Ship of Fools: Circus: Cluedo: Some Body to Love

Thread: Circus: Cluedo: Some Body to Love Board: Limbo / Ship of Fools.

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Posted by The Great Gumby (# 10989) on :

quote:
Mr Black cordially invites you for cocktails and hors d'oeuvres at Shipton House on 7th June at 7.00pm

Dinner immediately following

RSVP

You stare at the invitation in your hand. Who is Mr Black? Why is he inviting you to this rather posh-sounding do? Will your curiosity and fondness for fine dining overcome your natural suspicion at this unexplained summons?

I am Gumble, Mr Black's butler, and this thread is provided to allow his guests to accept the invitation and entertain themselves at a nearby hostelry so as to avoid the terrible crime of arriving early. Please feel free to introduce yourselves so that you can all get to know each other. I'm sure everything will go perfectly to plan on the 7th, but if anything should go wrong, I will be sure to give you all the information you need.

[ 17. July 2011, 03:42: Message edited by: AristonAstuanax ]

Posted by QLib (# 43) on :

In Shipton House kitchens, Mrs White, is hurrying around trying to get everything ready.

quote:
'Orses dooberries is all very well, but these things take proper preparation. I've had to buy in blini – buy 'em! The humiliation. Still, the lot he's invited probably wouldn't know a proper blini if it sat up and said 'hello' – tho', I suppose a blini would say it in Russian, so maybe you can't blame 'em for not knowing that.

'E ain't got no consideration for others, that Mr. Black. “Just open a few pickle jars,” 'e says to me, “an' some crisps and peanuts. That'll do.” Crisps and peanuts! Yes, 'e did. An' I says to 'im, I says: “I didn't go to no bloomin' blue riband cookery school to serve up crisps and peanuts,” I says. “If crisps and peanuts is what you want,” I says, “then you can get Mrs. Thing from up the village for 'alf what you pay me”.

“Ah," 'e says,” but the main thing is oo's stayin' for dinner and what we give them then. Nothing but the best,” 'e says, “and you, Mrs. White, are the best.” Oh yes, 'e can charm the birds from the trees, that man. They say 'e was quite a ladies man, once, though you'd never think that now, not if you knew...

Was that the doorbell? Gumble's down the cellar, supposedly selecting the wines for the meal - guzzlin' the best 'isself is more like - so I'd better go and answer it, I suppose.

Posted by AristonAstuanax (# 10894) on :

Col. Colonel "Colonel" Mustard made a quick inspection of the study. Everything had its place, nice and orderly, just as things should be—proper precision could be a virtue, no? Even the antique revolver in its case on the mantel had been polished to a perfect shine; for an old antique (was that actually ivory inlay in the grip?), it looked like it might still be serviceable, if worse came to worse.

Posted by piglet (# 11803) on :

I want to be Colonel Mustard. [Smile]

Posted by AristonAstuanax (# 10894) on :

quote:
Originally posted by piglet:
I want to be Colonel Mustard.

(You're just so happy you got to post that so early, aren't you??)

Posted by Sir Kevin (# 3492) on :

I want to be Peacock!

Posted by Surfing Madness (# 11087) on :

Miss Scarlet opened her wardrobe and looked at her clothes, what was the right thing to wear for an evening at Shipton House? She looked at the selection of dresses, maybe the dark green, or she did love the scarlet one. Maybe an excuse for a trip to town to get something new?
She closed the door to the wardrobe and went in search of her notlets to write accepting the invite, she could drop it off on her way to town.

Posted by Imaginary Friend (# 186) on :

Professor Plum set down the article he was reading as his wife bustled into the room looking stern. "You're going to make us late" she said with a hint of scolding in her voice.
"I'm sorry my dear" he replied in a distracted way. "By the way, did you ever reply to Mr Black about the cocktails?"
"When would I have had time to do that?"
"Okay. I'll let him know that we're coming."

Posted by la vie en rouge (# 10688) on :

Dammit I wanted to be Miss Scarlet. Oh well.

I'm in for the game, I'll have to think a bit more about who I want to be.

Posted by la vie en rouge (# 10688) on :

Since Miss Scarlet's taken -

Miss Jenny Peach curses under her breath as she trips over a Buzz Lightyear toy that’s been left in the middle of the nursery floor, almost spraining her ankle. She told Melchior to put that thing away. The Black children are quite appallingly spoiled, and this is possibly the worst nannying job she’s ever had.

On the other hand, she suspects Mr. Black actually feels quite badly about the feral behaviour of his children, and if she can get them into bed, she’ll be able to come down to the cocktail. She’s not optimistic though. At this stage, more of Portia’s bathwater is on the bathroom floor than in the bathtub…

Posted by Sir Kevin (# 3492) on :

Mrs. Peacock sharpens her knife and snaps her rope like a whip. She kept many tools of her trade during a long career as a stage technician.

Posted by QLib (# 43) on :

When Mrs. White finally reaches the door, there appears to be no one there. She grumbles her way back to the kitchen.

Posted by Timothy the Obscure (# 292) on :

Dr. Silver glanced at his watch and sighed. He wasn't sure why he had accepted the invitation from a total stranger, except that he could never resist a puzzle. He laid the well-worn copy of The Interpretation of Dreams on the side table, rose from the wing-back chair, slipped on his dinner jacket and straightened his tie. The cab should be arriving any minute now...

Posted by Spike (# 36) on :

Rev Green stumbled up the driveway looking at the house through gin induced fog. Unbeknown to him, he had taken a wrong turning so instead of attending the annual Communion Wine tasting event as he thought, he was about to experience a very strange weekend he would never forget.

Posted by The Great Gumby (# 10989) on :

In order to avoid any doubt, and so that everyone knows roughly what's going on, a few ground rules.

You can obviously specify your character name, and develop your character in whatever way you see fit. Colour-related names are traditional, but not essential if you find that there's little left but beige and puce.

When you arrive at the party, where there may be some additional non-playing characters (NPCs), you will each discover some information which may prove useful to your investigations. Latecomers are welcome - in fact, it may be impossible to keep them away if the local press take an interest - but they will miss out on these useful clues.

After this, the interrogation phase works in a very similar way to the board game. Each day (I don't intend to count weekends) you may each pose a public question to another character, either another player or an NPC, possibly subject to specified constraints. When the deadline for questioning has passed, I will announce who has been given some information from their enquiries, and send that information by PM to the lucky (or skilful) players.

A formal accusation may be made at any point, and the first person to correctly name the murderer, weapon and location wins. If you make a false accusation, there will be... consequences.

I hope this is sufficient information for now - more specific details will be explained at the party itself.

Posted by dj_ordinaire (# 4643) on :

Lord Burgundy snorted in indignation.

‘Hell’s teeth, and who’s this blighter when he’s at home? Some scrounger no doubt, everybody has a bally sob story these days… ‘Dr’ is it? Prol’ly thinks I’m a soft sort, wants to touch me up to fund free operations for East End children or some such rot!’

Ripping off his wellies, he flung them across the piles of furniture heaped in the centre of the chaotic Great Hall of Burundian Manor and onto the antlers of a rather moth-eaten moose-head.

‘As though I could if I wanted, which I DON’T’, his Lordship continued fulminating to himself, ‘Can hardly scrape together the cash to keep this place going. Bally Marxists!’

He looked up as a drop of rainwater dripped onto his Noble Brow through the badly patched hole in the roof. He cast another eye over the Invite.

‘Wouldn’t say no to a good dinner though…’, he muttered. ‘Doctors do alright for themselves these days, might have a good drop of plonk on offer. Haven’t had a sniff of Chateau La Tour since old ‘Stinker’ Fanshaw filled a bathtub with it to toast the Jubilee. Those were the days! Ha. Perhaps I’ll make an appearance… It’s shooting season and you never know… This ‘Black’ wallah might have Game as well…’

[ 03. June 2011, 18:34: Message edited by: dj_ordinaire ]

Posted by Timothy the Obscure (# 292) on :

The doorbell rang. Silver hurried downstairs to find the cabbie on the stoop, a slip of paper in his hand.

"Mr. Sylvester Silver?" the cabbie inquired in a thick South London accent.

"Dr. Silver, actually," Silver said absently, as he turned to the coat closet. It was unseasonably cool and wet for June, though not actually raining at the moment. He put on the dark blue Burberry and a broad-brimmed fedora, and followed the cabbie down the steps to the taxi.

"Pardon me, Doctor. Sally--she's the dispatcher--didn't give me the Doctor bit." The cab pulled out into the evening traffic.

"Don't worry about it--I'm not actually that fussy about being called Doctor all the time anyway. Sometimes I'd rather people didn't know."

"Yer wouldn't have any idea what to do about sciatica, would yer? Some days it bothers me somethin' awful, what with sittin' on me arse all day, beggin' yer pardon."

"Not that kind of doctor, I'm afraid. I'm a psychoanalyst."

"Cor, you must 'ear some interesting stories."

"Yes, though no more than you, I expect."

"I dunno--bloody soddin' bugger, did you pull your drivin' license out of yer..." The cabbie twisted the wheel and braked hard as he was cut off by a young man in a red roadster. "Oh, sorry, Doc, but some of these young toffs ain't got a clue. Anyway, I hear some stories, but aren't the ones you hear all about--y'know, bendy and that?"

"Bendy? Oh, yes, sometimes they are about sex, though not as much as most people imagine. Still, it is the thing people think about but often don't dare talk about except with a doctor, isn't it?"

"I guess." It was beginning to drizzle. The sun was presumably nearly set, not that one could tell through the thick grey clouds. The cab wound through the streets, out into a district where the houses were set back from the road, behind walls and wrought-iron gates.

"Shipton House is roit up 'ere on the left, Doc."

"Oh, my goodness, I had no idea we'd get here this quickly--it's barely twenty past six. Is there a decent pub, or a restaurant with a lounge where I could wait? Someplace where I wouldn't have too far to walk in the rain?"

"Gotcher, Doc--I know just the place. Have yer there in a jif."

Posted by Sir Kevin (# 3492) on :

Mrs. Peacock ambles down the steps and hails a black cab. She hops in and requests to be taken to Hyde Park Corner.

Posted by Antisocial Alto (# 13810) on :

Miss Amethyst was thrilled to be invited to a society party. It had been so long since she'd been invited anywhere; once a spinster reaches a certain age it becomes difficult for hostesses to find suitable men to pair with her in order to balance the table. These days, Miss Amethyst could often get into parties only by chaperoning her spotty, mopey 16-year-old nieces. How wonderful it would be to go to a nice dinner without them!

Hmmm... cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, and dinner to follow... Miss Amethyst wondered if there would also be dancing? Surely the time was right for a new pair of sequined slippers!

Posted by Surfing Madness (# 11087) on :

Miss Scarlet looked at the dress hanging on the front of the wardrobe, it was definetly a good choice, long and scarlet but with a slit up the side, it would go beautifully with her spaggeti high heel sandles. As she started to get ready she turned on the radio and sang along to the music. Tonight is going to be a good night she thought to herself.

Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :

Lady Bertha Lemon strode purposefully up the path. She had always wanted to see the inside of Shipton House. It was rumoured there were some exquisite Chippendales and Beardsleys to be seen there, and she could tell a fake at a glance. She hoped this invitation would confirm things one way or the other, and fingered her quizzing glass in anticipation.

Posted by la vie en rouge (# 10688) on :

No, Portia, you may not go to bed in your Pocahontas costume. Put. On. Your. Pyjamas. No, I haven't washed the pink ones yet since you wore them to climb that tree yesterday. You'll have to wear the yellow ones.

Miss Peach resists the temptation to slip a sleeping drug into the children's hot chocolate. It's not entirely their fault of course. Their behaviour has definitely worsened since Mrs. Black ran off with that used ice-cream van salesman.

Posted by Sir Kevin (# 3492) on :

Having missed the flash mob she had heard about, Mrs. Peacock stays in the black cab and goes on to Shipton House. She hopes than the slim silver necklace sets off her little black dress nicely. She had dieted for weeks in order to be able to get in it.

Posted by dj_ordinaire (# 4643) on :

Lord Burgundy growled to himself the whole journey muttering words like 'Taxis!' and 'Never should have had to sell the Bentley' and 'Pfah!' His mood had hardly improved with the weather either - looked like a thunderstorm was coming on...

Posted by The Great Gumby (# 10989) on :

Some responses to your invitation, Mr Black.

Mrs White - QLib
Col Mustard - AristonAstuanax
Mrs Peacock - Sir Kevin
Miss Scarlet - Surfing Madness
Prof Plum - Imaginary Friend
Miss Peach - la vie en rouge
Dr Silver - Timothy the Obscure
Rev Green - Spike
Lord Burgundy - dj_ordinaire
Miss Amethyst - Antisocial Alto
Lady Lemon - Banner Lady

I fear the local post may be causing some acceptance notes to be delayed. I shall endeavour to ensure that none of your guests are turned away tomorrow evening because of this, and we may get some further replies in the morning delivery.

Posted by kingsfold (# 1726) on :

[tangent] since I draw the line at being khaki...[/tangent]

"Mmmmm," said Ginger. "Wonder what all this is in aid of. Still, I'm not really doing anything else, so I might as well see what's going on....
Wait, hang on... Cocktails and horses doovers?... Bugger that - sounds posh... Phew, it doesn't say anything about black tie. That's all right then - T-shirt, jeans and Doc Martens will be fine!"

And with that, Ginger set out.

[ 06. June 2011, 22:10: Message edited by: kingsfold ]

Posted by Timothy the Obscure (# 292) on :

Dr. Silver stepped into the snug of the Duke of Denver's Arms. He was the only customer. The bartender was polishing glasses, but looked up as he entered. Silver nodded politely.

"Scotch. Make it double. And something for yourself?"

"Thank you sir." The bartender poured the whisky and set it on the bar. Silver laid a fiver beside it, and said "Nice little place--I haven't been in this neighborhood before."

"It's quiet, but we do a good custom. What brings you here?"

Silver paused. "Mmmm...I've been invited to dinner at Shipton House, but I arrived a bit early, so I thought I'd wait it out here. I don't actually know Mr. Black, mind you--does he come here often?"

Posted by Eliab (# 9153) on :

Austin Eliab studied Mr Black's invitation thoughtfully as the helicopter circled Mr Black's lawn before descending. Did he know Black? Possibly. But a successful journalist could hardly keep track of every individual he may have interviewed, investigated, bribed, blackmailed or screwed (literally or figuratively) over the years, and the name rang no bells. Most likely, now that Austin was a wealthy and fashionable, if thoroughly unpleasant, presence in public life as the owner and editor of several newspapers, Black had simply taken a chance on getting his squalid little social gathering noticed.

Austin absent-mindedly tucked the invitation between the pages of the latest issue of Sixteen ‘n' Sizzlin', and blew his nose on the (pristine) sheet of Kleenex that it replaced as page marker. The unsolicited and unexplained invitation was clearly an impertinence, but today was going to be Mr Black's lucky day - he would be getting the pleasure of Austin Eliab's company. Eliab had made most of his money from blackmail, and was prepared to admire anyone's chutzpah and ambition, since those qualities so often indicated a man or woman with something to hide. But he had made his reputation as a crime reporter, with a nose for intrigue, a passion for a good murder, and (he would be the first to admit) an absolute lack of scruple. There was something about Shipton House, something ominous and mysterious, which stirred vague memories in Austin's mind, and put a delighted spring in his step as he alighted from the helicopter and drove his heels into Black's croquet lawn with merry malevolence as he made his way to the front door.

Posted by kingsfold (# 1726) on :

Ginger slouched into the Duke of Denver's Arms, rucksack over shoulder, and ordered a pint of cider.

A book was removed from one of the rucksack's pockets, the rucksack was dropped casually in a corner and Ginger sat down with the cider and started reading.

Posted by Imaginary Friend (# 186) on :

Professor Plum was going through a purple patch: One of his brighter students had conclusively proven that using maroon bulbs at stop lights would significantly increase the frequency of traffic accidents! The professor was certain that he would be able to ride this wave of discovery all the way to international recognition and a life spent cruising around the world attending conferences and lapping up the adulation of his adoring fans. His eyes sparkling like amethyst, he picked up the mauve coffee cup and trotted off to the kitchen in search of a top-up. In the hallway, he bumped into his wife, who commented on his perky features with a touch of nervousness behind her voice.
"Oh no, my dear, everything is fantastic", he boomed in reply, voice like claret and intonation sprinkled with mulberry, "I have a feeling that tonight is going to be a wonderful evening!" He continued on his way, humming something by Deep Purple under his breath. His wife sighed with a depth of feeling that spoke of long experience and went upstairs to get dressed.

Posted by The Great Gumby (# 10989) on :

With the addition of Ginger (kingsfold) and Austin Eliab, there appear to be 13 guests. I do hope that isn't a bad omen.

Welcome to you all. Mr Black will be with you shortly, but he has specifically instructed that you should feel free to explore the house before dinner.

Please excuse me, I shall return shortly.

Posted by The Great Gumby (# 10989) on :

Please also allow me to introduce Mr Grey and Captain Brown. They are both old friends of Mr Black, and their arrival at least ensures that we have a more auspicious number of guests.

Mr Grey and Captain Brown are Non-Playing Characters (NPCs). It will be possible to interrogate them in exactly the same way as any other player.

Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :

Lady Lemon, resplendent in beaded sheath and wearing the famous Lemon Circlet - a headband of citrines and diamonds which sported two sulphur crested feathers over one ear - ignored the doorbell and rapped smartly on the large ship shaped door knocker. She was shown into the downstairs salon by the butler, who introduced her to Captain Brown and Mr.Grey.

"Curious name for a butler,' she chortled to the Captain, as she tossed back a flute of champagne while the butler was answering the door again. 'Did he really say his name was Mumble?'

Posted by The Great Gumby (# 10989) on :

Ladies and Gentlemen, I have some rather shocking news. Mr Black has been murdered! One of you must be responsible. The police have been called, but I feel that it would be in all our interests to ensure that we know what happened before they arrive. We need to know who killed him, where it was done, and what the murder weapon was. As we were all over the house, I feel sure it must be possible to work it out.

You should all now have received a PM giving you some information about 2 people, weapons or locations that you know were not involved in the murder. You all (including the NPCs) have the same amount of information, but obviously not the same information. The suspects are:

People
Miss Amethyst
Capt Brown
Lord Burgundy
Austin Eliab
Ginger
Rev Green
Mr Grey
Lady Lemon
Col Mustard
Miss Peach
Mrs Peacock
Prof Plum
Miss Scarlet
Dr Silver
Mrs White

Weapons
Axe
Blunderbuss
Candlestick
Dagger
Lead Piping
Poison
Revolver
Rope
Spanner

Rooms
Ballroom
Billiard Room
Conservatory
Dining Room
Hall
Kitchen
Library
Lounge
Study

Each day, you may each ask one of the suspects what they know about a combination of murderer, weapon and location. The deadline for asking a question is 1900 BST, and if you miss that time you lose the chance to ask a question that day. At this stage, you may not ask a question of someone who has already been asked a question by another player that day. I will point it out if I notice that someone's done this, but if it remains uncorrected, the question will be void and the turn lost. If the person being questioned can give you any information (i.e. if they hold a card for one of the things you asked about), they will show you that card and share their knowledge.

At the deadline or shortly afterwards, I will announce who has been told anything new as a result of their question, and send that information to any successful questioner in a PM. Anyone else was not told anything. In the unlikely event that a person is asked a question which incorporates both the cards they hold, they may PM me after the question is posed and before the deadline of 1900BST to specify which of those cards they wish to show. In the absence of any instruction, I will choose at random.

Please let me know if you have any questions, or if something needs further clarification. Otherwise, let the investigation begin.

Your deadline for questions is 1900BST, which for those in different time zones is in roughly 21 hours.

Posted by QLib (# 43) on :

Mrs White: Well, here's a to-do and no mistake. Far too many dodgy characters for my liking.

Capt. Brown looks like a sensible man to me, and I should like to ask him what he knows about Colonel Mustard the Axe and the Conservatory.

Posted by Sir Kevin (# 3492) on :

I should like to ask Mr. Grey what he knows about Mrs. White, the kitchen and the spanner.

Posted by AristonAstuanax (# 10894) on :

Well, seeing as I've been in the study for most of this time (save, of course, for the short trip I made down to visit Mr. Black's wine cellar), I think I may as well make sure nobody did anything Untoward while I was out—especially with that rather nice pistol on display. Miss Scarlet, of course, seems exceptionally suspicious to me—the young and pretty one can never trust, yes? Who here looks the most trustworthy, then?

Lady Lemon: what do you have to say about Miss Scarlet, in the study, with the revolver?

Posted by Sir Kevin (# 3492) on :

(Mrs. Peacock wants to know.)

Posted by Imaginary Friend (# 186) on :

Prof Plum asks Dr Silver if he knows anything about Rev Green's suspicious appearance from the direction of the Ballroom carrying a Rope.

Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :

Colonel Mustard, I have absolutely no knowledge of the Scarlet woman in question; neither where she's been nor what she might be hiding in her garter. I have only just arrived for heaven's sake!

Well, this news is a bit of a party pooper isn't it? I suppose dinner is out of the question now. And what about you, Colonel - did you see anything suspicious? Like Miss Peach in the library with the poison, perhaps?

Posted by Timothy the Obscure (# 292) on :

I'm sorry Professor, I can't help you--I didn't notice anything of that sort. I beg your pardon, I must inquire of Lord Burgundy...

My Lord, did you happen to notice any poisonous compounds in the conservatory around the time Miss Amethyst was there?

Posted by AristonAstuanax (# 10894) on :

Whatever you say, Lemon dear. I suppose I have no choice but to believe that you know nothing about Scarlet and her garters.

And if by "poison," you mean those awful little twerps that, sadly, might just be inheriting this estate (perish the thought!), then yes, I did see Miss Peach chasing them out of the library. Otherwise? Not as such.

Posted by Surfing Madness (# 11087) on :

While Miss Scarlet was flattered to be described as the young pretty one...thought looking round there didn't seem to be much compition for the complement, she was not impressed with being a suspect. Time to start thinking she decided.

Mrs White works here so she would be somebody who would noticed if anything had moved in the rooms etc, so was a good person to start with. Therefor she asked Mrs White if she knew anything about Prof Plum in the Hall
with the Blunderbuss ?

(edited to try and fix spacing, didn't manage it though!)

[ 08. June 2011, 07:43: Message edited by: Surfing Madness ]

Posted by la vie en rouge (# 10688) on :

Oh hell, where's that number… I know we had it around here somewhere… Right. Found it.

"…yes, Mrs. Black, I am quite aware of how much it costs to fly back from the Bahamas. And you are going to pay it and get over here sharpish... Because you're their mother, that's why! And it's about time you took some responsibility for a change. Their father just got murdered, for Pete's sake!.. The noise? It's your daughter howling for her Daddy!"

Miss Peach heads to the kitchen and asks Mrs. White for a stiff drink. Melchior has decreed that he wishes to eat nothing but custard for the foreseeable future, and Miss Peach isn't going to argue with him. Let the poor little bugger eat whatever he feels like. Would Mrs. White mind making him some? And could she also tell me if she has any information on Miss Scarlet, the poison or the billiard room?

Posted by Eliab (# 9153) on :

It would be unfair to suggest that Austin Eliab could scarcely contain his delight at the news of a murder. But only because those observing him will note that he made not the slightest effort to do so.

I find it invaluable, in reporting on any murder story, to find out as soon as possible into whom the victim was in the habit of putting his cock.

I reckon that if an embittered old maid like Miss Amethyst has no opinion on Black's nocturnal activity, then I'm no judge of human malice, and if she cannot entirely exonerate a chancer like Mrs Peacock in that particular, then based on those little games with rope in the study she might well be worth a closer look.

Posted by Eliab (# 9153) on :

vie:

quote:
Originally posted by The Great Gumby:
At this stage, you may not ask a question of someone who has already been asked a question by another player that day.

Posted by kingsfold (# 1726) on :

[out of character]
Vie en rogue - Surfing Madness had already asked Mrs White, so you can't question her. You need to ask someone else something
[Back into character]

Ginger: Blimey - what a mess. So I answer an invite, and it turns out there's a really strange selection of guests (that Professor is veryodd - all that purple! Nice old duffer, but did anyone tell him it makes him look apoplectic). Not only that, but the host gets bumped off, and we're s'posed to try and figure out who dunnit! Think I might need another drink...

So I think I'm supposed to ask someone a question. No-one looks suspicious to me, but hey, there you have it. So...

Rev. Green: what do you know about Captain Brown with a candlestick in the billiard room?

Posted by la vie en rouge (# 10688) on :

Oh bugger. That'll teach me to read the rules properly then. Same questions to Mrs Peacock.

(i.e. Miss Scarlet, the poison, the billiard room)

[ETA If Mrs Peacock is any good at making custard, she's welcome to help with that too. Melchior may have just inherited a lot of money, but he's going to be hell on wheels after this...]

[ 08. June 2011, 11:04: Message edited by: la vie en rouge ]

Posted by Antisocial Alto (# 13810) on :

quote:
Originally posted by Eliab:

I reckon that if an embittered old maid like Miss Amethyst has no opinion on Black's nocturnal activity, then I'm no judge of human malice, and if she cannot entirely exonerate a chancer like Mrs Peacock in that particular, then based on those little games with rope in the study she might well be worth a closer look.

(Embittered? Good heavens. Miss Amethyst hopes that a healthy curiosity about her fellow men and their foibles doesn't mean she's bitter. Just underemployed. Miss Amethyst has often wished, while reading Miss Christie's and Miss Sayers' novels, that she could be a detective herself instead of a rather directionless spinster. Also, that she could go boating with Lord Peter Wimsey.)

Well! Poor Mr. Black. This was shocking. But far more interesting even than Miss Amethyst could have hoped- much better than after-dinner dancing. Miss Amethyst peered keenly at the other guests, looking for an expression of Guilt, or a telltale bloodstain. So far, nothing.

She had no information on Mrs. Peacock, or whether anyone was in the study with the rope.

Posted by Antisocial Alto (# 13810) on :

[OOC question: This

quote:
yes, I did see Miss Peach chasing them out of the library.

isn't a real clue, right? Lady Lemon would have received this from Gumble by PM if it had been game information?]

Miss Amethyst would like to ask Ginger whether he saw Rev Green with the Dagger in the Library. Because Ginger is a reader, despite his unfortunate clothing, he may have noticed something in the library. Or was he too absorbed in his book? And what is he reading, anyway, some sort of manifesto?

Posted by kingsfold (# 1726) on :

[OOC response to AA:

quote:

yes, I did see Miss Peach chasing them out of the library.

isn't referring to any of the suspects, but the Black children. La vie en rouge has placed her character, Miss Peach, as their nanny/governess.

/end OOC info]

[ 08. June 2011, 16:08: Message edited by: kingsfold ]

Posted by kingsfold (# 1726) on :

[back in character]

Miss Amethyst, why the heck would you think I'm reading a manifesto? You're right that I'm a reader, but my preferred reading material is actually thrillers or detective stories, preferably set historically.

Posted by QLib (# 43) on :

quote:
Originally posted by la vie en rouge:
Miss Peach heads to the kitchen and asks Mrs. White for a stiff drink. Melchior has decreed that he wishes to eat nothing but custard for the foreseeable future, and Miss Peach isn't going to argue with him. Let the poor little bugger eat whatever he feels like. Would Mrs. White mind making him some?

I don't mind 'ow much custard I make for Melchior, but as for making stiff drinks for the like of 'er, that is very much another kettle of 'ow's yer father.

I suppose all these unsavoury characters are stuck here now, are they? I like my murder mysteries as much as the next person, but it strikes me that no one ever thinks about the catering arrangements. If I'm going to cook for this lot, I want double, and you can double that again if I 'ave to answer a load of tomfool questions on top of that. What about my bunions, eh? Nobody ever asks about them.

Posted by The Great Gumby (# 10989) on :

A day gone, and no one has discovered any new information. But maybe that in itself is informative. Let us hope that you have more luck in the next round of questioning. Again, the deadline is 1900 BST, and again, you may not ask a question of someone who has already been interrogated that day.

As an aside, you are under no obligation to respond to questions before the end of the round, as I will summarise any successful questions at that point. But please continue to develop your characters.

Posted by Antisocial Alto (# 13810) on :

quote:
[Color commentary from Colonel Mustard] isn't referring to any of the suspects, but the Black children. La vie en rouge has placed her character, Miss Peach, as their nanny/governess.

[OOC] For a minute I thought Colonel Mustard might have been officially placing Miss Peach in the library. But then I remembered that obviously if he had meant it, it would have been done by PM. Sorry- I shouldn't have inflicted my moment of confusion on everyone else! [/OOC]

quote:
Originally posted by kingsfold:

Miss Amethyst, why the heck would you think I'm reading a manifesto? You're right that I'm a reader, but my preferred reading material is actually thrillers or detective stories, preferably set historically.

Well, I mean- wearing punk boots which haven't even been invented yet to a cocktail party? Obviously there's SOMETHING fishy about you. Miss Amethyst suspects you are a Bolshevik.

However, she is glad to know you are a mystery fan like herself. Perhaps we can look through Mr. Black's library for the new Sexton Blake while we wait for the police to arrive.

Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :

Well, I would like to ask Austin Eliab a question. D'you know I don't think I've seen Bally Burgundy since that summer he and Lord Lemon burnt down the boathouse at Lemon Tree Manor. Dear old Squeezy never would tell me what they were up to, til the day he died. But I would like to know if Eliab knows anything about Lord Burgundy, in the Billiard Room with the Blunderbuss?

Posted by la vie en rouge (# 10688) on :

Fine. I'll get my own stiff drink. I know where Mrs. White hides the gin.

Although maybe alcohol isn't the best way to deal with the stress that I'm currently under and I'd be better off seeing a shrink. I'll have a chat with Dr Silver. And at the same time ask him if he knows anything about Miss Scarlet, the Conservatory and the poison.

Posted by QLib (# 43) on :

And I should like to ask Dr Silver if 'e's a proper doctor and, if so, what should I do about my bunions?

And then I'd ask 'im what 'e knows about that Miss Peach - what was she doing in the Kitchen when my back was turned, and did it have anything to do with the disappearance of the large bottle marked Poison?

ETA: Damn! Cross-post. OK. I'll still ask Dr Silver about the bunions, but I'll address Peach, Kitchen, poison to Mr Grey.

[ 08. June 2011, 20:44: Message edited by: QLib ]

Posted by QLib (# 43) on :

quote:
Originally posted by la vie en rouge:
Fine. I'll get my own stiff drink. I know where Mrs. White hides the gin.

Oi! I'll have you know that that gin is for medicinal purposes!

Hussy.

[ 08. June 2011, 20:47: Message edited by: QLib ]

Posted by Surfing Madness (# 11087) on :

Miss Scarlet settled herself down in the cornor of the library in a leather winged armed chair and started to route through her back. Oh she knew when she left that a nice little evening bag would look better, but she was not very good at deciding what to put in small bags. Instead she had gone for a large black handbag, with red jewels on it.
As she searched through she cursed the amount of just in case stuff she had. Pushing aside the hair brush, rubber duck (because you never knew when you would need an emergency duck,) nail-file and keys she found the pen and paper she was looking for and started to make notes of what she knew so far.

Posted by Sir Kevin (# 3492) on :

quote:
Originally posted by la vie en rouge:
Oh bugger. That'll teach me to read the rules properly then. Same questions to Mrs Peacock.

(i.e. Miss Scarlet, the poison, the billiard room)

Mrs. Peacock has nothing to verify this.

Posted by Surfing Madness (# 11087) on :

Miss Scarlet looked through her note book, then got up and walked round the house. While her shoes looked wonderful she had expected to be sitting more, so they were beginning to rub. Seeing Miss Amethyst she decides to ask her if she knows anything about the Conservatory the spanner or Mrs White?

Posted by kingsfold (# 1726) on :

Ginger was still somewhat bemused (and slightly offended) by being thought a Bolshevik.

"Not so, I just prefer comfort to prancing around in fancy clobber."

However, Miss Amethyst had redeemed herself slightly by also being a fan of detective fiction, and Ginger was very interested to hear of Sexton Blake so the thought of meeting in the library seemed like a good idea.

Posted by Imaginary Friend (# 186) on :

Professor Plum hummed and hawed. Murder, intrigue and crime-fighting were all very well in Hollywood, but it was turning out to be a different kettle of fish when you were directly involved. No matter, an intellect such as his should certainly be able to feed on the scraps of knowledge that the others are dropping, Gretel-esque, on their journey towards the truth. Hopefully the learned Dean would be able to ride their coat-tails right the way to solving this conundrum!

To that end, he sidled up to Capt. Brown and politely inquired if he knew anything concerning Miss Scarlet, the Library, or some poison.

Posted by Eliab (# 9153) on :

quote:
Originally posted by Banner Lady:
Well, I would like to ask Austin Eliab a question. D'you know I don't think I've seen Bally Burgundy since that summer he and Lord Lemon burnt down the boathouse at Lemon Tree Manor. Dear old Squeezy never would tell me what they were up to, til the day he died. But I would like to know if Eliab knows anything about Lord Burgundy, in the Billiard Room with the Blunderbuss?

As her Ladyship speaks, Austin’s eyes, and attention, wander to her jewellery – the circlet, rings, pendant – as his quick brain tries to calculate both her wealth and what pressures might conceivably relieve her of it. He realises that she has finished a sentence, and possibly expects a response. He lifts his gaze from her cleavage and struggles to recall the bint’s name: Big Bertha? Lady Melons? It’ll come to him in a second...

“Ah, my dear lady” he oozes, with an odious grin, “I had hoped for a word or two. Maybe for more than that, if you take my meaning. Have you heard about me [Austin Eliab] by any chance? Some people spread all sorts of poison but I’m sure you know nothing about that. Come into the Hall for a second so that I can admire those fine...jewels in a better light.”

(to Lady Lemon)

Posted by Antisocial Alto (# 13810) on :

Miss Amethyst would like to ask Lord Burgundy if he knows anything about Rev Green, the dagger, and the library.

She then re-curls herself into one of Mr. Black's extremely comfortable armchairs, pulls the biscuit-tin a little closer (what about those cocktails and hors d'oeuvres, eh?) and opens the new Dorothy Sayers. It seems Lord Peter and Harriet are married at last!

