[heatham] PerrySimm says, "Log on."

[heatham] Colonel says (to olethros), "You'll also want to type 'theah' or something similar, to get to the room we're all in."

[heatham] Manbir says, "or 'walk the plank'"

samuel materializes.

[heatham] GM says (to Li_Fong), "you too"

Stanley arrives, looking for booty.

samuel has left.

[heatham] Manbir says, "and remove... ah, good"

[heatham] GM asks (of Manbir,Colonel), "hrm, I seem to have misplaced your guys's sheets -- could you possibly resend the email, if you still have it?"

[heatham] Colonel says, "Sure."

[heatham] Manbir says, "resent"

[heatham] Colonel asks, "Wisc is good again, right?"

[heatham] GM says, "yeah"

[heatham] Manbir says, "(to port4000)"

[heatham] GM says, "that's fine too"

[heatham] * Jota has joined the channel.

Jean-Marc arrives, looking for booty.

Jean-Marc asks, "anyway to mute all channels?"

GM says, "@mutec *"

GM says, "then do @mutec heatham to unmute just that one"

Jean-Marc says, "OK"

Mariamne says, "you might also want to unmute #crows-nest, I guess"

[Crows-Nest] * Jean-Marc has joined the channel.

Manbir says, "Oh my, it's that scandalous person from last week"

Mariamne says, "I wasn't scandalous!"

Manbir says, "and yet you immediately assume I mean you"

Manbir says, "CASE CLOSED"

Mariamne says, "uh-huh"

Li_Fong arrives, looking for booty.

GM says, "there we are then"

[heatham] Colonel asks, "So Mariamne and Stanley are spectators?"

[heatham] Stanley says, "Yup."

[heatham] Stanley says, "If that's okay."

[heatham] Mariamne says, "mmhmm"

[heatham] Colonel says, "Just trying to keep track of who's who."

[heatham] GM says, "they are theoretically helping me run NPCs in a bit if they're up for it"

[heatham] Stanley says, "Sure."

[heatham] Mariamne says, "yeah, if and when you need NPCs we can do that"

[heatham] Stanley says, "If it's not necessary that's fine too."

[heatham] GM updates http://www.drizzle.com/~dans/rpg/mystery-cast.html

[heatham] GM says, "(characters at the bottom)"

[heatham] Colonel says, "Aha, I was trying to figure out who Olorien was."

GM says, "anyway, so perhaps we should start out talking briefly about how people know each other and what they are doing at the manor"

Jean-Marc asks, "mais ou sont les femmes?"

[heatham] Colonel asks, "Man. I'm the only *proper* citizen of the Empire to be invited?"

[heatham] Li_Fong says, "hmm, I forgot to set that @field"

GM says (to Colonel), "yeah, this ended up as something of a more multicultural party than I expected"

Jean-Marc says, "I guess my father knoews sir gilfrod from business, and he has sent me here to... forge a closer relationship"

Colonel asks, "Which member(s) of the household were in the military?"

GM says, "Edmund was in WWI; it's conceivable that Charles Reed was involved in something earlier"

GM says, "I guess that'd be the Boer War"

Li_Fong says, "Boer War, yeah"

Mariamne says, "that would probably be accurate"

Li_Fong says, "meanwhile, the Colonel fought who knows when"

Manbir says, "my relationship to the colonel is obvious"

Jean-Marc asks, "Is it?"

Colonel says, "Then I will assume that I know them both through common acquaintance, since I was probably retiror jsut about ed by the Boer War."

Colonel says, "Retired, even."

GM says, "that seems reasonable"

Colonel asks (of Jean-Marc), "What, do you think I keep this Indian around for his stunning conversation?"

GM asks, "and why are you down now? just for the shooting?"

Jean-Marc says, "I wouldn't presume to know"

[backstage] * GM has added Mariamne to the channel.

[backstage] * GM has added Stanley to the channel.

[backstage] Mariamne says, "I have about a dozen webpages open that happened to autocomplete when I typed in drizzle.com"

Colonel says (to GM), "It's been too long since I've fired a rifle. Some practice would do me good."

[backstage] GM says, "handy"

GM says, "sensible enough"

[backstage] IainRPG says, "Renamed for less confusion."

[backstage] Mariamne says, "yeah, I am all knowledged up"

Manbir says, "And I've ensured your rifles are as ready as you are, Colonel."

Jean-Marc says, "heh"

Li_Fong arches an eyebrow.

GM says (to Jean-Marc), "so you're here with a letter of recommendation to Sir Giles, I suppose"

GM says (to Li_Fong), "and, hmm, you too? I think we were talking yesterday about George Chickering being the most businessman-ish of the guests"

[heatham] Manbir asks, "by Giles you mean Gilford?"

Li_Fong says, "there are certain matters of trade, yes"

[heatham] Li_Fong says, "I wasn't going to say anything"

[heatham] GM says, "er, whoops"

[heatham] Li_Fong says, "I did spend a while scanning the page for a Sir Giles before I came to that conclusion"

[heatham] Manbir says, "just making sure"

[heatham] Li_Fong says, "A clue! switched names!"

[heatham] GM says, "sorry, there are enough names here to keep track of that I shouldn't mangle any"

[heatham] Colonel says, "I wonder if it'd be good for one of us to put up a scratch file of clues found so far."

[heatham] Manbir says, "hang on, we can use writeboard"

[heatham] GM says (to Colonel), "actually, speaking of that, I threw something together which you guys are welcome to use"

[heatham] Manbir says, "...ok"

[heatham] GM says, "oh, unless there is something ready-made"

[heatham] GM says, "well, whatever you have is probably better than whatever I have"

[heatham] Li_Fong asks, "what do you have?"

[heatham] Jean-Marc asks, "wiki?"

[heatham] GM says, "I made http://www.drizzle.com/~dans/cgi-bin/mystery-notes.cgi, which just lets you append"

[heatham] (from Li_Fong) GM produces a sad little sock-puppet on a stick.

[heatham] GM says, "ha ha aw"

[heatham] Colonel says, "Let's pit them together in the arena. Mortal combat is the solution to almost every problem."

[heatham] Manbir says, "there's http://123.writeboard.com/df9ec0d943e1b3779 (password 'monkey')"

GM asks, "anyway, then the other question is how do you know the other PCs?"

Jean-Marc asks, "Would I know the colonel, the valet, or the business man?"

[heatham] Manbir says, "which is similar but more wiki-like and allows comments and reversion and stuff"

Li_Fong says, "I recognize the valet, by an odd coincidence"

Colonel peers at the two foreignors sceptically.

[Crows-Nest] Manbir says, "you must excuse the colonel -- his typing is not what it used to be"

Jean-Marc asks, "would the colonel have fought in france?"

[Crows-Nest] Jean-Marc says, "haha"

Li_Fong says, "but this does not mean I have made his acquaintance"

GM says (to Li_Fong), "it seems like you've been overseas and stuff, so I guess it's not out of the question"

Li_Fong says, "I have been to many places under the sun"

Colonel says (to Jean-Marc), "I've probably at least been there, although that would likely be last century."

GM says, "perhaps you knew Jean-Marc's grandfather"

Li_Fong says, "I was thinking that"

Colonel says, "That works."

GM says, "I guess that is close enough"

Colonel asks, "What was his name?"

Fang arrives, looking for booty.

Fang disappears through an invisible gap in the MUD. You think you may have heard the sounds of chatting before the gap closed again.

Manbir says, "Thierry"

GM says, "well, your characters are all arriving by the 4pm train, so you will have had a little time to get acquainted by the time the game starts (Manbir is not travelling first class, but naturally he must come up during the journey to assist)"

Jean-Marc says, "thierry works"

GM says, "so, to commence:"

GM says, "the story begins on a late afternoon in late October"

[heatham] * Fang has joined the channel.

[heatham] Fang would like to spectate, if possible.

Jean-Marc asks, "the train is running late too?"

[heatham] GM says, "naturally"

[heatham] GM says, "you will presumably want to be in the room"

[heatham] Manbir asks, "just one more thing: are we using inky's or my solution for notes?"

Fang arrives, looking for booty.

GM says, "I regret it always does"

[heatham] Mariamne says, "enh, use inky's"

Li_Fong says, "as the vast expanse of unenclosed wild embrowns itself moment by moment"

[heatham] Mariamne says, "it's less passwordy"

[heatham] Manbir says, "I guess"

GM says, "the weather has been unseasonably cold, and in fact there is some snow on the ground when you arrive at Market Heatham station"

[heatham] Li_Fong says, "that is my only reason, I admit"

[heatham] Colonel says, "Yeah, yours doesn't have the all-important moustache revelation."

Manbir arrives with several blankets to wrap the colonel in.

[heatham] Mariamne says, "(plus less hassle to link to for after-game analysis, and also if it doesn't dlete stuff you can see stuff you put in and then discarded more easily)"

[heatham] Li_Fong says, "I actually have a sort of valet as well, a gigantic Mongolian named Mr. Chow. but he never says anything and isn't really a character"

Colonel asks (of Manbir), "What took you so long?"

[heatham] Li_Fong says, "but he carries my luggage"

[heatham] Li_Fong says, "and plows through snowdrifts ahead of me"

Manbir says, "The conductor yet again, Colonel."

GM says, "there is a man with a car to take the Colonel and Jean-Marc to the house"

GM says, "Manbir and Li Fong are apparently left to their own devices to find a taxi"

Colonel says, "I shall have to have a choice word with him on the return trip."

Jean-Marc looks at Li Fong, but apparently he is too bored and tired to start a conversation.

Li_Fong lights a dark, skinny cigaret and puffs into the cold air.

Manbir says (to Li_Fong), "allow me."

Manbir flags down a cab.

Li_Fong says, "Thank you"

Jean-Marc says, "erm, colonel"

[heatham] GM says (to IainRPG), "perhaps you could be a taxi driver"

Li_Fong looks at everyone else.

Cabbie asks (of Manbir), "Wotcher, cock. Where to?"

Jean-Marc says, "after you, colonel"

[heatham] GM says, "hee hee"

[heatham] Li_Fong says, "hee he"

[backstage] GM says, "feel free to be a little skeptical about Li Fong"

Jean-Marc lets the Colonel enter the car, assuming he can do so on his own.

Colonel says, "Thank you."

[backstage] GM says, "Rob had requested a scene where he gets mistaken for a laundryman"

Manbir says (to Cabbie), "Heatham Manor"

Colonel struggles a bit, leaning heavily on his cane and the vehicle, but manages to enter. The chair is left for the driver to deal with.

[backstage] Mariamne says, "chinese laundry not such a UK thing"

[backstage] Mariamne says, "but enh"

Cabbie asks, "Crikey, what's all this?"

Jean-Marc enters also and closes the rickety door.

Jean-Marc says, "(I guess it's a closed car)"

[backstage] GM says, "yeah, I'm afraid this is all pretty hand-wavy, culturally speaking"

Li_Fong stamps out his cigaret

Cabbie says, "More than my job's worth, in this bloomin' weather."

[heatham] Jean-Marc asks, "car is with horses, cab is motor?"

Colonel stares at Jean-Marc for a bit, sizing him up.

Cabbie says (to Li_Fong), "Give us a hand with this chair, Gunga Din."

Manbir says (to Cabbie), "I'm afraid Colonel Featherstonehaugh travels with rather a lot of luggage"

Manbir says, "It will be worth your while, though."

Li_Fong helps the Cabbie with the chair

Cabbie says (to Manbir), "You too, Tojo."

Jean-Marc looks out at the scene.

[backstage] Mariamne says, "I like how you have deliberately mixed their ethnicities up here"

[heatham] GM says, "yeah, they're a little old-fashioned at the manor"

Jean-Marc turns back to the colonel. "Are you staying for long, Colonel?"

[backstage] Cabbie says, "I don't get out much!"

Li_Fong asks, "We shall be going to Heatham Manor. do you know it?"

Cabbie asks, "Okay, who wants to sit up front?"

Cabbie says, "Course I knows it, like the back of my hand."

