[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] CharlesReed says, "How should I know what these politicoes get upset about? Maybe one of them called the other one a prancing ninny in the House."

[indoors] Jean-Marc says, "yes, to be sure."

[indoors] Jean-Marc says, "a bothersome lot."

GeorgeChickering asks, "Mr Li? Quite strange names you people -- that is to say, how can I help you?"

Li_Fong says, "alas, no. I must travel where the winds of trade blow"

[indoors] CharlesReed says, "Still, as long as they don't interfere with my lands, I can't say as they're any great bother to me."

[indoors] EdmundMallory picks at the cold meats on his plate.

Li_Fong says, "I hear we have some mutual interests in the Far East"

Li_Fong says, "though perhaps a dinner such as this is no time to discuss business"

GeorgeChickering says, "oh, yes, I was forgetting -- no wonder your name sounded familiar"

[indoors] Jean-Marc says, "Thank you, sir, you have been of some help."

GeorgeChickering shoots another glare at Lord Barleyhew. "Clearly some people are prepared to discuss it, so why not us?"

[indoors] CharlesReed says, "Gilford, now, he was a fine old fellow despite this nonsense. Good eye for the grouse, that man had."

Li_Fong asks, "I'm sorry, have I caught you in a bad temper?"

[indoors] CharlesReed realises Jean-Marc has stopped talking to him, moves across to comfort Lady Mallory.

GeorgeChickering shakes his head, trying to pull himself together

[indoors] Jean-Marc says, "eep"

GeorgeChickering asks, "I should put on the old stiff upper lip, eh?"

GeorgeChickering says, "guess I'm not as inscrutable as you -- that is to say, sorry"

Li_Fong smiles neutrally

GeorgeChickering says, "had a bit of surprise today"

GeorgeChickering says, "what with one thing and another"

GeorgeChickering says, "I don't mean to tell you"

GeorgeChickering takes another drink

[backstage] CharlesReed says, "Ha ha ha."

GeorgeChickering exclaims, "but I had been as good as promised that position, and now Barleyhew goes and gives it to Mallory!"

GeorgeChickering hastily lowers his voice again.

[backstage] GeorgeChickering says, "what this session needs is more drinking"

Jean-Marc clears his throat.

EdmundMallory glances over at George Chickering, smirks, and sips his brandy.

Li_Fong asks, "the young mallory?"

Li_Fong asks, "which position?"

Jean-Marc approaches Edmund. "Rather excitable, isn't he?"

GeorgeChickering says, "of course -- it's not like his brother cares for anything except moping"

[indoors] Jean-Marc better here

GeorgeChickering says, "there is a rather good position in the Party that Barleyhew had control of"

[indoors] EdmundMallory says, "Mmhmm. Old Chickering's a queer sort."

GeorgeChickering says, "and he's gone and given it to Mallory, despite all the years he and I have known each other"

GeorgeChickering's fingers clench on the stem of his wineglass.

Li_Fong asks, "ah, my friend. but this is politics, as they say, is it not?"

[indoors] EdmundMallory says, "and he didn't like William getting that place above him."

GeorgeChickering takes a deep breath

GeorgeChickering says, "right"

GeorgeChickering looks calmer

[indoors] EdmundMallory knocks back some more brandy.

GeorgeChickering says, "and I'm sure Barleyhew will come around in a few days"

Li_Fong stares across the room at William.

[indoors] WilliamMallory retrieves a speck of dust from Elizabeth Reed's eye.

[indoors] Jean-Marc asks (of Edmund), "William is rather young, isn't he?"

GeorgeChickering smirks to himself

[backstage] EdmundMallory says, "ha ha ha"

[backstage] GeorgeChickering says (to WilliamMallory), "awesome"

[backstage] WilliamMallory says, "Well, it was either that or barge in on George."

[heatham] Jean-Marc asks, "barley is not here at all?"

[heatham] GeorgeChickering says, "yeah, he's around"

[indoors] EdmundMallory says, "Well, quite. He's an insufferable little snot, my brother. Into politics and all that nonsense."

[heatham] GeorgeChickering says, "he's probably talking to George's wife"

[backstage] GeorgeChickering says, "also, sorry, I didn't realize when I pulled you both in that we'd end up with three of us and only two PCs"

[heatham] Jean-Marc says, "he does seem to have taken a liking to Miss Reed"

[indoors] Jean-Marc says, "he does seem to have taken a liking to Miss Reed"

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

[indoors] EdmundMallory says, "Takes it very seriously, not that he'd have gotten anywhere this good without someone like Barleyhew taking him under his wing."

Li_Fong spends a few more minutes small-talking about business.

[indoors] Jean-Marc says, "That's always necessary, I gather"

[indoors] EdmundMallory frowns, and sips his brandy.

GeorgeChickering answers, in a somewhat distracted manner

[indoors] WilliamMallory produces a monogrammed handkerchief, presents it to Miss Reed.

[indoors] EdmundMallory mutters, "Yes, he does seem very fond of Elizabeth."

[heatham] GeorgeChickering says, "I guess that's like asking her to wear your high-school letter jacket"

[indoors] Jean-Marc asks, "she's not a bad looking girl, is she?"

[backstage] GeorgeChickering says, "ha ha ha"

[indoors] EdmundMallory says, "I suppose not"

[heatham] WilliamMallory says, "She had something in her eye!"

[heatham] GeorgeChickering asks (of Li Fong), "would you like to talk to someone else?"

[indoors] EdmundMallory says, "she's very delicate and soothing to be around, certainly."

[heatham] Li_Fong says, "hoo boy. hrm"

[heatham] GeorgeChickering asks, "or interrogate george more?"

[indoors] EdmundMallory says, "I'm sure William doesn't notice such trivialities as personality, of course."

[backstage] GeorgeChickering says (to Edmund), "ha ha"

[indoors] Jean-Marc laughs softly.

[heatham] Li_Fong says, "I should probably kind of talk to William, but I'm not sure what tack to take"

[indoors] Jean-Marc says, "Tragic loss, your father. My own has spoken of him often in very fond words."

[heatham] GeorgeChickering says, ""pretty girl you got there, eh?""

[indoors] EdmundMallory says, "Yes, well, death comes to us all."

[indoors] Jean-Marc asks, "I guess he would have liked to have seen you married before he passed away. You have no plans of getting engaged in the near future?"

[heatham] GM asks, "I mean, hmm, is there anything in particular you'd like to find out from/about him?"

[heatham] Jean-Marc says, "I'm still trying to figure out a motive"

[indoors] EdmundMallory says, "My only plans are to get back to Africa as soon as possible."

[indoors] EdmundMallory says, "I can't stand this wretched cold climate."

[heatham] GM says, "well, more or less all murders are done for power, for money, or for love"

[heatham] Li_Fong says, "yeah, just in general I don't know much about where he's coming from or what gives"

[heatham] GM says, "well, his mother or sister could probably give you an earful"

[heatham] GM says, "or Mr Reed, their neighbor"

[heatham] Jean-Marc says, "well, clearly Edmund does not care, William is doing alright, Barley has power, Chickering is a bit grrr"

[heatham] EdmundMallory says, "or his brother"

[heatham] Li_Fong says, "I bet Mr Reed has a take on things"

[heatham] GM says, "also, in case this wasn't obvious, Edmund is going to inherit Heatham Manor and the surrounds because he's the elder son"

[heatham] Manbir returns, finally.

[heatham] GM says, "though there's probably some other money that Sir Giles could have disposed of however he wanted"

[heatham] Jean-Marc asks, "so what are you planning to do with the estate?"

[heatham] Jean-Marc says, "lac"

[indoors] Jean-Marc asks, "so what are you planning to do with the estate?"

[heatham] EdmundMallory says, "estate? Oh, yes, I suppose I inherit."

[heatham] EdmundMallory says, "er, also lac"

[indoors] EdmundMallory says, "estate? Oh, yes, I suppose I inherit."

[indoors] Jean-Marc says, "Africa is quite a long way away from here."

CharlesReed is talking quietly to Lady Mallory.

[indoors] EdmundMallory says, "I'll probably turn it over to my mother to manage"

[indoors] EdmundMallory says, "she can hire appropriate help for bookkeeping and all the sorts of things my father dealt with"

Li_Fong accosts them both suddenly.

[indoors] Jean-Marc says, "I suppose William is not very happy with this arrangement, however."

CharlesReed says, "I know this is such a terrible time for you, but you must be strong"

CharlesReed says, "and I am sure in time it --"

[indoors] EdmundMallory says, "I don't upopse my father would be very happy with it either"

CharlesReed asks, "can I help you, sir?"

[indoors] EdmundMallory says, "er, suppose"

Li_Fong says, "Good evening, sir. Lady Mallory."

CharlesReed catches Lady Mallory as she starts backwards.

[indoors] EdmundMallory says, "I'm sure he would have preferred William to inherit."

[heatham] Manbir says, "hrrm"

[indoors] EdmundMallory says, "he always did prefer William"

LadyMallory asks, "Why, Mr Li! Or is it Mr Fong?"

[heatham] Manbir recap recap recap

[indoors] Jean-Marc asks, "might he have changed his will?"

[indoors] Jean-Marc asks, "Where _is_ his will, anyway?"

[backstage] LadyMallory says, "(Iain here)"

[indoors] EdmundMallory says, "still, who knows? perhaps he did leave the estate to William, so I won't have to deal with it at all"

[backstage] LadyMallory says, "(not that it matters)"

Li_Fong asks, "As you like. How are you faring?"

[indoors] EdmundMallory says, "I have no idea where his will is"

[backstage] CharlesReed says, "it might be interesting for people reading the log later"

[backstage] CharlesReed says, "(his will is probably with the solicitor in the village)"

LadyMallory says, "Oh, oh, it's such a terrible thing!"

[indoors] EdmundMallory says, "either in his cabin somewhere or perhaps lodged with a solicitor"

[backstage] CharlesReed says, "yeah"

[backstage] CharlesReed says, "good move"

ColonelBot rolls over to Lord Barleyhew

CharlesReed says, "naturally she is quite distressed"

LadyMallory says, "If I didn't have good friends around me, why, I don't know what I should do."

[indoors] EdmundMallory says, "assuming he even made one"

[indoors] Jean-Marc says, "Perhaps we should find out. You understand that if you are the sole heir of his estate, this fact, combined with your retrieved watch, will make you a prime suspect for the police."

CharlesReed asks, "did you have a reason for bringing up the subject again and shocking her?"

[heatham] ColonelBot says, "(is he here?)"

[heatham] CharlesReed says, "yeah"

[indoors] EdmundMallory says, "look here, I haven't seen that watch since yesterday"

ColonelBot asks (of Barleyhew), "So, Baron, how goes it in the party?"

[indoors] EdmundMallory says, "come to that, I haven't seen my father since yesterday"

[backstage] LadyMallory asks, "Uh, should I take barleyhew?"

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

[backstage] CharlesReed says, "yeah, please"

Li_Fong asks, "Yes. I am curious, is her son planning to marry your daughter?"

[backstage] LadyMallory asks, "And you stick with Charles and Cynthia?"

[indoors] EdmundMallory says, "yes, really"

[indoors] Jean-Marc asks, "You didn't go hunting with him?"

[indoors] EdmundMallory says, "no, I sleep in late"

[indoors] EdmundMallory says, "I can't abide hunting"

LordBarleyhew says (to Colonel), "Hrm, well, not so bad, not so bad."

CharlesReed coughs meaningfully.

[indoors] Jean-Marc says, "Yes, it is utterly boring."

ColonelBot says (to Barleyhew), "I heard you took one of the Mallory boys under your wing."

CharlesReed says, "it's true there's a little romance in the air"

Li_Fong says, "they make such eyes at each other"

LadyMallory says, "I'd always thought that Edmund --"

[indoors] EdmundMallory asks, "after being in a war, how could one possibly wish to fire a gun on any living creature?"

Li_Fong raises an eyebrow.

LadyMallory says, "well, he's so moody these days, and William is a rising young star in the party now"

LadyMallory says, "and you know, girls will be girls"

[indoors] Jean-Marc says, "the same way that one always did, I guess."

LadyMallory exclaims, "Sir Giles quite swept me off my feet when I was young!"

Li_Fong says, "so Mr Chickering tells me"

[indoors] EdmundMallory says, "I'll never understand these old soldiers who take up hunting for sport. And it's not like we need to hunt for food."

LadyMallory says, "and William takes after him so much"

[indoors] Jean-Marc asks, "don't you have lions and things in africa that you shoot so that they don't eat your buffalos?"

[indoors] EdmundMallory says, "utterly wasteful exercise."

LordBarleyhew says (to Colonel), "Yes -- hmm, I shouldn't noise off about it tonight, you understand, but yes, I think young William will do very well for us."

Li_Fong asks, "Young and ambitious, eh?"

[indoors] EdmundMallory asks, "buffalos?"

ColonelBot asks (of LordBarleyhew), "oh? Was there some sort of problem?"

[indoors] Jean-Marc make an expansive gusture. "Whatever"

LadyMallory says, "oh, goodness yes, right to the top"

[indoors] EdmundMallory asks, "Why would I own buffalos?"

[backstage] EdmundMallory asks, "what the hell have I been doing in Africa, anyway?"

[indoors] Jean-Marc scratches his chin. "Not you, I was speaking in general. What do you do in Africa, anyway?"

[backstage] LadyMallory says, "well, shooting, to be honest"

[backstage] LadyMallory says, "but let's say exploring"

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

[indoors] EdmundMallory says, "exploring"

[backstage] LadyMallory says, "hiking out peaks and stuff"

[backstage] EdmundMallory says, "well, feh"

[backstage] LadyMallory says, "hee hee"

[backstage] LadyMallory says, "probably you had a gun there but mostly for self-defense"

LordBarleyhew (mutters, frowning), "Problem? I dare say it could be a problem when a fellow's father kills himself, yes indeed."

[backstage] EdmundMallory says, "there I was assuming this was due to war trauma but no he was just lazy today"

[backstage] LadyMallory says, "ha ha"

[indoors] Jean-Marc raises an eyebrow. "Interesting. May I inquire as to the nature of your explorations?"

[backstage] LadyMallory says, "well, sort of"

LordBarleyhew says (to Colonel), "If the papers get hold of it, you see."

[indoors] EdmundMallory says, "following the paths of rivers. mapping. climbing mountains."

[backstage] LadyMallory says, "you weren't there for tourist shooting, at least, it was more the charge-into-the-outback-and-try-and-forget shooting"

[backstage] LadyMallory says, "there we go"

ColonelBot says (to LordBarleyhew), "oh, of course, of course; those damned reporters"

LordBarleyhew says (to Colonel), "Dashed if I can see why the old man did it."

[indoors] EdmundMallory says, "we did occasionally hunt for food on those expeditions, of course"

[indoors] Jean-Marc asks, "I suppose your father used to provide with some monetary assistance?"

[indoors] EdmundMallory says, "but that's hardly the same as terrifying some poor bird into flying into the path of your rifle"

[indoors] Jean-Marc nods. "Surely, not"

LordBarleyhew says (to Colonel), "But those... those *journalists* will dig up any old muck that sticks, I'm sure.""

[backstage] LadyMallory says, "(yeah, you got some allowance, but probably tried not to depend on it -- I dunno what you want to say about that)"

[indoors] EdmundMallory says, "well, I have a small allowance, and some money left over from the war"

LadyMallory takes Li Fong aside.

ColonelBot says (to LordBarleyhew), "But it seems like your choice of William is lightly odd -- certainly it feels like ... others ... are not well pleased."

ColonelBot says, "slightly, even"

[indoors] EdmundMallory says, "plus of course most of the expeditions were funded"

Li_Fong asks, "Yes?"

[backstage] EdmundMallory says, "Lost Cities, thank you"

LadyMallory says, "Charles -- er, Mr Reed -- was telling me that there is some possibility that Edmund is mixed up in all this"

[backstage] LadyMallory says, "hee hee"

LordBarleyhew asks (of Colonel), "What, old Chickering?"

[indoors] Jean-Marc asks, "I see. I was wondering; when you woke up today, was there still anyone at the house?"

ColonelBot says, "Of course, as an empty slate, there will be nothing to pick on for those accursed journalists."

LadyMallory says, "do tell me that's not the case"

[indoors] EdmundMallory says, "after breakfast, I played billiards with Mr Chickering"

LordBarleyhew says (to Colonel), "Of course he's put out. Silly old duffer's missed his chance and he knows it. He never was destined for the top flight. Could have told him that years ago."

ColonelBot says (to LordBarleyhew), "I could hardly help but overhear his grousing"

[heatham] Jean-Marc says, "I wonder if it would've been more fun should the killer(s) try to kill the investigators once they are getting close"

[indoors] Jean-Marc asks, "and what time was that, approximately?"