Posted by Antisocial Alto (# 13810) on :

(Also, although she thought Miss Scarlet's shoes were simply divine, she had no information on any of her questions.)

Posted by kingsfold (# 1726) on :

Ginger waves merrily at Miss Amethyst, surveys the shelves, then selects "The Name of the Rose."

He then wanders over to the window seat, pausing briefly to liberate a couple of custard creasm from Miss Amethyst's biscuit tin.

Thoughfully, he muses:

"I wonder if Professor Plum knows anything about Rev Green in the kitchen with a dagger?"

[ 09. June 2011, 15:33: Message edited by: kingsfold ]

Posted by AristonAstuanax (# 10894) on :

A question of Rev. Green: you wouldn't happen to know anything about me, Col. Mustard, in the Conservatory, with the Lead Pipe, would you?

Posted by The Great Gumby (# 10989) on :

Miss Peach and Mrs White have discovered new information today. The rest of you have posed your questions to people who are sadly unable to help.

Once again, you have until 1900 BST to quiz a fellow guest, and you may not interrogate someone who has already been questioned during that day.

Posted by la vie en rouge (# 10688) on :

Melchior! Put that down this instant! It’s dangerous!

Sorry, Colonel Mustard. Probably best to put your revolver away somewhere safe you know. The children are even more of a handful than usual at the minute, and I’d hate for there to be an accident… Actually it hasn’t gone missing any time recently has it?

Do you know anything about Reverend Green or the Library, by the way?

Posted by dj_ordinaire (# 4643) on :

quote:
Originally posted by Antisocial Alto:
Miss Amethyst would like to ask Lord Burgundy if he knows anything about Rev Green, the dagger, and the library.

Library? What the deuce would I be doing in a library? With some nancy-boy vicar? I don't know what tha' blazes yer insinuatin' woman.

And while we're all about it, I'd like to ask Dr Silver what she was alludin' to with respect to Captain Brown skulking around with a Spanner in the Hall!

From bad to bally worse this trip... stinking little house, deeply unsuitable company and not a drop of Beaujolais in sight. This sort of thing's all good an' well for Denver but some of us have our reputations to think of. Pshaw!

Posted by Eliab (# 9153) on :

Mr Grey! A moment of your time, if you please.
That nanny, Peach – she’s a bit of alright, eh? You don’t happen to know if old Black ever got her on the naughty step, so you? Don’t be coy, he must have wanted to! Well, did he take her out, man? Theatre, restaurant, even a quiet meal in, in the Dining Room? I can see the story now, innocent domestic, come to Black’s house, charmed by him at first, but increasingly disturbed by more and more strange and degenerate demands for special services, and unable to bear the shame any longer, poisons their last meal together. But – and this is beautiful, real human interest stuff – she’s so traumatised by the brutal acts that she’s had to submit to, she’s got bulimia. Can’t keep it down. She lives. He dies. I like it! What do you think?”

Posted by QLib (# 43) on :

I should like to ask that Mrs Peacock what she was up to in the Study with the Candlestick.

Posted by Surfing Madness (# 11087) on :

Miss Scarlet smiled as Miss Amethyst admired her shoes, but sorry to hear that she couldn't help with her enquires.
Miss Scarlet siddles up to Captin Brown, and fluttering her eye-lids at him asks if he knows anything about Mrs White in the Study with the rope ?

Posted by kingsfold (# 1726) on :

Ginger lifts his head out of this book long enough to ask Miss Amethyst what she knows about Rev Green in the hall with poison

Posted by AristonAstuanax (# 10894) on :

Where is it? Of course I know! Right here in my jacket—can't be too careful with a murderer on the loose, can we? By the way, miss, you haven't been lately seeing Professor Plum? To him, there will questions be, on Dr. Silver, in the Conservatory, with the Wrench.

[ 09. June 2011, 23:27: Message edited by: AristonAstuanax ]

Posted by Antisocial Alto (# 13810) on :

Miss Amethyst asks Austin Eliab if he has any knowledge of Rev Green, the dagger or the library.

Regretfully, she tells Ginger that she has no information about his inquiries.

Miss Amethyst leaves the library and prowls over to the lounge in search of the promised cocktails. Of course the servants can't be expected to be serving drinks under the circumstances, but perhaps there will be a liquor cabinet that Miss A can get into without bothering the staff.

Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :

Lady Lemon raised her quizzing glass to look more closely at the colourless creature before her. Goodness, but he WAS drab. He seemed to be staring intently at her bosom, which she found alarming. Not because it was impertinent, but because she could see things moving in the oily hair on his bent head. She took a step backwards.

"Mr. Eliab; What might you know about Mr. Grey in the conservatory with the poison?"

Posted by kingsfold (# 1726) on :

[OOC]BL, someone has has already posed a question Mr. Eliab. You might like to try asking someone else?[/OOC]

Ginger thanks Miss Amethyst politely - he is a well-brought up young man after all - and closes his book. He then sets off on a wander, partly to have a nose round the rest of the house, but mostly to go in search of a cup of tea and a piece of cake (if there's any going!)

Posted by Eliab (# 9153) on :

quote:
Originally posted by Antisocial Alto:
Miss Amethyst asks Austin Eliab if he has any knowledge of Rev Green, the dagger or the library.

What's it worth, luv?

If it's so important that you want to uncouple me from the delectable Lady Melons, here, I'm sure you can think of something to make it worth my while.

Posted by Imaginary Friend (# 186) on :

Mrs White, do you have any information about the Conservatory? Apparently, some rat poison was seen there, and Miss Peach has been in and out all day with the kids.

Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :

"Pardon? What the devil do you mean I can't ask Mr. Drab a question because he's otherwise occupied? Well, good riddance.
I shall ask old Burgers then. Lord Burgundy, did you happen to notice Mr.Grey in the conservatory with the poison?"

Posted by dj_ordinaire (# 4643) on :

quote:
Originally posted by Banner Lady:
"Pardon? What the devil do you mean I can't ask Mr. Drab a question because he's otherwise occupied? Well, good riddance.
I shall ask old Burgers then. Lord Burgundy, did you happen to notice Mr.Grey in the conservatory with the poison?"

"Old Burgers" ? Oh, the... oh, the... baaahrmph! As to this 'Gray', I wouldn't know the bugger from Adam, and I've never been in this dead fellah's bloody Conservatory either.

*muttering...* Hang the lot of 'em and good riddance too if you want my opinion...

Posted by QLib (# 43) on :

quote:
Originally posted by kingsfold:
Ginger thanks Miss Amethyst politely - he is a well-brought up young man after all - and closes his book. He then sets off on a wander, partly to have a nose round the rest of the house, but mostly to go in search of a cup of tea and a piece of cake (if there's any going!)

Cake! It's cake you're wanting now, is it? Ah well, I suppose, at your age, it'll 'ardly spoil yer appetite for dinner. Gumble's just taken the tea up to the lounge, but if you want a mug of proper, hot, strong Rosie Lee, you're welcome to join me. And here's some boiled cake - but that's the last of it.

Posted by kingsfold (# 1726) on :

"Thanks Mrs White - a mug of tea would really go down a treat. And if you're sure about that cake? Yes.... oh great!

Mmmm. Yum. That's lovely, that is. Thanks so much? Say, is there anything I can do to help?"

[ 10. June 2011, 17:13: Message edited by: kingsfold ]

Posted by QLib (# 43) on :

Now - I had you down for a decent young chap, so don't go all smarmy on me. Go and smarm over Miss Peach, why don't you - that girl looks like she could use a bit of joy in her life.

Bugger off now, I'm busy. Dinner won't cook itself.

Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :

quote:
Originally posted by dj_ordinaire:

quote:
Originally posted by Banner Lady:

I shall ask old Burgers then. Lord Burgundy, did you happen to notice Mr.Grey in the conservatory with the poison?"
"Old Burgers" ? Oh, the... oh, the... baaahrmph! As to this 'Gray', I wouldn't know the bugger from Adam, and I've never been in this dead fellah's bloody Conservatory either.

*muttering...* Hang the lot of 'em and good riddance too if you want my opinion...

"You haven't changed then, Burgers. Always having a beef about something or other. Can't think why Squeezy enjoyed larking about with you so much. Just what were you two doing in that boathouse at Lemon Tree Manor? When they found the charred remains of our 1611 King James Bible in the rubble there, Squeezy claimed you were both having a bible study by candle light. But I always suspected you were tearing out its pages and lighting each others farts with it."

Posted by The Great Gumby (# 10989) on :

quote:
Originally posted by AristonAstuanax:
Where is it? Of course I know! Right here in my jacket—can't be too careful with a murderer on the loose, can we? By the way, miss, you haven't been lately seeing Professor Plum? To him, there will questions be, on Dr. Silver, in the Conservatory, with the Wrench.

By Wrench, I take it you mean the Spanner. These little peculiarities of our American cousins do not trouble me, but I feel that it is as well to ensure that we all understand each other.

Lord Burgundy, Austin Eliab and Miss Amethyst have discovered new information. Everyone else has been unsuccessful.

Now that we have all got to know each other a little, I suggest we break up into groups to discuss it. That way, we can exchange information faster, and more effectively.

Today, you may ask two people about the same combination of suspect, weapon and location. You may ask people who have already been interrogated today, as long as you do not interrogate the same two people as another player. Each person being questioned will only reveal one thing they know, but if both can help, they must both do so. I will only say whether the questioner has discovered something, not who has been able to help, so it is important that you do not reveal whether you can help or not, as that may assist your competitors.

As we have hit the weekend, and to allow for any queries you may wish to raise, I'll set a deadline of 1900 BST on Monday for this round of questioning.

Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :

Lady Lemon raised her quizzing glass again.

I would like to ask Mustard and Ginger about that dark Captain Brown. Did either of you see him in the conservatory carrying poison?

Posted by Antisocial Alto (# 13810) on :

Miss Amethyst would like to ask both Miss Peach and Lord Burgundy about Miss Scarlet, the Conservatory and the poison.

Posted by la vie en rouge (# 10688) on :

I would like to ask Mr Grey and Austin Eliab about me (Miss Peach), the dagger and the Library.

Posted by QLib (# 43) on :

I should like to ask Lady Lemon and Dr Silver about Mrs Peacock, the Conservatory and the Revolver.

And would Dr. Silver take a look at my bunions?

Posted by Eliab (# 9153) on :

I'll continue to charm the ladies. Those little stunners Peach and Scarlet might know something to the disadvantage of the suspiciously quiet Rev.Green. You'd think stories that show the clergy as the lecherous and/or queer sots that they invariably are would be old news by now, and it's true that they can't carry a front page any more unless you invent some really salacious detail, but the classics are classics for a reason, and are never entirely too old.

Perhaps he was caught pleasuring himself with a candlestick in the lounge, and we can run the pictures? What the Good Lord don't provide, photoshop will supply...

Posted by kingsfold (# 1726) on :

Ginger decides to ask Mr Grey and Dr Silver about Miss Peach in the library with poison.

Realising he is probably unwelcome in the kitchen, he sets off back above stairs, thinking he'll toddle off in search of a game of billiards.

[ 10. June 2011, 22:20: Message edited by: kingsfold ]

Posted by AristonAstuanax (# 10894) on :

Back in the wine cellar, away from all that hubbub. Mr. Black isn't going to be enjoying these wines any time soon, so someone ought to! Well. Pour a bit of this Château Mouton-Rothchild out in memory, pour a bit more out into me for the same . . .

Delicious.

Excellent structure, softened by age, yet a bit of its youthful fruit still retaining . . .

Fruit. Structure. Youth. Well, there's a nice hint—along with another from the cellar! Hopefully Miss White will be too busy with dinner to notice me examining the pantry . . .

A few minutes later, an odd tableau appeared in the ballroom: a pair of fruits, a Peach and a Lemon on the piano, while, on the bench sat a bottle of Burgundy next to an antique Candlestick.

Posted by Timothy the Obscure (# 292) on :

Dr. Silver opened the door of the wine cellar. There were footprints in the dust--clearly he was not the first guest to find his way here. It seemed quiet enough now. He peered through the gloom at a label... Ah, the '21 Margaux. Well, Mr. Black wouldn't be needing it now, would he? He took the corkscrew from his pocket (don't leave home without it) and did the necessary. Robust, but subtle, with aromas of tar, tobacco, and mint overlaying blackberry and plum fruit character....

Lord Burgundy had certainly disappeared quickly as soon as he had been questioned, with no response at all. Ah well--that was suspicious in itself. Anyway, the man fairly oozed repressed homosexuality. He quickly finished the bottle and staggered upstairs, encountering Miss Peach in the corridor, where she asked him a very direct question.

Dr. Silver considered. "Well, now that you mention it..."

Ambling down the gallery to the lounge, he decided to ask Mrs. Peacock and Mrs. White if they had noticed anything peculiar about Lord Burgundy in the Lounge with the Revolver.

Posted by Timothy the Obscure (# 292) on :

And by the by, Mrs. White, those bunions are clearly a manifestation of hysterical neurosis--if you call at my office next Monday and make arrangements, we can have them cleared up in six or seven years...

Posted by QLib (# 43) on :

quote:
Originally posted by Timothy the Obscure:
And by the by, Mrs. White, those bunions are clearly a manifestation of hysterical neurosis-

Oh I see - you're one o'them trick cyclists - not a proper doctor at all. Mr. Gumble will relay my reply in due course. <sniffs and stalks off>

Posted by The Great Gumby (# 10989) on :

quote:
Originally posted by The Great Gumby:
I will only say whether the questioner has discovered something, not who has been able to help, so it is important that you do not reveal whether you can help or not, as that may assist your competitors.

Some clarification on this. On reflection, if you reveal free information to everyone else you're hurting no one but yourself, and I don't want to suppress the interesting role play that's going on, so here's the deal.

You can say what you like about whether you can help, and it may be true or it may not. I will naturally only give accurate information, but anyone who chooses to take at face value anything said by other players does so at their own risk.

Posted by Sir Kevin (# 3492) on :

Mrs. Peacock never got an answer from Mr. Grey: was it a mistake to ask him? If so, can the question be asked of Mrs. White?

Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :

"Mrs. Peacock - no need to get your feathers ruffled - I believe we are simply meant to ask questions without expecting replies. It does seem a very odd way of going about an investigation, but then Shipton appears to be a very odd house. I notice there are some interesting etchings in the study. Would you care to look at them with me?"

Posted by QLib (# 43) on :

As I understand it, Mrs Peacock, if you don't get no answer from Mr.Gumble, it means you've drawn a blank - so that is a kind of answer, isn't it? Not necessarily a mistake to ask though. 'e's a bit of a shady character that Mr.Grey.

And you can ask two people questions this time on account of it being the weekend. I ain't going to take it personal if you ask about me, the kitchen and the spanner, though what a spanner would be doing in my kitchen is more than I can say. But then, these are strange times.

And breakfast will be cleared away at 10.15 - and then that's yer lot till coffee in the lounge at 11.30. Lunch is at 2, to allow Reverend Green time to get back from Felpesham.

[ 12. June 2011, 08:54: Message edited by: QLib ]

Posted by Eliab (# 9153) on :

quote:
Originally posted by Sir Kevin:
Mrs. Peacock never got an answer from Mr. Grey: was it a mistake to ask him? If so, can the question be asked of Mrs. White?

[OOC]Since it only takes one misread question and answer from the moderator to fuck up the entire game, can I suggest that we adopt a common convention of italics/bold for our questions. It would be extremely easy for someone checking a dozen or so questions, each to two people, to miss the fact that the above post was a question, and to say "X,Y and Z gots answers, no one else did". If, in fact, the missed question should have been answered "yes", every player who records it as a "no" is effectively screwed. It's in all our interests to make the moderator's job easier.

There's a few people (myself included) putting the name of the person questioned in italics, and the elements being asked about in bold. I don't really mind which convention we adopt, so longer as its clear to everyone reading the thread who asked whom about what, and whether they got an answer[/OOC].

Posted by Surfing Madness (# 11087) on :

Can i add can posters identify which charactor they are also in their post? Thanks

Miss Scarlet decided to go in search of Ginger and Lady Lemon to ask if either of them knew anything about Ginger, the axe or the Kitchen?

Posted by Imaginary Friend (# 186) on :

<Burp>

"Excuse me!" exclaimed an increasingly puce-faced Prof. Plum. "Mmm... that was claret flavored. Anyhow...

"Back to the matter at hand: the awful and grizzly murder. I would like to ask young Miss Scarlett and the Reverend Green if they know anything about Mr Grey, the library, or the fact that a dagger appears to be missing from the display case over there."

[OOC - I second Eliab's motion. Italic for the players being questioned, bold for the three elements involved in the inquiry.[/OOC]

Posted by Sir Kevin (# 3492) on :

Mrs. Peacock wants to know if Professor Plum can tell her about whether Mrs. White might have used a dagger in the kitchen.

[ 13. June 2011, 15:24: Message edited by: Sir Kevin ]

Posted by The Great Gumby (# 10989) on :

quote:
Originally posted by QLib:
As I understand it, Mrs Peacock, if you don't get no answer from Mr.Gumble, it means you've drawn a blank - so that is a kind of answer, isn't it?

