WesternOutlaw

Interesting diagrams Mark. Thanks for taking the time to draw out and share with us on EB. This is definately some pretty technical stuff for a "basic builder" like me. I'm going to take a little time and try to better understand these diagrams, even the more simpler PF light.

Very nice TinyPieGuy! I love all the interior detailing, esp. the bar and the chandelier. Great job!

Excellent entry Hinck. This is one of my favorites of those shared. I really like the Classic Town look about it, and the figs you added look fantastic. Both buildings are equally nice, but I think I like the blue one the best. It looks like something right out of a Lego idea book. Overall, very good! and an entry that could possibly take down "1979".

While the passengers and crew eat waffles, drink beer, and peek over Mark William's Dungeon Master's screen taking turns fudging the d96 to numbers above 80, Captain Conductor Max reminds Jim that it's time for orientation. (voice from above says... Jim, come one... the passengers are taking advantage of the open bar). EDIT: (plus, at this rate, we won't have any more Leggos in the morning).

The Conductor, Maxwell Snyder takes roll call before Chief Steward Jim Butcher begins a brief Emerald Express orientation. Strangely, the elusive Elizabeth Thornton is listed as a passenger, but is not among the wayward guests...

"Thanks", (as theBrickster tells Hinck), "Lego My Eggo!" BLOOPER #2: I think you mean "so YOU (as in the Conductor) can be here for orientation". It would be hard for Steve to be driving and here at the same time (even with Dynamic Movement).

I thought it had an "L" in it. EDIT: Where did Jim run off to?

BLOOPER! You do not have the passenger list at this time, but good try Schmelt. You're making me hungry! I'm going into the kitchen now to have an Ego Waffle. Thanks for the feedback. It's only going to get better.

As the passengers aboard the Emerald Expess introduce one another and talk of cards, wealth, and rock collections, the evening quickly approaches. They eagerly wait with anticipation for a brief orientation promised to the by Chief Steward Jim Butcher. What will happen tonight? some of them wonder. Will they begin to understand why they are aboard this mystery train? or will their curiosity "get the better of them"? as some might say. Chapter 1 of Murder on the Emerald Express continues...

Excellent! Great introductions everyone. The game has begun nicely.

Wow! That's a wonderful steam engine Tony. I'm really impressed with all your creations. How do you decide which engines to add to your collection of MOCs?

If I told you that, it would spoil my secret application/interview process. You know, I may do this again. Thanks. That's a lot better.

Murder on the Emerald Express Mystery Index Characters: meet the 24 participants of Murder on the Emerald Express. Rules: new rules and old, explaining Dynamic Movement. Discussion: participants and a few "crashers" discuss the mystery. Mystery Challenge: build one of the scenes from the mystery. Best Quotes, Select Your Favorites ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Chapter 1: Departure: 12 mysterious participants board the train and depart. Will they find murder? Chapter 2: Fowl Play at Hand? : a knife is found aboard the train. Who Dun It? Chapter 3: Working on the Night Moves: night actions have the participants running wild in the night. Chapter 4: A Stop at Willoughby: the train makes a stop in a strange town. Chapter 5: Disneyland or Deliverance?: what strange things are at hand in Willoughby? ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Dynamic Spin Chapter 6A: Looking for Repair Parts: this group sets off on finding 4 repair parts for the train. Chapter 6B: Exploring the Mysteries of Main Street: looking for clues in the older part of town. Chapter 6C: Visiting the Friendly Farm: Jeb and Jethro take the group to a dangerous farm. Chapter 6D: Getting Out of Town: A visit to the train station and a ride on Lorraine's "Big Rig". ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Chapter 7: Piecing Together the Clues: Four groups converge to piece together the clues that they have discovered. Chapter 8: Another Look Through Willoughby: The group is stumped! Will they ever find a way out of Willoughby? Chapter 9A: What Will They Do Next? Help the group decide what they should do next (poll) Chapter 9B: Grounded: The group decide to leave the air field to search another part of the town. Chapter 10: The Mystery Unravels: Unlocking the secrets to escaping Willoughby. Chapter 11: Danger Tracks! What dangers lie ahead along the DANGER tracks? Chapter 12: A Night In the Mill: Someone may die during a night in the creepy old mill. Chapter 13: Cassandra Crossing: What may be found along the rickety old bridge? Chapter 14A: Crocodile Rock: Will a second attempt to return to the Swiss Crocodile get the locomotive jump started? Chapter 14B: The Tractor Story: Will a return to the farm to get Jeb's tractor be useful to the group, or end with the death of one among them? Chapter 15: Runaway Train: The concluding chapter of Murder on the Emerald Express.