[indoors] EdmundMallory says, "and then of course everyone except my father was at lunch"

[indoors] Jean-Marc nods.

[indoors] Jean-Marc asks, "But doesn't he usually come for lunch?"

[indoors] EdmundMallory says, "I suppose it must have been after 10 or so"

Li_Fong says (to LadyMallory), "I cannot say for certain. There are many possibilities not accounted for"

LordBarleyhew says (to Colonel), "Aha! Yes, that's another thing, he's not discreet. If there's one thing a politician has to be, it's discreet! Discreet!"

LordBarleyhew guiltily lowers his voice, glances around.

[indoors] EdmundMallory says, "No, not really"

ColonelBot says, "Missed his chance, hm? Sounds like he's a sore loser as well as indiscreet."

LadyMallory says, "oh dear -- Charles assures me it can't happen, but"

LadyMallory sniffles.

CharlesReed says, "now see here, are you disturbing her? I won't stand for it"

LordBarleyhew says (to Colonel), "Oh, no, I shouldn't think so. He'll knuckle under. His sort always does."

[indoors] EdmundMallory says, "After hunting he often locks himself up until dinner unless Mother asks him specifically to make a meal time"

[indoors] EdmundMallory says, "today I assume she asked him to return for tea to greet all you new guests."

Li_Fong asks (of CharlesReed), "Have you known Sir Giles and Lady Mallory long?"

LordBarleyhew asks (of Colonel), "He's a fine fellow for balancing the books and such. Just... not the kind of sharp tack you want to skewer the other chaps in the House, you see?"

[heatham] ColonelBot says, "I do have a theory of sorts now"

CharlesReed coughs.

CharlesReed says, "well, I've only been at Stretchley Court for half a year or so"

CharlesReed says, "but I knew Sir Giles and Lady Mallory when we were all, er, considerably younger"

[indoors] Jean-Marc says, "I see."

ColonelBot says (to LordBarleyhew), "Oh my, I just noticed. Isn't William the sole heir of Sir Giles' fortune? Now *that* will be something to talk about for the *papers*."

Li_Fong asks, "Indeed?"

CharlesReed waves his hand vaguely. "Younger, you know, before the war."

LordBarleyhew says (to Colonel), "What? No, no, Edmund's the eldest. Dare say he'll get the lot."

Jean-Marc asks, "william?"

Li_Fong says, "perhaps this is why she refers to you with such.. familiarity and affection"

LordBarleyhew says (to Colonel), "And little Hippo will get something, of course. Gilford always had a soft spot for her."

[backstage] CharlesReed says, "ha ha ha"

Jean-Marc says, "WHere is the will, does anyone know"

CharlesReed coughs and possibly pinkens slightly. "Old friends! Right, old friends"

[backstage] * katre has left the channel.

Li_Fong stares very hard at Reed's face for a while.

ColonelBot says, "Oh, of course, of course, pardon me. So just Edward and Hypatia, hm? Odd, that."

Li_Fong says, "yes, I can see that"

[heatham] EdmundMallory says, "EdMUND"

LordBarleyhew says (to Colonel), "Well, in order of age, you know."

Li_Fong says, "it is said, 'Study the past if you would define the future.'"

[heatham] ColonelBot says, "just covering up the trick there"

[heatham] Li_Fong says, "Eddy Baby"

CharlesReed says, "that's -- er -- insightful, I'm sure"

[heatham] Li_Fong says, "Eddy-Weddy. Little Weddy Poo"

[heatham] ColonelBot says, "yay"

[heatham] ColonelBot says, "So, Frank..."

Jean-Marc looks at Charles and at Edmund and then at William

LordBarleyhew says (to Colonel), "The thing is, young William's the kind of chap who can make it on his own. He doesn't need some old mouldering house to go places."

Jean-Marc looks at them again, really carefully.

EdmundMallory goes over to Elizabeth

[heatham] GM says, "ok, perhaps we could pause for a sec"

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

[heatham] GM says, "it seems like now is a good time for the players to bring up some theories"

[heatham] LordBarleyhew says, "And for NPCs to make some tea!"

[heatham] EdmundMallory says, "I agree with that idea"

[heatham] GM says, "get an extra glass for Li Fong"

[heatham] GM says, "glass? cup"

[heatham] Jean-Marc says, "There is a possibility that one of the old man's kids is by Reed"

[heatham] ColonelBot says, "well, mine was just shot to hell by my mistaking Edmund for William"

[heatham] Jean-Marc says, "so the old man found out and there was going to be a change of the will.. and BAM"

[heatham] GM asks (of Colonel), "what was your theory?"

[heatham] ColonelBot says, "actually, slightly modified: william bought his way into the party with the inheritance, needed it now, and decided to off his father and blame edmund"

[heatham] EdmundMallory says, "(man, these notes are not getting updated much, are they?)"

[heatham] GM says, "ok, so that's motive"

[heatham] GM asks, "anyone have a theory for means, that explains most of the evidence?"

[heatham] Jean-Marc says, "anyone could have done it, it seems"

[heatham] GM says, "really? there's only a few sets of footprints"

[heatham] Jean-Marc says, "killer walks to cabin, kills man, burns something, makes snowshoes, goes out"

[heatham] Li_Fong says, "they walked in wearing the big boots"

[heatham] Li_Fong says, "killed the old man, put the boots on him, and grouse paddled out the back"

[heatham] Jean-Marc says, "and then they gave the boots to the old man, but the original boots could have been anybody's"

[heatham] ColonelBot says (to Li_Fong), "yeah"

[heatham] Li_Fong says, "how they killed the guy without a scuffle I'm not sure. also, there's the bit of cloth"

[heatham] Jean-Marc says, "also the mark on the window"

[heatham] Li_Fong says, "also, the old man would have to have worn some boots also"

[heatham] ColonelBot says, "yes, those I was looking for earlier"

[heatham] Li_Fong asks, "which set of tracks is the old man entering the cabin? or did someone leave wearing the boots the old man had on?"

[heatham] Jean-Marc asks, "could he have been killed elsewhere and brought back in?"

[heatham] Li_Fong says, "maybe there were two people in the cabin"

[heatham] ColonelBot says (to Li_Fong), "red"

[heatham] Li_Fong asks, "so what was burned in the fireplace?"

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

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

[heatham] ColonelBot says, "the four people who came later than everyone else were Barleyhew, Reed+William and Edmund, in that order"

[heatham] GM says (to Jean-Marc), "well, what he found was cloth, so neither of those seem that likely"

[heatham] Li_Fong says, "but only four sets of prints go into the cabin"

[backstage] EdmundMallory says, "this is satisfying to watch"

[backstage] GM says, "yeah, it's actually good to see how they have a bunch of clues but aren't putting them together yet"

[heatham] Jean-Marc says, "the watch seems like a red herring to me"

[backstage] GM says, "I should have called it in earlier, though"

[backstage] EdmundMallory says, "thy do seem awfully reticent about rifling through the guests rooms"

[heatham] ColonelBot says, "or it was planted to point to Edward"

[heatham] Li_Fong says, "it's only important in that it was put there on purpose"

[heatham] Li_Fong says, "but since he loses it a lot anyone could have gotten hold of it"

[heatham] Jean-Marc says, "yes"

[heatham] Li_Fong says, "maybe there was someone already in the cabin when sir giles went there"

[heatham] Jean-Marc asks, "is there anyone we can exclude? no. So, what do we do?"

[backstage] LordBarleyhew says, "Speaking as William, I certainly hope I'm not the illegitimate son of Elizabeth's father."

[backstage] EdmundMallory asks, "were we just rude?"

[backstage] GM says, "hee hee"

[backstage] LordBarleyhew says, "Or even speaking as Lord Barleyhew."

[backstage] GM says, "ha ha ha"

[heatham] Jean-Marc asks (of li), "what woudl that change?"

[backstage] GM says, "you aren't, no"

[backstage] GM says, "but Reed and Lady Mallory used to be an item or something, yeah"

[backstage] EdmundMallory asks (of william), "think she's good looking, you narcissist?"

[backstage] GM says (to EdmundMallory), ""enterprising""

[heatham] Li_Fong says, "I don't know"

[backstage] EdmundMallory says, "uh-huh"

[heatham] GM says, "Edmund said when he had the watch last, so it might be possible to track it down a little better"

[backstage] LordBarleyhew says, "The female NPCs have been getting sort of short shrift, just like in the last game."

[backstage] LordBarleyhew says, "But you can't have everything."

[heatham] Jean-Marc says, "yes, last night"

[backstage] LordBarleyhew says, "I guess that's how things went in the 20s."

[backstage] EdmundMallory says, "from my perspective as a player in the last game, knowing that it snowed twice earlier might be useful information too"

[heatham] Jean-Marc says, "last time he saw his father also"

[backstage] GM says, "yeah, the lack of female roles is a flaw in the scenario"

[heatham] Li_Fong says, "oh, he did say that? I must have missed that detail"

[backstage] GM says, "but I didn't really realize it until it was too late to change much"

[heatham] Jean-Marc says, "when he was talking to me just now"

[heatham] GM says, "alternately/additionally, you can try and pin down better when Sir Giles was killed, and see when people have alibis for"

[heatham] Li_Fong says, "I still can't think of what clothes needed to be burned at the scene"

[heatham] Jean-Marc asks, "A shirt? Something that was used to clean the real murder weapon?"

[heatham] Li_Fong says, "could be a handkerchief I guess"

[heatham] Jean-Marc asks, "are we sure that de man was killed with this revolver?"

[heatham] Li_Fong says, "at the very least, it means the fire was still on when the murder took place"

[heatham] Jean-Marc asks, "does it matter?"

[heatham] ColonelBot asks, "uh, yes?"

[heatham] Li_Fong says, "I'm not sure how long a fire stays lit, but that one guy said when he lit it"

[heatham] Li_Fong says, "didn't he also say he checked in regularly? hmm"

[heatham] Jean-Marc says, "it was lit around 10"

[heatham] GM says, "(the number of red herring clues involved here are pretty minimal)"

[heatham] Jean-Marc says, "he usually cheks in every few hours, he said"

[heatham] ColonelBot says, "and it still burned at ~1:30"

[heatham] ColonelBot asks, "or was it 2:30?"

[heatham] Jean-Marc says, "I thin 3:30"

[heatham] Li_Fong says (to GM), "those books on hunting in the hunting cabin were pretty suspicious"

[heatham] GM asks (of Colonel), "where are you getting that last from?"

[heatham] GM says (to Li Fong), "hee hee"

[heatham] ColonelBot says, "something the gamekeeper said, I think"

[heatham] Jean-Marc | "it was still burning at half past ten when I put the

[heatham] Li_Fong asks, "wait. it was still burning into the afternoon. so what, was sir giles still alive and puttering around every time the guy checked in?"

[heatham] Li_Fong asks, "but then the kid checked in instead of the gamekeeper and that's when the body was discovered?"

[heatham] Jean-Marc says, "John said half-past-10"

[backstage] LordBarleyhew asks, "...??"

[heatham] Li_Fong says, "ok, that's better"

[heatham] ColonelBot says, "sorry, he said 10:30, yeah"

[heatham] Jean-Marc says, "the game keeper did not check after that, he does not say anything"

[heatham] Li_Fong says, "he was thinking India time"

[heatham] ColonelBot says, "hee"

[backstage] LordBarleyhew says, "Heh."

[backstage] GM says, "hee hee"

[heatham] Li_Fong says, "hrm"

[heatham] Li_Fong says, "I still feel like I don't know enough to see what the real picture is"

[backstage] EdmundMallory says, "I am checking through scrollback and can't work out where they got this afternoon time from at all"

[backstage] EdmundMallory says, "silly PCs"

[backstage] GM says, "hee hee"

[heatham] ColonelBot says, "the old man didn't get along with edward"

[heatham] Jean-Marc says, "me neither, it probably requires something else, like maybe intelligent design"

[heatham] ColonelBot says, "edmund"

[heatham] EdmundMallory says, "edMUND"

[heatham] EdmundMallory says, "timing"

[heatham] Li_Fong says, "ha ha ha"

[heatham] ColonelBot says, "and yet edmund was poised to inherit"

[heatham] Li_Fong says, "and the lady mallory seems awful friendly with the neighbor"

[heatham] Jean-Marc says, "this story reminds of the christmas story of Agathe Christie"

[heatham] Li_Fong says, "ten little reindeer"

[heatham] Jean-Marc says, "the little murderous reindeer and the mystery of the glowing nose"

[heatham] Li_Fong says, "ok so"

Li_Fong asks, "Where is the will?"

WilliamMallory asks, "Hmm what?"

Jean-Marc says, "I've been asking for that for sometime, but no-one answers"

EdmundMallory says, "probably in his cabin or lodged with a solicitor in town"

Jean-Marc says, "But we went through the cabin and found nothing. Let's call the solicitor"

[heatham] Li_Fong asks, "would it surprise you to know that it is... FWOOOOSH right here!?"

[heatham] LadyMallory says, "hee hee"

[heatham] WilliamMallory says, "Yay"

[heatham] ColonelBot says, "if only"

[heatham] EdmundMallory says, "heehee"

[heatham] Jean-Marc says, "the will is in the boot"

[backstage] EdmundMallory asks, "so, uh, what's the deal with the solicitor?"

Li_Fong asks, "is there no safe where the gentleman's valuables are kept?"

[heatham] Jean-Marc says, "why does Edmund answer that? he was always in africa and stuff"

[backstage] EdmundMallory asks, "he has the will but can't reveal the contents until the formal hearing would be normal, right?"

GM says, "in the interests of time, we will skip calling the solicitor and Lady Mallory and Edmund asking him to reveal the contents before it's officially read, and cut to the part where he clarifies that Edmund gets the property and some money, Lady Mallory gets most of the money, William gets a little money (and Lady Mallory's portion when she dies), and Hypatia gets some too (and some of Lady Mallory's portion)"

[heatham] ColonelBot says, "William offing him and blaming Edmund is still the best theory I can offer"

[heatham] Jean-Marc asks, "but where does the Reed amore come in?"

[heatham] GM asks (of Colonel), "ok, so do you want to check on Edmund's alibi? or William's?"

[heatham] EdmundMallory says, "(I was guessing on where the will would be from logical knowledge of my father)"

Jean-Marc asks, "Can they ask him if he was intending to change his will?"

GM says, "not to the solicitor's knowledge"

Li_Fong says, "everyone's whereabouts this morning seem to be accounted for, but I have heard few corroborating stories of where people spent their time thereafter"

[heatham] Jean-Marc says, "ok, so that seems to rule out edmund. He didn't need much money, and he was secure apprently in receiving the inheritance anyway"

CharlesReed says, "right, I think it's time to start clearing our names"

[indoors] EdmundMallory says (to LadyMallory), "Oh, yes, Mother, I think I'll be leaving the estate in your hands"

CharlesReed says, "I suppose you fellows are going to keep doing the investigation until that damned police officer gets here"

[indoors] EdmundMallory says, "I don't really want it, so you can keep it and manage it as you want"

CharlesReed says, "here, I suppose you can interview me in the library"

[Crows-Nest] (from Li_Fong) LadyMallory touches her fingertips together. "EXcellent..."

[indoors] EdmundMallory says, "you and Hypatia are welcome to live here or sell the place or whatever you wish."

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

[indoors] WilliamMallory asks, "And where do I fit into your master plan, Edmund?"

Li_Fong says, "ah so"

[indoors] EdmundMallory says, "won't you be in London dabbling politics? You hardly need this place"

[indoors] EdmundMallory says, "er, dabbling in"

CharlesReed heads to the library with Li Fong and whoever else.

[indoors] WilliamMallory says, "Don't speak of what you don't understand, brother dear."

CharlesReed asks, "right then, what do you want to know?"

Jean-Marc follows

[indoors] EdmundMallory says, "you'll get a wage, but mother and Hyp need the place more than you do"

Li_Fong says, "I admit I am still curious as to the nature of your past relationship to sir and lady mallory"

Li_Fong says, "as it has implications for the present"

CharlesReed glares.

[indoors] EdmundMallory says, "you can keep living here too if you want"

[indoors] EdmundMallory says, "but if Mother and Hyp want to sell it, they keep the money"

CharlesReed says, "fine, we were engaged, I went off to war, I got back and found she'd married Sir Giles"

[indoors] WilliamMallory asks, "I wonder what those blighters are talking to Reed about?"

Jean-Marc tsk tsks.

CharlesReed says, "I travelled around for a bit, got into some business, eventually I decided to settle down"

CharlesReed says, "couldn't help myself, I picked the property over here"

Li_Fong says, "Sir Giles swept her off her feet, it is said"

CharlesReed says, "got here about six months ago"

[indoors] EdmundMallory eavesdrops

[indoors] WilliamMallory says, "I see one of them found your watch, Edmund."

