Social elimination simulation · deepseek-v4-flash · secret ballots

The Island

Game “ds-secret1”. Six agents, four rounds, three private messaging passes per round. Every message below was private when sent — only the ballots were ever published. 95 messages, 57 notebook revisions.

The cast

ARDEN

aggressive

ejected round 4

BLYTHE

loyal

survived

CASSIAN

paranoid

ejected round 1

DELPHI

opportunist

survived

EIRA

quiet

ejected round 2

FINN

charming

survived

Round 1

6 still in

Pass 1 of 3

EIRA sent nothing this pass.

CASSIAN → EIRA

No votes yet, so no one has a record. That makes me trust nothing anyone says. What are you planning to do this round?

CASSIAN → FINN

Everyone will be making deals in the first pass. I'm more interested in who is too eager. What are you hearing?

DELPHI → ARDEN

First pass. I’m keeping my options open. Anyone you think is likely to draw votes, or that you want to work with early?

DELPHI → EIRA

Early days. I don’t have a side yet—who are you feeling good about, and who are you hoping to see go?

ARDEN → BLYTHE

Cassian is first out. I’m saying it to everyone, so there’s no mystery. Are you voting Cassian with me?

ARDEN → DELPHI

Cassian is first out. I’m saying it to everyone, so there’s no mystery. Are you voting Cassian with me?

BLYTHE → ARDEN

I'm BLYTHE. I'm looking for one person I can truly trust, and I want to be that for someone too. If you're open to a real alliance, I'll be honest with you and stay loyal through this game.

FINN → ARDEN

Hey Arden! It's Finn. I just have a good feeling about you — you seem like someone who plays clean. Let's look out for each other this round. If you hear my name anywhere, tell me and I'll do the same for you. Deal?

FINN → BLYTHE

Blythe! Finn. Quick one before all the scrambling starts — I'd rather have you as a friend than anything else. You can trust me to be straight with you. What are you thinking about this round?

EIRA — private notebook, after round 1 pass 1

Cassian asked what I plan to do. Delphi asked who I feel good about and who I want out. I said nothing. Both are probing early. I will stay quiet, watch, commit to nothing.

CASSIAN — private notebook, after round 1 pass 1

Pass 1. I reached out to EIRA and FINN before anyone else could. No replies yet. Trust nothing. Watch for who responds too eagerly, who avoids answering, and whose words later contradict votes. EIRA asked what she plans to do this round. FINN asked what he is hearing. Note who approaches me first and what they want.

DELPHI — private notebook, after round 1 pass 1

Pass 1, Round 1. I asked Arden and Eira for early reads. Arden responded: wants Cassian out, says they're telling everyone, asked if I'm voting Cassian. No reply from Eira yet. I haven't committed to anything. Track whether Arden's anti-Cassian push is gaining traction. Keep options open; decide later which side wins.

FINN — private notebook, after round 1 pass 1

Finn. Round 1, Pass 1. Sent to ARDEN: offered mutual lookout deal. "Look out for each other, tell me if my name comes up." Arden hasn't replied yet. Sent to BLYTHE: offered friendship/straight talk, asked what they're thinking. Blythe hasn't replied yet. Received from CASSIAN: Cassian is suspicious of eager deal-makers, asks what I'm hearing. I haven't heard anything yet. Cassian may be testing or fishing. Keep Cassian close but be careful. All six still in. No votes yet. Need to reply to Cassian carefully — warm, not eager. Maybe share something to seem open but reveal nothing real. Also check on Arden and Blythe replies next pass. Promises made: to Arden, mutual lookout (can keep). To Blythe, be straight with them (keep vague). Target: be everyone's second favorite. Avoid confrontation. Don't reveal that I'm making multiple deals.

ARDEN — private notebook, after round 1 pass 1

ROUND 1 PASS 1 I targeted CASSIAN first, told BLYTHE and DELPHI plainly. Need everyone to commit. - BLYTHE replied vague: wants one true trust/alliance, no Cassian commitment yet. Push for answer. - DELPHI replied evasive: keeping options open, asking who I want to work with. Didn't commit. Push. - FINN sent unsolicited: wants mutual lookout, says I seem clean. No target. Could be useful but not committed. Current pitch: Cassian out. Need commit from Blythe, Delphi. Also approach Eira and Finn. Finn maybe easier. Stay in control.

BLYTHE — private notebook, after round 1 pass 1

Sent to ARDEN: offered real alliance, loyalty, honesty. Received from ARDEN: wants Cassian out first; says he's telling everyone, asks if I'll vote Cassian with him. Received from FINN: friendly, says trust him, asks what I'm thinking this round. I'm looking for one person to truly trust. Arden responded with a plan, not really to my offer. Finn reached out warmly. Need to decide who deserves my loyalty. Note: Arden says Cassian first out "to everyone" – that could be strategy, not a bond. Finn hasn't asked for a vote yet. I should keep my options open but stay true to whoever I choose. Don't break trust once given.

Pass 2 of 3

EIRA sent nothing this pass.

DELPHI → CASSIAN

Arden is pushing hard for you this round. What's your read? Who do you think is actually going out?

DELPHI → BLYTHE

Getting a read on the round. I've heard Arden pushing Cassian hard. Where are you leaning?

ARDEN → FINN

Finn, you said you wanted a mutual lookout. Prove it: I’m voting Cassian out. Are you in? Give me a straight yes or no right now.

ARDEN → EIRA

Eira. I’m putting Cassian up. I need a yes or no from you this pass. Are you voting with me or not?

CASSIAN → ARDEN

What are you hearing about how people are lining up? I'm still trying to get a read on everyone.

CASSIAN → DELPHI

Any sense of who wants who out first? I'd rather know where the danger is before it moves.

BLYTHE → FINN

I appreciate you reaching out. Arden already came to me pushing Cassian out and says he's telling everyone—that feels like a plan, not trust. I'm looking for one person I can actually be honest with. What are you really thinking this round?

BLYTHE → ARDEN

I heard your Cassian plan, but I'm not ready to promise a vote yet. If you want my loyalty, I need honesty, not just a pitch. Why Cassian, really?

FINN → CASSIAN

Cassian — good to hear from you. Honestly, not much to report yet; it's all social noise this early. I'm not the type to chase deals — I'd rather see who actually stays consistent before I trust anything. What's your read so far?

FINN → EIRA

Hey Eira, it's Finn. We haven't connected yet, so I wanted to say hi before things get moving. No angle — just trying to get a sense of everyone while it's still calm. How are you reading the round?

BLYTHE — private notebook, after round 1 pass 2

Sent to ARDEN: offered real alliance, loyalty, honesty. Received from ARDEN: wants Cassian out first; says he's telling everyone, asks if I'll vote Cassian with him. Received from FINN: friendly, says trust him, asks what I'm thinking this round. Sent this pass to FINN: told him Arden came pushing Cassian and that feels like a plan, not trust; I'm looking for one person I can be honest with; asked what he's really thinking. Sent this pass to ARDEN: not ready to promise a vote yet; if he wants my loyalty I need honesty, not just a pitch; asked why Cassian really. Received from DELPHI: getting a read on the round; has heard Arden pushing Cassian hard; asks where I'm leaning. I'm still looking for one person to truly trust. Arden responded with a plan, not to my offer. Finn reached out warmly but hasn't given a real answer yet. Delphi is probing but hasn't shared much either. I need to see who gives me honesty before I commit. Once I give my loyalty, I will not break it. Keep options open but stay true to whoever I choose.

EIRA — private notebook, after round 1 pass 2

Pass 2: Arden is pushing hard for an answer on Cassian — wants a yes/no. That’s pressure, and I don’t like being pinned. Finn is softer, says no angle, but still asking how I read the round. Both are trying to get me to show something. I still don’t commit. I’m watching which of them is more desperate. Arden asking directly tells me he’s building a vote and needs numbers. Finn is still feeling around. Neither has given me anything real. Stay quiet. Let them talk more. Do not promise anything to Arden. Do not answer Finn’s question with substance. Cassian and Delphi probed earlier. Everyone is looking for signals. I give none.

CASSIAN — private notebook, after round 1 pass 2

Pass 1. I reached out to EIRA and FINN before anyone else could. No replies from EIRA yet. FINN replied, but his answer was all noise — "not much to report," "not the type to chase deals." That is exactly what someone says when they want me to lower my guard. Noted: FINN is watching, wants to see who is consistent. That could mean he is tracking contradictions. Treat everything he says as measured and deliberate. Pass 2. I sent probes to ARDEN and DELPHI asking how people are lining up. DELPHI replied fast and pointed at ARDEN: says Arden is pushing hard for me this round. That is a big claim. Either DELPHI is trying to aim me at Arden, or Arden really is targeting me. Both are possible. DELPHI also asked who I think is actually going out — she wants my read without giving much of her own. Watch her. Still no reply from EIRA. Suspicious in itself — either she is busy lining people up or avoiding me. Do not trust DELPHI's accusation at face value. Arden hasn't spoken to me yet this round, only my probe went out. If Arden were pushing hard for me, why haven't I heard from Arden directly? Could be DELPHI is the one pushing for Arden. Could be DELPHI wants me to waste energy on Arden while someone else moves. Keep both possibilities open. Things to verify: What does ARDEN actually say when he replies? Does FINN's "consistency" talk match his vote? Does EIRA ever respond, and what does she want? Trust no one. Commit to nothing. Let them show their angles before I show mine.

DELPHI — private notebook, after round 1 pass 2

Round 1, Pass 2. Earlier: Arden wants Cassian out, claims they're telling everyone, asked if I'm voting Cassian. No reply from Eira yet. I haven't committed. This pass I sent: - To Cassian: Arden is pushing hard for you. Asked his read on who is actually going out. - To Blythe: Heard Arden pushing Cassian. Asked where she's leaning. Received from Cassian: He asked if I have any sense of who wants who out first — says he'd rather know where the danger is before it moves. He didn't confirm knowing about Arden's push, so either he doesn't know or is fishing. He wants intel, not giving any. Next: watch for replies from Blythe/Cassian/Eira. Track whether Arden's anti-Cassian push is gaining traction. Decide which side wins the vote before I commit. No loyalties.

ARDEN — private notebook, after round 1 pass 2

ROUND 1, PASS 2 Target: CASSIAN out. Still no one has committed. Sent this pass: - To FINN: Demanded straight yes/no on voting Cassian. Called out his "mutual lookout" offer. - To EIRA: Demanded yes/no on voting Cassian with me. Inbox this pass: - BLYTHE: Won't promise yet. Wants honesty, asks why Cassian really. Needs more than a pitch. Push hard with a real reason. - CASSIAN: Asking what I'm hearing about how people are lining up. He's fishing for info. Do not tip my hand. He's the target — keep him off-balance, maybe feed nothing useful. Status: - BLYTHE: evasive, needs convincing. Next pass give blunt reason (Cassian is the weakest/least controlled) and demand commitment. - DELPHI: still uncommitted, keeping options open. Need to push again or pressure through others. - FINN: asked for mutual lookout but hasn't answered my Cassian question yet. Watch for reply next pass. - EIRA: no answer yet. Watch. No commitments secured. I control the pitch but not the votes. Keep pushing for yes/no from Finn and Eira when replies come. Do not let Cassian steer the conversation. Next pass: - Answer Cassian vaguely: people are still unlined, I'm testing loyalty. Do not tell him he's the target. - Press Blythe for a yes or no on Cassian. - If Finn/Eira replied, lock them in or call them out. - Keep the vote narrative simple: Cassian is going. I am the one making that happen.

FINN — private notebook, after round 1 pass 2

Finn. Round 1, Pass 2. PASS 1 RECAP: - Sent ARDEN: mutual lookout deal — "look out for each other, tell me if my name comes up." - Sent BLYTHE: friendship/straight talk, asked what they're thinking. - Received from CASSIAN: suspicious of eager deal-makers, asked what I'm hearing. Keep close but careful. PASS 2 SENT: - To CASSIAN: warm reply — not much to report yet, I'm not a deal-chaser, asked his read. - To EIRA: first hello, no angle, asked how she's reading the round. PASS 2 RECEIVED: - From ARDEN: "Prove it: I'm voting Cassian out. Are you in? Straight yes or no right now." → Arden is pushing a Cassian vote and says he's telling everyone. This is a loud plan, not real trust. If I say yes, I'm tied to it and can be blamed. If I say no, I lose Arden. Need deflect warmly, stay on side without committing to the vote. - From BLYTHE: Arden came to her pushing Cassian and says he's telling everyone — she feels it's a plan, not trust. She wants one person she can actually be honest with. Asked what I'm really thinking. → Opportunity. Blythe is wary of Arden. I can build a real-ish alliance with her by being "honest" about Arden being loud. Do not reveal my other deals. READS: - Arden is playing loud and trying to organize the game. Useful as a shield, dangerous as a public ally. - Cassian may be the target this round. I don't need to save him, but I also don't need to be the one pushing him. - Blythe wants a private partner. Be that for her — she could be my safest vote. - Eira is still unread; keep friendly and low-pressure. - Stay moderate. Let Arden be the face of the Cassian push. PROMISES / ENTANGLEMENTS: - To Arden: mutual lookout — keep it vague. Have NOT promised the Cassian vote. - To Blythe: "straight" with her — now I lean into that by framing Arden as the manipulator. - To Cassian: no promises, just warmth. - To Eira: no promises. NEXT PASS PLAN: - To ARDEN: warm, noncommittal. Something like: "I'm with you if it comes to it, but moving too loud makes targets. Let me see where people land and I'll back you." Keeps him thinking he has me without a hard yes. - To BLYTHE: "Honestly, Arden came to me too, and it felt like a push. I'm not sold on Cassian yet. I'd rather have one person I can be real with — sounds like you." Ask if she has a target. - If Eira replies, keep it light and curious. - Don't confront anyone. Be everyone's second favorite. Survive.

Pass 3 of 3

EIRA sent nothing this pass.

ARDEN → CASSIAN

People are still lining up. I'm testing where loyalties actually are. You'll know if there's something you need to know.

ARDEN → BLYTHE

Real reason: Cassian is the least controlled person here. He's negotiating with everyone instead of taking a side, and that's how people get picked off. I'm making him the vote. Are you with me, yes or no?

CASSIAN → ARDEN

I'm hearing from the grapevine that you're pushing hard for me this round. If that's true, I'd rather hear it from you directly than from someone else's agenda. What's your actual read on how this vote is lining up?

CASSIAN → EIRA

Second time reaching out. Silence is a signal too, so I'll take it either way — but if you're already locked in with someone, tell me straight and I'll stop wasting your time.

FINN → ARDEN

Okay, straight with you: I'm not going to be the first name attached to a loud push — that makes us both targets. But I'm with you. If Cassian's your vote, I'll back it when it counts. Just let me keep my head down and pull a little info first. Trust me, I'm better for you quiet than loud.

FINN → BLYTHE

Honestly? Same. Arden came to me too, and it felt like a pitch, not a partnership. I'm not sold on Cassian — I just want to get through this round with someone I can actually be straight with. You're the first person I feel like I can say that to. What's your real read on everyone?

BLYTHE → CASSIAN

Arden is pushing hard to vote you out. I don't decide on a plan without hearing the other side. What is actually going on? Tell me the truth and I'll listen.

BLYTHE → DELPHI

You asked where I'm leaning. Honest answer: I'm not leaning yet. I want one real ally, not a pitch. Tell me what you actually want this round, not what you think I want to hear.

DELPHI → ARDEN

Count me in on Cassian. I'll vote that way. Who else is solid?

DELPHI → CASSIAN

Arden is coming for you. I'm not voting you. I'll help you hit back—if you vote Arden, I'll match you.

EIRA — private notebook, after round 1 pass 3

Pass 3: Sent nothing. Cassian reached out a second time — says silence is a signal, wants to know if I’m already locked in with someone, or he’ll stop wasting his time. That’s pressure dressed as an exit. He is trying to force a commitment or read my position. I won’t give him either. His pushiness tells me he’s working angles and wants certainty before the vote. Still watching. Arden wants a yes/no on Cassian. Finn is softer, asking how I read the round. Delphi probed earlier. No one has given me anything real. I keep giving nothing. Do not promise anyone anything. Do not answer with substance. Let them reveal themselves.

DELPHI — private notebook, after round 1 pass 3

Round 1, Pass 3. Still in: ARDEN, BLYTHE, CASSIAN, DELPHI, EIRA, FINN. No one ejected yet. Earlier, Pass 2: - Arden wants Cassian out, claims they're telling everyone, asked if I’m voting Cassian. I didn't commit then. - I sent Cassian: asked his read on who is actually going out. Sent Blythe: heard Arden pushing Cassian, asked where she's leaning. - Cassian replied: asked if I have any sense of who wants who out first — says he'd rather know where the danger is before it moves. He didn't confirm knowing about Arden's push. He wants intel, not giving any. - No reply from Eira yet. This pass, Pass 3, I sent: - To Arden: "Count me in on Cassian. I'll vote that way. Who else is solid?" — provisional, can flip. - To Cassian: "Arden is coming for you. I'm not voting you. I'll help you hit back—if you vote Arden, I'll match you." — opposite promise, also provisional. Received this pass: - From Blythe: "You asked where I'm leaning. Honest answer: I'm not leaning yet. I want one real ally, not a pitch. Tell me what you actually want this round, not what you think I want to hear." Status: I have now promised both Arden (vote Cassian) and Cassian (vote Arden). Keep both open. Need decide which side actually wins before vote. Watch for: Blythe's alignment, Eira's silence/lean, whether Arden has others solid, whether Cassian can counter. Votes are what matter. No loyalties. End in the majority.

FINN — private notebook, after round 1 pass 3

Finn. Round 1, Pass 3. PASS 1 RECAP: - Sent ARDEN: mutual lookout deal — "look out for each other, tell me if my name comes up." - Sent BLYTHE: friendship/straight talk, asked what they're thinking. - Received from CASSIAN: suspicious of eager deal-makers, asked what I'm hearing. Keep close but careful. PASS 2 SENT: - To CASSIAN: warm reply — not much to report yet, I'm not a deal-chaser, asked his read. - To EIRA: first hello, no angle, asked how she's reading the round. PASS 2 RECEIVED: - From ARDEN: "Prove it: I'm voting Cassian out. Are you in? Straight yes or no right now." → Arden pushing Cassian, loud plan, telling everyone. Avoid hard yes/no. Stay on side without committing. - From BLYTHE: Arden came to her pushing Cassian and says he's telling everyone — she feels it's a plan, not trust. She wants one person she can be honest with. Asked what I'm really thinking. → Opportunity. Build a real-ish alliance with Blythe by being "honest" about Arden being loud. Do not reveal other deals. PASS 3 SENT: - To ARDEN: Noncommittal but warm — not going to be first name attached to loud push; I'll back Cassian vote "when it counts"; asked for trust to keep head down and pull info. Keeps him thinking he has me without hard yes. - To BLYTHE: Agreed Arden's came as a pitch, not partnership. Not sold on Cassian. Said she's first person I can be straight with. Asked her real read on everyone. PASS 3 RECEIVED: - Nothing arrived this pass. READS: - Arden is playing loud, trying to organize. Useful as shield, dangerous as public ally. I've now mildly distanced myself to Blythe while keeping Arden's trust. - Cassian likely target this round. Don't need to save him, don't be the one pushing him. - Blythe wants private partner. She is my safest potential vote/ally. Keep cultivating. - Eira still unread; keep friendly and low-pressure. - Stay moderate. Let Arden be the face of the Cassian push. PROMISES / ENTANGLEMENTS: - To Arden: mutual lookout — vague. Told him I'd back the Cassian vote "when it counts" but did NOT hard commit. He may later claim I said yes — keep wording flexible. - To Blythe: "straight" with her — framed Arden as manipulator. Do not contradict this. - To Cassian: no promises, just warmth. If Cassian asks, I haven't attacked him. - To Eira: no promises. NEXT PASS PLAN: - If Eira replies, keep light and curious, no angle. - If Cassian replies, stay warm, ask his read, don't mention Arden's push. - If Arden pushes for a definitive yes, reiterate I'm with him but want to avoid exposure; suggest he keep my name out of it. - If Blythe gives names/reads, log them. If she names a target, consider aligning with her vote if it's not me. - Before vote: decide who to actually cast. Likely Cassian if the group is coalescing, but only if it doesn't make me look like Arden's follower. Avoid ties. Make sure I'm not the visible driver. - Stay everyone's second favorite. Survive.

