WesternOutlaw

I'm back and we're going to see some movement in a bit. This will be fun! EDIT: okay, this is my Friday night folks - so enjoy! (with cold beer sitting next to me)... EDIT: tough group! but a good one, none the less.

Wow! I don't know where to begin after reading all of these responses (compliments and complaints). First, let me say that I'm really enjoying the game and the participation so far. While I admit that I don't exactly appreciate the negative comments (while maybe constructive), I do accept this feedback for what it is, and I believe that the comments do represent the strong interest that you have in the mystery. Let me explain a few things: 1) In regard to my participation, while some might not think so, I have been married to this game over the last few weeks in reading the numerous threads, updating the situations, and making sure that the story continuously flows (not to mention the photo editing). I'm also responding to ongoing questions as well as the tricks and traps that the "sneaky characters" have been plotting against the groups. Some of you do not realize how long this takes. I'm on Pacific Time here in the U.S. and I begin posting at 5:30 in the AM before going to work and in the evening when I get home (so that each thread generally has at least one if not two updates per day). In addition, a few characters have been replaced requiring me to gather all the information and provide these messages to the new participant. I didn't even eat dinner just last night so I could make a few responses (particularly relating to one of the more "troubled" groups). I don't generally have the ability to post during the day while at work. I do not appreciate those that are complaining that due to differing time zones or my lack of posting, the story is dragging - sorry. 2) In regard to the story/theme, while this story is "open-ended" and characters do have a lot more lattitude than you realize. Many of the clues are set in specific buildings and/or places, and also become available when a certain chain of events occur. While I can not tell you what specifically triggers an event/clue (to not reveal the story), I will point out that sometimes "Action A" must occur before B. Timing does influence actions and clues. Some of these clues are "dynamic" vs. "static" and aren't just pieces of paper that you find pinned to a wall. This story is much more dynamic. For those of you who have been complaining that you seem "stuck", I have been adding choices for you to make, to help guide you (Example: you can examine the wall or you can leave the building). This is because you are not always making the best of decisions in your clue finding. At the same time, when I do this, some of you complain that you are not free to do what you want. Well, then go do it and ignore the clues which I have set for you to find. I don't know how else to convey the story to you. 3) Inappropriate Actions: I have allowed a few things that participants "write-in" to the story keeping the "open-ended/open-action" concept. At the same time, you are not writing the story, I am. The train out of no where is an example. While this is a fictional story (even with the name "murder" in it's title), could you imagine someone pulling out a gun and shooting a suspect who you believe threw the meat cleaver? Perhaps; everything is possible, but I don't think so. I think this is out of the scope of the character, and as narrator, I have adjusted the story as needed. The gun given to this character was intended for protection, not for murder. That's not to say that a murderer might not be able to steal it from you and shoot you (which would be within the scope of a character who is a murderer). 4) For those of you not sure what you are suppose to be doing, you are looking for a way out of Willoughby. Clues will help you do this. Some are slight, some are more obvious, but this is your goal. When you are stuck, I will help guide you, but be a little patient, and give others an opportunity to post their response (me included), understanding that we are all in different time-zones. When I have to read all of these responses and questions, it does take away from the time I have for the story. With that said, remember, this is entertainment. It is a "fun thing". Do not let the mystery or the other participants make you angry, frustrated, or "stressed". Let's keep this light and fun. And thank you Hinckley, WhiteFang, and others who come to my defense. These mysteries are difficult and require an incredible amount of time.

Pete grabs the mallet and begins pounding at the word "Sanctuary" and the "X". The dry wall quickly comes loose revealing a brick wall. There is no evidence that there is anything special or unordinary about this spot. The wall does not look tampered with. Shining the light toward the dark, the group continues walking along an old track leading further into the shed...

The Cunundrum The group has climbed the stairs and is in a small room on the second floor. A light switch near the door turns on a long flourescent light fixture mounted on the ceiling. There is a poster on one of the walls within the room that Mark Williams begins looking at. It's hard to determine anything special without touching it. You suddenly have a flash back of your search through the passenger lists. You did not recognize ANY of the names. There was nothing special about these lists. Eleanor points her gun at Grill N'George and cocks the trigger (CLICK). Hearing the click, a few in the group quickly grab her before she is able to fire the gun. All is quiet for a split second before a wrestling fight ensues. Eventually, the group is able to take the gun from her which is now held by Max. He states, "as the leader of our group, we must stick together. If everyone suspects George, we should take him to the local jail and let the authorities decide his fate, but shooting him is just wrong". Eleanor contemplates Max's words. The small room has two other exits aside from the stairs, each leading to an outside balcony. There is no kitchen within the station. You may investigate further (or) leave the train station to check out Lorraine's "big rig" (not to be mistaken for Johnson )

I'm a sucker for a good ghost story!

He's infatuated with that Johnson. (notice how many times he brings it up)

Here ya go fella's. I've got one for myself and Jeb as well. We're gonna bunk with you tonight! (begins passing out wool blankets) One of the things that's always fun to do during these types of "outings" is to light a small camp fire and tell some spooky stories right before bed. Jeb's got a million of 'em! (begins making a small pile of wood for a campfire outside the barn) What'a ya say if we light one up and start tell'n some stories? If it starts to rain, we'll just go back under the barn and call it a night. (by now the fire is a pretty good size and the temperature outside begins to drop) Who wants to start?

