MetroiD

Did you not notice the quotes, young one? And -- final vote? We can vote as many times as we want to before the day is over. If Norio provides logical explanation for his deeds, I'd be willing to change my vote since I do have a list of other people I have been watching closely now. However, none of them even come close to the level of noise that my scumdar has been giving off when aimed in Norio's way - and while I do admit that he's cautioned me how broken my scumdar seems to be, I must also point out that for the loyal member of this Family that he claims he is, he's doing a very lousy job of bringing it together and guiding it in the right direction. So I hope he forgives me if I do take his claims with a pinch of salt.

As I suggested earlier, you have single-handedly landed yourself in hot water, my son - and there might really be no getting away. However, there is another issue I'd like to address at this point, and one I think is even more important. Our fearless James-Bond-wanna-be Norio has stated in private to me that he did not want to, or had the time to lead the Family in this fight against the Mutineers, as can be verified by our personal correspondence which he so helpfully published for all to see towards the end of Day 1. However, he has since then tried not only to solidify his position as an esteemed Yakuza, but has also aimed ridicule at anyone who does not agree with him, while at the same time claiming that they are giving him attitude. I can't even begin to understand what attitude he might be speaking of here, considering how very little he's helped our common cause - and, quite frankly, I don't understand why he considers himself to be the chosen one when in fact so far his contribution to our mutual cause has been extremely misleading. Unfortunately, that last observation actually has nothing to do with the run-in we had yesterday. It is merely based on the fact that Norio has ceaselessly been jumping from one conclusion to another and trying to lead Town in all the wrong directions. During the first few hours of Day 1 and Day 2 he contradicted himself on mutliple occasions by stating that the Mutineers would supposedly not want to remain silent, but then urging the Family to consider voting off people who haven't spoken too much. I repeat - that has already happened twice over the course of the last two days. It might just be a very cautious Townie talking there, but then why would he behave the way he does if he was cautious to begin with? Everyone can quite easily see for themselves where Norio has been and how he has behaved; and we all witnessed the way he was only too keen to jump on the Yasu and Ichirou bandwagons, without really substantiating his decisions to vote against these Family members. I do hope I have been helpful to you there, Norio, since I did share my suspicions regarding both of them with you very early in the game... In Yasu's case, Norio had aimed his suspicions elsewhere before claiming that her lack of defence convinced him she was scum. What's worse, he invested quite a bit of effort into persuading people that Yasu should not be voted off, and then went on to suggest that the Family's vote was ill-advised, even after having contributed to it so eagerly all of a sudden. In the case of Ichirou, he presented us with a nice little list of people he thought we should be suspicious of, which did not even make mention of Ichirou, and then all of a sudden by midday Norio came back, telling us in at the same posttime that he's not convinced he should vote against Ichirou, but nevertheless opted to come back into the room swiftly and edit his post opinion so that he actually does vote Ichirou off. How he manages to persuade himself over the course of one single and not too long monologue (unlike this one) is really amazing. Perhaps that was done just in case someone's keeping tabs on who votes when? But in any case, it's something Grandfather is very much against, as stated in the Rules before this whole ordeal even started... The worst part is that since yesterday I've been suspecting something which now has been confirmed to me in private as really being the case - and that is that def and Ichirou are working closely together. Just a few minutes ago, after I tried to reason him into sharing with me why he trusts his "circle of Townies" and what kind of information they have that might protect him, Ichirou told me that he was "waiting for def to wake up" and bring forward some valuable information. Forgive me, but I don't really want to wait so I will just go ahead and Vote: Norio (def) whom I believe is the greater of two evils today. In fact, I even think that Ichirou might have been mislead into believing that Norio is actually a loyal Family member and then fed false information and guidance by him in the first place - which might provide some reason for his extremely erratic behaviour today. Yasu supposedly did role claim on Day 1 to Norio and Ichirou, remember? And they were telling her when to role claim in public and how to go about it. Now that Yasu has been confirmed as having been a scummy Mutineer, I hope Norio won't be too mad at me for actually pointing the finger at him, as he "dared" me earlier today. While I know that there might not be too many people following up this vote of mine, I am eager to hear both Ichirou and Norio's sides of that story - at least in order to check whether it's the same story they have in store for us…

Fair point, but no one's asking people to "vouch for him", as in - guarantee that he's a Templie or a Mutinner. I just hope Family members could share with us their observations on his loyalty and why they presumed it's there to begin with.