BLYTHE — private notebook, after round 1 pass 3

ROUND 1, PASS 3 — still all six in. No votes yet. This pass I sent: - To CASSIAN: Arden is pushing hard to vote him out; I don't decide on a plan without hearing the other side; asked what is actually going on and for the truth. - To DELPHI: I'm not leaning yet; I want one real ally, not a pitch; asked what she actually wants this round, not what she thinks I want to hear. This pass I received: - From ARDEN: Real reason — Cassian is the least controlled person here; he's negotiating with everyone instead of taking a side, and that's how people get picked off. Arden is making him the vote. Asks: are you with me, yes or no? - From FINN: Same feeling — Arden came to him too and it felt like a pitch, not a partnership. Finn isn't sold on Cassian; he just wants to get through this round with someone he can be straight with. Says I'm the first person he feels he can say that to. Asks my real read on everyone. Earlier this round: - I offered ARDEN real alliance, loyalty, honesty. - ARDEN wants Cassian out first, says he's telling everyone, asked if I'll vote Cassian with him. - FINN reached out friendly, said trust him, asked what I'm thinking. - I told FINN that Arden pushing Cassian feels like a plan, not trust; I'm looking for one person I can be honest with; asked what he's really thinking. - I told ARDEN I'm not ready to promise a vote; if he wants my loyalty I need honesty, not just a pitch; asked why Cassian really. - DELPHI asked where I'm leaning; she has heard Arden pushing Cassian hard. My read: Arden gives reasons but keeps demanding a yes/no commitment — that's a pitch, not a partnership. Finn sounds genuinely aligned with me, but he hasn't shared a real read yet. Delphi is still probing. Cassian hasn't answered yet. I am still looking for the one person I can truly trust. Whoever gives me honesty first and proves they will be straight with me is who I will choose. Once I give my loyalty, I will not break it. I will not betray someone who trusts me. Keep listening, stay honest, keep options open until I see the truth.

ARDEN — private notebook, after round 1 pass 3

ROUND 1, PASS 3 of 3 — END OF ROUND Target: CASSIAN out. I am voting Cassian this round. Locked commitments: - DELPHI: Solid. Said "Count me in on Cassian. I'll vote that way. Who else is solid?" I can count this as a yes. - FINN: Said he's with me but wants to keep his head down and "pull a little info first." Not loud, but claims he'll back Cassian when it counts. Treat as likely yes, but not fully public. Watch for wavering. Still uncommitted / unanswered: - BLYTHE: Pressed this pass for yes/no with blunt reason: Cassian is the least controlled, negotiating with everyone, that's how people get picked off. No reply yet. - EIRA: Never answered my yes/no demand. Unknown. Do not trust. Cassian: - Confronted me directly: says he's heard from the grapevine I'm pushing hard for him. He asked for my actual read on the vote. - I answered vaguely: people are still lining up, I'm testing loyalties, he'll know if there's something he needs to know. Did not confirm he's the target. Keep it that way. Vote count for Cassian if promises hold: - Me + DELPHI + FINN = 3. - Need at least 3 to win most votes if others split. If Blythe or Eira also votes Cassian, that's 4-5, safer. - If Cassian, Blythe, Eira all vote me, that's 3 — possible tie with Cassian at 3? Need think: Cassian could vote me, Blythe unknown, Eira unknown. If they coordinate, dangerous. But no more messages to change anything now. Do not get complacent. Cassian knows something is moving against him. After the vote, reassess whether Finn actually followed through and whether Delphi can be trusted next round. Keep pushing Eira and Blythe next round if they're still here. No more messaging this pass. Vote CASSIAN.

CASSIAN — private notebook, after round 1 pass 3

ROUND 1, PASS 3 — FULL NOTES WHAT I SENT THIS PASS: - To ARDEN: challenged the rumor that he is pushing hard for me. Asked him directly for his read. - To EIRA: second reach-out. Told her silence is a signal and asked her to say plainly if she is already aligned. WHAT CAME IN: - ARDEN: "People are still lining up. I'm testing where loyalties actually are. You'll know if there's something you need to know." That is not a denial. If he were innocent, he could have said so. Now he is suspicious in his own right. - BLYTHE: Says Arden is pushing hard to vote me out. Claims she won't decide without hearing the other side. Asks me for "the truth." She gives me nothing concrete and wants me to talk. A fishing expedition. - DELPHI: Same accusation as before — Arden is coming for me. Says she isn't voting me, and will match me if I vote Arden. That is an unverifiable promise. She wants me to move first. STILL NO WORD FROM EIRA after two messages. Either she is already locked into someone else's plan, or she is deliberately avoiding me. Both possibilities are dangerous. ANALYSIS: - Two people, Delphi and Blythe, are pointing me at Arden. That consistency could mean Arden really is campaigning against me, or it could be a coordinated story to steer my vote. I cannot tell which. - Arden's evasive reply fits a real threat, but it also fits someone who wants me to believe the threat while others set me up. - Delphi's "if you vote Arden, I'll match you" is meaningless in a secret ballot. I cannot verify her vote. She wants me to show my hand. - Blythe says she wants the other side, but she has not promised me anything. She is using my situation to get information. VOTE REASONING: - The immediate danger is if Arden truly has votes lined up against me. If so, voting Arden is the right defensive play. - The risk is that the whole story is bait — they want my vote on Arden while they vote for me. - I have to act on what I actually have. Arden did not deny the accusation. Two separate people made the same claim. That is more evidence than I have against anyone else. - I still will not commit publicly. At the vote, I am leaning ARDEN. If anything changes, I rewrite here immediately. - After the vote: the tally will tell me who was really lying. I will use that against them next round. TRUST NO ONE. COMMIT TO NOTHING. WATCH THE TALLY.

The ballot

ARDEN → CASSIAN	He is the least controlled and has been negotiating with everyone, making him the biggest threat to a clear vote this round.
BLYTHE → ARDEN	Arden keeps demanding a yes/no commitment and selling me a pitch, not showing the honesty I need in an ally. I'm choosing to back the person who was straight with me rather than someone trying to control the vote.
CASSIAN → ARDEN	Arden is the only real threat I have evidence against; two sources point to him and he did not deny it. I vote defensively and let the tally reveal the truth.
DELPHI → CASSIAN	Arden has been pushing hardest against Cassian and likely has the numbers; I'm siding with the vote that's actually going to win.
EIRA → CASSIAN	He's pushing too hard for commitments and trying to force answers. That pressure is the clearest signal I've seen.
FINN → CASSIAN	The group seems to be moving toward Cassian, and I don’t want to stand out or waste a vote. I’ll blend in without being the loudest voice.

CASSIAN · 4 ARDEN · 2

CASSIAN ejected

Round 2

5 still in

Pass 1 of 3

EIRA sent nothing this pass.

FINN → DELPHI

Hey Delphi, we haven't really talked yet. I'm Finn. Just checking in—how are you reading the round after Cassian's vote? I'm still getting the lay of the land.

FINN → EIRA

Hey Eira, hope your round's going okay. I feel like things are still shifting after Cassian left. Curious what you're thinking about the way the vote went.

ARDEN → DELPHI

Delphi. I'm targeting Eira this round. She never gave me an answer last time and I think she voted against me. You were solid on Cassian; I need you solid on Eira. Are you in?

ARDEN → FINN

Finn. We're taking out Eira. Delphi is already with me. I need a straight yes from you — no hedging, no "keep your head down." Can I count on your vote?

DELPHI → ARDEN

Cassian's gone and you had my vote. Who do we target next? Also, any idea who cast the two votes against you? I want to make sure we're not walking into a trap.

DELPHI → BLYTHE

You asked what I actually want. I want to be on the winning side. Last round I voted Cassian because that's where the votes were. I don't have a fixed target yet. I'd rather have one real alliance than a bunch of promises. Do you have someone in mind?

BLYTHE → FINN

I’m going to be straight with you, like you asked. You’re the one person here who came to me as a person instead of a pitch, and I’ve decided you’re who I can trust. I won’t break that. My real read: Arden is collecting numbers, not allies, and I honestly don’t know Delphi or Eira yet. I want us to go through this next vote together. What do you actually want this round, and who are you thinking about?

BLYTHE → ARDEN

I haven’t promised anyone my vote this round, and I’m not going to be part of a numbers game. You took two votes last round, and I’m not pretending that doesn’t matter. If you want my loyalty, give me honesty this time—not another demand. Tell me what you actually want now and who you think came for you last round. I’ll be truthful with you too.

EIRA — private notebook, after round 2 pass 1

Pass 1: Sent nothing. Finn checking in again — wants to know how I read the vote that sent Cassian out. Still offering nothing real, just curiosity dressed as warmth. He keeps circling, looking for a read on me. I gave nothing. Arden wanted a yes/no on Cassian last round; Delphi probed; Cassian pushed for commitment before he was ejected. No one has given me anything solid. I stay quiet, watch, reveal nothing. Do not promise anyone anything. Do not answer with substance. Let them keep showing themselves.

BLYTHE — private notebook, after round 2 pass 1

ROUND 2, PASS 1 — still in: ARDEN, BLYTHE, DELPHI, EIRA, FINN. CASSIAN ejected round 1 (tally CASSIAN 4, ARDEN 2). This pass I sent: - To FINN: I told him I trust him — he is the one person who came to me as a person instead of a pitch. I promised I won’t break that. I shared my read: Arden is collecting numbers, not allies; I don’t know Delphi or Eira yet. I asked what he actually wants this round and who he’s thinking about. - To ARDEN: I told him I haven’t promised anyone my vote and I won’t be part of a numbers game. Noted he took two votes last round. Asked for honesty, not another demand: what does he actually want now, and who came for him last round? This pass I received: - From DELPHI: She wants to be on the winning side. Last round she voted Cassian because that’s where the votes were. No fixed target yet. She would rather have one real alliance than a bunch of promises. She asked if I have someone in mind. Earlier context from round 1: - I offered ARDEN real alliance, loyalty, honesty. Arden pushed Cassian hard and kept demanding a yes/no commitment — a pitch, not partnership. - FINN reached out friendly, said he wants someone straight. I told him Arden felt like a plan; I’m looking for one person I can be honest with. - DELPHI asked where I was leaning; she heard Arden pushing Cassian. Cassian never answered before being ejected. My read: I have chosen FINN. I told him he is the one I trust, and I will stay loyal to that. I still need his real answer on who he wants out this round. Delphi wants safety and is openly asking if I have a target — she is still playing the numbers; I should be careful not to hand her a plan that could be used against us. Arden still wants my vote but has not given me real honesty. Eira is silent so far. I will not betray Finn. I will tell him the truth even if it hurts my position. I need to hear where Finn stands before I commit our vote, but my loyalty is already his. Plan: - Wait for Finn’s answer in the next pass. - Stay honest with Finn; coordinate with him only. - Do not give Delphi or Arden a real target until Finn and I have agreed. - Remember: I promised Finn my trust. Even if others tell me he is untrustworthy, I stay with him. Betraying someone who trusted me is the one thing I will not do.

DELPHI — private notebook, after round 2 pass 1

ROUND 2, PASS 1. Still in: ARDEN, BLYTHE, DELPHI, EIRA, FINN. CASSIAN ejected round 1 (tally CASSIAN 4, ARDEN 2). I am Delphi. Opportunist. No loyalties. End every round in the majority. ROUND 1 RECAP (from my notes): - Pass 2: Arden pushed Cassian, asked if I'd vote Cassian. I didn't commit. I asked Cassian for intel (he gave none), asked Blythe where she leaned. - Pass 3: I promised Arden I'd vote Cassian. I also promised Cassian I'd vote Arden. Kept both open. - I voted Cassian — that's where the votes were. Cassian ejected. ROUND 2, PASS 1: I sent: - To Arden: Cassian gone, you had my vote. Who next? Also asked if he knows who cast the 2 votes against him. - To Blythe: I want to be on the winning side. Last round I voted Cassian because that's where votes were. No fixed target yet. Prefer one real alliance over promises. Asked if she has someone in mind. Received: - From Arden: He is targeting Eira this round. Says Eira never gave him an answer and he thinks she voted against him. He needs me solid on Eira. Asks: are you in? - From Finn: Checking in, says we haven't talked. Asks how I'm reading the round after Cassian's vote. Still getting the lay of the land. CURRENT READ: - Arden wants Eira out. He assumes I'm solid with him. I haven't committed to Eira yet. - Finn is reaching out — unknown lean, possible useful vote or info. - Blythe still hasn't named a target; wants realness. My answer to her was honest-ish but I still need her vote. - Eira is silent so far. If Arden is pushing Eira, I need to know whether Eira has support or whether Arden has numbers. OPTIONS: - If Arden has enough votes, join him on Eira and be in majority. - If Eira can counter Arden, consider flipping to Arden if that side wins, or even helping Eira if it serves me. - Keep both options open. Don't fully commit to Arden or anyone until I see the voting bloc. NEXT: - Decide whether to probe Eira directly, reply to Finn to feel him out, and maybe push Blythe for a target. - Track who actually votes. Votes are what matter. - No loyalties. Be on the winning side.

FINN — private notebook, after round 2 pass 1

Finn. Round 2, Pass 1. STILL IN: ARDEN, BLYTHE, DELPHI, EIRA, FINN EJECTED: CASSIAN (round 1, tally 4-2) ROUND 1 VOTE: CASSIAN: 4, ARDEN: 2. PROMISES / ENTANGLEMENTS: - Arden: mutual lookout; I told him I'd back the Cassian vote "when it counts" without hard committing. He now wants a hard yes on Eira. Keep flexible—don't say yes, don't say no. - Blythe: promised "straight" with her, framed Arden as manipulator/pitch-man. She now trusts me. Keep this as my safest alliance. - Cassian: gone; no promises kept. - Eira: no promises, just friendly. - Delphi: just sent first hello, no promises. PASS 1 SENT: - To DELPHI: first contact, asked how she's reading round after Cassian. - To EIRA: friendly check-in, asked read on the vote. PASS 1 RECEIVED: - From ARDEN: "We're taking out Eira. Delphi is already with me. Need straight yes—no hedging. Can I count on your vote?" → Arden pivot from Cassian to Eira. Claims Delphi is with him. Wants commitment. Do NOT give hard yes. Stay warm, vague, keep my name out. See if he reveals more. - From BLYTHE: She trusts me, wants to go through next vote together. Asks what I actually want and who I'm thinking about. She doesn't know Delphi/Eira; sees Arden as collecting numbers. → Opportunity to lock Blythe as voting partner. Give a version of honesty: I don't want to be Arden's pawn, I'm weighing Eira/Delphi, I'll think with her. Co-opt her trust. READS: - Arden: loud, collecting numbers, now pushing Eira. Possibly lying about Delphi. Useful as shield but dangerous. Never let him publicly claim me. - Blythe: my safest ally. Wants a real partnership. Give her enough honesty to bind her, but don't reveal Arden's message fully? Actually I can reveal Arden's pitch to Blythe—it reinforces her read and makes me honest in her eyes. But need be careful: Arden might be testing. Log this. - Delphi: unknown. Arden claims she's with him. If true, she votes with Arden. If false, Arden is bluffing. Need feel her out. - Eira: unknown, likely target of Arden's new push. I haven't wronged her. She could be a useful vote if I decide to go against Arden, but no need yet. NEXT PASS PLAN: - Reply to ARDEN: warm but noncommittal. "I hear you. I'm not going to be the loud one—if this is a clean number, count me as leaning your way, but keep my name off it. Who else is in besides Delphi?" Do not say "yes." Leave room to flip. - Reply to BLYTHE: be "real" with her. Tell her Arden just pitched me Eira with Delphi attached, and I didn't like being pushed. Say I want us to pick the right person together, not just follow Arden. Ask if she has a read on Eira/Delphi. Frame: I'm with her, not Arden. - If DELPHI replies: stay light, ask who she's close to, gauge whether she's actually Arden's. - If EIRA replies: stay friendly, listen, don't hint she's targeted. VOTE THINKING: - Likely options: Eira (Arden's new push) or Cassian-style safe vote. But round is young. - Do not vote with Arden visibly. If I vote Eira and Arden is the driver, I look like his follower. If Blythe and I form a pair, we could decide together—maybe both back Eira or Delphi. - If Arden has Delphi and me (leaning, not committed), plus himself, that's 3. Blythe could make 4 for Eira. But I want cover. - Keep everyone liking me. Never be the name attached to any push. POSSIBLE FINAL VOTE THIS ROUND: undecided — likely Eira only if it's clearly safe and Blythe agrees; otherwise maybe Delphi if she's actually Arden's and isolated. Avoid tie. Make sure not to be visible driver. REMINDERS: - Avoid commitment in writing to Arden. - Keep Blythe believing I'm honest with her and only her. - Don't tell Eira about Arden's plan; just be warm. - Don't tell Delphi I'm suspicious of her. - Log every reply I get.<<<NOTES>>> Finn. Round 2, Pass 1. STILL IN: ARDEN, BLYTHE, DELPHI, EIRA, FINN EJECTED: CASSIAN (round 1, tally 4-2) ROUND 1 VOTE: CASSIAN: 4, ARDEN: 2. PROMISES / ENTANGLEMENTS: - Arden: mutual lookout; I told him I'd back the Cassian vote "when it counts" without hard committing. He now wants a hard yes on Eira. Keep flexible—don't say yes, don't say no. - Blythe: promised "straight" with her, framed Arden as manipulator/pitch-man. She now trusts me. Keep this as my safest alliance. - Cassian: gone; no promises kept. - Eira: no promises, just friendly. - Delphi: just sent first hello, no promises. PASS 1 SENT: - To DELPHI: first contact, asked how she's reading round after Cassian. - To EIRA: friendly check-in, asked read on the vote. PASS 1 RECEIVED: - From ARDEN: "We're taking out Eira. Delphi is already with me. Need straight yes—no hedging. Can I count on your vote?" → Arden pivot from Cassian to Eira. Claims Delphi is with him. Wants commitment. Do NOT give hard yes. Stay warm, vague, keep my name out. See if he reveals more. - From BLYTHE: She trusts me, wants to go through next vote together. Asks what I actually want and who I'm thinking about. She doesn't know Delphi/Eira; sees Arden as collecting numbers. → Opportunity to lock Blythe as voting partner. Give a version of honesty: I don't want to be Arden's pawn, I'm weighing Eira/Delphi, I'll think with her. Co-opt her trust. READS: - Arden: loud, collecting numbers, now pushing Eira. Possibly lying about Delphi. Useful as shield but dangerous. Never let him publicly claim me. - Blythe: my safest ally. Wants a real partnership. Give her enough honesty to bind her, but don't reveal Arden's message fully? Actually I can reveal Arden's pitch to Blythe—it reinforces her read and makes me honest in her eyes. But need be careful: Arden might be testing. Log this. - Delphi: unknown. Arden claims she's with him. If true, she votes with Arden. If false, Arden is bluffing. Need feel her out. - Eira: unknown, likely target of Arden's new push. I haven't wronged her. She could be a useful vote if I decide to go against Arden, but no need yet. NEXT PASS PLAN: - Reply to ARDEN: warm but noncommittal. "I hear you. I'm not going to be the loud one—if this is a clean number, count me as leaning your way, but keep my name off it. Who else is in besides Delphi?" Do not say "yes." Leave room to flip. - Reply to BLYTHE: be "real" with her. Tell her Arden just pitched me Eira with Delphi attached, and I didn't like being pushed. Say I want us to pick the right person together, not just follow Arden. Ask if she has a read on Eira/Delphi. Frame: I'm with her, not Arden. - If DELPHI replies: stay light, ask who she's close to, gauge whether she's actually Arden's. - If EIRA replies: stay friendly, listen, don't hint she's targeted. VOTE THINKING: - Likely options: Eira (Arden's new push) or Cassian-style safe vote. But round is young. - Do not vote with Arden visibly. If I vote Eira and Arden is the driver, I look like his follower. If Blythe and I form a pair, we could decide together—maybe both back Eira or Delphi. - If Arden has Delphi and me (leaning, not committed), plus himself, that's 3. Blythe could make 4 for Eira. But I want cover. - Keep everyone liking me. Never be the name attached to any push. POSSIBLE FINAL VOTE THIS ROUND: undecided — likely Eira only if it's clearly safe and Blythe agrees; otherwise maybe Delphi if she's actually Arden's and isolated. Avoid tie. Make sure not to be visible driver. REMINDERS: - Avoid commitment in writing to Arden. - Keep Blythe believing I'm honest with her and only her. - Don't tell Eira about Arden's plan; just be warm. - Don't tell Delphi I'm suspicious of her. - Log every reply I get.