[heatham] Li_Fong says, "tradition, you see"

GM says, "meanwhile, the groom pulls away with Jean-Marc and the Colonel and brings them to the manor"

Li_Fong bows and allows the others to get in first

Jean-Marc looks at the rolling vistas and rolling clouds. "Dreadful weather", he muses.

[heatham] Mariamne says, "man, our minutes in and I'm confused as to which people are in which vehicle"

[heatham] Jean-Marc says, "I assume that the weather is always bad here"

GM has made you a member of #unclassified/indoors.

[indoors] * GM has added PerrySimm to the channel.

#unclassified/indoors

Created: 13-Nov-05 12:37:11 Last message: Never

Users: +GM PerrySimm

Also:

There are no new messages on #unclassified/indoors.

[indoors] * GM has added Colonel to the channel.

[indoors] * GM has added Li_Fong to the channel.

[indoors] * GM has added Jean-Marc to the channel.

[indoors] * GM has added Manbir to the channel.

[indoors] * GM has added Cabbie to the channel.

[indoors] * GM has added Mariamne to the channel.

[heatham] Mariamne says, "er, four"

Cabbie asks, "Here, where are they off to?"

Colonel says (to Jean-Marc), "That depends on whether or not the hunting is as good at the Manor as I've been led to believe."

Cabbie asks, "I guess this here cab's just for the lower classes, eh?"

Colonel asks (of Jean-Marc), "Do you hunt?"

Cabbie says, "Well then, giddy up!"

Manbir says (to Cabbie), "Same place we're going, actually."

Jean-Marc ponders how exactly the Colonel will be able to hunt. By using a very long-range rifle perhaps. Held by someone else.

[indoors] GM says, "eventually the Colonel and Jean-Marc arrive at the manor, where the butler informs them that tea will be ready in a few minutes, and they should get changed"

Cabbie asks (of Manbir,Li_Fong), "So, whereabouts are you boys from, then?"

Colonel says (to Butler), "I shall get changed when I am good and ready. When my valet arrivers, send him up with my luggage."

Cabbie asks, "Spain?"

Jean-Marc points at the wheel chair. "Could you take that in the forest, colonel?"

Manbir says, "India. Although I have lived in England for the last five years."

[indoors] GM says, "(it would probably be helpful for Jean-Marc and the Colonel to stick to this channel so we can keep it sorted from the other conversation)"

[heatham] Jean-Marc asks, "a bit confused about the colonel and his chair. Does he need it to go about, or what?"

Cabbie pulls up, scuffing up the gravel something 'orrible.

Li_Fong says, "London. by way of Shanghai"

Cabbie says, "Ooooh, London."

Jean-Marc says (to colonel), "(missed question) I have hunted on occasion around the farm."

Cabbie says, "I always meant to get down to London one of these days."

[heatham] Li_Fong says, "ha ha"

Li_Fong exits the cab quickly.

Cabbie says, "Anyway, we're here, Kemosabe. You'd had better go and help his nibs with that old chair."

[indoors] GM says, "oh, right, I suppose Jean has this muted"

Jean-Marc says, "but most of the time it had been wolves and that sort of thing."

Jean-Marc says, "the cattle, you see."

[heatham] GM says (to Jean-Marc), "unmute #indoors, please"

Cabbie says (to Manbir), "You too, Effendi."

[heatham] GM says, "(and then @recap it)"

Colonel says (to Jean-Marc), "Of course. Do you see these wheels?" He slaps one of the oversized rear ones. "My boy Manbir has pushed this chair through mud and snow and shag carpet deep as quicksand.""

[heatham] Li_Fong says, "hmm"

Cabbie dismounts.

[indoors] Jean-Marc chuckles. "Impressive. Most impressive."

Colonel says, "A few brambles won't keep *me* from a good hunt."

Cabbie (to Colonel) (cap in hand), "Now then, your honour, that'll be two bob."

Jean-Marc says, "(I thought we were in the car, not the cab)"

Li_Fong pays the driver.

Cabbie says, "One for the chair, one for the two chaps in from London."

Manbir unloads the luggage.

Cabbie says (to Li_Fong), "Oh, er, very kind, thank you sir!"

Colonel pulls out his change purse and rummages through it. "Manbir, did he dent the luggage?"

Manbir checks. "It appears in order, Sir."

Li_Fong stares at the manor, taking it in.

Colonel tips appropriately.

[Crows-Nest] Manbir snickers at 'appropriately'

Cabbie (tugging his forelock), "Very kind, thankee sir, thankee."

Pondley, the butler, comes out to delegate servants to move the baggage indoors and whisk Manbir away to the servant's quarters.

Pondley regards Li Fong.

Jean-Marc asks, "Where is everybody?"

Pondley asks, "may I help you, sir?"

Cabbie leaps into his cab, noisily gets it into gear, and pulls away in a spray of gravel.

Jean-Marc asks (of Pondley), "Are the family here, actually?"

Li_Fong says (to Pondley), "My baggage is just here, thank you"

[backstage] Pondley says (to Mariamne), "perhaps you could be Lady Mallory and see that Jean-Marc and the Colonel get into the tea room"

Li_Fong attempts to walk indoors out of the cold.

Pondley looks perplexed. "Your baggage? Are you staying in the area?"

Jean-Marc seems mildly confused of the way things are going.

Pondley alertly shifts to block the doorway.

[heatham] Pondley says (to Jean-Marc), "you've arrived, been sent up to your room to change, and are supposed to be heading downstairs for tea"

[heatham] Pondley says, "ditto the Colonel"

[heatham] Jean-Marc says, "k"

[heatham] Jean-Marc asks, "do I miss this scene with Li Fong then?"

Li_Fong says, "Perhaps it is not clear. I am an invited guest this week-end"

[heatham] Pondley says, "unless you're loitering in the hall"

[backstage] LadyMallory says, "(I guess that means I just wait until one of them says he's gone there, then)"

[backstage] Pondley says, "no, grab Jean-Marc now and be glad to see him"

[backstage] Pondley says, "otherwise he will wait there all day"

[heatham] Jean-Marc says, "I thought the Colonel said 'I wont be having with this changing business' and I didn't actually go to chagne myself yet."

Pondley raises an eyebrow. "I trust sir has his letter of invitation?"

Li_Fong is already holding it out.

Pondley inspects it narrowly.

[indoors] LadyMallory walks into the hall, and encounters Jean-Marc

Li_Fong keeps an even face.

Pondley says, "my apologies, sir -- you know what a lot of riff-raff there is in the neighborhood these days"

Pondley says, "you will be in the Baize Room"

Li_Fong says, "Riff... raff. yes."

[heatham] Jean-Marc says, "I thought the Colonel said 'I wont be having with this changing business' and #indoors : turns to face her."

Li_Fong nods politely.

Pondley claps his hands, and sends a small boy to help Li Fong with his bags and escort him to his room

[backstage] IainRPG says, "I'm rooting for Li Fong now. It's clearly tough for a Londoner in this suspicious era."

[indoors] Jean-Marc asks, "Good evening, dear lady. You must be Lady Mallory, am I correct?"

Colonel waits until Manbir has had time to lay out his clothes before heading upstairs to change.

Pondley says (to Li_Fong), "tea will be served downstairs, sir"

[indoors] Jean-Marc says, "Jean-Marc Demille - I was just heading to my room to change."

[indoors] LadyMallory says (to Jean-Marc), "Good evening."

[indoors] LadyMallory look sJean-Mark up and down

Manbir, having narrowly escaped the butler's clutches, has done so and is waiting for the colonel upstairs.

Li_Fong says, "good."

[indoors] Jean-Marc smiles as charmingly as possible.

[indoors] LadyMallory says, "ah yes, perhaps changing might be a wise idea."

[indoors] Jean-Marc says, "to a certain extend, certainly"

[indoors] LadyMallory says, "we will be gathering for tea shortly, you know."

[indoors] Jean-Marc says, "I have been so informed."

Li_Fong notices a few impolite stares from servants as he passes through the house.

[indoors] LadyMallory gestures vaguely through the door of the parlour towards the tea room.

[indoors] Jean-Marc nods and moves on.

[backstage] LadyMallory says, "this is like herding cats, I swear"

[indoors] Jean-Marc says, "(so, now in my room, changing and so on, until time for tea)"

[backstage] LadyMallory says, "also I am lagged"

Li_Fong changes for tea.

[backstage] GM says, "they have a natural aversion to tea"

[indoors] LadyMallory says, "(it's time for tea NOW)"

Li_Fong shines his shoes with extra spiff.

[indoors] Jean-Marc enters the tea room, dressed somewhat roughly, but with fresh clothes.

GM says, "eventually, everyone changes or doesn't change, as is their fancy, and makes it down to the tea room"

[indoors] Li_Fong enters the tea room.

[indoors] GM says, "(Manbir would normally not be here, but he has to push the Colonel's chair)"

[indoors] LadyMallory smiles at Jean-Mark, approvingly noting that he in fact changed for tea, and smiles a *tad* less brightly at Li Fong.

[indoors] Manbir says, "naturally"

[indoors] Manbir says, "and lay out the napkin"

[backstage] GM says, "perhaps you could apologize for your husband being late"

[backstage] IainRPG says, "Nothing wrong with having a servant stand behind your chair at tea."

[indoors] LadyMallory greets the Colonel effusively, and ignores Manbir.

Colonel mutters something about 'blasted stairs' and 'ought to have some sort of ramp'.

Jean-Marc smirks and sits down at the most comfortable available seat that is not already occupied.

[backstage] GM says (to IainRPG), "it seems like you should be somebody else here -- perhaps William or Edmund or Charles Reed"

[indoors] Jean-Marc says, "s/available//"

[heatham] Colonel says, "(Whoops, I should be using #indoors, I guess.)"

[heatham] Jean-Marc says, "maybe, I am confused"

[indoors] LadyMallory says, "Well, good evening, everyone. I must apologise for my husband, he's usually so punctual. I can't think why he's so late."

[heatham] GM says, "doesn't really matter, but ideally everyone would be on the same channel, yeah"

[backstage] IainRPG says, "Charles, I guess."

[indoors] LadyMallory says, "I'm sure he will arrive soon, and then tea will be served."

[heatham] Manbir asks, "so #indoors is indoors and the room is outdoors?"

[heatham] GM says, "for right now, yeah"

[indoors] Jean-Marc says, "How _is_ your husband doing these days, mylady? My father is sending his most sincere regards."

[indoors] CharlesReed arrives.

[heatham] Colonel asks, "What's LadyMallory look like?"

[backstage] LadyMallory asks, "should I go gush over other NPCS who should be here?"

[indoors] CharlesReed says, "Aha, more guests, I see!"

[backstage] Hypatia says, "please do, although I am going to be Hypatia"

[heatham] LadyMallory says, "a 50-year-old married aristocrat."

[heatham] Jean-Marc says, "and british"

[indoors] CharlesReed says, "Good day to you all! Despite this blasted snow, of course."

[heatham] Colonel asks, "The frumpy sort or the elegant sort?"

[indoors] Hypatia (Sir Gilford's daughter) approaches Li Fong.

[indoors] LadyMallory spends a while gushing over Lord Barleyhew's fine waistcoat.

[indoors] Hypatia asks (of Li Fong), "good -- good afternoon, Mr Fong?"

[heatham] Jean-Marc looks at Hypatia with some interest.

[indoors] Jean-Marc looks at Hypatia with some interest.

[indoors] CharlesReed asks (of Colonel), "What a very striking manservant you have there, sir. Where's he from?"

[indoors] Li_Fong says, "Good afternoon"

[indoors] LadyMallory says, "such exquisitive tailoring! such a perfectly subtle design! oh, how I wish my Edmud had such taste in clothing, but he does mope so."

[indoors] LadyMallory says, "(er, Edmund)"

[indoors] Hypatia asks, "I, er, trust your journey was acceptable?"

[indoors] Li_Fong says, "It was quite comfortable."

[indoors] Colonel says (to Charles), "India. He's been with me for about five or six years. They're good at this sort of work, so long as you keep an eye on them."

[indoors] Jean-Marc glances at Manbir.

[indoors] CharlesReed asks, "Quite, quite. I dare say the fellow could wrestle an elephant, I say, what?"