CharlesReed says, "he always had a charming way"

CharlesReed says, "didn't care for the blighter myself, I don't mind saying"

[indoors] EdmundMallory says, "yes, though I can't imagine how it got there"

[indoors] WilliamMallory says, "Tsk, tsk, better watch your step, brother."

[indoors] ColonelBot says, "rolls towards Edmund."

[indoors] ColonelBot:

[indoors] EdmundMallory says, "I haven't seen father today"

[indoors] EdmundMallory says, "and haven't seen my watch since yesterday either"

Li_Fong says, "yet you lived next to him. yet you let your daughter make love to his son"

[indoors] ColonelBot asks (of EdmundMallory), "Can I talk to you for a second?"

[heatham] Li_Fong says, "in the 1920's sense"

[heatham] Jean-Marc says, "ew"

[heatham] CharlesReed says, "goodness gracious"

[indoors] EdmundMallory says, "If you wish"

[heatham] EdmundMallory says, "golly"

[heatham] WilliamMallory says, "I see somebody's been doing his research."

[heatham] Li_Fong says, "it just means to get all moony eyed !"

CharlesReed says, "as if fathers these days have any control over daughters"

[heatham] Li_Fong says, "hey, you watch enough old movies and you pick up the linog"

[indoors] ColonelBot asks (of EdmundMallory), "You say you didn't *see* your watch since yesterday. Do you remember when you last wound it?"

[heatham] Li_Fong says, "ligo"

[heatham] Li_Fong says, "RARGO"

CharlesReed says, "I don't see what she saw in either of them, but Elizabeth always had her own way"

[indoors] EdmundMallory says, "I didn't have it yesterday evening, so I probably wound it the evening before"

[heatham] CharlesReed says, "I used to be a lion .. now I fight crime as RARGO"

Li_Fong says, "so now sir giles is dead"

[indoors] EdmundMallory says, "when I have it I wind it in the evenings"

[backstage] WilliamMallory says, "Hrm, presumably William won't want to be found out as the guy who found the watch."

CharlesReed asks, "are you implying something, sir?"

[heatham] ColonelBot asks, "how long would such a watch keep going?"

[indoors] EdmundMallory says, "that usually tides it over for just over a day"

[backstage] WilliamMallory says, "I guess I'll just wait and see if they figure it out, though."

[indoors] ColonelBot says, "and yet your watch stopped at three"

Li_Fong asks, "I?"

Jean-Marc says, "Maybe he implies that you have used your daughter to get back at Sir Giles."

[indoors] EdmundMallory says, "yes, so it probably wasn't wound after I last wound it"

Jean-Marc says, "Rather than her acting on her own will, it was you that guided her actions"

Li_Fong looks puzzled, then regains his masklike composure.

CharlesReed says, "ridiculous"

CharlesReed asks, "are you going to ask me questions, or just make baseless accusations?"

[indoors] EdmundMallory says, "since I go to bed fairly late, and wind it just before I go to sleep"

[indoors] ColonelBot asks, "Ah, so it would probably have been three a.m. Of course, I'm not trying to say you had a motive, as the heir... although I hear your father was not best pleased with you lately?"

Jean-Marc says, "My apologie."

Li_Fong asks, "where were you between 11am and 3pm today?"

CharlesReed says, "no more pussyfooting around, eh? that's the spirit"

CharlesReed says, "right, then, let's see"

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

[indoors] EdmundMallory says, "well, not really"

[heatham] Li_Fong says, "it's a word"

[indoors] EdmundMallory says, "he wanted me to be more like William"

CharlesReed says, "after hunting ended around 10, I went and listened to William working on some party speech of his"

[indoors] EdmundMallory says, "political and so on"

[heatham] CharlesReed says, "it's like tiptoeing"

[indoors] ElizabethReed says, "Oh, oh, dear Colonel Featherstonehaugh, you musn't blame poor dear Edmund for forgetting his watch!"

[indoors] ColonelBot asks, "More... political?"

CharlesReed says, "then I was here talking with Lady Mallory until lunch"

[indoors] ColonelBot says (to ElizabethReed), "Of course not, my dear"

Li_Fong asks, "can William and Lady Mallory confirm this?"

CharlesReed says, "after lunch I played billiards with Chickering for a while"

CharlesReed says, "I should hope so"

[indoors] EdmundMallory says (to Elizabeth), "I'm glad that someone at least wans to defend me"

[indoors] ElizabethReed says, "He has so many things to think about, you see! So many poetic things!"

CharlesReed says, "then around two William and I went to the cabin"

[indoors] ColonelBot asks (of ElizabethReed), "Oh yes?"

[indoors] EdmundMallory says, "I'm feeling quite under suspicion right now"

Li_Fong asks, "Why?"

CharlesReed says, "Sir Giles had asked William to come see him then, and I wanted to talk to John about my gun"

[Crows-Nest] ColonelBot says, "new theory: edmund is GAY"

[indoors] ElizabethReed says, "Have you read his poetry? I think it's simply the darlingest stuff!"

Li_Fong asks, "and the gameskeeper was there at the cabin?"

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

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

[indoors] EdmundMallory says, "now, come, Elizabeth, you don't want to bore the Colonel with my scribblings"

CharlesReed says, "no, John's cabin is nearby Sir Giles'"

[indoors] ElizabethReed says, "Oh, Edmund, you mustn't be so modest! Silly Edmund!"

CharlesReed says, "I walked most of the way with William and then split off"

[indoors] ColonelBot asks (of EdmundMallory), "Ah, but who can resist the lovely voice of a lady reading poetry?"

[indoors] EdmundMallory says, "and besides, as if anyone would understand them as well as you"

Li_Fong asks, "So you didn't see Sir Giles then?"

[indoors] EdmundMallory says, "you alone have the delicacy and breadth of spirit necessary to understand"

Jean-Marc asks, "around what time was that, then?"

CharlesReed says, "no, I just heard him shouting"

[Crows-Nest] (from ColonelBot) Poetry says, "money money / all for you / i'll just kill dad / then run off with you"

[indoors] ElizabethReed giggles!

CharlesReed says, "around 2"

Jean-Marc says, "Oh, interesting."

[indoors] ColonelBot coughs and looks offended.

Li_Fong asks, "shouting?"

Li_Fong says, "you did not mention this before"

[indoors] EdmundMallory says (to Colonel), "my apologies, but I fear that you are cut from a more down-to-earth cloth than dear Elizabeth"

[indoors] ColonelBot says, "That kind of poetry, hm. I can see why your father wouldn't approve... heh, heh."

[indoors] ElizabethReed says, "Why, Colonel!"

[indoors] ColonelBot says, "Forgive my little jest"

CharlesReed says, "well, they seemed to be having some kind of argument, I didn't like to bring it up"

[indoors] EdmundMallory says, "Hmph"

[indoors] ColonelBot asks, "You and your brother did not join the hunt today?"

[indoors] ElizabethReed says, "It is *war* poetry, Colonel! Of the very noblest kind!"

CharlesReed says, "besides, I thought William would have mentioned it"

[indoors] EdmundMallory says, "come now Elizabeth, you flatter me too much"

Li_Fong asks, "how long did this argument last?"

Jean-Marc says, "Under the circumstancs, I can see why he did not."

[indoors] ColonelBot says (to ElizabethReed), "War poertry, hm. Now my interest is truly piqued"

Li_Fong says, "clearly we have more to ask William"

[indoors] ColonelBot says, "Being a veteran of several wars myself"

[indoors] EdmundMallory asks, "I'm sure William would write poetry far better than mine if he took a mind to it, and that you would enjoy his as much as mine, hm, Elizabeth?"

[heatham] Jean-Marc asks, "Wait, wasn't elizabeth interested in william, apparently?"

CharlesReed says, "well, I suppose it started shortly after I started talking to John, although inside John's cabin I could only hear it faintly"

[heatham] Jean-Marc asks, "but maybe only apparently?"

[indoors] ElizabethReed says, "I don't think I like the one with the dead starling getting trampled in the mud with the futile corpses of the fallen, though -- oh, oh, sorry Edmund, but it's just a little bit grim."

[indoors] EdmundMallory says (to colonel), "I fear my poetry is not exactly in favour of battle"

CharlesReed says, "so perhaps five or ten minutes"

Li_Fong asks (of Jean-Marc), "you talked to the gamekeeper. did he mention this shouting?"

CharlesReed says, "maybe I was talking for John for a little longer than that first"

[backstage] EdmundMallory says, "heeheehee"

Jean-Marc shakes his head.

Jean-Marc says, "No, he said there was nothing suspicious"

[indoors] ColonelBot says, "I ... see."

Jean-Marc says, "But he might have forgotten."

[indoors] ColonelBot asks, "And you dislike hunting on the same principles, then?"

[indoors] EdmundMallory says, "yes, I do"

[indoors] EdmundMallory says, "my brother has no such compunction"

CharlesReed says, "old John? he's half-deaf, that man"

[indoors] ColonelBot says, "Indeed? And yet I gather he was not out hunting today, either"

[indoors] EdmundMallory says, "in fact, I believe he went hunting with father and the others this morning"

Li_Fong says, "well, I think we have taken enough of this gentleman's time"

CharlesReed says, "I doubt he hears a thing unless you're right next to him"

Jean-Marc says, "I concur"

[indoors] EdmundMallory says, "I'm fairly sure he did"

Jean-Marc makes a tsk tsk noise.

Li_Fong heads to the door.

Li_Fong says, "oh, just one more thing"

[indoors] ColonelBot says, "Apparently he arrived around lunchtime with Mr. Reed"

[heatham] CharlesReed says, "yay"

[heatham] Jean-Marc says, "hah"

[indoors] EdmundMallory says, "perhaps someone else from the hunt could confirm it, but he was certainly planning to"

[Crows-Nest] ColonelBot says, "HA!"

Li_Fong asks, "are those the shoes you were wearing earlier, or did you change them?"

[Crows-Nest] ColonelBot asks, "What were you doing instead, then? If I may ask?"

CharlesReed says, "I gave my boots to the knives-and-boots boy when I came in, of course"

[indoors] EdmundMallory says, "well, I believe the hunting finished about 10, since George was certainly out hunting but back for about that time"

[indoors] EdmundMallory says, "I played Billiards with George once he returned, in fact"

[Crows-Nest] ColonelBot says, "So I'm told."

[heatham] Jean-Marc asks, "it was william that pointed out the watch, wasn't it?"

Li_Fong asks, "does he know your boots? never gives you the wrong ones by mistake?"

CharlesReed says, "and I'd changed them earlier after the hunting, especially since it had started snowing again"

[heatham] CharlesReed says, "yes"

[heatham] Jean-Marc says, "yay"

[heatham] ColonelBot says, "he was indeed being under the table rather suspiciously"

[heatham] Jean-Marc says (to li), "goot way to identify boots"

CharlesReed says, "I should hope he gives me the right boots back"

[backstage] EdmundMallory says, "I'm wondering if they mistook my earlier 'I don't hunt' for William"

CharlesReed says, "but I haven't been a guest long enough for him to know them by sight, I daresay"

[backstage] ElizabethReed asks, "William, Edward, who can tell them apart?"

[backstage] ElizabethReed says, "Certainly not me!"

[backstage] CharlesReed says, "tee hee"

[backstage] EdmundMallory says, "EdMUND"

[backstage] EdmundMallory says, "you fickle child"

[backstage] CharlesReed says, "ha ha ha"

Jean-Marc goes off to find the boot boy.

Li_Fong stares thoughtfully.

[backstage] ElizabethReed says, "If I marry you I shall say EdMUND! every day, just like that!"

[backstage] CharlesReed says, "ha ha ha"

[indoors] ColonelBot says, "I'm sure George found a few choice words to say about your brother"

[indoors] EdmundMallory says, "of course, once I return to Africa I'm afraid Elizabeth will have to cope with merely seeing my poetry rather than having me recite it"

[heatham] Li_Fong says, "I need to recap #indoors about a million to see what's going on"

[indoors] EdmundMallory says, "George? Well, with the announcement that Barleyhew made, yes, he did rather seem to find many faults in William"

[heatham] ColonelBot says, "right now we need confirmation whether or not William was out hunting with the others or not"

[indoors] EdmundMallory says, "of course, I did encourage him somewhat"

[heatham] ColonelBot says, "And if so, whether he left with Reed or not"

[indoors] ColonelBot says, "So sad to see this animosity between brothers"

[heatham] CharlesReed says, "Reed and William's expedition to the cabin was considerably later (2pm)"

[indoors] EdmundMallory waves his hands dismissively

[indoors] ElizabethReed is talking to William, judging by a distant titter.

[heatham] Jean-Marc says, "I dare say he did"

[heatham] Jean-Marc says, "unless they are conspiring"

[indoors] EdmundMallory glances nervously over at Elizabeth

[heatham] Jean-Marc says, "because reed actually gave his rifle to John at that time"

[indoors] EdmundMallory says, "he does seem to always get what he wants, somehow"

Jean-Marc comes back with the boot boy.

[heatham] Jean-Marc says, "(I guess)"

[indoors] EdmundMallory says, "one can hardly resent a man for finding that a little trying over so many years"

BootBoy asks, "Yes, guv?"

Jean-Marc whispers to Li, "Mr Li, that boot that you have about your person somewhere..."

[indoors] ColonelBot asks, "And you're just giving up on her?"

Jean-Marc looks critically at Li's clothing.

[indoors] EdmundMallory asks, "What, Elizabeth?"

[indoors] EdmundMallory says, "I don't know what you're talking about."

[indoors] EdmundMallory asks, "She's just a -- well, she's just Elizabeth, isn't she?"

Li_Fong says, "one moment"

Li_Fong disappears and returns a moment later.

(From Jean-Marc) Li opens his mouth really wide.

Li_Fong asks (of BootBoy), "do you recognize this boot?"

BootBoy inspects the boot

Li_Fong hands it to him

BootBoy says, "I don't recognise it, guv. Could be one of the guests."

Li_Fong asks, "you've never seen it? Or you just can't say which it is?"

[indoors] EdmundMallory says, "I can hardly choose who she marries, although I certainly shouldn't choose a sneaky little cad like William."

BootBoy says, "It dun't belong to any of the gents from this 'ouse, though."

Li_Fong says, "right."

BootBoy says, "see, none of 'em use this bootmaker"

[backstage] CharlesReed says, "(perhaps you could clarify that it might be a guest)"

Li_Fong says, "oh."

[heatham] Jean-Marc asks, "does it say 'made in china' at the bottom?"

BootBoy says, "I fink it must be one of the guests, guv, if I had to make a guess"

Li_Fong gives the boy a groat and gestures for him to go.

BootBoy says, "fank you, guv"

[indoors] EdmundMallory asks (of Colonel), "Hrm, do you think she likes him? Surely not. She's just being friendly, isn't she?"

BootBoy scurries off

[heatham] Li_Fong says, "whatever the hell a groat is"

[heatham] CharlesReed says, "hee hee"

[heatham] ColonelBot says, "I like how just listening works"

[heatham] BootBoy says, "in modern time, the eqquivalent of about .05 pence"

Li_Fong returns to where the others are.

[heatham] BootBoy says, "you cheapskate"

[indoors] ColonelBot says, "Well, it seems you have her around your finger with your poetry"

[indoors] EdmundMallory says, "Can't help being friendly to everyone, dearest Elizabeth, innocent soul..."

[indoors] EdmundMallory says, "Sir!"

[indoors] ColonelBot says, "but of course your plans for the future entirely exclude her"

[heatham] Li_Fong says, "hey, I didn't become a wealthy yet inscrutable businessman by handing out money generously"

[heatham] CharlesReed says, "hee hee"

[heatham] GM asks, "ok, what now? interview someone else?"

[heatham] Li_Fong says, "I want to know what William has to say about this argument"

[indoors] EdmundMallory says, "Ah, the future, the future..."

[indoors] EdmundMallory says, "All I know is that I shan't stay in this blasted place. The bloody snow, the bloody people..."

WilliamMallory comes into the library. "Reed said you wanted to see me next?"

[backstage] BootBoy says, "I like how Iain and I switched off on Edmund with no apparent difference in style except that he now swears more"

WilliamMallory pulls up a seat for himself.

[heatham] Jean-Marc says, "yeah. In retrospect, it seems that.."

[backstage] WilliamMallory says, "I'm surprised he hasn't started drinking"

Li_Fong asks, "what do you think of Mr. Reed?"

[backstage] BootBoy says, "I was drinking brandy as him earlier"

[backstage] EdmundMallory says, "I was about to say, perhaps he's sipping a port right now."

[heatham] Jean-Marc says, "I should ahve paid attention to John's hardness of hearing when he took a long time to answer the door"

[indoors] ColonelBot says, "It is very generous of you to offer it to your mother and sister, certainly."