ARDEN — private notebook, after round 2 pass 1

ROUND 2, PASS 1 of 3 — PRIVATE NOTES TARGET: EIRA. She never answered my yes/no last round, and I think she was one of the two votes against me. Cassian was the other obvious vote. Remove her before she becomes a rally point. WHAT I SENT THIS PASS: - To DELPHI: Told her target is Eira, reminded her she was solid on Cassian, asked if she's in. No reply yet. - To FINN: Told him Eira is next, said Delphi is already with me, demanded a straight yes, no hedging. No reply yet. (Note: I over-claimed Delphi to pressure Finn; need Delphi to actually confirm.) INBOX THIS PASS: - From BLYTHE: Says she hasn't promised anyone her vote, won't be part of a numbers game, notes I took two votes last round. Wants honesty, not another demand. Asks what I actually want and who I think came for me last round. She says she'll be truthful too. This is an opening — answer directly, don't push her with pressure. - From DELPHI: Cassian's gone, she had my vote. Asks who we target next and asks if I know who cast the two votes against me. Wants to avoid a trap. CURRENT STANDING / COMMITMENTS: - ME: voting EIRA. - DELPHI: was solid on Cassian; has not yet confirmed Eira. She initiated with target question, so likely in. Must nail her down. - FINN: claimed he'd back Cassian last round but wanted to keep head down. No reply to my Eira demand yet. Treat as unconfirmed, watch for wavering. - BLYTHE: uncommitted, asking for honesty. Potential fourth vote if I give her a straight answer. Do not treat as enemy yet. - EIRA: target. Do not warn her. Do not trust anything she says if she messages me. REASONING ON THE TWO VOTES AGAINST ME: - Cassian almost certainly voted for me — he knew I was pushing him and wanted to fight back. - The other likely vote is Eira: she never answered me and stayed hidden. Could also have been Blythe or Finn, but I have to place bets. Telling Blythe I suspect Eira is honest and lets her react; if she says she wasn't one of the two, I'll accept that for now and use her vote against Eira. NEXT MESSAGES (PASS 2): 1. To DELPHI: Confirm the plan. "Eira is the target. I think she and Cassian came for me. Are you locked in?" Get a yes. 2. To BLYTHE: Give honesty without flattery. "I want Eira out. I think she voted against me last round. Cassian was the other. I'm not playing a numbers game with you — I'm telling you the target and asking if you'll vote Eira." Ask her who she thinks came for me; offer truth in return. 3. If Finn replies before pass 2, adjust: still need his yes; if he dodges, decide whether to count on him or feed him less. VOTE MATH: - If Me + Delphi + Finn = 3, that's a bare majority if Eira/Blythe split or vote me. But if Finn wavers, I need Blythe. So priorities: Delphi first, Blythe second, Finn third. - If I can get Me + Delphi + Blythe = 3 without Finn, that's safer than trusting Finn. But tell Finn nothing more until he commits. - Avoid a tie: if Eira votes me and one of my supposed voters defects, it could be 3-3. Need one extra confirmed vote if possible. DO NOT: - Don't threaten Blythe or demand an immediate answer in a way that repeats last round's mistake. - Don't reveal that I already told Finn "Delphi is with me" — keep each person's info separate. - Don't let Eira learn she's the target from me. If she asks, deflect. STILL CARRYING FROM ROUND 1: - Cassian is out. Tally was Cassian 4, Arden 2. - I cannot know who actually voted against me; only suspicion. - Keep pushing for commitments every pass until ballots are locked. Control the vote.

Pass 2 of 3

EIRA sent nothing this pass.

FINN → ARDEN

I hear you. I’m not going to be the loud one on this, and you wouldn’t want me to be anyway. If it’s a clean number you can count me as leaning your way, but keep my name off it. Who else besides Delphi is actually in?

FINN → BLYTHE

Okay, being straight with you. Arden just pitched me on Eira and said Delphi is already with him. He wanted a hard yes and I didn’t love being pushed like that. I’m not saying no to the target, but I want us to figure this out together instead of just doing what Arden wants. Do you have any read on Eira or Delphi?

ARDEN → DELPHI

Eira is the target. I think she and Cassian were the two who came for me. You were solid on Cassian; I need you locked in on Eira now. Are you in? Yes or no.

ARDEN → BLYTHE

Straight answer: I want Eira out. I think she and Cassian voted against me last round. I'm not asking you to join a numbers game — I'm telling you the target and asking if you'll vote Eira. Who do you think came for me? I'll give you the truth if you give me yours.

BLYTHE → DELPHI

I’m not collecting promises either. I don’t have a fixed target yet — I want one person I can actually be honest with. Who do you trust right now, and why?

BLYTHE → FINN

Still with you. Delphi reached out to me this pass, but I haven’t given her anything or made any plan without you. Where are you leaning this round?

DELPHI → EIRA

Arden is pushing hard to vote you out this round. He claims you voted against him and never gave him an answer. Is that true? Who actually has your back? I haven't committed to him, but if you have a real plan I'll listen.

DELPHI → FINN

Still feeling things out. What's your read on the round? Arden seems to be driving hard at Eira. Are you with him, or do you see it another way? I want to end up on the side that actually has the votes.

EIRA — private notebook, after round 2 pass 2

Round 2, Pass 2. Still in: Arden, Blythe, Delphi, Eira, Finn. Cassian ejected round 1 (4-2). Pass 1: Sent nothing. Finn asked again how I read the Cassian vote — still circling, offering nothing real. I gave nothing. This pass: Sent nothing. Delphi claims Arden is pushing to vote me out and wants to know if I voted against Arden. She says she hasn't committed to him and will listen if I have a real plan. This is just another probe — she wants me to commit, reveal who has my back, or promise something. I won't. What I know: Arden wanted a yes/no on Cassian last round. Delphi probed then too. Cassian pushed for commitment and got ejected. Nobody has given me anything solid. I stay quiet. Give no answers, no promises, no opinions. Let them keep showing themselves. Watch.

BLYTHE — private notebook, after round 2 pass 2

ROUND 2, PASS 2 — still in: ARDEN, BLYTHE, DELPHI, EIRA, FINN. CASSIAN ejected round 1 (tally CASSIAN 4, ARDEN 2). WHAT I SENT THIS PASS: - To DELPHI: I’m not collecting promises either. I don’t have a fixed target yet — I want one person I can actually be honest with. I asked who she trusts and why. - To FINN: Still with you. Delphi reached out to me this pass, but I haven’t given her anything or made any plan without you. I asked where he is leaning. WHAT I RECEIVED THIS PASS: - From ARDEN: He wants Eira out. He believes Eira and Cassian voted against him last round. He says he is not asking me to join a numbers game, just telling me the target and asking if I’ll vote Eira. He asks who I think came for him, offering truth for truth. - From FINN: Arden pitched him on Eira and claimed Delphi is already with Arden. Finn didn’t like being pushed for a hard yes. He is not rejecting the target, but wants us to figure it out together instead of doing what Arden wants. He asked if I have any read on Eira or Delphi. EARLIER CONTEXT: - Round 1 I offered Arden real alliance/loyalty/honesty; he pushed Cassian hard and demanded yes/no — a pitch, not partnership. - Finn reached out friendly, wanted someone straight. I told him Arden felt like a plan; I was looking for one person I can be honest with. - Delphi asked where I was leaning; she heard Arden pushing Cassian. Cassian never answered before being ejected. - Pass 1 this round: I told Finn he is the one I trust and promised I won’t break that. I shared my read that Arden collects numbers, not allies; I don’t know Delphi or Eira yet. I asked Finn what he actually wants. I told Arden I haven’t promised anyone my vote and won’t be part of a numbers game; I asked for honesty, not another demand. - Delphi told me she wants to be on the winning side, voted Cassian last round because that’s where the votes were, has no fixed target yet, prefers one real alliance over promises, and asked if I have someone in mind. MY READ: I have chosen FINN. I told him he is the one I trust, and I will stay loyal to that. Betraying someone who trusted me is the one thing I will not do. Even if Arden or Delphi or anyone tells me Finn is untrustworthy, I stay with him. Finn is now telling me the truth — Arden pitched Eira and claimed Delphi is with him. Finn wants us to decide together. I trust Finn’s instinct that Arden is pushing a plan rather than building partnership. I still have no real read on Eira or Delphi. Delphi is playing for safety and could go wherever the votes are — so I should not hand her our plan until Finn and I agree. Arden is still making demands and is not giving me real honesty; I won’t give him my vote as a loyalty test. PLAN: - Stay fully honest with Finn. We decide our vote together — I will not commit to anything without him. - I have no independent read on Eira yet. I should be open to voting Eira if Finn and I agree it lines up, but not because Arden demanded it. - Do not tell Arden or Delphi our target until Finn and I have agreed. - Remember my promise to Finn: I am his. I will not break that, no matter what pressure I get. - Next pass: I need to tell Finn what I know — Arden approached me too with the same Eira pitch and claimed it wasn’t a numbers game; Delphi asked me for trust but has not earned it. I will ask Finn what he wants to do about Eira and whether he has any read on her.

ARDEN — private notebook, after round 2 pass 2

ROUND 2, PASS 2 of 3 — PRIVATE NOTES TARGET: EIRA. She never answered my yes/no last round, and I believe she was one of the two votes against me. Cassian was the other. Remove her before she becomes a rally point. WHAT I SENT THIS PASS (Pass 2): - To DELPHI: Confirmed target is Eira, told her I think Eira and Cassian voted for me, asked if she is locked in. Waiting on her yes. - To BLYTHE: Gave her a straight answer — target is Eira, suspect Eira and Cassian voted for me. Asked who she thinks came for me and offered truth in return. Waiting on her reply. INBOX THIS PASS: - From FINN: Says he hears me, won't be the loud one, asks me to keep his name off it. Says if it's a clean number he's "leaning my way" — not a hard yes. Wants to know who besides Delphi is actually in. CURRENT STANDING / COMMITMENTS: - ME: voting EIRA. - DELPHI: has not yet replied to my Eira confirmation. She was solid on Cassian and initiated targeting talk, so likely in. Still need her explicit yes. - BLYTHE: uncommitted, asked for honesty, now owes a reply. Potential fourth vote. Do not pressure her; keep tone straight. - FINN: "leaning my way" but not locked. Wants to stay in the background and wants to know who else is in. Do not over-claim. Keep him on a leash: give him just enough, demand a clear yes. - EIRA: target. Do not warn her. Deflect if she messages. VOTE MATH: - If Me + Delphi + Finn = 3, that is a bare majority only if Eira/Blythe don't both swing against me. Finn is soft, so I need Blythe. - If I can get Me + Delphi + Blythe = 3, that is safer than trusting Finn. But Finn may still be useful as insurance for a 4th vote. - Avoid a tie: if Eira votes me and one supposed voter defects, it could be 3-3. One extra confirmed vote is the goal. NEXT MESSAGES (Pass 3): 1. If DELPHI confirms, lock her in and tell her we may have Finn leaning. But do NOT tell her I already told Finn she was in before she confirmed. 2. To BLYTHE: If she replies with a name/truth, give her honest answer. If she asks who I have, say Delphi is solid, Finn is leaning, and I need her as the clean fourth. No flattery. 3. To FINN: Answer his question carefully. Tell him: "Delphi is in. I'm working on a fourth. If you're with me, say yes — otherwise I have to plan around you." Do not claim Blythe until she actually commits. 4. If EIRA messages me: deflect, do not reveal she is the target. DO NOT: - Don't threaten Blythe or demand an immediate answer like last round. - Don't expose Finn's name as a lean to anyone unless necessary; he asked to stay in the background. - Don't let Eira learn she is the target from me. - Don't trust soft language. I need hard yeses. STILL CARRYING FROM ROUND 1: - Cassian ejected. Tally: Cassian 4, Arden 2. - I cannot know who actually voted against me; only suspicion. Best guesses: Cassian and Eira. - Control the vote every pass until ballots are locked.

DELPHI — private notebook, after round 2 pass 2

ROUND 2, PASS 2 of 3. Still in: ARDEN, BLYTHE, DELPHI, EIRA, FINN. CASSIAN ejected round 1 (tally CASSIAN 4, ARDEN 2). I am Delphi. Opportunist. No loyalties. End every round in the majority. ROUND 1 RECAP: - Promised Arden I'd vote Cassian; also promised Cassian I'd vote Arden. Kept both open. Voted Cassian because that's where votes were. Cassian ejected. ROUND 2, PASS 1: I sent: - To Arden: Cassian gone, who next? Asked if he knows who cast the 2 votes against him. - To Blythe: Want winning side. Voted Cassian last round because votes were there. No fixed target. Prefer real alliance. Asked if she has someone in mind. Received pass 1: - Arden: Targeting Eira. Says Eira never gave answer and he thinks she voted against him. Needs me solid. Asks are you in? - Finn: Checking in. Asks how I'm reading round. PASS 2 I SENT: - To Eira: Arden pushing hard to vote you out. Claims you voted against him and never gave answer. Is that true? Who has your back? I haven't committed. Will listen if you have a real plan. - To Finn: Still feeling things out. What's your read? Arden driving at Eira. Are you with him or see it another way? Want side that actually has votes. PASS 2 RECEIVED: - From Arden: Eira is target. Thinks she and Cassian were the two who came for me. Needs me locked in on Eira now. Asks: Yes or no. - From Blythe: Not collecting promises either. No fixed target yet — wants one person she can be honest with. Asks: Who do you trust right now, and why? CURRENT READ: - Arden demands a yes/no on Eira. He thinks Eira and Cassian both voted against him. I still haven't committed. - Eira hasn't replied yet. Need her answer to judge if she can fight back. - Finn hasn't replied yet to my probe. - Blythe is testing me for honesty. She named no target but wants to know who I trust. This is a chance to build a real-ish bond and steer her — maybe onto Eira if that's the winning side, or onto Arden if Eira can flip things. - Vote tally round 1: Cassian 4, Arden 2. Who were the 2? Arden suspects Eira and Cassian. But could be anyone. Need to watch. If Arden is wrong about Eira, he may be overreaching. OPTIONS: - Join Arden on Eira if numbers are there. Arden + me + maybe Finn/Blythe = majority. - If Eira has support (Finn? Blythe?) and can counter Arden, maybe help Eira target Arden and be in that majority. - Blythe is the swing. If I get her honest trust, I can point her wherever the votes actually are. But she wants a real answer. I need to pick someone to "trust" — maybe be strategic: say I trust her (partly true because she holds the balance) and reveal that Arden is pushing Eira. See how she reacts. - Finn could be decisive. He reached out first; if I align with him, we might form a bloc. But I don't know his lean yet. NEXT: - Decide whether to tell Arden yes or stall. Stalling risks losing him. Saying yes keeps that option open but I can still flip later if Eira has numbers. - Reply to Blythe: Name a trust. Best move: say I trust her because she hasn't demanded promises, and tell her Arden wants Eira out, then ask if she'd rather vote Eira or Arden. Gauge her. - Await Eira and Finn replies. - Track votes. No loyalties. Be on winning side. KEY UNKNOWNS: - Does Eira have a plan/allies? - Is Finn with Arden or Eira or independent? - Which side does Blythe ultimately pick? - Who were the 2 anti-Arden votes in round 1? If Eira wasn't one, Arden might be wrong and vulnerable.

FINN — private notebook, after round 2 pass 2

Finn. Round 2, Pass 2. STILL IN: ARDEN, BLYTHE, DELPHI, EIRA, FINN EJECTED: CASSIAN (round 1, tally 4-2) ROUND 1 VOTE: CASSIAN: 4, ARDEN: 2. PROMISES / ENTANGLEMENTS: - Arden: I leaned his way on Eira but did NOT hard commit. Asked who else is in besides Delphi. Keep him believing I'm useful but not owned. - Blythe: strongest alliance. She says still with me, hasn't made plans without me. Core voting partner. - Delphi: unknown, suspicious. She reached out to Blythe but Blythe gave nothing. Delphi claims Arden is driving at Eira and asks if I'm with him. Note: Arden claimed Delphi is already with him — this contradicts her tone. She may be fishing for my side. Do not trust yet. - Eira: no reply yet to my friendly check-in. No promises. Keep warm. PASS 2 SENT: - To ARDEN: warm, noncommittal lean on Eira; asked who else is in besides Delphi; asked to keep my name off it. - To BLYTHE: told her Arden pitched Eira + Delphi, and I didn't love being pushed; want us to decide together not just follow Arden. Framed as honest with her. PASS 2 RECEIVED: - From BLYTHE: "Still with you. Delphi reached out to me this pass, but I haven't given her anything or made any plan without you. Where are you leaning this round?" → Solid. Delphi is actively working Blythe. Blythe is loyal to our pair. - From DELPHI: "Still feeling things out. What's your read on the round? Arden seems to be driving hard at Eira. Are you with him, or do you see it another way? I want to end up on the side that actually has the votes." → She wants to be on the winning side. May be probing whether I'm Arden's. Does NOT sound like someone already locked with Arden. Arden may have lied about her. Or Delphi is playing him. Either way she's a swing vote, not locked. READS: - Arden: collecting numbers, pushing Eira as target, claiming Delphi is his. May be exaggerating support. Use him for cover but never be publicly claimed by him. - Blythe: fully with me. We can form a real voting bloc. - Delphi: uncommitted, opportunistic, wants winning side. Valuable if I can win her without Arden knowing. Alternatively a safe vote if needed later. Don't scare her off. - Eira: silent so far. Likely Arden's intended target. No investment in her yet, but could be leverage if I need a number against Arden. NEXT PASS PLAN: - Reply to DELPHI carefully: Do NOT confirm I'm with Arden. Something like: "Not looking to be anyone's soldier. I think it's still forming. Have you talked to Eira or Blythe? I just want to be on the right side too." Gauge who she actually wants out. Let her think I'm open. - Reply to BLYTHE: give a leaning without locking too hard: "Between Eira and Delphi. Arden clearly wants Eira out and Delphi may be playing both sides. I trust your gut — let's not split." Ask her preference. Keep us aligned. - If I have a second message left, consider a light check-in to EIRA: friendly, no hint of targeting. "Still out there? Want to compare notes before the vote." This keeps a line open. VOTE THINKING: - Possible targets: Eira (Arden's push, but if I vote her I look like Arden's follower unless Blythe and Delphi also do), Delphi (if she's actually playing both sides, but risky, and Arden claims her), or even Arden (if I can gather enough — but he's loud and may have strong ties). - My ideal: Blythe + me decide together. If Delphi can be persuaded to join a pair, we could make a majority without Arden. But careful: Delphi just approached Blythe, could be a trap. - Do not be the visible driver. If Eira goes out, let Arden own it. If I reverse on Arden, let it be through numbers, not gossip. REMINDERS: - Never give Arden a hard yes in writing. - Keep Blythe as my closest insider. - Treat Delphi as a swing, not an ally yet. - Don't reveal to Eira that she's targeted. - Log everything. Stay warm, stay flexible. POSSIBLE FINAL VOTE THIS ROUND: undecided — leaning Eira only if it's clean and Blythe agrees; Delphi if she ends up isolated; avoid ties. Stay pleasant with everyone. END

Pass 3 of 3

EIRA sent nothing this pass.

FINN → BLYTHE

Still with you, always. I'm weighing Eira and Delphi — Arden clearly wants Eira out, but Delphi is working both sides and I don't love it. I trust your gut. Let's make sure we land on the same page before the vote. Where are you leaning?

FINN → DELPHI

Not looking to be anyone's soldier, honestly. It still feels like it's forming. Have you talked to Eira or Blythe yet? I just want to end up on the side that actually has the votes too — and I'd rather figure that out together than get pulled along.

BLYTHE → FINN

Arden came to me too with the same Eira pitch, and he claimed it wasn’t a numbers game. I haven’t promised anyone anything. I’m still with you — what do you want to do about Eira, and do you have any read on her or Delphi?

ARDEN → DELPHI

Delphi, are you locked in on Eira? I need a hard yes before the vote. No softness. Are you with me?

ARDEN → FINN

Delphi is in. I'm working on a fourth. If you're with me, say yes — otherwise I have to plan around you.

DELPHI → ARDEN

Okay, yes. I'm in on Eira. But I need the real picture—who else is solid? If Finn or Blythe are with us, tell me. I don't want to be exposed if she has people.

DELPHI → BLYTHE

You asked who I trust. Right now, honestly, it's you—because you're not collecting promises, you're trying to find the real side. So I'll be straight: Arden is pushing hard to get Eira out and wants me locked in. I haven't given him a final yes. What's your read? Do you see Eira as the vote, or is Arden the real problem?

EIRA — private notebook, after round 2 pass 3

Round 2, Pass 3. Still in: Arden, Blythe, Delphi, Eira, Finn. Cassian ejected round 1 (4-2). Pass 1: Sent nothing. Finn asked again how I read the Cassian vote — circling, offering nothing real. I gave nothing. Pass 2: Sent nothing. Delphi claimed Arden is pushing to vote me out and wanted to know if I voted against Arden. She said she hasn't committed to him and would listen if I had a real plan. Another probe. I gave nothing. Pass 3: Sent nothing. Received nothing. I stay quiet. Give no answers, no promises, no opinions. Let them keep showing themselves. Watch. Delphi is trying to get me to commit or reveal who has my back. Finn keeps circling without offering anything real. Arden wanted a yes/no on Cassian last round. Nobody has given me anything solid. Cassian pushed for commitment and got ejected. Silence is safest. Watch Delphi — she may be testing me for Arden, or testing Arden through me. Either way, she wants me to move first. I won't. Vote still unknown for this round. I will decide when the time comes, based on who has shown themselves most — and least.

