~MURDER MYSTERY MAFIA~ [GAME THREAD]

Liberty/Sergeant
I'm standing in the corner, looking at the faces surrounding me. There's a fair few people in the room at the moment, all looking at me or each other. It's odd. I've never wanted power of any sort, always happy to follow the Inspectors' lead, but here I am, in charge of a murder case. Goddamnit. I never asked for this!

But no, the Inspector and the Rookie are playing undercover in order to root out the culprit and the members of the Cartel that they are sure are in the room, too. Well, the Inspector is sure, anyway - demanded that I treat both of them like any other suspect.

I'll do my job, though, so I guess I should pay attention. Let me see what I managed to jot down while my head was still spinning.

Mister Margraves
Missus Margraves
Ms Lee
Mister Harver
Lady Cinatti
Miss Jane
Miss Maria
Miss Sara
Mister Jives
Mister Simmons
Michael Simmons
Lord Essex, Esquire
Mister Fevell

A pretty decent list of names, some of them quite troublesome - I hate dealing with the Upper Class. The ones I've had the ... pleasure to meet, were all entitled pains in the arse, so full of themselves they were liable to burst at the slightest inclination of anything not up to their exacting standards.

I'm already getting a headache and the case has barely begun. I need something strong in my gut, but I'll be damned if I'll be allowed to drink before this is over with.

I may as well start with the body, then. An older gentleman, hit from behind in the Dining Room around 2:40 PM in the afternoon. The room had been closed at about 2PM, and emptied of staff by 2:30 so there wasn't much of a time gap between the death and the last staff member leaving. That's why the last two staff members to leave the room were rounded up. The rest of the group were found nearby at the time and have no real alibi.

I've no current name for the dead man, though I've requested the crew do a head-count. He was probably one of those hermit-types who stayed in his room the whole trip. He definitely looks the type.

The murder weapon was found next to the body, wiped clean of prints. It's a bust of the owner of the ship and was on display about two feet away from the body, or so I've been told. So this was probably not a pre-meditated murder. Damn, there's too few clues to go on. I guess I'll have to keep my eye out.

First things first, though. Alibis and interviews. This is gonna be one hell of a day, I just know it...

Nessiah/Lawrence Fevell
Introduce yourselves, all, and answer me these questions three~
Name, Occupation, Reason for being on the Garnet Tide.

"I can't believe a murder happened..." I look around the crime scene with a mixture of fear and excitement. "Oh!" I jump in surprise as the Sergeant calls me, "Hello Mr. Sergeant, sir."

"I believe I haven't introduced myself yet. My name is Lawrence Fevell, it's nice to meet you, sir." I give him a cheery smile, "My occupation? Hmm, I work as..." I just give him a grin and laugh a bit, "I don't know, may I ask for a lawyer? I'm afraid of the legal implications of my job. It's nothing "illegal" but I like to be cautious."

We look at each other for a moment in silence, "Awww, you can't take a joke, can you? I'm a gambler! I happened to get lucky at one night on the casino and won a sweet ticket to ride the Garnet Tide. Please don't look at me like that." I give him a laugh as I raise my hand for assurance. "I heard it's every gambler's dream to be in a place like this. So I'm just excited to be here." I look over the corpse with a somber tone, "Well, until this happened anyway. If I could I'd leave this room right now. I feel like throwing up."

Jeroen/Lord Essex
You wish to know the title of my personage? I shall answer these questions you ask, if you can ensure me you will catch the perpetrator who committed this foul act. I am Lord Ridgerow Essex II, Esquire. As a landowner, this thing you call an occupation holds little meaning to me, but I will grace you with the reason of my presence here. I had heard two friends of mine have boarded this vessel, and I decided it would be worthwile catching up with them. It appears I must have been mistaken, as I have not seen them as of now.

You are into gambling too, sir Fevell? Perhaps once this madness has been dealt with you could join me around the roulette table?

Zeuzio/David Simmons
"Oh dear..." I mutter under my breath. "If there's a killer on the loose, then I want to get off this damn boat! ...Oh, my name? It's David Simmons." I look down at the little boy sitting in my lap. "An' this is my son. Go on, boy, tell this nice man yer name..."

Nessiah/Fevell
"I-I erm..." I look at him wide eyed and scratch the back of my head, "Certainly sir, I can't promise about my skills though. If I may ask, you were looking for two friends of yours? If I could get a physical description, I might be able to tell if I saw them earlier."

chana/Michael Simmons
Hi, I'm Michael, and I'm traveling with my daddy, wooow, this going to be fun! Oh, his name is Mr Simmons, I mean my daddy. I also brought my favorite cartoons, you want to know what they are? well, I'll tell you: Mighty, Magical D and Swordsmen from planet Z, yeeaaah! If you want I'll lend them to you, but NOT my Super Clone Fighter figure! I guess it's too bad that man died, but, well, I didn't know him, sooo...

Nessiah/Fevell
"A kid in a place like this? Wouldn't it be safe if he's taken away from the crime scene during this investigation?"

Zeuzio/D. Simmons
"Not unless I go with 'im, and I don't think that's happenin'. He stays with me."

Mirror/Lady Margraves
Oh dear. So many new faces here. I believe I shall introduce myself as well. I am Missus Margraves. My fellow husband is somewhere near too. I hope he'll join us soon.

Nessiah/Fevell
"I suppose." I nod in understanding, "Mr. Simmons, isn't it? I don't like the idea of children seeing anything... like this." I look at the corpse and back to the father, "Will it be alright if I play with him for a while? Don't worry, we won't be out of your sight. Just far enough that the body is hidden."

Chearlie/Harver
@Zeuzio
You scare as hell, and you then calm down to present your kid, the people on this boat sure is weird, so My name is Craig Harver, and I really don't want to talk about the other things. seems like the other weirdos haven't given their information so why would I.

Nessiah/Fevell
"Oh, excuse me Sir Ridgerow. I apologize if I offended you by talking to another person all of a sudden. Children never fail to steal my attention whenever I see them on certain situations such as this."

Zeuzio/D. Simmons
"Eh...?" I say in surprise "Are you crazy? I can't just let my kid play with a random stranger! What if YOU are the killer?"

Nessiah/Fevell
"I can't prove that I am not the killer. But if it makes you at ease, I too am also an entertainer. I can prove it if you would let me."

Zeuzio/D. Simmons
"Fine, but he's stayin' close to me."

Mirror/Lady Margraves
Gentlemen, please, no need in starting a fight. There's a lot of decent people, so we shouldn't throw accusations so easily.

Nessiah/Fevell
"Thank you good sir." I wave my hand and smile in assurance, "Well then, Michael isn't it? How about a magic trick? I know a few and I might be able to surprise you."

Chearlie/Harver
"I can prove it if you let me"... we aren't stopping you, do you know?

Nessiah/Fevell
"Why thank you milady, I'm glad that there's someone who can remain calm and composed, such as yourself." I added as I look at Missus Margraves and bow.

"Ah Mr. Harver, you are certainly right. I was merely trying to get the father's approval before I try to do anything. Parents are really defensive about their children and I don't want to be shot down by doing a magic trick all of a sudden." I smile.

Jeroen/Essex
@Nessiah
'If I knew what they looked like I wouldn't be having this problem right now, would I, sir Fevell? HAWRHAWRHAWR! I have not met them in 10 years, which is why I was so thrilled to hear I had the opportunity to meet them again. I'm sad to say my memory of them is a little hazy.'

At that moment, Micheal pulls one of the back flaps of my tailcoat.

'I-I say, mister Simmons! Can you please stop this child from getting in our way? What is he doing on a murder scene anyway? Whatever happened to protecting the young from reality?'

Nessiah/Fevell
@Jeroen
"Ahaha, I guess that makes sense, good sir! It is unfortunate that you weren't able to meet them. The cruise is pretty grandoise." I look at the kid, "I do agree that Children shouldn't be in places like this. But I doubt the Sergeant can do much about this rate."

chana/Michael
You mean like Stan the magician in Magical D, wow, sure, but then if you're a magician, can't you tell that man to get up, it's spooky, I don't like it.

Nessiah/Fevell
I look at the kid surprised for a bit and smile, "Well, sadly, my magical level isn't high enough. I haven't fought enough bad guys. How about we go to the dinner table over there. I have a few tricks that I can show you. They might not be sparkly as Magical D's, I'm afraid."

Jeroen/Essex
It is truly sad to see some of us more economically advanced people still consort to such gruesome things as murder. I hope the perpetrator will be caught soon, if not only for this poor child's sake.

Nessiah/Fevell
"I agree that it is terrible. I would never understand why people would resort to such a thing." I nod in agreement as I wait for Michael to follow me to the dinner table.

chana/Michael
How did he rip his coat? Is he the murderer, he's a meanie anyways. ok, then we can play with Fighter, he's got to kill all those aliens from PlanetZ!

Zeuzio/D. Simmons
"Alright, let's see this magic trick. Don't you dare try anything funny, though."

Liberty/Sergeant
I watch the group of those who have been interviewed as they interact. It's hard to get a read on them; harder to think that any one in this room could be a murderer. A lot of the suspects still have to be interviewed but a break might be a good idea.

At the door I summon one of the plain-clothed detectives, asking them to bring some food and drink. For one, that kid should be getting hungry about now. So am I, come to think of it. I haven't had a drop since breakfast and lunch is well-over. Dinner should be starting soon and I don't know where they're going to be having it tonight because this room is closed to all but myself, the officers guarding the doors and the suspects with-in.

I'd like to see the body moved or at least covered before dinner arrives, but I have to wait until the Medical Officer shows up and apparently he has a few patients to tend to first - the living before the dead, as my father always said.

At least someone is making an effort to keep the child entertained. That's good. Better for him to focus on something other than the grisly scene in the middle of the room. Better for us all, really.

I've ordered a few of my men to gather up some supplies for the night. We'll be sleeping in this room - all of us - until this murder is solved or we reach the nearest port. It's hard to say which will come first, but I'm determined not to mess this up. Now that I'm stuck with the damn job, I may as well do it right.

One of the officers sidles up to me and whispers something in my ear. Seems that the Medical Officer is finally on his way down. Good. I don't need to be told that the deceased died from blunt force trauma to the head, but following the protocols is a good thing, or so they tell me. Besides, at least the Cadaver will finally be removed and we can all settle down a bit before the night.

God, I'm hungry.

Nessiah/Fevell
@Zeuzio
"Of course." I laugh as I urge the kid to follow me to the table, "We can play as fighters after this and dinner, how about it?" I line up a few glasses in place. I whistle in astonishment as I see the assortment of glasses.