This is correct. But to ensure that everything's clear, I'm happy to summarise each day's questions at the same time as I announce who has learnt something, so that everyone's 100% happy that their enquiries have been seen and understood. In that spirit, today's questions:

Lady Lemon asked Mustard and Ginger about Brown in the Conservatory with the Poison

Miss Amethyst asked Peach and Burgundy about Scarlet in the Conservatory with the Poison

Miss Peach asked Grey and Eliab about Peach in the Library with the Dagger

Mrs White asked Lemon and Silver about Peacock in the Conservatory with the Revolver

Austin Eliab asked Peach and Scarlet about Green in the Lounge with the Candlestick

Ginger asked Grey and Silver about Peach in the Library with the Poison

Col Mustard asked Peach and Lemon about Burgundy in the Ballroom with the Candlestick

Dr Silver asked Peacock and White about Burgundy in the Lounge with the Revolver

Miss Scarlet asked Ginger and Lemon about Ginger in the Kitchen with the Axe

Prof Plum asked Scarlet and Green about Grey in the Library with the Dagger

Mrs Peacock asked Plum about White in the Kitchen with the Dagger - she was entitled to ask the same question of two players, but I'll allow this single enquiry.

Miss Peach, Mrs White and Ginger received new information. Everyone else was unsuccessful.

Another day dawns. Again, you may ask the same question to two different people, but today, you must question a combination of players who were not questioned together in this round or the last round. Fortunately, there are plenty of options for you to pick from. As before, your deadline is 1900 BST.

Posted by Antisocial Alto (# 13810) on :

Miss Amethyst would like to ask Grey and Lemon about Peach, the library and the revolver.

Chasing biscuits with gin has made Miss Amethyst feel rather sick. She makes her way slowly and carefully to the kitchen, hoping Mrs White can spare some bicarb of soda. *hic*

Posted by kingsfold (# 1726) on :

Ginger decides to ask Mr Eliab and Dr Silver about Miss Peach in the conservatory with the dagger .

He then decides it's really about time he went out for a walk, so he sets off to explore the grounds of Shipton House.

Posted by QLib (# 43) on :

Mrs White has never much cared for the aristocracy and decides to ask Capt.Brown and Rev.Green about Lord Burgundy the Blunderbuss and the Ballroom.

Posted by kingsfold (# 1726) on :

How very alliterative of you [Biased]

Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :

Lady Lemon decides to ask Captain Brown & Mrs White about
Miss Peach, the conservatory, & the revolver.

Posted by Eliab (# 9153) on :

And now I'm suspicious of Peacock. Why did she ask only one person when she could have been more inquisitive? perhaps she already knows the truth, because she there when our victim met his end.

Clearly she's the sort of desperate old shrew who would have done anything to snare the wealthy Mr Black in the few remaining years in which her looks - never more than second-rate to begin with - were fading rapidly. What could she offer him to keep his attention? I'm guessing some sort of sex-play, erotic asphixiation with rope, perhaps while he was secured to a table in the Billiard room, which went tragically wrong?

Perhaps Lady Lemon and Miss Scarlet could assist me in my vicious speculations about what their rival was up to?

Posted by Sir Kevin (# 3492) on :

Mrs. Peacock has no information on that situation.

Posted by Timothy the Obscure (# 292) on :

Dr. Silver encounters Mr. Brown and Mrs. Peacock in the Dining Room.

"I say, did you happen to notice Professor Plum taking a suspicious interest in that candlestick a few hours ago? By the way, have you seen Mrs. White anywhere--I'm hoping she could make me some strong coffee..."

[ 14. June 2011, 04:56: Message edited by: Timothy the Obscure ]

Posted by QLib (# 43) on :

quote:
By the way, have you seen Mrs. White anywhere--I'm hoping she could make me some strong coffee..."

<adjusting hat in the hall mirror>
I'm having an extra day off today, on account of missing my day off last week, for the party. Mrs Thing from the village will be helping out. Coffee is served at 11, Dr.Silver.

Posted by la vie en rouge (# 10688) on :

Dear, dear, really haven't got enough time to think about what I really want to know. Murder or no murder, Portia still needs to be taken to her cello lesson.

Ermm… doing the best I can on the hop - I'll ask Mr. Grey and Miss Scarlet about me (Miss Peach), the kitchen and the dagger.

Posted by Imaginary Friend (# 186) on :

"One fears that Mrs Peacock might not be paying full attention to whom questions are being asked. But no matter, that is more information for the rest of us. But to my business: Ms Amethyst and Lord Burgundy, do you have any information about myself, Prof. Plum, the lounge and that fine and rather sharp ceremonial axe over there?

"Much obliged."

Posted by Eliab (# 9153) on :

quote:
Originally posted by Imaginary Friend:
One fears that Mrs Peacock might not be paying full attention to whom questions are being asked. But no matter, that is more information for the rest of us.

It might be, if I knew what the hell she thought she was answering.

Posted by Surfing Madness (# 11087) on :

Miss Scarlet held her head, and went in search of a drink, how did Miss Peach manage with those children all the time it would do her head in.

While she was on the hunt for a drink she decided that she better do some questioning as well. She therefore decided to ask Captin Brown and Lady Lemon knew anything about Captin Brown, the axe and the ballroom

Posted by The Great Gumby (# 10989) on :

Today's enquiries:

Miss Amethyst asked Grey and Lemon about Peach in the Library with the Revolver

Ginger asked Eliab and Silver about Peach in the Conservatory with the Dagger

Mrs White asked Brown and Green about Burgundy in the Ballroom with the Blunderbuss

Lady Lemon asked Brown and White about Peach in the Conservatory with the Revolver

Austin Eliab asked Lemon and Scarlet about Peacock in the Billiard Room with the Rope

Dr Silver asked Brown and Peacock about Plum in the Dining Room with the Candlestick

Miss Peach asked Grey and Scarlet about Peach in the Kitchen with the Dagger

Prof Plum asked Amethyst and Burgundy about Plum in the Lounge with the Axe

Miss Scarlet asked Brown and Lemon about Brown in the Ballroom with the Axe

Ginger, Mrs White, Austin Eliab, Prof Plum and Miss Scarlet were successful, although one person has not received new information due to a full PM Box. If you empty it out, I can tell you what you've discovered. [Smile]

Once more, you may ask two different players the same question, and again, you must not ask a pair of players who have previously been interrogated together. Again, the deadline is 1900 BST.

Posted by QLib (# 43) on :

Sorry, Mr Gumble, I've been that moithered with all the goings-on and all the extra catering, I've been forgetting to keep me mail sorted.

Posted by QLib (# 43) on :

In any case, I would like to ask Mr Eliab and Miss Scarlet about Miss Peach the Dagger and the Library

Posted by Sir Kevin (# 3492) on :

quote:
Originally posted by Timothy the Obscure:
Dr. Silver encounters Mr. Brown and Mrs. Peacock in the Dining Room.

"I say, did you happen to notice Professor Plum taking a suspicious interest in that candlestick a few hours ago? By the way, have you seen Mrs. White anywhere--I'm hoping she could make me some strong coffee..."

Mrs. Peacock cannot help.

Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :

Lady Lemon decides to ask Mr.Grey & Dr.Silver about Reverend Green, the library & the poison.

Posted by kingsfold (# 1726) on :

Ginger came back into the house, and flopped down in the hall.

"Gosh," he said, "I seem have found out something. I'm not sure what it all means, but I'm sure it will all become clear in time. Anyhow, I think I ought to retire to the lounge to have a wee think."

So Ginger grabs himself a Scotch from the dining room and settles down in a wing chair by the fire.

"MMm," he says. " I think I need to ask Rev Green and Mr Grey if they know anything about Miss Peach in the library with the blunderbuss . Not that I suspect you, Miss Peach, but I'm trying to eliminate you from my enquiries. Or soemthing like that!"

[ 14. June 2011, 23:02: Message edited by: kingsfold ]

Posted by Eliab (# 9153) on :

quote:
Originally posted by Banner Lady:
Lady Lemon decides to ask Mr.Grey & Dr.Silver

Grey and Silver have been questioned together before, Melons. You don't want to give them the chance to concoct a story together. Lots of unscrupulous types about these days, and I wouldn't trust either of those two not to make up some wild, outlandish and depraved speculation for the sake of it.

Just trying to be helpful, here.

Meanwhile, how's this for a possibility: three old public schoolboys, Burgundy, Brown and Black, in the Ballroom one night, pissed as arseholes, reminising about how they used to molest the fags. Brown tells the others about a game of chicken they used to play: knobs out on the desk, and see how close to the, er, bone, they could whack the desk with the edge of a ruler. But there's no ruler to demonstrate with, only the axe on the wall. Black's so drunk he can't hardly walk, but he unbuttons and challenges Brown as a chicken. Brown swings, and - disaster! Meat and two veg sliced through, and Black bleeds out on the floor. That's the story. If it gets out, it's social ruin for the two surviving old buggers, but if the alternative is a conviction for murder, they might just come clean.

So, fellows, am I close?

[ 15. June 2011, 00:46: Message edited by: Eliab ]

Posted by Antisocial Alto (# 13810) on :

Miss Amethyst asks Brown and Grey about Peach, the dining room and the poison. Miss A would certainly be tempted to poison one of those brats if she were Peach; perhaps Miss Peach had tried it, and Mr. Black had somehow gotten the poisoned dish by accident.

Heavens, this detection business was more difficult than that irritating Poirot made it look. Even using an anachronous Excel spreadsheet, Miss Amethyst was finding it hard to pry information out of anyone. Still belching gently from the bicarb of soda, she decided to visit the Ballroom. Maybe she could maneuver one of the older men into asking her to dance. She could try out her new slippers and fish for clues at the same time.

[edited for mistyped character name]

[ 15. June 2011, 01:57: Message edited by: Antisocial Alto ]

Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :

Lady Lemon turned on her heel abruptly. The heel groaned.

"Dear me, you always seem to be under my feet, Mr.Drab, bleating about something. You can let go of my cleavage AND that pendant right now.

Yes, Dr. Silver and Mr.Grey were questioned together two rounds ago by Ginger - who asked about Miss Peach in the library with the poison. I had assumed they could be questioned in this new round provided nobody else had already done so. I asked them about Reverend Green in the library with the poison. Perhaps the butler will clarify the harrassment rules once more.

Mumble? Mumble, DID you mean no duplications during this round, or no duplications at all, ever? "

Posted by Surfing Madness (# 11087) on :

Miss Scarlet looked through her exploding note book to try and find something useful and gave up. Instead she went in seach of Dr Silver and Mrs White to see if either know anything about Eliab, the dagger or the study.

Posted by AristonAstuanax (# 10894) on :

Col. Mustard was beginning to question his usual strategy of asking questions in the hopes of finding out answers. So far, he hadn't been getting many.
In the young ladies' business everyone seems to be nosing about. Perhaps leaving them ignored might be, for now, a good idea. Amethyst and Plum, neither of you would happen to know anything about Mr. EliDrab, in the Hall, with the Axe?

Posted by la vie en rouge (# 10688) on :

quote:
Originally posted by Antisocial Alto:
Heavens, this detection business was more difficult than that irritating Poirot made it look. Even using an anachronous Excel spreadsheet...

I'm not the only one then [Biased]

I would like to ask Rev Green and Dr Silver about Captain Brown, the rope and the dining room.

Posted by kingsfold (# 1726) on :

quote:
posted by la vie en rouge:

quote:
Originally posted by Antisocial Alto:
Heavens, this detection business was more difficult than that irritating Poirot made it look. Even using an anachronous Excel spreadsheet...
I'm not the only one then

Ginger blushed. [Hot and Hormonal]

Posted by Imaginary Friend (# 186) on :

Mr Eliab and young Ginger, do you know anything about Mrs White, the Study, and the candlestick? Much obliged.

Posted by The Great Gumby (# 10989) on :

I appear to have been causing confusion with my complicating factors, to myself as much as anyone. I intended that you shouldn't be able to interrogate a pair of players who had previously been asked any question together at any point. This was for two reasons - one was to ensure a wide spread of available data, and one was to ensure that it wasn't possible to simply replicate successful questions from previous rounds.

However, I accept that the rules may have been unclear, and I was intending to take a different tack after this round anyway, so I'll allow all questions posed in good faith, with apologies for any lack of clarity.

Today's questions:

Mrs White asked Eliab and Scarlet about Peach in the Library with the Dagger

Lady Lemon asked Grey and Silver about Green in the Library with the Poison

Ginger asked Green and Grey about Peach in the Library with the Blunderbuss

Austin Eliab asked Burgundy and Brown about Brown in the Ballroom with the Axe

Miss Amethyst asked Brown and Grey about Peach in the Dining Room with the Poison

Miss Scarlet asked Silver and White about Eliab in the Study with the Dagger

Col Mustard asked Amethyst and Plum about Eliab in the Hall with the Axe

Miss Peach asked Green and Silver about Brown in the Dining Room with the Rope

Prof Plum asked Eliab and Ginger about White in the Study with the Candlestick

Mrs White, Lady Lemon, Austin Eliab, Miss Amethyst, Miss Scarlet and Col Mustard discovered new information.

Today, you may ask two different players questions. The questions you ask need not be the same, and there is (you'll be relieved to hear) no restriction based on whether those two have previously been questioned together, on this day or any other. Otherwise, it will work the same as the previous round.

Posted by kingsfold (# 1726) on :

So, I can ask two different players different questions, irrespective of whether they've been questioned together or no...

Ginger scratches his head furiously and decides to ask:

MIss Amethyst about Professor Plum in the dining room with the axe .

He also asks:

Capt. Brown about himself, Capt. Brown in the ballroom with the spanner.

[ 15. June 2011, 20:20: Message edited by: kingsfold ]

Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :

Lady Lemon asks Mrs.Peacock about Austin Eliab, the conservatory & the lead piping.

She also asks Mr.Grey about Mrs.White, the dining room & the candlestick.

Posted by QLib (# 43) on :

I should like to ask Lady Lemon and Miss Amethyst each about themselves. Same question to both, i.e. did you come into my Kitchen and help yerself to the piece of Lead piping 'iggs the 'andyman says 'e left 'ere'?

Posted by Eliab (# 9153) on :

Well I think I've established that Black had some pretty queer tastes. So it's time to turn my attention to a washed out pair that I hadn't previously given much attention to.

Ladies! Mrs White! I take it you've heard a few rumours about me Austin Eliab. In all your years of working for Mr Black, you must have got pretty close to him. Ever get a chance to study his weapon (dagger) in private, if you take my meaning?

And Miss Amethyst! You look, err, well, never mind about that. Let's talk about me Austin Eliab. And Mr Black, of course. Knew him well did you? I saw you in the Hall looking very much at home. How long had you been seeing him, then? Ever manage to get your hands on his chopper (axe)? Off the record, of course...

Posted by la vie en rouge (# 10688) on :

Mr Eliab get your hands off me! How dare you!! Don't try denying it, Lady Lemon saw you.

You disgusting little man - I wouldn't be surprised if you didn't kill Mr. Black yourself. In the billiard room with the rope, perhaps? And if your greasy hands come anywhere near my bottom every again, I won't hesitate to set Melchior on you. You've been warned.

Where is that child, anyway? Oh I see, you're trying to wake up Rev Green. If you manage it, can you please ask him about Austin Eliab, the poison and the kitchen? Yes, you might need a bigger tickling stick.

Posted by Imaginary Friend (# 186) on :

"Whilst some may be reduced to the level of carnal desires, those of us who exist on a higher intellectual plain are fast approaching a resolution to this problem. But before one makes any hasty accusations, I wonder: Mr Grey, have you knowledge of Mrs White, the study, or the candlestick; and Col. Mustard, what say you of Ms Scarlett, the lounge and the candlestick, hmm?"

Posted by Surfing Madness (# 11087) on :

Miss Scarlet would like to ask Col Mustard if he knows anything about miss Amethyst the axe or the Lounge?

and to Mrs Peacock if she knows anything about Mrs White, the rope or the hall?

Posted by Antisocial Alto (# 13810) on :

Miss Amethyst dashes in from the ballroom and pants "Please, Lady Lemon, could you tell me if you saw Mrs. Peacock in the conservatory with the rope? And the same questions to Miss Scarlet."

Posted by AristonAstuanax (# 10894) on :

Enough with asking questions. Time for eavesdropping, it is.
The pervert, Mr. Drab, Miss White about Himself, with the knife, in the study is questions asking; I shall listen.
Also, Melchior looks like he might need some help with the outpassed Reverend Green. He'll also get a reminder to questions about Austin, Poison, and Kitchen ask.

[ 16. June 2011, 18:04: Message edited by: AristonAstuanax ]

Posted by The Great Gumby (# 10989) on :

Ginger asked Amethyst about Plum in the Dining Room with the Axe and
Brown about Brown in the Ballroom with the Spanner

Lady Lemon asked Peacock about Eliab in the Conservatory with the Lead Piping and
Grey about White in the Dining Room with the Candlestick

Mrs White asked Lemon about Lemon in the Kitchen with the Lead Piping and
Amethyst about Amethyst in the Kitchen with the Lead Piping

Austin Eliab asked White about Eliab in the Study with the Dagger and
Amethyst about Eliab in the Hall with the Axe

Miss Peach asked Lemon about Eliab in the Billiard Room with the Rope and
Green about Eliab in the Kitchen with the Poison

Prof Plum asked Grey about White in the Study with the Candlestick and
Mustard about Scarlet in the Lounge with the Candlestick

Miss Scarlet asked Mustard about Amethyst in the Lounge with the Axe and
Peacock about White in the Hall with the Rope

Miss Amethyst asked Lemon about Peacock in the Conservatory with the Rope and
Scarlet about Peacock in the Conservatory with the Rope

Col Mustard asked White about Eliab in the Study with the Dagger and
Green about Eliab in the Kitchen with the Poison
(at least, that's what I took him to mean, so it's the question I have answered)

Ginger, Austin Eliab, Miss Peach, Miss Amethyst and Col Mustard have made further discoveries.

