WesternOutlaw

All attempts to pick the lock of the gate fail. How big is the gate? about 6 1/2 feet tall (floor to ceiling), roughly 4 1/2 feet wide. Does it have any markings on it that could be of importance? It looks rather old, but no markings. Why would there be a gate down here? I cannot answer this question at this time. Which way is the tunnel heading towards? you believe it heads North. And how far away (we could estimate) from the stairway is currently the gate at? somewhere between 50-100 feet.

A Locked Gate Looking very closely at the ground near Mr. Crowley, you do notice skid marks on the hard dirt floor of the cave. They stop at the steps where you came down from the wine cellar. Definately no stab wounds anywhere on Mr. Crowley's body. You do not know how long he has been dead. Akkhraziel leads the way deeper into the cavern past the barrels. You reach a black wrought iron gate that stands between you and the passage. In looking at the metal gate, appears that it has a lock. Pete pulls out the key he used on the front door but it does not unlock the gate. >:(

Why do LEGO toys have value to you? Building a model provides hours of enjoyment. I personally like trains and city the best because I can add on to an existing theme as new sets are designed. As an AFOL, I have enjoyed years of collecting sets as a child and now as an adult. I continue to receive satisfaction whenever purchasing a new set. What makes LEGO brand construction toys worth your money? Lego sets/bricks have high quality that last for years. New pieces are compatible with existing bricks always allowing one to expand their collection. I compare Lego to another quality brand, Playmobil, in setting the standards for a well-made, quality product. In what way has the LEGO brand let you down? 1) Color change of train track and grey pieces. 2) Non-standard Lego brick sets (i.e. Bionicle). 3) "<insert that tiresome argument>" models appealing to younger children. 4) Not enough train and city-themes sets for AFOL. 5) Price of some sets (esp. single train cars). 6) Lego seems to continue to market to younger children rather to listen to the great ideas of AFOL. 7) Having to hear information re. new sets through rumor and web sites vs. receiving it from Lego. Recently, how has the LEGO brand improved? 1) Great new train and city models. 2) New themes like Viking. 3) 2nd waive of Knights' Kingdom sets. 4) Much more product diversity. 5) Seems that lego is starting to take an interest in the opinions of AFOL. 6) Story themes like Orient Adventures and Knights Kingdom. What would you like to see LEGO (re)introduce in the next three years? 1) More train, train-themed buildings, and accessories (like bridges, mills, windmills, lights, and electronic switches). 2) A new western or western train theme. 3) Civil War and Mexican/Alamo theme. 4) Larger "non-<insert that tiresome argument>" mini-fig scale castles. 5) Figure packs like in the 80s (4-5 figures/box). 6) More historic themes (i.e. Greek and Roman civilizations. 7) Sinbad/other adventure theme. 8) More city buildings. 9) Large tub-sized bulk sets in the same color. What does LEGO need to do to sell more products for less cost to them? 1) Stay away from license/movie type sets. Lego doesn't need a popular movie to market their products (with the exception of maybe Star Wars). Focus on creative and historic themes that have always made Lego popular. 2) Reduce the number of new colors that aren't necessary. 3) Sell more bulk/tub style sets in the same color with not as many different pieces (like a grey castle wall tub for example). 4) Reduce the number of specialized pieces. What reason(s) do you have for not buying new LEGO sets? Generally the price, esp. sets over $100 (or) the set is too "<insert that tiresome argument>". What would it take for you to spend more money on new LEGO products versus buying sets/parts on the second hand markets? 1) Include more standard bricks in larger quantity in sets. 2) A "pick-a-brick" program/system over the internet (similar to Legoland's "pick-a-brick" store but with larger piece selection). What will it take for LEGO to remain the best construction toy for all ages and be a profitable company? 1) Listen more to AFOL that spend hundreds-thousands of dollars a year on Lego. 2) Try to focus on quality Lego sets at more reasonable prices (without sacrificing existing quality). 3) Quit trying to market to EVERYONE. Too much product diversity is not good and expensive. Get rid of unsuccessful product lines/themes and look at past successful sets as best practices. What are your home country, first name and age? U.S.A, Rob, Over 30. Is there anything you would like to say with this last question that you feel someone at LEGO should not go without reading? Listen to AFOL. They've supported Lego for years and also buy sets for their children. They have a grasp on what works and what does not. Design and expand themes that AFOL recommend. And always remain committed to a quality product and the old values that made Lego a trade name. AFOL will support and promote Lego if we see that Lego remains committed to these values; the most important being, "Quit worrying about market share and cost/price. Focus on a quality product that lets children and adults play well. Everything else will come". Thank you for listening.