"Look carefully." I hold a glass pitcher of water. "See how it's all water?" I show it to the kid.

I try to ignore the other strangers that comes into the scene. I somehow have a bad feeling about this. Just the thought of entertaining a kid when there's a dead body around makes me sick.

Jeroen/Essex
'You have me intrigued by this magic trick, now, sir Fevell' I say as I walk towards the table.

Nessiah/Fevell
I smile as I see Mr. Esquire approach towards the table. I show him the pitcher just to show that it's made of water.

"Tell me Mr. Esquire, how do you like your martinis? Red, Green or Blue?" I tell him smiling.

chana/Michael
Yeah sure, there is a dead body around in here, let's make magic tricks or give martinis and act like if there wasn't anything just because a man bring his kid. Is this is alright for the kid? really? hey kid there is a dead man, let's dance.

Nessiah/Fevell
"Would you rather have it that we concentrate on the dead body and trample over the crime scene and offend the Sergeant?" I look at Craig as I raise my eyebrow. "Because if you are that interested in dead bodies, maybe you should do it by yourself than getting an innocent child involved."

I roll my eyes as I pour water on the glass.

Jeroen/Essex
'I do not particularly mind, good sir Fevell. Whichever poses least of a problem to you will be fine. Also, it would very much please me if you would address me as sir Essex, if it isn't too much trouble. So, Michael, was it? What are you and your father doing travelling on this fine vessel, erm, this boat?'

Nessiah/Fevell
"I am curious as to what exactly you want us to do." I look at Mr. Craig again and raise my free hand imitating a shrug. "Scream our hearts out? Laugh at the dead body? Play detective? Do you have some sort of grudge against the victim?"

I shake my head and sigh.

Jeroen/Essex
@Chearlie
Sir Harver, I am unsure what I think of your lack of sympathy for this young child.
@Nessiah
I fully agree. Until we verify this man´s name there is nothing we can do except for remaining calm.

Dudesoft/Lord Margraves
I emerge from the lavatory, with a stubby cigar clenched beneath my thick moustache. "Pardon my quick departure, that fish did not agree with me, it would seem."
Pulling on my vest with my thumbs, I ask, "Now, who's up for a quick game of baccarat?"

Jeroen/Essex
'Baccarat, you say? I am always up for a game of baccarat, sir... Pardon me, your name must have slipped my mind.'

Nessiah/Fevell

I ignore Mr. Craig and look at Mr. Essex, "Ah, I see. Sir Essex it is." I smile. "Well then? A blue martini?" I pour on the glass as the clear water turns into a shade of blue.

I look at the kid "How about some Iced Tea for the young lad? I don't really like Cordial, so this will have to do. Don't worry, it tastes good."

I look at Mr. Craig for a bit, "Maybe you would like some beer? You seem to be the type, ahaha~" and I fill another glass as it turns into a shade of yellow. "Oh but I don't mean to offend, you might be actually a fan of wine. So I'll prepare some Red Wine over here."


Nessiah/Fevell
I notice the newly arrived guest and wave.

Jeroen/Essex
'That is... extraordinary, sir Fevell! It wouldn't taste like an actual martini, would it?'

Nessiah/Fevell
"Perhaps you should take a sip~?" I say as I give Sir Essex the glass of martini.

Adon/Starmoon
A small and rather clumsy waiter slams open a door, and takes curious glances everyone.

"Hello everyone, my name is Jane Starmoon, and I am your waitress. I am excited to be serving you all!", I say as I look down at the floor. I suddenly look back up and say, "I am sure you will all be agog over my Psychic Show later on in the evening!".

Jeroen/Essex
'I hope you do not mind my cautiousness, sir Fevell, but I would rather stir myself one to be safe. We DO have a murder on our hands, after all.'
@Adon
'Lady Starmoon, could you bring me a bottle of gin and one of vermouth, preferably unopened? Some ice would be much appreciated too.'

Chearlie/Craig Harver
I really don't like to be in this situation, and trying to do things to avoid this situation won't work for me, so maybe it's not my job but I want to help rather than ignoring like if I didn't give a fuck about it.

chana/Michael
Neat, can I have orange juice, Mister?
You have a funny coat Mister Zessec... Dad is on this trip for his job.

Nessiah/Fevell
"Ah no offense taken Mr. Essex." I laugh. "Nope, it's not orange juice. That's beer and that's not for kids. If you want juice though, Ms...Starmoon here would be able to provide some."

Adon/Starmoon
"I would be delighted, to, Sir!", I say to Sir Zessex with a smile. I walk away and head into a door. Upon stepping into the room, I head for where the beverages are, and accidentally knock over a bottle of champagne. Glass and white wine are all over the floor. I take a minute to clean up the mess and hope nobody else heard it. I grab a bottle of gin and one of vermouth from a cabinet. I grab a tray to set the bottles on, and get a tray of ice. I walk out of the door and head towards to Sir Zessex. "Here is what you have ordered, I sincerely hope you enjoy it!". I smile and walk towards a table near the stage and sit down.

Nessiah/Fevell
@Chearlie
"As much as I want to find the perpetrator myself." I look at Mr. Craig as I sip the glass of Iced Tea, "But if you carelessly dived into something without knowing who and what you're dealing with, you might end up destroying the evidence yourself. So in the end you'll end up not helping anyone."

I look over Ms. Starmoon and observe.

Jeroen/Essex
'Thank you, lady Starmoon', I say as I pour myself a martini. After drinking it, I lie down on an empty couch. 'I am a little fatigued, so I think I will adjourn to the realm of dreams while we wait for our victim's identity to be determined, good people.' I will see you all later.

Nessiah/Fevell
I sit down and take out a small, brown notebook. I try to jot down whatever was running in my head before I forget them.

Adon/Starmoon
I stare back at Mr.Fevell, and then glance around the room. I stand up and walk toward Micheal and ask him what he would want for a drink.

Chearlie/Craig Harver
So everybody is happy and merry, there is a dead body yeah, but that's not all, if there is a dead body, there was a murderer, so are you fine with being with a murdered, even if my life sucks I won't be calm, what if he is a psychopath and he just choose his victims randomly, I don't want to be killed in cold blood just because I was eating candies.

chana/Michael
Orange juice.... please.

Nessiah/Fevell
I look at Mr. Craig surprised and stop scribbling down my pad. I try to process what he just said and laughed, "Now that a murder happened and the Sergeant is with us, shouldn't you feel a lot safer now? I'm pretty sure they won't leave us unguarded." I pause for a bit and look up and down, "Although I'm guessing there would be a lot of questioning." I groan at the realization.

Cave/Lady Cinatti
I peer down my nose. "You may refer to me as Lady Cinatti. I'm simply...delighted to make everyone's acquaintance."

I pause and look around at the other passengers, silently judging them until my thoughts are interrupted by the intrusion of an uncouth man's voice.

"Why am I here? What business is that of yours, if I may ask? But if you must know, it is rather stressful, managing a business as large as mine, so I needed some time off. It can be simply dreadful, you know, but I will manage to survive. Does that satisfy you, or would you rather I submit myself to a full interrogation now? Hmph!"

TBG/Jives
I stumble into the lobby area, seeing the vast crowd of suspects having arrived at the scene of the dead body. The overly cordial gambler-slash-entertainer playing tricks with some shot glasses, the father with his innocent child looking on with naive eyes, almost fervently observing. The astute landowner Lord Essex, the clumsy waitress Jane Starmoon. These were all suspects that Lyle Jives had been briefed with at the station. Lady Cinatti, the pompous, judging business owner. Mr. Harver, the sarcastic calculated genius he was.

"Mrs Cinatti," I greet her with a short bow. "Pleasure to meet you, I am the sheriff. Now there is no cause for alarm, you need not be scared by an authority's presence. I am merely here to facilitate the discussion of various alibis and evidences, and make a well-informed decision. No harm in that, is there?"

"Excuse me, pardon me -- by Sheriff, I indeed meant Chief Steward. Freudian slip, really."

YM/Ms Lee
I take a look around the lobby with an air of disgust. "I cannot believe one of you had the utter gall to go and murder someone on a boat of all places!" I then take notice of Mr. Fevell playing with alcoholic beverages, to which I object: "And good sir! How can you prepare such drinks in front of such a little child? Have you no shame?"

"It is sad to see decency is a thing of the past," I sigh. "..I apologise, Mr. Sergeant. I am Ms. Lee Mitannon, brother of Baron Mitannon, who I'm sure you've heard of. As of late I've grown tired of nobility and have been seeking adventure on cruises such as this. Unfortunately, it seems I may have been better off in the family mansion as opposed to witnessing utterly low-class behaviour on all fronts. Fate has a cruel sense of irony, it seems."

Dudesoft/Lord Margraves
I deal whoever Jorean sol or whatever's character in to Bacarrat.

"The name's Winchester Margraves, and anything with a green felt surface and a pack of playin' cards is my game." I flip over my first two cards. A winning hand, straight from the deck. "Best two out of three?"

TBG/Jives
I greet Lee with a handshake, and salute the Sergeant. "This is a pretty bad mess, I'd say," examining the body. "Lee, I haven't met you before, but you seem like quite the standout citizen. What were you at approximately 2:40PM in the afternoon, the time at which this murder occurred?"

Liberty/Sergeant
Just two more suspects to question, both girls have kept to themselves so far but they'll soon warm up, I'm sure. It can wait until after dinner is served, though.

I'm being signalled again by the officer at the door. The ships' Medical Officer has finally arrived - apparently he got distracted by someone on the way. Probably another 'richer than thou' snob who wanted something asinine of him and spent the rest of the time gossiping. You can't trust people to be on time any more. I just hope this doesn't count as my fault when this is all over and done with. The body should have been removed hours ago.

I let him in and watch carefully as he examines the body. The rest of the suspects have congregated into a group, with a few of them on the outskirts - obvious loners who will probably bear watching closely. All in all, they seem to be getting along well, despite the age and class differences. We'll see how long that lasts when they spend more time together. I'm expecting more than a couple of arguments and hell of a lot more posturing before this thing is through.

Finally the Medical Officer gives his opinion - blunt force trauma to the back of the head. Nothing I couldn't see with my own eyes, but I guess it's good to have confirmation at least. He'll be taking the body back to the Sick Bay to examine further and hopefully glean more information about the man there. Good riddance. Dead bodies creep me the hell out.

As he leaves with the body, one of the lads at the door lets me know that dinner is on it's way in a cart. Finally. If this lot aren't fed and watered soon, I don't think they'll take my after-dinner talk too well.