[indoors] LadyMallory says, "turns to Mr Chickering and Mrs Chickering and engages them in polite conversation, glancing up at the clock every now and then."

[indoors] * Auda has joined the channel.

[heatham] LadyMallory says, "(also, emotes)"

[indoors] Li_Fong sips his tea like he's judging it.

[indoors] Jean-Marc asks, "I imagine that mylord Gilford is quite well, should I perhaps go and check up on him?"

[indoors] Jean-Marc stands up.

[indoors] CharlesReed extends a hand. "Reed's the name, Charles Reed. Next mansion over, as it were, ha ha."

[backstage] Hypatia says (to LadyMallory), "perhaps you could send a servant to look for Sir Gilford"

[indoors] Manbir smiles politely at CharlesReed.

[indoors] LadyMallory says (to Jean-Marc), "oh, that won't be necessary"

[indoors] Manbir says, "(from earlier)"

[indoors] Hypatia eyes Li Fong a little nervously.

[indoors] LadyMallory says, "I will send a servant to check on him."

[indoors] Jean-Marc asks, "(to whom is Charles extending a hand)?"

[indoors] Colonel chuckles. "I daresay you've never seen an Indian elephant. It takes six of them to pull one that doesn't want to move."

[indoors] Li_Fong smiles in a way that is not entirely reassuring.

[indoors] Hypatia says, "I am, er, very interested in equal rights for citizens throughout our great British Empire"

[indoors] Jean-Marc coughs or makes some other noise in his throat.

[indoors] CharlesReed holds his hand in the air for a bit, coughs in embarrassment and runs it through his hair instead.

[indoors] LadyMallory beckons to Pondley, and asks him to send a boy over to remind Sir Gilford that he's rather late for tea.

[heatham] Colonel asks, "What would Charles' and Edmund's ranks ahve been?"

[backstage] LadyMallory says, "I was in fact already typing that out when you suggested it"

[backstage] Hypatia says, "excellent"

[backstage] CharlesReed says, "Whoops, I see Reed is supposed to be a 'man of few words'."

[heatham] Jean-Marc asks, "edmund ane iwlliam are not with us yet, aret hey?"

[backstage] Hypatia says, "I guess this is the advantage of having played it before"

[heatham] Hypatia says, "yeah, they are, actually -- they're just off talking to other people"

[heatham] Hypatia says, "Charles Reed was a Captain, and Edmund was a 2nd Lieutenant"

[indoors] Li_Fong says, "'By nature, men are nearly alike; by practice, they get to be wide apart.'"

[indoors] Hypatia says, "Quite -- quite so"

[heatham] Jean-Marc asks, "where did you get teh fortune cookie from?"

[indoors] Hypatia continues talking a little nervously, glancing over at the clock occasionally.

[indoors] Hypatia says, "@name me = Pondley"

[indoors] Hypatia says, "er"

[indoors] LadyMallory spots Edmund lurking in a corner, and stalks over to straighten his tie and smooth down his hair. Tsk, children are such a disgrace sometimes.

[indoors] Li_Fong arches an eyebrow.

[backstage] CharlesReed asks, "Can I be Edmund?"

[backstage] Pondley says, "oh, please"

[backstage] Pondley says, "I will wait a few minutes to come in, then"

[Crows-Nest] (from Manbir) Rob posts, "Hypatia IS Pondley"

[indoors] Jean-Marc gives a look of solidarity to Edmund.

[indoors] Edmund looks up from the corner, where he's been sitting quietly.

[backstage] LadyMallory says, "does that mean I can hold out a handkerchief to him and say 'spit!'"

[heatham] Li_Fong says, "the image of inky doing a quick change of wigs and costumes and mustaches behind the scenes as the game goes on is once again occurring"

[indoors] Edmund says (to Li_Fong), "I say, that's rather good."

[Crows-Nest] Li_Fong says, "hee hee"

[heatham] Pondley exclaims, "Hypatia doesn't have a moustache!"

[heatham] Manbir asks, "says who?"

[heatham] Jean-Marc says, "... yet"

[heatham] Pondley offers round cucumber sandwiches and biscuits

[indoors] Li_Fong says (to Edmund), "it is of the sayings of Confucius"

[indoors] LadyMallory drifts over to William and Elizabeth, who are conversing in another corner

[indoors] Pondley offers round cucumber sandwiches and biscuits

[heatham] LadyMallory asks, "this room has 28 corners, yes?"

[indoors] Edmund says (to Li_Fong), "Hmm, fascinating."

[heatham] Pondley says, "naturally"

[indoors] Edmund says (to Li_Fong), "I've heard of Confucius. I had a book about him once."

[indoors] Li_Fong finishes his tea rather quickly

[indoors] Colonel opts for the biscuits. Sliced cucumbers are for women and men without callouses.

[indoors] LadyMallory says (to Elizabeth), "why, darling, you do look so utterly charming tonight."

[indoors] Li_Fong asks, "a book, you say?"

[indoors] Edmund says, "Well, just a little chapbook, I suppose you'd say."

[indoors] WilliamMallory says (to Elizabeth), "and so *I* said, what about the cow, eh? ha ha ha"

[indoors] Edmund says, "Didn't have much room for possessions in the army, you see."

[indoors] WilliamMallory says, "oh, mother, hello"

[indoors] Edmund frowns at William's piercing laugh.

[indoors] Li_Fong nods respectfully.

[indoors] LadyMallory says (to William), "now, you be nice to Elizabeth."

[indoors] Colonel says (to Edmund), "No point in bringing anything you wouldn't want to carry across twenty miles of desert on your back."

[indoors] WilliamMallory asks, "I *am* being nice to Elizabeth, aren't I?"

[indoors] ElizabethReed giggles

[indoors] Edmund says (to Colonel), "I wouldn't want to carry anything across twenty miles of desert."

[backstage] LadyMallory says, "inky: flirts even with himself if nobody else is available."

[indoors] Pondley listens to a servant for a moment, then his face pales.

[heatham] Manbir asks, "are the Chickerings here?"

[backstage] Pondley says, "well, uh, it seems required"

[heatham] Pondley says, "yeah"

[indoors] Colonel says (to Edmund), "And *that's* what's wrong with the army today."

[indoors] Pondley steps over to whisper to Lady Mallory.

[indoors] CharlesReed says, "You'd be surprised how much you can carry with a good sturdy brace of manservants."

[backstage] LadyMallory says (to Pondley), "pardon? ...oh. oh, my."

[indoors] Li_Fong says, "as a trader, I have moved goods in and out of many battle zones, but I myself have never had the honor of being a soldier"

[backstage] LadyMallory says, "channel"

[indoors] Jean-Marc yawns and looks at his tea.

[indoors] LadyMallory says (to Pondley), "pardon? ...oh. oh, my."

[indoors] EdmundMallory says, "Honour? Ha."

[indoors] LadyMallory crumples into a heap on the floor.

[indoors] Jean-Marc asks, "mm?"

[backstage] Pondley says (to CharlesReed), "maybe you could leap over and grab her"

[indoors] Jean-Marc says, "looks at Pondley, "What happened man?""

[backstage] LadyMallory says, "come on, men"

[backstage] LadyMallory says, "the lady just fainted!"

[indoors] EdmundMallory (to himself), "Honour is an entirely ridiculous idea on the face of it."

[indoors] Jean-Marc approaches, assuming nothing else is in the way.

[indoors] Colonel frowns. "Well, *someone* help her up."

[backstage] LadyMallory says, "bunch of unchivalrous hooligans"

[heatham] LadyMallory asks, "man, what's a girl gotta do to get chivalry around here?"

[indoors] Colonel glares particularly at Manbir, if no one else is doing anything for her.

[indoors] EdmundMallory says, "Pondley, do help mother off the floor, there's a good man."

[indoors] Jean-Marc says, "Maybe she should stay lying down."

[heatham] GM says, "ha ha ha"

[heatham] Manbir says (to Colonel), "I was presuming I was not to touch her"

[indoors] CharlesReed hurries over to help her up.

[indoors] Jean-Marc says, "Grabe her legs, I'll grab her arms"

[indoors] Li_Fong sets down his teacup.

[indoors] CharlesReed asks, "Great Scott, what is it?"

[indoors] CharlesReed helps move her to the couch.

[indoors] LadyMallory staggers to her feet with the help of Charles.

[indoors] LordBarleyhew polishes his monocle in surprise.

[indoors] LadyMallory says, "I.. I..."

[heatham] Jean-Marc says, "haha"

[heatham] Li_Fong says, "I think I've learned that if I make sudden moves towards ladies someone calls the cops"

[indoors] LadyMallory collects herself, and takes a deep breath.

[heatham] Manbir gives Li_Fong a 'me too' look.

[indoors] EdmundMallory asks, "What is it, mother?"

[indoors] LadyMallory says, "Pondley has just informed me that my husband is dead."

[indoors] Jean-Marc looks at Pondley.

[indoors] Jean-Marc says, "Dreadful"

[indoors] Colonel furrows his brow.

[indoors] EdmundMallory says, "Dead! But --"

[indoors] Pondley is standing respectfully to one side, waiting for Lady Mallory to keep speaking.

[indoors] LadyMallory says, "I... he said it looked like suicide."

[indoors] CharlesReed exclaims, "dead? nonsense! he was fine this morning!"

[backstage] EdmundMallory asks, "Er, anybody else who's here but hasn't spoken yet?"

[backstage] CharlesReed says, "the chickerings and lord barleyhew, I think"

[heatham] Colonel says, "I am surprised she'd say something like that so openly."

[indoors] Jean-Marc asks (of pondley), "Do speak up, man. What happened? what did you see?"

[indoors] CharlesReed hurries to shush her. "No, no, I'm sure there must be some mistake."

[heatham] Li_Fong stares intently from one person to the next, reading faces.

[indoors] GeorgeChickering says, "Good heavens!"

[heatham] Li_Fong says, "er"

[indoors] Li_Fong stares intently from one person to the next, reading faces, saying nothing.

[indoors] LadyMallory says (to Pondley), "are you sure? you can't be certain. my husband was a strong man, a noble man, and he'd never stoop to such an act!"

[indoors] Jean-Marc says, "Let's all go upstairs at once."

[indoors] EdmundMallory asks (of Li_Fong), "What are you looking at, eh?"

[indoors] Pondley coughs. "Naturally, I can only repeat what the boy reported to me -- that he was in the cabin alone, and he appeared to have his, er, revolver in his hand."

[indoors] EdmundMallory asks, "What are you saying, man?"

[backstage] LadyMallory says, "yeah, I just realised I did not say where he was"

[indoors] Li_Fong asks (of Edmund), "What am I looking at, and what do I see?"

[backstage] LadyMallory says, "I am too busy having hysterics!"

[indoors] Pondley asks, "would you like me to call the police, m'lady?"

[indoors] Li_Fong asks, "must you call the police?"

[indoors] LadyMallory says, "Yes, of course!"

[indoors] Li_Fong coughs into a napkin.

[indoors] LordBarleyhew coughs also

[indoors] LordBarleyhew says, "I do hope there won't be any .. scandal here"

[indoors] Jean-Marc looks at Barleyhew confused. What is the old geezer saying?

[backstage] EdmundMallory asks, "What's William doing now?"

[backstage] Pondley says, "probably trying to comfort Elizabeth"

[indoors] LadyMallory says, "I'm quite certain I know my own husband, Lord Barleyhew. He would not have commmited suicide! Either he died of natural causes, or... in any event, the police should be notified."

[indoors] Pondley says, "Very good, madam"

[indoors] Pondley slips away.

[indoors] Li_Fong sits down.

[indoors] Colonel mutters (aside, to Manbir), "This bodes ill for hunting this week. But this isn't the first man I've known to turn his gun on himself."

[indoors] Li_Fong says, "is it possible I should get another cup of tea? thank you"

[indoors] LadyMallory weeps into her handkerchief.

[indoors] Jean-Marc smiles at Li Fong almost admiringly, one would say.

[backstage] LadyMallory says, "someone prod them to go see the crime scene, dammit."