Thanks. I've been playing with this photo for two days. It was tricky, but I like the look of it. Dragonator: On a side note, Mark Williams needs to show his picture somewhere. It will be very hard for other characters to learn "Who's Who" without a picture of your character as your avatar or signature.

Discussion I've created this thread to discuss the mystery, respond to questions, and allow others (non-participants) to comment. Feel free to add your thoughts at any time

Chapter 1: Departure The air is cool and damp, and the night sky is filled with dark, ominous clouds. The scent of burning coal is thick as the noise of an oncoming train can be heard in the distance. It is the arrival of the Emerald Express that seven eager passengers await. All of them hold a mysterious invitation sent to them by an unknown woman known as Elizabeth Rose Thornton, who is in fear of someone who has been following her. Her letter states that she will be carrying a "very valuable" possession, but does not mention what the item is. Who is it that she fears, and is this person among the seven passengers, or perhaps one of the crewman aboard the train? Intrigue... mystery... or even murder... What will the passengers discover aboard this mystery train? Steam fills the air as a dark green locomotive comes bellowing into the station, it's beautiful paint almost black in the starless sky. Illustrious gold trimming and hand-painted markings bear the regal insignia of the Emerald Line, ridden only by the wealthy and influential. These passengers are fortunate to be among the few that did not have to pay full-fair for a voyage among opulence and prestige. They may; however, discover the true price for a ride in such luxury. The seven passengers are immediately greeted by the Emerald's crew, the conductor, chief steward, engineer, brakeman, and chef, all of them eminating with the utmost grace and class that makes the Emerald Express truly unique among other train lines. Their luggage is quickly taken to the baggage car by the steward as they board the dining car for a welcome and brief orientation. As a loud bell rings toward the front of the train, the Emerald Express begins to move slowly. The mystery has begun...

These types of things are difficult to detect, but this is a sheud group of detectives. You only have to state something that you are going to do (in front of the group). For those things under "Dynamic Movement", these actions are private and only told to me and whoever is with you (if anyone). Later this evening...

No, not generally. The main group always posts their messages in the message thread. PMs are for those outside of the group. Definately not - unless you find one. Good question. No, not until you're called upon.

Oh, and one more thing: While you don't have to change your avatar, by placing it in your signature with your character's name, it does help others remember who you are.

Thanks for sharing this info KH. Please consider providing a picture or two.

I'd call it something else. Yes and Yes. You can find clues alone, but probably not in the bathroom with Hinck and Shadows. What goes on in the bathroom stays in the bathroom. If you find a clue alone, you don't have to tell the group. One thing that I'd like to point out before everyone goes out looking for clues like an Easter Egg Hunt; there is an advantage in staying together, and that is your safety. Oh, and something to help you get into the mystery mood:

Yes, he could, but no swirleys. Some clues are set and can be discovered by anyone. Others are based on information from other characters. Not here it's not. In your case, you've got another 24 hours to wait. My time zone is behind.

Hinckley and whoever goes with him will have private conversation with me. I will send a PM to the first person (in this case Hinckley) CC'ing it to the 2nd person. Our EB board allows one to send a PM to one individual + 6 CCs. The initiator of the Dynamic Movement takes the lead and unless someone says, "I will go with Hinck", my PM is only to Hinck. Talking between characters is based on PM. Other characters nor I will know what is said. Example: Perhaps Hinckley and Shadows are plotting to slip some poison into your glass. Hink sends a PM to Shadows asking for him to fellow him into another train car. Hinck initiates, and then Shadows states he'll follow. I will wait for a PM from Hinck who can send it to Shadows and me. I will send my response to both. Does this answers your question? You can attempt to do something in front of others at any time, but you run the risk of someone discovering what you are up to. How might they react if they catch you? Anyone can do just about anything. There is no such thing as an assigned night action (defense or hostile action). This is like a real life situation. If something is truly outside the scope of a character; however, I will tell him/her that its not appropriate. Blooper! Does this explanation help?