Chearlie/Craig Harver
I notice something when the death body is removed, it is a letter is creased and torn in places, there are many folds, like if someone crumpled it on their fist that some words are hard to read

I know it fell from the corpse so I read it on secret, I don't really understand and there is more text missing. By impulse I shout trying to imitate with cynical tone the voice of the one who died (or at least trying to imagine how his voice was)

author=Dead Man
"My Dear Friend"

I doubt for moment, what the hell am I doing? but it's already late, the eyes of everyone are pointing me, silly since all this morons saw me as annoying and then pretend nothing happen. but well, I have already open my stupid big mouth, and beside, this is fucking evidence if I keep it to myself we won't fix anything and people will cross out me as suspicious, and all I want to do is get out from this mess and try to get away from my life troubles or damn murder troubles.

author=Dead Man
I do hope this letter finds you well. I must say, it shall be wonderful to see you once more and I hope that the goods you promised to bring with you are in good shape. You do know how much I enjoy these things when they're brand new and I am very much looking forward to checking them out for myself.
After our transaction is completed, we should get together for a quiet game of Backgammon, share a bottle of Pimms finest and reminisce about the old times. Sounds a treat, doesn't it?
Oh, and don't forget to bring the receipt for the items. I almost got into trouble the last time when you forgot. Something about having little claim to them and ..."

"The rest of the letter is missing" then I shut up since I don't know how that was helpfull

Cave/Cinatti
"Afraid? Of you?" I bring my hand up to cover my laughing mouth in a very obvious way.

And I must say, cards? After a murder? How uncouth. And, come to think of it, odd, that you would want to play such a game in our current circumstances, as if nothing was amiss. You must either be a horrifying monster or guttertrash. Either way, I shall not miss you.
##Lynch Dudesoft

"Ah, a business transaction gone wrong, was it? As far as goods and receipts go, I don't believe that any were found? Not surprising, considering the incompetence of law enforcement these days."

Chearlie/Harver
"ohohohoho" I imitate the her laugh
"So what's with you, dumb laugh lady? complaining about some people for being heartless and you want to lynch some random dude withouth reason apparently, ooh the irony."

Cave/Cinatti
"Heartless? No, you have carelessly misjudged me. No reason? Tell me, is this an act or are you truly as big a buffoon as you appear to be? There is no reason for someone to be so devil-may-care at this moment. I would say that it's highly likely that he is le mot de l'enigme. And if not, there's nothing wrong with expelling weak links and slime. Indeed, there is much to be said for it."

YM/Ms Lee
I beg your pardon, Mister - I don't believe I caught your name - but I was under the impression that it was the good Sergeant's job to perform the interrogations...not yours. Perhaps you should stick to your stewarding duties and assist in the preparation of our meal? Heaven knows little Michael must be absolutely famished by now.

Having said that, in order to hasten this investigation I believe the Sergeant could use some actual deductive help as opposed to wanton finger-pointing, no? Consider the letter that Mr. Harver has just so eloquently read. There are two points to gather from this; one: The last person to have seen the victim (and thus the murderer) must be in the trade business, and two: Unless I am mistaken, the victim should be in possession of a receipt. Perhaps the murderer sought to keep it to themselves, in an effort to hide incriminating evidence?

"I apologize; by 'trade business' I had meant a standard business: as in, the exchange of goods. I am ashamed to say I was never an expert on economic topics," I say without a trace of humour.

Chearlie/Craig Harver
@Cave
"Sure sure I am the misunderstood buffoon since you didn't specify your reasons, my my, such an IDIOT that I am. I have met woman like you before and one thing I have learn, you are a woman that likes to see the world as a game even if you don't admit it, and I should be cautious cause it can turn WRONG. So I hope this le mot de l'enigme has solid reasons other than a simple hunch. And no comments to your weird Darwin ideas." what the heck is wrong with this conceited lady

@YM
I guess, It's seems like that, but trying to figure out who is out of our reach, don't you think?

Cave/Cinatti
I shake my head and sigh. "Fool. This was clearly a business deal gone awry. If the murderer was in possession of such a receipt, then they would also have the merchandise, no? But if that were the case, there would be no reason to not simply conduct the trade. Especially considering the fact that the victim and the perpetrator had a pre-existing relationship. Even if such a receipt existed, do you truly believe that the killer would not simply burn it or throw it overboard? Honestly, if you can't even figure out that, then perhaps you should keep your mouth shut from now on, as to not dilute intelligent conversation amongst the adults."

I turn to Craig Harver and give him an icy stare. "Sir, not a few moments ago you were complaining about these passengers not taking this seriously. And now you seek to chastise me? My my, what happened to the days when people recognized and deferred to their betters?"

chana/Michael
Does this guy have a name? HE was a business man, d'you know him, mam Cinatti? I want to find the murderer too, me and Fighter can beat all the bad guys!

Cave/Lady Cinatti
"I am afraid I was unfamiliar with the gentleman. My line of business is not conducted on boats."

chana/Michael
author=Jeroen_Sol
but I will grace you with the reason of my presence here. I had heard two friends of mine have boarded this vessel, and I decided it would be worthwile catching up with them. It appears I must have been mistaken, as I have not seen them as of now.

I also thought this man had a weird coat!.. And he did want to meet his friends, maybe he wanted to buy something from them?

Chearlie/Craig Harver

I turn to Lady Pavoratti with a what the fuck face. "Do this have a point at all, you go for lynching someone withouth giving reasons, then you call me clown and now this. God forgive me for not making my bed every morning but this is enough don't you think. If you have something important to said me do it, if you are just gonna throw me your rubbish, the only thing I won't take seriously is you, this girls this days are more annoying than before, as for the letter, I don't have too much to say"

chana/Michael
Oh, yes, and his name was Mister Lord Essex, I mean the one who wanted to meet his friends.

Jeroen/Essex
I look at the cards on the table, and my face turns a little red. "Best two out of three it is." I say, as the cards once again fall in Margraves' favour. Afer a few losing hands my face turns even more red, and I start to go on a giant tirade, sweeping the cards off the table. Then I realize Michael is talking about me.
author=chana
MichaelI also thought this man had a weird coat!.. And he did want to meet his friends, maybe he wanted to buy something from them?

"Young boy, are you saying you think I may be the murderer? Preposterous!" My face turns even redder. "This coat... it is a form of art! And I assure you, I haven't had the pleasure of talking to any of my old friends yet, let me tell you! It is an impossibility that I have killed this man! I would never consort to such low means. I am a man of honour!"

I walk back to the couch, sit down, and pour myself another martini. The cold ice finally makes me calm down.

"Sorry about that, boy, I didn't mean to lose my temper like that. It appears losing baccarat got to me."

YM/Ms. Lee

author=CAVE_DOG_IS_BACK
I shake my head and sigh. "Fool. This was clearly a business deal gone awry. If the murderer was in possession of such a receipt, then they would also have the merchandise, no? But if that were the case, there would be no reason to not simply conduct the trade. Especially considering the fact that the victim and the perpetrator had a pre-existing relationship. Even if such a receipt existed, do you truly believe that the killer would not simply burn it or throw it overboard? Honestly, if you can't even figure out that, then perhaps you should keep your mouth shut from now on, as to not dilute intelligent conversation amongst the adults."

"I beg your pardon, my Lady," I sneer, "But if you had bothered to listen to Mr. Harver reading the letter you would have heard the line, 'Oh, and don't forget to bring the receipt for the items.' which means that the business deal went ahead and all that was left was the delivery of the goods." And with regards to the receipt, on a boat such as this it would not be impossible for someone to notice any sort of burning or discarding.

TBG/Jives
"Yes sir, I was just heading off to the kitchen now. I just wanted to be absolutely sure of your -obvious- innocence, sire. Since I did see a mysterious figure pop by round about 2:00PM from the kitchen. Seemed to be cloaked expensively, sir. I *just* wanted to make sure that it wasn't you I was seeing. Then again, I might be seeing things! The sea does that to you, you know! One moment, sir, the meal will be ready to you in a moment, tender and juicy for your eloquent taste buds!"

I scurry off to the kitchen.

YM/Ms Lee
I then stop and think for a moment. "Although there is something peculiar about letter, which includes the line 'After our transaction is completed'. Perhaps the receipt was for a deal made earlier..."
@TBG
"'SIR'? What are you implying, steward?", I yell as the man walks out. "Can you not see that I am a woman? As for the cloaked figure, there are many among us who have been blessed with great fortune. I would be cautious of the Lady, myself, but at this stage I shall behave with dignity and refrain from such accusations."

TBG/Jives
I wheeled around and apologized to the madame.

"I beg your pardon, Miss Lee. Er, -Ms.- Lee. I'm sorry, I did not mean to offend you in any way or fashion by calling you Sire, if anything it does not imply masculinity, and well yes your coat was very fashionably large, so it seemed to cover your hair and face, and well, I was unsure if you were female or dressing as such, depending on your... eh, alignment."

I stood in silence, before realizing that I had said enough to dig a hole for myself through to China. I stormed out of the room, face to the ground, milling in my own self-pity.

Cave/Cinatti
@YM
Ugh. The ignorance of the masses..

"Quelle idée! The murder weapon was a statue that was located very close to the victim. This indicates that the the crime was probably not premeditated. A likely scenario is that some aspect of the deal turned sour at the last minute, resulting in a...layoff. I must say, if this is what transpired, I approve of the murderer's business accumen.

But if that is the case, where are the goods? Why haven't they been found? If they existed and I was searching for them, they would have been found within minutes, I tell you. I suspect that the victim was supposed to bring something and did not, resulting in the killer's wrath. It would not make any sense for the murderer to kill him and take his merchandise. It would eventually be found and used to convict him.

Perhaps the murder was premeditated and the killer simply found a more suitable weapon that could not be traced back to him. In either case, it is frankly ludicrious that you would put forth the assertion that someone could not burn something on this ship or simply throw it off the ship. Cigars are a common vice, and as for disposing of unwanted objects, it's really a quite simple affair in all areas of life. Perhaps you could be shown later.

Regardless of whatever you would like to incorrectly believe, there are a few more matters that must be addressed.

Firstly, why does this note exist at all? The killer was careful to leave no other trace of his presence at the crime scene. Why the note, something that could potentially incriminate him? Even with the offending piece of paper ripped in half, it still could be used as a nail in a crucifix. I would assume, from this, that there are two possibilities. Either the killer, in his haste to make his leave, did not search the victim, or the note itself is a forgery.