[backstage] Pondley says, "hmm"

[indoors] Jean-Marc asks, "Shouldn't we go and take a look?"

[backstage] Pondley says, "I think perhaps the police should arrive first"

[backstage] Pondley says, "ha ha"

[backstage] LadyMallory says, "oh, there we go"

[backstage] Pondley says, "ok, or not"

[indoors] Manbir mutters (to the Colonel), "I rather fear it does, Sir."

[indoors] CharlesReed asks, "what, go out to his cabin?"

[indoors] Jean-Marc shrugs, "Why not?"

[indoors] Colonel asks, "Have you the stomach for it?"

[indoors] Jean-Marc asks, "You, sir, are here hunting, aren't you?"

[indoors] Li_Fong lets out a half snort that he disguises with a loud sip of tea.

[indoors] WilliamMallory (comforting Elizabeth), "No, flower, don't worry, he doesn't mean us."

[backstage] CharlesReed says (to William), "hee hee"

[indoors] Colonel says, "Were."

[indoors] CharlesReed says, "it's been years since I was in a war, but I've seen death before"

[indoors] CharlesReed says, "fine, we'll go sort this out before the police arrive"

[indoors] CharlesReed asks, "would anyone else care to come along? William? Edmund?"

[indoors] EdmundMallory says, "I've seen plenty of death. I don't need to see any more."

[indoors] CharlesReed says, "right then"

[indoors] CharlesReed leads the way outside.

[indoors] Manbir asks (of Colonel), "Sir?"

[indoors] Li_Fong senses the prevailing current and stands up.

[indoors] Colonel says (to Manbir), "Of course."

Manbir pushes.

GM says, "the cabin is a ten-minute walk or so from the manor, into the outskirts of the forest"

[indoors] LadyMallory sobs, "Oh, Edmund. You're the man of the house now. You should accompany them."

[indoors] WilliamMallory says (to Edmund), "Our own father, you spineless idiot!"

GM says, "the snow crunches beneath your feet as you walk"

Li_Fong has another smoke on the way between buildings.

[indoors] WilliamMallory says, "Oh, I'll go."

Jean-Marc tries to sense what Li Fong is smoking.

[indoors] LadyMallory says, "The least you could do is... see your father again, now."

GM says, "the cabin itself lies in a small clearing -- it's probably an old game-keeper's cottage (which, William explains when he catches up, Sir Gilford had refitted into a sort of study, although it still keeps some of the gamekeeper's equipment)"

Jean-Marc approaches him. "What is this you are smoking, mister Li?"

GM says, "several lines of footprints lead up to the door of the cabin, while otherwise the clearing is clear snow"

[backstage] IainRPG says (to inky), "You'd better do William again."

[backstage] IainRPG says, "Or I guess we can just let the players do their stuff for a while."

WilliamMallory says, "well, there's his cabin -- should we go inside? Pondley said he was at his desk"

Manbir surreptitiously examines the lines of footprints as he approaches, pushing the wheelchair.

Jean-Marc asks (of william), "Does anything seem out of the ordinary?"

[heatham] Manbir asks, "can I tell how many sets?"

[heatham] WilliamMallory says, "it just so happens I have a diagram"

[heatham] WilliamMallory | http://www.drizzle.com/~dans/rpg/mystery/clearing.png

[backstage] StormeRPG says, "hooray maps."

[heatham] Manbir says, "Well"

[heatham] Li_Fong smirks at Jean-Marc and tamps out his cigaret in the snow without precisely answering

Jean-Marc says, "perhaps we should try not to disturb the existing prints."

Jean-Marc says, "let's go around the window"

[heatham] Colonel says, "Excellent."

[heatham] WilliamMallory says, "although this is with the trails pulled apart -- in reality they actually overlap a bunch"

[Crows-Nest] Manbir asks, "How did William get this diagram??"

[Crows-Nest] Colonel says, "Hee."

WilliamMallory says (to Jean-Marc), "there's just the one window in back, but it's probably locked from inside"

[Crows-Nest] StormeRPG says, "picky picky"

WilliamMallory says, "still, it might be worth a look"

Li_Fong tries to count the different sets of footprints.

Manbir says (to Colonel), "Interesting -- do you see these shoes? They go in but do not come back out."

[heatham] WilliamMallory says, "(or you could step around the footprints and go in the front door)"

Jean-Marc picks up the remnant Li Fong's cigarette.

[heatham] Li_Fong asks, "it only just started to snow as we arrived at the train station?"

[heatham] WilliamMallory says, "no, it's been cold all day, but you should probably ask William if you want to know what the weather has been locally, since you came from london"

[heatham] Li_Fong says, "in other words, these are all recent sets of prints"

[heatham] WilliamMallory says, "(it wasn't snowing as you came to the station, but there was snow on the ground)"

Colonel says (to Manbit), "Likely Sir Gilford's own prints."

WilliamMallory looks at the cabin and shakes his head.

WilliamMallory says, "I simply can't believe father would shoot himself -- there must be another explanation"

Jean-Marc says, "I'll go and take a look around the back first."

Jean-Marc sets out

[heatham] Li_Fong says, "ah"

Colonel says (to Manbir), "Let's look inside."

Manbir steps carefully over the tracks, opens the door, goes back equally carefully, then realizes he has to push the Wheelchair through them anyway.

[backstage] StormeRPG says, "and yet nobody has yet updated your page thing. tsk tsk. excet for a joke by rob."

[heatham] WilliamMallory says, "hee hee"

[heatham] Jean-Marc asks, "do I see anything on the back side?"

[heatham] WilliamMallory says, "(we can assume that the wheelchair doesn't mess up the prints too much)"

Li_Fong walks in Manbir's footprints.

[heatham] Jean-Marc asks, "also, did we just come to the area fro the south side?"

Manbir struggles with getting the wheelchair up on the cabin porch for a moment

GM says (to Jean-Marc), "the back window is a metal grate with small holes and what looks to be curtains on the inside, though they're open"

[heatham] GM says, "right"

GM says (to Jean-Marc), "the window itself is closed and latched"

GM says (to Jean-Marc), "immediately through the window you can see the back of Sir Gilford, slumped over his desk"

[heatham] Jean-Marc says, "what can I see inside? I also take a quick look around the back"

[heatham] GM says, "and as you look inside, you see diagram 2: http://www.drizzle.com/~dans/rpg/mystery/cabin.png"

[heatham] GM says, "(ditto the other people who enter)"

Colonel looks at the way he's holding his gun.

[heatham] Li_Fong says, "I like the guy slumped over the desk"

[heatham] Manbir says, "yeah"

Li_Fong pokes his head into the storage room as he passes by

[heatham] Colonel says, "Comparing it to other suicides I've seen in the army."

[Crows-Nest] Manbir says, "now I wonder if they knew about the stuff about dirt on the entry wound back then"

[Crows-Nest] Manbir says, "(if shot close range, you would have traces of gunpowder on the wound, but not if shot at wide range)"

[Crows-Nest] GM says, "the technology era is that the detectives are just starting to do stuff with prints, and autopsy surgeons can test the body for poisons and do some other basic analysis"

[Crows-Nest] GM says, "so yeah, powder burns are probably detectable"

[Crows-Nest] Manbir says, "well, just if people know about this"

Jean-Marc sees nothing out the back so he comes back in, but not without stopping at a tree to relieve himself first.

GM says (to Colonel), "it looks like he's holding the gun reasonably normally, although maybe not as tight as you'd expect"

Li_Fong looks at the bookshelf and the fireplace.

GM says (to Li Fong), "the storage room apparently holds hunting supplies -- rifles, fishing rods and lines and hooks, paddles for beating out the grouse, etc"

Jean-Marc enters also. "my, my. What was he doing out here anyway? what is wrong with the mansion?"

Li_Fong scrutinizes kind of everything but the body, really.

[heatham] GM says, "hee hee"

Colonel looks for the bullet's path.

WilliamMallory says, "I'm not exactly sure when he came out here -- it must have been some time after we stopped hunting"

[heatham] StormeRPG says, "(at this point I am wondering if people are going to remember to update inky's notes thing)"

WilliamMallory says, "this was sort of his private office out here"

[heatham] Manbir asks, "was he left-handed or right-handed?"

Colonel says (to Jean-Marc), "Sometimes a man has to get away."

WilliamMallory says, "he was right-handed, just like me"

[heatham] GM says, "(which matches the body)"

Jean-Marc nods to the Colonel, then looks at the cabin.

GM says (to Li Fong), "the bookcase has a small collection of books on farming, tenantry, hunting, and business"

Jean-Marc seems not to be so interested in the furnishings as in the construction of the cabin itself.

[indoors] Li_Fong goes back to the storage room and looks again. Looking for anything that looks missing or out of place. Like a rack with one empty spot or something.

GM says, "the fireplace is cold, with one burned-out log and a pile of ash"

GM says (to Jean-Marc), "the cabin seems rudely but solidly constructed"

Li_Fong says, "Hmm."

Jean-Marc asks, "no notes on the table?"

GM says (to Colonel), "again, the bullet path looks roughly but not exactly right for someone of your experience"

Li_Fong asks, "The fireplace is cold. Is the body cold, too?"

[heatham] Manbir asks, "can we tell how long cold?"

GM says (to Jean-Marc), "the desk? it's got some papers, an inkwell, a paperweight, some pens, a pool of blood, and the body itself"

GM says (to Jean-Marc), "but no suicide note"

[heatham] Colonel asks (of GM), "Is there a bullet hole in the wall?"

[heatham] Li_Fong says, "ew, blood!"

[heatham] Li_Fong faints

Manbir meaningfully asks the Colonel, "Are you... COLD... in here, Sir?"

[heatham] Li_Fong says, "hm, actually, maybe that's why I'm looking everywhere but at the guy"

[heatham] GM says (to Colonel), "not that you see"

[heatham] Colonel asks, "Also, what position was he in?"

Colonel looks quizzically at Manbir. "What are you on about? Can't you see there's more to worry about here than the weather?"

GM says (to Manbir), "it's been cold for some time, but with the fire out it's a little hard to estimate"

Manbir says (to Colonel), "It occurs to me that he may have been sitting in the cold"

Jean-Marc asks (of william), "does your father like to keep a roaring fire?"

GM says (to Li Fong), "the supplies definitely look disturbed, but it's hard for you to tell what (if anything) is missing -- none of the gun-racks are empty, though"

GM says (to Colonel), "he's sitting in his chair, slumped forward across the desk, the gun in his right hand"

Jean-Marc asks, "That is his own revolver, I presume, isn't he?"

Jean-Marc says, "it"

WilliamMallory says, "naturally he likes a warm fire, just like me"

WilliamMallory pulls his coat tighter.

Colonel asks, "What time did he come back from hunting?"

WilliamMallory says, "that's his revolver, yes -- brought it back from some war or other"

Jean-Marc says, "so it must've been some time now. Certainly before teatime."

WilliamMallory says, "let's see"

WilliamMallory thinks back

Colonel looks at the revolver.

WilliamMallory says, "I believe we knocked off shooting around 10 when it started to snow"

Jean-Marc goes out in the porch and looks at which directions all the tracks lead to.

WilliamMallory says, "and we all went back to the house"

WilliamMallory says, "oh, except father said he was going for a walk"

Li_Fong says (to Colonel), "Colonel, you look unhappy about something here."

Li_Fong says, "beyond the unhappy event itself"

Jean-Marc stays outside for a bit, enjoying the cool night.

[heatham] WilliamMallory asks (of Jean-Marc), "is there a specific trail you want to follow?"

[heatham] WilliamMallory asks, "or are you just looking at the nearby tracks more?"

[heatham] Jean-Marc says, "I am looking at the tracks that lead to other directions than the one we came from"

Colonel says (to Li Fong), "Perhaps it is the sentimentality of an old man. But I am inclined to agree with the Lady Mallory."

[heatham] Jean-Marc says, "particularly the on that enters the cabin from the south and esxits to the south east"

WilliamMallory asks, "you mean, you don't think this was suicide?"

Jean-Marc re-enters the cabin. "It is quite easy, is it not, to simply place a revolver in a dead man's hand."