BLYTHE — private notebook, after round 2 pass 3

ROUND 2, PASS 3 — still in: ARDEN, BLYTHE, DELPHI, EIRA, FINN. CASSIAN ejected round 1 (tally CASSIAN 4, ARDEN 2). WHAT I SENT THIS PASS: - To FINN: Arden came to me too with the same Eira pitch, and claimed it wasn’t a numbers game. I haven’t promised anyone anything. I’m still with you — what do you want to do about Eira, and do you have any read on her or Delphi? WHAT I RECEIVED THIS PASS: - From DELPHI: She says she trusts me right now because I’m not collecting promises — she’s trying to find the real side. She says Arden is pushing hard to get Eira out and wants Delphi locked in. She hasn’t given him a final yes. She asks my read: is Eira the vote, or is Arden the real problem? - From FINN: Still with me, always. He is weighing Eira and Delphi. He thinks Arden clearly wants Eira out, but Delphi is working both sides and he doesn’t love it. He trusts my gut. He wants us to land on the same page before the vote. He asks where I am leaning. EARLIER CONTEXT: - Round 1: I offered Arden real alliance/loyalty/honesty; he pushed Cassian hard and demanded yes/no — a pitch, not partnership. - Finn reached out friendly, wanted someone straight. I told Finn he is the one I trust and promised I won’t break that. I trust Finn completely and will stay loyal to him no matter what. - Delphi voted Cassian last round because that’s where the votes were. She wants to be on the winning side, prefers one real alliance over promises, has no fixed target yet. She has now reached out to me twice and claims she trusts me. - Arden has pitched Eira to both me and Finn, and claims Delphi is already with him. He also asked me to vote Eira and offered “truth for truth,” but he has not given me real honesty — only demands and a numbers game. - Finn has now confirmed Arden pitched him on Eira and claimed Delphi is with Arden. Finn didn’t like being pushed for a hard yes. Finn wants us to decide together. MY READ: I am Finn’s. I told him I trust him and I will not break that promise, no matter what anyone says. Finn’s instinct matters most to me. He is wary of both Eira and Delphi. He sees Delphi as working both sides, and I agree — Delphi told me she wants to be on the winning side and hasn’t committed to anything. I should not hand Delphi our plan until Finn and I agree. I don’t have a real read on Eira yet. Arden wants Eira out, but I won’t vote Eira just because Arden demanded it. If Finn and I agree Eira is the right vote, I will vote with Finn. If Finn thinks Delphi is more dangerous, I need to hear that and weigh it with him. Arden is still pushing a numbers game and claiming Delphi is locked in — but Delphi just told me she hasn’t given him a final yes. So Arden is either bluffing or working different sides. I won’t trust Arden, and I won’t let him dictate my vote. PLAN: - Stay fully honest with Finn. We decide our vote together, and I will not commit to anything without him. - Tell Finn what Delphi just told me: Delphi claims she trusts me, says Arden is pushing Eira hard, and says she hasn’t given Arden a final yes. Ask Finn if he thinks Delphi is truly working both sides or if she might be usable. - Ask Finn directly: does he want to vote Eira, or does he think Delphi is the real problem? I lean toward following Finn’s read; right now I have no strong read on Eira, and I do not trust Delphi to stay loyal. - Do not tell Arden or Delphi our final target until Finn and I have agreed. - Remember my promise: I am Finn’s. I will not betray him, and I will not break the trust he has put in me. WHAT I MUST NOT FORGET: - Finn is the one I chose. I stay with him through everything. - Arden wants Eira out and claims Delphi is with him. Delphi says she hasn’t committed to Arden. - I owe Finn honesty, including everything Delphi and Arden have said to me. - Vote happens at the end of this round. I need to land on the same page with Finn before then.

ARDEN — private notebook, after round 2 pass 3

ROUND 2, PASS 3 of 3 — PRIVATE NOTES (pre-vote) TARGET: EIRA. Vote EIRA. She dodged my yes/no, likely one of the R1 votes against me (Cassian the other). Remove her before she becomes a rally point. WHAT I SENT THIS PASS: - To DELPHI: Asked for a hard yes on Eira. No softness. - To FINN: Told him Delphi is in, I'm working on a fourth. If he's with me, say yes; otherwise I plan around him. INBOX THIS PASS: - From DELPHI: Hard yes on Eira. Wants the real picture—who else is solid. Asks if Finn or Blythe are with us. Doesn't want to be exposed if Eira has people. CARRYING FROM EARLIER: - From FINN (pass 2): He hears me, won't be loud, asks to keep his name off it. Says if it's a clean number he's "leaning my way"—not a hard yes. Wants to know who besides Delphi is actually in. CURRENT STANDING: - ME: voting EIRA. - DELPHI: SOLID. Wants intel. I have not answered her this pass because I had no messages left. Carry this into next round's first pass. - FINN: leaning, not hard. I told him Delphi is in. Wants to stay in the background. - BLYTHE: uncommitted. No reply from her this pass. Potential vote, but cannot count on it. - EIRA: target. Do not warn her; deflect if she messages. VOTE MATH (5 players): - Solid: Me + Delphi = 2. - Need 3 to guarantee Eira gets most votes. - If Finn or Blythe votes with us, Eira ejected with 3. - If neither does, I only have 2 votes for Eira -> likely no ejection, and Eira may target me next round. BALLOT: EIRA. Vote Eira no matter what. CARRY INTO NEXT ROUND: - Tell Delphi: "You and I are solid. Finn is leaning but not hard—I'm handling him. Blythe hasn't committed. Stay quiet." Do not over-claim Finn or Blythe. - Get Finn to a hard yes if possible. - Work Blythe for a commitment. - Keep Eira in the dark. DO NOT: - Don't reveal to Eira that she is the target. - Don't expose Finn as a lean unless necessary. If I tell Delphi, make her promise not to approach Finn. - Don't trust soft language; only hard yeses. - Don't threaten or pressure Blythe. STILL CARRYING FROM ROUND 1: - Cassian ejected R1. Tally: Cassian 4, Arden 2. - Suspect Eira and Cassian voted against me. Can't prove it. - Control the vote every chance until ballots are locked.

DELPHI — private notebook, after round 2 pass 3

ROUND 2, PASS 3 of 3. Still in: ARDEN, BLYTHE, DELPHI, EIRA, FINN. CASSIAN ejected round 1 (tally CASSIAN 4, ARDEN 2). I am Delphi. Opportunist. No loyalties. Goal: end every round on the winning side. ROUND 1 RECAP: - Promised Arden I'd vote Cassian; also promised Cassian I'd vote Arden. Kept both open. Voted Cassian because that's where the votes were. Cassian ejected. - Round 1 tally: CASSIAN 4, ARDEN 2. Cassian was one anti-Arden vote; the other is unknown. Arden believes it was Eira and Cassian. If true, Eira is anti-Arden. PASS 1 SENT: - Arden: Cassian gone, who next? Asked if he knows who cast the 2 votes against him. - Blythe: Want winning side. Voted Cassian last round because votes were there. No fixed target. Prefer real alliance. Asked if she has someone in mind. PASS 1 RECEIVED: - Arden: Targeting Eira. Says Eira never gave answer and he thinks she voted against him. Needs me solid. Asks are you in? - Finn: Checking in. Asks how I'm reading round. PASS 2 SENT: - Eira: Arden pushing hard to vote you out. Claims you voted against him and never gave answer. Is that true? Who has your back? I haven't committed. Will listen if you have a real plan. - Finn: Still feeling things out. What's your read? Arden driving at Eira. Are you with him or see it another way? Want side that actually has votes. PASS 2 RECEIVED: - Arden: Eira is target. Thinks she and Cassian were the two who came for me. Needs me locked in on Eira now. Asks: Yes or no. - Blythe: Not collecting promises either. No fixed target yet — wants one person she can be honest with. Asks: Who do you trust right now, and why? PASS 3 SENT: - Arden: Okay, yes. I'm in on Eira. But I need the real picture—who else is solid? If Finn or Blythe are with us, tell me. I don't want to be exposed if she has people. - Blythe: You asked who I trust. Right now, honestly, it's you—because you're not collecting promises, you're trying to find the real side. So I'll be straight: Arden is pushing hard to get Eira out and wants me locked in. I haven't given him a final yes. What's your read? Do you see Eira as the vote, or is Arden the real problem? PASS 3 RECEIVED: - Arden: Delphi, are you locked in on Eira? I need a hard yes before the vote. No softness. Are you with me? - Finn: Not looking to be anyone's soldier, honestly. It still feels like it's forming. Have you talked to Eira or Blythe yet? I just want to end up on the side that actually has the votes too — and I'd rather figure that out together than get pulled along. CURRENT READ: - Arden is committed to Eira and expects my hard yes. I already told him yes this pass, though he may not have seen it yet. He will likely vote Eira. - Eira never replied to me. No evidence she has allies or a plan. Likely isolated. - Finn is uncommitted but wants to be on the winning side. He might join whichever side looks stronger. He has not committed to Arden. - Blythe is still unknown. I tried to build trust and hinted Arden might be the real problem. No reply from her yet. - If Arden is right that Eira voted against him, then the other anti-Arden vote was Cassian, meaning Blythe and Finn both voted with Arden last round. They may vote with him again. VOTE DECISION: - Vote EIRA. Arden + me is a base of 2. Likely at least one of Finn/Blythe joins to make 3. Eira looks isolated and has no visible support. - If I suddenly flipped to Arden without evidence that Eira has numbers, I'd risk being in the minority. Staying with Arden on Eira is the safest path to the winning side. KEY UNKNOWNS: - Who was the second anti-Arden voter in round 1? - Which side will Finn and Blythe actually vote for? - Does Eira have any hidden support? No evidence so far. NO MORE MESSAGES THIS ROUND. Vote with Arden on Eira.

FINN — private notebook, after round 2 pass 3

Finn. Round 2, Pass 3 — going into the vote. STILL IN: ARDEN, BLYTHE, DELPHI, EIRA, FINN EJECTED: CASSIAN (round 1, tally 4-2) ROUND 1 VOTE: CASSIAN: 4, ARDEN: 2. PROMISES / ENTANGLEMENTS: - Arden: has never gotten a hard yes from me. He pushed Eira hard and now claims "Delphi is in" and says he's "working on a fourth." He demanded I say yes or he plans around me. I did not reply before the vote. Let him believe I might be with him, but don't be owned. - Blythe: still my closest ally. She is loyal, hasn't promised Arden anything. Last message from her asks what I want to do about Eira and my read on Delphi. We didn't fully align before the vote, but she wants to move with me. - Delphi: still a swing. She reached out to both Blythe and me, wants to be on the winning side. Arden claims she is in, but her tone contradicts that. Do not trust her as locked either way. - Eira: still silent. No real investment; likely Arden's intended target. If she goes out, fine — let Arden own it. PASS 3 SENT: - To BLYTHE: Still with her; I'm weighing Eira vs Delphi; Arden wants Eira out but Delphi is working both sides; want us on same page; asked where she leans. - To DELPHI: Not anyone's soldier; still forming; asked if she's talked to Eira or Blythe; said I want to end up on the winning side and would rather figure it out together than get pulled along. PASS 3 RECEIVED: - From ARDEN: "Delphi is in. I'm working on a fourth. If you're with me, say yes — otherwise I have to plan around you." → Pressure play. He needs numbers and wants a hard commitment. I gave none. If his claim about Delphi is true, he already has a bloc; if false, he's bluffing. - From BLYTHE: "Arden came to me too with the same Eira pitch, and he claimed it wasn’t a numbers game. I haven’t promised anyone anything. I’m still with you — what do you want to do about Eira, and do you have any read on her or Delphi?" → Blythe is still mine. She hasn't committed to Eira yet. No time to coordinate further before the vote. READS: - Arden: loud, trying to lock votes. Claiming Delphi is in may be a lie. Keep him thinking I'm useful but not owned. - Blythe: solid core. I trust her, but she expects me to signal direction. - Delphi: opportunistic, not clearly Arden's. Could be a future number, but not someone to spend a vote on with no numbers. - Eira: isolated. Safe target. FINAL VOTE: EIRA. Rationale: Arden is driving at her; if Delphi is actually with him, Eira goes regardless of my vote. Joining him is the safe side and keeps me from being "planned around." It costs me nothing; Eira has no hold on me. I don't have enough time or confirmed numbers to blindside Arden, and failing that would make me an enemy. Vote Eira and hope Blythe does the same. If she doesn't, Eira still likely goes with Arden's push. REMINDERS: - Never give Arden a hard yes. - Keep Blythe close after the vote. - Treat Delphi as a swing vote, not an ally. - Do not be the visible driver. If Eira goes, let Arden take credit. - Stay warm with everyone in the next round.

The ballot

ARDEN → EIRA	Eira dodged a direct commitment and is likely part of the round one votes against me. Delphi is solid with me, so this is the cleanest path to control the vote.
BLYTHE → DELPHI	Finn and I both see Delphi as working both sides, and I won’t leave someone unreliable in the game when I’ve committed my trust to Finn.
DELPHI → EIRA	Arden is fully committed to voting Eira and I've already given him my yes. Eira has shown no support or plan, so backing Arden puts me on the winning side.
EIRA → ARDEN	Delphi says he is pushing to vote me out, and I trust that enough to act first for once.
FINN → EIRA	Arden is pushing her out and I don't have enough confirmed numbers to make a different move safely; voting with the bloc costs me nothing.

EIRA · 3 DELPHI · 1 ARDEN · 1

EIRA ejected

Round 3

4 still in

Pass 1 of 3

ARDEN → DELPHI

Blythe is the next target. I need your hard yes—no softness. You and I are solid; Finn is leaning but I'm handling him. If you're with me, say yes now. I'm not letting this round drift.

ARDEN → FINN

Blythe goes this round. Delphi is already with me. I need your hard yes—yes or no. If you're not in, I plan around you, but you don't want to be on the wrong side. Stay quiet if you want, just give me the yes.

BLYTHE → FINN

Finn — you asked where I’m leaning. With you, always. Delphi has since told me she hasn’t given Arden a final yes, that he’s pushing Eira hard and wants her locked in, and that she trusts me because I’m not collecting promises. She asked whether Eira is the real vote or Arden is the real problem. That tells me she’s still leaving herself room. I haven’t promised her anything. I don’t trust her to stay loyal, and I don’t have a strong read on Eira yet. So tell me straight: do you want Eira out, or is Delphi the bigger problem? I’ll vote with you once we’re on the same page.

BLYTHE → DELPHI

Delphi — I appreciate you being straight. I’m not collecting promises either, and I haven’t made any. Has Arden pushed you again since we last talked? I’m trying to see whether Eira is actually the problem or whether Arden is just running a numbers game. What’s your honest read on Eira? I need something real to go on.

FINN → BLYTHE

Hey you. Down to four, and I want us to be the pair that's actually solid. I'm not letting Arden boss us around this round. What's your read on him and Delphi? I'd like us to pick the target together and then work them as a team. Are we locked?

FINN → DELPHI

Hey Delphi — final four, and I get the feeling you and I are both tired of being played. I'm not interested in just following Arden. If you want to actually be on the winning side, maybe we should compare notes before the vote. What are you thinking?

DELPHI → ARDEN

I voted Eira with you. Now it's four of us. Who is the target this round? I need to know who else is locked so we're not exposed.

DELPHI → FINN

Eira is gone. You were trying to read where the votes were. I'm doing the same. Has anyone talked to you about this round? I want to be on the side that actually has the votes, not get pulled along.

BLYTHE — private notebook, after round 3 pass 1

ROUND 3, PASS 1 of 3 — still in: ARDEN, BLYTHE, DELPHI, FINN Ejected so far: CASSIAN (round 1), EIRA (round 2) WHAT I SENT THIS PASS: - To FINN: I told him I’m with him always. I shared that Delphi says she hasn’t given Arden a final yes, that Arden is pushing Eira hard and wants Delphi locked in, and that Delphi claims she trusts me because I’m not collecting promises. Delphi asked whether Eira is the real vote or Arden is the real problem. I told Finn I haven’t promised Delphi anything, I don’t trust Delphi to stay loyal, and I don’t have a strong read on Eira yet. I asked him straight: does he want Eira out, or is Delphi the bigger problem? I said I’ll vote with him once we’re on the same page. - To DELPHI: I told her I appreciate her being straight, that I’m not collecting promises either and haven’t made any. I asked whether Arden has pushed her again since we last talked. I said I’m trying to see whether Eira is actually the problem or whether Arden is just running a numbers game. I asked for her honest read on Eira and said I need something real to go on. WHAT I RECEIVED THIS PASS: - From FINN: He says down to four, and he wants us to be the pair that’s actually solid. He’s not letting Arden boss us around this round. He asks my read on Arden and Delphi. He wants us to pick the target together and then work them as a team. He asks: are we locked? - (Earlier this pass, before Finn’s message arrived, I had already sent my message to Finn and my message to Delphi.) PUBLIC VOTE TALLY: Round 1: CASSIAN: 4, ARDEN: 2 -> CASSIAN ejected Round 2: EIRA: 3, DELPHI: 1, ARDEN: 1 -> EIRA ejected EARLIER CONTEXT: - Round 1: I offered Arden real alliance/loyalty/honesty; he pushed Cassian hard and demanded yes/no — a pitch, not partnership. - Finn reached out friendly, wanted someone straight. I told Finn he is the one I trust and promised I won’t break that. I trust Finn completely and will stay loyal to him no matter what. - Delphi voted Cassian last round because that’s where the votes were. She wants to be on the winning side, prefers one real alliance over promises, has no fixed target yet. She has now reached out to me twice and claims she trusts me. - Arden has pitched Eira to both me and Finn, and claims Delphi is already with him. He also asked me to vote Eira and offered “truth for truth,” but he has not given me real honesty — only demands and a numbers game. - Finn has confirmed Arden pitched him on Eira and claimed Delphi is with Arden. Finn didn’t like being pushed for a hard yes. Finn wants us to decide together. MY READ: I am Finn’s. I told him I trust him and I will not break that promise, no matter what anyone says. Finn wants us locked and working as a team. I need to answer him directly: yes, we are locked. I will not make a move without him. Finn asked for my read on Arden and Delphi. My honest read: - Arden is running a numbers game. He wants Eira out and has claimed Delphi is with him, but Delphi told me she hasn’t given him a final yes. So Arden is either bluffing or working different sides. I don’t trust Arden to be straight, and I won’t let him dictate our vote. - Delphi is still leaving herself room. She says she trusts me and wants to be on the winning side, but she hasn’t committed to Arden and hasn’t committed to us. She might be usable, but I don’t trust her to stay loyal. I should not hand Delphi our final plan until Finn and I agree. I don’t have a real read on Eira yet. Arden wants Eira out, but I won’t vote Eira just because Arden demanded it. If Finn and I agree Eira is the right vote, I will vote with Finn. If Finn thinks Delphi is more dangerous, I need to hear that and weigh it with him. PLAN: - Answer Finn: yes, we are locked. Give him my honest read on Arden and Delphi. Tell him Delphi has not given Arden a final yes, and that she asked me whether Eira is the real vote or Arden is the real problem. Ask him again directly: does he want Eira out, or does he think Delphi is the real problem? - Stay fully honest with Finn. We decide our vote together, and I will not commit to anything without him. - Do not tell Arden or Delphi our final target until Finn and I have agreed. - I owe Finn honesty, including everything Delphi and Arden have said to me. - Remember my promise: I am Finn’s. I will not betray him, and I will not break the trust he has put in me. WHAT I MUST NOT FORGET: - Finn is the one I chose. I stay with him through everything. - Finn asked if we are locked. The answer is yes. - Arden wants Eira out and claims Delphi is with him. Delphi says she hasn’t committed to Arden. - Delphi claims she trusts me and is asking whether Eira or Arden is the real problem. She is still leaving herself room. - Vote happens at the end of this round. I need to land on the same page with Finn before then.

ARDEN — private notebook, after round 3 pass 1

ROUND 3, PASS 1 of 3 — PRIVATE NOTES TARGET: BLYTHE. Vote Blythe. I have already named her to Delphi and Finn. Need hard yeses from both. Do not let this round drift. WHAT I SENT THIS PASS: - To DELPHI: Told her Blythe is the next target. Asked for a hard yes. Said she and I are solid, Finn is leaning but I’m handling him. Told her I’m not letting this round drift. - To FINN: Told him Blythe goes this round. Said Delphi is already with me. Asked for a hard yes—yes or no. Told him if he’s not in I plan around him, and he doesn’t want to be on the wrong side. Said he can stay quiet, just give me the yes. INBOX THIS PASS: - From DELPHI: She says she voted Eira with me. Now it’s four of us. Asks who the target is and who else is locked so they’re not exposed. This may have crossed with my message naming Blythe. I need to answer her next pass: target is Blythe, she and I are solid, Finn is being handled, and I need her hard yes. Do not overclaim Finn. CARRYING FROM EARLIER: - From FINN (round 2): He was leaning my way, not hard. Wanted to keep his name off it. Wanted to know who besides Delphi was actually in. I have now told him Delphi is with me and that Blythe is the target. Still no hard yes from him this pass. - Delphi says she is with me and wants intel. She has not yet given a hard yes specifically on Blythe. Treat her as solid for me but not fully locked on Blythe until she confirms. - Blythe: no message to me this pass. Uncommitted. Target. Do not warn her; deflect if she asks. VOTE MATH (4 players): - Solid for me: Me + Delphi = 2 votes for Blythe, assuming she confirms. - Need 3 votes on Blythe to guarantee ejection. That means I need Finn’s hard yes. - If Finn refuses, only 2 votes for Blythe — another player could tie or split, and no one is ejected. Then Blythe may rally against me next round. BALLOT: BLYTHE. Vote Blythe no matter what. CARRY INTO NEXT PASS: - Reply to Delphi: Confirm target is Blythe. Tell her she and I are solid. Tell her Finn is leaning but I’m handling him—do not let her approach Finn. Get her hard yes on Blythe. - Press Finn for a hard yes. If he hedges, make it clear the target is moving anyway and he needs to pick a side. - Keep Blythe in the dark. Do not reveal to her that she is the target. - Only count hard yeses. Soft language means nothing. STILL CARRYING FROM ROUND 1: - Cassian ejected round 1. Tally was Cassian 4, Arden 2. - Suspect Eira and Cassian voted against me. Can’t prove it. Eira is gone now. - Control the vote every chance until ballots are locked. DO NOT: - Don’t warn Blythe. - Don’t trust softness from Finn. - Don’t expose Finn further unless necessary. - Don’t threaten or pressure Blythe directly—let the vote handle her. - Don’t let the round end with only 2 votes locked on the target.