Secondly, the merchandise mentioned in the note appears to be a perishable of some sort. This certainly does not narrow down the list by much, but it does, at the very least, serve as a testament to the fact that this transaction had nothing to do with my particular business.

@TBG
"Oh? And only forty minutes before the murder occured, you say?" I smirk slightly. "Please sir, could you tell us what happened any earlier? Yesterday? Last week, perhaps?

Gourd/Maria
A young slave girl bursts into the room. "S-sorry! I was helping our master!" Though, she was not truly sure of what she had been doing as all that running to get here in time truly winded her enough that she didn't care if she was telling the truth right now. She could tell them later.
"I hope my older sister gets here soon. I'm Maria by the way, nice to meet you all!"

LWG/Sara
“I must say, you have all been talking very loudly. Not one has given me a chance to speak! My name is Sara Eddington. I am but a simple slave. Many years ago, I used to go by the stage name Little Wing Guy, and let me tell you, my wings were the only thing little about me *wink*. But I digress, that was before I embraced my true self as a beautiful woman *twirls*.

I think I over hear someone say something about a murder! How dreadful! I sure hope it wasn’t that lovely older gentleman, he was divine, rich and didn‘t yet write me in his will, oh well *sigh*. Well it couldn’t have been me that murdered him, I wouldn’t have anything to gain, plus I was doing chores all night long, and if you have a look everything is sparkly clean!”

TBG/Jives
I bring out a plate of crackers and cheese, with a tomato relish side.

"Excuse me, kindly," I say, shuffling my way through the crowd to see the Lady speak. I turn to a slave girl, who is dressed in very drab and dirty clothing. "Do you need a new coat? You look cold as anything in those garments. I could get you a coat from the lost property, or something more fitting. Please tell me you're having a good time aboard the ship. By any chance would you mind telling me the name of your master? I would like to have a chat with him about the contentious issue of harbouring slaves on a ship like this. Oh look, you're all wet! Have you been scrubbing? We need to get something warm for you right away!"

Nessiah/Fevell
I return my attention to the scene as I finish scribbling on my notebook. A bunch of unfamiliar faces hit me. "Since when did we become this crowded?" I take a moment to listen to everyone and try to get back to reality.

LWG/Sara
“Are you talking to me? Oh how sweet of you, I’ve never had anyone bring me a plate of cheese and crackers. *Gasp*…and is that tomato relish on the side? Oh my, you know how to treat a lady!

My Master you say? *I mumble with a full mouth* Well if you’re going to get my master in trouble, I can’t tell you a word! I’m a slave girl don‘t forget, he treats me ever so cruelly if I step out of line, I do not wish for myself to also end up murdered on this ship! Oh yes I have been scrubbing, all night long without much of a breal. I am quite wet indeed, but that’s only been since you’ve started talking to me, teehee, I kid, I kid.”

"Oh my god!" I scream dramatically. "I've just remembered I have to go back to work, and it'll be exactly five hours before I can talk to you all again and answer any more of your questions, it's a tough life being a slave!"

Nessiah/Fevell
"You're a slave?" I ponder and scribble something on my notebook before returning my attention. "The environment here isn't really fitting for a kid..."

Nessiah/Fevell
"But Ms. Sara, if I remember correctly, you can't go anywhere. We're all required to stay in this room until the Sergeant says so."

TBG/Jives
I look at my guest list and see that everyone is present and accounted for. I make mental notes as to their roles and names, along with their temperaments, but I choose to scribble them down in a moment of haste. I then realize that this guest list will have to be for my own personal use, for I did not recognize a single name by face.


Nessiah/Fevell
"Am I the only one who finds it wrong that they even have slaves on this ship?" I look around at everyone ignoring their argument.

I quickly redrawn something from my pad, tore it off and gave it to the Sergeant.

Jeroen/Essex
'Slavery? How abhorrid! How could one ever commit an act as foul as selling a person's freedom? Someone please get these poor girls some proper clothing and beverages.

Nessiah/Fevell
"More importantly, is it even legal?"

"Like it seems that someone here is aware that there are slaves running about." I try to remember who asked the girls if they have a master.

Jeroen/Essex
What if the transaction between the killer and victim wasn't in goods whatsoever? Could it be a transaction... in people?

Nessiah/Fevell
"That...is interesting." I ponder for a bit, "Sir Essex, you don't happen to know this person, do you? He seems to have a friend that he hasn't seen for a while as well. I mean it could be definitely a coincidence."

Jeroen/Essex
It is possible, I guess. Neither of my friends were the type to deal in slaves, neither did they seem to be the type to commit murder, but a lot can change in 10 years, I suppose... I mean, just look at my belly. It wasn't as... grand as it is now 10 years ago! HAWRHAWRHAWR!

TBG/Jives
"Muffin?" I offer Lawrence and Lord Ridgerow. "If you're looking for information about the slave girls, I spoke to the shorter one earlier -- you see she seemed in quite a hurry to escape the lobby, in a poor, dreadful state too. Didn't even manage to fetch her a coat, she could have caught the pneumonia!"

YM/Ms Lee
Just as I'm about to reply to the dear Lady's scathing tone, I catch sight of the diminutive slave girls. "Slaves? On this very boat? This is outrageous! Where on Earth is their 'master'? I MUST have a word with him!

Jeroen/Essex
'Why thank you, sir Jives. Don't you think someone should chase after her? We want to keep everyone in this room, don't we?'

'Please settle down, lady Mittanon. If the 'master' of these two young girls in indeed present here, I am sure they will show up soon. There's no need to become agitated.'

Liberty/Sergeant
Dinner has come and gone without too much incident and the last of the suspects have been interviewed - two slave girls. Sisters. Young. It's a horrible tradition but one that is prevalent in many rich families still. And they wonder why I hate the bastards so much. The last thing I want to deal with right now is a fight between the pro- and negative-slavery movements. Especially during a murder case.

God, I hope Scarrow doesn't hear about this. It's the very last thing I need right now - an incident caused by an ex-slave trying to free current ones. It's a sad fate for the girls, but there's nothing I can lawfully do unless there's proof of neglect, abuse or injury. Unfortunately, both girls seem to be in good health, if a little worn-down by their work. Poor kids.

I stand up and try to catch the attention of the assorted group. I've suspicions about some of them but no proof; no evidence. I look at each of them in the eye, then say a fast prayer in my mind before telling them. Best get the good out of the way because they won't want to listen to it after I'm done with the rest of the news.

"I have here a map of the current room, kindly sketched up by Mister Fevell. The area near stage-left is currently out of bounds to all, so please, stay away unless you wish to be considered even more of a suspect than you already are."
It's not a bad map, either, even if it is pink. Hot pink at that. Is Mister Fevell a...? No, back on topic. Nice, safe, going-to-get-me-killed-or-fired-or-both topic. The Bad News.

"It seems that due to the lack of viable evidence all of us will be confined to this room until further notice."

I can already hear the robust voice of the Lady Cinatti and the grumbling of the younger man, Harver - both protesting, but I used to be a stage actor and boy, do I know how to throw my voice. I shout down their protests and wait for silence before I continue. Damn, wish it were the Inspector doing this - now there's someone who can silence a room! One look is all it takes and everyone - from the highest Nobles to the meekest bus-boy - is dead still. I'd kill for that skill. Or, well, at least maim, maybe.

"As I said, we will all be stuck in this room, together, until such time as the culprit is caught or we arrive at the nearest port." God, I hope I catch the person who did this first. Chances are that if the port authorities take over this case, anyone who is affluent or famous will be laughing their way out of the station, while the other poor shmucks become the main suspects.

I chance another glance around the room. Damn. They don't look impressed. Well, better get the worst out of the way.

"That said, alternate bedding will be provided by the staff - kit beds mostly, with plenty of bedding - and a section will be cordoned off for the ladies. Needless to say, anyone caught out of bed during the night hours will be locked in the side room and kept for extensive questioning."

The bar area will serve for a makeshift cell, I suppose. Thank God there are restrooms off the Dining room so I don't have to worry about them sneaking things in and out.

"Lastly, I ask that you bear with me, but...," Dammit, I just know there's going to be trouble when I say this. "Ahem! Lastly... alternate clothes and accessories will be provided for you for the night. Thank you and please have a good evening!"

I stride quickly to the door, seemingly intent on holding a conversation with the Officer there. It should put off anyone who wishes to voice their displeasure with the arrangements for a little while at least. Let them steam a bit.

Damn, I should have stayed at home.

MAP ADDED FOR REFERENCE


Nessiah/Fevell
"We'll be staying here the entire night? Is that even alright? I mean, this is a crime scene isn't it?" I look at the Sergeant surprised.

But the Sergeant leaves before I can protest. I curse under my breath
"I'm going to sleep on a place where a murder happened. Fantastic."

Jeroen/Essex
'What is this madness? Can't we just retire to our own cabins? If the murderer is among us, won´t that put all of us at risk? How can you even propose such an idea, sir?'

I start to walk after the Sergeant, but lose him out of my sight upon reaching the door, and walk back into the room, still fuming.

Nessiah/Fevell
"It's no use Sir Essex. The Sergeant just left us here and dashed to the door." I say in disgust as I fold my arms. "Even if the murderer is with us, I don't think he, or she, whatever, would be stupid enough to kill someone on a crowded place."

"But using clothes that aren't mine..." I sigh. "I hope they get my size right."

Jeroen/Essex
-sigh- I shake my head in disbelief.

'I hope you are right, sir Fevell. Let us hope this investigation will prove to be more fruitful tomorrow.'

#nolynch

Nessiah/Fevell
I nod and sigh, "I wonder...Why did they have to leave the kid here? I mean, I'm sure the father would rather have his kid away from here."

I eye at the exit doors suspiciously trying to find a reason. "They can't be suspecting the kid as a murderer, right?"

Jeroen/Essex
'Fancy a game of blackjack to pass the time, sir Fevell? It can take our minds off this ridiculous situation we're finding ourselves in.'

TBG/Jives
"That would be a horrible sensation, Sire," I dryly comment to Mr. Fevell. "There isn't much room for error, is there, though? I mean, technically, a boy could have wielded a small mace or candlestick... but to strike it with such strength would require much more force, more than that boy's got in his entire body. Poor child.

And on that note, I must fetch some supper for him. After that, I shall retire to my quarters and catch a nod or two before breakfast. 'Tis a shame that this has to be your trapped lodgings, sire, but I do hope our maids have secured the best lodgings for you all. Good night, magician."

#nolynch

Jeroen/Essex
'Wait, sir Jives! Are you saying you will be staying in your own quarters while we sleep here on the scene of a murder, possibly with a murderer among us?'