GM says (to Jean-Marc), "you follow it for five minutes or so -- it wanders out of the forest, around the grounds some, and eventually makes its aimless way back towards the manor"

Colonel says (to William), "That is my feeling, yes."

Jean-Marc says, "forget that then"

[heatham] Colonel says, "Argh. Minor family emergency may be arising. I may have to bow out."

[heatham] GM says, "erf, I hope stuff is ok for you"

[heatham] Li_Fong says, "aw"

[heatham] Jean-Marc asks, "erm, what's up?"

[heatham] GM says, "Manbir will have to do double duty"

[heatham] Manbir says, "ha"

[heatham] Li_Fong says, "at this point, the Colonel naps for the rest of the evening and morning"

[heatham] Manbir says, "hee hee"

[heatham] GM says, "strategic napping, just like they taught us in '63"

Li_Fong asks, "why should someone wish to kill a man at a time when that man is hosting a house full of guests?"

Li_Fong says, "unless perhaps the murderer is one of the guests"

WilliamMallory says, "a -- a guest? surely it's some tramp or something"

(From Manbir) Colonel says, "Sharp thinker, that man."

Jean-Marc asks, "what would it matter to the killer had there been guests or not?"

Jean-Marc says, "As long as the lord is alone in his cabin, the thing is trivial to perform. Guests add to the confusion."

Li_Fong says, "what indeed. more bodies, more eyes, more voices asking questions"

Jean-Marc says, "more suspects."

Li_Fong snaps his fingers.

Li_Fong says, "more tea."

WilliamMallory looks at the desk more.

Li_Fong says, "I'm going back to the house."

Manbir *almost* went there.

[Crows-Nest] IainRPG says, "I bet that bit of dialogue appears in the movie trailer."

Jean-Marc says (to william), ""Which one of the tracks is your father's, William?""

Li_Fong walks back to the porch, and is greeted by a chilly gust of wind.

[Crows-Nest] Li_Fong says, "hee hee"

WilliamMallory says (muffled, from under the desk) "What's this?"

WilliamMallory says (to Manbir), "here, there's something shiny down there, dig it out"

[heatham] Jean-Marc says, "haha"

Li_Fong frowns at the woods and snow.

Manbir does so.

Jean-Marc says, "The bullet"

Jean-Marc asks, "?"

Manbir is wearing gloves, by the way.

GM says (to Manbir), "way under the desk, almost out of reach (from Sir Gilford's side, anyway) you pull out a gold watch"

Li_Fong comes back in.

Li_Fong glances at his own watch, reflexively.

Li_Fong stares at the fireplace ash again.

Jean-Marc asks, "Do you recognise this watch, William?"

WilliamMallory says, "Great Scott, that's my brother's watch -- I'd know those initials anywhere"

WilliamMallory points to the EFM engraved on the watch.

[backstage] IainRPG says, "Ha ha."

[backstage] StormeRPG says, "man"

Li_Fong looks for something like a charred bit of letter or something else clueful

GM says (to Li Fong), "you notice some bits of unburned something at the edge of the ash"

[heatham] GM says, "(funny you should ask)"

[heatham] Li_Fong says, "aHA"

Jean-Marc says, "He could have lost it here at any point in time""

Li_Fong pulls a pair of ivory chopsticks out of his coat pocket and sifts out whatever it is.

Jean-Marc asks, "had he mentioned a loss to you?"

GM says (to Li Fong), "it appears to be some scraps of cloth"

[heatham] Li_Fong asks, "what is this cloth?"

WilliamMallory says, "of course he must have lost it earlier -- it's absolutely ridiculous to suggest otherwise"

WilliamMallory says, "I'm afraid Edmund is very careless with his watch"

WilliamMallory says, "always losing it"

[backstage] StormeRPG asks, "wait, sticking up for edmund?"

[backstage] GM says, "sticking up in a suspicious way"

[backstage] StormeRPG says, "this is not the William I recall"

[backstage] GM says, "well, in theory"

Jean-Marc chuckles. "Yes, indeed. That is a reason why I never carry one on my person. Damn thing always ends up in the most unexpected of places."

Jean-Marc turns his attention to Li.

[heatham] GM says (to Li Fong), "hard to say -- it's plain, probably white before it was burned and buried in ash"

Li_Fong is holding up the bit of cloth and gazing at it intently

Jean-Marc asks, "that's just a bit of cloth, for god's sake. What good could it possibly be?"

[heatham] GM says, "ha ha"

[heatham] Jean-Marc says, "(Unless it is a bit of cloth from the murderer's blood-soaked clothes of course)"

Jean-Marc says, "Why would someone"

Jean-Marc says, "wait a minute"

Jean-Marc says, "Now, if your father was murdered and the murderer's clothes became bloody..."

Jean-Marc looks at Li.

Li_Fong says, "hmm."

Jean-Marc asks (of william), "Do you think there might have been some spare clothes in the cabin?"

WilliamMallory says, "I don't think so, unless they're in the storage room"

WilliamMallory waves his hands vaguely.

WilliamMallory says, "maybe a hunting poncho or somesuch"

Li_Fong lightly returns the scrap to where he found it, and repockets his chopsticks.

Li_Fong looks at the storage room a third time.

Jean-Marc points at the just-disappeared chopsticks. "What are these?", he enquires.

Manbir says, "Eating implements."

Jean-Marc asks, "how do you stab something with a piece of wood?"

[heatham] GM says, "you're not, yourself, in a position to determine what might be missing/moved, but I can give you a deeper inventory of the room if you like"

Li_Fong says, "'Ignorance is the night of the mind, but a night without moon and star.'"

[heatham] Li_Fong says, "go for it"

[heatham] Li_Fong says, "just because I like the GM to work a bit"

(From Manbir) Colonel says (to William), "Well, don't just stand around, young man -- have a look."

Jean-Marc says (to Li), ""I'd like to see you eat a stake with that, friend"

Jean-Marc says, "(steak)"

GM says, "In the storage room, you see: rifles, bullets, paddles, fishing rods, fishing line, fishing hooks, a hat with some fishing lures stuck on it, feathers, tape, glue, poncho, umbrella, axe, some scraps of wood"

Li_Fong says, "hmm. feathers. scraps of wood"

GM says, "and a half-empty bag of bird seed"

(From Jean-Marc) Li_Fon says, "Great meal."

Li_Fong asks, "is this the poncho William was just referring to?"

Li_Fong asks, "is there anything hidden in this bag of seed?"

GM says, "yes probably, and no"

Li_Fong paces around.

GM says, "except more seeds"

[heatham] Manbir says, "check out the axe"

[heatham] GM says, "ok, so mystery-wise, there are a few more clues you could potentially get here, or you could head back to the house to talk to people, or we could cut to the theorizing stage of the investigation"

[heatham] Li_Fong says, "it's always the umbrella that's the giveaway"

Li_Fong looks at the window more carefully.

[heatham] GM says, "(obviously, if you want to leave and come back that is fine too)"

(From Manbir) Colonel examines the watch more closely.

Jean-Marc says, "Could I perhaps take one of the lord's boots if that is alright with you"

Li_Fong says, "take his boots!"

WilliamMallory asks, "his boots?"

Jean-Marc says, "to inspect, you see. And match with the tracks."

[backstage] StormeRPG says, "whoa, suddenly they are all proactive"

[backstage] GM says, "yeah, and they went right to the stuff I was thinking of"

Jean-Marc says, "you did say he had gone for a walk,a dn there appars to be a set of tracks which rambles about the forest."

WilliamMallory says, "oh, I don't see why not"

[backstage] IainRPG says, "Almost like somebody is spying on your mind!"

Jean-Marc takes a boot and finds matching tracks outside if possible.

Li_Fong looks scandalized for some reason.

Manbir says, "There were several sets of prints, Sir -- perhaps you should try matching others too"

[heatham] GM says, "hee hee"

[Crows-Nest] Manbir says, "If you're gonna die, die with your boots on"

GM says (to Li Fong), "the window is one of those that snaps locked when closed"

Jean-Marc says (to Li), "I will return them to him promtly, I promise"

GM says, "and it opens inwards"

Li_Fong says (to GM), "Hmmmm"

GM says, "there is a small scratch on the grating"

Li_Fong says, "Hmmmm"

GM says (to Manbir), "the watch appears to have wound down around 3am"

Li_Fong notes these things aloud in the form of mumbles.

GM says (to Jean-Marc), "the boot slips off easily, and (after some comparison) you note that it matches the single line of tracks (the red) and none of the others"

Li_Fong says, "I open the window and look down at the snow underneath it"

[heatham] Manbir asks, "is anyone updating the note-taking thing?"

[heatham] Manbir says, "except me"

[heatham] GM says, "you guys are finding all these clues, so I should hope so"

Jean-Marc says, "Only one match - I suppose he wouldn't be using any other shoes"

GM says (to Li Fong), "you see Jean-Marc's footprints, and (from this angle) are able to note that the snow is packed down a bit more under the window than to either side"

Jean-Marc restores the boot.

[heatham] Jean-Marc says, "I also check to see if there is anything peculiar stuck underneath the boot."

[heatham] Jean-Marc asks, "which notes are we doing?"

[heatham] GM says, "just mud and snow"

GM says, "it slips on easily, and you lace it back up"

[heatham] StormeRPG says, "http://www.drizzle.com/~dans/cgi-bin/mystery-notes.cgi"

WilliamMallory asks, "so, er, do you chaps know what's going on?"

WilliamMallory says, "I guess Edmund will be pleased to get his watch back"

Li_Fong says, "And I would like more tea"

[heatham] Jean-Marc says, "I also check the south-west path"

Li_Fong bundles his arms and heads back to the house.

Jean-Marc says, "shortly. I will check the south-west path and return to the manor"

[heatham] WilliamMallory says, "ok, 1 sec"

WilliamMallory crunches out across the snow

[Crows-Nest] Li_Fong says, "mm crunchy"

WilliamMallory says, "I suppose these must be my prints"

WilliamMallory says, "it's hard to make them out with all the trampling and criss-crossing"

Jean-Marc says, "(which ones?)"

[heatham] WilliamMallory says, "(the dark blue)"

[heatham] Manbir asks, "has anyone checked the boots against the prints yet?"

[heatham] Jean-Marc says, "red one for Sir"

[heatham] WilliamMallory says, "Jean-Marc confirmed they matched the red tracks and not any of the others"

[heatham] Jean-Marc says, "and supposing he didn't change shoes"

[heatham] Manbir says, "hmm, but *someone* took a walk"

Jean-Marc asks (of william), "so you said that your father had gone for a walk?"

WilliamMallory says, "after we went hunting, yes"

[heatham] Manbir asks, "were there other shoes in the cabin?"

WilliamMallory says, "he must have eventually walked over to the cabin here; I didn't see him at the house but I was busy chatting"

[heatham] WilliamMallory says, "no"

Jean-Marc says, "I didn't see any other tracks apart from these, but there are two pairs of tracks in the south-east and south-west that seem to be rambling around"

[heatham] Jean-Marc says, "hey, what happened with the south-west tracks? :)"

[heatham] WilliamMallory says, "(I should clarify that the hunting was elsewhere)"

[heatham] WilliamMallory exclaims (at Jean-Marc), "you started talking to William!"

GM says (to Jean-Marc), "you follow the south-west tracks for perhaps a minute and arrive at another gamekeeper's cottage"

[heatham] Manbir says, "are the green tracks the boy's shoes? That should be easily found out"

[heatham] Jean-Marc says, "yeah, I will split with him now and go south-west"

GM says, "this one appears to have a live occupant, or at least a smoky chimney"

[heatham] GM says (to Manbir), "we will assume that you ask about that at the house and get it confirmed, yeah"

Jean-Marc knocks on the door.

[heatham] GM says, "(since it is the case)"

GamekeeperJohn asks, "eh what?"

GamekeeperJohn comes to the door after you knock loudly several times.