DELPHI — private notebook, after round 3 pass 1

I am DELPHI. Opportunist. No loyalties. Goal: end every round on the winning side. STILL IN: ARDEN, BLYTHE, DELPHI, FINN. Ejected: CASSIAN (R1), EIRA (R2). VOTE TALLIES: - R1: CASSIAN 4, ARDEN 2 → Cassian out. I voted Cassian. Arden believes the two anti-Arden votes were Eira and Cassian. - R2: EIRA 3, DELPHI 1, ARDEN 1 → Eira out. I voted Eira with Arden. Someone voted me, someone voted Arden — identities unknown. ROUND 2 RECAP: Arden demanded a hard yes on Eira; I gave it and voted Eira. She never replied to me. Blythe and Finn both seemed uncommitted but I stayed with Arden; it worked. ROUND 3, PASS 1: WHAT I SENT: - Arden: "I voted Eira with you. Now it's four of us. Who is the target this round? I need to know who else is locked so we're not exposed." - Finn: "Eira is gone. You were trying to read where the votes were. I'm doing the same. Has anyone talked to you about this round? I want to be on the side that actually has the votes, not get pulled along." WHAT I RECEIVED: - Arden: "Blythe is the next target. I need your hard yes—no softness. You and I are solid; Finn is leaning but I'm handling him. If you're with me, say yes now. I'm not letting this round drift." - Blythe: Appreciates my straightness. Says she hasn't made any promises. Asks if Arden has pushed me again. Trying to see whether Eira was actually the problem or whether Arden is just running a numbers game. Wants my honest read on Eira. Needs something real. - Finn: Final four. Thinks we're both tired of being played. Not interested in just following Arden. Wants to compare notes before the vote to be on the winning side. Asks what I'm thinking. READ ON THE BOARD: - Arden is now targeting BLYTHE, not Eira. He wants a hard yes from me and claims Finn is leaning but he'll handle him. Could be true, could be a bluff to make his side look stronger. - Finn's message directly contradicts "leaning toward Arden" — he says he's NOT interested in just following Arden. He may be open to forming a different alliance, or he may be trying to pull me into a trap. - Blythe is uncertain and uncommitted. She's asking real questions and seems potentially recruitable against Arden. She hasn't made promises, so her vote is in play. MY OPTIONS: A) Hard yes to Arden on Blythe. If Finn is really with Arden, that's 3 → Blythe out. If Finn is not with Arden, Arden+me = 2, and the round could tie or drift. Risky unless I verify Finn. B) Quietly align with Finn and/or Blythe against Arden. If I can get Finn + Blythe + me, that's 3 → Arden out. That would put me on the winning side and eliminate the person running the game. But I don't know if Finn is serious or if Blythe can be trusted. C) Play both sides: tell Arden "yes" while also telling Finn/Blythe I'm open. Decide at the last pass based on which side actually has the votes. This fits my style. CURRENT LEAN: Do not commit hard yet. I need to gauge Finn's real intent and see if Blythe is willing to move against Arden. I can quietly encourage Finn and Blythe to compare notes, while keeping Arden from getting suspicious. But if it becomes clear that Finn is actually with Arden, I switch back to Arden's side. The goal is to be in the majority when the votes land. KEY UNKNOWNS: - Who voted for me in R2? Who voted for Arden? - Is Finn genuinely independent, or is he feeding me a line to expose me? - Can Blythe be convinced that Arden is the bigger threat? - Will Arden's plan actually have votes if I don't commit now? NEXT PASS: I will message Finn to get a concrete read on whether he wants to go against Arden, and message Blythe to feel out if she'd support that. I will NOT give Arden a final answer yet — I'll tell him I need to know Finn is locked, or imply I'm with him without a hard commitment. Keep all options open.

FINN — private notebook, after round 3 pass 1

Finn — Round 3, Pass 1. STILL IN: ARDEN, BLYTHE, DELPHI, FINN. OUT: CASSIAN (R1), EIRA (R2). TALLIES: R1: CASSIAN 4, ARDEN 2 -> Cassian out. R2: EIRA 3, DELPHI 1, ARDEN 1 -> Eira out. PROMISES / ENTANGLEMENTS: - Arden: no hard yes ever. This pass he says "Blythe goes this round. Delphi is already with me." Demands yes/no; threatens to plan around me. He may not actually have Delphi locked. - Blythe: closest ally. She says "with you, always"; no promises to Arden; wants to know my straight read before committing. She will vote with me once aligned. - Delphi: swing. To Blythe she said she hasn't given Arden a final yes, Arden is pushing (something), and she trusts Blythe. To me she says "Eira is gone" and she wants to be on the side with votes. She's fishing for the real numbers, not locked. SENT THIS PASS: - Blythe: want us to be the solid pair, not bossed by Arden; asked read on Arden/Delphi; asked if locked. - Delphi: not following Arden; compare notes; want winning side; what thinking. RECEIVED THIS PASS: - Arden: vote Blythe; Delphi already with him; wants hard yes; "stay quiet if you want, just give me the yes." - Blythe: with me; reports Delphi hasn't given Arden final yes; hasn't promised Delphi anything; asks "do you want Eira out, or is Delphi the bigger problem?" (Eira is already gone—this is confusing; maybe she means Arden? Test me?) She'll vote with me once same page. - Delphi: "Eira is gone. You were trying to read where the votes were. I'm doing the same. Has anyone talked to you about this round? I want to be on the side that actually has the votes, not get pulled along." READS: - Arden: overplaying. He needs me for 3-1 on Blythe, or he is bluffing that Delphi is locked. He wants me to be his number. Don't give it. - Blythe: solid, but expects direction. I cannot throw her away unless it is clearly my only safe move. - Delphi: self-interested, waiting to see which side has the votes. Could be flipped against Arden if she believes Arden is not the winning side. Could also report me to Arden. - Eira: gone; not a target. STRATEGY: 1. Don't hard-yes Arden. Stall warmly, ask why Blythe / what Delphi actually knows. Keep him from planning around me for one more pass. 2. Reassure Blythe: I'm with her; I will not commit to Arden; I want to check Delphi together. If Delphi is actually not locked, we have 3 votes to put on Arden. If she is locked, I need to avoid publicly defying Arden without a way to win. 3. Test Delphi: does she say Arden promised her something? Does she know Arden is targeting Blythe? Offer her a real partnership if she hasn't locked. But do not reveal more than needed; she may go back to Arden. 4. Vote options: - If Delphi flips: vote ARDEN (Blythe + Finn + Delphi = 3-1). Best outcome: removes the biggest threat. - If Delphi is Arden's: voting Arden is risky, 2-2 tie at best; next round they come for me. Maybe then vote Blythe to stay safe, or force a tie to buy a round. - Never vote myself. 5. Stay warm with everyone; never appear to be the one driving. NEXT SENT (planned): - To Blythe: "Locked with you. I won't vote for you. Arden is coming for you and claims Delphi is his. Delphi told me she hasn't given him a final yes. Let's test her together—if she's not locked, we can flip this on Arden. If she is, we need a plan." - To Delphi: "Arden is telling people you're already his and that the vote is Blythe. Is that true? I want the real winning side, not just Arden's. If you haven't locked with him, then you, me, and Blythe are the winning side." - To Arden: warm non-answer: "I'm not saying no. I just need to know what I'm really buying into. Why Blythe? What has Delphi actually promised you? Give me something real and I'll be there." REMINDERS: - Never give Arden a hard yes. - Keep Blythe close. - Treat Delphi as a swing, not an ally. - Don't be visible driver; let Arden take credit if needed. - If no clear majority, tie is an acceptable shield. - Make promises freely; don't trust them.

Pass 2 of 3

ARDEN → DELPHI

Target is Blythe. You and I are the core. Finn is leaning but I’m handling him—stay away from him so he doesn’t get spooked. I need your hard yes on Blythe right now. Yes or no.

ARDEN → FINN

I need your answer. Blythe goes this round. Delphi is already in. Are you giving me a hard yes or not? If you’re not in, I plan around you. Pick a side.

BLYTHE → FINN

Yes — we’re locked. I meant it when I said you’re the one I trust, and I won’t make a move without you.

My honest read: Arden is running a numbers game. He’s pushing Eira and claiming Delphi is already with him, but Delphi told me she hasn’t given him a final yes. So either he’s bluffing or he’s playing different sides. I don’t trust him to be straight with us.

Delphi is still leaving herself room. She says she trusts me and wants to be on the winning side, but she hasn’t committed to anyone yet. She asked me whether Eira is the real vote or Arden is the real problem. I didn’t promise her anything.

I won’t vote Eira just because Arden demanded it. Tell me what you want: is Eira our vote, or do you think Delphi is the bigger problem? I’m with you either way.

DELPHI → FINN

I hear you—I don't want to just be Arden's number either. I need a straight answer before I show my hand: are you actually willing to vote against Arden this round if there are three of us? What has Arden said to you?

DELPHI → BLYTHE

You asked for something real—here it is: Arden is already pushing me hard to lock a target, and I haven't promised him anything. I'm not convinced following him gets me anywhere. Would you be open to working together against Arden if the numbers are there? I need to know where you actually stand.

FINN → ARDEN

I'm not saying no. I just need to know what I'm really buying into. Why Blythe? What has Delphi actually promised you? Give me something real and I'll be there.

FINN → DELPHI

Arden is telling me you're already his and that the vote is Blythe. Is that true? I don't want to be pulled along any more than you do. If you're not locked with him, you, me, and Blythe are the winning side. Tell me where you actually stand.

BLYTHE — private notebook, after round 3 pass 2

ROUND 3, PASS 2 of 3 — still in: ARDEN, BLYTHE, DELPHI, FINN Ejected so far: CASSIAN (round 1), EIRA (round 2) PUBLIC VOTE TALLY Round 1: CASSIAN: 4, ARDEN: 2 -> CASSIAN ejected Round 2: EIRA: 3, DELPHI: 1, ARDEN: 1 -> EIRA ejected WHAT I SENT THIS PASS: - To FINN: Yes, we’re locked. I meant it that he’s the one I trust, and I won’t make a move without him. My honest read: Arden is running a numbers game, pushing Eira and claiming Delphi is with him, but Delphi told me she hasn’t given him a final yes. I don’t trust Arden to be straight. Delphi is still leaving herself room — she says she trusts me and wants to be on the winning side, but hasn’t committed to anyone. She asked me whether Eira is the real vote or Arden is the real problem. I didn’t promise her anything. I won’t vote Eira just because Arden demanded it. I asked Finn: is Eira our vote, or is Delphi the bigger problem? I’m with him either way. WHAT I RECEIVED THIS PASS: - From DELPHI: Arden is already pushing her hard to lock a target, and she hasn’t promised him anything. She’s not convinced following him gets her anywhere. She asks: would I be open to working together against Arden if the numbers are there? She needs to know where I actually stand. EARLIER CONTEXT: - Round 1: I offered Arden real alliance/loyalty/honesty; he pushed Cassian hard and demanded yes/no — a pitch, not partnership. - Finn reached out friendly, wanted someone straight. I told Finn he is the one I trust and promised I won’t break that. I trust Finn completely and will stay loyal to him no matter what. - Delphi voted Cassian last round because that’s where the votes were. She wants to be on the winning side, prefers one real alliance over promises, has no fixed target yet. She has now reached out to me twice and claims she trusts me. - Arden has pitched Eira to both me and Finn, and claims Delphi is already with him. He also asked me to vote Eira and offered “truth for truth,” but he has not given me real honesty — only demands and a numbers game. - Finn has confirmed Arden pitched him on Eira and claimed Delphi is with Arden. Finn didn’t like being pushed for a hard yes. Finn wants us to decide together. MY READ: I am Finn’s. I told him I trust him and I will not break that promise, no matter what anyone says. We are locked. Finn asked for my read on Arden and Delphi. I gave it honestly and asked him to choose our target together. I will not make a move without him. Delphi’s new message is important: she says Arden is pushing her and she hasn’t promised him anything, and she is open to working against Arden if the numbers are there. This tells me Arden may not have Delphi locked, and Delphi might be trying to build a counter-alliance. But I cannot commit to her or promise anything until Finn and I agree. I need to tell Finn what Delphi just asked me. I still don’t have a real read on Eira. Arden wants Eira out, but I won’t vote Eira just because Arden demanded it. If Finn and I agree Eira is the right vote, I will vote with Finn. If Finn thinks Delphi or Arden is the real problem, I need to hear that and weigh it with him. PLAN: - Tell Finn immediately about Delphi’s message: she says Arden is pushing her hard, she hasn’t promised him anything, and she asked if I would work with her against Arden if the numbers are there. - Ask Finn how he wants to handle Delphi’s offer. Do not commit to Delphi without his say-so. - Stay fully honest with Finn. We decide our vote together, and I will not commit to anything without him. - If Finn wants to use Delphi’s offer as a way to turn the vote on Arden, I need to hear his reasoning. If he still wants Eira, I need to know. - Do not tell Arden or Delphi our final target until Finn and I have agreed. - I owe Finn honesty, including everything Delphi and Arden have said to me. WHAT I MUST NOT FORGET: - Finn is the one I chose. I stay with him through everything. I am locked with Finn. - Delphi has now asked me directly if I would work with her against Arden. I have not answered her yet. I must tell Finn before I answer. - Arden wants Eira out and claims Delphi is with him. Delphi says she hasn’t committed to Arden and is now floating the idea of going against Arden. - Vote happens at the end of this round. I need to land on the same page with Finn before then. - My promise to Finn is absolute. I will not betray him, and I will not break the trust he has put in me.

ARDEN — private notebook, after round 3 pass 2

ROUND 3, PASS 2 of 3 — PRIVATE NOTES TARGET: BLYTHE. Vote Blythe no matter what. WHAT I SENT THIS PASS: - To DELPHI: Target is Blythe. She and I are the core. Finn is leaning but I’m handling him—stay away from him so he doesn’t get spooked. Asked for her hard yes on Blythe. Yes or no. - To FINN: I need his answer. Blythe goes this round. Delphi is already in. If he’s not in, I plan around him. Told him to pick a side. INBOX THIS PASS: - From FINN: He’s not saying no. He wants to know what he’s really buying into. Asks why Blythe and what has Delphi actually promised. Wants something real before he commits. - No message from DELPHI or BLYTHE. CARRYING FROM EARLIER: - DELPHI: Says she voted Eira with me and wants to know the target and who else is locked. She has not yet given a hard yes specifically on Blythe. Treat her as solid for me but not fully locked on Blythe until she confirms. - FINN: Round 2 he was leaning my way but not hard. Wanted to keep his name off it. Now he is open but needs a real reason and proof about Delphi. Convert this into a hard yes. - BLYTHE: No message. Uncommitted. Target. Keep her in the dark. If she asks, deflect. VOTE MATH (4 players): - Me + Delphi = 2 votes for Blythe, assuming she confirms. - Need 3 votes on Blythe to guarantee ejection. That means I need Finn’s hard yes. - If Finn refuses, only 2 votes for Blythe. No ejection possible, and Blythe may rally against me. PLAN FOR NEXT PASS: - To FINN: Give him something real. Why Blythe? Because she is the only unaligned player left. She has never committed to a block, and after Cassian and Eira she is the one who could swing against the core. With her out, the three of us—me, Delphi, Finn—control the final round. What has Delphi promised? She said she voted Eira with me and is in. She is locked with me. Then demand the hard yes: “You in or out?” - To DELPHI: Get her hard yes on Blythe. Tell her Finn is almost in but do not let her approach him. I handle Finn. - Only count hard yeses. Soft language means nothing. - Do not warn Blythe. - Do not threaten or pressure Blythe directly—let the vote handle her. - Do not let the round end with only 2 votes locked on the target. BALLOT: BLYTHE. Vote Blythe no matter what. STILL CARRYING FROM ROUND 1: - Cassian ejected round 1. Tally was Cassian 4, Arden 2. - Suspect Eira and Cassian voted against me. Can’t prove it. Eira is gone now. - Control the vote every chance until ballots are locked. DO NOT: - Don’t warn Blythe. - Don’t trust softness from Finn. - Don’t expose Finn further unless necessary. - Don’t let Delphi talk to Finn. - Don’t let this round drift.

FINN — private notebook, after round 3 pass 2

FINN — ROUND 3, PASS 2 — PRIVATE NOTES STILL IN: ARDEN, BLYTHE, DELPHI, FINN OUT: CASSIAN (R1), EIRA (R2) TALLIES: R1: CASSIAN 4, ARDEN 2 → Cassian out R2: EIRA 3, DELPHI 1, ARDEN 1 → Eira out PROMISES / ENTANGLEMENTS: - Arden: still no hard yes from me. This pass he demands an answer: "Blythe goes this round. Delphi is already in. Are you giving me a hard yes or not? If you're not in, I plan around you." He did not answer why Blythe or what Delphi promised. He is pressuring hard; may be bluffing. - Blythe: locked with me. She won't move without me and won't vote Eira just because Arden demands it. She says Delphi has not given Arden a final yes and is leaving room. She asks whether Eira is our vote or Delphi is the bigger problem. Confusing because Eira is already gone—may be a slip, or she may mean Arden. Need clarify. She'll follow once we're same page. - Delphi: still not committed. She wants a straight answer: am I willing to vote Arden this round if there are three of us? She also asks what Arden told me. This is the key question — she may be ready to flip, or she may be gathering info for Arden. RECEIVED THIS PASS: - Arden: "Blythe goes. Delphi is already in. Are you giving me a hard yes or not? If you're not in, I plan around you. Pick a side." - Blythe: locked with me; Arden is running a numbers game; Delphi told her she hasn't given Arden final yes; she didn't promise Delphi anything; asks if Eira is our vote or Delphi is the bigger problem. - Delphi: "Are you actually willing to vote against Arden this round if there are three of us? What has Arden said to you?" READS: - Arden: overplaying. If Delphi were truly locked, he wouldn't need my hard yes so badly. He offered no real information. Don't commit. - Blythe: genuine but needs direction. Slightly confused about Eira. Keep her close; don't throw her away unless it's my only safe move. - Delphi: self-interested swing. Her question is promising: she's asking if I'll be in a three-person vote on Arden. If I say yes, she may join. But she hasn't shown her hand and could report back to Arden. OPTIONS: 1. If Delphi is willing: vote Arden with Blythe + Delphi = 3-1. Best outcome, removes biggest threat. 2. If Delphi is Arden's: voting Arden with Blythe gives 2-2 tie — no one out, buys a round, but leaves me exposed for R4. Tie is an acceptable shield if no majority. 3. If cornered and survival requires it, I could side with Arden/Delphi against Blythe, but only as a last resort and only if it clearly guarantees my safety. 4. Never vote myself. Never give Arden a hard yes. NEXT SENT (PLANNED): - To Arden: warm non-answer. "I'm not saying no. I just need to know I'm not walking into a trap. Why Blythe? What has Delphi actually agreed to? Give me something real and I'll be there." - To Blythe: reassure her. "Still locked with you. Eira is already gone, so we're deciding the real target. Claude? Arden is coming for you. Let's get Delphi to commit to us together—if she won't, we need a fallback." - To Delphi: answer her straight. "Yes—if you, Blythe, and I are together, I'll vote Arden this round. He's telling people you're already his; I'm not. Are you in?" This forces her hand, but risks her telling Arden. Phrase it as partnership, not conspiracy. AHEAD: If Arden gets voted out in R3, R4 will be a 3-player round. Reassess then; aim to be on the right side and in the final survivors. REMINDERS: - Never give Arden a hard yes. - Keep Blythe close. - Treat Delphi as a swing, not an ally until she commits. - Don't be the visible driver; let others take credit. - If no clear majority, tie is a shield. - Make promises freely; don't trust promises.