You examine his body more thoroughly. Appears that the cause of death was most probably the result of the blow to the head as no other markings/evidence can be found. You also check his pockets and clothing. His pockets are indeed empty. His shoes are a black pair of Florsheim lace-ups with cap toe, size 10 narrow to be exact. They look fairly new with a good shine but the bottom end of the heals look worn/scraped. Trying the ring on each of his fingers: appears that his fingers are much to thin to have worn this ring. His thumb is about the only finger that the ring does not easily fall off. Examining the barrels closer, they are empty. You are also able to move them revealing nothing.

With that many sets, esp. an airport with runway, what you need most is a lot of space. You don't want your train to pass over road plates which is a common issue I run into having my town/city on a table. I finally gave up with all the various layouts and just went with a large oval that circles the city. No fun, but I just didn't have the space to accomodate the points and side branches. Now I've got a lot of rolling stock, engines, and curved track just sitting on a bookshelf. - I just don't have the space and don't want to run my layout on the floor. I guess I need to start building some taller buildings. If you want to experiment with various layouts though and do not already have, I would recommend the Track Designer shareware program. It's great to try various layouts. In terms of buildings, I would definately recommend an engine shed, station, and crossing. If I had a lot of pieces and space, I would build a large station. The Train Depot is a great resource for layouts and the track designer program => Train Depot

If it is remote control, then it will probably have a new R/C motor that may be battery powered. If this is the case, electric track won't be needed. - this is my worry, but we'll see. I also hope that the scale is the same as well - but you never know what Lego will do?

The Dead Body of Dorian Crowley As you slowly walk toward the barrels in search of more clues, you notice something or someone lying on the floor to the right of the barrels. You discover the very thin body of an old man in a gray pin-striped suit whose face is almost skeletal. His stark black hair contrasts with his pale white skin. Pete bends down touching the man's neck to feel his pulse and states, "appears that this is old man Crowley and he is most definately dead". "I have a hunch that foul play is at hand"; he adds as he looks at each of you rather suspiciously, especially Bloody Jay. In looking at the body of Mr. Crowley, you notice a few strange things. He has a large bump on the front of his head, as if someone or something struck him with a hard object; and his shoes are half off.

Subterranean Passage The small scorpion light provides just enough light to see a few feet in front of you. You slowly walk down the steps that lead into a cavern, Akkhraziel taking the lead. Drip... drip... drip... you here in the distance. The temperature has fallen a few more degrees. You continue to walk along this subterranean passage which widens to an area where you see three large wooden barrels to your right. Ahead of you, the passage narrows into darkness...

I still think the pieces will be extremely limited, esp. with minifigs that encourage people to buy larger sets for more (like Vikings). I was thinking that this whole "pick-a-brick" program would be limited to what you could build in the Lego Designer Program based on certain piece selections. - I do, however, hope I am wrong and everything is available.

I've been waiting for some more BNSF rolling stock. I would love to see a new box car or refrigerator car. And I just hope this new R/C stuff won't render are old gray track useless.

Trap Door to Darkness Xwingyoda; however, has asked: could we try quickly before going to the second floor turning the pouring mechanism of the three empty barrels? Xwingyoda turns the spicket of the 1st barrel. It turns and nothing happens. He then turns the spicket of the 2nd (middle) barrel and slowly... a large piece of floor tile next to the barrel opens downward revealing a narrow staircase. Rather surprised over this secret passage, you all begin climbing downward. . . only to discover that it is pitch black. . . The sound of dripping water can be heard echoing in the dark. The air is cold and damp. Does anyone have a light? 8-|

Q: do we have a map of all rooms, btw? we should also split up or this tour around the house will take ages. A: You do not have a map of the mansion but can certainly make one as you visit each room. You can also return to a room merely by asking to go back to Room X. In addition, I recommend the group stay together to put the clues together. In the future; however, I won't keep the group waiting if someone wants to continue.

I'd like to see if there's a hidden passage downstairs in the basement, behind one of those empty barrels - Snefroe Snefroe attempts to push the three empty barrels that are attached to the walls. They do not budge.