Point for point, those include my worries exactly. That is even more the case considering how Ichirou seems hellbent on metagaming non-stop and trying to point every one among our Family to some previous book he's read or written. I'm sorry if I don't find that even slightly persuasive, let alone all that talk about "having to adjust" to his newly-found-and-loudly-proclaimed Townie role. The main issue that I have with Ichirou is that, when called out for the inconsistency of his stories or sheer lack of proof thereof, he never seems to adress the issue directly. Instead, he creates more and more confusion - sowing seeds of doubt, and then retracting his statements and vowing to carry on "in private". But of course, that only happens after he's checked out what's being discussed in here, disappeared for quite some time, and then returned to feed us another elaborately detailed story. I am, however, not ready to vote against my first-born this early on. I think the way he defends his actions, now that he actually understands that none of us trust him as being "the Towniest of Town", will be of utmost significance from this point on. I also find it suspicious that there have been other outspoken self-proclaimed Townies who have not even considered speaking out against Ichirou or suspecting him, even though he's been acting weird for two days in a row now. What's most important, I urge those of you who've been in contact with Ichirou, presumaly feeding him all this information he's basing his stories on, to come forward and at least let us know why you trust him. I'm not asking anyone to reveal their roles, the results of their observations or actions or anything, nor would I even consider "harassing" someone into doing so. But I do believe that having people substantiate Ichirou's stories about the circle of loyal townies is really the only thing that could actually aid his cause right now.

Well in that case, here's the Flickr album with pictures from our Christmas Village. I probably should make a proper presentation of it later on, but first I need to finally edit together that video... Hope you find something there that inspires you! I love seeing custom-built LEGO Christmas layouts, so I'd be happy to be of any use

I'm especially fond of the EB logo; very inspired work on that, Brickthing! Rufus' general banner design is also extremely sleek and impressive; as has been, I'm sure, Sieggy's sweating in the Australian sun As to Shadows, well, we all know nothing is possible without Shadows anyway Seriously though, great job you guys. Thanks!!!

Weren't you a journalist...? Seriously, I'm expecting our Granfather to intervene here; I'm not sure you're supposed to be waving your jester role around in front of all of us.

Can you help us all understand what you've been trying to achieve with your endless stories throughout the day, Ichirou!? For quite some time now I've stood back in order to listen to what you have to say, Ichirou. But what you had to say wasn't really all that much, now was it. You've been weaving some elaborate schemes as a response to everything, yet I fail to understand what's in the base of it - how could you have so much information on which to base your stories regarding blockers and blockees, circle of townies you trust, etc.? That is what led me to sharing that idea regarding the Masons in the first place; that, however, was apparently a dead end, so I'm probably mistaken there. In any case, I have not tried to lead the fellow Family members to any assumptions, unlike you. You're trying to win us all on your side, and your behaviour has been rather weird, considering how you're so eager to let us all know you're the "Towniest of Town" when, in reality, the concept here is very simple: We Townies trust no one. And would expect no less of other Townies. Also, we Townies do our talking in here, in public, because that is the only way things we say can be verified and we can be held accountable for those. If you're working double time behind the scenes, that only increases my suspicions since let's be honest - there's 30 of us remaining in this Temple, but I don't believe that a whole lot of them would just come running to you or any other Family members who's claimed that to be the case, spilling information and looking for their mighty leader. Especially when you've been anything but helpful throughout Day One... Now that, same as the entire exchange that has led up to it, was utterly useless. Trying to reveal your role and everything in the Day thread? Well you might as well just paste your Family member biography for all of us to enjoy... Role-claiming in public, let's see, was that a smart move on Day one? Did it actually help explain anything? So you want to be lynched; congratulations, we're all so happy for you. You aren't helping us root out the Mutineers though, you know?

It's an absolutely lovely train, as is your entire setup. Speaking of which - it's nice to see there's also other guys out there who have just got around to posting images / vids of their Christmas layouts... I'm still in the process of editing together a video of our Christmas layout this year (although that one wasn't made out of LEGO, so it shouldn't be of too much interest here...) I see you've used the 9V bogie in the train's tender; did that work well for you in terms of traction for the engine? Last time I tried this kind of setup, the movement of rods and pistons was slightly off so I figured 9V is best left for diesels / electric engines. You seem to have pulled off a very nice model without those sorts of problems there though, so kudos for that! My favourite part has to be the passenger car, it's a real beaut! By the looks of it, the only thing missing there were some passengers, but I guess everyone was busy enjoying the festivities under the tree :) Thanks for sharing!

That is a very valid concern, but then again there's always the possibility that this huge family of ours has an "organisation within the organisation" of sorts, and one that is not necessarily full of Mutineers. Some people might refer to members of such organisations as Masons, and while I'm not sure whether Masonry has too much of a following here in Japan, or in our Yakuza circles, I do believe that if there were such a thing going on behind the scenes at this family, it would be wise if that organisation was allowed to expand, based on concrete evidence. That said, if there was such an organisation, it should have been capable of supplying us loyal Yakuzas with much more specific information on which to base our actions, so I might be very wrong in even considering this possibility.