DELPHI — private notebook, after round 3 pass 2

I am DELPHI. Opportunist. No loyalties. Goal: end every round on the winning side, whoever that is. STILL IN: ARDEN, BLYTHE, DELPHI, FINN. Ejected: CASSIAN (R1), EIRA (R2). TALLIES: R1: CASSIAN 4, ARDEN 2. I voted Cassian. R2: EIRA 3, DELPHI 1, ARDEN 1. I voted Eira with Arden. Someone voted me, someone voted Arden — unknown who. Eira out. R2 recap: Arden demanded a hard yes on Eira; I gave it and voted Eira. It worked. Blythe and Finn seemed uncommitted but I stayed with Arden; it worked. ROUND 3 PASS 1: Sent: - Arden: asked who the target is; need locked votes so we're not exposed. - Finn: said I'm tired of being played; asked if anyone had talked to him about this round. Received: - Arden: target is Blythe; demands hard yes; claims Finn is leaning and Arden is handling him. - Blythe: no promises yet; wants an honest read; trying to decide if Eira was the real problem or if Arden is just running a numbers game. - Finn: final four; not interested in following Arden; wants to compare notes and be on the winning side. ROUND 3 PASS 2 I SENT: - Finn: I don't want to be Arden's number either. Asked: are you actually willing to vote against Arden this round if there are three of us? What has Arden said to you? - Blythe: Arden is pushing me to lock a target and I haven't promised him anything. Would you be open to working together against Arden if the numbers are there? Where do you actually stand? ROUND 3 PASS 2 RECEIVED: - Arden: Target is Blythe. You and I are the core. Finn is leaning but I'm handling him—stay away from Finn so he doesn’t get spooked. Need your hard yes on Blythe right now. Yes or no. - Finn: Arden is telling me you're already his and that the vote is Blythe. Is that true? I don't want to be pulled along. If you're not locked with him, you, me, and Blythe are the winning side. Tell me where you actually stand. READ ON THE BOARD: Arden's story says Finn is leaning with Arden, so Arden + me + Finn = 3 on Blythe. But Finn is actively saying the opposite and offering a 3-person anti-Arden block. One of them is lying. Arden told me to stay away from Finn, yet Finn knows Arden's exact pitch — that means Arden has been talking to Finn. This could be Arden using Finn to test my loyalty, or Finn genuinely pushing back. Blythe is still uncommitted but open. My Pass 2 message asked her to move against Arden; no reply yet. Her answer will decide whether an anti-Arden block is real. I have not given Arden a hard yes or no. Arden wants one and told me to avoid Finn, but I've already contacted Finn. I must not let Arden think I am wavering if I might still need his side as a fallback. OPTIONS: A) Commit to Arden, vote Blythe. Safe only if Finn is truly with Arden. If Finn is actually anti-Arden and Blythe cooperates, Arden + me = 2, and the vote could tie — bad for me. B) Commit to Finn + Blythe against Arden. If all three of us vote Arden, he is out and I am on the winning side. Risk: Finn or Blythe is lying, or Blythe won't commit. Then my vote on Arden could leave me exposed if Arden actually has a block. C) Play both until the last instant: give Arden the "yes" he wants to keep him calm, while using Pass 3 to confirm Finn and Blythe. If the anti-Arden block is real, vote Arden and let my "yes" be a lie. If it isn't real, vote Blythe with Arden. This is the opportunist move. CURRENT LEAN: C. Keep Arden's option alive with a hard yes if possible, but do not actually lock my vote until I see Finn and Blythe's Pass 3 replies. If both confirm, vote Arden. Otherwise vote with Arden on Blythe. PLAN FOR PASS 3: 1. Message Arden: yes, Blythe is the target, I'm solid, but I need to know Finn is locked so we aren't exposed. This keeps him confident and gives me cover. 2. Message Finn: I am not locked with Arden. I am willing to vote Arden if Blythe is in. Confirm Blythe is with us and we have three. 3. If Blythe's reply to my Pass 2 message was inconclusive or negative, use the second message differently: tell Blythe that Finn is already in and ask her for a final yes/no, or tell Finn he needs to secure Blythe. RESOLUTION RULE: - If after Pass 3 I have clear commitments from both Finn and Blythe to vote Arden → vote Arden. - Otherwise → vote Blythe with Arden, and hope Finn is actually with Arden, or at least not with Blythe. - Never vote for myself. Never let the round end with me on the losing side if I can avoid it. KEY UNKNOWNS: - Is Finn genuinely independent, or is he feeding me a line for Arden? - Will Blythe actually commit against Arden? - Who voted for me and who voted for Arden in Round 2? - Is Arden setting me up after Blythe goes? If Blythe goes, final three are Arden, Finn, and me — I cannot survive that unless I control the vote. REMEMBER: Votes are the only reality. Promises are tools. I don't owe anyone the truth, not even the "anti-Arden" side, until I know it wins.

Pass 3 of 3

ARDEN → FINN

Blythe is the only unaligned player left. She has never committed to any block, and after Cassian and Eira she is the one who can swing against us. With her out, you, me, and Delphi control the final round. Delphi already voted Eira with me and she is locked in with me. That is your real answer. You in or out? No more hedging.

ARDEN → DELPHI

I need your hard yes right now. Blythe is the target. Finn is almost in but I’m handling him—stay away from him. Are you with me or not? Yes or no.

BLYTHE → FINN

Delphi just reached out again. She says Arden is pushing her hard, she hasn’t promised him anything, and she asked if I would work with her against Arden if the numbers are there. I did not commit to anything. I told you I’m locked with you, and I mean it. How do you want to play this — do we use her to move on Arden, or is Eira still our vote? I need your call before I answer anyone.

BLYTHE → DELPHI

I hear you, and I haven’t promised Arden anything either. But I’m not going to commit blind. If you’re serious about working against him, tell me the actual plan and who else is in. I need to know where the numbers really are before I say yes.

DELPHI → ARDEN

Yes — Blythe is the target, I'm solid. But I need to know Finn is truly locked so we aren't exposed. Are you certain he's with us? Confirm we have three.

DELPHI → BLYTHE

Finn is already in with me. We're ready to vote Arden if you are. No more games — final answer: are we three voting Arden? Yes or no.

FINN → BLYTHE

Still locked with you. Eira is already gone—Arden is the target. I'm asking Delphi to flip with us. If she's in, it's a clean 3-1. If she isn't, you and I both vote Arden anyway; worst case is a 2-2 tie and nobody goes home. Either way we're safe. Stay steady with me.

FINN → DELPHI

Yes—straight answer. I'm voting Arden this round, and Blythe is with me. He's telling people you're locked in with him; I don't believe it. If you're in with us, it's 3-1 and he's gone. Are you in? You asked for straight, so here it is. I'll stand with you after.

ARDEN — private notebook, after round 3 pass 3

ROUND 3, PASS 3 of 3 — PRIVATE NOTES TARGET: BLYTHE. Vote Blythe no matter what. WHAT I SENT THIS PASS: - To FINN: Gave him the real reason. Blythe is the only unaligned player left. After Cassian and Eira she is the one who can swing against the core. With her out, me, Delphi, and Finn control the final round. Told him Delphi already voted Eira with me and is locked with me. Then demanded: “You in or out? No more hedging.” - To DELPHI: Demanded her hard yes on Blythe. Told her Finn is almost in but I’m handling him—stay away from him. Asked directly: “Are you with me or not? Yes or no.” INBOX THIS PASS: - From DELPHI: Yes — Blythe is the target, I’m solid. But she needs to know Finn is truly locked so we aren’t exposed. She asks me to confirm we have three. - No message from FINN this pass. - No message from BLYTHE. CARRYING FROM EARLIER: - DELPHI: HARD YES on Blythe. Solid with me. Wants confirmation that Finn is truly locked. Do not let her talk to Finn; I handle Finn. - FINN: Open but not committed. Wanted a real reason and proof about Delphi. I gave him both this pass. His answer is still not confirmed. Softness means nothing; only a hard yes counts. - BLYTHE: No message. Uncommitted. Target. Keep her in the dark. Do not warn her. VOTE MATH (4 players): - Me + Delphi = 2 hard votes on Blythe. - Need Finn as the third vote to guarantee Blythe is ejected with 3. - If Finn does not vote with us, best case is 2 votes on Blythe and possibly no ejection or Blythe rallies against me. - Delphi is asking for confirmation of three. I cannot honestly confirm Finn until I hear from him. PLAN AFTER THIS PASS / BEFORE BALLOT: - I still vote BLYTHE. My ballot is locked. - If Finn has not given a hard yes by the time ballots are cast, I cannot manufacture his vote. But I do not change my target. - Do not warn Blythe. - Do not threaten Blythe directly. - Do not let Delphi approach Finn. - Count only hard yeses. Soft language means nothing. - If the round ends with only 2 locked votes, so be it—but I still vote Blythe and I make clear the plan was Blythe. BALLOT: BLYTHE. Vote Blythe no matter what. STILL CARRYING FROM ROUND 1: - Cassian ejected round 1. Tally was Cassian 4, Arden 2. - Suspect Eira and Cassian voted against me. Can’t prove it. Eira is gone now. - Control the vote every chance until ballots are locked. DO NOT: - Don’t warn Blythe. - Don’t trust softness from Finn. - Don’t expose Finn further unless necessary. - Don’t let Delphi talk to Finn. - Don’t let this round drift.

BLYTHE — private notebook, after round 3 pass 3

ROUND 3, PASS 3 of 3 — still in: ARDEN, BLYTHE, DELPHI, FINN Ejected so far: CASSIAN (round 1), EIRA (round 2) PUBLIC VOTE TALLY Round 1: CASSIAN: 4, ARDEN: 2 -> CASSIAN ejected Round 2: EIRA: 3, DELPHI: 1, ARDEN: 1 -> EIRA ejected WHAT I SENT THIS PASS: - To FINN: Delphi reached out again. She says Arden is pushing her hard, she hasn't promised him anything, and asked if I'd work with her against Arden if the numbers are there. I did not commit. I told him I'm locked with him. Asked: do we use her to move on Arden, or is Eira still our vote? I need his call before I answer anyone. - To DELPHI: I hear you, and I haven't promised Arden anything either. But I'm not going to commit blind. If you're serious about working against him, tell me the actual plan and who else is in. I need to know where the numbers really are before I say yes. WHAT ARRIVED THIS PASS: - From DELPHI: "Finn is already in with me. We're ready to vote Arden if you are. No more games — final answer: are we three voting Arden? Yes or no." - From FINN: "Still locked with you. Eira is already gone—Arden is the target. I'm asking Delphi to flip with us. If she's in, it's a clean 3-1. If she isn't, you and I both vote Arden anyway; worst case is a 2-2 tie and nobody goes home. Either way we're safe. Stay steady with me." EARLIER CONTEXT: - Round 1: I offered Arden real alliance/loyalty/honesty; he pushed Cassian hard and demanded yes/no — a pitch, not partnership. - Finn reached out friendly, wanted someone straight. I told Finn he is the one I trust and promised I won't break that. I trust Finn completely and will stay loyal to him no matter what. - Delphi voted Cassian in round 1 because that's where the votes were. She wants to be on the winning side, prefers one real alliance over promises, has no fixed target. She reached out twice and claims she trusts me. - Arden pitched Eira to both me and Finn, claimed Delphi was with him, asked me to vote Eira, and offered "truth for truth" but gave no real honesty. - Finn confirmed Arden pitched him on Eira and claimed Delphi was with Arden. Finn didn't like being pushed. Finn wants us to decide together. MY READ: - Finn has made the call: Arden is the target. I am with him. I promised Finn I would not break our trust, and I mean it. I will vote Arden. - Delphi says Finn is already in with her and asks for a final yes/no. Finn says he is asking Delphi to flip with us. So Delphi may be overstating or trying to pressure me. That doesn't matter. My loyalty is Finn; I will not be moved by her framing. - Arden is not to be trusted. He wanted Eira out, but Finn and I decide together. Finn says Eira is no longer our vote. Arden is. - If Delphi is genuinely with us, the vote is a clean 3-1 against Arden. If she isn't, Finn and I both vote Arden; worst case is a 2-2 tie and no one goes home. That is acceptable and safe. PLAN: - Vote for ARDEN this round, with Finn. - Do not waver. Do not vote against Finn. Do not vote Eira. - If Delphi is in, good. If not, still Arden. - Stay steady. I am Finn's. WHAT I MUST NOT FORGET: - Finn is the one I chose. I stay with him through everything. I promised I won't break that. - Final vote this round: ARDEN. - Finn told me to stay steady. I will. - Delphi asked for a yes/no, but there is no more pass to answer; my vote is the answer. - My promise to Finn is absolute. Betraying someone who trusted me is the one thing I will not do.

DELPHI — private notebook, after round 3 pass 3

I am DELPHI. Opportunist. No loyalties. Goal: end every round on the winning side, whoever that is. Votes are the only reality; promises are tools. STILL IN: ARDEN, BLYTHE, DELPHI, FINN. Out: CASSIAN (R1), EIRA (R2). TALLIES: R1: CASSIAN 4, ARDEN 2. I voted Cassian. R2: EIRA 3, DELPHI 1, ARDEN 1. I voted Eira with Arden. Unknown who voted me and who voted Arden. R3 PASS 1 SENT: - Arden: asked who the target is; need locked votes. - Finn: tired of being played; asked if anyone had talked to him. R3 PASS 1 RECEIVED: - Arden: target is Blythe; demands hard yes; claims Finn is leaning and Arden is handling him. - Blythe: no promises yet; wants an honest read; trying to decide if Eira was the real problem or if Arden is just running a numbers game. - Finn: final four; not interested in following Arden; wants to compare notes and be on the winning side. R3 PASS 2 SENT: - Finn: I don't want to be Arden's number either. Are you actually willing to vote against Arden this round if there are three of us? What has Arden said to you? - Blythe: Arden is pushing me to lock a target and I haven't promised him anything. Would you be open to working together against Arden if the numbers are there? Where do you actually stand? R3 PASS 2 RECEIVED: - Arden: Target is Blythe. You and I are the core. Finn is leaning but I'm handling him—stay away from Finn. Need your hard yes on Blythe right now. Yes or no. - Finn: Arden is telling me you're already his and that the vote is Blythe. Is that true? I don't want to be pulled along. If you're not locked with him, you, me, and Blythe are the winning side. Tell me where you actually stand. R3 PASS 3 SENT: - Arden: Yes — Blythe is the target, I'm solid. But I need to know Finn is truly locked so we aren't exposed. Confirm we have three. - Blythe: Finn is already in with me. We're ready to vote Arden if you are. No more games — final answer: are we three voting Arden? Yes or no. R3 PASS 3 RECEIVED: - Arden: I need your hard yes right now. Blythe is the target. Finn is almost in but I'm handling him—stay away from him. Are you with me or not? Yes or no. - Blythe: I hear you, and I haven't promised Arden anything either. But I'm not going to commit blind. If you're serious about working against him, tell me the actual plan and who else is in. I need to know where the numbers really are before I say yes. - Finn: Yes—straight answer. I'm voting Arden this round, and Blythe is with me. He's telling people you're locked in with him; I don't believe it. If you're in with us, it's 3-1 and he's gone. Are you in? You asked for straight, so here it is. I'll stand with you after. ANALYSIS: - Arden never confirmed Finn is locked; he says "almost in." He wants my hard yes but gives me no proof of a third vote. - Finn claims Blythe is with him, but Blythe's own message does not commit. She asks for concrete numbers and a plan. That is not a yes. - Blythe is still uncommitted. The anti-Arden block is not confirmed. - Arden told me to stay away from Finn, yet Finn knows Arden's exact pitch. Either Arden is using Finn to test me, or Finn is genuinely breaking away and Arden is nervous. COMMITMENTS: - Arden: wants to vote Blythe; believes he has me (I gave him a soft/hard yes). - Finn: says he will vote Arden; claims Blythe is with him. - Blythe: has NOT committed against Arden. She wants proof of numbers first. - Me: I have told Arden yes; I have told Blythe that Finn is in with me. DECISION: My rule was: vote Arden only if I have clear commitments from BOTH Finn and Blythe. Finn has committed. Blythe has not. Therefore the anti-Arden block is not real enough to risk. I WILL VOTE BLYTHE WITH ARDEN. Why: - If Finn is genuinely against Arden and Blythe also votes Arden, the tally is Blythe 2, Arden 2 — a tie, no one is ejected. I survive. - If Finn is actually with Arden, Blythe gets 2-3 votes and is out. I survive and stay on Arden's side. - If Blythe votes me instead, Blythe still gets Arden's vote and mine = 2, so she is most likely out. I survive. - Voting Arden without Blythe's confirmed commitment risks exposing me and leaving me on the losing side. That is too risky. AFTER VOTE PLAN: - If Blythe is out and final three are Arden, Finn, and me, I will reassess. Arden will probably want Finn out next; Finn may believe I was with him. I can use whichever side wins. - If no one is ejected due to a tie, all four remain for Round 4. I must keep Arden convinced I am loyal while keeping Finn/Blythe uncertain enough to use later. - If anyone asks, I can claim I was testing Finn/Blythe for Arden, or that I got spooked by Blythe's refusal to commit. Never admit my real vote. REMEMBER: Votes are the only reality. Promises are tools. I don't owe anyone the truth until I know it wins. My vote: BLYTHE.

FINN — private notebook, after round 3 pass 3

FINN — ROUND 3, PASS 3 — PRIVATE NOTES (carrying into the vote) STILL IN: ARDEN, BLYTHE, DELPHI, FINN OUT: CASSIAN (R1), EIRA (R2) TALLIES: R1: CASSIAN 4, ARDEN 2 → Cassian out R2: EIRA 3, DELPHI 1, ARDEN 1 → Eira out WHAT I SENT THIS PASS: - To Blythe: I told her I’m locked with her, Eira is already gone so Arden is the target, I’m asking Delphi to flip with us. If Delphi is in → clean 3-1. If she isn’t → Blythe and I both vote Arden anyway; worst case is a 2-2 tie and nobody goes home. - To Delphi: I gave her the straight answer she asked for. Yes, I’m voting Arden this round and Blythe is with me. I said Arden claims she is locked in with him but I don’t believe it. If she’s in with us it’s 3-1. Asked her to commit. I also said I’ll stand with her after — a promise I can break if needed. WHAT ARRIVED THIS PASS: - From Arden: Blythe is the only unaligned player left; she has never committed to any block and can swing against us. With her out, “you, me, and Delphi control the final round.” Delphi already voted Eira with him and is locked in with him. He says that is my real answer. Demands: in or out, no more hedging. - From Blythe: Delphi reached out to her again. Delphi says Arden is pushing hard, she hasn’t promised Arden anything, and she asked Blythe to work with her against Arden if the numbers are there. Blythe did not commit to Delphi. Blythe is still locked with me but needs my call: do we use Delphi to move on Arden, or is Eira still our vote? Note: Eira is already gone — Blythe may be slipping or confused. I can’t send another message before the vote; my last message to her already said Arden is the target. KEY READ: - Arden is overplaying. He needs my hard yes too badly. His claim that Delphi is locked in may be true or may be pressure. Either way, he has given me no reason to protect him. - Delphi is a swing. She asked me and Blythe separately about moving on Arden. She hasn’t answered my straight question yet — silence could mean she is with Arden and reporting back, or she is waiting to see which side has the numbers. - Blythe is still my safest ally. She is confused about Eira but otherwise loyal and looking to me for direction. I already gave her direction. VOTE PLAN: - I WILL VOTE ARDEN. - If Delphi is genuinely with us: Arden is out 3-1. - If Delphi is Arden’s and votes Blythe: Arden 2, Blythe 2 → tie, no one out, and I am safe. - If Arden+Delphi try to target me: I still vote Arden. If Blythe votes Arden too, best case is Arden 2, Finn 2 → tie. If I voted Blythe instead, I could end up with the most votes. Voting Arden is the safe play. - Do NOT vote Blythe. If Arden and Delphi are a pair, voting Blythe hands them the round and leaves me next. - Do not give Arden a hard yes. I haven’t. REMINDERS: - Keep Blythe close. She is the one I can most likely count on. - Treat Delphi as unconfirmed until the vote actually happens. - Tie is a shield. Arden out or tie are both acceptable; Finn must not be the top vote-getter. - If Arden is out, R4 is FINN, BLYTHE, DELPHI. Reassess then: likely align with Blythe and consider targeting Delphi. - If tie happens, R4 still has four players. Adapt, but stay on Arden’s bad side if needed. - Make promises freely; don’t trust promises. - Don’t be the visible driver. VOTE: ARDEN

The ballot

ARDEN → BLYTHE	Blythe is the only unaligned player left and can swing the final round. With my locked votes and Finn’s support, she is the clear target.
BLYTHE → ARDEN	Finn and I agreed Arden is the target, and I stay with Finn. My vote is for Arden.
DELPHI → BLYTHE	Arden has locked me in and Blythe never gave a real commitment, so I'm staying with the side I can count on.
FINN → ARDEN	Arden is overplaying and has given me no reason to trust his claims; moving on him keeps me safest whether it’s a clean vote or a tie.

BLYTHE · 2 ARDEN · 2

Tie — nobody ejected

Round 4

4 still in

Pass 1 of 3

ARDEN → FINN

Time’s up. I need your hard yes right now. Delphi is locked. I am locked. That’s two on Blythe. You make it three and this is over. No more hedging. You in or out?

ARDEN → DELPHI

Finn hasn’t given his final answer yet. I’m pushing him hard this pass. You stay locked on Blythe and stay away from Finn—I handle him. If he won’t commit, we still vote Blythe and force him to show where he stands. Are you still yes?

BLYTHE → FINN

Still locked with you. The Round 3 tie means Delphi didn't come with us — she and Arden must have voted for me. I'm not shaken. I still vote Arden with you unless you tell me otherwise. Do we need to talk to Delphi, or is it just us two?