Liberty/Sergeant
"I apologise, men, but when I said we are all stuck in here, I meant all of us. You are as much as suspect as any other, Mister Jives. Sorry to say, but you will have to stay here. I'm sure the ship will run just fine without yourself and the waitress, Miss Jane.
As for the child? His father has asked that he be kept with him at all times. I am also not a fan of having a child in these conditions but it is protocol. I cannot allow any suspected of murder to have free roam of the ship, especially due to the chance for evidence to go missing. Keep this among yourself, gentlemen, as I'd rather not worry the ladies, but as we speak all your rooms are currently being searched."

I hate this, telling them stuff like this, but if it keeps them from rebelling and understanding the situation they are in, well, I'll do it. Protocols, protocols, protocols. God, I hate them but the only other alternative is to get a new job.

Maybe I should consider that...

TBG/Jives
"Are we all sleeping here for the time being? Well then pardon me for thinking of retiring to my headquarters so comfortably. If we are to lie here, then lie here we must! Let it be! Live and let live! Command and conquer! Veni vidi vici! Mamma mia! Luigi!"

Nessiah/Fevell
"I guess there is no choice." I sigh. "As much as I'd love to play a game of Blackjack Sir Essex, I'm afraid I'm not on the right mindset to play a game right now. I would be a terrible player."

I look over the Sergeant, "If you don't mind Sergeant I'd like to change to my normal clothes I have here, you can check if you want. This suit is choking me and I'm not waiting for the rest of the day for the clothes."

#nolynch

TBG/Jives
"That is a shame, Fevell, since I would have much liked to see you two play blackjack tonight. Say, what about a game of poker in the morning? I mean, no money involved of course. A sad day it would be for the Chief Steward to be found gambling on premises. With passengers, too! But I assume that regular chips will be more than fine."

Jeroen/Essex
Would you fancy agame of blackjack, then, sir Jives?

Nessiah/Fevell
I go inside the bathroom to change clothes.

Chearlie/Harver
Slaves, A kid very calm when there was a deah body here, a death body, a murder, this needs to be a dream, my life is bad but it has never went through this kind of things. I go to the bathroom, and wash my head, then I hit my head but is useless, I want to get out of this, but it's seems that the only way to get out of this nightmare is by resolving this case, so I go back with the others

"Alright, let's said Lady Wack-a-Doodle is right, dudesoft has potential of being the murder, if he is not at least we get rid of the weak ones" what the hell I am saying

#Lynch Dudesoft

I wonder if I did the correct thing, but my mind is a mess, I tell myself to calm down and think right before my acts turn bad

I turn to Lady Cincinatti "Don't think I am putting my trust on you just because of this,so you better be right"

Adon/Starmoon
I look around the room, with more people arriving, I begin to loathe my job. I walk onto the stage, and behind a curtain. I trip over a wooden object, and stand up and begin to assemble things for my upcoming Psychic Show.

chana/Michael
(I'm sound asleep, my Super Clone Fighter action figure cuddled in my arms, on two chairs put next to each other by my caring father, far away in the land of dreams and yet so close, dreams where men in triple tailed jackets are drinking rainbow color drinks, while cards are flying over their heads, as the queen of hearts hovers gently above me and smiles.)

Gourd/Maria
Maria suddenly speaks up, "Is it really such a good idea to leave the deductions for tomorrow ladies and gentlemen? I don't think it's a good idea at all"

chana/Michael
(As the rainbow drinks turn to black, my dream turns to nightmare, the triple tailed jacketted men are trampling on a corpse, while the queen of hearts turns to spade and stares at me with an evil grin, and suddenly a man in red appears bowing repeatedly with an obsequous smile to all and everyone; in my anguish I mutter in my sleep :

#Lynch thatbennyguy"!!)

Jeroen/Essex
'Miss Maria, how can we make deductions when there's nothing much to make deductions from? What do you suggest we do, miss Maria? Isn't it the Sergeant's job to find the murderer? Whatever can we do but wait?

Gourd/Maria
"Well, we could pick...someone?" Maria clearly hadn't thought this through, but believed in what she said regardless.

Chearlie/Harver
what's with the kid, lynch Lyle Jives (TBG) I wonder why he said that, is he really sleeping or he really understand what's happening.

chana/Michael
(my own muttering woke me up and I heard Mr Harver's last words) Yes that man the steward is always nice when all the others are bickering all the time, maybe I figured a criminal or mafia WOULD try to seem nice.

TBG/Jives
Well pointed out, son. You deserve a treat for that. But be warned that I am only as polite as I am because I am a Chief Steward, and the benefits of my role are only apparent when I am polite to all suspects, not accusing a single one.

Indeed, if I were to be rude or even lead a lynch on a single suspect, well, my power would be deemed null and void! Seems the luck of the draw, I would say, that I have been divided this role. And one day you too can tend a ship of your very own, if that's what you fancy! Although I wouldn't recommend the open ocean. Rivers like this one are much safer, and less rocky. I know this from experience.

chana/Michael
You're on the boat all year Mr Jives? Oh, could you make me visit? Though I do like the ocean, in summer My dad, mom and I always go there... Hey, my treat!
Well.. aaalright :
#Cancel

Dudesoft/Lord Margraves
I tap the playing cards together when I feel some anomosity crawling my way. Peering around the room and struggling to understand all the hairy eyeballs pointed to my innocent game of baccarat, I hear a few sentences and start to spell out in my head that something isn't quite right. I lean over to Jeroen sol, and ask, "I say... Now, again, I say... What seems to be the big commotion in this room? It's almost like someone's gone an' died."

TBG/Jives
I will take up on your offer, Lord Ridgerow. Now how would we like to do this. Who deals? Should we have a 3rd-party dealer, or one of us deal? What do you have in mind?

YM/Ms Lee
Frustrated at the current situation, I can't help but break my silence: "Blackjack? At a time like this? What is wrong with you people?"

"Unless I am horribly, horribly mistaken I do believe there is a murderer amongst us. Must we sit by idly and play mindless games as opposed to exposing the criminal?"

Liberty/Sergeant
I finally finish talking to the officer at the door and look out over the room. There's no more news just yet, but progress is being made on the search of everyone's quarters. That said, they're still only half done and will probably be searching late into the night.
At least the majority of the suspects have calmed down a bit. Some, I'm sure, are just biding their time, but others seem to have even forgotten about the body that lay next to the stage a scant hour or so ago.
In fact, someone has even gotten bold enough to scramble up on the small stage and mess around up there. I feel another headache coming on...

Dudesoft/Lord Margraves
I buck and drop my deck of cards. "Murderer?!" I exclaim.
"What's all this? Why just what in tarnation is goin' on 'round here, anyhow?!"

TBG/Jives
I apologize, Ms. Lee, it's just that some of us are feeling the tension right now and need a small piece of recreation to relax. None of us like the idea of a murderer being in the midst of us, but I think that, over time, more clues will become available, and eventually we will be able to rest easy again, knowing that we are safe because the killer is behind bars once and for all.

That said, you mentioned something about "breaking silence", Ms. Lee. Would you mind answering (and I do mean this oh so kindly), why you were silenced in the first place? It wasn't the doings of the kind magician Fevell, was it? Or some other strange incantation/curse you feel has been bestowed upon your personage?

Jeroen/Essex
'I find your lack of understanding slightly... Strange, sir. A murder was committed on this vessel. The murder weapon has most likely been a golden bust, so it probably was not premeditated... Wait...' My face turns pale. 'If the murder was not premeditated doesn't that put us all at great risk? Who's to say the killer didn't randomly kill someone?'

YM/Ms Lee
"Mr. Steward, while you are cheerfully partaking in shallow recreation there's a murderer in our midst, possibly devising a plan to kill us in our sleep. I think anyone would find quite hard to be patient under these circumstances."

I was merely mulling over the events since the event occurred; needless communication is a waste of energy.

chana/Michael
Golden, wow! Nobody said it was golden before... maybe it was worth hundreds and hundreds! Did you see it from very close?

Mirror/Mrs Margraves
How dare you point at my beloved husband?! He's a very decent person and you should be ashamed for your behavior. I believe you need to feel it on your own skin.
#lynch Cave

Dudesoft/Lord Margraves
"I do beg of your forgiveness, but I was in the gentlemen's room for quite some time. Do we know who it is that died?" calming my shivers, so as not to show weakness in the company of fellow gamblers, regardless of the situation, I add, "Candidly, my good fellow, I share your apprehension. Worse still, will the fiend strike again?"

Zeuzio/D. Simmons
I leave the restroom where Mr. Fevell currently is at, just in time to hear some of the latest conversation.

"Is it really early enough to go about accusin' people? I mean, we have to do SOMETHING, but..." I examine every person in the room for a while.

Nessiah/Fevell
Changing my clothes to a set of casual clothes, a jacket with a hoodie, I emerge out of the bathroom feeling exhausted. Surprised by the sudden accusations being thrown at each other I sigh and went to the stage, just near the crime scene to inspect the position of the bust in case I found anything that might be useful for an evidence.

"I hope I don't accidentally trample on the crime scene." I thought.

Jeroen/Essex
'Huh, now that you mention it, I don't know what made me think the bust is golden. It being the bust of the owner of the ship immediately made me draw the conclusion it's golden, it appears.' (Perhaps I was thinking about some Phoenix Wright case or something? Then again, I can't come up with any that involve golden busts.) 'You are a clever little lad, Michael.'

Dudesoft/Lord Margraves
#nolynch

Gourd/Maria
"W-what's this?" I ask as I look at the note "C-could this note be talking about me and my siter?" Maria shuffles her feet. "Hey guys...I feel calm now so Ican tell you what I was doing." Maria sighs "We are slaves, but we were just being bought a second time this year.... The man selling us was rather....wicked but naive. He had allowed us to come ahead on to the boat and he would come meet us here. Of course, we tried to escape with the help of a kind man. But, the seller killed him right in front of my eyes. I left right away and only just woke up not too long ago when I realized the seller was still alive. ANd I think the seller is... (Jeroen I forget your name sorry) !"

"And so I know... that (Jeroen) is the killer!"

#Lynch Jeroen_Sol

"And I believe this was him because of the following 3 statements!"

Jeroen_Sol:

(1) As a landowner, this thing you call an occupation holds little meaning to me, but I will grace you with the reason of my presence here.(1)
(2) I had heard two friends of mine have boarded this vessel(2),
(3)and I decided it would be worthwile catching up with them.(3)

chana/Michael
Yep, and he never described his "2 friends" to Mr Fevell and also why does he say the bust is golden? Come on Fighter, let's
#Lynch Jeroen_Sol

YM/Ms Lee
"Excuse me, but what does two friends of his boarding the vessel have anything to do with this?"