Please welcome Cutlass_Iz who will now be playing the part of David Gaylord in Chapter 6A. We're glad to have you Cutlass_Iz!

Cutlass_Iz has been selected based on Hinckley's recommendation. Legoman 31 and Bob: Thanks for your interest. I'll keep you on the list if another part becomes open.

Max decides that he's not going to figure out who threw the meat cleaver any time soon, so he stumbles back up the stairs to check out the second floor. The others follow. You enter a small room with a single window that faces the track below. You can see the Emerald Express in the distance. Hanging on one of the walls is another train poster, similar to the ones that Eleanor found in the lobby. This poster is of a black steam locomotive with the numbers 317. At each end of the room, there is an archway that leads to a balcony.

A loud clap of thunder is heard from above as clouds begin to cover the full moon. A strange overcast seems to light the night with an eerie green glow... Looks like we may be in for a little shower this evening. Damnist thing is that we can get a flood in these parts and Main Street not a lick'a rain.

The Mayor takes Room #4 and Jim Butcher Room #7. Everyone signs in as follows: Constable O'Reilly, #1 Charlie Williams, #2 Arin Schaffer, #3 Mayor William Brown, #4 Schmelt, #5 Jim Butcher, #7 The group separate to their individual rooms for some "shut-eye". Each room within the Willoughby Hotel is pretty much the same and contains: 1) Single queen bed 2) Night stand with lamp 3) Dresser w/ 6 drawers 4) Small table w/ 2 chairs 5) Bathroom with shower, sink, and toilette 6) Simple non-ornate light fixture above ceiling INSTRUCTIONS At this time, you may send me a private message with your "Hotel Movement" to include two things: 1) You may make one observation within your room (example: I will look under my bed). 2) Providing me an exact time between 11:00 pm and 6:00 am, you may perform one action within the hotel (to include you leaving your room to do xxx). Please be as specific as possible regarding this action. I will guess or add-in story if I did not understand what you were wanting to do. This is similar to Chapter 3 (Working on the Night Moves). See you in the morning! (or not :skull: )

As Pete shines the light along the walls, you do see a small tool rack with some miscellaneous tools. They include a set (8) screwdrivers of various length, a hammer, rubber mallet, a large wrench, and a drill. There are also a few small boxes of various nuts, screws, and bolts sitting on the floor.

When many were sending me "Dynamic Movement" private messages; I was, and had some difficulty in keeping up with the story and messages, and conveying all of this information in the story for the benefit of those participating. Each participant has received private information that only their character knows. These "Mystery Messages" are an important part of the story, and when one character is unable to convey this information (either through script or action), it makes the mystery more difficult to understand. In addition, I can only play so many "non-player characters", as well as wanting some "spontaneity" through these characters. Some of the traps that you have encountered have been based on the actions of other characters. This is not to say that the characters who I am looking to replace are more important than any of the others in the story. Simply, I want them to convey some of the information provided to them.

So it appears that some of you have questions in regard to the "staircase incident". Let me explain: This was my initial post: Re-enactment Snitchman was first to climb the stairs. When he was toward the top, Max began walking up the stairs followed by Lorraine who begins running up. Grill'n George followed. Order was Snitchman toward the top, Max, then either Lorraine or George (not sure who was closest). The stairs are wide enough that someone could also have gone around another (which was not asked). Max turns around facing the bottom of the stairs, then was struck by the meat cleaver on his front/chest. The cleaver came from the lower direction. Does this help explain?

I'm looking for anyone interested in replacing a non-active participant. If you are interested, please respond to this thread. First three individuals will be considered for the one open part and any additional fill-ins needed in the future (based on order of responses).

The reluctant group walks towards an eerie and sinister looking barn surrounded with dark trees in the distance. Scruffy sees a cat chasing a mouse on a pile of hay, and quickly runs over to watch the action. Idn't much, but you're welcome to stay inside. Jethro, fetch some blankets for our guests. Wouldn't want them catch'n a cold tonight, looks like it may get a bit nippy.

A laced vest is soon tied around Max's chest wound that seems to stop the bleeding. All is quiet for a few minutes. Max does NOT suffer additional Life Points damage from the blood loss, and is lucky that the meat cleaver did not go deeper into his skin. There is nothing special about the meat cleaver, nor does it have any identifiable marks. After looking at Max's wound closely, it looks as if the weapon may have been thrown which resulted in less serious damage.

As the group continues toward the darkness, Brakes, with his keen sense of detailed observation, discovers some writing along one of the walls. Written in a red marker is the word "Sanctuary" followed by an "X".

Believe me, I had to read this one a few times to figure out who went up. Based on both of the following messages, I would say that you went up at least a few stairs. When you turned around to go back down, you were nailed. It helps when people are very specific about their actions, then I can better interpret what had occured after a few posts.

Ponies, Lube, Johnson Rods - this conversation is definately going to the dogs!

Boy, haven't ya ever heard of the old say'n, "it's not the length of the Johnson Rod that's impo'tent, but it's how you use it"? ( I just had to)

Isn't he good!

I sympathize with the fact that you might like to "double-up" for safety; but unfortunetly, the rooms here are single bed occupancy. Just to prove that the hotel is safe though, I'm going to take a room here as well.

Boy, I'm no train expert, but I don't think that looks like much of a train part to me. 'Might make for a good weapon for protection though (looking at Scruffy untrustingly)