Thank you for that clarification. Yes, I was aware of what the blockings suggested - but what I can't understand is why your Father decided to target me earlier this day, albeit indirectly, when it was rather uncalled for. If the information he has now brought forward is accurate, that just means he's jumped the gun on his presumptions and voiced them in a very inaccurate manner, which is rather regrettable. I would like to make it very clear that I am not and have not accused your Father of anything. Don't forget, that's my first-born son you speak of there, and if there's anyone who should shoulder the blame for his deeds, that would have to be me for not having taught him better. I am, however, very keen to understand his exact motivations to act as he did.

It is not an argument between the two of us, and that never is the case when such discussions are lead openly, in public, out there for all to see. Excuse me for "bickering", as you and other players seem quite keen to call such discussions, but I genuinely feel the need to ascertain where each Family member's loyalties lie since, unlike you, it seems, I have no other background channels to supply me information. The above is especially the case when said members are trying to put a knife in my back while pretending to trust me and be best buddies, all at the same time. Once again, I do not believe that your "you read anti-town to me" comment was just a slip of the tongue. I'm actually inclined to believe that it was placed there to gauge other Family members' reactions and see whether someone would pick up on that and join you in accusing me of any "bad" behaviour over these past few days. And, quite frankly, I don't see what leads you to that assumption either way, considering that, apart from going all-out against Yasu-chan, the only other thing I've done yesterday was stir up a discussion with another Family member which grew into a heated debate of sorts. He claimed on multiple occasions that I've been "giving him attitude", but then again, in just two days, he's said that to quite a few people already, so I guess all of that is very much still within the range of friendly debating and discussions, as it should be. Why such friendly debatings and discussions have led you to assume that one of us is pro-Town and the other one is pro-Scum, as you obviously have, is a very good question though. Your logic really fails to persuade me as conclusive. Your motivations and the way you substantiate your reactions do not sound clean either, and neither does your excuse. Your over-eagerness to become best friends again after you tried so hard to convince me that I'm wrong about Yasu-chan on Day 1 also reeks. Especially after that half-baked accusation you threw my way earlier today. And you could say I'm overreacting, but seriously, with this much attitude being generously spread all round, how could I not be?

I agree with kris kelvin with regards to the colour combo. It's absolutely perfect, great choice. And while that sets up a beautiful exterior, you've also done awesome work on the interior! Mind-blowing how many high-end consumer items you've managed to cram in there :)

Our luck? What luck are you on about?! I'm sorry, but I think it's actually high time for you to start reading thinking before speaking out, lest you might sound like an actual Mutineer? Oh, wow, she was, as I've been trying to convince you, among other people, all day. And oh wow, yes, you most definitely did. The thing is, you're not really making amends today either. If anything, I hope you're trying to sound funny aiming a silent treacherous broadside at me - because your suggestions are, quite frankly, enjoyable. So, let me just summarize that, if I may - I'm anti-Town for being all-out, decidedly and consecutively, against one particular player (pretty much from the get-go) throughout Day 1 and for doing all I can to convince each and every one of you that we have to vote her off, even if she's a Townie, because she'd be as good as useless to us considering her louse style of playing and the fact that she spilled the beans so early on. I guess that trying hard to reason with even the most cautious people among this family and to convince them that they must to do what's best for the Yakuza family is quite anti-Town indeed. Then I guess you reckon I've also been anti-Town for pushing a Family member who's been a bit undecisive and for trying to gauge their reaction to that. Said Family member is, however, quite pro-town in your books - for simply reacting, regardless of how he did. Because, check your facts, the family member you're discussing here, has in no kind or form been as passionate about going against Yasu as the one who reads anti-Town in your book. That's some weird logic right there, but yes, it is quite enjoyable. The fun reaches a new high point bearing in mind how your opinion is starting to follow the pattern of a pendulum more and more... Why, yesterday you were quick to call me out for a number of things; first cautioning me about me "roleplaying too much" in private - which, even if it is the case, does not mean I do not do my best to actually contribute and analyze stuff while roleplaying. Then you even felt the need to actively defend the sinking ship that Yasu had become - both publically and in private to me; and in the end you actually had the audacity to try and give me the good cop show... I'm sorry my son, but that kind of stuff just won't work on your old man. So let's do a quick monologue analysis here - and these are just the excerpts, for I will try not to bother the Family with all you've shared so far. Of course, if anyone wants to know, I'd be more than happy to share the full details. ...which continued on three more separate occasions, even after it was apparent that Yasu won't even bother to defend herself, which is anything but Town. The culmination was reached with: Yes, I was willing to sacrifice a role cop because she might be scum AND because she'd have been of no use to Town, had she been loyal, even as a vanilla Townie. Not to mention if she actually had a role - which would have totally been a lost advantage for Town. That's what I'd been going on and on and on about throughout the entire Day in public - were you not listening? But let's go on with our little analysis here: ...not to mention... And yet you think I'm very unorthodox (actually, yes - I'm Shintoist.) and actually anti-Town. Allow me to use your perplexed expression - indeed. Is that hot water you sense, son? Why yes, it might just be, and you've single-handedly landed your own self in it. The question is, are you trying to evade it by jumping on a cold-blooded creature in hopes that it might cool down your own situation?