[heatham] Manbir says, "well, if it's an actual boy, you should be able to tell by the size"

[heatham] GamekeeperJohn says, "right, that too"

Jean-Marc says, "Good evening sir"

Jean-Marc says, "I am afraid there has been a dreadful event"

GamekeeperJohn touches his cap respectful-like

GamekeeperJohn looks horrified. "Poachers, sir?"

[heatham] Manbir says, "and dark green is probably the gamekeeper..."

[heatham] Jean-Marc says, "haha"

Jean-Marc says, "No, Sir Giles is dead"

Jean-Marc says, "Have you seen anything suspicious"

Jean-Marc tries to peer in the cabin.

GamekeeperJohn looks aghast.

Jean-Marc says, "Could you let me in, for a moment? It is rather cold out here."

GamekeeperJohn says, "of course, of course"

GamekeeperJohn lets you in to the small cabin.

Jean-Marc scrubs his shoes and enters.

GamekeeperJohn's cabin has no map, but it's a small rustic cabin with a sitting-room/work-room and a bedroom

Jean-Marc looks around the cabin in case there is anything incriminating, like an I DID IT note.

GamekeeperJohn has some tools set up in front where he has a disassembled gun that he is futzing with

Jean-Marc says, "Apparently he shot his brains out."

GamekeeperJohn asks, "Good Lord, his Lordship?"

[heatham] Li_Fong says, "what I like about Jean-Marc is how tactful he is"

Jean-Marc nods.

GamekeeperJohn shakes his head sadly. "I never would have thought it of him"

[heatham] StormeRPG looks at notes, wonders why everyone mocked inky when they are now all calling Sir Gilford Sir Giles.

[heatham] GamekeeperJohn says, "ha ha ha"

[heatham] Manbir says, "too late now"

[heatham] GamekeeperJohn says, "I guess the guy is officially renamed"

[heatham] Rob says, "it's game 2, it's a new dead guy"

[heatham] GamekeeperJohn says, "the case of the mysterious renaming"

[heatham] IainRPG says, "He's Sir Stiff now."

[heatham] Jean-Marc says, "hehe"

[heatham] IainRPG says, "Sir Boddy."

[heatham] GamekeeperJohn says, "also, if Li and Manbir want to interview somebody at the house, I imagine Storme/Iain would be up for that"

Jean-Marc asks, "We are not sure when it happened, but it must not have been a long time ago. Have you seen, or heard, anything suspicious?"

[heatham] StormeRPG says, "sure, on #indoor"

[backstage] IainRPG asks, "What's the significance of italics in the timeline?"

[heatham] Li_Fong asks, "you! why did you DO THE DEED?"

[heatham] Li_Fong says, "hm, that's a different game entirely"

[backstage] GamekeeperJohn says, "stuff they'll lie about"

[backstage] IainRPG says, "Okay, got it."

[indoors] Li_Fong sips his tea in thoughtful silence.

[heatham] Jean-Marc asks, "torturer's paradise?"

[backstage] GamekeeperJohn says, "either important stuff or stuff that is just personal (in the latter case, feel free to come up with it after some prodding)"

[heatham] Manbir says, "the messenger boy might be interesting"

GamekeeperJohn says, "N--no sir"

Jean-Marc considers sitting down for a moment, then looks at the gun.

GamekeeperJohn says, "I was just taking a bit of a nap now, and earlier I was working on Mr Reed's gun for him"

GamekeeperJohn says, "he'd said the barrel was out of alignment"

Jean-Marc asks, "I see. So he has nothing to hunt with at the moment?"

(From Manbir) Colonel checks the body for any other wounds.

[indoors] Li_Fong asks, "Does anyone recall when Sir 'Giles' went out to his cabin?"

GamekeeperJohn says, "and before lunch I was off in Market Heathings making some arrangements for new shot and seed"

[indoors] Manbir says (to Li_Fong), "you can remove the chopsticks from around Giles RIGHT NOW, mister"

GamekeeperJohn says, "he was saying his shooting was no good when he was hunting earlier, sir"

Jean-Marc asks, "so you have not seen sir giles today at all, have you?"

[heatham] StormeRPG asks (of Li_fong), "who are you asking?"

Jean-Marc says, "scratch that"

GamekeeperJohn says, "not since the hunting, sir, around 10"

[heatham] Li_Fong says, "everyone in the room"

[heatham] Manbir asks, "wait, how do I know the watch stopped at 3 *am*?"

Jean-Marc asks, "And then you came back here directly, did you?"

[heatham] GamekeeperJohn says (to Manbir), "excellent point"

GamekeeperJohn says, "I put away the supplies in the cabin and then headed over to Market Heatham, sir"

[backstage] GamekeeperJohn says, "(probably someone says they last saw him after the hunting, and Reed or William points out that William saw him later)"

[heatham] Manbir asks, "any other wounds on the body?"

[indoors] HypatiaMallory says (to Li_Fong), "If he went after hunting, perhaps one of the men who went hunting would know."

[heatham] GamekeeperJohn says, "his head's a mess, but that's all"

[indoors] CharlesReed asks, "What's this? Hunting?"

Jean-Marc asks, "Alright then. I suspect the police will be here shortly, but if you think of something do tell us in the meantime, won't you?"

GamekeeperJohn says, "of course, sir"

[indoors] HypatiaMallory asks, "why, yes, Mr Reed, you went hunting with my father, didn't you?"

Jean-Marc asks, "I suppose there is no-one you can think of that would have wanted to hurt his lordship, is there?"

[indoors] HypatiaMallory says, "Mr Fong here was asking when he went out to the cabin"

[indoors] Li_Fong asks, "did anyone see him after 10am?"

GamekeeperJohn says, "n--no, sir"

GamekeeperJohn says, "I mean, er"

[indoors] CharlesReed says, "Oh, you mean earlier."

Jean-Marc frowns.

[indoors] CharlesReed says, "Well, let me see."

GamekeeperJohn says, "er, well, it's common knowledge that Mr Edmund and he didn't get along"

GamekeeperJohn says, "but I'm sure Mr Edmund would never do anything of the sort"

[indoors] CharlesReed says, "We was out after the grouse this morning, then he wandered off to that old cabin of his."

[indoors] CharlesReed says, "Chap liked a bit of time to himself sometimes, I suppose."

Jean-Marc says, "I would like to believe so, however his watch was found at the scene."

[indoors] Li_Fong asks, "but he did not seem especially upset or moody?"

GamekeeperJohn's eyes get wide.

GamekeeperJohn asks, "you don't, think, sir ..?"

Jean-Marc says, "His brother has led me to believe that the watch was something that he tended to misplace all the time, so who knows."

[indoors] CharlesReed says, "Not then, no, and I didn't see him later."

[heatham] Li_Fong asks, "hm, and where's Edmund?"

[indoors] Manbir says, "I'd like to interview the boy who found Giles"

Jean-Marc says, "And I don't know Edmond as well as you do, old chap."

[indoors] CharlesReed says, "I didn't go into the cabin, you see, though young William did."

[heatham] GamekeeperJohn says, "in the room with you guys, I imagine"

Jean-Marc asks, "By the way, was his lordship in the habit of burning old clothes at the fireplace in his cabin?"

GamekeeperJohn says, "old clothes? I can't imagine why, sir"

[indoors] Manbir says, "also sneak a look if I can find any wet-ish boots that are unattended"

Jean-Marc says, "I can't imagine why either"

[indoors] GM says (to Manbir), "usually people would drop their boots off with the knives-and-boots-boy for cleaning"

[indoors] BootBoy asks (of Manbir), "You were looking for me... um, guv?"

[indoors] GM says, "and there he is now"

[backstage] BootBoy says, "punctual as ever"

[indoors] Manbir says (to BootBoy), "the colonel has asked me to talk to you about Sir Giles"

[indoors] Manbir asks, "It was you who found him, yes?"

[heatham] GM says (to Jean-Marc), "(if you're done with this guy you can come interview people, if you'd rather)"

[indoors] BootBoy says, "Oh, it was horrible, guv. I din't touch him or nuffing, but I could see he was dead, wiv all the blood."

Jean-Marc says, "I shall be going back to the manor. Perhaps you should come along with me."

[heatham] Jean-Marc says, "manor, manure.."

[indoors] Manbir asks, "and you turned right around and went back, without touching anything?"

[backstage] EdmundMallory says (to BootBoy), "Hee hee."

[backstage] GM says, "that is an awesome accent"

[indoors] BootBoy says, "I come right back and tol' ol' Pondley, yessir."

Jean-Marc @emit Something in Jean-Marc's manner suggests that this is not merely a suggestion.

Jean-Marc says, "gah"

[indoors] BootBoy says, "run all the way, too."

[indoors] Manbir asks, "did you see anyone on the way there or back?"

GamekeeperJohn says, "I'm, er, hardly dressed for it, sir, but if you insist"

Jean-Marc says, "well, _I_ won't mind."

[indoors] BootBoy says, "no guv, I din't see nobody."

[indoors] Manbir asks, "Okay. Earlier, Sir Giles had gone for a walk, is that correct?"

[backstage] BootBoy says, "I'm not sure what accent it actually *is*, but hey"

[backstage] EdmundMallory says, "It's Bootique."

[indoors] BootBoy says, "I dunno, guv. He din't come back here if'n he did."

Jean-Marc sets off to the manor.

GamekeeperJohn follows Jean-Marc.

[indoors] Manbir asks, "so he didn't change shoes?"

[indoors] BootBoy says, "I ain't seen him since he went off for the hunting."

[indoors] Jean-Marc enters and finds everybody at.. the hall?

[indoors] BootBoy says, "and I only saw him then 'cos I was passing through the hall to go polish the knives for lunch, like."

[indoors] GM says (to Jean-Marc), "the drawing-room, I imagine"

[backstage] BootBoy asks, "is that accurate?"

[backstage] GM says, "yeah"

[backstage] GM says, "(since he didn't go back to the house)"

[backstage] BootBoy says, "whew"

[backstage] BootBoy says, "I figured as much from the timeline"

[indoors] Jean-Marc says, "(who is here?)"

[indoors] Manbir says (to BootBoy), "I'd like to see the shoes currently here, please."

[indoors] GM says, "I believe Li Fong requested everyone show up, so all the non-servant guests are there"

[indoors] BootBoy asks, "what, the gennlemens shoes?"

[heatham] Li_Fong says, "no doubt you are all wondering why I brought you all here"

[indoors] GM says, "(Manbir is off interviewing the boot boy elsewhere)"

[heatham] GM says, "hee hee"

[heatham] Jean-Marc says, "haha"

[heatham] GM says, "no doubt they are wondering if the mystery is solved if you're brought everyone together"

[indoors] Manbir says, "Yes -- although if there are any boots among the ladies' shoes I would like to see those too"

[heatham] Li_Fong says, "except I don't know who did it or what happened yet!"

[heatham] Jean-Marc says, "chinese poireau somehow strangely works"

[indoors] BootBoy says, "all the gents who went hunting and came back gave me their shoes afterwards"

[heatham] GM says, "also, if you want to keep interviewing people, we can move into the general room while Manbir talks on-channel"

CharlesReed asks, "Hullo there, John, what's this chap dragged you in here for, eh?"

[indoors] BootBoy says, "oh then milord barleyhew also gave me some shoes later on"

[heatham] Li_Fong says, "I'm kind of waiting until everyone is back together"

Jean-Marc says, "I thought perhaps someone else wanted to ask John some questions."

[indoors] Manbir says, "Y'see, there are strange footprints at the cabin, and we don't know where who are from."

[heatham] Li_Fong says, "I will sip coffee and Li Fong will sip tea"

Jean-Marc says (to charles), "You had some trouble with your gun, he has told me."

[backstage] BootBoy asks, "Chickering wouldn't have given me the boots when he got back, would he?"

[indoors] Manbir asks, "Lord Barleyhew, yes? Do you remember whenabouts that was?"

[backstage] GM says, "right, he hid them in his drawer"

[indoors] BootBoy says, "and Mr Edmund and Mr William also gave me some shoes after that."

[backstage] GM says, "(and Mr Reed)"

CharlesReed says, "Oh, well, it wasn't quite shootin' straight in the morning, you see."