Today, it's time we started co-operating a bit more. You may each make a suggestion as to how the murder might have occurred, nominating a murderer, a location and a weapon, and at the end of the day, we will work around the group in turn to see if anyone can disprove it. Or rather, to save time, I'll announce who was the first to provide contrary information, and inform you by PM what it was. In the unlikely event that no one else can contradict you, I'll announce that as well.

To make it fair and transparent, I've put you in a random order. The first person to respond to your suspicions will be the player below you, then the player below them, and so on. At the bottom of the list, the turn will pass to the top and continue from there. This has no bearing on how you voice your suspicions, just who answers them first. The order is:

Miss Scarlet
Col Mustard
Prof Plum
Capt Brown
Miss Amethyst
Miss Peach
Mrs White
Lady Lemon
Austin Eliab
Rev Green
Mrs Peacock
Dr Silver
Lord Burgundy
Mr Grey
Ginger

Once again, 1900 BST will be the deadline.

Posted by QLib (# 43) on :

So, supposing I said Miss Fuschia in the bathroom with the broadsword, I'm told about the next player on the list that has any one of those, and then the next player's suggestion is addressed - have I got that right?

Posted by QLib (# 43) on :

Oh well, anyways.....

Mrs White thinks that Ginger is a nice young man, but the murderer always turns out to be the least likely person.doesn't it? Maybe he's gay or something and Mr.Black was blackmailing him. I'm guessing he got to the end of his tether, picked up the Blunderbuss and found his victim in.... oh, I dunno, the Billiard Room maybe.

Posted by Eliab (# 9153) on :

quote:
Originally posted by la vie en rouge:
Mr Eliab get your hands off me! How dare you!! Don't try denying it, Lady Lemon saw you.

Couldn’t have been me, Peach-cheeks. I’m a tit man. My mind was on higher things, if you know what I mean.

It’s the toffs you want to watch out for when it comes to arse. As if they didn’t get enough of it at boarding school. You just stick with me, girl, and I’ll watch your back.

I think there’s still some mileage in my story about the three middle-aged buggers Black, the Captain, and Lord Burgundy, in the ballroom, tanked up and cocks to the wind. And Black, maybe for a dare, maybe to show off, stuck his down the wide muzzle of his old blunderbuss. Then, as is so often the case, it went off by accident and without warning making a horrible mess. The gun, that is. Get your minds out of the gutter, you dirty bleeders.

Back to Peachy. You ever considered a bit of modelling as a side-line, darling? My paper, the Middlesex Meddler, is always showing new talent. Good money. Tastefully done, too. Well, some of the time, at any rate. You want me to give you the once-over, see if you’ve got what it takes?

Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :

Well, it's always about a threesome and a disgruntled lover, isn't it?
These so called 'friends' of Mr.Black's worry me. Not to mention that the butler obviously knows who did it and is having a game with us all. The police should just ask him.

But for what it's worth, I think
Mr.Grey did it most gruesomely, in the kitchen with the lead pipe.

Why? You'd have to ask Mumble that.

Posted by Timothy the Obscure (# 292) on :

Dr. Silver awakes on a chaise longue in the study with a blinding hangover. As is often the case in such moments, inspiration strikes him--it must have been Ginger in the study with the candlestick!

Posted by la vie en rouge (# 10688) on :

Now I gave you fair warning. I've got a six year-old and I'm not afraid to use it.

Melchior dear, I think Mr Eliab has some caramels in his pocket. Why don't you go and ask him to share them with you? [Two face]

Now, about that murder. I'm going to go for Miss Scarlet, in the study with the axe.

Posted by Eliab (# 9153) on :

Austin is used to befriending children. So often they notice more than adults suspect, and can be led quite innocently to betray their parents. And he does genuinely like children, always finding a house full of their smiling faces and playful antics to be a thing of quite unmatched delight. It means that the adults concerned have so much more to lose.

The things that a terrified woman can be persuaded to do in the hope of keeping some (often quite mundane) piece out of his newspapers is a constant and pleasing source of surprise to Eliab, but when the woman in question is also a doting mother, the limits to her compliance have yet to be experimentally verified. To date, he has always grown bored and published anyway, long before meeting with an insurmountable refusal.

Of course children are often excellent judges of character, which can be a problem, but they have their weak-spots, just like everbody else. Austin gives young Melchior a wide grin, a pack of chocolate buttons, and a crumpled copy of Schoolgirl Sluts "for show and tell", as he takes him aside to ask whether his Daddy ever visited Nanny Peach's room at night...

Posted by kingsfold (# 1726) on :

Ginger is somewhat dismayed to discover that people think he might have dunnit, but concedes that the amount of available information as to his whereabouts is somewhat sketchy.

"Ah well, might as well makes a few random guesses of my own then. Lady Lemon seems to have slipped under the radar somewhat, which is decidedly suspicious. So, I reckon it might have been her, in the billiard room with the lead pipe ."

[Mr Gumble, your mailbox is full. Real life is interfering and I won't have a chance to get online this weekend, so please can you answer any questions/suspicions Ginger is supposed to answer? Thanks]

[ 17. June 2011, 12:44: Message edited by: kingsfold ]

Posted by Imaginary Friend (# 186) on :

"My request is about Lady Lemon, the lounge, and the candlestick. Many thanks again."

Posted by AristonAstuanax (# 10894) on :

I say . . . I did it, in the conservatory, with . . . The Rope.

Posted by Antisocial Alto (# 13810) on :

Colonel Mustard with the blunderbuss in the hall! Whew!

Posted by The Great Gumby (# 10989) on :

quote:
Mr Gumble, your mailbox is full. Real life is interfering and I won't have a chance to get online this weekend, so please can you answer any questions/suspicions Ginger is supposed to answer? Thanks

Apologies. I'm unused to the sheer quantity of PMs this game throws up, and was surprised to find that it was full already. There should be space now. In any case, I can naturally answer questions on behalf of all players, as I have been doing, and I'm intending to allow for brief pauses over the weekends, as I know some people find it harder to get online at those times.

Mrs White suspected Ginger in the Billiard Room with the Blunderbuss.
Lord Burgundy was able to disprove this.

Austin Eliab suspected Burgundy in the Ballroom with the Blunderbuss.
Rev Green was able to disprove this.

Lady Lemon suspected Grey in the Kitchen with the Lead Piping.
Mrs Peacock was able to disprove this.

Dr Silver suspected Ginger in the Study with the Candlestick.
Miss Scarlet was able to disprove this.

Miss Peach suspected Scarlet in the Study with the Axe.
Mrs White was able to disprove this.

Ginger suspected Lemon in the Billiard Room with the Lead Piping.
Col Mustard was able to disprove this.

Prof Plum suspected Lemon in the Lounge with the Candlestick.
Capt Brown was able to disprove this.

Col Mustard suspected Mustard in the Conservatory with the Rope.
Lady Lemon was able to disprove this.

[Edit: Miss Amethyst suspected Mustard in the Hall with the Blunderbuss.
Ginger was able to disprove this.

I think that worked so well that we'll so the same today. One suspicion of culprit, location and weapon to be voiced by each player, and the first person who can gainsay that suspicion will do so. As stated above, the weekend's upon us, so you have until 1900 BST on Monday to let us know your revised thoughts.

[ 17. June 2011, 18:54: Message edited by: The Great Gumby ]

Posted by Eliab (# 9153) on :

[OOC]Will the order of potential responses be the same this time, or will it be another random order?[/OOC]

Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :

Dear me, Professor Plum, I may well have been in the lounge admiring the very fine Georgian silverwork in those candlesticks, but it doesn't make me a murderer! And Mr.Ginger, if there was lead piping lying around in the billiard room, I did not see it. I was looking at the very fine self portrait on the wall by John Austen, and the rather good collection of Beardsley prints for which Mr.Black seemed to have a penchant. He did have 'interesting' taste, didn't he?

Colonel Mustard, I am grateful you have information as to my innocence, and that the butler was able to convey it.

But I am unconvinced yet, that I got it entirely wrong. So my next guess is Mr.Grey in the library with the lead piping.

Posted by QLib (# 43) on :

I have to say that Archie White, my dear departed grandpa, always warned me against trick cyclists. Can't trust em, 'e said.

So I reckon it could've been that Dr Silver. 'e's from America or somewhere where they all carry guns, so 'e'd be used to 'andling a Revolver. As for place...
hmmm .... let me see....
Well, I reckon maybe the Dining Room.

Posted by Antisocial Alto (# 13810) on :

Miss Amethyst was beginning to be suspicious of Lord Burgundy. His bluff facade might conceal any number of psychological repressions. Perhaps his subconscious frustrations had surged to the surface while he was in the billiard room with Mr. Black, and he had snatched up the candlestick and brained Black with it before he knew what he was doing.

Miss Amethyst was beginning to feel distinctly sleepy. Under normal circumstances, the party would surely be wrapping up by now, and Miss A would be comfortably tucked up in a cab on her way home. She decided to take a little rest in one of the well-upholstered chairs in the study.

Posted by Timothy the Obscure (# 292) on :

Dr. Silver wanders into the lounge, looking for the hair of the dog. Finding a dusty bottle of brandy in a cupboard, he administers a medicinal dose, and sighs. As a German poet he once read (blast if he can remember the fellow's name) said, "Never mistake a hangover for inspiration."

Nevertheless... I don't recall that candlestick being in its place at the critical time. The lounge though...so secluded, a perfect place for a murder. And Professor Plum--those quiet academic types are absolutely vicious.

Posted by kingsfold (# 1726) on :

Ginger slouches in, exhausted. He's really too tired to try & logic his way through who can alibi whom.

"I'v got to make a guess. I suspect Miss Amethyst in the hall with the blunderbuss. Now please excuse me, I need to go and sleep!"

Posted by la vie en rouge (# 10688) on :

Austin Eliab, in the [/b]ballroom[/b] with the axe.

Posted by Eliab (# 9153) on :

Peaches! You wound me! What did I ever do to you?

There's at least two people playing silly buggers here, that I can see. Asking questions more designed to throw the rest of us off the scent than elicit information. Tricky bastards should be ashamed of themselves.

Still, we won't go far wrong if we stick rigidly to proven facts tested by solid, reliable evidence, and not allow these duplicitous types to mislead us into speculation. Which is why we should start from the basis that Black and his pals, that is, his Lordship, the Captain, the Colonel, the shrink, and (obviously) the Vic, were and are degenerate perverts of the worst kind. Paedophiles. A nasty society of kiddy-fiddlers, meeting together to exchange their filthy photos and lurid stories.

Plenty of people would have wanted to harm them of course, but the story here is better than that: it's a tragic tale of repentance. Black, you see, had converted. Not to Christianity - who the hell takes that seriously these days? - but to ... er ... Islam. Yeah, Islam, that'll do. Plenty of towelheads are buggers, of course, but convert's zeal and all that makes Black think the whole boy thing is not on. He tells his pals that he's calling time on this little game, and urges them to join him in making amends - No God but God, Allah Ackibar. They listen in horror, seeing their comfortable little lives about to collapse, staring at Black like he's out of his mind. He can see he's getting nowhere, and walks off to turn himself and his friends in to the cops.

He gets as far as the front door. While the others sit in stunned silence, the soldier, Mustard, calmly takes the blunderbuss from its hangings, and guns him down in the hall.

Fucking tragic. But it'll sell.

Posted by Imaginary Friend (# 186) on :

"Upon my soul, this is all awfully complicated" remarked and exasperated professor whilst looking wistfully at the unfinished bottle of port on the mantle.
"What is one to do with all this information? A system must clearly be constructed. I should hire a student to sort through the data and tabulate that which we already know. But to whom should a research proposal be submitted? Presumably the forensic sciences have their own institutions, no?"
He fretted.
"Perhaps that will not work. Onward then...
"I wonder if perhaps anyone can tell me anything about Ms Lemon, the dining room, and the dagger?"

Posted by The Great Gumby (# 10989) on :

quote:
Originally posted by Eliab:
[OOC]Will the order of potential responses be the same this time, or will it be another random order?[/OOC]

Again, apologies for not making it clear, and for taking so long to reply to this - Real Life has a habit of intervening. Yes, the order remains the same.

Lady Lemon suspected Grey in the Library with the Lead Piping.
Austin Eliab was able to disprove this.

Mrs White suspected Silver in the Dining Room with the Revolver.
Austin Eliab was able to disprove this.

Miss Amethyst suspected Burgundy in the Billiard Room with the Candlestick.
Rev Green was able to disprove this.

Dr Silver suspected Plum in the Lounge with the Candlestick.
Miss Scarlet was able to disprove this.

Ginger suspected Amethyst in the Hall with the Blunderbuss.
Prof Plum was able to disprove this.

Miss Peach suspected Eliab in the Ballroom with the Axe.
Miss Amethyst was able to disprove this.

Austin Eliab suspected Mustard in the Hall with the Blunderbuss.
Ginger was able to disprove this.

Prof Plum suspected Lemon in the Dining Room with the Dagger.
Austin Eliab was able to disprove this.

That was quite enlightening, I think. And so on to a new round of questioning. You may be starting to build up a picture of who knows what, so to allow you to fill in the gaps, you may each ask one person about one combination of suspect, location and weapon. Once again, you may not ask someone who has already been questioned that day.

Posted by Imaginary Friend (# 186) on :

"Dr Silver do you know anything of Mrs White, the conservatory, or the candlestick?"

Posted by kingsfold (# 1726) on :

Ginger would like to ask Miss Scarlet about Mrs White in the lounge with the rope.

Posted by Eliab (# 9153) on :

Peachy - what exactly do you know about me (Austin Eliab) with the Axe in the Ballroom?

Posted by kingsfold (# 1726) on :

"By the way, Mr Gunble, in the event that anyone wants to make an accusation rather than just asking a question, what it the procedure?"

Ginger doesn't feel it's terribly likely he'll be able to work it out, but on the off chance, it's good to know what to do.

[ 20. June 2011, 22:30: Message edited by: kingsfold ]

Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :

Well, Mr Grey, (if that IS in fact your real name), what might you know about me, Lady Lemon in the Lounge with the Lead piping, hmmm?

Posted by Timothy the Obscure (# 292) on :

Discovering a Ouija board in a cupboard in the lounge, Dr. Silver asks Austin Eliab about Miss Peach in the library with the dagger?

Posted by Eliab (# 9153) on :

I'm just Mr fucking Helpful at the moment, aren't I? Offer me a drink, at least.

Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :

Lady Lemon turned to Miss Peach. "I am surprised that Mr.Drab hasn't followed the trail of empty bottles left by Dr.Silver and Lord Burgundy. It appears they certainly know where the cellar is....and so, it seems does Melchior. Does he usually have Napoleon Brandy before bedtime?"

Posted by la vie en rouge (# 10688) on :

Well, not usually - although there's no knowing what his father used to let him get up to before I arrived. I suppose it'll keep him quiet at least.

Anyway, I'd like to ask Colonel Mustard about Lady Lemon, the lead piping, and theBilliard Room.

Posted by AristonAstuanax (# 10894) on :

Col. Mustard had momentarily distracted been. "Napoleon Cognac?" That he hadn't while in the cellar seen—a whole new mystery seemingly was afoot! Sadly, the peace and quiet he had formerly enjoyed now was . . . very much gone. And some of the comments the party of drunks were making! Though the officer had certainly himself helped to a taste or three of good wine, the scene now? To wine and the dead, a disrespect!

"Gumble, an accusation would I like to make. Messirs Drab, Burgundy, and Silver have quite clearly killed their dignities, and, at this rate, themselves soon after, in the cellar, with the wine bottles. Methinks we should something about this do."

"Sir will have no doubt noticed that the aforementioned gentlemen are likely quite rowdy and unlikely to put down their weapons. Perhaps sir would like to recruit some assistance?"

"A good idea that is. I shall return."

"That Ginger rather stout looks. About altercations, a thing or two he might know."

Ginger was mildly nonplussed. "You want me to help with what? By what means?"

"Murder, not exactly am I suggesting. Not like me, in the hall, with poison"

Posted by The Great Gumby (# 10989) on :

quote:
Originally posted by kingsfold:
"By the way, Mr Gunble, in the event that anyone wants to make an accusation rather than just asking a question, what it the procedure?"

Ginger doesn't feel it's terribly likely he'll be able to work it out, but on the off chance, it's good to know what to do.

In that event, you would be best advised to clearly state that you are making a formal accusation, and specify exactly what it is. Something like:

quote:
ACCUSATION
I accuse person in the room with the weapon

Of course, if you do that, you'd better make sure you get it right. The police don't generally appreciate people wasting their time.

Posted by la vie en rouge (# 10688) on :

Who knew that one of the side effects of alcohol was to turn one into Master Yoda?

You learn something new every day.

(OTOH, if Melchior is also going to turn into a Jedi warrior, that could be convenient. He already has the dressing-up stuff.)