Snefroe wanted to come down here so he must have had something in mind. If he doesn't respond soon, I'll lead you up to the 2nd floor.

Yellow Castle would be a great set. I've got an old one but it would still make a great anniversary set.

I'm wondering if there will be any 50th Anniversary Sets other than a bulk tub with gold brick. Seems that Lego should definately release a special set of some kind. I'd love to see a special Legend or City Set from the past, maybe even a historic monument of some kind commemorating the event.

Index I've added another topic called CLUES Index which is a Table of Contents based on each room and find (labelling each section in the story). This may help you in going back to read clues and finding other information without reading several pages. Links have been provided to main rooms. Also, when examining any room for clues, secret passages, and other "hidden" objects, you need to be specific in what you do to find these. Just stating, "I'll look for clues" or "I'll check for secret passages", will not generally reveal anything.

CLUES :^^D Murder Mystery Index ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PART I ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Standing Along the Path to Crowley Mansion..........................1 Introductions................................................................... ........1 Unlocking the Front Door.........................................................3 Main Hall................................................................................ ..3 Viking Armor........................................................................... .3 Secret Alcove with Revolver & Letter from Athos.....................3 Kitchen................................................................................ .....6 Knife & Trap Door to Cellar.......................................................6 Wine Cellar..............................................................................7 Wine Barrels and Egyptian Ring...............................................8 Dining Room.............................................................................9 Symbols Under the Chairs......................................................10 On the Cliff, Outside the Dining Room....................................11 Back in the Cellar....................................................................12 Trap Door to Darkness............................................................13 Subterranean Passage...........................................................13 The Dead Body of Dorian Crowley...........................................14 A Locked Gate.........................................................................14 Upstairs Hall............................................................................15 The Seal and the Coin.............................................................15 Library................................................................................ .....16 The Chalkboard, Control Panel, and Book Collection...............16 Stumped......................................................................... .........17 Book by Edgar Allen Poe..........................................................18 Revisiting the Seal...................................................................19 Poetry by Edward Arlington Robinson.....................................19 The Brass Key..........................................................................20 Unlocking the China Cabinet....................................................21 More Analysis........................................................................ ...22 Richard Cory............................................................................ 23 Control Panel........................................................................... 23 Roof Top............................................................................. .....24 The Attic................................................................................ ...25 History of the Barbep...............................................................25 Humson Bay & Dorian Crowley.................................................26 The Unsolved Mystery..............................................................26 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PART II --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Mystery Continues..............................................................1 The Tower................................................................................ .2 Crowley's Bedroom...................................................................4 The Trunk, Closet, and Bathroom..............................................5 The Grotto................................................................................ .6 Egyptian Treasures...................................................................6 The Mystery Solved...................................................................7 Final Questions Revealed..........................................................8

Nice job Mini. I like the color combination and your custom containers. Watch out for that cookie jar!

Chewie: I see potential for another mystery mansion... Great furniture. I like the piano and chair. If I only had the pieces, I would love to make a modular house.

Back in the Cellar Snoefroe was the 1st to recommend a place to lead the group which is the wine cellar once again; followed by Xwingyoda who wants to go up the stairs. In order of the requests, the group follows Snoefroe back to the kitchen, down the ladder to the cellar. The cellar contains nine large oak barrels and a few crates filled with rotten potatoes, vegetables, and some canned food. Three of the nine barrels appeared to be empty when opening the spickets. Sarge Kulo tested the wine in one of the barrels which appeared to be fine. No evidence of rats in the cellar.

The Harry Potter Hogwart's castle should probably be a choice as well, although I would still vote for Vladek's.

I have a few but not the Viking fortress yet. It's probably a toss between Vladek's Dark Fortress and the Viking Fortress; but in terms of castles, the Viking Fortress is in a category of it's own (like Fort Legorado but released before the millenium). I vote for the Dark Fortress pending purchase of Vikings.

On the Cliff, Ouside the Dining Room Mr. Lego Builder and Xwingyoda cautiously step outside the french doors leading to the space overlooking the cliff. A dark turbulent ocean cracks against the jagged rocks below. A cold sea breeze rips through your clothing as you stand on the grassy cliff side... *wacko*

Appears to be some kind of switch controller. Maybe something new from Lego or maybe a MOC.