Murder on the Emerald Express Rules General Info By now, all of the participants have received a mysterious "Character Card" revealing a little information about your character. For those of you who perhaps took a peek at someone else's card (sure, I know who you are), that's okay. Nothing too private has been revealed on your card, but you will most likely be receiving additional "mystery information", when the time is right or like the famous quality term, "Just-In-Time". You will be expected to act your part, and I may let you know when an action is inappropriate or "not within the scope of your character". These, I call "bloopers". Like in any movie, film, or play, good acting is encouraged and comedy should be used when appropriate. The quality of this story is based upon YOU. Unlike a few of my earlier mysteries, this particular mystery will be more interactive allowing characters to determine the outcome. Life Points So, wondering what the Life Points are? Each character has a number on their card that represents the character's life value. In this mystery, characters can and may likely attempt to do harm to another character. Weapons (guns, knives, rocks, sharp objects) can be used to harm another character, as well as accidental mishaps which result in a decrease in your life points. When your life points are zero (0), you are considered dead. At the same time, rest and recuperation, as well as medical intervention will result in an increase in life points. (NOTE: Dungeons & Dragon fans may relate Life Points to Hit Points - without the use of dice). Sounds fun, there's more... Dynamic Movement Unlike previous mysteries and mafia games, I'm going to try something completely new, and that is to allow characters to virtually move through the mystery outside or without the main group. What does that mean, you ask? It means if any character or group of characters wants to leave the group and go off alone (which is not always in their best interest), or separate into smaller groups (of perhaps 2 or more), you can do it. If you wish to separate, you must tell the group by stating, "Dynamic Movement" and what you're going to do. EXAMPLE: The entire group of 12 main characters is in the dining car of the train. Hinckley wants to explore the bathroom. He types: "Dynamic Movement: I'm going to walk toward the bathroom in the next car". Others can then follow, or stay if not commenting and this initiates private conversation with me through PM. None of his actions are shared with the group, unless he tells you how his trip to the bathroom resulted. This also includes hostile action that you may secretly plot during the night or when no one sees you (hostile actions may include just about anything from a gun shot to poison). This story is not pre-determined and allows these types of actions. NOTE: as we have not tried this in previous mysteries, let's see how it works. If this becomes too difficult or chaotic, I'll end it later. Secondary Characters Secondary characters will not be participating initially. Sorry secondary characters. You will be phased in when the time is right. You can certainly; however, follow the mystery, but I ask that you please not post until your character is called upon. This is not subtle, and I will give you explicit instructions before you are phased in. We have a total of 12 characters and 11 secondary, so that is a lot of people participating. Please be respectful of the story line and the other characters during communication. I will not hesitate to pull someone out of the mystery if they become difficult. At the same time, please do not send me messages asking me for "mystery information" you think your character should know. I'll determine what information is shared with you. What's Next? Murder on the Emerald Express will be quite different from previous mysteries, and I think no one will expect what will come next. Goals of the mystery will not be clearly defined, but rather left up to you. Your self preservation will be the inherent motivation. Your train will be arriving tomorrow evening, so with that, I think I've explained as much as I can at this time. I'll be glad to answer any questions that you have on this thread, with the exception of questions regarding your characters or story information. Have fun, and I look forward to embarking aboard our train bound for mystery. :skull:

Giddie Up Otters! What a fantastic entry, and very creative. I would never have thought that someone would create a classic derby scene, and you've done so very nicely. Sure, it's not exactly exactly a Main Street-type creation with traditional buildings, but that's what makes it unique. I give an A+ for creativity.