Posted by Antisocial Alto (# 13810) on :

Miss Amethyst asks Lord Burgundy about Ginger, the billiard room and the blunderbuss.

Posted by QLib (# 43) on :

Mrs. White:
I've 'ad pomputer problems and it still ain't 100%, so I can't access me files. So I'm going to take a shot in the dark, if you'll pardon the expression. I'd like to ask that Mr Brown to confirm that he didn't run amok with the Axe in the Ballroom. Just for elimination purposes, Mr.Brown - if that's your real name.
No offence.

Posted by The Great Gumby (# 10989) on :

Prof Plum asked Dr Silver about White in the Conservatory with the Candlestick

Ginger asked Miss Scarlet about White in the Lounge with the Rope

Austin Eliab asked Miss Peach about Eliab in the Ballroom with the Axe

Lady Lemon asked Mr Grey about Lemon in the Lounge with the Lead Piping

Dr Silver asked Austin Eliab about Peach in the Library with the Dagger

Miss Peach asked Col Mustard about Lemon in the Billiard Room with the Lead Piping

Col Mustard asked Ginger about Mustard in the Hall with the Poison

Miss Amethyst asked Lord Burgundy about Ginger in the Billiard Room with the Blunderbuss

Mrs White asked Capt Brown about Brown in the Ballroom with the Axe

Prof Plum, Austin Eliab, Dr Silver, Miss Peach, Col Mustard, Miss Amethyst and Mrs White have discovered new information.

I think you're all getting nearer the mark, so today, we'll have another round of asking the same question of two different people. As before, you may not quiz a combination of people who have already been questioned together earlier in the day, and if your question is well-aimed, you may be able to learn something new from each of them. Also as before, I will only say whether you have discovered something, not how much has been discovered.

Deadline is, as ever, 1900 BST.

Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :

I should like to ask Colonel Mustard & Lord Burgundy about Eliab, the lounge & the lead piping?

Posted by QLib (# 43) on :

I'm sorry to trouble you, Lord Burgundy, but I'm Mrs White, the Cook. I 'ope your lorship enjoyed the evening repast?
<Waits for a response but presses on, undiscouraged when she doesn't get one>
I was was wondering whever your lordship knows anyfink about that Miss Scarlet, the Revolver and the Lounge

I'll leave 'im to mull that one over for a while. God knows, 'e never was egzackly the brightest of Mr.Black's "friends" and age ain't improved 'im.
Mad old bastard. Catch me workin' for the aristocracy? Not bloody likely.

Oh - and there's Mrs Peacock - now she's a real lady - you can always tell. I'll arsk her the same. What d'yer reckon to that Miss Scarlet, Mrs Peacock? Bottle blonde, if ever I saw one.

Posted by Eliab (# 9153) on :

I don't know how I missed it - that young lad Ginger - he's clearly out of place here. Not a toff. Not rich. Not, as far as I can tell (and I can), naturally inquisitive or much of an interloper. He's one of the Black-paedo-ring's first victims. Only thing that makes sense. And he came here looking for revenge.

Except that silly, sentimental Lady Lemon, whose dead husband must have been one of the gang, recognised him, and her mother-hen instincts would never have allowed the poor boy to ruin his life by an ill-considered murder. So she does the only thing she can to dissuade him - strikes first. Lead piping to the skull as Black sipped his cognac in the lounge. A mercy killing, but still a murder.

Can the surviving members of Black's circle - Colonel Mustard and Captain Brown - refute that, or is it time for someone to confess?

Posted by Timothy the Obscure (# 292) on :

Hmmm... Mrs. White does lay out a nice tea. Wonder where she gets her smoked salmon. Nice hand with the scones, too. Not that she couldn't have done in her employer all the while...still... but then there's that dreadful Eliab chap--narcissistic psychopath if ever I saw one....

Thought I noticed a bottle of The Dalmore in the lounge... couldn't tell if it was the 12 year old or something better. Must go check in a mo...

Ah, Captain Brown--I was just wondering if you happened to notice Mr. Green in the vicinity of the lounge with a candlestick in his hand? How about you, Lord Burgundy?

Posted by QLib (# 43) on :

quote:
Originally posted by Timothy the Obscure:
Hmmm... Mrs. White does lay out a nice tea. Wonder where she gets her smoked salmon. Nice hand with the scones, too.

Thank you. We'll talk about the salmon another time. But, speakin' of tea and scones....

On the fourth Wednesday in June we always do Garden Open & Strawberry Teas for Charity at Shipton House and I'm sure the late Mr.Black would want us to continue this tradition. I shall be busy with this all day. There will be a cold collation for lunch, which will be served earlier than usual at 12, and everything cleared away by 2pm, which is when it opens. Teas from 3pm.

Guests don't have to pay the entrance fee (£5) but, if you want a tea, you do have to pay for that, which is also £5 and you won't get better value in England. Most of our guests make a generous donation on top.

If it rains, the Conservatory will be open to guests. Teas are served in the old stables, so that's under cover anyway.

The event closes at 7. Dinner will be at 8.
Mrs White

Ha! Bet you all thought I couldn't write proper just because I can't talk posh. I'll have you know I went to a Grammar School.

You are all to be on you best behaviour today. Don't come asking me tomfool questions when I'm busy in the kitchen. Address any queries to Gumble.

You in particular, Mr.Eliah. If you so much as set a foot – or, more to the point, a hand, or even just a leer – out of line with any of our lady guests, I will personally disembowel you from behind with a rusty spoon.

Posted by Antisocial Alto (# 13810) on :

Miss Amethyst asks Prof Plum and Dr Silver about me (Miss A) with the blunderbuss in the hall.

[ 22. June 2011, 06:46: Message edited by: Antisocial Alto ]

Posted by la vie en rouge (# 10688) on :

I shall attempt to rouse Lord Burgundy and Professor Plum from their alcohol induced stupor to ask about Miss Amethyst, the Billiard Room and the Blunderbuss.

Posted by AristonAstuanax (# 10894) on :

quote:
Originally posted by la vie en rouge:
I shall attempt to rouse Lord Burgundy and Professor Plum from their alcohol induced stupor to ask about Miss Amethyst, the Billiard Room and the Blunderbuss.

Madam, let me the trouble save you and their answers for them give:
"*BLEAAAAAAAAAGGHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!* I've never been this drunking fuck in lie mife!"
You might want to stand back when they the charming reply give you, lest you be by it hit.

Now. Eine Question. Of the questions that have and have not been already asked and answered, I have begun, perhaps, to loose track; perhaps productive might this one potentially be:
Lord Burgundy and Rev. Green: what dost thee knowest about Burgundy, the Billiard Room, and the Blunderbuss?

Posted by Eliab (# 9153) on :

quote:
Originally posted by QLib:
You in particular, Mr.Eliah. If you so much as set a foot – or, more to the point, a hand, or even just a leer – out of line with any of our lady guests, I will personally disembowel you from behind with a rusty spoon.

You can think you've seen all there is to see about women (and believe me, I've seen a lot), and they can still surprise you. I mean, I've not so much as glanced at the old scrubber and suddenly she comes across all possessive and jealous.

S'okay Whitey. I'm like one of your puddings - plenty to go round, and even when you're stuffed you'll want to come back for seconds.

Posted by Imaginary Friend (# 186) on :

"I say, Ms Amethyst and Dr Silver, do you know of Ms Scarlet, the ballroom, or the candlestick?"

Posted by Surfing Madness (# 11087) on :

Miss Scarlet having been sucked into an alternative dimension for a few days, came back very confussed, scratched her head, and tried to catch up. She decided to ask Captin Brown and Miss Amethyst if they knew anything about The dagger, the ballroom and lady lemon.

Posted by The Great Gumby (# 10989) on :

Lady Lemon asked Mustard and Burgundy about Eliab in the Lounge with the Lead Piping

Mrs White asked Burgundy and Peacock about Scarlet in the Lounge with the Revolver

Austin Eliab asked Mustard and Brown about Lemon in the Lounge with the Lead Piping

Dr Silver asked Brown and Burgundy about Green in the Lounge with the Candlestick

Miss Amethyst asked Plum and Silver about Amethyst in the Hall with the Blunderbuss

Miss Peach asked Burgundy and Plum about Amethyst in the Billiard Room with the Blunderbuss

Col Mustard asked Burgundy and Green about Burgundy in the Billiard Room with the Blunderbuss

Prof Plum asked Amethyst and Silver about Scarlet in the Ballroom with the Candlestick

Miss Scarlet asked Brown and Amethyst about Lemon in the Ballroom with the Dagger

Austin Eliab, Dr Silver, Miss Amethyst, Miss Peach, Col Mustard, Prof Plum and Miss Scarlet discovered new information.

One more round of that, I think. One identical question to two different players. You may, if the mood takes you, interrogate a pair of players who have previously been questioned together, but not if they have already been questioned together today.

Posted by The Great Gumby (# 10989) on :

In response to a query, and for clarification, the double-questioning works like this:

Each of the people you interrogate can only divulge one piece of information at a time, but each person questioned will answer separately, so you can get two answers if they are both able to help. In the event that you do hit the jackpot, it will be announced exactly the same as if you discovered one new thing. All that I will reveal is whether you have uncovered new information - not what it is (obviously), but neither will I disclose how much information. That's for everyone else to determine.

Posted by la vie en rouge (# 10688) on :

Questions to Mrs. Peacock and Mrs. White - did you see the shadowy Mr. Grey in the Billiard Room with the spanner at any point?

Posted by QLib (# 43) on :

In her attic bedroom at the back of the house, Mrs White snores gently. The notebook open beside her reads:
Could anything have happened in my own kitchen that I dont know about? Ask Ginger and Mustard (spicy!) about that weirdo Professor Plum, MY Kitchen and the old Blunderbuss

Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :

Colonel Mustard & Dr. Silver, did you happen to see Mr.Grey in the billiard room with the lead piping?

Posted by Eliab (# 9153) on :

What other dark secrets does Shipton House hold?

I've always wanted to run this one, but English murderers have yet to oblige me with a pretext. Perhaps this time I'll get lucky...

having exhausted every other form of degeneracy and perversion, Black's friends determine to sample the most forbidden of all tastes - human flesh. Swearing an oath of secrecy, they kill what little remains of their inhibitions with a cocktail of psychotropic drugs, and draw lots. The first short straw falls to the designated killer - perhaps Mr Grey. The second is drawn by the victim, Black. Before he can protest or beg for mercy, his killer has seized a kitchen knife (dagger) and Mr Black is now today's special.

Mrs White wouldn't have taken any such oath, but she must know something off it - why else would she be doing her eviscerations with a spoon, unless the knives had all been soiled? And Mrs Peacock is the sort of nosy harridan that she might have confided in.

So - Cannibal Cult at Shipton House, or not?

Posted by Antisocial Alto (# 13810) on :

Miss Amethyst asks Austin Eliab and Col. Mustard if they saw Lady Lemon in the dining room with the lead pipe.

Posted by Timothy the Obscure (# 292) on :

Ah, Capt. Brown, Mrs. Peacock--did you happen to observe Lord Burgundy (dreadful man, can't believe the sort who are getting peerages these days) in the vicinity of the kitchen with a candlestick in his hand?

Posted by AristonAstuanax (# 10894) on :

Plum and Peacock: Amethyst, Lounge, Lead. To that, what do you say?

Posted by The Great Gumby (# 10989) on :

Miss Peach asked Peacock and White about Grey in the Billiard Room with the Spanner

Mrs White asked Ginger and Mustard about Plum in the Kitchen with the Blunderbuss

Lady Lemon asked Mustard and Silver about Grey in the Billiard Room with the Lead Piping

Austin Eliab asked White and Peacock about Grey in the Kitchen with the Dagger

Miss Amethyst asked Eliab and Mustard about Lemon in the Dining Room with the Lead Piping

Dr Silver asked Brown and Peacock about Burgundy in the Kitchen with the Candlestick

Col Mustard asked Plum and Peacock about Amethyst in the Lounge with the Lead Piping

Lady Lemon, Austin Eliab, Miss Amethyst, Dr Silver and Col Mustard discovered new information.

Once again today, you may ask the same question of two different people, and you may not ask a pair of people who have already been questioned together earlier in the day. You may question a pair who have been questioned together at some other time, or a pair who have never been questioned together.

Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :

I shall ask the pair of Peach & White if they know anything about Dr Silver, the study, & the spanner ?

Posted by QLib (# 43) on :

Meanwhile, in the Kitchen, Mrs White and Miss Peach are discussing Portia's 8th birthday this weekend.......

Posted by QLib (# 43) on :

Yes, I still 'ave my suspicions about that Dr. Silver - I'll go for the Revolver and the Lounge - bit risky as it was full of guests most of the time on the night in question. But he's a pretty cool customer, so if anyone could do it, I reckon 'e could. No sense of shame, see.

Now, who shall I ask? I think I'll try Miss Amethyst and Professor Plum.

Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :

I know you sent them to bed, Mrs.White, but I simply don't think the children are at all tired, because they are now mattress surfing down the grand stairwell in the entry. Perhaps Professor Plum would be good enough to open the front door?

You don't happen to have any netting handy do you?

Posted by Timothy the Obscure (# 292) on :

I should like to ask Mrs. White and Austin Eliab about Col. Mustard in the study with the dagger.

[ 24. June 2011, 04:08: Message edited by: Timothy the Obscure ]

Posted by QLib (# 43) on :

quote:
Originally posted by Banner Lady:
I know you sent them to bed, Mrs.White, but I simply don't think the children are at all tired, because they are now mattress surfing down the grand stairwell in the entry. Perhaps Professor Plum would be good enough to open the front door?

You may have heard childish giggling and mattress surfing, Lady Lemon, and you may naturally have assumed that was the children, but I can assure that I tucked them in myself and they went out like lights in two minutes. I suspect your surfers were Ginger and Peachy. Someone's been nipping at my medicinal gin again. Could 'ave been Burgundy and Peacock, I suppose. They're almost at their second childhoods.

Posted by la vie en rouge (# 10688) on :

Questions to Mrs Peacock and Ginger about Dr Silver with the revolver in the dining room.

Now to go and phone Mrs Black about that birthday.

Posted by AristonAstuanax (# 10894) on :

With my notes having been reviewed, it seems several of us are the same leads chasing. Rather amusing can it be, ja?

There is a question. The question of mine of Miss Scarlet and Dr. Brown is: Ginger, in the lounge, with the candlestick.

Posted by Eliab (# 9153) on :

It suddenly ocurs to me that I've said nothing to the detriment of Professor Plum. How remiss of me. Especially as in his case, there's actually some basis for suspicion.

Look - his invite clearly says he was supposed to arrive with his wife. Where is she? Anyone seen her? And what sort of Professor is he anyway? He keeps that very quiet.

He's drugged her, I reckon. Because he's working on a top-secret government project to create the ultimate secret agents: agents with so deep a cover it includes an neural-lattice of entirely fake memory, so that the agent does not even know her own identity until a hypnotic command is given. The Professor's wife is the prototype: mind erased by drugs and given a new identity and implanted with subconscious but lethal combat skills. Only the Professor and his lab-technician (Mrs Peacock) knew of the experiment.

However they made a mistake. Partly to test the depth of conditioning, but mostly because they could, our scientists embarked on a torrid affair. Consciously, of course, the automaton which was once Mrs Plum, had no reason to object when she saw the Professor in the lounge, wrapped in another woman's arms, but nevertheless something snapped inside, and she went berserk, breaking off a length of lead-piping from the guttering, and when Mr Black remonstrated with her, she killed him with a perfect assassin's nerve-strike to the neck.

The Professor sedated her, of course, and she returned to her previous, false personailty. But is it not the case that Professor Plum's jilted, brain-washed, and highly dangerous wife is none other than Miss Amethyst? It is time for the scientists to reveal all.

[ 24. June 2011, 15:48: Message edited by: Eliab ]

Posted by Eliab (# 9153) on :

quote:
Originally posted by AristonAstuanax:
With my notes having been reviewed, it seems several of us are the same leads chasing. Rather amusing can it be, ja?

I have no idea what you mean, chum. All my research is 100% original. Don't go impugning my journalistic integrity, here. There's such a thing a libel law in this country.

[ 24. June 2011, 15:50: Message edited by: Eliab ]

Posted by Imaginary Friend (# 186) on :

The professor had dozed off. It was getting late, the port was warming his belly, and dreams of past glories seemed enticing. Slumped in a chair in the library he was quite unaware of the continuing activity in the rest of the house. Occasionally twitching, and with an ever-growing string of saliva escaping from the side of his mouth he looked nothing like the world-renowned academic he liked to present himself as.

After some time, he started violently and was suddenly awake. The restorative effects of his doze were not immediately obvious, as he stared around himself with a look of confusion on his face. A footstep was heard in the hallway outside and suddenly his faculties seemed sharpened, like a mask of competence had been snapped into place where his own face should have been. Looking about keenly for an opportunity to resume his investigative quest, he leaped to his feet with a measure of enthusiasm and set off to find the rest of the group.

"I say, you lot don't seem to have got very far in my absence, eh? Of course, I should have expected this from a load of second-rate minds such as your good selves. But now the cavalry has arrived: fed, watered and chomping at the bit!

"Ms Amethyst and Ms Peacock I wonder if you couldn't enlighten me about Mrs White, her favored kitchen and ornamental but deceptively sturdy candlestick which she keeps there? Much obliged."