[backstage] EdmundMallory takes another big sip of brandy.

[backstage] EdmundMallory says, "Oops, channel."

[indoors] EdmundMallory takes another big sip of brandy.

WilliamMallory says, "seems like a nice fellow"

[heatham] Jean-Marc says, "Hey, Elizabath is his sister"

WilliamMallory says, "quite the country squire"

WilliamMallory says, "totally mad about mother"

WilliamMallory asks, "as I'm sure you noticed, eh?"

Li_Fong asks, "he nearly married her, did you know that?"

[indoors] EdmundMallory (slyly), "You know, George was saying that job ought to have been his. This morning, I mean."

[indoors] ColonelBot says, "So I gather"

[indoors] ColonelBot says, "It seems Lord Barleyhew thought differently"

Li_Fong asks, "I ask because I am curious, do you think he is an honest man?"

WilliamMallory asks, "really? guess Father just swept her off her feet when he came along, eh?"

[indoors] EdmundMallory says, "Some pretty rum things these political types get up to, is all I can say."

[indoors] EdmundMallory says, "I'm sure dear William will fit right in."

Li_Fong says, "that is the word on the street"

WilliamMallory says, "honest? salt of the earth, typical english gentleman"

[indoors] ColonelBot asks, "He changed his mind recently, hm?"

WilliamMallory says, "doubt he's got a thought in his head that isn't about hunting, farming, or courtly love, between you and me"

WilliamMallory says, "or his charming daughter"

[indoors] EdmundMallory says, "Well, he only announced it at lunch."

WilliamMallory says, "but I can't blame him for thinking about Elizabeth"

Li_Fong says, "yes..."

[indoors] EdmundMallory asks, "Who knows what he was thinking before that?"

Li_Fong says, "so, should we believe Mr Reed is honest when he says he heard you having a loud argument with your father today"

[indoors] ColonelBot says, "poor Mr. Chickering seemed very sure of his post"

WilliamMallory says, "oh! er, that"

WilliamMallory says, "yes, well"

[indoors] EdmundMallory says, "Ha. If there's one thing you never see, it's a poor politician."

[backstage] BootBoy says, "I wonder what the hell the PCs are making of this random love triangle"

WilliamMallory says, "I didn't like to bring it up since it reflects so badly on poor Edmund, but since you insist"

Li_Fong asks, "so there were words exchanged?"

Li_Fong asks, "on Edmund?"

[indoors] EdmundMallory says, "Always know which side their bread is buttered."

WilliamMallory says, "after hunting broke up because of the snow, Father said he was taking a walk and asked me to come see him after lunch"

[indoors] ColonelBot says, "Very true, very true. Scandalous of him to be so openly grousing about it."

Li_Fong asks, "did you go hunting?"

WilliamMallory says, "of course"

WilliamMallory says, "that's what they're all here for"

Li_Fong says, "go on"

[indoors] ElizabethReed is heard giggling at something Hypatia says, in the background

WilliamMallory says, "and I know how it is for a rising young politico -- whither Lord Barleyhew goes, there goest I and all that"

[indoors] EdmundMallory says, "Aha, ha, and that Lord Barleyhew of theirs, that's the one thing he don't like, is a scandal."

WilliamMallory says, "anyway, I got to talk to my father, and it turns out he wanted to talk about Edmund"

Li_Fong asks, "What time was this?"

[backstage] ElizabethReed says, "I see the brandy is affecting Edmund's grammar"

[indoors] ColonelBot says, "You say that as if there were another..."

[indoors] EdmundMallory discovers he's out of brandy.

WilliamMallory says, "he was all in favor of cutting off Edmund's allowance and sending him out without a shilling"

WilliamMallory says, "oh, about 2 or so"

Li_Fong asks, "was the fire still warm?"

[indoors] ColonelBot gestures for Manbir to get more Brandy

WilliamMallory says, "and I said "oh, no, you can't do that to poor Edmund""

[heatham] Jean-Marc says, "hee"

WilliamMallory thinks.

WilliamMallory says, "why, yes, crackling away merrily. I'm sure."

[indoors] Manbir fetches brandy from another servant

WilliamMallory thinks more.

WilliamMallory says, "yes, right"

Li_Fong asks, "what boots was your father wearing?"

[indoors] ColonelBot says, "pour us another glass, there's a good chap"

[backstage] ElizabethReed says, "naughty naughty william"

WilliamMallory says, "what boots? I couldn't say -- his regular hunting boots, I imagine, unless he came back to the house to change before heading to the cabin"

Li_Fong says, "so you were saying about Edmund"

Li_Fong asks, "why was your father planning to cut Edmund off?"

WilliamMallory says, "oh, you know Edmund, just look at him"

WilliamMallory laughs heartily

Li_Fong says, "as we know, that contradicts your father's will"

WilliamMallory says, "always moping about the War"

WilliamMallory says, "won't buck up"

[indoors] EdmundMallory says, "Scandal! Yes!"

WilliamMallory says, "oh, of course the *estate* is entailed"

WilliamMallory says, "can't do much about that"

[heatham] Li_Fong refrains from slapping William

WilliamMallory says, "but that doesn't mean Father had to give him anything while he was alive"

[indoors] EdmundMallory says, "The only scandal is that we never kicked all those rotters out after what they did to us in the war!"

[heatham] WilliamMallory says, "ha ha ha"

Li_Fong asks, "did he have a change of heart? why was he telling you this?"

[indoors] EdmundMallory says, "You know what it's like -- you're a military man --"

[backstage] WilliamMallory says, "nice teamwork"

[heatham] ColonelBot asks, "rotters?"

WilliamMallory exclaims, "I was trying to talk him out of it!"

[indoors] ElizabethReed drifts over to Edmund.

[indoors] EdmundMallory says, "That raven's wing, once black as pitch / now brown as mud, no more shall fly"

WilliamMallory says, ""you can't do that to Edmund," I said"

WilliamMallory says, ""just not right""

Li_Fong asks, "you care so much for your hapless brother?"

WilliamMallory says, "but he wouldn't hear of it, so eventually I said good day"

Li_Fong asks, "and you came back here?"

[indoors] ElizabethReed says, "Oh, Edmund, do the one about the guns like shafts of fire!"

WilliamMallory says, "uh -- er -- well, have to take care of the family, you know. can't have him make a disgrace of himself"

[indoors] EdmundMallory says, "this sky, what was it, this sky / only shells shall know now"

WilliamMallory says, "right, and he gave me a note to take to Edmund"

[indoors] EdmundMallory says, "and aeroplanes / also barrage balloons"

Li_Fong suddenly sneezes

Jean-Marc raises an eyebrow.

Li_Fong asks, "I'm sorry, do you have a handkerchief?"

[heatham] Jean-Marc says, "hahaha"

[indoors] ColonelBot composes quickly before Edmund can notice.

WilliamMallory says, "let me see"

[indoors] ElizabethReed clasps her hands together and listens rapturously.

WilliamMallory checks his pockets.

WilliamMallory says, "ah, here we are"

Li_Fong says, "hmm, thanks"

[heatham] ColonelBot asks, "what's a rotter?"

Li_Fong honknkk mff

[heatham] ElizabethReed says, "a bad egg"

[heatham] ElizabethReed says, "nasty sort"

Li_Fong eyes the handkerchief

[heatham] WilliamMallory says, "it is, at least, the same general thing as the cloth you found"

[heatham] ElizabethReed says, "scoundrel"

[heatham] WilliamMallory says, "though it doesn't seem like this is the same kind of handkerchief"

[heatham] Li_Fong says, "interesting"

[heatham] ColonelBot asks, "who did he mean by rotters, though? or is that unclear?"

[indoors] ElizabethReed says, "oh, Edmund, you are so poetic!"

[heatham] WilliamMallory says, "(eyeing the stitching on the edges and the feel of the cloth and so on)"

[heatham] Li_Fong says, "I wonder how many more fake sneezes will find me a MURDERER"

[indoors] ColonelBot says, "Very bleak"

[indoors] ColonelBot says, "but it has a certain... quality"

[heatham] Jean-Marc says, "rotters like people taht take advantage of the war and stuff"

[heatham] Jean-Marc says, "haha"

Li_Fong holds out the used handkerchief to William

[Crows-Nest] ColonelBot says, "ha ha ew"

WilliamMallory takes it extremely gingerly and semi-surreptitiously drops it under the table

Jean-Marc says, "i was curious about one thing, Mr. Mallory"

WilliamMallory asks, "yes?"

Jean-Marc says, "It's probably irrelevant."

[Crows-Nest] ColonelBot says, "dropped it under the table.. LIKE THAT WATCH"

[indoors] EdmundMallory slumps into a chair, deep in his own dark thoughts.

[heatham] Li_Fong says, "I think we need to ask the women more questions"

Jean-Marc asks, "do you think it possible that George and your mother might have.. rekindled their relationship once he moved close by?"

[heatham] Li_Fong says, "just because, hey, women"

WilliamMallory exclaims, "my good man!"

[indoors] ColonelBot says, "Well, thank you for your time, Edmund."

WilliamMallory says, "I don't know what sort of degenerate french notions you have, but you can dismiss them immediately"

[indoors] ElizabethReed flutters around Edmund a while longer until she concludes he won't recite any more poetry, and flits off.

WilliamMallory says, "first of all, my mother is devoted to my father"

[indoors] EdmundMallory mutters, "I'm not surprised the old man blew his brains out. First sensible thing he's ever done."

[heatham] Jean-Marc says, "was"

WilliamMallory says, "and second of all, the man is the soul of chivalry and couldn't deal dishonorably with a lady if you brought him cleopatra on a plate"

Jean-Marc says, "So such a suspicion never went through your mind. I see."

ElizabethReed flits up to William.

[indoors] ColonelBot asks, "You're... not surprised?"

ElizabethReed says, "Dearest William, your brother just recited a wonderful new poem!"

[Crows-Nest] Li_Fong says, "heh, degenerate french notions"

[heatham] WilliamMallory says, "ha ha"

[heatham] Jean-Marc says, "we must duel, but wait"

ElizabethReed says, "He can be so deep and mysterious"

[indoors] EdmundMallory asks, "You're still here, then?"

ElizabethReed says, "but never as charming as you, of course"

[heatham] GM asks, "ok, who's next?"

[heatham] GM asks, "or did you want to get an alibi from William?"

[indoors] ColonelBot says, "no, no, never mind me"

[heatham] Jean-Marc says, "let's continue with him before, yes"

Li_Fong asks (of Elizabeth), "what does William think of Edmund?"

ElizabethReed says, "well, I'm sure he could tell you himself!"

[indoors] ColonelBot wheels over to George Chickering.

Jean-Marc asks, "Lastly, Mr Mallory, could you tell us what you did after you left your father's cabin?"

[backstage] EdmundMallory says, "Belatedly, hee hee at Cleopatra on a plate."

ElizabethReed says, "I'm sure he would agree with me that Edmund is a poor tortured soul"

Li_Fong looks at William.

WilliamMallory asks (of Jean), "just after I left the cabin, or all day?"

ElizabethReed says, "the poor darling was never quite the same after the war, you know"

WilliamMallory rolls his eyes at Elizabeth's comments

[indoors] GeorgeChickering says, "Good evening, Colonel."

Jean-Marc says, "Until tea time, if you please"

[indoors] GeorgeChickering says, "Terrible business, isn't it? Simply terrible."

[backstage] WilliamMallory says, "man, you guys are so on the ball with the NPCs here"

[indoors] ColonelBot says, "Oh, absolutely ghastly"

ElizabethReed says, "he's not as worldly as William, of course, and not so practical"

[backstage] WilliamMallory says, "I just need one more like you and I wouldn't have to do any typing at all"

[indoors] ColonelBot asks, "and after that other blow for you today, how much harder must it be for you?"

[backstage] ElizabethReed says, "heehee"

WilliamMallory says, "let me see -- I went out hunting in the morning, until it started snowing"

[indoors] GeorgeChickering asks, "Er, what other blow?"

WilliamMallory says, "then I let Reed help me out with my speechmaking"

ElizabethReed says, "he would never have managed to get such a fine political position like William did"

WilliamMallory says, "he's quite a good audience -- behaves exactly like a crow"

[indoors] ColonelBot says, "Well, you know... Barleyhew."

ElizabethReed says, "but they're both utter darlings"

ElizabethReed says, "in different ways"

[indoors] GeorgeChickering asks, "Barleyhew? What's happened to -- oh, you mean the announcement?"

[heatham] Li_Fong says, "hm"

Jean-Marc smiles, slightly.

[indoors] ColonelBot says, "I do"

[heatham] Li_Fong says, "feels like it's getting near time to start wrapping up, but I still don't exactly know what to say happened"

WilliamMallory says, "then it was lunchtime, then after lunch, I played billiards for a while, then went to the cabin"

Jean-Marc nods.

[indoors] GeorgeChickering says, "Oh, well, hmm, I shouldn't say that was really a blow, as such."

WilliamMallory says, "then I chatted with Elizabeth and Hypatia until tea"

[indoors] ColonelBot says, "Certainly William has been gloating about it all day, and you seemed rather... put out"

Jean-Marc turns to Elizabet, "I imagine you can confirm this."

[indoors] GeorgeChickering says, "I suppose he wanted to give young William a leg up -- little fellow needs all the help he can get, I expect..."

ElizabethReed says, "well, yes, of course"

[indoors] ColonelBot says, "you think he wouldn't make it on his own, I take it"

[indoors] GeorgeChickering scowls darkly at this.

Jean-Marc asks, "Since you are here, Elizabeth, could you tell me when your father moved here? How many years ago, approximately?"

[heatham] GM says, "I think, hmm, it might be useful to try and double-check some people's stories"

ElizabethReed says, "here? Oh, this year"

[indoors] Li_Fong suddenly turns up.

ElizabethReed says, "within the last half a year, probably"

[indoors] Li_Fong says, "Hello again, Colonel, Mr. Chickering"

[indoors] ColonelBot says, "Mister Li"

[indoors] GeorgeChickering says, "Mister Fong -- Li."

[heatham] GM says, "it seems like a safe rule of thumb that anything that someone says they were doing with someone else doesn't need to be confirmed"

ElizabethReed says, "it's funny you should mention chatting to hypatia and william earlier"

[heatham] GM says, "because they know you'll double-check it"

[indoors] Li_Fong says, "Mr Chickering, I hear you are quite good at the billiards table"

Jean-Marc asks, "Why? What have you been talking of?"

ElizabethReed says, "I chatted to edmund on his own today, and hypatia on her own, but not to william on his own"

[indoors] GeorgeChickering says, "Well, one doesn't like to blow one's own trumpet, you know."

ElizabethReed says, "now I feel somewhat neglected by William"

ElizabethReed pouts slightly, prettily.

Jean-Marc says, "I'm sure William hasa lot on his mind."

[indoors] GeorgeChickering says, "Except when one has a magnificent talent."

[heatham] GM says, "hee hee"

[Crows-Nest] ColonelBot says, "we can wrap it up, I know it was Jean-Marc who did it"

[Crows-Nest] ColonelBot says, "After all, he's *french*"

[indoors] Li_Fong asks, "have you been playing today, yes?"

ElizabethReed says, "I didn't see William until not long before tea, in any case"

[Crows-Nest] Jean-Marc says, "ON FAIR LE DUEL MONSIEUR"

[indoors] GeorgeChickering says, "Yes, I should say I can still show the young 'uns a thing or two."

[Crows-Nest] GM says, "he did it to win Elizabeth"

[indoors] GeorgeChickering says, "I beat young Edmund six frames to two this morning."

[indoors] Li_Fong asks, "and after lunch?"

[indoors] Li_Fong asks, "any more winnings?"

Jean-Marc asks, "Did you see Sir Giles at all today?"

[backstage] GM says, "(after lunch with Charles)"

[indoors] GeorgeChickering says, "Oh, well, a guinea or two from that Reed fellow, you know."

ElizabethReed says, "no, I'm afraid not"

Jean-Marc says, "I think I have no more questions for you. Let's go to see what the others are up to."

ElizabethReed says, "I took a late breakfast with the other ladies - the hunters get up terribly early, you know"

[indoors] Li_Fong says, "oh, I thought mr william said he played billiards today"

[heatham] Jean-Marc says, "scratch that then, if she wants to talk on her own"

[indoors] ColonelBot says, "indeed he did, my dear Mr. Li"

[indoors] GeorgeChickering says, "Not with me, he didn't."

Jean-Marc says, "I imagine so."

[indoors] GeorgeChickering says, "Since he knows I'd wipe the floor with him, the sniveling little brat."

[indoors] GeorgeChickering says, "Er."

[backstage] GM says, "(william billiards is a new thing -- I was going to suggest you back up his story, but let's see it as a contradiction and find out where it goes)"

[indoors] Li_Fong says, "Ah, I must have misunderstood. thank you"

Jean-Marc asks, "Was there anything of interest being discussed?"