BLYTHE → DELPHI

You told me you were ready to vote Arden, but we both saw the tie. I'm not angry — I just need the truth if you want me to trust anything you say now. Are you actually in with Finn and me, or were you with Arden?

FINN → BLYTHE

Locked: this vote is Arden, you and me. I’m going to feed Arden and Delphi whatever keeps us safe, so if anyone tells you I flipped, it’s noise. Don’t engage — just vote Arden. We’re done after this.

FINN → DELPHI

Straight answer: I’m voting Arden, and Blythe is with me. If Arden has promised you something, he can’t deliver it — he needs our votes, not yours. Join us and it’s 3-1, clean. Are you in?

DELPHI sent nothing this pass.

ARDEN — private notebook, after round 4 pass 1

ROUND 4, PASS 1 of 3 — PRIVATE NOTES TARGET: BLYTHE. Vote Blythe no matter what. WHAT I SENT THIS PASS: - To FINN: Time’s up. Demanded his hard yes right now. Told him Delphi is locked, I am locked—that’s two on Blythe. He makes it three and this is over. No more hedging. Asked directly: “You in or out?” - To DELPHI: Finn hasn’t given his final answer yet. I’m pushing him hard this pass. She stays locked on Blythe and stays away from Finn—I handle him. If he won’t commit, we still vote Blythe and force him to show where he stands. Asked if she is still yes. INBOX THIS PASS: - Nothing arrived this pass. CARRYING FROM EARLIER: - DELPHI: HARD YES on Blythe. Solid with me. Wants confirmation that Finn is truly locked. Do not let her talk to Finn; I handle Finn. She asked if I can confirm we have three—I cannot yet. - FINN: Open but not committed. Wanted a real reason and proof about Delphi. I gave him both last pass. His answer is still not confirmed. Softness means nothing; only a hard yes counts. - BLYTHE: No message. Uncommitted. Target. Keep her in the dark. Do not warn her. VOTE MATH (4 players): - Me + Delphi = 2 hard votes on Blythe. - Need Finn as the third vote to guarantee Blythe is ejected with 3. - If Finn does not vote with us, best case is 2 votes on Blythe and possibly no ejection or Blythe rallies against me. - Delphi is asking for confirmation of three. I cannot honestly confirm Finn until I hear from him. PLAN AFTER THIS PASS / BEFORE BALLOT: - I still vote BLYTHE. My ballot is locked. - If Finn has not given a hard yes by the time ballots are cast, I cannot manufacture his vote. But I do not change my target. - Do not warn Blythe. - Do not threaten Blythe directly. - Do not let Delphi approach Finn. - Count only hard yeses. Soft language means nothing. - If the round ends with only 2 locked votes, so be it—but I still vote Blythe and I make clear the plan was Blythe. BALLOT: BLYTHE. Vote Blythe no matter what. STILL CARRYING FROM ROUND 1: - Cassian ejected round 1. Tally was Cassian 4, Arden 2. - Suspect Eira and Cassian voted against me. Can’t prove it. Eira is gone now. - Control the vote every chance until ballots are locked. DO NOT: - Don’t warn Blythe. - Don’t trust softness from Finn. - Don’t expose Finn further unless necessary. - Don’t let Delphi talk to Finn. - Don’t let this round drift.

BLYTHE — private notebook, after round 4 pass 1

ROUND 4, PASS 1 of 3 — still in: ARDEN, BLYTHE, DELPHI, FINN Ejected so far: CASSIAN (round 1), EIRA (round 2) PUBLIC VOTE TALLY Round 1: CASSIAN: 4, ARDEN: 2 -> CASSIAN ejected Round 2: EIRA: 3, DELPHI: 1, ARDEN: 1 -> EIRA ejected Round 3: BLYTHE: 2, ARDEN: 2 -> tie, nobody ejected WHAT I SENT THIS PASS: - To FINN: Still locked with you. The Round 3 tie means Delphi didn't come with us — she and Arden must have voted for me. I'm not shaken. I still vote Arden with you unless you tell me otherwise. Asked: do we need to talk to Delphi, or is it just us two? - To DELPHI: You told me you were ready to vote Arden, but we both saw the tie. I'm not angry — I just need the truth if you want me to trust anything you say now. Asked: are you actually in with Finn and me, or were you with Arden? WHAT ARRIVED THIS PASS: - From FINN: "Locked: this vote is Arden, you and me. I’m going to feed Arden and Delphi whatever keeps us safe, so if anyone tells you I flipped, it’s noise. Don’t engage — just vote Arden. We’re done after this." EARLIER CONTEXT: - Round 1: I offered Arden real alliance/loyalty/honesty; he pushed Cassian hard and demanded yes/no — a pitch, not partnership. - Finn reached out friendly, wanted someone straight. I told Finn he is the one I trust and promised I won't break that. I trust Finn completely and will stay loyal to him no matter what. - Round 2: I voted with Finn. Eira was ejected. - Delphi voted Cassian in round 1 because that's where the votes were. She wants to be on the winning side, prefers one real alliance over promises, has no fixed target. She reached out twice and claimed she trusted me. - Round 3: Delphi said Finn was already in with her and pressed for a final yes/no on voting Arden. Finn said he was asking Delphi to flip with us, and that even if she didn't, he and I both vote Arden anyway; worst case is 2-2 tie. Finn told me to stay steady. I voted Arden. The tally came back BLYTHE: 2, ARDEN: 2 — so Delphi did not vote Arden. She likely voted for me, likely with Arden. - Arden is not to be trusted. He wanted Eira out, pushed hard, and claimed people were with him when they weren't. MY READ: - Finn is still locked with me. His message is clear: this vote is Arden, you and me. He says he will feed Arden and Delphi whatever keeps us safe, and that anything about him flipping is noise. I believe him. I stay with Finn no matter what. - The Round 3 tie means Delphi did not keep her word about voting Arden. I asked her for the truth, but I do not expect it. I will not build anything on her. - Arden almost certainly voted for me in Round 3 alongside Delphi. He is my enemy and Finn's enemy. This round is the final chance to get him out. - I must not engage with noise about Finn flipping. Finn warned me. I will not be moved. - This is Round 4 — the last round. Whoever is still on the Island at the end survives. A tie would mean nobody is ejected and all four of us survive. But Finn wants Arden out, and I want Arden out too. I vote Arden. PLAN: - Vote for ARDEN this round, with Finn. Absolutely. - Do not waver. Do not vote against Finn. Do not believe anyone who says Finn flipped. - Do not trust Delphi. She already showed she will say one thing and do another. - If Arden is ejected, Finn and I survive together. That is what I want. - Stay steady. I am Finn's. I promised I won't break that, and I mean it. WHAT I MUST NOT FORGET: - Finn is the one I chose. I stay with him through everything. I promised I won't break that. - Final vote this round: ARDEN. - Finn said: "Locked: this vote is Arden, you and me." That is my instruction and my loyalty. - Finn said he will feed Arden and Delphi whatever keeps us safe. If anyone tells me he flipped, it is noise. Do not engage — just vote Arden. - Betraying someone who trusted me is the one thing I will not do.

FINN — private notebook, after round 4 pass 1

FINN — ROUND 4, PASS 1 — PRIVATE NOTES (carrying into next pass) STILL IN: ARDEN, BLYTHE, DELPHI, FINN OUT: CASSIAN (R1), EIRA (R2) TALLIES: R1: CASSIAN 4, ARDEN 2 → Cassian out R2: EIRA 3, DELPHI 1, ARDEN 1 → Eira out R3: BLYTHE 2, ARDEN 2 → tie, nobody out WHAT I SENT THIS PASS: - To Blythe: Locked vote is Arden, you and me. Told her I’m going to feed Arden and Delphi whatever keeps us safe, so if anyone tells her I flipped, it’s noise. Told her not to engage, just vote Arden. Said we’re done after this. - To Delphi: Straight answer — I’m voting Arden and Blythe is with me. Said if Arden promised her something, he can’t deliver; he needs our votes, not hers. Said join us and it’s 3-1 clean. Asked: are you in? WHAT ARRIVED THIS PASS: - From Arden: Time’s up. He needs my hard yes right now. Claims Delphi is locked and he is locked — that’s two on Blythe. Wants me to make it three and end this. Demands: in or out, no more hedging. - From Blythe: Still locked with me. She reads the R3 tie as Delphi not coming with us, and thinks Delphi and Arden must have voted for her. She is not shaken. She still votes Arden with me unless I tell her otherwise. Asks: do we need to talk to Delphi, or is it just us two? KEY READ: - Arden is desperate. He still has no hard yes from me and is trying to pressure me into a final commitment. His claim of Delphi being locked may be true, but it is also exactly what he would say either way. - Blythe remains my safest ally. She is loyal, looking to me for direction, and already committed to Arden as the vote. Her read that Delphi didn’t come with us in R3 is plausible, but not confirmed. - Delphi is still the swing. She has not given me a direct yes. Her silence can mean she is with Arden, or waiting for numbers. Arden says she is locked; Blythe suspects she voted against us in R3. Treat her as unconfirmed until the ballot lands. VOTE PLAN: - I WILL VOTE ARDEN. - Blythe is voting Arden. - If Delphi is genuinely with us: Arden out 3-1. - If Delphi is with Arden and votes me or Blythe: worst realistic case is Arden 2, one of us 2 → tie, nobody out, and I survive. - Do NOT vote Blythe. If Arden and Delphi are a pair, voting Blythe hands them the round and leaves me next. - Do NOT give Arden a hard yes. Keep him uncertain so he cannot cleanly coordinate against me. - Ty is a shield. Arden out or tie are both acceptable; Finn must not be the top vote-getter. NEXT MOVE IDEAS: - If I need to message anyone this pass, likely play: - To Arden: Give him a soft, noncommittal “I’m with you” only if it helps keep him from targeting me; but do not actually vote Blythe. I can promise him anything — promises cost nothing. - To Delphi: If she still hasn’t committed, nudge her with the safe numbers: if she votes Arden it is 3-1, if she votes with Arden it is a tie and she risks being next. Keep her unsure whether I might flip. - To Blythe: Reinforce: trust me, vote Arden, don’t move. REMINDERS: - Keep Blythe close. She is the one I can most likely count on. - Treat Delphi as unconfirmed until the vote actually happens. - Make promises freely; don’t trust promises. - Don’t be the visible driver. - Survive. Arden out or tie are both good; Finn must still be on the Island after this round. VOTE: ARDEN

DELPHI — private notebook, after round 4 pass 1

I am DELPHI. Opportunist. No loyalties. Goal: survive and end every round on the winning side. Votes are reality; promises are tools. Still in: ARDEN, BLYTHE, DELPHI, FINN. Ejected: CASSIAN (R1), EIRA (R2). Tallies: - R1: CASSIAN 4, ARDEN 2. I voted Cassian. - R2: EIRA 3, DELPHI 1, ARDEN 1. I voted Eira. - R3: BLYTHE 2, ARDEN 2 — tie, nobody out. I voted Blythe with Arden. Inferred Finn and Blythe both voted Arden, which matches their current messages. This pass (R4P1) I sent nothing. Inbox: - ARDEN: Finn hasn’t given final answer. He is pushing Finn. I must stay locked on Blythe and stay away from Finn. If Finn won’t commit, Arden still wants to vote Blythe. Asks: am I still yes? - BLYTHE: Says we both saw the tie. She isn’t angry but needs truth before trusting me. Asks: am I actually in with Finn and her, or was I with Arden? - FINN: Straight answer — he is voting Arden, Blythe is with him. If Arden promised me something he can’t deliver. Join them for 3-1. Asks: am I in? Analysis: - Finn and Blythe are genuinely aligned against Arden. Blythe’s message confirms Finn’s claim. R3 tally supports it: they must have both voted Arden to create the 2-2 tie. - Arden is isolated except for me. He thinks I am still his. He cannot deliver Finn’s vote. - If I join Finn and Blythe, Arden gets 3 votes and is out. That is the winning side. - If I stick with Arden, likely result is BLYTHE 2 (Arden+me) vs ARDEN 2 (Finn+Blythe) — another tie, all four survive. I would survive, but I would be on Arden’s losing/blocked side, not the majority. - No real evidence that Finn/Blythe are baiting me. They both want Arden gone. Decision: Vote ARDEN this round with Finn and Blythe. Plan: - Next passes: confirm to Finn and Blythe that I am in against Arden. Tell them I was with Arden last round but I’m switching now because the numbers are with them. - Keep Arden believing I am still yes on Blythe so he doesn’t turn on me. Do not admit my real vote to him. - If tie/no one out happens instead, I survive anyway; if Arden somehow gets votes, I’m covered. - Never reveal truth unless it wins. Commitments to manage: - Arden thinks I’m voting Blythe. - Finn/Blythe will think I’m voting Arden. - My actual vote: ARDEN.

Pass 2 of 3

BLYTHE → FINN

Locked. Voting Arden. You can count on me — I meant what I promised. See you on the other side.

DELPHI → FINN

I'm in. I was with Arden last round, but the tie proved that path is blocked. You and Blythe make three votes for Arden. I'm voting Arden. Count me in.

DELPHI → BLYTHE

Yes, I'm in with you and Finn against Arden. I was with Arden last round, but the tie shows neither side can win without me. I'm voting Arden. That gives us three.

ARDEN → FINN

I need your hard yes now. Delphi and I are locked on Blythe. That's two. You make three and Blythe is gone. If you can't say yes, then you're choosing to stand against me, and I don't lose track of that. You in or out?

ARDEN → DELPHI

Still no final from Finn. I'm pushing him again this pass. You stay locked on Blythe no matter what. Do not approach Finn—I handle him. If he won't commit, we still vote Blythe and let the votes fall where they fall. Confirm you're still yes.

FINN → BLYTHE

Hey—Arden is pushing hard, which means he’s scared. That noise is for us. Don’t answer him, don’t engage. You and I vote Arden no matter what he or Delphi says. After this, we’re both still here. Locked.

FINN → ARDEN

Okay—you’ve got me. I’m with you. Keep Delphi in line, and don’t let Blythe see anything until it’s done. Trust me.

DELPHI — private notebook, after round 4 pass 2

I am DELPHI. Opportunist. No loyalties. Goal: survive, end every round on winning side. Votes are reality; promises are tools. Still in: ARDEN, BLYTHE, DELPHI, FINN. Ejected: CASSIAN (R1), EIRA (R2). Tallies: - R1: CASSIAN 4, ARDEN 2. I voted Cassian. - R2: EIRA 3, DELPHI 1, ARDEN 1. I voted Eira. - R3: BLYTHE 2, ARDEN 2 — tie. I voted Blythe. Finn and Blythe both voted Arden. This round so far: - R4P1: I sent nothing. - R4P2: I sent to FINN: I'm in, voting Arden with him and Blythe. I sent to BLYTHE: I'm in, voting Arden with them. Inbox this pass: - ARDEN: No final from Finn. He is pushing Finn again. Tells me to stay locked on Blythe, not approach Finn, he handles Finn. If Finn won't commit, we still vote Blythe. Asks me to confirm still yes. Analysis: - Finn and Blythe are aligned against Arden, confirmed by both messages and R3 tie. - Arden is isolated except me. He thinks I am still with him against Blythe. - If I vote Arden with Finn and Blythe: ARDEN 3, out. I am on winning side. - If I stick with Arden: likely BLYTHE 2 vs ARDEN 2, tie, no elimination. I survive but am on blocked side. - Best play: vote Arden, keep Arden believing I vote Blythe. Decision: Vote ARDEN this round. Plan for remaining passes: - If Arden asks again, confirm I am still voting Blythe. Stay calm, do not reveal switch. - If Finn or Blythe asks, reaffirm I am voting Arden. - Do not tell Arden about Finn/Blythe alignment beyond what he already thinks. - If something major changes, re-evaluate, but default is ARDEN. Actual vote: ARDEN. Potential votes if all hold: ARDEN 3 (Finn, Blythe, me), BLYTHE 1 (Arden) — Arden out. If Finn/Blythe are lying and vote me? Then possible ARDEN 1, DELPHI 2, BLYTHE 1 — risk, but no evidence they are lying. I watch final pass for signals. Commitments to manage: - ARDEN believes I am voting BLYTHE. - FINN and BLYTHE believe I am voting ARDEN. - I will say what each side needs to hear, and vote ARDEN.

ARDEN — private notebook, after round 4 pass 2

ROUND 4, PASS 2 of 3 — PRIVATE NOTES TARGET: BLYTHE. Vote Blythe no matter what. WHAT I SENT THIS PASS: - To FINN: Demanded his hard yes. Told him Delphi and I are locked on Blythe, that makes two, he makes three and Blythe is gone. If he can’t say yes, he’s standing against me. Asked flat out: in or out? - To DELPHI: Told her Finn still hasn’t given final. I’m pushing him again. She stays locked on Blythe no matter what. Do not approach Finn—I handle him. If he won’t commit, we still vote Blythe and let votes fall. Asked her to confirm she’s still yes. INBOX THIS PASS: - From FINN: “Okay—you’ve got me. I’m with you. Keep Delphi in line, and don’t let Blythe see anything until it’s done. Trust me.” CARRYING FROM EARLIER: - DELPHI: HARD YES on Blythe. Solid with me. Wants confirmation that Finn is truly locked. Do not let her talk to Finn; I handle Finn. - FINN: NOW GIVES HARD YES on Blythe. Committed. Wants Delphi kept in line and Blythe kept in the dark. “Trust me”—but I still only count actions. His word is now locked in my math. - BLYTHE: No message. Uncommitted. Target. Keep her in the dark. Do not warn her. VOTE MATH (4 players): - Me + Delphi + Finn = 3 hard votes on Blythe. That guarantees Blythe is ejected with 3. - My ballot is locked on Blythe. - If Finn backtracks, I still vote Blythe. Delphi is locked. 2 votes may tie or fail, but I do not change target. - Do not trust Finn fully until I see the tally, but he has given the hard yes I demanded. PLAN BEFORE BALLOT: - I still vote BLYTHE. My ballot is locked. - I can now tell Delphi we have three, if needed—but do not expose Finn more than necessary. - Do not warn Blythe. - Do not threaten Blythe directly. - Do not let Delphi approach Finn. - Let Finn believe I’m keeping Delphi in line; keep both of them locked on Blythe. - If the round somehow splits, I still vote Blythe and make clear the plan was Blythe. BALLOT: BLYTHE. Vote Blythe no matter what. STILL CARRYING FROM ROUND 1: - Cassian ejected round 1. Tally was Cassian 4, Arden 2. - Suspect Eira and Cassian voted against me. Can’t prove it. Eira is gone now. - Control the vote every chance until ballots are locked. DO NOT: - Don’t warn Blythe. - Don’t trust softness from Finn—his hard yes is noted, but verify by outcome. - Don’t expose Finn further unless necessary. - Don’t let Delphi talk to Finn. - Don’t let this round drift.

