their own members, powers they could use to tilt the scales in their favor.


Some Citizens were also feeling wary due to the upcoming visit from the Bishop. The Bishop of the county had heard of the unrest in the Burg and was personally coming to investigate. He was due to arrive this evening with an entourage of soldiers, missionaries, and official members of the Church.

Although the last thing on many villager’s mind was a celebration, the Burg had planned a joyous festival for the arrival of the important Bishop. Massive tents were set up on an open field in preparation for tomorrow’s activities. Sports would be played, food would be eaten, and much conversation would be had during the festival.


One thing the villagers didn’t plan was one the Bishop did. He planned an important religious ceremony as well, one that he hoped would insure that the villagers converted and adopted the proper religious conventions immediately. Afterwards, he'd make a speech. A speech he knew the villagers wouldn't soon forget.






SAFE:




VULNERABLE:

[Judge Sam]

It was the morning of the festival. Tetherball poles and soccer goals were being setup in the field. Massive tables were being hauled in and everybody brought their own chairs to the table. Although the festival didn’t start for another hour, cooks were already two hours into their preparations for the lavish feast.


There was a dark cloud hanging over the merriment that took place in the morning. It was seen in the artificial smiles and nervous laughter during conversations with the religious officials. Even the children felt the tension. The main apprehension lied in the fact that everyone knew that after supper the Bishop would make an important speech. Who knew what he would say or do during that speech? Many villagers feared the worst.

After lunch rolled around the villagers decided to abandon their reservations and have as much fun while they still could. They fiercely competed horse events such as jousting and gate jumping. They filled their stomachs with pies, fruit, and freshly caught vension.


While the villagers were having fun, the religious officials had dispersed amongst the Burg to talk to everyone one-on-one. With poignant questions and leading statements, they attempted to gain insight as to how each villager felt about the Church. Many of the villagers later reported that the constant questioning felt like a mini-Inquisition.

SAFE:



VULNERABLE:

[Judge Sam]

The sun was about to set as the last plates of dinner were being cleaned. It was time for the religious ceremony. The Bishop stood up on a stage at the front of the crowd and began leading them in prayer. At first the villagers were relaxed as the sermon began just as they knew it. But soon the Bishop began an unfamiliar set of religious practices, veering way away from the traditions the villagers knew and loved.


Many villagers gnashed their teeth as they were compelled to worship in ways they didn’t want to. Many felt it was blasphemous. The Bishop clenched his jaw as he noticed the villagers had not even once worshiped in the correct, Church-sanctioned manner. It was a tense sermon, contrasted sharply by the fact that it was supposed to be a ceremony that was a relaxing and refreshing way to honor the Creator.


The villagers dragged their legs through the sermon, heads towards the ground not in piety, but in avoidance. When it finally ended, the Bishop paused and stood behind the podium, looking out into the crowd.


Looking at their faces, he could just tell that the carefully written speech he had prepared would be useless. It wouldn’t change anyone’s opinions. They already had their minds made up.


Speaking forcefully, the Bishop said:





SAFE:



VULNERABLE:

[Judge Sam]

”Either you're with us, or you're against us!”


“Either you are for the Creator, or against him!” The Bishop boomed. “Either you stand with me today in support of the Official Church, or you will be charged with heresy!”


The villagers sat stunned.


“If you support me, stand up at once!”


The villagers took furtive, anxious looks at each other, wondering what others would do.

It’s time for The Schism.

The Burg is to be split in twain. The groups are:


Group 1







Group 2







The Bishop glared sharply at all the villagers as he saw half of them stand tall. The other half of the Burg sat as firmly and as fiercely as they could in their seats.

“All those who support me,” the Bishop commanded. “Come with me!”




SAFE:




VULNERABLE:

[Judge Sam]

After the Bishop led his faithful away, he returned once more to the rebellious half, still sitting resolutely in their seats. Not a single one had moved.










The Bishop stared at each one in the eyes individually, appearing to judge each in turn, weighing their returning gaze.



















“Guards!” The Bishop said suddenly, pointing at one villager.





































“Arrest this one at ONCE!”

Lloyd has been plucked from the Burg and kidnapped by the Orthodoxy.

You will never see him again.

[/center]


Lloyd, please post Final Words in your confessional immediately.


Judge Sam: “What a major bummer. And just as you were getting into the thick of things as well. It seems to me like in Episode III you calmed down a bit and started speaking up more fluidly. You were always an outspoken player but it seemed that you were able to express yourself more clearly. I’m really bummed to see you go as I think you would have had many more opinions in days to come. Thank you for being incredibly active, posting conversations, engaging in your Family and in the game. I really enjoyed having you play and hope to talk to you more outside the game.”

Lloyd is a Citizen.

In this Imprisonment you were introduced to The Schism. In this Episode we have the opportunity to catch twice as many Spies as normal.

As a result of the Schism, each group will vote within themselves to Exile someone. Family voting restrictions are still in effect.

That’s right – there are two Exiles in Episode III. Each will take place at a separate time in chat. When you have your Exile is based solely on your schedule. Everyone is invited to both Exiles. Everyone is also invited to influence both Exiles as if they were normal ones.


Group 1, that’s Gordy, Jeremiah, Johan, Hannah, Candy, Emma, Leon, Masaki, Damon, Beverly, Naomi, and Bunni, will have their Exile on Friday at 9:00 PM CST live. Everyone is welcome to attend, but only these 12 can vote for each other.

Group 2, that’s Adelaide, Singe, Madison, Zander, Summer, Abrams, Faizah, Ralph, Cain, Angelica, and Kip, will have their Exile on Sunday evening at an undetermined time (please check Burg ASAP for scheduling thread). Everyone is welcome to attend, but only these 11 can vote for each other.


Meanwhile there will be plenty of time to talk to each other more, develop suspicions, and participate in a minor activity that I am posting as soon as I get to it (most likely tomorrow).

One more thing – one Citizen divided the groups as they are now.

Please see “The Schism” thread in the Burg for complete information. With two people being voted out we have the opportunity to catch two Spies with one stone. Let’s hope we use this to our advantage.[/size]