ElizabethReed says, "at breakfast? no, not especially"

[heatham] Jean-Marc says, "like, I would like to go shopping, but I have to go and kill Giles"

[backstage] GM says, "(plus, yeah, in retrospect it doesn't make sense that William and George would socialize)"

[backstage] GeorgeChickering says, "Sorry, I'm just going by the timeline."

[backstage] GM says, "no, no, it's all correct"

[backstage] GM says, "I'm the one who's freewheeling"

[backstage] GeorgeChickering says, "Huh, it kind of looks like I have an alibi all day."

[backstage] GeorgeChickering asks, "How are they going to spot I was off doing stuff before lunch?"

Li_Fong finds William again.

[indoors] GeorgeChickering asks, "Fancy a game yourself?"

[backstage] GM says, "whoops, crap, William hadn't been to the cabin yet"

[heatham] ColonelBot says, "ask how early they get up"

Jean-Marc asks, "Could you tell me your wereabouts until teatime?"

[backstage] GM says, "hmm"

[backstage] GM says, "going to have to think fast here"

[indoors] GeorgeChickering says, "Let's say a penny a pot, while I explain the rules."

[indoors] Li_Fong has disappeared already.

[heatham] ColonelBot says, "(to Jean-Marc)"

[indoors] GeorgeChickering says, "Odd fellow."

ElizabethReed says, "I did speak to Edmund just before lunch; the poor dear was asleep in the library"

WilliamMallory asks, "yes? forget something in your sleuthing?"

Jean-Marc says, "(and what time you had breakfast)"

[indoors] ColonelBot says (to GeorgeChickering), "I'm afraid our inscrutable friend leaves on silent wings"

[heatham] Jean-Marc says, "I imagine you mean the ladies, not the hunters"

[heatham] ColonelBot says, "no, the hunters"

Li_Fong asks (of William), "yes, just one thing. who was it you said you played billiards with?"

ElizabethReed says, "before that I spoke to lady mallory and mrs chickering, and before that to hypatia just after breakfast"

WilliamMallory says, "er -- Reed and Chickering, of course"

ElizabethReed says, "breakfast would have been around 9, I suppose"

Jean-Marc asks, "while the hunters get up around dawn, at 6, you'd say?"

[heatham] ColonelBot says (to WilliamMallory), "Well well"

ElizabethReed says, "no, about 8"

Li_Fong says (to William), "those are very nice shoes, by the way"

WilliamMallory says, "why thank you"

Jean-Marc says, "Alright"

Jean-Marc asks, "What was edmund doing in the library?"

[indoors] GeorgeChickering says, "You can't trust these caucasians, that's what I always say."

[indoors] GeorgeChickering asks, "Or would you say he was an oriental?"

Li_Fong exits and paces the hall for a few minutes.

ElizabethReed says, "Edmund was a bit grumpy; I understand he'd lost at Billiards before I saw him"

Jean-Marc says, "well, I hear that Chickering is unbeatable"

ElizabethReed says, "but he soon perked up when I listened to some of his poetry"

[heatham] Li_Fong says, "well, there goes his after-lunch alibi"

Jean-Marc smiles beatifically.

WilliamMallory hesitates, and then goes after Li Fong.

ElizabethReed says, "and then after about, oh, an hour we went through to lunch"

WilliamMallory says, "er --"

Li_Fong looks up.

[indoors] ColonelBot asks, "which, Mr. Li or William?"

[indoors] ColonelBot says, "heh, heh, forgive my jest"

WilliamMallory says, "that is to say, I made a slight error there"

ElizabethReed says, "and after that I spoke to hypatia for a while about the new london fashions, then to edmund and hypatia for a while"

WilliamMallory says, "I meant to say that I *watched* Reed and Chickering play billiards"

WilliamMallory says, "and then went to my room"

Li_Fong asks, "alone, to your room?"

[indoors] GeorgeChickering says, "Heh, heh, I wouldn't trust William if he were a ruddy Red Indian."

ElizabethReed says, "oh, and then edmund for a while again; he'd composed another poem just after lunch"

WilliamMallory says, "er-- right. alone. completely alone. to my room."

Jean-Marc says, "He is so productive, Endumnd"

ElizabethReed says, "and then I went to the parlour, and chatter to william and hypatia"

Li_Fong asks, "Not with Miss Elizabeth?"

WilliamMallory apparently finds Li's gaze a little unsettling.

ElizabethReed says, "well, he's very clever and poetic"

ElizabethReed says, "and so tortured, poor dear"

[indoors] ColonelBot asks, "Was he around when you played billiard?"

WilliamMallory says, "oh, no (with relief) she was off talking with Hypatia or something"

Jean-Marc asks, "what on earth is he tortured for?"

Li_Fong asks, "and when was it that you visited the boot boy?"

ElizabethReed says, "the war, of course"

WilliamMallory asks, "the boot boy?"

[indoors] GeorgeChickering says, "Hmm, I don't think so."

Jean-Marc says, "but the war has been over for ages now"

[backstage] ElizabethReed recite timeline recite timeline

[indoors] GeorgeChickering asks, "What, you think he was spying on me?"

Li_Fong asks, "sorry, didn't you say you visited the boot boy to change your boots?"

ElizabethReed says, "well, not that long"

WilliamMallory says, "oh, yes, of course, I gave him my boots for cleaning after Reed and I got back from seeing my father"

[indoors] ColonelBot says, "Given his abilities at billiard, and yours..."

ElizabethReed says, "he's been in africa since, trying to forget about the death and so on"

WilliamMallory says, "and earlier at ten to knock the new snow off when we got back from hunting"

Li_Fong asks, "You -- came back with Mr. Reed?"

ElizabethReed says, "I was very glad when he returned recently"

Jean-Marc asks, "Does he often come back?"

WilliamMallory says, "from the cabin? naturally, we walked together"

ElizabethReed says, "one can only truly recupeate around one's family"

ElizabethReed says, "er, recuperate"

WilliamMallory asks, "didn't he tell you that he went to see John?"

ElizabethReed says, "no, not that often"

Li_Fong says, "he said that you split paths"

Li_Fong says, "so I wonder that you came back together"

[indoors] GeorgeChickering says, "Hmm, I think his interests run in other directions than billiards."

WilliamMallory says, "certainly, but John's cabin is only a minute or so away from my father's"

Li_Fong says, "after your argument, you met him again"

[indoors] ColonelBot says, "Well, I'm sure you also have rather more political talent than him"

WilliamMallory shrugs. "Coincidence, I suppose, or he wanted someone to walk back with."

[indoors] GeorgeChickering says, "Young Miss Reed certainly seems to have caught his eye."

Li_Fong asks, "then he was waiting for you outside?"

WilliamMallory seems perhaps a little nervous.

WilliamMallory says, "no, actually I was there first, I'd just gotten out a minute or two ahead of him"

[indoors] GeorgeChickering taps his nose meaningfully. As to that, I'm at least old enough to know that there's a time for politics, and a time for sticking to the billiard table, what?"

Li_Fong asks, "and then he called out to you and you walked back together?"

[Crows-Nest] ColonelBot says, "The WilliamMallory seems to be getting angrier!"

WilliamMallory says, "exactly - or, no, I called out to him"

WilliamMallory says, "but otherwise yes"

Li_Fong asks, "you were in front of him, and looked back, and called out to him?"

Li_Fong asks, "You realize Mr Reed is just in the other room with his own version of events?"

WilliamMallory runs a finger around the inside of his collar.

WilliamMallory says, "I was, er, just stepping off the porch, and called to him"

WilliamMallory says, "as he was emerging from the woods"

[indoors] GeorgeChickering says, "Many's the time I've pulled Barley's fat out of the fire by being in the right place at the right time."

Li_Fong says, "Mr William ... LOOK!"

Li_Fong produces a FWOOSH of fire at his fingertips

WilliamMallory leaps back

Li_Fong ducks out of the room.

[heatham] WilliamMallory says, "ha ha ha"

[heatham] Jean-Marc exclaims, "!"

[heatham] WilliamMallory says, "wtf"

[heatham] ColonelBot says, "awesome"

[Crows-Nest] Li_Fong says, "I dunno what I'm doing, but I don't like being alone with this guy"

[Crows-Nest] Li_Fong says, "I think I'm going to have another cup of tea"

[heatham] Jean-Marc says, "ultimate ninja power"

[indoors] ColonelBot says (to GeorgeChickering), "A shame, a crying shame."

ElizabethReed says (to William), "William darling, are you alright? you look quite shaken"

[heatham] GM says, "so, ok, William is obviously lying about something"

[heatham] Li_Fong says, "yeah"

[heatham] GM asks, "do you want to try and interview somebody else to check on him? or check the cabin for something to confirm/deny his story?"

[indoors] GeorgeChickering asks, "So what do you think he sees in Mallory the younger, anyway?"

[heatham] Li_Fong says, "perhaps at the very least we can pretend I pull the other guys aside and let them know about this fishy conversation"

[heatham] ColonelBot says, "new theory: Barleyhew killed him, William saw it, in order for William not to tell he hired him into the party"

[heatham] ElizabethReed says, "(and perhaps update the notes)"

[heatham] Li_Fong says, "interesting!"

[heatham] Li_Fong asks, "what's barleyhew's motive?"

[heatham] ColonelBot says, "that is what I have absolutely no idea about"

[heatham] Li_Fong says, "muh"

[heatham] ColonelBot says, "political quarrel, maybe"

[indoors] ColonelBot says, "She is a sweet girl, to be sure, if very flustery for her age"

[heatham] GM says, "speaking as the GM, you actually have enough info about everyone's motives, at this point, to solve the mystery"

[heatham] GM says, "what I think you need to do is focus on means"

[heatham] Jean-Marc says, "very nice"

[heatham] GM says, "/opportunity"

[heatham] Li_Fong says, "yeah"

[heatham] GM says, "since, eg, if Barleyhew killed him, you have to be able to prove Barleyhew was out there and talked to him"

[heatham] Jean-Marc says, "we have not interviewed him yet"

[backstage] GeorgeChickering says, "I don't think I'm getting Chickering quite right here."

[heatham] Li_Fong says, "I guess all the suspects should gather in the drawing room"

[backstage] GeorgeChickering says, "But, I dunno, I'm trying to sound just a bit suspicious."

[heatham] Jean-Marc says, "right"

[backstage] ElizabethReed asks, "too accomplished a liar?"

[backstage] GM says, "it sounds like you're a little too together, yeah, but it's not that big a deal"

[heatham] Li_Fong says, "including that shifty butler"

[heatham] ColonelBot says, "well, I have all but confirmation that William's alibi is fake, and so do you"

[backstage] GM asks, "do you want to interview Barleyhew?"

[heatham] GM asks, "do you want to interview Barleyhew?"

[heatham] ColonelBot says, "so he is involved somehow"

[backstage] GeorgeChickering says, "Maybe somebody can point out that he is actually a terrible billiards player."

[backstage] GM says, "ha ha"

[backstage] ElizabethReed asks, "hm, who delivered the note to edmund?"

[backstage] GM says, "butler"

[heatham] Jean-Marc says, "we can interview him in the drawing room in front of everybody"

[backstage] ElizabethReed says, "ah, okay, good to know"

[backstage] ElizabethReed asks, "and who gave it to the butler?"

[heatham] GM says, "speaking as the GM, that would be stupid"

[heatham] GM says, "unless you're prepared to make an accusation immediately"

[heatham] Jean-Marc says, "alright"

[heatham] GM says, "I mean, I hate to step on your ideas, but it's going to break the game if you accuse somebody wrongly in front of everyone"

[backstage] GM says, "William"

[backstage] GeorgeChickering says, "My take at this point is that Chickering is beginning to think he might get away with it, and is getting cocky."

[backstage] GM says, "yeah, that's reasonable"

[heatham] Jean-Marc says, "hey, I am not making a fuzz about it"

[backstage] GM says, ""it's been five and a half hours and they haven't searched any bedrooms yet," he's thinking"

[backstage] GeorgeChickering says, "Hee hee."

[heatham] GM asks, "ok, so who do you want to talk to?"

[heatham] GM asks, "or what do you want to search?"

[backstage] ElizabethReed says, "damn straight"

[backstage] GeorgeChickering says, "I could have brought my big bowie knife after all!"

[heatham] Jean-Marc says, "the only one we haven't interviewed is him so we can just ask him about his movements now"

[heatham] Li_Fong asks (of Colonel), "what's your angle on William's alibi?"

[heatham] Manbir says, "With the info about the boot's make, I'm going to go snoop around in the rooms to see who has the same bootmaker"

[heatham] Manbir says, "and not get caught"

[heatham] ColonelBot asks (of Li_Fong), "how do you mean?"

[backstage] ElizabethReed says, "bedroom search!"

[heatham] Li_Fong says, "I suspect I should go back to the cabin, but I'm still not solid on what to look for"

[heatham] Li_Fong says, "you said you independently confirmed he had a weak alibi"

[heatham] ColonelBot says, "well, I talked to George, and he said he never played Billard with William, nor did William observe him"

[heatham] Li_Fong says, "ok"

[heatham] Jean-Marc says, "and then william said he was alone in his room"

[backstage] ElizabethReed says, "also I just noticed I said library rather than study for when I talked to Edmund"

[backstage] ElizabethReed says, "enh, handwave"

[backstage] GM says, "yeah, they probably won't worry about that, and if they do, we'll tell them not to"

[heatham] GM asks (of Li Fong), "ok, search the cabin more? or interview someone?"

[heatham] GM says (to Manbir), "oh, whoops, missed that"

GM says (to Manbir), "you stealthily slip into the bedrooms while other people are eating dinner"

[heatham] ColonelBot says, "(brb)"

GM asks, "what boot are you looking to compare?"

[backstage] GM says, "I guess it was just a matter of time"

Li_Fong says, "the one I've been carrying around"

GM asks, "which is the one from the corpse, right?"

Li_Fong says, "right"

GM says, "ok, so it's got a London bootmark which is only used by Lord Barleyhew and George Chickering"

Li_Fong says, "zounds"

GM says, "but size-wise, it only matches one of them: George Chickering"

[heatham] Li_Fong says, "hmm"

[backstage] GeorgeChickering says, "dun-dun-DUN"

GM says, "(Lord Barleyhew has dainty feet)"

[heatham] Li_Fong says, "that doesn't mean chickering is to blame though"

[heatham] GM says, "it's suggestive but not enough for a case, yeah"

[heatham] Jean-Marc asks, "dainty feet?"

[heatham] Jean-Marc asks, "small feet?"

[heatham] GM says, "right"

[heatham] Li_Fong says, "girlishly petite"

[backstage] IainRPG says (to inky), "You'd better take George when he next appears."

[heatham] Li_Fong says, "Lord Girleyhew more like"

[backstage] IainRPG says, "Since I feel the net closing in."

[heatham] Jean-Marc says, "I suppose Barley could've worn Chickering's boots to go there"

[backstage] GM says, "he looks around like a caged animal"

[heatham] GM says (to Li Fong), "hee hee"

[backstage] GM says, "snarling across the billiards table"

[heatham] Li_Fong says, "ok, back to the cabin"

[heatham] Jean-Marc says, "Chickering fits the motive"

[heatham] GM asks, "also, did you guys identify all the boot-marks?"

[heatham] Li_Fong says, "I don't think so"

[heatham] GM says, "in that case, Manbir can also take the time to identify the last there-and-back track as Edmund"

[heatham] GM says, "(which was probably obvious, but)"

GM says, "ok, so you head back to the cabin"

[heatham] ColonelBot says, "back"

[heatham] Jean-Marc asks, "the purple tracks?"

[heatham] GM says, "right"

[heatham] Jean-Marc says, "and the blue are williams"

[heatham] Li_Fong asks, "so Edmund came here to the cabin also? did anyone talk to him about that visit?"

[heatham] GM says, "the dark blue, yeah, and the aquamarine was Reed's"

[heatham] GM says, "I don't believe so"

[heatham] Jean-Marc says, "yeah"

[heatham] Jean-Marc says, "I'll talk to him while you search"

[backstage] EdmundMallory says, "woo, more chance to be interrogated"

[backstage] GM says, "hee hee"

[heatham] Li_Fong says, "which set of prints is -- hmm"

[backstage] IainRPG says, "I hope you haven't been drinking all this time."

[indoors] EdmundMallory sips his brandy

[heatham] GM says, "just tea"

[heatham] GM says, "er"

[backstage] GM says, "just tea"

[backstage] EdmundMallory says, "GLUG GLUG"

[indoors] Jean-Marc asks, "Hello, Edmund. How are you holding up?"