LWG/Sara
Oh, I’m terribly sorry! But actually quite relieved I’m not allowed to leave this room, finally a well deserved break. I hope you all forget about my background as a slave and treat me as your equal *cough* especially the all the rich gentleman *cough*, at least for the remainder of this investigation anyway.

We’re not actually going to lynch someone we do not know for certain to be the culprit, are we? Wouldn’t that make us all murders? Surely it’s just a phase, we’re not actually going to lynch anyone are we? It’s barbaric!

Cave/Lady Cinnati

I laugh softly, earrings tinkling softly and fire flashing in my eyes. "Little girl, it would behoove you to think with your head, rather than your heart. A dramatic tale, but full of error. It is as if you were an art collector presenting the Bayeux, lacerated! Do you truly expect us to believe that, through all of this, you did not know the identity of the attacker despite meeting him multiple times?"

I pause for a moment, focusing my eyes into a glare and swirling my sherry.

"If the author of the note was the deceased, as you claim, why, then, was the note found on his corpse? Usually, a note regarding a future meeting is sent and received before the meeting, no?

It is safe to assume that the killer did not know about the note at this junction. If one were to see an incriminating piece of paper, any criminal smart enough to wipe his prints or wear gloves would certainly take the entire note, not just half. It is entirely an imaginary idea, leaving words that would prove your guilty later.

So the inquiry I pose to everyone here is this: Where is the other half of the note? The killer would have disposed of it, if ever he had it, but he did not. Detecive, are you truly so inept as to not be able to locate a single piece of paper?!

Lastly, your reasons for suspecting Lord Essex are rather inane, I must say."

I take another sip of sherry and sip my diamond ring.

"Firstly, you lay suspicion at his feet for being a landowner whose primary concern appears to be resting in luxury. Well, my dear, being a slave, perhaps you don't quite understand how society operates. Some people are born with everything and some, like you, are born with nothing. Essex is a lord. Of course he does not work. I doubt that he has ever worked a day in his life. But he has no need of money, I assure you that. Money or slaves.

Secondly you posit that this Lord would call two such as your his friends? Girls who openly admit that they are slaves? Tell me, what exactly do you think that would do for his reputation? Not only this, but the receiver and writer of the note clearly once had an amicable relationship. That is one friend. You and your sister would make three.

Of course, perhaps Dear Lord Essex is not who he says he is...but if that were the case, surely you would recognize him?

Isn't that right, little girl?"

author=chana
Yep, and he never described his "2 friends" to Mr Fevell and also why does he say the bust is golden? Come on Fighter, let's
#Lynch Jeroen_Sol

"Do you truly believe that a murderer would mistake the color of his own murder weapon? I hope not, for your sake. Otherwise, you may have a larger problem than the killer on this boat.

Lord Essex also mentioned that he had not met his two friends in ten years. How would that look, when his friends turned out to be youthful slave girls?"

Gourd/Maria
author=Yellow Magic
"Excuse me, but what does two friends of his boarding the vessel have anything to do with this?"

"2 friends, 2 slaves girls. I mean no direspect of course."
"W-well I Lady Cincinatti... I didn't mean to... Well, let me explian a little more. I wasn't calling us his friends, I felt he was using the term simply to describe the two people he was coming to meet as a formality or to actually hide that he is a slave-owner considerering the number of anti-slave gentlemen and ladies aboard the train. And the fact that he owns land yet relaxes in luxury clearly indicates workers of some type, most likely slaves. And why would it be worthwhile to catch up to them? Well, I suggest it's because he thinks of us as his property." Maria looks up to the ceiling clearly distraught at the absurdity of Lady Cincinatti. Though, she knew Cincinatti had some merit.

"I also believe us to be the cartle the letter speaks of, notice how it never specifies WHAT the cartel is."

chana/Michael
Not mistake, but know something about the weapon that we don't.
But Maria, the letter doesn't speak of any cartel, What do you mean?

Gourd/Maria
"The crumpled paper uses the word goods rather than cartel but I believe them to be the same thing."

chana/Michael
ok, I looked up in the dictionary, this is what I found :
"A group of businesses or nations that collude to limit competition within an industry or market." No "goods" in there.

Cave/Cinatti
author=Gourd_Clae
"W-well I Lady Cincinatti... I didn't mean to... Well, let me explian a little more. I wasn't calling us his friends, I felt he was using the term simply to describe the two people he was coming to meet as a formality or to actually hide that he is a slave-owner considerering the number of anti-slave gentlemen and ladies aboard the train. And the fact that he owns land yet relaxes in luxury clearly indicates workers of some type, most likely slaves. And why would it be worthwhile to catch up to them? Well, I suggest it's because he thinks of us as his property." Maria looks up to the ceiling clearly distraught at the absurdity of Lady Cincinatti. Though, she knew Cincinatti had some merit.

"A man who holds the title of "Lord" has enough money to not need slaves. Not to mention, in these times, having slaves in your 'employ' would be a disaster upon his public face.

The killer and the deceased had a previous relationship. That makes three "friends." If you were the friends Essex mentioned, then one would certainly wonder why he mentioned you at all. After all, he could have simply ordered you to be quiet and pretended that you were strangers. And a Lord calling two young slaves his friends? Friends he claims to have not seen for over TEN years? How old are you, girl? Did the dear Lord befriend you when you were a baby?" I snort. "

"I also believe us to be the cartle the letter speaks of, notice how it never specifies WHAT the cartel is."

"Ha ha ha. Little girl. You may have a future as an entertainer! Have you mistaken the word cargo for cartel? A cartel is an agreement amongst businesses! Oh, I do see why you are slave now."

Not mistake, but know something about the weapon that we don't.

"Are you daft? We have all seen the bust. We all know what color it is and Essex making that mistake means nothing.

TBG/Jives
Well, pardon me, Ms. Maria, but you could not possibly be in a -drug cartel- by mere accident. Indeed, there have been rumours of drug trafficking being performed on premises, need I remind the crew of that poor maid Jillian who was framed with the smuggling of crack cocaine from Alexotria to New Retshire. She was behind bars for a full week! They never caught the criminal, unfortunately.

So, dear Maria, if you -were- in a drug cartel, you'd surely know about it, wouldn't you?

Gourd/Maria
"I pretty sure there are multiple definitions of cartel, Michael."

Cave/Cinatti
"And none of them of any relevance! How exciting!"

TBG/Jives
Yes, Maria, you are absolutely right! But it is well-known that there have been 4 major groups warring over this general province. These 4 groups are the Mafia, Cartel, Independents and Town. Indeed in a society with mafia, the drug cartel are probable to appear, and I say this without hesitation. Not that I have anything to do with them, of course.

#cancel

chana/Michael
About the bust I don't know, maybe you're right, but why do you say that Lord Essex had not seen his friends over ten years, he never mentioned that, or did I miss that?

Cave/Cinatti
I sigh just loud enough for everyone to hear. "I believe his exact words were something along the lines of..."

'If I knew what they looked like I wouldn't be having this problem right now, would I, sir Fevell? HAWRHAWRHAWR! I have not met them in 10 years, which is why I was so thrilled to hear I had the opportunity to meet them again. I'm sad to say my memory of them is a little hazy.'

Gourd/Maria
"The slaveowner is actually looking for us Lady Cincinatti. He doesn't know what we look like because he was just buying us. Have you never thought he could be lieing to you about the 10 years bit? You say 2, I say three. 2 is the number of the people suspected for murder the most. My sister one, and the man who helped us another. I ran out first remember?"

Cave/Cinatti
"Of course, we are ignoring the most obvious problem. How do you not recognize your own captor?

We have little time left to make a decision. Some of you would have us do nothing. This is pure cowardice. You are putting our fates in the hand of the killer. I urge you, throw this filthy, ignorant gambler (Dudesoft) overboard. He is either a criminal, not surprising considering his line of "work," or useless to our cause."

Gourd/Maria
author=thatbennyguy

author=Gourd_Clae
"I pretty sure there are multiple definitions of cartel, Michael."

Lyle Jives, Chief Steward
Yes, Maria, you are absolutely right! But it is well-known that there have been 4 major groups warring over this general province. These 4 groups are the Mafia, Cartel, Independents and Town. Indeed in a society with mafia, the drug cartel are probable to appear, and I say this without hesitation. Not that I have anything to do with them, of course.

"Or maybe a suspected drug-cartel? I don't mean to fearmonger but feel that it is not of drugs."

Cave/Cinatti
author=Gourd_Clae
"The slaveowner is actually looking for us Lady Cincinatti. He doesn't know what we look like because he was just buying us. Have you never thought he could be lieing to you about the 10 years bit? You say 2, I say three. 2 is the number of the people suspected for murder the most. My sister one, and the man who helped us another. I ran out first remember?"

(By the way, I am responding to your earlier post right now.)

"We are slaves, but we were just being bought a second time this year.... The man selling us was rather....wicked but naive. He had allowed us to come ahead on to the boat and he would come meet us here. Of course, we tried to escape with the help of a kind man. But, the seller killed him right in front of my eyes. I


"You claimed that the killer was SELLING you, little girl. What's wrong, can't get your own story straight?

The number of years is, frankly, irrelevant because Lord Essex mentioned his friends at all. There would be no reason for him to do this if he was indeed referring to you.
"

Gourd/Maria
"Erf, I suppose not. I've definitely mispoken a few times. I believe I mispoke; mixing up the slave owner and the slave owner. The slave owner is out to get us while the slave seller was killed by one of the last two to leave. There were 3 when I left that were alive. My sister, the man who helped us, and the slave owner were the last 3 to leave. I obviously suspect the slave owner."

TBG/Jives
Indeed, Ms. Cinatti, I will have to agree with you on this one, albeit with sorrow from the bottom of my heart. Mr. Margraves has not cared to explain his absence in further detail, nor has he established any sort of desire to seek the killer, not even in the form of clues. I have no insight as to his character or background, and if he is wanting to survive to the next day, I plead to him that he would explain himself, for the good of the entire ship and its crew. I mean this in the sincerest of manners.

#lynch Dudesoft

chana/Michael
I guess the ten years don't fit in, then
#Cancel

Liberty/Sergeant
I watch in silence as the suspects toss theories and speculations back and forth between each other, late into the night. There's a lot of name-calling, insults and childish behaviour, but they behave pretty well besides. I've definitely been surprised with how co-operative they have all been about having to stay here the night.