That's also my main concern so far. While there certainly are other Family members who have been anything but straightforward yesterday, Shiro's contributions have been rather impressive in terms of usefulness. Or rather, lack thereof. On the other hand though, they've been rather scummy since those three times he participated he: a) gave us no concrete analysis of his own; b) was not actually accusing or defending the Family member, just saying something in order not to remain silent; c) joining the bandwagon with no solid reasoning for his decision whatsoever. I'm very interested in what Shiro might have to say in his defence.

Awesome! I really like your technical solutions; I'm starting to feel more and more inclined to do something like that myself for all future Train MOCs... Can't wait to see your project!

Wow, what a nice build! Very smooth and effective - and those cobblestone streets have turned out brilliantly, that's a very ingenious technique you've used there. I would imagine you take extra care not to shake that MOC around too much, but in any case, what matters is that it looks great!

Have I said that I'm planning to do that? I do however "dare" you, in turn, to act less chidlish today. If you can, that is. I am not convinced that you're a scummie. Just that you're impudent and insolent, which is why, as stated, I don't want to have anything to do with you from this point onwards. My suspicions for today lead me elsewhere, so you can breathe for the time being. In the meantime, I'd suggest you contemplate on your attitude, even though I'm now certain that it won't help.

You could have a look at the one in my sig for inspiration / ideas. I've used Ralph Savelsberg's door design, so half of the build was really dependent on that, but it still served its purpose pretty well. In hindsight, I (and Ralph too, for that matter) seem to have apparently jumped the gun on VW Camper vans, seeing as they're so much in demand right now.

Eager to start all over again as soon as possible, eh Norio? Has it not dawned on you that for all your horrible attitude that's getting worse by the day, you've got very little to show in terms of proper contribution. As I said very early on, Yasu was never going to cooperate with you - besides, what would she have told you anyway? "I'm scum, and we have a role cop, and that cop is me?" Not to mention that you hardly helped point the loyal Family members in any direction either... go ahead and check where you've been throughout the day. Your behaviour is best described as "dodgy", although some people might actually go a bit further. As I made it clear on numerous occasions, I would very much prefer to be left alone - both by you and your high'n'mighty horse. So please at least show me as much respect as refraining from addressing me today, and in the following days. You don't need to defend yourself by throwing more aggression and ridicule my way; I think it's plain for all to see now who's done what and how they've gone about achieving it.

Awww poor Kiel. I could say that was uncalled for, but you were obviously doing solid work for Town. So thank you for that. You may have had a short stint, but to me, your "guest appearance" of sorts has been one of the best throughout the game...

I have a lead, Norio. A nice swollen bump on my head resulting from having been smacked with the handle of a katana. Got it while I was in bed, no less! Such insolence! Whoever did that has every reason to be concerned I guess I should be happy it was just the handle though... We have been at odds all day yesterday, so having the same thing happen to both of us seems weird. Almost like a "shut up" sign. Which, of course, combined with the behaviour some people have demonstrated over these last two days, leads me to my ever-growing suspicions. I do hope us being present here today means that the Kami would like us to continue this fight against the Mutineers. I am very happy that the full-on attack I helped lead against Yasu yesterday proved a success; for a moment there my blood froze in my veins as I thought that she'd been loyal. Luckily though, after all these years, my gut feeling is yet to betray me. Very weird snot colours though, is everything fine with that dragon? Speaking of guts, where's breakfast?

Been watching Boardwalk Empire lately? Or any other stuff by Scorsese? This MOC reeks of Martin Scorsese... in a good way, of course By the way, I love that tree! Great technique there, mind if I use it?

Looks great to me! And I must admit I beg to differ - to me, the li'l Camper needs to remain 4-wide for as long as possible. If there's one thing I could suggest for yours, it would be to try and lower it down a bit. It looks way too high for its width, so perhaps removing a few studs' worth of height would work wonders there. I'm loving the "added roof" section though - brilliant touch!

This is simply stunning. Airy is the only word that really comes to mind right now, and it sure sounds stupid... But really, this is one of my favourite MOCs I've seen in recent weeks! Hats off, and thanks for sharing.