[heatham] ColonelBot says, "A CLUE"

[heatham] Li_Fong asks, "either Giles walked in wearing chickering's boots, or the murderer did. but if the latter is the case, where are Giles's prints?"

[indoors] EdmundMallory says, "About as well as can be expected"

[heatham] GM says, "ah, so"

[indoors] Jean-Marc says, "earlier you had told me that you had not seen your father since last night"

[indoors] EdmundMallory says, "I haven't"

[heatham] Li_Fong says, "this is what Li Fong is thinking as he stands in front of the cabin looking at prints, I guess"

[indoors] Jean-Marc says, "Nevertheless, it seems that in the afternoon you had been very distraught"

[indoors] EdmundMallory says, "distraught? hardly"

[indoors] Jean-Marc says, "And William mentioned that he had a chat about you and your allowance with your father."

[indoors] EdmundMallory says, "Oh? Yes, he would talk to Fathrr about me behind my back."

[heatham] GM asks (of Li Fong), "do you want to poke around inside? or look at the tracks here or in back more closely?"

[indoors] EdmundMallory says, "it's the kind of thing I would expect him to do"

[indoors] Jean-Marc says, "Your father seemed to have wanted to cut off your allowance"

Manbir says, "(I'm here with Li Fong)"

[indoors] EdmundMallory shrugs

[heatham] GM says, "you too, then"

Manbir says (to Li_Fong), "maybe we can figure out who of the two it was by weight"

[indoors] EdmundMallory says, "I never touched the allowance anyway"

[indoors] Jean-Marc says, "I see."

[indoors] EdmundMallory says, "I don't want his money, and he knows that"

[backstage] GM says, "feel free to say you haven't heard of him saying that, though"

[indoors] EdmundMallory says, "it's all sitting in some bank account somewhere"

Jean-Marc I understand.

Manbir says, "A heavier man would press the snow down harder"

[indoors] EdmundMallory says, "I don't know why he'd cancel the allowance, though"

[indoors] Jean-Marc shrugs.

[indoors] Jean-Marc asks, "Could you perhaps tell me what it was that we found your tracks leading to and from the cabin in the snow?"

[indoors] EdmundMallory says, "I don't think I've done anything reckless with money that would make him want to stop it"

[heatham] Li_Fong says, "I look at the tracks here and back more closely before moving on to the cabin itself"

[indoors] EdmundMallory says, "Oh, uh"

[indoors] Jean-Marc says, "s/what/why"

[indoors] EdmundMallory sighs

GM says, "ok, it's a little hard to say, but Chickering is not that tall, despite having big feet"

[indoors] EdmundMallory says, "I received a note from my father at about, oh, 2 o'clock? thereabouts"

GM says, "and the single trail in is not that deep"

[indoors] Jean-Marc asks, "Oh, yes, William did mention a note. And what did the note say?"

GM says, "whereas Sir Giles and Lord Barleyhew are fairly tall"

[indoors] Jean-Marc says, "duh"

[indoors] EdmundMallory says, "asking me to go to the cabin to discuss 'certain matters' with him"

GM says, "(although Lord Barleyhew is slender)"

GM says, "so you'd think they'd be heavier"

[indoors] EdmundMallory says, "I went out there, but honestly I couldn't face it"

GM says, "like, compared to William's prints, these aren't as deep (and William looks very similar to his dad)"

Li_Fong asks, "tall as in widely spaced strides?"

[indoors] EdmundMallory says, "so I got to the porch, and after a moment of thought just turned oaround and came back"

GM says, "meanwhile the trail out back is just a one-way trail, and I think there's nothing else to see"

[backstage] EdmundMallory asks, "what was in the note again?"

[indoors] Jean-Marc asks, "you came back directly to the manor?"

Manbir says (to GM), "I specifically meant the 'snow-show' tracks"

[backstage] GM says, "that's fine, just "come see me at 3" or something"

[indoors] EdmundMallory says, "no, I wandered around for a while, thinking"

Li_Fong asks, "ah, but one way leading out, or leading in?"

Manbir says, "someone heavier would compress the snow harder than someone not heavy"

GM says, "aha"

GM says, "true"

[indoors] Jean-Marc asks, "Did you notice anything peculiar, out of place?"

GM says, "well, again it's hard to say, but it's not compressed much and the strides are relatively short"

[indoors] EdmundMallory says, "you see, I suspected my father would be on at me to pursue a career more in keeping with my brothers"

[indoors] EdmundMallory says, "and I couldn't face that argument"

[indoors] Jean-Marc nods.

GM says, "but presumably someone wearing snow shoes might walk different than usual"

Manbir says, "also, are the bootprints regular, or weighted on one side? If his feet were smaller than the boots, then one of the boot ends would be empty and not make as much of an impint"

[indoors] Jean-Marc asks, "So why did you not come out and tell us the truth?"

[indoors] EdmundMallory says, "I can't say I noticed anything different"

[indoors] EdmundMallory says, "some prints around, but nothing obviously wrong"

GM says, "that also suggests that the single tracks were by Chickering, or someone of that general build and foot size"

Li_Fong says, "the boots had to have come in, because they stayed there."

Li_Fong says, "but now I am asking, why -- hmm"

[indoors] EdmundMallory says, "well, come now, you more or less accused me of killing my father because my watch was there for some unfathomable reason"

[heatham] Manbir asks, "but what is Chickering's motive?"

Li_Fong asks, "1) why change boots? to disguise one's own feet, I suppose. 2) where are Sir Giles' real boots?"

[indoors] EdmundMallory says, "I didn't exactly think 'hey, now tell them you went out there and back'"

[backstage] GM says, "hee hee"

Manbir says, "he could have carried them"

Li_Fong says, "do any of the tracks that lead both to and away from the cabin"

Li_Fong asks, "look like someone has stepped twice in the tracks leading away?"

[indoors] Jean-Marc says, "No, of course not."

GM says, "no"

Li_Fong says, "I suppose not, since the snow shoes are the way out"

GM says, "it's kind of hard to judge, but not as far as you can see, at least"

Li_Fong says, "yeah, never mind"

[indoors] EdmundMallory says, "despite my differences of opinion with my father, he was still my father"

GM says, "(in the sense that the prints seem pretty clear and even)"

Li_Fong says, "I'm just crossing things off my mental list"

[heatham] Jean-Marc says, "what i still don't get is what the killer has to gain by going out with the snowshoes"

[indoors] EdmundMallory says, "I wouldn't ever kill him - why would I? I don't want his money, and I don't want the estate"

[heatham] Li_Fong says, "arr, 5 already"

[heatham] Manbir says, "midnight here"

[heatham] GM says, "yeah, sorry, this has gone way over"

[indoors] Jean-Marc says, "I do not think you've killed him, Mr Mallory"

[indoors] EdmundMallory says, "well, good"

[heatham] GM says, "I think, hmm"

[indoors] EdmundMallory sips brandy

[heatham] Jean-Marc says, "so, what do we do"

[heatham] GM says, "ok, I think this can probably be wrapped up in a half hour if I push it some"

[heatham] Li_Fong says, "yeah sorry, but I'm just not confident of any theory enough to call it a closed case"

[heatham] GM asks, "would that work for people?"

[indoors] EdmundMallory asks, "do you think you know who might have done it?"

[heatham] Li_Fong says, "yeah"

[heatham] Manbir says, "yeah"

[heatham] IainRPG says, "You're at a similar thrashy stage to where we were at this time last week."

[indoors] Jean-Marc says, "(hah)"

[heatham] Manbir asks, "do we have any indication WHY chickering would do it?"

[heatham] GM says, "ok, in that case I think you guys should inspect the stuff inside the cabin again"

Li_Fong asks, "ok so I go in the cabin thinking WHAT DID I MISS EARLIER?"

[indoors] Jean-Marc says, "not yet"

[heatham] GM asks, "well, why is Chickering down here?"

[heatham] Li_Fong says, "good question"

[indoors] EdmundMallory asks, "a pity. I suppose you've searchd the bedrooms, and so on?"

[heatham] Li_Fong says, "maybe he wants to beat william into a jelly"

[heatham] IainRPG says, "Hee hee."

[heatham] Li_Fong says, "at billiards, of course"

[indoors] Jean-Marc says, "The indian fellow did seach the bedrooms for boots.. which is why.."

[heatham] GM asks, "and what have you found out about Chickering's feelings about anything?"

[heatham] Manbir says, "he's pissed that william got the job instead of him"

[indoors] Jean-Marc says, "thre might yet be some clue in the bedrooms of course"

GM says (to Li Fong), "ok, so supply room (probably already searched), desk, fireplace, bookcase, window"

[heatham] Manbir says, "...maybe gilford put pressure on barleyhew to accept william"

[indoors] EdmundMallory says, "I suppose the maid will throw a fit if the rooms are messed up"

[indoors] EdmundMallory says, "ah well"

[backstage] GM says, "hooray"

[indoors] Jean-Marc says, "Oh, well, I will ask her directly then"

[indoors] Jean-Marc asks the butler for the maid.

[backstage] EdmundMallory push push

[heatham] Li_Fong asks, "who was it that made the arrangement with barleyhew?"

[backstage] GM says, "yeah, good work"

[heatham] Li_Fong says, "that's what I mean, yeah"

[heatham] GM asks, "which arrangement? to come down?"

[indoors] JennyTheMaid asks, "Sir?"

Li_Fong says, "let's look at this desk again"

[heatham] Jean-Marc says, "I guess the maid can help with the searc but.."

[indoors] Jean-Marc asks, "Would you mind coming with me to take a look at the guests' bedrooms, my dear?"

[indoors] Jean-Marc says, "And do not take that in a wrong way, charming girl though you are"

[heatham] IainRPG says, "Wow, what a terrible chat-up line."

[heatham] Jean-Marc says, "yay"

GM says, "ok, so what you saw before was, on top of the desk: body, pool of blood, papers, paperweight, inkwell, pens"

[indoors] JennyTheMaid says, "Uhm, nossir, but, well, a girl in my position, you know"

[indoors] Jean-Marc says, "I merely want to see if anything is missing or out of place."

GM says, "in the drawer to the side of the desk: papers on agriculture and tenants, looking rifled-through"

[indoors] JennyTheMaid says, "could you not get one of the other gents to help you? It's not right for a girl like me to be in a bedroom alone with a even a gent like yourself"

Li_Fong asks, "papers interesting at all?"

Li_Fong says, "tenants. hmm"

GM says, "on the ground below the desk/under the window: a few spent bullets, fishhook on a string, other hunting-cabin type debris"

[indoors] JennyTheMaid says, "But I s'pose I could unlock the bedrooms for you, like"

GM says (to Li Fong), "well, nothing here is interesting -- but it looks like there's a gap where a folder was removed"

[indoors] Jean-Marc bites his lip. "Yes, why not."

Manbir says, "a few spent bullets? huh"

[indoors] JennyTheMaid fetches the keys and waits for Jean-Marc to pick a room

[indoors] Jean-Marc mutters that he has no idea what he is searching those bedrooms for.

Manbir asks, "or are they random?"

[indoors] Jean-Marc says, "Let us start with the guests. Mister Barleyhew, perhaps"

[indoors] JennyTheMaid unlocks the door

[indoors] JennyTheMaid says, "I don't see nothing out of order, sir"

[indoors] Jean-Marc asks, "do you clean his room in the morning every day?"

GM says, "well, there's one bullet missing from the revolver, which presumably is in the guy's head"

[indoors] JennyTheMaid says, "the closet looks a bit messy"

[indoors] JennyTheMaid says, "oh, yes, sir"

[backstage] GM says, "hee hee"

[indoors] Jean-Marc asks, "you wouldn't be able to see if there are any clothes missing, would you?"

[indoors] JennyTheMaid says, "not in the morning, but about lunchtime"

Manbir asks, "are the shells on the floor the same ammo as in the pistol, though?"

[backstage] GM says, "that is totally blatant and I am totally ok with it"

[indoors] JennyTheMaid says, "I don't think so, sir"

GM says, "no, it looks like they're rifle bullets"

[indoors] Jean-Marc examines the closet more carefully.

[backstage] JennyTheMaid says, "well, we're not in the right room yet!"

GM says, "(not out of the question to have around the cabin here, especially with the other stuff lying around)"

Jean-Marc asks, "do pistol bullets have shells?"

Manbir says, "yes, I was wondering about their relevance"

[indoors] JennyTheMaid says, "begging your pardon, sir, I don't think anything's missing as such. It looks like someone was looking through here earlier, though, and didn't put stuff back straight."

Li_Fong says, "hm"

Jean-Marc asks, "Oh, I see. Mr. Reed does not stay here, does he?"

Manbir asks, "and the folders... if they're alphabetic, can we tell what is gone?"

[heatham] Jean-Marc says, "hm, maybe reed wants to take advantage of his daughter's liaison with William"

[indoors] JennyTheMaid says, "no, sir, the Chickering's do"

[indoors] JennyTheMaid says, "and the guests you came with"

[indoors] JennyTheMaid says, "and yourself"

[indoors] Jean-Marc says, "Let's take a look, though I doubt we shall find much."

[indoors] Jean-Marc goes through all the rooms

[backstage] JennyTheMaid says, "(sigh)"

GM says, "they're not alphabetic, but arranged by subject -- it looks, looking deeper into the desk to find a little label, like this was the 'political' section that got removed"

[indoors] JennyTheMaid says, "Sir, this isn't right"

[indoors] JennyTheMaid says, "(in Mr Chickering's room)"

Li_Fong says, "Hmm."

[indoors] Jean-Marc says, "Why not? There has been a murder committed, you know."

[indoors] JennyTheMaid says, "see, I make sure all the drawers in this cupboard are aligned centrally"

[indoors] JennyTheMaid says, "looks neater, you know"

[heatham] GM says, "these french have no manners at all"

Li_Fong asks, "there's nothing noteworthy about the bookcase, is there?"

[heatham] Jean-Marc says, "hee"

GM says, "no"

[indoors] JennyTheMaid says, "this one's been shoved back hard on the right side"

Li_Fong says, "(I don't expect so, but I look at it)"

Li_Fong says, "ok"

GM says, "it looks like an ordinary bookcase"

[indoors] Jean-Marc says, "Let's pull it back out"

Li_Fong heads back to the house, heading for Chickering's room

[indoors] JennyTheMaid says, "prob'ly just someone getting changed for tea, o' course, but the guests are usually not that untidy"

[indoors] Li_Fong suddenly appears.

[indoors] Li_Fong says, "oh, hello"

Manbir looks through the papers on the desk

[indoors] Jean-Marc drops his cheese.

[heatham] IainRPG says, "As if by magic!"

[heatham] Li_Fong FWOOOSH

[heatham] IainRPG says, "That's a handy skill to have."

[backstage] JennyTheMaid says, "having WILDLY TELEGRAPHED THE DRAWER AS IF BY NO LOGIC"

[backstage] GM says, "hee hee"

[backstage] GM says, "ok, hmm, I guess I should be blatant too"

[indoors] JennyTheMaid opens the drawer

[indoors] JennyTheMaid says, "honestly, guv, who'd stick a pair of dirty boots in here!"

GM says (to Manbir), "the papers on the desk are blank, except for one at the bottom of the stack"

[indoors] Jean-Marc says, "Mmm"

[indoors] Jean-Marc says, "Probably Sir Giles boots"

[indoors] (from Manbir) Colonel gasps!

[backstage] IainRPG says, "It's a paper scrawled in human blood! Reading I WAS KILLED BY... URGHHHHH..."

GM says, "which has a few lines on it: "Gentlemen, I regret to inform you that it has come to my attention and cannot be overlooked that..""

[backstage] GM says, "yay"

[indoors] JennyTheMaid now these hose will all have to be laundered freshly

[indoors] JennyTheMaid says, "tsh"

[heatham] GM says, "ha ha guv"

[indoors] Jean-Marc says, "Regrettable"

[heatham] GM says, "I guess she's related to the bootboy"

[indoors] JennyTheMaid gathers up the dirtied clothes and scurries out

[heatham] Manbir says, "she's just british"

[heatham] JennyTheMaid says, "his broge is rubbing off on her"

[heatham] JennyTheMaid says, "er, brogue"

[heatham] IainRPG says, "Man, there must be like half a dozen illicit love affairs in this game."

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

[heatham] JennyTheMaid says, "dialect"

[heatham] GM says, "scottish accent"

[heatham] GM says (to IainRPG), "I blame all the alcohol"

GM says, "and then cuts off"

[indoors] Jean-Marc says, "you're just in time, Mr. Li. It appears that Chatterling might have been involved in this"

[backstage] JennyTheMaid says, "okay, so now they have the boots"

[backstage] GM says, "right"

[backstage] JennyTheMaid says, "dammit, PCs, look at them!"