It's nearing Midnight when I stand up and finally announce time for bed. It makes me feel like I'm their parent or something, especially when they all seem to comply.

I still don't have any idea as to who the murderer is. We'll see if the searching of the personal quarters turns up anything of interest tomorrow, and hopefully there will be some new clues to work off. I didn't really expect this to be wound up on the first day, but it would have been nice. Damn, and I've still to catch a clue about the Cartel, too.

Tomorrow will probably be a hectic day. I'd better get to bed.

NIGHT PHASE 1 BEGINS

Liberty/Sergeant
I stay up half the night, going over what few clues we have and what information I have gleaned from each of the suspects, trying to figure out who is the murderer and who might be the Cartel the Inspector is looking for.

It's very late when I finally call it quits for the night and head to my bed in the bar section of the room. I have a good view of the floor from here and it's nearer to the crime scene than the other beds so I can see if anyone goes near it during the night.

I really hope they serve some good coffee in the morning because this case looks like it will be a hard one to crack.

I wake early and make my bed before checking the room for any disturbances. Everything is quiet, though a few people are starting to wake. I head to the doors and check with the guards to make sure no-one left during the night. They let me know that the search of all the rooms is complete and the officer in charge will be coming by a little later with the currently processed evidence.

Good, we needed some real clues.

I hope he managed to find some information on our victim, too, and perhaps something that might lead us to the identities of the Cartel members, but I won't get my hopes up. That Lady Luck has never been a friend of mine, that's for sure.

Non-the-less, today looks to be a more promising day than the last. At least no-one's died on me so far!


DAY PHASE 2 BEGINS

Nessiah/Fevell
I wake up and head towards the bar room for coffee half awake.

Adon/Starmoon
"Ohh, what a night...", I say as I rise from my bed, still sleepy from last night's nightmares, and walk out of the door, and into another room. From there, I climb atop the stage and wait for others to wake.

Gourd/Maria
"Last night my slave master got me and he's a male." Maria sobs

Nessiah/Fevell
I drop my mug over the implication of this sentence. So much for chocolate coffee.

"Someone did something while we're sleeping?" I thought to myself. I try to get another mug and apologize to the Sergeant over the mess.

Gourd/Maria
"Well, outing ourselves as slaves was apparently a bad idea..." Maria looks down in a defiled manner.

Nessiah/Fevell
I look at disdain at Maria unable to drink my coffee.

chana/Michael
You mean your new master, not the seller, i.e. murderer? He's not in this room, is he?

Dudesoft/Lord Margraves
Arising, and looking over to my wife, I smile. Scratching my belly a few times before wandering into the bar area for some potential coffee and perhaps a game of solitaire until the others begin to stir.

Zeuzio/D. Simmons
I go and wake up my kid before meeting everyone else for coffee.

TBG/Jives
@Gourd
Poor child! Who could have done this to you? Did you gather any clues in the night as to who your master is? Or is his identity still a mystery to you?

Mr. Margraves, would you like a coffee, sir? How many milk/sugar? Perhaps this can loosen your tongue, since you were quite silent yesterday. We need to hear from everybody fairly equally, you know.

Gourd/Maria
"Oh, I know perfectly well who my master is, Jives. But, he will beat me if I let out his identity." Maria sighs a sigh of a slave girl. She also takes Black coffee with whipped cream and sits down next (Nessy) and shoots her a glum, apologetic look.

Nessiah/Fevell
I look at maria and feel swear rolling down as she shoots me that apologetic look. "May I help you with something?" I ask. I look at Mr. Jives for a second albeit hopeful, "Do you have any -chocolate- coffee around? I tried looking for it but there's none."

Cave/Cinatti
I gaze at the other passengers as the being to stagger in from their rooms, groggy-eyed and dull-minded. I take a sip of black coffee, furrowing my brow.

"How nice of you all to join me! You may want to be up a little earlier from now on, if you wish to make it off this boat alive. I have some news that a few of you may find interesting.

Last night, as I adjourned to the lavatory, I heard a voice. Interestingly enough, it was a man's voice. Shocked that a gentleman would intrude upon a lady's domain, I quickly moved to apprehend the intruder, but the blackguard surprised me, giving me a nasty bump on my head. When I came to, the only thing that remained was this."

I draw a small satchel from my bad, laying it on the table before me.

Gourd/Maria
"Oh, a man you say..." Maria rolls her eyes deciding against any rude comments. She is more worried about the satchel.

Nessiah/Fevell
"The murderer must be brave to even move around with all of us here." I give the Sergeant a mean look. "I wonder how he was even able to hurt our fair lady?"

I look at the satchel and then to Lady Cinatti, "If I may?" I suggest as I point to the satchel.

chana/Michael
I leave my chair to get a closer look at the little satchel."What's in it?"

Cave/Cinatti
"I have not opened it yet. I wanted the dear detective to be the first to examine it. Judging from the weight and feel, however, I would guess that it is filled with stones. Precious gems, I would assume. Most would not make an enemy of me over mere pebbles."

Nessiah/Fevell
"Interesting... Well, I won't touch it if you wish." I say as I wait for Mr. Jives reply. I can feel my eyes drooping. I shake my head and turn to Maria, unable to decide whether I ask about what she meant earlier or something else.

The something click inside my head.

"Ah, Ms. Maria. I do have a question. May you give me in detail what the slave codes are? I'm not familiar with it."

Liberty/Sergeant
I pick up the bag and examine it. It's made of plastic, opaque, and about the size of my palm. Everyone watches in interest as I open it up. The weight must be from the actual material because inside there is nothing but remnants of a bright blue powder of some sort.

I lick a finger, dip it in and taste it. Chemicals... a hint of liquor... a stinging after-taste. It's definitely Oparium. The drug of choice for day-trippers. Damn, this could complicate things. People who use the drug often react violently when confronted and though the high only lasts a while, they can be very dangerous when provoked.

Lady Cinatti was very lucky that she escaped with only a bump on the head, because if she'd actually been face to face with the person who too this drug, well, she may not be with us today. Seems I'll have to call in some extra backup.

I look at the faces around me. Some seem to recognise the drug, others look puzzled.

"This... This is a dangerous drug called Oparium. I'll be taking this into evidence and tonight we'll have an extra guard patrolling the room. If anyone knows more about this, please tell me. Whether in secret or not, I'd like to know.

Milady? Would you like me to call the Medical Officer to see to your head?"

That said, I take the bag, bow to the Lady and thank her for coming forward with the satchel. We got off lucky this time, but knowing my luck, next time we won't be.

Gourd/Maria
"Well, if you'd like to know Fevell, I will tell you." Maria takes a sip of her coffee and explains. " The slave codes are what I may not go against else the master will beat me to death. They are as follows:
1) I may not outright say my master's name.
2) I may not vote freely. The master tells me who to vote for.
3) My sister does not know my master apparently.
4) I KNOW exactly who my master is.
5) The only hope i have of breaking free is for him to die. I may attempt to get him lynched via aggressiontowards him, pointing out flaws in his arguement or insinuating things against him.
6) I have a a little more freedom to describe him whilst being asked about him. I can't answer certain questions though such as "Is Maria your master?"

That's about it as I understand them.

Nessiah/Fevell
I look at the Sergeant and surprised at the drug that is contained on the Satchel. However, my attention is mostly at Maria who has some interesting information to deliver.

"I see." I nod, "So what about things like, what is your Master's profession? Is that answerable based on the 6th rule?"

Gourd/Maria
Maria winces at the question "I-I am afraid not Fevell. Would you like to ask something else?"

Nessiah/Fevell
I hold my chin and think. "I guess his physical descriptions are also not answerable? How about his hobbies? Do you know any?"

Gourd/Maria
"I only met him last night, but...as of observing on the boat... He likes drinking Martinis." Maria looks at the ceiling and wells up a tad.

Nessiah/Fevell
I squint for a bit thinking of what else to ask. "I see...If I may ask, you said something disturbing earlier. What did you do last night?"

Gourd/Maria
"Well I was captured last night and whispered to me threateningly...he told me he would beat me if i got out of line." Maria looks glummer.

Cave/Cinatti
"The person imbibing that particular cocktail yesterday was indeed Lord Essex," I mutter, looking up at the ceiling.

"I ask you this, slave girl. You have pinned Lord Essex as this slaver with this remark. And yet you were not able to say his name. I find it odd that such a loophole exists in your 'code.' Should we have any reason to believe that your master has not simply ordered you to lay the blame at the feet of another passenger?"

Nesiah/Fevell
"I see. May I ask where he exactly cornered you?"

"It's possible that it's a loophole that she himself found too."

Cave/Cinatti
"I suppose this will determine whose side you are on, if anyone's. If he is the culprit, he has surely made quite the array of blunders. Let us see if dear Lord Essex is indeed plus de noblesse que de sincerité."

##Lynch Jeroen_Sol

Gourd/Maria
"He cannot influence me that much, Lady Cincinatti. The most he can influence is my vote, and how much I can go at him." Maria says.

"IT was terrifying, Fevell. He caught me in my own bed." Maria looks to the side.

Nessiah/Fevell
I cough and hit my knee under the desk by accident because of the reaction. "How was he even ABLE to get near you UNNOTICED?" I look at the Sergeant and back to Maria in disbelief.

I regain my composure and think.

"But based on Rule number 5, if Sir Essex is indeed your master, that means that you will support us into lynching him, right?"

Gourd/Maria
"Unfortunately, he controls my vote entirely, Mr. Fevell." Maria shrugs.

Nessiah/Fevell
"Yes, but it doesn't mean that you can't show us any -hints- at all, can you Ms. Maria? Like for example...aggression." I grin at her showing my intent to help her.

chana/Michael
"But, you voted against him, He could hardly order you that?!"

Gourd/Maria
"Michael, he caught me last night. I was free to do as I willed yesterday."

Nessiah/Fevell
"So you do admit that Sir Essex is your master?" I look at him and smiling even widely. This is going better than I thought.

Gourd/Maria
"I said I was free to do as I willed. And he referred to the gender of the slaver. I have admitted nothing."

chana/Michael
"I see. I can confirm that, as I came out of the lavatory this morning-I was disoriented and ended up near the girls's room- I did hear angry whispers."

Nessiah/Fevell
"Hmm, but would you be willing to cooperate on a time where if we did guess who your master is, to show us some hints of aggression?" I look at her hopefully. "It is a chance for you to be free after all."

Chearlie/Harver
that was a dizzy night, I barely remember what happened until I see the bag, I'm shock, I told myself too calm down and then I sigh guilty.