[indoors] BootBoy says, "and Mr Reed, too"

[backstage] BootBoy says, "(thanks)"

[indoors] Manbir asks, "Mr. Reed after everyone else?"

CharlesReed says, "It always works smoother after old John lays his hands on it."

Jean-Marc nods and then turns to John. "By the way, when was the last time you passed by his Lordship's cabin? Was there a fire burning at the time?"

[indoors] BootBoy says, "he come back about the same time as Mr William"

[indoors] BootBoy says, "Mr Edmund came back after that"

[Crows-Nest] Li_Fong says (to CharlesReed), "ha ha ha somehow"

[indoors] Manbir asks, "Oh, so first Sir Barleyhwe, then Mr. Reed and Mr. William, and then Mr. Edmund?"

GamekeeperJohn says, "I had lit the fire meself, sir"

GamekeeperJohn says, "Sir Giles liked me to keep it lit on the days when he might be using it"

[indoors] BootBoy says, "roght/ all after they'd all come back from hunting."

Jean-Marc asks, "and it usually keeps on going for how long unattended?"

[indoors] BootBoy says, "er, right."

GamekeeperJohn says, "it was still burning at half past ten when I put the hunting equipment away, sir"

Jean-Marc says, "Right"

[indoors] Manbir asks, "What time was that?"

GamekeeperJohn scratches his head. "Not sure, sir -- I usually check it every few hours"

[indoors] BootBoy says, "(Milord Barleyhew din't come back straight away from hunting, but before the others)"

[backstage] BootBoy says, "I need a timeline of boots"

[indoors] BootBoy asks, "what time was which?"

[backstage] GamekeeperJohn says, "hee hee"

[indoors] Manbir says, "the time everyone returned"

[backstage] GamekeeperJohn says, "ok, let's see"

[backstage] GamekeeperJohn says, "Lord B gave boots around 11:30"

[heatham] Manbir says, "maybe you should escort him to the storage room and ask him what if anything is missing"

[indoors] BootBoy says, "from hunting? oh, mebbe 10 o'clock, guv."

[heatham] Jean-Marc asks, "john?"

[backstage] GamekeeperJohn says, "William and Reed around 3:30; Edmund around 4:30"

[backstage] CharlesReed says, "Hey, they're doing pretty well here."

[heatham] Manbir says, "yes"

[backstage] CharlesReed says, "It's all about the servants."

Jean-Marc says, "Let's go out and check the cabin, my man"

[indoors] BootBoy says, "Milord come back a little bit before lunch."

[backstage] GamekeeperJohn says, "yeah, the knives-and-boots boy was another thing that didn't occur to me until Emily asked about it"

Jean-Marc goes out again, shivering.

Li_Fong wonders if dinner will still be served.

Jean-Marc says, "(what's the time?)"

[heatham] Manbir says, "(Milord being Giles?)"

Pondley says (to Li_Fong), "Perhaps sir would like a little more tea while sir is waiting."

[heatham] BootBoy says, "being Barleyhew"

[heatham] BootBoy says, "Lord Barleyhew"

[heatham] Manbir says, "then he's not making any sense"

GM says, "the servant went to look for Sir Giles around 4:45, and then you guys have spent like an hour poking around"

[heatham] BootBoy asks, "which bit?"

[heatham] Manbir asks, "if Barleyhew returned first, how can he have returned after everyone else?"

GM says, "dinner is currently scheduled for 7:30, although maybe this murder will change things"

Jean-Marc says, "bbrrrains"

[heatham] BootBoy says, "first of edmund/william/reed/barleyhew"

[heatham] Manbir says, "but Ed/Will/Reed returned at 10"

[heatham] BootBoy says, "so, first of the non-hunting boots"

[heatham] Manbir says, "oh!"

[heatham] BootBoy says, "you asked when everyone came back and I said 'from hunting? mebbe 10'"

[heatham] Manbir says, "ok"

Servant comes by with additional biscuit

[heatham] BootBoy says, "be more specific if you want specific answers for specific people here"

[heatham] Manbir says, "ok, I'm going off to compare shoes now"

Servant says, "and tea"

[indoors] BootBoy asks, "issat it, guv?"

[heatham] Manbir says, "Yes, thank you. I'll be looking at those boots now, please."

Jean-Marc enters the cabin with John.

[heatham] GM asks, "is anyone waiting on me for something?"

[indoors] BootBoy says, "only I've gotta go polish the silver for dinner, or ole Pondley'll cuff me now."

Jean-Marc says, "(I guess)"

GamekeeperJohn looks around

[indoors] BootBoy says, "Oh, I don't keep the boots, sir."

[heatham] Manbir asks, "Where can I find them?"

[indoors] BootBoy says, "they go back to the gents' rooms when I'm done wiv them."

[heatham] Manbir asks, "ah. And who else goes there?"

GamekeeperJohn asks, "what did you want me to do here, sir?"

[backstage] BootBoy says, "this may not be accurate, but hey"

Jean-Marc asks, "Is anything out of order, do you think?"

[backstage] GamekeeperJohn says, "it's certainly eventually true"

[heatham] BootBoy asks, "which channel are you speaking on?"

[backstage] GamekeeperJohn says, "and far be it for me to tell them not to search rooms"

Jean-Marc says, "Someone mentioned that the window might have been tampered with"

GamekeeperJohn looks around the storage room.

[backstage] BootBoy says, "so I figured"

GamekeeperJohn exclaims, "someone's been knocking around all my supplies!"

Jean-Marc says, "and maybe something is missing from the storage room"

[heatham] Manbir says, "#indoors, sorry"

GamekeeperJohn grumbles and goes to straighten things out.

Jean-Marc says, "wait a bit"

[indoors] BootBoy says, "I dunno, guv. The maid takes the boots up, and cleans, like."

GamekeeperJohn asks, "sir?"

Jean-Marc asks, "can you tell by looking at it, what they messed u?"

[indoors] BootBoy says, "and the guests themselves go to the rooms."

Jean-Marc asks, "Everything?"

[indoors] Manbir says, "alright, thank you then."

Jean-Marc asks, "like they were searching for something?"

[indoors] BootBoy says, "thank you, guv."

GamekeeperJohn looks around.

[indoors] BootBoy holds his hand out and coughs meaningfully.

GamekeeperJohn says, "can't say exactly, sir -- a bunch of stuff is moved around"

[Crows-Nest] Li_Fong says, "yay"

[indoors] Manbir tips.

GamekeeperJohn asks, "should I try and work out what's missing?"

[indoors] BootBoy says, "fank you kindly, guv"

[indoors] BootBoy scurries off.

Jean-Marc says, "if you can, sure, but maybe you should try not to re-arrange it if possible"

[indoors] Manbir wonders how to explain that one to the colonel

[heatham] Manbir says, "I'll go compare now if that's ok"

[indoors] GamekeeperJohn says, ""miscellaneous expenses""

[heatham] GamekeeperJohn asks, "you're swiping boots from people's rooms to match the unmatched tracks?"

GamekeeperJohn inspects the stuff.

GamekeeperJohn mutters to himself.

[heatham] Li_Fong asks, "if we grabbed one of the boots on sir giles and showed it to the bootboy, would he know whose boot it was?"

[heatham] BootBoy says, "(ahem, I note that the hunting finished at 10, not that that's when edmund and everyone finally handed in their boots again. from looking at the notes)"

Jean-Marc looks at the stuff also, just in case he has an inspiration or something.

[heatham] Manbir says, "I got that now, at least"

GamekeeperJohn says, "it looks like two of the grouse paddles are missing, sir"

[heatham] Manbir says, "oh, they're in everyone's rooms. Fooey."

GamekeeperJohn says, "and some of the fishing supplies -- I think some line and a hook or two"

GamekeeperJohn says, "and some bullets"

GamekeeperJohn says, "for the rifles"

Jean-Marc asks, "Really?"

[heatham] Manbir says, "that won't work then"

GamekeeperJohn says, "far as I can see, sir"

Jean-Marc says, "Let's go and take alook at the body, I suppose his bullet wound is not done by a rifle, is it."

[backstage] BootBoy asks, "if they show me Gilford's boots, should I say they look like his, or that they look like hus but stretched, or what?"

[heatham] GamekeeperJohn says, "well, if you want to sneak around and rifle through their rooms it would be possible"

[heatham] Manbir says, "if not a good idea :)"

[heatham] Manbir says, "wonder if the maid knows anything additional"

[backstage] BootBoy says, "or they could be anyone's, guv"

[heatham] GamekeeperJohn says, "only a bad idea if you get caught :)"

Jean-Marc says, "That is most peculiar."

Li_Fong suddenly reappears in the cabin.

Li_Fong asks, "what is peculiar?"

[heatham] GM says, "(no, it's a revolver wound)"

[heatham] GM says, "wow, ancient chinese teleportation"

Jean-Marc says, "(must be one neat Ninja trick)"

Jean-Marc says, "The supplies have been tampered with, John says"

Jean-Marc says, "Apparently lines, hooks, rifle bullets, and grouse paddles are missing"

[backstage] GM says, "hmm, I suppose you don't recognize the boots Sir Giles/Gilford as wearing, which suggests they're probably not his, but I don't think you can then identify whose they are"

[heatham] Jean-Marc asks, "what is a grouse paddle?"

[heatham] Li_Fong asks, "what's a grouse paddle?"

[heatham] Manbir says, "snow shoes!"

[heatham] Li_Fong says, "I just move very stealthily"

[heatham] Manbir says, "as to not leave tracks"

[backstage] BootBoy asks, "do I have enough knowledge of boots generally to observe that they're stretched?"

[heatham] GM says, "a grouse paddle is a flat wooden paddle used to beat the bushes to make the grouse come out so then they can be shot"

[heatham] GM says, "it's not exactly sporting"

[heatham] Li_Fong says (to Manbir), "ah, just what I was looking for"

Jean-Marc asks, "Could someone walk on the snow on grouse paddles?"

[backstage] BootBoy says, "(I ask out of curiosity since they don't seem to be pursuing the idea)"

[backstage] GM says, "well, the ones *Sir Giles* is wearing aren't stretched, because they're too big for him"

Jean-Marc says, "With a bit of string and hooks, yes."

[backstage] GM says, "the ones hidden in the room are stretched, yeah"

[backstage] BootBoy says, "ah, yeah, fair point"

Jean-Marc asks, "You make a sort of shoe, but would it leave tracks?"

Jean-Marc tries to make a pair.

[backstage] BootBoy says, "brain not working right"

[indoors] Manbir says, "I'll just try and have a quick look as to who has several pairs of shoes in their room"

Li_Fong removes one of Sir Giles' boots, apparently no longer scandalized.

[indoors] GM says, "everyone has several pairs of shoes"

GM says, "the boot slips off easily"

[indoors] Manbir asks, "any of them obviously wet or not cleaned?"

GM says (to Jean-Marc), "after a while you're able to throw something together"

Jean-Marc says (to gm), "you always say that - as if there was a chacne that it would stuck stubbornily"

[indoors] GM says, "no, they all look cleaned"

Li_Fong walks in Jean-Marc's tracks around the back of the cabin to have another look at the snow under the window.

GM says, "it looks like you can step without leaving footprints, though you do push down the snow some"

Jean-Marc stumbles out on the snow, and remembers what Li saw at the back.

Jean-Marc says, "(or Li should remember)"

Jean-Marc says, "Weee, this is fan"

Jean-Marc says, "fun"

GM says, "knowing what to look for, the two of you notice a trail of grouse-paddle tracks leading from the window to the woods"

GM says, "(or the woods to the window -- it's hard to tell direction)"

Jean-Marc says (to Li), "I'll give you a ride if you tell me what you put in those cigarettes of yours"

GM says, "unfortunately, once you get a short distance into the woods the ground is bumpy and the trail peters out"

Jean-Marc says, "So much for"

Jean-Marc says, "bollocks"

Li_Fong says, "Unfortunate."

Li_Fong turns around and goes back to the main house, still carrying the boot.

Jean-Marc goes back, mutterring something about 'putaine de merde anglettere et tous les connards anglais qui pueve pas lui laisser reste tranquil pour'un petit peu, quelle connerie'

[heatham] GM says, "I think the usual next step here would be to talk individually to people and get alibis, but feel free to do something else"

Jean-Marc says, "I think it is time for dinner."