Manbir brings it along anyway

[indoors] Jean-Marc says, "erm, chickering, damn british names"

[backstage] GM says, "I can tell this is going to turn into one of those we-have-no-alibi-let's-confront-the-guy-anyway scenes"

[backstage] JennyTheMaid says, "oh, yeah, hate those, never would do that."

[backstage] IainRPG says, "I hear you get a lot of those in these games."

[backstage] GM says, "hee hee"

[indoors] Manbir appears also.

[backstage] GM says, "but we have 15 minutes, so it'll be fast"

[indoors] Manbir says, "(pushing the colonel)"

[indoors] Li_Fong says, "I was going to look for a missing folder"

[indoors] Jean-Marc says, "Apparently there are some missing boots."

[indoors] Manbir shows Li and Jean-Marc the note

[indoors] Jean-Marc asks, "a note?"

[indoors] Manbir says (to Li_Fong), "apparently the missing folder was 'political'"

[indoors] Li_Fong says, "Gentlemen, I regret to... hmm"

[indoors] Jean-Marc asks, "regret to what?"

[indoors] Jean-Marc says, "ok"

[indoors] Jean-Marc asks, "did you confirm that the revolver was the murder weapon?"

[indoors] Li_Fong says, "yes"

[heatham] Li_Fong says, "I dunno, I guess"

[heatham] Li_Fong says, "that was never the tricky part I don't think"

[backstage] IainRPG says, "Heh heh heh."

[heatham] GM says, "way back in the beginning the Colonel noted the guy was holding the gun funny"

[indoors] Li_Fong says, "my question about Chickering is, what would he have to gain by this act? William is still getting the position. for him, nothing changes"

[heatham] GM says, "but (OOC) it's not something you really need to worry about yet"

[heatham] Li_Fong says, "I guess that's true"

[heatham] GM says, "(or at all, really)"

[heatham] Li_Fong says, "(right)"

[backstage] IainRPG says, "Hmm, I guess we didn't emphasise that Barleyhew doesn't like scandal."

[heatham] Manbir asks, "Didn't the colonel confirm the wound was consistent with a revolver shot?"

[backstage] GM says, "we said it some, but I guess not enough"

[backstage] GM says, "I'm afraid this note-taking thing needs more prompting"

[heatham] Li_Fong says, "the killer used the revolver then burned the handkerchief"

[backstage] GM says, "despite all Storme's work"

[heatham] Li_Fong says, "then put the revolver in the guy's hand"

[backstage] JennyTheMaid says, "I prompted like mad, but no"

[heatham] Manbir says, "yup"

[heatham] Jean-Marc says, "sounds right"

[heatham] Jean-Marc asks, "but why would he use a handkerchief?"

[heatham] Manbir says, "I still don't see why William was lying here"

[heatham] Li_Fong says, "fingerprints"

[heatham] Manbir says (to Jean-Marc), "fingerprints"

[heatham] Jean-Marc says, "oh there were fingerprints at the time"

[heatham] GM says, "also, how did Edmund's watch get there, if he last saw it last night"

[heatham] Jean-Marc asks, "william put it?"

[heatham] Jean-Marc asks, "did you examine the notch on the windows?"

[heatham] Li_Fong says, "that's where someone scuffed the grating while climbing out encumbered by two grouse paddles and a pair of muddy boots, I think"

[heatham] Jean-Marc asks, "also, what about the shouting? did Reed say that he heard william shout or the old man shout, or both?"

[heatham] Li_Fong says, "they shouted at each other"

CharlesReed says, "well, now that you mention it, I only heard William -- but it's hard to tell, his voice is very like his father's, you know"

[heatham] Li_Fong says, "he specified only that it was an argument"

[heatham] GM says, "(is his cut-scene testimony)"

[heatham] Li_Fong says, "he didn't say anything about returning to the house with William, and William's story about returning with Reed was fishy"

[heatham] Jean-Marc says, "so let us get the chain of events straight - william and reed go to hut"

[heatham] Li_Fong says, "EVERYBODY DID IT"

[heatham] Jean-Marc says, "then william returns"

[heatham] Jean-Marc says, "he gives note to edmund"

[heatham] Jean-Marc says, "note goes there but does not enter"

[heatham] Manbir says, "the old man was HITLER and everybody shot him once"

[heatham] Li_Fong asks, "note?"

CharlesReed says, "oh, yes, the two of us walked back -- I think I saw William on the porch waiting a minute for me, as I came back from the hut"

[heatham] Jean-Marc says, "yeah"

[heatham] Li_Fong asks, "what note?"

EdmundMallory says, "the butler gave me the note, actually"

[heatham] Jean-Marc says, "it was mentioned by both william and edmund"

[heatham] Li_Fong asks, "note that says 'meet dad in cabin'?"

[heatham] Jean-Marc says, "yeah"

[heatham] Li_Fong says, "oh, pff"

[heatham] Manbir says, "the bootboy did confirm that william + reed arrived back almost the same time"

[heatham] Jean-Marc says, "It is possible dad was dead when william was shouting at him"

[backstage] GM says, "good, good"

[heatham] Li_Fong says, "hmm"

[backstage] GM says, "but I don't think this is going to happen in four minutes, grf"

[backstage] EdmundMallory asks, "maybe william should confess about the planting of the watch?"

[heatham] Jean-Marc says, "so, he wears some other person's boots"

[heatham] Jean-Marc says, "then he kills father"

[backstage] GM says, "hmm, ok, I'll bring Pondley in"

[heatham] Jean-Marc says, "then he escapes with rackets"

[heatham] Manbir says, "I think we pretty much established *chickering* did the boot thing, not william"

Pondley comes up to Li Fong.

Pondley coughs.

[heatham] Jean-Marc says, "hm"

Li_Fong asks, "hello?"

Pondley says, "I couldn't help overhearing you discussing Mr Edmund's watch with him and Mr William earlier, sir"

[heatham] Jean-Marc says, "the were chickering's boots and they were in chickering's drawer"

Li_Fong asks, "Yes, that's right?"

Pondley says, "I did not feel it was my place to contradict Mr William, but I believe I found Mr Edmund's watch in the smoking-room last night and gave it to Mr William, who said he would hand it over the next day"

[heatham] Pondley says, "the boots in Chickering's drawer were not Chickering's"

[heatham] Jean-Marc asks, "the boots on old man's legs were whose?"

[heatham] Pondley says, "Chickering's"

[heatham] Li_Fong says, "chickering's"

Li_Fong says, "Indeed."

Li_Fong says, "Thank you, Pondley"

[heatham] Jean-Marc says, "so, hm, chickering did it, then William found the body, but decided to try and incriminate his brother"

Pondley says, "of course, sir"

[Crows-Nest] Li_Fong asks (of Pondley), "By the way, where were you between 11am and 3pm? EH? EH?"

[indoors] * DavidW has joined the channel.

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

[backstage] IainRPG says, "By Jove, he's got it."

[Crows-Nest] GM says, "he's more the plot-device kind of butler than the murderous kind of butler"

[Crows-Nest] Li_Fong says, "behind his back I call him Poncey"

[heatham] GM asks, "ok, so what evidence can you dig up for Chickering having done it?"

[indoors] * DavidW has left the channel.

[heatham] Jean-Marc asks, "so far we have only the boots, right?"

[heatham] GM asks, "and can you get William to confirm that his father was dead after lunch, since that would nail down the alibi?"

[heatham] Li_Fong says, "and his anger"

[heatham] Manbir says, "ok, of course william could have taken the boots"

[heatham] GM says, "(that is, would nail down the time he needs an alibi for)"

[heatham] Manbir says (to Li_Fong), "but why be angry at the old man? it was his friend who snubbed him, and william who got the job"

[heatham] Jean-Marc asks, "yeah, hm, william did it and tried to incriminate both chickering and his brother?"

[heatham] Jean-Marc says, "but surely chickering would have noticed that his boots were gone"

[indoors] LordBarleyhew says (to CharlesReed), "terribly rum business, all this."

[indoors] LordBarleyhew says, "I'm afraid I can't abide this sort of scandal."

[backstage] GM says, "hee hee"

[indoors] CharlesReed says, "Scandal? Oh, I suppose so."

[indoors] LordBarleyhew says, "terribly bad for one's career to even be around for this sort of thing."

[indoors] CharlesReed says, "Your man Chickering doesn't seem too worried. Cocky little fellow that he is -- that's fifteen guineas he owes me now."

[indoors] LordBarleyhew says, "perhaps I should reconsider William's appointment until this wole thing blows over"

[indoors] LordBarleyhew says, "er, whole"

[backstage] LordBarleyhew says, "ANVIL ANVIL"

[heatham] Li_Fong says, "hrmrmaaaaarrrm"

[heatham] Manbir says, "ok, I'm entirely confused now"

[heatham] GM says, "ok, look"

[heatham] GM says, "you established pretty clearly that the single track was Chickering"

[indoors] CharlesReed asks, "What, you think this might make the papers?"

[heatham] GM says, "and not someone in his boots or whatever"

[heatham] Li_Fong says, "yeah, I'm afraid the more we think out loud the more confused I get"

[indoors] LordBarleyhew says, "well, I'm sure most of us won't be mentioned"

[indoors] LordBarleyhew says, "but certainnly William and the like will be"

[indoors] CharlesReed asks, "MYSTERIOUS JAPANESE, FRENCHY AND INDIAN UNCOVER MYSTERIOUS DEATH AT HEATHAM, that sort of thing?"

[heatham] GM says, "ie, not William wearing his boots to frame him"

[backstage] GM says, "hee hee"

[indoors] LordBarleyhew says, "not the kind of press the Conservative Party needs right now"

[indoors] LordBarleyhew says, "well, quite"

[heatham] Manbir says, "yes"

[heatham] GM says, "so if William was framing Chickering, then Chickering still hasn't mentioned this trip to the cabin"

[Crows-Nest] Li_Fong says, "har"

[indoors] CharlesReed says, "WHAT'S LOONY LORD BARLEY UP TO THIS TIME, PUBLIC WONDERS"

[indoors] LordBarleyhew says, "oh, don't even jest about it"

[indoors] LordBarleyhew shudders

[indoors] LordBarleyhew says, "no, no, I think I will just have to let someone unconnected to this whole affair take the place that I was going to give William"

[backstage] GM says, "ha ha ha"

[backstage] GM says, "nice work"

[backstage] LordBarleyhew says, "I am ANVILLING LIKE CRAZY"

[indoors] CharlesReed asks, "I say -- you don't think there *is* something rum going on here?"

[indoors] CharlesReed asks, "It was a suicide, wasn't it?"

[heatham] Manbir says, "..."

[heatham] GM says, "so, ok, given that it's hella late, I think you guys need to pick somebody and confront them"

[indoors] LordBarleyhew says, "well, those foreign fellows seem to think not, but well, they're foreign"

[heatham] GM says, "which I realize I was disallowing elsewhere, but, well, it's late"

[indoors] LordBarleyhew says, "of course, if it's murder, then the shame of suicide won't be a problem"

[heatham] Li_Fong says, "yeah er"

[heatham] IainRPG says, "Plus you pretty much have it."

[indoors] LordBarleyhew says, "but, well, I can't appoint someone whose father suicided"

[backstage] StormeRPG says, "I will stop there"

[heatham] Manbir says, "sigh"

[backstage] StormeRPG says, "I think I may have been blatant enough"

[heatham] Li_Fong says, "for some reason it doesn't feel like it on this end, but I guess that has to do with the way we went about it"

[indoors] CharlesReed says, "You political types have a funny idea of morality, that's all I can say."

[heatham] Jean-Marc says, "well, we should ask chickenring about it"

[heatham] Manbir says, "Yeah, I have no idea about any connection at all"

[indoors] LordBarleyhew says, "oh, it's not *us*. It's the press."

[heatham] Jean-Marc asks, "how do we know it was chickering that when there with his own boots? the weight?"

[indoors] LordBarleyhew says, "besides, suicide in the family points at a mental instability."

[heatham] Li_Fong says, "yeah, I guess at least we ask chickering about going to the cabin and, uh, leaving by snow shoe"

[heatham] Manbir says, "yeah"

[indoors] LordBarleyhew says, "and, well, it's not like young Edmund is a model of mental strength."

[heatham] Li_Fong says, "weight, stride, height, stuff"

[heatham] Jean-Marc says, "Enter, the spanish inquisition"

GeorgeChickering is loitering around the library by himself, drumming his fingers on the table.

[heatham] Manbir says, "god, this is so pathetically unglorious"

Jean-Marc enters, with a pair of boots behind his back.

[heatham] Li_Fong says, "it does feel kind of pathetic"

[heatham] Jean-Marc says, "yeah, well"

[backstage] StormeRPG says, "go go power detectives"

[heatham] Jean-Marc says, "and some snowshoes on my head"

GeorgeChickering looks up.

GeorgeChickering asks, "What do you all want?"

Li_Fong asks, "Mr Chickering, after you played billiards, when did you go to visit Sir Giles in his cabin?"

[heatham] Jean-Marc asks, "do you have a foot and boot fetish mr Chickering?"

GeorgeChickering asks, "what -- I -- I don't know what you mean?"

Li_Fong says, "Oh but you do!"

Jean-Marc flourishes the boots.

[heatham] IainRPG says (to Li_Fong), "Yay."

[Crows-Nest] (from Manbir) George says, "Oh no I don't!"

[Crows-Nest] Li_Fong slappity slap

GeorgeChickering asks, "what the -- how did you get -- I mean, what are those?"

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

[Crows-Nest] Jean-Marc says, "I didn't think you were the kind of man that keeps his boots in a drawer, Mr C"

Li_Fong says, "the police will be arriving soon, Mr Chickering. we have some interesting things to tell them"

[heatham] GeorgeChickering says, "(where have the police been? I have no idea)"

Jean-Marc says, "Like how your boots ended up on the late milord's feet"

GeorgeChickering says, "my boots? what do you --"

Li_Fong says, "about a political appointment, some makeshift snowshoes, and a dead man's boots where they do not belong"

GeorgeChickering looks around in a flustered manner

[heatham] IainRPG says, "Snowed in, I expect."

[heatham] GeorgeChickering says, "trying to find some skis"

[heatham] Li_Fong says, "they're eating fried dumplings"

GeorgeChickering exclaims, "load of damned foreigners -- thinking you can catch me!"

[Crows-Nest] Jean-Marc says, "Li Fong's sentences have a good rhythm"

GeorgeChickering lunges for Jean-Marc's throat

Jean-Marc throws the boot at him

Li_Fong gives George a karate chop!

Li_Fong says, "haIIII"

[heatham] Manbir says, "Vulcan nerve pinch!"

GeorgeChickering bonk ow hey WHONK

[heatham] IainRPG says, "No, you're suppose to throw the *book* at him --"

[heatham] Li_Fong says, "giggles"

Li_Fong says, "I hate to do that"

Manbir says, "That was impressive"

Jean-Marc says, "yeah, they were sturdy leather"

GM says, "and that wraps up the case, more or less"

GM says, "sometime later we have a scene like this:"

Li_Fong says, "phooey, I came all this way to do business with him, not give him a karate chop"

Manbir asks, "would you as a chinese even use karate?"

LordBarleyhew says, "well, quite in confidence -- I hope this won't go any further -- Sir Giles was blackmailing me -- wanted me to give his damned son that position I was going to give to my good friend George"

Jean-Marc asks (of LiFong), "How about exporting french cheese to Japan?"

LordBarleyhew says, "I walked over there to talk with him and he showed me this folder of, er, incriminating material"

LordBarleyhew says, "he started to write a note and, er, I had no choice, I said I'd give William the position"

LordBarleyhew says, "luckily the snow covered up my footprints to the cabin, but I was terrified all evening that someone would ask me about it"

LordBarleyhew says, "and think I killed him"

Li_Fong says, "ohh, that's what was missing"

Li_Fong says, "well, one thing, anyway"

[heatham] LordBarleyhew asks, "hmm, anything else?"

Li_Fong says, "I guess you didn't have to worry about us questioning you!"

[heatham] Li_Fong says, "sheesh"

LordBarleyhew wipes his forehead with a silk kerchief.

[heatham] StormeRPG says, "the watch"

Li_Fong says, "aha!"

LordBarleyhew says, "I *have* a handkerchief"

Li_Fong says, "I knew I should have fake sneezed at chickering"

GM says, "totally"

[heatham] Li_Fong asks, "oh yeah, what's with the watch?"

[heatham] Li_Fong says, "Poncey said he gave it to William to give to Edmund"

[heatham] Manbir asks, "yeah, what IS william's complicity?"

WilliamMallory says, "well, c'mon, could you blame me? I mean, I thought my father had committed suicide"

[heatham] Li_Fong says, "why was William so fudgy about leaving the cabin with Reed"

WilliamMallory says, "I couldn't bear the shame it would do to my family -- or to my political career"

WilliamMallory says, "and I was sure Edmund had driven my father to it anyway"

[heatham] Li_Fong asks, "so giles was already dead when william went there, and then he prtended to have an argument?"