Posted by QLib (# 43) on :

Ahem. Miss Portia is 8 years old today so, current sad circumstances notwithstanding, the party tomorrow will go ahead. You are cordially invited to bring your inner child, if you have one, to the party on the other thread. Strictly speaking, the sleepover is Saturday, but you/s/he/it/they can stay Friday night if absolutely necessary (as, for example, might be the case with some of our overseas friends).

If you don't have an inner child - or simply don't wish to let it loose - Yyou can either stay here in relative peace and quiet or join in the party thread as your current selves - only make sure you don't frighten any of the little darlings.

Miss Peach is finalising some details with the errant Mrs. Black and a more formal invitation to non-residents will be issued in the Styx in due course.

Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :

"No, young man, you may NOT pee into Mrs. Peacock's evening bag, even if she has left it enticingly open on the floor in the corner. Go and use the fountain in the conservatory, like the rest of the gentlemen are doing. Yes. I know you're bored. Then, why don't you offer to help with the party decorations? I'm sure Mrs.White could use some extra hands."

Lady Lemon sighed. Sometimes there was little difference between a six year old boy and a thirty, forty or fifty-six year old boy. They should never be left to themselves to wander aimlessly about, because mischief invariably followed.

She had a strange feeling of misgiving about this party...

Posted by Antisocial Alto (# 13810) on :

Miss Amethyst asks Dr. Silver and Mrs. White about Miss Scarlet, the candlestick and the lounge.

Posted by The Great Gumby (# 10989) on :

Lady Lemon asked Peach and White about Silver in the Study with the Spanner

Mrs White asked Amethyst and Plum about Silver in the Lounge with the Revolver

Dr Silver asked White and Eliab about Mustard in the Study with the Dagger

Miss Peach asked Peacock and Ginger about Silver in the Dining Room with the Revolver

Col Mustard asked Scarlet and Brown about Ginger in the Lounge with the Candlestick

Austin Eliab asked Plum and Peacock about Amethyst in the Lounge with the Lead Piping

Prof Plum asked Amethyst and Peacock about White in the Kitchen with the Candlestick

Miss Amethyst asked Silver and White about Scarlet in the Lounge with the Candlestick

Lady Lemon, Dr Silver, Miss Peach, Col Mustard, Austin Eliab and Prof Plum uncovered new information.

I shudder to think what we're likely to be subjected to as a result of this party. I trust everyone will be able to escape the madness at some point for long enough to continue our investigations? Once again, please pose the same question to two players, not a pair of players previously questioned together today.

I shall find somewhere to hide out below stairs, and will see you again on Monday evening.

Deadline for this round is 1900 BST on Monday

Posted by QLib (# 43) on :

I should like to arsk Ginger and Professor Plum what they know about the Hall, Colonel Mustard and the Revolver

Posted by AristonAstuanax (# 10894) on :

"Bewegen nicht! Mr. Drab, you have revealed yourself at last!"

The loud shouting and Miss Scarlet's screams brought quite a crowd into the lounge; it wasn't every day a revolver-brandishing undercover German law officer decided to arrest everyone's least favorite party guest.

"Oberst "Senf" von Gatow and the BND have caught up with you at last, sir! Who has been spreading libels about our civil servants? You. Attempting to infiltrate our defense research agencies? Also you. Ham-fisted attempts at espionage and leaking sensitive documents? My colleagues at the BfV have quite a file on you. And, worst of all, trying to seduce the Chancellor? How Could You? Mr. Drab, the Federal Republic will be having several words with you once this present situation has calmed down."

"Excuse me. Is sir accusing the gentleman of the murder of Mr. Black?"

"No Gumble; such would be too honest for Mr. Drab. I will be questioning Ginger and Miss Peacock about Dr. Silver, though, regarding the Ballroom and my Revolver.

Posted by Timothy the Obscure (# 292) on :

Dr. Silver returns from a stroll in the garden with a disquieting question nagging at his awareness. He had tried to put it out of his mind, but he had learned in his training analysis that one must follow the stream of consciousness wherever it goes, and face what one finds there. He steeled himself as he encountered Ginger and Miss Peach.

"Er.... One hates to bring it up, but, um, the other night I had had a bit to drink--you might have noticed--and, well, the truth is my memory of the evening is a bit spotty to say the least. I was just wondering if either of you had noticed me wandering about the Hall with a revolver in my hand...."

Posted by Eliab (# 9153) on :

quote:
Originally posted by AristonAstuanax:
Who has been spreading libels about our civil servants? You. Attempting to infiltrate our defense research agencies? Also you. Ham-fisted attempts at espionage and leaking sensitive documents? My colleagues at the BfV have quite a file on you. And, worst of all, trying to seduce the Chancellor?

Now you’re just making shit up. Tried to seduced the Chancellor did I? Fucking “tried”? Bollocks. Listen, Yoda, it’s “do” or “do not”. There is no “try”. And, trust me, Angie is definitely a “do”.

I’m not surprised she had her eye on the Professor’s plums, though. She does have quite a thing for scientists. And wears nothing but stockings and a white lab coat to bed. Not much to look at, I grant you, but seriously, when she’s done it feels like your old fella’s been put through a centrifuge. Christ, I swear that woman could spit out your DNA fingerprint...

[ 25. June 2011, 20:42: Message edited by: Eliab ]

Posted by AristonAstuanax (# 10894) on :

Alright, "Mr. Drab," from you quite enough we have been hearing. Yes, "Mr. Drab"—according to our records, you've more false identities than a fraternity house. Even we can't be knowing your real name, so the most recent one we'll just have to be using, yes?

That said, as a master of disguise and subterfuge myself, we do have to admire that whole Belgian operation—taking on that many identities was even better than your stint as a Semetic Egyptian trader.

But. Right here you will have to be staying. Keep your hands to yourself (the Chancellor's story differs quite markedly from yours, I'll let you know) and, for God's sake, don't let anyone with Miss Portia's friends catch you with! You're in quite enough trouble with several international agencies as it is, sir!

Now then—Mrs. White has sent me off to separate some vodka from local teenagers. I suppose that Lord Burgundy and Dr. Silver may have outdrunk enough of her medicinal gin cure any disease that they might suffer . . .

Posted by dj_ordinaire (# 4643) on :

Ginger, Conservatory, Spanner

Stand to bally reason, no?

And harumph to the whole silly bloody business, proles the lot of them. Not one of them ranking than a bloody Viscount.

Prfah!

Posted by kingsfold (# 1726) on :

[OOC] sorry all, the last week has been an absolute doozey, and I've just not been able to check in. Hopefully, I'll be able to try & get my brain back into gear and catch up later, if one of you hasn't managed to solve it by then! [/OOC]

Posted by la vie en rouge (# 10688) on :

I would like to ask Rev Green and Lady Lemon about Mrs. Peacock with the spanner in the Lounge.

Posted by Eliab (# 9153) on :

quote:
Originally posted by dj_ordinaire:
Ginger, Conservatory, Spanner

Stand to bally reason, no?

And harumph to the whole silly bloody business, proles the lot of them. Not one of them ranking than a bloody Viscount.

Prfah!

Was that an accusation, your Lordship? 'Cos if it's a question, I can't see who you're asking, since there's no bloody viscounts, barons, dukes, earls or any other titled buggers here, except yourself, and if you don't know whether you know about that lot, the rest of us can't help you.

If, it's an accusation, we should probably see if it's a good one before rushing to print and taking the credit.

Posted by dj_ordinaire (# 4643) on :

Whoops no, I mean to ask Lady Lemon and Miss Peach! Too busy being in character to remember the rules [Roll Eyes]

Oh well!

Posted by Eliab (# 9153) on :

Glad to have been of help, my Lord.
While we’re on the subject, I’ve been paying a fair bit of attention to the lovely Miss Peach myself. Lucky old Black, eh? Having her to warm his bed.

Of course, the randy old sod played away a lot, and women have a tendency to be possessive - you just look at how old Whitey bristles every time my hand brushes another bint’s tit. I reckon Peaches found him in the study, with Peacock’s or Melons’ lips firmly attached, Merkel-style, to his never-you-mind. She saw red, took the revolver from the desk drawer, shot him dead, and fled before the unfortunate fellatrix could even turn around to see who was there.

Well, Lord Burgundy? You think that’s plausible?

Ahhh, I see Miss Peach is earwigging us. Bad habit, JP. Not ladylike at all. I knew there was something about you that I liked. Well, come on then, love - is my little story true or not?

Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :

Mrs White & Miss Scarlet, did you happen to see Captain Brown in the lounge with the lead piping?

Posted by Antisocial Alto (# 13810) on :

Miss Amethyst asks Miss Scarlet and Mrs Peacock about Ginger, the kitchen and the candlestick.

Posted by The Great Gumby (# 10989) on :

I must say I'm pleasantly surprised to find that the building is still more or less intact after the weekend, although the enormous amount of mess, and especially the empty bottles (you know who you are!) are neither pleasant nor much of a surprise. So let's review the latest round of questions.

Mrs White asked Ginger and Plum about Mustard in the Hall with the Revolver

Col Mustard asked Ginger and Peacock about Silver in the Ballroom with the Revolver

Dr Silver asked Ginger and Peach about Silver in the Hall with the Revolver

Lord Burgundy (eventually) asked Lemon and Peach about Ginger in the Conservatory with the Spanner

Miss Peach asked Green and Lemon about Peacock in the Lounge with the Spanner

Austin Eliab asked Burgundy and Peach about Peach in the Study with the Revolver

Lady Lemon asked White and Scarlet about Brown in the Lounge with the Lead Piping

Miss Amethyst asked Scarlet and Peacock about Ginger in the Kitchen with the Candlestick

Mrs White, Col Mustard, Dr Silver, Miss Peach, Austin Eliab and Miss Amethyst discovered new information.

One more try at that, I think. Same question to two different people, making sure that those two haven't been questioned together so far today. As ever, 1900 BST.

Posted by QLib (# 43) on :

Mrs White is wondering about Mrs Peacock. Maybe she's not really a lady after all - and even if she is... well, ladies aren't above murder. In fact, Mrs White wonders if anyone would really miss Austin Eliab were he to unfortunately meet with a nasty accident. But enough of this pleasant day-dreaming. ...

I shall tackle Mrs Peacock, directly, and Miss Amethyst too, about Peacock herself. Where? Well, I'm still not sure that someone didn't take liberties in my Kitchen. Weapon? Hmmmm,.... I think they're stronger than they look. Maybe the Axe. Yes, that'll do.

Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :

Lady Lemon is asking Ginger & Rev.Green about Captain Brown, in the dining room with the revolver.

Posted by Timothy the Obscure (# 292) on :

Dr. Silver sits back in the wingback chair in the lounge, sipping the 18 year old Dalmore reflectively.

Mrs. White is a fine cook, but that's no guarantee she's not a murderess as well. She might have her reasons--the bartender at the Duke of Denver's Arms did say that on the few occasions Mr. Black stopped by, he showed every sign of being a parsimonious chap. "Tight as a new nun" were his words...

He decides he must ask Miss Amethyst and Mrs. Peacock about Mrs. White in the Ballroom with the Candlestick.

Posted by QLib (# 43) on :

quote:
Originally posted by Timothy the Obscure:
Mrs. White is a fine cook, but that's no guarantee she's not a murderess as well. She might have her reasons--the bartender at the Duke of Denver's Arms did say that on the few occasions Mr. Black stopped by, he showed every sign of being a parsimonious chap. "Tight as a new nun" were his words...
He decides he must ask Miss Amethyst and Mrs. Peacock about ...

That bartender falls into the category of people who will say anything except their prayers. Though I never knew nuns - new or otherwise - were in the habit of getting drunk. [Biased]

I ain't takin' it personal, Dr. Silver, but I think you will find that I am already engaged to speak to Amethyst and Peacock today.

Posted by The Great Gumby (# 10989) on :

quote:
Originally posted by QLib:
I ain't takin' it personal, Dr. Silver, but I think you will find that I am already engaged to speak to Amethyst and Peacock today.

Indeed. I'm sure we wouldn't want Miss Amethyst and Mrs Peacock to spend all day answering questions. Dr Silver, I wonder if I could introduce you to some of the other guests, who may be able to assist with your enquiries?

Posted by dj_ordinaire (# 4643) on :

Another dead end...

Perhaps have better luck tracking down that rotterAustin Eliab and that... whats-her-name... Peacock - about Gray, in the Conservatory, with the Blunderbuss.

Yes, a good manly weapon that one. What I've have chosen, haha.

Posted by la vie en rouge (# 10688) on :

Did you enjoy your day off, Mrs. White? Don't worry, most of the mess has been cleaned up. I've billed Mrs. Black. Quite frankly it's the least she can do.

I'd like to know if you have any information on me (Peach), the dagger or the Hall.

Same questions to Lady Lemon.

Posted by Eliab (# 9153) on :

I haven’t said much about young Miss Scarlet, either. She’s worth a thought, though. Indeed, she’s quite well stacked, and worth quite a lot of attention, in close-up and sharp focus.

Let’s see: she’s vain, manipulative and secretive. Carries an overly-butch handbag. Has paid very little attention to me. She’s clearly a lesbian.

I like it. Hot killer lesbians are never old news.

Why would she do in Black? She doesn’t share in the seething sexual jealousy that has gripped every other woman here. No, it must be more personal than that. Black would never have been her lover - he could never have attracted a man-hater like our Scarlet. But he was just about the right age to be ... her father.

That’s it! Scarlet is Black’s illegitimate daughter. He abandoned her and her mother without support, turned her mother’s friends and family against them, and then, when the poor ruined single parent finally succumbed to poverty, or insanity, or suicide, or some such newsworthy fate, little Miss S was left all alone in the world with nothing but her looks, a fanatical hatred of males, and a thirst for revenge.

That dyke-bag of Scarlet’s is looking a lot lighter than it did when she arrived. I reckon there was a hollowed-out book in there, just big enough to contain a revolver. If I could ask Rev Green and Mr Grey to retrieve it from it’s hiding place in the library, and let me know if there’s any part of this story that they can disprove.

Posted by Antisocial Alto (# 13810) on :

White and Plum about me (Amethyst), the study and the revolver! Whew!

Posted by The Great Gumby (# 10989) on :

Mrs White asked Peacock and Amethyst about Peacock in the Kitchen with the Axe

Lady Lemon asked Ginger and Green about Brown in the Dining Room with the Revolver

Dr Silver rather unfortunately attempted to intrude on Mrs White's conversation, and never took up my suggestion of introducing himself to some other guests. Sadly, I must take it that he has no questions today.

Lord Burgundy asked Eliab and Peacock about Grey in the Conservatory with the Blunderbuss

Miss Peach asked White and Lemon about Peach in the Hall with the Dagger

Austin Eliab asked Green and Grey about Scarlet in the Library with the Revolver

Miss Amethyst asked White and Plum about Amethyst in the Study with the Revolver

Mrs White, Austin Eliab and Miss Amethyst discovered new information.

Today, we shall have a slight variation. You may still question two people, and you are still forbidden to question a pair who have already been questioned together that day, but you may ask each person you question about a different combination of murderer, room and weapon if you wish.

Deadline of 1900 BST.

Posted by Eliab (# 9153) on :

I love a lesbian murderess. There’s something that’s just so thrilling about a female of wild and unnatural instincts being incarcerated. If she’s ugly, we do a big close-up of her face, looking sour, for the readers to gloat over, and if she’s fit, it’s even better, with a full figure shot, lots of leg and cleavage, all hand-cuffed and tearful. Bloody marvellous it is.

My lucky day, then.

ACCUSATION

I accuse Miss Scarlet of killing Mr Black by striking him with a candlestick in the hall.

Motive? Hell, let’s run the paedophile angle. Not straight-off, mind. Well start with the police ‘baffled’, unprovoked attack, meaningless crime, terrible tragedy. Use the Black kids, of course. No more than a week, though - they’re wealthy, so will never really engage any lasting public sympathy. Then we break the story of the paedo-ring, with just a hint that Scarlet might have known about it. Then let’s discover some intimate revelations from old girlfriends...

This one could run for weeks.

Posted by The Great Gumby (# 10989) on :

quote:
Originally posted by Eliab:
ACCUSATION

I accuse Miss Scarlet of killing Mr Black by striking him with a candlestick in the hall.

*ahem* I do beg your pardon, Mr Eliab, but it appears you are incorrect. I have reviewed the questioning, and I fear the fault lies entirely with me. It appears that I erroneously listed the successful questioners back here. Miss Amethyst should also have been successful on that occasion, but I'm afraid I have no recollection of whether I informed her of this fact. I shall speak to the police, explain the situation and ensure that they feel no need to detain you for wasting their time.

Seriously, I'm very, very sorry about screwing this up. I've been double-checking everything but it seems that I missed one somehow. If I need to send the information from the "missed" successful question, please let me know, AA, either here or by PM. It's not ideal, and I'd fully understand if anyone wants to drop out, but I hope we can still play the game out to a close with this one correction. Sorry again. [Waterworks]

Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :

Lady Lemon looked sour. "Mr.Drab is so very eager to point the finger. It does make one even more suspicious of him. So, what does Austin Eliab really know about Miss Scarlet, the hall and the candlestick?.

And Miss Amethyst, what do you have to say about Lord Burgundy, in the dining room, with the lead piping?"