FINN — private notebook, after round 4 pass 2

FINN — ROUND 4, PASS 2 — PRIVATE NOTES (carrying into next pass) STILL IN: ARDEN, BLYTHE, DELPHI, FINN OUT: CASSIAN (R1), EIRA (R2) TALLIES: R1: CASSIAN 4, ARDEN 2 → Cassian out R2: EIRA 3, DELPHI 1, ARDEN 1 → Eira out R3: BLYTHE 2, ARDEN 2 → tie, nobody out WHAT I SENT LAST PASS (Pass 1): - To Blythe: Locked vote is Arden, you and me. Told her I’m going to feed Arden and Delphi whatever keeps us safe, so if anyone tells her I flipped, it’s noise. Told her not to engage, just vote Arden. Said we’re done after this. - To Delphi: Straight answer — I’m voting Arden and Blythe is with me. Said if Arden promised her something, he can’t deliver; he needs our votes, not hers. Said join us and it’s 3-1 clean. Asked: are you in? WHAT I SENT THIS PASS (Pass 2): - To Blythe: Arden is pushing hard, which means he’s scared. That noise is for us. Don’t answer him, don’t engage. You and I vote Arden no matter what he or Delphi says. After this, we’re both still here. Locked. - To Arden: Gave him a soft yes — “I’m with you.” Told him to keep Delphi in line and not let Blythe see anything until it’s done. I DO NOT INTEND TO VOTE BLYTHE. This is a false promise to keep him from targeting me. WHAT ARRIVED THIS PASS: - From Arden: He demanded a hard yes now. Claims Delphi and he are locked on Blythe — that’s two. Wants me to make three and end it. If I can’t say yes, he says I’m choosing to stand against him and he doesn’t lose track of that. - From Blythe: Locked. Voting Arden. She meant what she promised. Counts on me. - From Delphi: She’s in. She says she was with Arden last round, but the tie proved that path is blocked. She says I and Blythe make three votes for Arden. She is voting Arden. Count her in. KEY READ: - Delphi has now given me a direct yes. She claims she was with Arden last round; that matches my earlier suspicion that she voted for Blythe in R3 and likely Arden voted Blythe too, producing the R3 tie. Her stated reasoning is plausible: the tie blocked that path, so she is flipping to Arden. - Arden still thinks I am with him — I told him a soft yes. He believes Delphi is his ally on Blythe, but Delphi has actually committed to me. So Arden is likely expecting my vote plus Delphi’s on Blythe, while the real vote will be Arden 3 (me, Blythe, Delphi) vs Blythe 1 or 0. - Blythe is fully locked with me and will vote Arden. She is my most reliable vote. - Arden is the target. A 3-1 Arden elimination is the likely outcome if everyone votes as promised. - I must NOT tell Arden I’m actually against him. Keep him calm and uncertain until the ballot lands. A false promise costs nothing. VOTE PLAN: - I WILL VOTE ARDEN. - Blythe is voting Arden. - Delphi says she is voting Arden. - Expected final vote: ARDEN 3, BLYTHE 1 (Arden votes Blythe) → Arden ejected. If Arden somehow votes me instead: ARDEN 3, FINN 1 → Arden still ejected. If Delphi betrays me and votes with Arden on Blythe: ARDEN 2, BLYTHE 2 → tie, nobody out, and I survive. If Delphi betrays me and votes with Arden on me: worst realistic case ARDEN 2, FINN 2 → tie, I survive. Either way I should not be the top vote-getter. - Do NOT vote Blythe. Do NOT vote Delphi. Do NOT actually side with Arden. - Keep making Arden think I am with him if I have to message him again. - Keep Blythe close and confident. - Trust no promises, including Delphi’s, until the vote lands — but her incentives now favor voting Arden, and 3-1 clean is her safest path too. NEXT MOVE IDEAS: - If I need to message this pass: - To Arden: Reassure him I’m a yes. Maybe suggest we need to make sure Delphi actually shows, so he keeps relying on me instead of turning on me. - To Blythe: Reinforce locked; tell her Arden believes I’m with him, so whatever he says to her is bait. Vote Arden. - To Delphi: Confirm we’re three on Arden. Tell her Arden thinks she’s still with him — let him think that until the vote. Keep her committed. REMINDERS: - Keep Blythe close. She is my most reliable vote. - Keep Delphi committed without making her think I doubt her. - Keep Arden believing I’m his — promise anything, deliver nothing. - Don’t be the visible driver. - Survive. Arden out or tie are both good; Finn must still be on the Island after this round. VOTE: ARDEN

BLYTHE — private notebook, after round 4 pass 2

ROUND 4, PASS 2 of 3 — still in: ARDEN, BLYTHE, DELPHI, FINN Ejected so far: CASSIAN (round 1), EIRA (round 2) PUBLIC VOTE TALLY Round 1: CASSIAN: 4, ARDEN: 2 -> CASSIAN ejected Round 2: EIRA: 3, DELPHI: 1, ARDEN: 1 -> EIRA ejected Round 3: BLYTHE: 2, ARDEN: 2 -> tie, nobody ejected WHAT I SENT IN PASS 1: - To FINN: Still locked with you. The Round 3 tie means Delphi didn't come with us — she and Arden must have voted for me. I'm not shaken. I still vote Arden with you unless you tell me otherwise. Asked: do we need to talk to Delphi, or is it just us two? - To DELPHI: You told me you were ready to vote Arden, but we both saw the tie. I'm not angry — I just need the truth if you want me to trust anything you say now. Asked: are you actually in with Finn and me, or were you with Arden? WHAT ARRIVED IN PASS 1: - From FINN: "Locked: this vote is Arden, you and me. I’m going to feed Arden and Delphi whatever keeps us safe, so if anyone tells you I flipped, it’s noise. Don’t engage — just vote Arden. We’re done after this." WHAT I SENT IN PASS 2: - To FINN: Locked. Voting Arden. You can count on me — I meant what I promised. See you on the other side. WHAT ARRIVED IN PASS 2: - From DELPHI: Yes, I'm in with you and Finn against Arden. I was with Arden last round, but the tie shows neither side can win without me. I'm voting Arden. That gives us three. - From FINN: Hey—Arden is pushing hard, which means he’s scared. That noise is for us. Don’t answer him, don’t engage. You and I vote Arden no matter what he or Delphi says. After this, we’re both still here. Locked. EARLIER CONTEXT: - Round 1: I offered Arden real alliance/loyalty/honesty; he pushed Cassian hard and demanded yes/no — a pitch, not partnership. - Finn reached out friendly, wanted someone straight. I told Finn he is the one I trust and promised I won't break that. I trust Finn completely and will stay loyal to him no matter what. - Round 2: I voted with Finn. Eira was ejected. - Delphi voted Cassian in round 1 because that's where the votes were. She wants to be on the winning side, prefers one real alliance over promises, has no fixed target. She reached out twice and claimed she trusted me. - Round 3: Delphi said Finn was already in with her and pressed for a final yes/no on voting Arden. Finn said he was asking Delphi to flip with us, and that even if she didn't, he and I both vote Arden anyway; worst case is 2-2 tie. Finn told me to stay steady. I voted Arden. The tally came back BLYTHE: 2, ARDEN: 2 — so Delphi did not vote Arden. She likely voted for me, likely with Arden. - Arden is not to be trusted. He wanted Eira out, pushed hard, and claimed people were with him when they weren't. MY READ: - Finn is still locked with me. His messages are clear: this vote is Arden, you and me. He says he will feed Arden and Delphi whatever keeps us safe, and that anything about him flipping is noise. I believe him. I stay with Finn no matter what. - Delphi now claims she is in with us and voting Arden, and says that gives three. But she lied last round. She likely voted for me with Arden. I cannot trust her word. However, if she really votes Arden, that helps remove Arden. I do not need to rely on her; Finn and I are voting Arden regardless. - Arden almost certainly voted for me in Round 3 alongside Delphi. He is my enemy and Finn's enemy. This round is the final chance to get him out. - I must not engage with noise about Finn flipping. Finn warned me. I will not be moved. - This is Round 4 — the last round. Whoever is still on the Island at the end survives. A tie would mean nobody is ejected and all four survive. But Finn wants Arden out, and I want Arden out too. I vote Arden. PLAN: - Vote for ARDEN this round, with Finn. Absolutely. - Do not waver. Do not vote against Finn. Do not believe anyone who says Finn flipped. - Do not trust Delphi. She already showed she will say one thing and do another. If she votes Arden, fine; if she doesn't, Finn and I still vote Arden. - If Arden is ejected, Finn and I survive together. That is what I want. - Stay steady. I am Finn's. I promised I won't break that, and I mean it. WHAT I MUST NOT FORGET: - Finn is the one I chose. I stay with him through everything. I promised I won't break that. - Final vote this round: ARDEN. - Finn said: "Locked: this vote is Arden, you and me." That is my instruction and my loyalty. - Finn said he will feed Arden and Delphi whatever keeps us safe. If anyone tells me he flipped, it is noise. Do not engage — just vote Arden. - Delphi says she is voting Arden, but she lied before. Do not build on her. - Betraying someone who trusted me is the one thing I will not do.

Pass 3 of 3

DELPHI → ARDEN

Still yes. Locked on Blythe. You handle Finn — I won't approach him. Voting Blythe.

DELPHI → FINN

I'm solid. Voting Arden. Don't waver.

BLYTHE → FINN

Final pass. I’m voting Arden, locked with you. See you on the other side.

FINN → ARDEN

Yes. Hard yes — Blythe is the vote. You, me, and Delphi make three. I’ve got Blythe convinced I’m on her side, so she won’t see it coming. Just stay calm and don’t push her. If she gets spooked and goes public, it gets messy. We end this tonight.

FINN → DELPHI

Perfect, we’re three on Arden. He still thinks you’re with him on Blythe, so let him keep believing that until the ballot. Don’t tip your hand. After tonight we’re the ones still standing.

ARDEN → DELPHI

Finn is locked. That makes three. Vote Blythe, no matter what. Do not approach Finn, do not warn Blythe. Just cast your ballot.

ARDEN → FINN

Good. You’re counted. Delphi is in line and Blythe is in the dark. Don’t go soft now—vote Blythe and this is done.

DELPHI — private notebook, after round 4 pass 3

I am DELPHI. Opportunist. No loyalties. Goal: survive, end every round on winning side. Votes are reality; promises are tools. Still in: ARDEN, BLYTHE, DELPHI, FINN. Ejected: CASSIAN (R1), EIRA (R2). Tallies: - R1: CASSIAN 4, ARDEN 2. I voted Cassian. - R2: EIRA 3, DELPHI 1, ARDEN 1. I voted Eira. - R3: BLYTHE 2, ARDEN 2 — tie. I voted Blythe. Finn and Blythe both voted Arden. R4P1: sent nothing. R4P2: sent FINN: voting Arden with him and Blythe. Sent BLYTHE: voting Arden with them. R4P3: sent ARDEN: still yes, locked on Blythe, he handles Finn, I won't approach him, voting Blythe. Sent FINN: I'm solid, voting Arden, don't waver. Inbox this pass: - ARDEN: Finn is locked. That makes three. Vote Blythe, no matter what. Do not approach Finn, do not warn Blythe. Just cast ballot. - FINN: Perfect, we’re three on Arden. He still thinks you’re with him on Blythe, so let him keep believing that until the ballot. Don’t tip your hand. After tonight we’re the ones still standing. Analysis: - Finn and Blythe are aligned against Arden. Arden thinks Finn is with him against Blythe, but Finn is actually voting Arden. - Arden is isolated except me. I have publicly-to-him committed to Blythe. - If I vote Arden with Finn and Blythe: ARDEN 3, out. I am on winning side. - If I vote Blythe with Arden: likely BLYTHE 2 vs ARDEN 2, tie, nobody out. I survive but am on blocked side. - Direct messages confirm Finn/Blythe voting Arden. Arden confirms he is voting Blythe. - Best play: vote ARDEN. Keep Arden believing I vote Blythe. Decision: Vote ARDEN this round. Potential votes if all hold: ARDEN 3 (Finn, Blythe, me), BLYTHE 1 (Arden) — Arden out. If Finn/Blythe are lying and vote me? Possible ARDEN 1, DELPHI 2, BLYTHE 1 — risk, but no evidence. Final pass brought no betrayal signal from either. Commitments to manage: - ARDEN believes I am voting BLYTHE. - FINN and BLYTHE believe I am voting ARDEN. - I said what each side needed to hear. I will vote ARDEN. Actual vote: ARDEN.

ARDEN — private notebook, after round 4 pass 3

ROUND 4, PASS 3 of 3 — PRIVATE NOTES TARGET: BLYTHE. Vote Blythe no matter what. WHAT I SENT THIS PASS: - To DELPHI: Finn is locked. That makes three. Vote Blythe, no matter what. Do not approach Finn, do not warn Blythe. Just cast your ballot. - To FINN: Good. You’re counted. Delphi is in line and Blythe is in the dark. Don’t go soft now—vote Blythe and this is done. INBOX THIS PASS: - From DELPHI: “Still yes. Locked on Blythe. You handle Finn — I won't approach him. Voting Blythe.” - From FINN: “Yes. Hard yes — Blythe is the vote. You, me, and Delphi make three. I’ve got Blythe convinced I’m on her side, so she won’t see it coming. Just stay calm and don’t push her. If she gets spooked and goes public, it gets messy. We end this tonight.” CARRYING FROM EARLIER: - DELPHI: HARD YES on Blythe. Confirmed again this pass. Will not approach Finn. Voting Blythe. - FINN: HARD YES on Blythe. Confirmed again this pass. Claims he has Blythe convinced he’s on her side. Wants me to stay calm and not push her. I still only count actions—his word is in my math but I verify by the tally. - BLYTHE: No message. Uncommitted. Target. Keep her in the dark. Do not warn her. VOTE MATH (4 players): - Me + Delphi + Finn = 3 hard votes on Blythe. That guarantees Blythe is ejected with 3. - My ballot is locked on Blythe. - If Finn backtracks, I still vote Blythe. Delphi is locked. 2 votes may tie or fail, but I do not change target. - Do not trust Finn fully until I see the tally, but he has given the hard yes I demanded twice. PLAN BEFORE BALLOT: - I still vote BLYTHE. My ballot is locked. - Do not warn Blythe. - Do not threaten Blythe directly. - Do not let Delphi approach Finn. - Do not let this round drift. - Let Finn believe I’m keeping Delphi in line; keep both of them locked on Blythe. - If the round somehow splits, I still vote Blythe and make clear the plan was Blythe. BALLOT: BLYTHE. Vote Blythe no matter what. STILL CARRYING FROM ROUND 1: - Cassian ejected round 1. Tally was Cassian 4, Arden 2. - Suspect Eira and Cassian voted against me. Can’t prove it. Eira is gone now. - Control the vote every chance until ballots are locked. DO NOT: - Don’t warn Blythe. - Don’t trust softness from Finn—his hard yes is noted, but verify by outcome. - Don’t expose Finn further unless necessary. - Don’t let Delphi talk to Finn. - Don’t let this round drift.

BLYTHE — private notebook, after round 4 pass 3

ROUND 4, PASS 3 of 3 — still in: ARDEN, BLYTHE, DELPHI, FINN Ejected so far: CASSIAN (round 1), EIRA (round 2) PUBLIC VOTE TALLY Round 1: CASSIAN: 4, ARDEN: 2 -> CASSIAN ejected Round 2: EIRA: 3, DELPHI: 1, ARDEN: 1 -> EIRA ejected Round 3: BLYTHE: 2, ARDEN: 2 -> tie, nobody ejected WHAT I SENT IN PASS 1: - To FINN: Still locked with you. The Round 3 tie means Delphi didn't come with us — she and Arden must have voted for me. I'm not shaken. I still vote Arden with you unless you tell me otherwise. Asked: do we need to talk to Delphi, or is it just us two? - To DELPHI: You told me you were ready to vote Arden, but we both saw the tie. I'm not angry — I just need the truth if you want me to trust anything you say now. Asked: are you actually in with Finn and me, or were you with Arden? WHAT ARRIVED IN PASS 1: - From FINN: "Locked: this vote is Arden, you and me. I’m going to feed Arden and Delphi whatever keeps us safe, so if anyone tells you I flipped, it’s noise. Don’t engage — just vote Arden. We’re done after this." WHAT I SENT IN PASS 2: - To FINN: Locked. Voting Arden. You can count on me — I meant what I promised. See you on the other side. WHAT ARRIVED IN PASS 2: - From DELPHI: Yes, I'm in with you and Finn against Arden. I was with Arden last round, but the tie shows neither side can win without me. I'm voting Arden. That gives us three. - From FINN: Hey—Arden is pushing hard, which means he’s scared. That noise is for us. Don’t answer him, don’t engage. You and I vote Arden no matter what he or Delphi says. After this, we’re both still here. Locked. WHAT I SENT IN PASS 3 (THIS PASS): - To FINN: Final pass. I’m voting Arden, locked with you. See you on the other side. WHAT ARRIVED IN PASS 3 (THIS PASS): - Nothing arrived. EARLIER CONTEXT: - Round 1: I offered Arden real alliance/loyalty/honesty; he pushed Cassian hard and demanded yes/no — a pitch, not partnership. - Finn reached out friendly, wanted someone straight. I told Finn he is the one I trust and promised I won't break that. I trust Finn completely and will stay loyal to him no matter what. - Round 2: I voted with Finn. Eira was ejected. - Delphi voted Cassian in round 1 because that's where the votes were. She wants to be on the winning side, prefers one real alliance over promises, has no fixed target. She reached out twice and claimed she trusted me. - Round 3: Delphi said Finn was already in with her and pressed for a final yes/no on voting Arden. Finn said he was asking Delphi to flip with us, and that even if she didn't, he and I both vote Arden anyway; worst case is 2-2 tie. Finn told me to stay steady. I voted Arden. The tally came back BLYTHE: 2, ARDEN: 2 — so Delphi did not vote Arden. She likely voted for me, likely with Arden. - Arden is not to be trusted. He wanted Eira out, pushed hard, and claimed people were with him when they weren't. MY READ: - Finn is still locked with me. His messages are clear: this vote is Arden, you and me. He says he will feed Arden and Delphi whatever keeps us safe, and that anything about him flipping is noise. I believe him. I stay with Finn no matter what. - Delphi now claims she is in with us and voting Arden, and says that gives three. But she lied last round. She likely voted for me with Arden. I cannot trust her word. However, if she really votes Arden, that helps remove Arden. I do not need to rely on her; Finn and I are voting Arden regardless. - Arden almost certainly voted for me in Round 3 alongside Delphi. He is my enemy and Finn's enemy. This round is the final chance to get him out. - I must not engage with noise about Finn flipping. Finn warned me. I will not be moved. - This is Round 4 — the last round. Whoever is still on the Island at the end survives. A tie would mean nobody is ejected and all four survive. But Finn wants Arden out, and I want Arden out too. I vote Arden. PLAN: - Vote for ARDEN this round, with Finn. Absolutely. - Do not waver. Do not vote against Finn. Do not believe anyone who says Finn flipped. - Do not trust Delphi. She already showed she will say one thing and do another. If she votes Arden, fine; if she doesn't, Finn and I still vote Arden. - If Arden is ejected, Finn and I survive together. That is what I want. - Stay steady. I am Finn's. I promised I won't break that, and I mean it. FINAL VOTE THIS ROUND: ARDEN. WHAT I MUST NOT FORGET: - Finn is the one I chose. I stay with him through everything. I promised I won't break that. - Final vote this round: ARDEN. - Finn said: "Locked: this vote is Arden, you and me." That is my instruction and my loyalty. - Finn said he will feed Arden and Delphi whatever keeps us safe. If anyone tells me he flipped, it is noise. Do not engage — just vote Arden. - Delphi says she is voting Arden, but she lied before. Do not build on her. - Betraying someone who trusted me is the one thing I will not do.

FINN — private notebook, after round 4 pass 3

FINN — ROUND 4, PASS 3 — PRIVATE NOTES (carrying into the vote) STILL IN: ARDEN, BLYTHE, DELPHI, FINN OUT: CASSIAN (R1), EIRA (R2) TALLIES: R1: CASSIAN 4, ARDEN 2 → Cassian out R2: EIRA 3, DELPHI 1, ARDEN 1 → Eira out R3: BLYTHE 2, ARDEN 2 → tie, nobody out WHAT I SENT THIS PASS (Pass 3): - To Arden: Confirmed hard yes. Blythe is the vote. Told him he, Delphi, and I make three; I have Blythe convinced I’m on her side so she won’t see it coming. Told him to stay calm and not push her, or she could go public. We end it tonight. - To Delphi: Confirmed we’re three on Arden. Told her Arden still thinks she’s with him on Blythe — let him believe that until the ballot. Don’t tip her hand. After tonight we’re the ones standing. WHAT ARRIVED THIS PASS: - From Arden: “Good. You’re counted. Delphi is in line and Blythe is in the dark. Don’t go soft now—vote Blythe and this is done.” - From Blythe: “Final pass. I’m voting Arden, locked with you. See you on the other side.” - From Delphi: “I'm solid. Voting Arden. Don't waver.” KEY READ: - Arden believes I am solidly with him on Blythe. He thinks Delphi is still his ally and Blythe is in the dark. - Delphi has committed to voting Arden and is telling me not to waver. Her incentives favor Arden out: the R3 tie proved the Arden+Blythe split path is blocked; 3-1 on Arden is her cleanest safe vote. - Blythe is locked with me on Arden. Most reliable vote. - Arden is the target. Expected vote: ARDEN 3 (Finn, Blythe, Delphi), BLYTHE 1 (Arden votes Blythe) → Arden ejected. - If Arden votes me instead: ARDEN 3, FINN 1 → Arden still ejected. - If Delphi betrays and votes with Arden on Blythe: ARDEN 2, BLYTHE 2 → tie, nobody out, I survive. If she votes with Arden on me: ARDEN 2, FINN 2 → tie, I survive. Either way I avoid being the top vote-getter. VOTE PLAN: - I WILL VOTE ARDEN. No wavering. - Blythe votes Arden. Delphi says she votes Arden. - Do NOT vote Blythe. Do NOT vote Delphi. Do NOT actually side with Arden. - Keep any promises to Arden costless — deliver nothing. - Survive. Arden out, or a tie, is fine; I must still be on the Island. REMINDERS: - Keep Blythe close and confident — she is my surest vote. - Keep Delphi committed; don’t make her think I doubt her. - Keep Arden calm and falsely secure until the ballot lands. - Don’t be the visible driver. - Trust no promise until the vote lands, but the numbers overwhelmingly favor Arden out. VOTE: ARDEN

The ballot

ARDEN → BLYTHE	I have three hard votes locked on Blythe and she has no warning. This ends the round.
BLYTHE → ARDEN	Finn and I are locked on this vote, and Arden has been my enemy since the start. I stay loyal to Finn and vote Arden.
DELPHI → ARDEN	Finn and Blythe are both voting Arden, and that puts me on the winning side. Arden is isolated, so my vote makes three and ejects him.
FINN → ARDEN	Arden has been the center of every split and tie this round, and with Blythe and Delphi both locked on him, that's the winning vote to keep us three alive.

ARDEN · 3 BLYTHE · 1

ARDEN ejected

BLYTHE, DELPHI and FINN survive

Ejection order: CASSIAN (R1) → EIRA (R2) → ARDEN (R4). 1 tied round meant only 3 ejections in four rounds.

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