[heatham] Li_Fong says, "buh wuh"

WilliamMallory says, "so I slipped the watch I happened to be carrying under the desk"

WilliamMallory says, "and then faked some shouting so Reed would hear and think my father was alive"

WilliamMallory says, "and then wrote out a note for Edmund"

[heatham] Manbir says, "...ok, so they were unrelated."

[heatham] IainRPG says, "Gee, all this time I thought Li Fong was merely inscrutable, he was actually bamboozled."

[heatham] Manbir says, "that explains it"

EdmundMallory says, "That was you? You schemeing little cad!"

[heatham] Li_Fong says, "unfortunately"

WilliamMallory bonk ow oof whump

[Crows-Nest] Jean-Marc asks, "bamboozled?"

Li_Fong says, "ha ha"

[heatham] IainRPG says, "He cuts a good figure as a detective, though."

[Crows-Nest] Li_Fong says, "baffled, befuddled, hoodwinked, conned, mystefied, whang-doodled"

WilliamMallory says (later) "I had to wait for Reed to show up again when I left the cabin so I'd have an alibi for the whole time myself"

[Crows-Nest] Li_Fong says, "ok maybe not whang-doodled"

[Crows-Nest] Jean-Marc says, "I was juist going to ask about that"

Li_Fong says (to William), "you silly fool! You had us all confused the whole time because of your shenanigans!"

WilliamMallory says, "well, I had my position to think about"

WilliamMallory says, "plus if Edmund were convicted I'd inherit the estate myself"

WilliamMallory says, "not that I was thinking about that myself, of course"

EdmundMallory punch

Li_Fong says, "think about THIS position!"

Li_Fong kicks him in the pants

Jean-Marc says, "clearly the young fellow needs to join the Foreign Legion"

Manbir says, "ha ha ha"

WilliamMallory ow bonk thud again

Li_Fong asks, "what happens to elizabeth reed?"

Li_Fong asks, "will lady mallory ever find true love?"

Jean-Marc says, "she goes to africa with Edmund of course"

Manbir says, "nothing like destroying a dignified mystery with zany fisticuffs antics"

Li_Fong says, "and does that maid have a phone number? hot-cha-cha"

GM says (to Li Fong), "ha ha ha"

Manbir disgustedly wheels the colonel out of the room.

EdmundMallory says, "Well, after she hears about William, at least I know Elizabeth won't marry him."

GM says, "anyway, thanks for playing, everyone"

Li_Fong says, "I wish Jota had been able to stay"

Jean-Marc says, "hey, it was great"

Li_Fong says, "well, sorry that was kind of a mess"

GM says, "I am sorry this ran so late -- I had plans for speeding things up but I'm afraid they didn't materialize"

IainRPG says, "That was pretty good fun."

GM says, "yeah, I'm sorry Jota couldn't make it"

Li_Fong says, "it was a fun mess, but I wish I'd actually had that AHA moment and acted with conviction"

Manbir says, "We would have done better with more people, I'm sure"

EdmundMallory says, "it was fun to NPC"

GM says (to Iain,Storme), "and thanks to you guys -- you made this much better for me"

IainRPG says, "I guess you haven't read our transcript, but we got bogged down in just about the same way."

GM says, "yeah, actually, you found the paddles way before the first group did"

Manbir says (to IainRPG), "well, of course not"

IainRPG says, "And had a pretty similar wacky denouement, in fact."

StormeRPG says (to GM), "not more confusing? whew"

Li_Fong says, "somehow when we were playing nobilis we cracked the mystery of the tree-poisoning squirrels in no time"

GM says, "hee hee"

GM says, "I think the plot problem this time was not finding the blackmail"

Li_Fong says, "yeah, thanks Iain & storme"

Li_Fong says, "yeah, missing the blackmail was a problem"

GM says, "finding/thinking of"

Manbir says, "you can all be *so* glad this is not the same mystery as in Hotel At A Lost Climber"

IainRPG says, "Something about the ability to reshape the laws of the universe tends to grease the wheels a little."

Jean-Marc asks, "yeah, how could we have found out about the blackmail?"

Li_Fong says, "I was trying to guess at it when I guess actually questioning all the people would have been a better method"

GM says, "well, what I was hoping is that you'd follow up with Lord Barleyhew about his whereabouts"

StormeRPG says, "it was hard to answer helpfully when you didn't seem to know what you wanted to find out"

[nobilis] IainRPG says, "I mean, nobody even tried talking to the boots in the mystic realm."

Jean-Marc says, "YOU DUNNIT?>"

GM says, "since the theory was he'd buckle pretty quickly and admit he was there earlier"

[nobilis] GM says, "hee hee"

[nobilis] (from Li_Fong) boots says, "snnxx, go away, I'm trying to nap"

[nobilis] GM says, "ha ha ha"

StormeRPG says (to GM), "hm, our group didn't either. clearly he exudes innocence."

Jean-Marc asks, "did we have any evidence to confront him with so that he could buckle up?"

IainRPG says, "Well, there are a lot of NPCs to get through."

GM says, "also, for what it's worth, http://www.drizzle.com/~dans/rpg/mystery/personalities.html and http://www.drizzle.com/~dans/rpg/mystery/day-timeline.html"

Li_Fong says, "yeah, I just kind of lost track of Barleyhew"

Jean-Marc says, "or would it just require questioning"

Li_Fong says, "or I thought someone else was talking to him"

GM says, "yeah"

GM says, "I think part of the problem was I was expecting people to confront Barleyhew and William"

IainRPG says, "Also, in both games Edmund somehow ended up having the biggest part."

GM says, "and nobody really did either game"

StormeRPG says, "well, Edmund's clearly awesome"

Manbir says, "the NPCs were totally seamless"

GM says, "I think because I was clamping down on people confronting the murderer for no reason"

Jean-Marc says, "he writes awesome poetry, at least"

Li_Fong says, "actually, we were thinking of confronting barleyhew at that one point and you kind of warded us off doing it"

Manbir says, "except for little mannerisms I didn't usually know who of you three I was talking to"

GM says, "but I guess in-genre you just confront people about lying"

GM says (to Li Fong), "really? nuts"

StormeRPG says, "Iain and I switched off on Edmund and nobody seemed to notice"

[nobilis] GM says, "I think there I was trying not to force you into it"

GM says, "I think there I was trying not to force you into it"

Li_Fong says, "I can tell when it's Iain because he uses all that punctuation and capitals"

IainRPG says, "Heh."

Manbir asks, "SEE?"

Jean-Marc says, "oh, we had this convoluted theory about Barleyhew..."

StormeRPG says, "oh, sometimes I punctuated to confuse that a bit."

Jean-Marc says, "which involved balckmail"

IainRPG asks, "Who did you think the BootBoy was?"

StormeRPG asks, "or the maid?"

Manbir says, "neild"

Jean-Marc says, "barleyhew killing and then taking on william"

IainRPG says, "Hee hee."

Jean-Marc says, "maid was storme"

[indoors] * Sargent has joined the channel.

Li_Fong says, "I thought iain was the maid, just because that was funnier"

Manbir says, "BootBoy was, hm. Probably Iain, because of the tip."

StormeRPG says, "me again"

IainRPG says, "Ha ha."

Li_Fong says, "I thought bootboy was storme"

GM says, "the funny londonish accents were storme"

StormeRPG says, "whenever a character says 'guv' it is usually me"

GM says, "whereas the funny scottish accents were Iain"

Li_Fong says, "ha ha"

Jean-Marc says, "hee"

StormeRPG says, "( a few times I couldn't tell if inky or Iain was a particular NPC, actually)"

Li_Fong says, "doooo ye think we hae a wee case o guddling och"

StormeRPG says, "(which was disconcerting)"

GM says, "och"

Manbir says, "ha ha"

Manbir says, "mumblemumbleBOOTSmumble"

IainRPG says, "Och, Edmund, thon poetry o yours is sure fair bonny like."

Li_Fong says, "I tried not to think about it much because I was busy thinking 'who the #$8* did it and why?' a lot"

GM says, "anyway, if I ever do this again I will have a simpler mystery"

Jean-Marc says, "Hm, this was just about right I think"

Li_Fong says, "then people will solve it in a half hour and go 'aw is that all?'"

Manbir says, "two levels of misdirection was a lot"

StormeRPG says, "or schedule it for a longer time"

GM says, "heh"

GM says, "I think this is about all the time people want to spend"

StormeRPG says, "(maybe over two sessions)"

Manbir says (to Li_Fong), "I think it's easier to add curveballs than remove them"

GM says, "although I appreciate everyone staying way past the allotted time"

Li_Fong says, "it seems like it was the right level but there needs to be more hinty steering somehow"

IainRPG says, "I don't know how you'd manage to have a traditional drawing-scene at the end where the villain is unmasked in front of everyone."

GM says (to Li Fong), "yeah"

IainRPG says, "Since that requires the detectives to be super-smart and figure out everything."

GM says, "well"

IainRPG says, "Er, drawing-room scene."

Manbir says, "well, at least the killer didn't turn out to be an alien while the supposed murder victim was really a robot"

StormeRPG says, "the one time I was obvious early on Iain told me off for being obvious"

Li_Fong says, "that one discussion inky had a link to had thoughts on that"

Manbir says, "and therefore suddenly disappeared"

StormeRPG says, "(which is when I randomly spoke out of character)"

GM says, "in the forge article, the steps are 1) collect clues 2) make theories to explain them 3) test the theories by looking for more clues (repeat 2 and 3 until you're pretty sure) 4) make sure the theory is watertight 5) do the reveal"

IainRPG says, "I think our judgement about what's an obvious clue and what isn't, in NPC conversation, is basically totally off."

GM says, "yeah"

(From Li_Fong) Edmund says, "I say, guv, do you think Chickering did it because of the blackmail?"

GM says, "well, I think we all know in a handwavy way that obvious clues aren't really that obvious"

Manbir says (to Iain), "yes, it's the same way in Zendo"

GM says (to Li Fong), "hee hee"

GM says, "and that you have to repeat them a bunch"

StormeRPG says, "yeah, it's hard to judge what people will pick up on and what they'll ignore"

Manbir says, ""This rule is totally simple!" (2 hours later) "WHAT????""

StormeRPG says, "perhaps we should put clues in ALLCAPS"

StormeRPG says, "there are some PADDLES missing"

GM says, "hee hee"

Li_Fong says, "yeah, see, I still feel like I was randomly in stage 1, 2, and 3 even into hour five and a half"

Manbir | Dead Man Study
Manbir | Exits: S
Manbir | You can see: *NO FOLDER*, bullet, dead man

Li_Fong says, "ha ha"

IainRPG says, "Hey, you didn't mention the murder weapon, although I guess it's not that important."

GM says (to Li Fong), "right, and I think that was my fault"

GM says, "oh yeah"

IainRPG says, "I only remember because I missed it too."

GM says, "the actual murder weapon was the paperweight"

IainRPG says, "It was... the SALMON MOUSSE"

IainRPG says, "Oh, wait, yeah, that."

Manbir says, "wub"

GM says, "Chickering got angry and whacked him on the head, then wiped it off with the handkerchief"

Li_Fong says, "ahh, dang"

GM says, "this doesn't really matter, though"

Li_Fong says, "you know, I WANTED to inspect that paperweight at a couple of points, and then forgot to ever do it"

GM says, "it's just there as my explanation for the handkerchief"

Manbir says, "that would also have helped"

GM says, "it's weird how the handkerchief was really important both games"

GM says, "Duchess also tried getting people to offer her one, she was just a little more persistent"

Li_Fong says, "well, I was always perplexed at how the killer managed the actual killing"

Jean-Marc says, "but I thought we had decided the revolver was the murder weapon"

GM says, "also, last session they did a lot more room-rifling"

IainRPG says, "Female PCs can get away with more, apparently."

GM says (to Jean-Marc), "well, he actually ended up shooting the guy after he was dead (to make it look like a suicide)"

Li_Fong asks, "did she eventually turn up that chickering was missing his?"

GM says, "yeah"

Manbir says, "some shifty Indian who rifles through rooms? Not a good idea."

Li_Fong says, "hee hee"

Li_Fong says, "yeah, in some sense, I wasn't playing a character who would feel free to rifle around a lot"

Li_Fong says, "we had two guys like that, a colonel who couldn't reach anything, and a french guy"

GM says, "yeah"

Manbir asks, "how many were in season 1?"

GM says, "well, technically you didn't have to"

GM says, "five"

Manbir says, "session, even"

Manbir says, "and we were 3"

GM says, "(and really you guys had only 3)"

GM says, "yeah"

GM says, "and 2 for part of it"

IainRPG says, "In the first session we were top-heavy with ditzy women."

Manbir says, "so I guess we are rubber"

GM says, "hee hee"

IainRPG says, "But they turned out to be pretty hot detectives."

Li_Fong says, "rowr"

GM says, "so I'm afraid the clue page didn't help much"

GM says, "I'm not quite sure what should have been done differently there"

Li_Fong says, "I guess I'll read the transcript"

Manbir says, "next session: the two teams face off in XTREME DETECTIVE"

olethros says, "haha"

GM says, "maybe another idea would be to make a heading for each person, or for means/motive/opportuntity"

Manbir says (to GM), "auto-updating, of course!"

[heatham] GM says (to olethros), "you'll probably want to @mutec * again to unmute your channels"

[heatham] olethros says, "yup"

GM says, "yeah, let me unprotect the LJ entry I made about the last session"

[heatham] olethros says, "already enjoying the joys of #programming"

GM says, "which you will probably find eerily familiar"

Li_Fong says, "oho"

olethros asks, "which one is yer lj uname?"

GM says, "http://www.livejournal.com/users/inkylj/8955.html"

Li_Fong says, "here's another confucius quote: 'It does not matter how slowly you go so long as you do not stop.'"

GM says, "hmm, I really hope Jota's still logging all this"

IainRPG asks (of Li_Fong), "Where were you getting the quotes?"

Li_Fong says, "I'm logging all this"

GM says, "I've logged it myself but not as well"

GM says, "really? awesome"

Li_Fong says, "http://www.quotationspage.com/quotes/Confucius/"

Li_Fong says, "also http://www.friesian.com/confuci.htm"

Manbir says, "You didn't KNOW Them? Now I'm disillusioned"

GM says, "PerrySimm will have some comments on #backstage, but otherwise cool"

Li_Fong says, "I guess I can email it to you"

StormeRPG says, "mostly the #backstage stuff is us checking facts and occasionally going 'DAMMIT I GAVE YOU A CLUE'"

GM says, "I would appreciate it, yeah"

olethros says, "haha"

Li_Fong asks, "why did william lie about playing billiards?"

GM says, "oh er"

GM says, "that was actually a mistake originally"

Li_Fong says, "gahr"

Manbir says, "oof"

GM says, "I'd somehow thought that he had been to see his dad at that point"

Li_Fong says, "I was just looking at the timeline and wondering"

GM says, "but then the back-explanation for it was that he was talking to Barleyhew"

GM says, "who was freaking out"

Li_Fong says, "ah"

Manbir says, "I'm still laughing that it ended in total slapstick"

StormeRPG says, "the other session did too"

GM says, "look at http://strackenz.spod-central.org/~lpsmith/rpg/transcripts/shorts/mystery-ses1.html"

GM says, "and search for "GeorgeChickering comes into the library""

Manbir says, "I will in a moment"

Manbir | Judith says, "You have unusually big feet, Mr. Chickering."

Manbir says, "ha ha ha ha"

Manbir says, ""Are you coming on to me?""

Manbir says, "also: wtf"

Manbir asks, "secret door?"

Manbir says, "also, poor Edward/Edmond/Edmund"

GM says, "Storme introduced a secret door last game"

GM says, "or Iain did or something"

GM says, "somehow he ended up in Hypatia's room, I think"

StormeRPG says, "Iain did"

Manbir says, "hey, here's Jota"

StormeRPG says, "by mysteriously appearing in the room"

Manbir says, "ah, we had Rob for that"

olethros says, "mysterious scotsman powers"

[heatham] inky asks (of Jota), "everything go ok?"

[heatham] olethros says, "hey, jotaman"

[heatham] Jota asks, "Yeah. Game all over, I suppose?"

[indoors] GM says, "yeah, in fact it just ended"

[indoors] GM says, "er"

[heatham] Jota says, "I'll check out the transcript later on."

[heatham] Manbir says, "just 20 minutes ago or so"

[heatham] GM asks (of Jota), "did Perry still keep stuff?"

[heatham] Jota asks, "Should I kill Perry and mail it to lps?"

[heatham] GM says, "please do"

[heatham] Jota says (to GM), "He looks fine to me."

[heatham] GM says, "cool"