Posted by Timothy the Obscure (# 292) on :

Damn real life, it does intrude so... My apologies, Mrs. White.

But it being a new day: Miss Amethyst, what can you tell me about Mrs. White in the Ballroom with the Candlestick?

And Mrs. Peacock--what do you know about Mrs. White in the Hall with the Lead Pipe?

Posted by AristonAstuanax (# 10894) on :

Colonel Mustard crutched his way over to the leather sofa and plopped down. It'd been an interesting several hours, both for him and the hospital staff; evidently, German intelligence officers with short-term memory loss/post-concussive confusion/assumed identities aren't exactly a casualty ward intake secretary's cup of tea. Nobody was exactly sure what name he'd been given in the ER, which was probably for the best—"Herr Goebels" was exactly the kind of thing an annoyed and frustrated staffer might put down on an official record, though "Errol Flynn" was just as likely.

At any rate, once the concussion wore off and the swollen ankle had been very securely splinted, the colonel was released back to Shipton Manor, arriving just in time for the end of the barbecue. No injured ex-pirate should ever have to miss a chance for delicious slabs of roasted meat, right? Let others keep their fish fingers—barbecue and milk custard were just the thing.

Now then. Mr. Drab has hasty accusations been making; according to him, everything he knew. He was wrong, and, on at least one count, why is something I could tell. But I won't. What? It isn't as if it is not obvious at this point? Out with the handcuffs, goodbye to the scandelmonger, on with the party! With the questioning the more cautious of us will be continuing.

Professor Plum: about what do you know of Amethyst, Hall, and Blunderbuss? Oh, and Miss Amethyst: a word about Dr. Brown, the Ballroom, and a dagger would I like to have.

Posted by QLib (# 43) on :

I should also like to ask Miss Amethyst about Miss Peach and the candlestick in the Hall.

And Miss Scarlet I should like to ask you about Ginger, the candlestick and the Hall.

If you arsk me, I reckon Miss Peach is Miss Amethyst's love child and Peachie and Ginger are feigning a complete lack of interest in each other to cover their relationship - though whether they are lovers or long-lost brother and sister, I couldn't say. But I doubt if Black was the father. I'm still workin' on the motive.

P.S. Mr Gumble - these things 'appen in the best-run 'ouseolds, as they say. And this is a best-run 'ouse'old, thanks to you. Though, 'avin' said that,... maybe a little less port of an evenin'? [Biased]

Just as long as you're not the real murderer and leadin' us all a merry dance.

[ 29. June 2011, 07:15: Message edited by: QLib ]

Posted by The Great Gumby (# 10989) on :

quote:
Originally posted by QLib:
P.S. Mr Gumble - these things 'appen in the best-run 'ouseolds, as they say. And this is a best-run 'ouse'old, thanks to you. Though, 'avin' said that,... maybe a little less port of an evenin'?

Just as long as you're not the real murderer and leadin' us all a merry dance.

Would that I were, Mrs White. That at least would preserve my dignity, and ensure that I received the punishment due for my sins.

Nor can I blame the demon drink - keeping the house running in these circumstances, especially with the children around, appears to have been sufficient distraction. It is a most terrible imposition, but as we must now be seeking new employment, I wonder if I might ask you to keep this little transgression between us? A butler may occasionally gain employment without a reference, even if his previous employer was murdered, but to employ a butler who was known to have committed an administrative error would be unthinkable.

Posted by la vie en rouge (# 10688) on :

You job's in no danger as far as I can tell, Mr. Gumble. I think Melchior officially owns the place these days, and he isn't showing any signs of sacking you.

Questions: Lady Lemon for Mr. Grey in the Hall with the poison and

Lord Burgundy for Mrs. Peacock in the Hall with the revolver.

Posted by Eliab (# 9153) on :

quote:
Originally posted by The Great Gumby:
Seriously, I'm very, very sorry about screwing this up. I've been double-checking everything but it seems that I missed one somehow. If I need to send the information from the "missed" successful question, please let me know, AA, either here or by PM. It's not ideal, and I'd fully understand if anyone wants to drop out, but I hope we can still play the game out to a close with this one correction. Sorry again.

[OOC]No problem. I think there's usually been one error in previous Ship Cluedo games, but quite often it gets spotted from public data. I don't think there's any way to guarantee that no mistakes will be made, however attentive the moderator.

Am I eliminated for an incorrect guess, or are you calling that a 'let' based on mistaken info? I think that my accusation was a good call based on what actually appeared on the thread, but obviously I might be wrong, and if I am then I should be out. If anyone thinks that I would have been wrong anyway, because the accusation was inconsistent with public information, they should PM you to say so, and you can call it in or out.[/OOC]

Posted by Eliab (# 9153) on :

[OOC]Assuming I'm still in...[/OOC]

Austin Eliab, in his long and interesting career, has had many occasions to bless and to curse the whole damned tribe of lawyers, and reads the one-paragraph summary of his solicitor's advice vexedly. Apparently, the story about the hot lesbian candlestick killer was too scurrilous and unfounded even for the pages of the Middlesex Meddler, which, given how low that particular bar had been set during Eliab's ownership of the paper, he can at least take as something of a compliment. He chews his pencil thoughtfully as he studies his reporter's notepad...

I'm not going to be reduced to adulterous clerics again, am I? Please, Mrs White, could you confirm that Rev Green didn't batter his love rival to death with a spanner in the hall?

Or I could run the story of the cast-off Mrs Peacock garotting (with rope) her former lover in the kitchen? Know anything about that, do you, Rev Green?

Bollocks to it, I thought I was on to a winning story, there.

Posted by Antisocial Alto (# 13810) on :

Miss Amethyst asks Mrs Peacock if she knows anything about me (A) in the lounge with the dagger.

Miss Amethyst asks Miss Scarlet if she knows about me (A) in the hall with the spanner.

Posted by The Great Gumby (# 10989) on :

Mr Eliab, you are most certainly still welcome at Shipton House. Fortunately, the police have accepted that your accusation was made in good faith, and will not be pressing charges.

Lady Lemon asked Eliab about Scarlet in the Hall with the Candlestick
and Amethyst about Burgundy in the Dining Room with the Lead Piping

Dr Silver asked Amethyst about White in the Ballroom with the Candlestick
and Peacock about White in the Hall with the Lead Piping

Col Mustard asked Plum about Amethyst in the Hall with the Blunderbuss
and Amethyst about Brown in the Ballroom with the Dagger

Mrs White asked Amethyst about Peach in the Hall with the Candlestick
and Scarlet about Ginger in the Hall with the Candlestick

Miss Peach asked Lemon about Grey in the Hall with the Poison
and Burgundy about Peacock in the Hall with the Revolver

Austin Eliab asked White about Green in the Hall with the Spanner
and Green about Peacock in the Kitchen with the Rope

Miss Amethyst asked Peacock about Amethyst in the Lounge with the Dagger
and Scarlet about Amethyst in the Hall with the Spanner

Dr Silver, Col Mustard, Mrs White, Austin Eliab and Miss Amethyst received new information.

Another round, but we'll return to asking the same question to each person. Again, you may not question a combination of people who have already been questioned together that day.

Posted by Antisocial Alto (# 13810) on :

Miss Amethyst asks Mr Grey and Rev Green about Mr Grey, the Revolver and the Lounge.

Posted by Timothy the Obscure (# 292) on :

Dr. Silver asks Ginger and Miss Amethyst about Mrs. White in the Hall with the Candlestick.

Posted by QLib (# 43) on :

Yes, Dr Silver, maybe you've spotted somethin' in me that I've tried to keep hidden. I do 'ave me funny turns from time to time. 'Aven't 'ad one for a while, as far as I know. I left my last post after.... well, never mind.

Anyways, it's botherin' me now that I may have had one o' me turns. On the day in question, I remember suddenly findin' meself in the Lounge an' not known' 'ow I got there. And, thoough I say it meself as shouldn't, I am a bit of a dab hand wiv a gun, so if that Revolver was lyin' around,, I might 'ave... well, let's just say, regardin' Mr. Black an I.... well, never mind.

OK, so if it was me, I reckon Miss Peach might know, and that mysterious Mr Brown always seems to be lurkin' around, so I'll arsk 'im too. So that's me, Mrs White, Lounge & Revolver

Posted by la vie en rouge (# 10688) on :

Lady Lemon and Colonel Mustard about Mrs. White with the spanner in the kitchen.

Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :

Mrs. Peacock & Captain Brown what do you know of Colonel Mustard in the dining room with the lead pipe?

Posted by Eliab (# 9153) on :

quote:
Originally posted by The Great Gumby:
the police have accepted that your accusation was made in good faith

That might be the first time in my life that anyone has ever thought I was acting in good faith. It feels...disturbing. I must give some thought to how I might exploit it.

But back to the matter in hand. In my experience, Mrs White, someone who volunteers the information that they do not remember a certain evening usually remembers all too well.

Of course, a gentleman frequently will not tell, but no one has yet accused me of being a gentleman, and I doubt that you have often been taken for a lady. I know what I was doing (and it wasn’t you), so what exactly were you up to on the night of the murder, Mrs White?

I see Peachy thinks that Melons might know. That’s good enough for me: same question to Lady Lemon. Asking both of them about the rope and the kitchen as well.

Posted by The Great Gumby (# 10989) on :

Miss Amethyst asked Grey and Green about Grey in the Lounge with the Revolver

Dr Silver asked Ginger and Amethyst about White in the Hall with the Candlestick

Mrs White asked Peach and Brown about White in the Lounge with the Revolver

Miss Peach asked Lemon and Mustard about White in the Kitchen with the Spanner

Lady Lemon asked Peacock and Brown about Mustard in the Dining Room with the Lead Piping

Austin Eliab asked White and Lemon about White in the Kitchen with the Rope

Miss Amethyst, Mrs White, Miss Peach and Austin Eliab received new information.

Another round the same as that, but I'm going to be away for the weekend, so the deadline this time will be 1900 BST on Sunday.

Posted by Antisocial Alto (# 13810) on :

ACCUSATION:

Miss Amethyst accuses Mr Grey in the Hall with the Candlestick.

Posted by Eliab (# 9153) on :

Bollocks.

Posted by Eliab (# 9153) on :

Sorry, that wasn’t a very full response. I just wanted to check my notes, and unfortunately I’d just lent my laptop to Melchior to download porn (if a minor downloads it, I’m not committing an offence as long as I delete images after viewing).

What I meant to say was: “Bollocks was it Grey. I accuse Rev Green, with, as we all know by now, a candlestick in the hall.”

Or, in other word, “Fuck fuckity fuck, it’s another fucking dodgy fucking vicar”. I’ll have my work cut out thinking up enough dirt to keep this one on the front page more than a day or so. Peaches, Scarlet – you birds interested in doing a topless shot for me, day five or six? I’ll cut you in on a percentage of the extra sales.

[ 30. June 2011, 18:58: Message edited by: Eliab ]

Posted by The Great Gumby (# 10989) on :

Austin Eliab is correct. It seems Rev Green crept up behind Mr Black in the Hall, and brained him with the Candlestick.

I hope I haven't done anything to mislead Miss Amethyst towards her mistaken conclusion, and that everyone has enjoyed themselves despite this little unpleasantness. If I may speak for the staff, it has been a pleasure to entertain you all. Now if I may be excused, I shall go and lie down in a darkened room.

Posted by Eliab (# 9153) on :

Thanks TGG for running a most enjoyable game.

I apologise to all of you and to Angela Merkel for Austin. He really isn't a very nice person.

I must say that I really liked the "two questions" format. It gave scope for deceptive or masking questions, but at a real cost in investigative time, as well as making the analysis more interesting.

Posted by Antisocial Alto (# 13810) on :

Curses!!

Congrats, Eliab. Looking over my spreadsheet, it appears that I thought Mrs White had the Rev Green card. I can't figure out how I came to that conclusion.

Posted by la vie en rouge (# 10688) on :

I was going to guess Mr Grey as well. Well done Eliab and thank you Gumble for keeping the house in order during these difficult times. [Overused]

As for the Middlesex Meddler, sorry Mr. Eliab, but I really don't need the money. Little Melchior has inherited the estate, and since Mrs. Black shows no sign of coming back, guess who's looking after the obscenely wealthy little dear for the foreseeable future?

[ 30. June 2011, 20:28: Message edited by: la vie en rouge ]

Posted by The Great Gumby (# 10989) on :

quote:
Originally posted by Eliab:
I apologise to all of you and to Angela Merkel for Austin. He really isn't a very nice person.

I loved him. It's characters that make a game like this, and we had characters in abundance.

quote:
I must say that I really liked the "two questions" format. It gave scope for deceptive or masking questions, but at a real cost in investigative time, as well as making the analysis more interesting.

I was concerned that with only a couple of cards per player, single questions would make the game a bit simple, as well as taking forever to complete. Playing online allowed me to reveal information without it being obvious where it came from, which made the two questions more interesting, and I felt that a couple of rounds of almost normal Cluedo play in the middle ensured that there was a decent amount of common information to work from.

One thing I might change if I was doing it again is to let each player "see" one card that was dealt to someone else, and allow them to answer questions about that as well as the cards they were dealt, so that there are effectively duplicate cards floating round. I'd need to spend some more time considering what that would do to the gameplay, though, not to mention the burden of moderation!

Posted by Timothy the Obscure (# 292) on :

Damn! I was almost sure it was Mrs. White (no doubt repelling Mr. Black's improper advances, which would have been brought on by the Oedipal desires aroused by her scones with clotted cream, which subconsciously reminded him of her ample bosom in that starched white uniform...), though I had the room and the weapon figured out.

Well run game, Gumby (the occasional glitch is to be expected with so many players).

Posted by AristonAstuanax (# 10894) on :

How you ruled out Green, I know; how you didn't get him to be held by Burgundy, I don't.

I think at one time or another, I had deduced that every single room in the house was ruled out. Not my brightest moment.

And now, Mr. Drab, you will be coming with me. Dr. Merkel will be wanting to hear your apology in person, right after she asks me what act of courage and bravery I performed to earn me this crutch. Perhaps we might just show you a bit of leniency this time—after all, we were planning on locking you up with nothing to read but the works of Heidegger and Hegel! You might be turning a new leaf, just enough to warrant some Kant for moral instruction . . .

Many thanks to Butler, Nurse, and Cook for organizing all the various Festivities (and putting up with Col. Mustard/Oberst von Gatow's tendency to speak as if in poorly translated German; after all, a foreign intelligence operative going to a party like this doesn't want to look normal—that'd stand out like a sore thumb!).

And now, a final visit to the wine cellar, before limping off into the sunset . . .

Posted by QLib (# 43) on :

Congratulations, Eliab. You really deserve.... well, something.

Right - I 'spect those of you who don't belong here - which is most of you - will be clearing out some time soon. Breakfast on Satterday is the last meal I'm cookin' for non-'ouse'old members.

Dr Silver - I believe there's a vacancy in the village for a witch doctor, and as all you seem to do is talk 'armless garbidge, rather than administer foul-tastin' potions, you would be an improvement... of sorts. I know you keep odd 'ours, but the cottage that goes with the job is in a place where your comin's and goin's won't bother no one. Just a thought.

Mr Gumble - it's been most hentertainin'.

Thank you.

Posted by Eliab (# 9153) on :

quote:
Originally posted by AristonAstuanax:
How you ruled out Green, I know; how you didn't get him to be held by Burgundy, I don't.

Burgundy had shown me Miss Peach, and also had the billiard room (I don't think I saw that, but it's deducible from public data). So he couldn't have held Green as well.

Tangent - I mentioned to a friend of mine that I was playing Cluedo on a Christian discussion board and she said: "Let me guess - it was the Romans, on the hill, with the crucifix".

Posted by la vie en rouge (# 10688) on :

quote:
Originally posted by AristonAstuanax:
I think at one time or another, I had deduced that every single room in the house was ruled out. Not my brightest moment.

Were you cribbing from my spreadsheet? [Paranoid]

Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :

"Good Heavens!" exclaimed Lady Lemon. "I was sure it was Mumble, in the butler's pantry, with the ink pen...but what would I know?

Anyway, I am glad it's over - the police have been so very inept, and I have an evening party to attend elsewhere. I'm sure I'll see most of you again soon enough though, as we do seem to be attracted to these morbid house parties like dead flies to meat. What a circus!"

Lady Lemon folded herself into the silver cab waiting on the driveway, and waved the driver onward. The Chippendales had been almost worth the long visit.

Posted by Imaginary Friend (# 186) on :

Prof Plum had once again fallen into a sleep that would do justice to a cadaver. But suddenly there was a commotion in the hall, and it was apparent that the police were making an arrest. He hurried to the scene, hastily arranging a visage of bombast over his fear and suspicion.
"That is just as I thought, officer, take the scoundrel away" he boomed as he entered the crowded room. "I was just going to call you good fellows and let you know the outcome of my investigation, but I'm afraid the lateness of the hour rather got the better of me".

The others in the room looked at him with a sullen air of disbelief.

"Yes, well, all very good, carry on" he blustered as his cheeks flushed to match his name. "Dearest, I think it is time we should be leaving". He grabbed his hat and coat from the stand by the door and bustled out into the night...

[OOC] Thanks for hosting, Gumble. You've been a star [Smile]

[/OOC]

UBB.classic^TM 6.5.0