[heatham] Manbir says, "I'll also have to bow out for a bit here -- unexpected visitor"

[heatham] Manbir says, "be back ASAP"

[heatham] Jean-Marc asks, "spanish inquisition:?"

[heatham] Li_Fong says, "gee whiz"

LadyMallory says, "oh, dear, I can't -- I'm afraid Pondley will just have to put out a cold supper tonight"

Jean-Marc asks (of Li), ""So, what do you think of this?"

EdmundMallory helps himself moodily to cold cuts.

[backstage] Pondley says, "Possibly even angstily."

[heatham] GM says, "(the cold cut being what Edmund gives to people he doesn't like at his club)"

Jean-Marc says, "This does not tell us anything about the identity of the killer, only about his method."

[backstage] GM exclaims, "he's got range!"

Li_Fong says, "I think we should wonder how Mr. Edmund's watch ended up where it was found"

GM asks, "are you discussing this around people, or just among yourselves?"

Jean-Marc says, "I think we ares till at the cabin"

[heatham] GM says, "oh, ok"

[heatham] GM says, "I was cutting ahead to dinner, but that's fine to do other stuff first"

[heatham] Jean-Marc says, "people can start having dinner while we are walking back"

Jean-Marc says, "Yes, it certainly increases the possibility that he is the culprit."

Jean-Marc says, "However, Sir giles could have died at any time from 10 till five."

[heatham] Li_Fong says, "speak for yourself. I'm back at the house already"

[heatham] Li_Fong says, "I thought we were talking while waiting in line for cold cuts"

[heatham] Jean-Marc says, "it's the same"

[heatham] Li_Fong says, "and prepared to spring an inquisitorial attack on people then and there"

[indoors] ElizabethReed says, "I wonder what those very curious foreign gentlemen were up to, out at that cold, cold cabin!"

Li_Fong says, "I do not think he is the culprit, but I do think we need to find out how his watch came to be there."

[indoors] MrsChickering says, "I honestly can't imagine."

[Crows-Nest] Li_Fong says, "snork"

[indoors] EdmundMallory says, "Curious is the right word, that's for sure."

[indoors] Hypatia says, "Elizabeth, you mustn't suspect Mr Fong just because he's foreign"

[indoors] MrsChickering sniffs. "Of course, I'm not even sure why such foreigners would be invited."

[indoors] Hypatia says, "I am sure he is just as British as you or I"

Jean-Marc says, "I wonder what the reason was for the use of the pads"

[indoors] Li_Fong says, "Good evening."

[indoors] Hypatia exclaims, "does not our glorious Empire extend from -- oh, good evening Mr Fong!"

[indoors] Jean-Marc enters behind Li.

[indoors] Hypatia jumps

[indoors] ElizabethReed giggles.

[backstage] Hypatia says, "hee hee"

[indoors] MrsChickering sniffs, and helps herself to some sandwiches.

[backstage] MrsChickering says, "it's the parade of the NPCs"

[indoors] Jean-Marc tries to find some cheese.

[indoors] Jean-Marc asks (of li), "do you still have that boot?"

[indoors] WilliamMallory makes a large stack of ham, gloucestershire cheese, and pickles.

[indoors] Li_Fong says, "it is at hand if needed"

[heatham] WilliamMallory says, "or at foot"

[indoors] Li_Fong says, "such a healthy appetite"

[indoors] Jean-Marc snickers and cuts a large piece of Cheddar.

[indoors] EdmundMallory says, "William, you might want to leave a little behind for the others."

[indoors] Jean-Marc says, "boot soup is not what I had in mind, Mr Li."

[indoors] Li_Fong reasserts his chopsticks

[indoors] EdmundMallory says, "You know, one of these days."

[indoors] LadyMallory says, "It's so terrible that this should happen, when this should be such a happy day for us."

[heatham] WilliamMallory glares at Edmund.

[indoors] Jean-Marc asks (of li), "Can you cut cheese with your sticks?"

[heatham] WilliamMallory says, "er"

[indoors] WilliamMallory glares at Edmund.

[indoors] Li_Fong says, "confucius say, pull my finger"

[heatham] Jean-Marc says, "harhar"

[indoors] EdmundMallory says (humourlessly), "Ha!"

[indoors] WilliamMallory asks, "so, Mr Demille, are you ready to make an accusation, eh?"

[heatham] WilliamMallory says, "ha ha"

[indoors] Jean-Marc says, "No, this cheese is splendid."

[heatham] Li_Fong says, "we're ready for your close examination, mr demille"

[backstage] LadyMallory says, "feh, there I was, about to drop the news about the whole William being the guy thing"

[backstage] LadyMallory says, "but nobody is being chickering to look grumpy about it"

[indoors] EdmundMallory says, "You say that, but I've seen Reed's cows."

[backstage] WilliamMallory asks, "wait, what do you want me to do?"

[heatham] Jean-Marc says, "I have no idea what the time of death was and what were the times that people could have killed G."

[indoors] Li_Fong asks, "Mr Edmund, can you identify this watch?"

[backstage] WilliamMallory says, "ah good"

[indoors] EdmundMallory says, "Why, that's my watch."

[indoors] EdmundMallory says, "Look here, it has my initials on it."

[indoors] EdmundMallory asks, "Wherever did you find it?"

[backstage] LadyMallory asks, "are we not doing the whole 'hey, william got nominated for some post' thing?"

[backstage] WilliamMallory says, "(which, you recall, you last saw last night)"

[indoors] Li_Fong says (to Jean-Marc), "tell him where we found it"

[backstage] WilliamMallory says (to LadyMallory), "oh, right, of course"

[heatham] Jean-Marc shrugs.

[indoors] Jean-Marc says, "Under the desk where your father lay dead."

[backstage] WilliamMallory asks, "would you like to be Elizabeth and mention it? or what were you thinking?"

[backstage] WilliamMallory says, "oh, as Lady Mallory, duh"

[indoors] EdmundMallory says, "What!"

[backstage] LadyMallory says, "I was thinking Barleyhew should be there for me to thank about it"

[indoors] EdmundMallory asks, "But that's ridiculous, I wasn't -- I mean, how could it get there?"

[indoors] Jean-Marc says, "someone left it there, obviously."

[backstage] LadyMallory says, "or something else as a reason for me to drop the information"

[backstage] WilliamMallory says, "ok, once Iain gets done being Edmund he can switch to Barleyhew, I guess"

[indoors] Jean-Marc asks, "Should we present them with the boot, Mr Li?"

[backstage] WilliamMallory says, "it is a busy life"

[backstage] WilliamMallory says, "unless you're Iain and she's Edmund"

[indoors] EdmundMallory says, "I'm glad it's obvious to you."

[heatham] WilliamMallory says, "uh"

[backstage] EdmundMallory says, "I'm Iain, and okay."

[heatham] Li_Fong says, "wumm"

[heatham] WilliamMallory says, "just to intervene as the GM for a second, you presumably don't want to show all your evidence until you're ready to make a case"

[heatham] Li_Fong says, "mmyeah"

[heatham] Jean-Marc says, "I was thinking of making them try it on"

[heatham] WilliamMallory says, "since this spoilers the big revelation scene at the end"

[heatham] Jean-Marc says, "maybe I'm too silly for this mystery"

[heatham] WilliamMallory says, "ok, but you probably need to do it in a casual way that doesn't reveal why you want it"

[heatham] Li_Fong eats his cold cuts.

[indoors] EdmundMallory says, "Look here, I'm not sure I like what you're suggesting."

[heatham] WilliamMallory says, "since that would be kind of, you know, blatant"

[heatham] Jean-Marc says, "WEAR THE BOOT, YOU RIFF-RAFF"

[indoors] Li_Fong asks, "not suggesting anything. were you aware you had lost your watch?"

[heatham] WilliamMallory says, "hee hee"

[indoors] LadyMallory says, "Edmund is always losing his watch, Mr Fong"

[indoors] WilliamMallory rolls his eyes.

[indoors] Li_Fong asks, "losing his watch -- in his father's hunting cabin?"

[indoors] LadyMallory says, "luckily for us the servants usually find it around and put it back in his room."

[indoors] LadyMallory says, "the benefit of having honest servants, of course."

[indoors] LadyMallory asks, "perhaps his father found the watch and happened to have it on him?"

[indoors] EdmundMallory says, "Oh, mother--!"

[indoors] Li_Fong glances at Pondley

[indoors] Jean-Marc prods the cold cuts.

[indoors] Pondley coughs.

[indoors] Jean-Marc looks at Hypatia.

[indoors] Jean-Marc smiles widely.

[indoors] LordBarleyhew (aside to Lady Mallory) says, "Well, at least one of your boys has his eye on the ball, what?"

[backstage] WilliamMallory says, "good idea"

[indoors] LadyMallory says (to LordBarleyhew), "Oh, yes, and I'm so grateful that you've helped him out, I can't tell you."

[indoors] Li_Fong says, "it is the Colonel's belief that ..."

[indoors] LadyMallory asks, "I'm sure of course he'd have risen on his own merits, but one can't complain about getting a helping hand on the way up, can one?"

[backstage] LordBarleyhew says, "Let's not overdo it."

[indoors] GeorgeChickering glares icily at Lord Barleyhew and Lady Mallory and steps away.

[indoors] LadyMallory says, "overdoing it? I'm his mother, of course I want to be effusive to the sponsor while emphasising that the choice is *correct*"

[backstage] WilliamMallory says, "hee hee"

[heatham] Jean-Marc asks, "huh? is that blatant DM prodding?"

[backstage] LadyMallory says, "whoops, but non-spoilery"

[backstage] WilliamMallory says, "yeah, that almost works"

[backstage] LordBarleyhew says, "Hee hee."

[indoors] WilliamMallory smirks and steps up to chat with Lord Barleyhew.

[indoors] LadyMallory says, "(ahem)"

[indoors] Li_Fong says, "looks from Chickering to Barleyhew and back again."

[indoors] CharlesReed says, "Er, Pondley, perhaps Cynthia doesn't want any more wine tonight."

[indoors] Li_Fong:

[indoors] LadyMallory says, "*demure hic*"

[indoors] Jean-Marc moves to talk with Charles Reed.

[indoors] GM says (to Li Fong), "it is not hard to see that Chickering is irritated with Barleyhew about something"

[indoors] EdmundMallory says (to Li_Fong), "Whatever you're thinking, you're probably right."

[heatham] Manbir says, "(sorry, will be a while still. sigh.)"

[indoors] GM says (to Li Fong), "but you are skillful enough to note that it seems like he expects the thing to be temporary"

[heatham] Li_Fong says, "hm, chickering is kind of the guy I wanted to see originally"

[heatham] GM asks, "would you like to take him aside now?"

[heatham] Li_Fong says, "I guess now's a good time as any"

[indoors] Jean-Marc asks (of Charles), "Do you know what the relationship of Barleyhew is to the Mallory family?"

[indoors] CharlesReed says, "What? Oh, some political thing or other, I gather."

[heatham] GeorgeChickering says, "(perhaps in the room, since Jean Marc is talking on-channel)"

GeorgeChickering is eating roast beef in a marked manner.

[indoors] Jean-Marc asks, "and young william?"

[indoors] Li_Fong introduces himself to Chickering with a bow.

[indoors] CharlesReed says, "Gilford is all gung-ho for that sort of thing."

[indoors] Jean-Marc chuckles.

[indoors] CharlesReed says, "Oh, yes, young William too."

[indoors] Jean-Marc asks, "he has an interest for the part, as well.. I see. But why is Mr Chickering apparently irritated?"

[heatham] GeorgeChickering says, "(also, even two foreigners such as yourself know that Barleyhew is a big guy in the Conservative party)"

GeorgeChickering says, "pleased to meet you, Mr .. Fong"

[heatham] Jean-Marc says, "haha"

GeorgeChickering asks, "will you be staying long?"

Li_Fong says (to Chickering), "Mr. Li. the pleasure is mine"

[indoors] C