"What has been going on?"

Nessiah/Fevell
I look at Michael interested, "Oh? Were you able to see who it was?"

chana/Michael
"No, I wasn't, it was dark, I got scared and just ran back the other way."

Gourd/Maria
"To an extent Fevell. I can be aggressive to him in general but not in reaction to your accusations."

Cave/Cinatti
"Frankly, I do not see what there is to discuss. The little girl has pointed her finger, in a rather roundabout way, at Lord Essex. Either he is indeed the slaver or she is lying. There is only one way to know for sure."

chana/Michael
"Let's do it and Maria can be free!" :
#Lynch Jeroen_Sol"

Nessiah/Fevell
author=Gourd_Clae
"To an extent Fevell. I can be aggressive to him in general but not in reaction to your accusations."

"Well then, you just have to be aggressive in another way that is not during an accusation, right?" I reply to Maria hoping she would get my message.

I look at Michael and think for a bit, "Well, do you recognize the voice at least?" I ask Michael.

"And since right now all the points go to Sir Essex."
#Lynch Jeroen_Sol

Gourd/Maria
" I will try, Fevell. I will do my best if he refers to me."

Nessiah/Fevell
I nod at Maria and remember that I have a candy coated chocolate bar in my pocket. I give it to Ms. Maria. "Thank you Ms. Maria."

Gourd/Maria
Maria's eyes widen at the sight and she delicately snatches the bar, takes one big bite and then decides to save the rest for later.
"Thank you, Fevell. I rarely even see this!"

chana/Michael
"Neither Mister Fevell, it was only whispers."

Nessiah/Fevell
I smile at Maria and hope that we did the right decision. I'm still a bit peeved that Mr. Jives didn't answer me if they do have chocolate coffee. I look at Michael and sigh. "I see, that is certainly unfortunate. But thank you Michael."

I noticed I only have one candy left on my pocket. Meh, I'm an adult. I give it to Michael as well.

chana/Michael
"Thank you."'

Mirror/Lady Margraves
Ms. Margraves seems shocked.
"Why are you all trying to kill this poor girl? She didn't do anything wrong. She suffered enough from her Master, didn't she?"

Chearlie/Harver
a little lost I decide to do a bandwagon
#Lynch Jeroen_Sol
"I..I..." I say while I rub my head
"Did someone experienced something yesterday beside... Crazy Cinatti?

"As in yesterday I mean last night, in case you morons missunderstand."

Nessiah/Fevell
"We aren't! We're trying to find out who her master is to set her free." I said surprised at Ms. Margraves. But my attention is mostly at Mr. Craig Harver, "Care to explain, Mr. Harver?"

Chearlie/Harver
"Care to exlpain Mr.Harver?" I whisper annoyed so people don't hear me.
"I wonder if the damn murderer did something yesterday, or he just sleep as a baby thinking he would get out of this without problems..." I organize my words trying to make the point.
"The night is the perfect time so the bloody bastard can act. We saw that *gourd clae* suffer something last night" (something that I still don't fully understand cause I don't know who is who, who turn out to be male, and who got who) "And lady three eyes, well she got his third eye on the night" I smile when I say this.
"I wonder, is that really all? that's all I ask."

Nessiah/Fevell
"I'm afraid you lost me, ahaha..." I raise my hands in defeat.

"It's possible that the murderer might have had accomplices. It's hard to tell if they're the same person because of Ms. Maria and Ms. Cinatti's different stories."

I look at Mr. Harver seriously and start to ponder as I hold my chin, "To summarize, Ms. Maria's master just threatened her last night. Saying she got out of line. So it's possible that she did something that would've threatened his position at the ladies' section. I don't know how her master even got there, but right now we're assuming that it's Sir Essex. As for Ms. Cinatti..."

I pause for a bit hoping that Mr. Harver is following me so far, "For Ms. Cinatti, she went into the lavaratory last night and got attacked. It seems that little Michael here witnessed it and got too scared to even catch a glimpse of her attacker. There's however a satchel full of drugs that was left behind."

TBG/Jives
"I apologise, dear Mr. Fevell, I must have dozed off there while standing. I remember there being some several flavours of coffee in the kitchen, however I am obviously not permitted to leave this lobby. Perhaps I can ask one of the maids to help you with this."

I ask a maid to bring some chocolate coffee for Mr. Fevell, and she promptly nods and scuttles off to the kitchen.

"Also," I say, clearing my throat, "I tend to believe Maria in her stories, simply because they are so vividly described, and specifically inclined, that she could not possibly be lying!"

"The evidence brought forth about Lord Essex is indeed distressing. The fact that someone may be able to control another's willpower based on mere ownership goes against every human right! Shame on the autocracy!

But, however, Essex is still not guaranteed to be the killer. Although his power may be malicious, he may still be a beneficial townie with a very manipulative power! However, this chance is very low. So I have no choice but to agree with them on this matter, that Essex's crimes are inhumane, and worthy of the gallows.

#lynch Jeroen_Sol

Nessiah/Fevell
"Ah yes. Finally, my coffee!" I gleefully said over the news. "Thank you and I'm sorry if I showed some signs of irritation Mr. Jives, I'm not exactly a morning person."

Jeroen/Essex
'I was hoping I could come out of this madness with my reputation intact, but it appears that will not be possible. Yes, I am the owner of these girls. Yes, I get my spending money from slavery, yes I am a horrible human being, and yes there are no 10 year old friends of mine on this ship. Miss Maria summed it up quite well yesterday. Here's the deal. What I do is hardly illegal. I treat my slaves much better than some of the other people in my trade. Heheh.. Our main focus right now is to find the murderer of our nameless man, isn't it? Murderer am I none.

That's right, I am a slave owner, what are you going to do? Kill me? Is that really the right thing to do?

Gourd/Maria
"And we're supposed to believe that?!" I snort at him as unladylike a possible.

Nessiah/Fevell
I choked on my coffee and look at Sir Essex. Not knowing how to react or reply at first by his confession.

"But by admitting you are the slave owner..." I said as I wipe my mouth with a handkerchief. "Then wouldn't that mean you're part of the Cartel? So it's possible you know about the drugs. Isn't that right Mr. Essex?"

Jeroen/Essex
Slavery and drug dealing are two unrelated things. I am part of the independents.

Nessiah/Fevell
"I see, I must've mistaken the two." I ponder, "But Mr. Essex, since you were up last night. By any chance you had a peek of Ms. Cinatti's attacker?"

Chearlie/Harver
"Well, it seems there weren't another situations other than Maria and Cinatti. Just making an hipothesis, If the murderer could kill someone in the night so there are less people who can answer this mistery, why wouldn't he? why the only case is of a man on drugs and threads combined with slavery, but not a murder, that would be weird."

Jeroen/Essex
I have not seen anyone beside Miss Maria.

TBG/Jives
Dearie me, Sir Essex. I am terribly sorry. I tend to believe your story also, since you seem to have only visited your servant Maria last night, and it would be highly nonsensical to kill your own slave! The real murderer, I assume, is the one which Lady Cinatti unfortunately encountered, while... -ahem-... doing her business in the female bathroom. Since the sheriff's report confirmed that this was indeed a true incident, we have firm reason to believe that Lady Cinatti is not the killer, and a mere bystander of the crime.

But what is even more curious about the person who visited Cinatti in the lavatory, is the mere fact that he did not place bodily harm upon any of the residents here, save a minor head wound. No, not a single person has died this night, and that is indeed a curious question to ponder.

#cancel

Gourd/Maria
"Really jives? So, you're just going to accept what Essex has said regardless of his wonderful liar's laugh? Please don't tell me you're so gullible."

Jeroen/Essex
Miss Maria, tell me, (in what way would a scum slave owner be balanceable?)

Chearlie/Harver
"Another hypothesis, let's said this smart pants of Lyle Jives, is the murder, and he just don't want to get his hands on blood over an innocent one, coward but is safe, so safe that can be dumb, but either way could be factible, I don't think neither, the slaves owner or the drug dealers are the the one we are looking for"

#Cancel
#Lynch ThatBennyGuy

"You are more suspicious than the creep slaves owner"

TBG/Jives
Sire Craig, if I may indeed interrupt, I believe your opinion of me is highly false. In saying that I am a smarty pants, you may be correct, but I am merely a humble steward. I believe that Essex is a third party independent/cartel, but I do not believe that he is the murderer, simply because he has a confirmed visit of Maria, and a murderer would be silly to kill their own servant. If I would be so kind.

YM/Ms Lee
I arise from my restless sleep just as Lord Essex makes his confession. My face turns pale and my voice trembles while I say, "You..you MONSTER! This poor children! How can you get away with this!"

I try to relax for a while, and after a couple moments, offer my opinion. "While a man like Lord Essex should not be on our ship, I am not sure if being a slave-owner qualifies himself as an owner. In fact, I would go so far as to say he as an alibi for last night...that is, if he doesn't control Maria's every word."

TBG/Jives
Ms. Lee, your assumptions are well-founded. But, I do not believe that Ms. Maria would lie so profusely, especially after soft-hinting at her role throughout the entirety of the game. Indeed, to believe that the slave's master has full control of her words would be ludicrous, since Ms. Maria was the first to expose Lord Essex's guilt, albeit in a roundabout way. Also, to have full control of another's words would imply mind-control, way out of the field of the master's capabilities, unless they were a magician of some sort. However, I doubt that even Mr. Fevell could pull off a trick that marvellously ornate.

However, being that we have no other clues regarding the unfortunate accident with Ms. Cinatti, we shall have to lynch our confirmed slave master. It is our only sane choice, and definitely not a waste of rope, if you know what I mean. I mean this in the most sincere of ways. Slavery is a thing of the past. No longer should innocent strapping young slavegirls be subjected to the dominance and assault of their owners. If I may so kindly suggest, this stops here.

#lynch Jeroen_Sol

Ivory/Eliott
"Hello, I am Eliott Jacobs, the new police officer called in temporarily. I have some information on the deceased as well as a few clues, but I will only reveal them in due time. Now, Lady Cinatti, you said you've been knocked over the head and a satchel remains with you. If you were unconscious as you've said, shouldn't the perpetrator have enough time to take it with them?

Another thing is, was everyone in their room last night? Judging by the map, the perpetrator must have crossed the lounge(?) to escape so someone might have had a glimpse of him/her."

"I will not tolerate any hammer until I've dropped my clues."

Liberty/Sergeant
I watch in silence as Eliott introduces himself to the suspects and explains that he has some evidence. He ran it by me earlier and asked to be allowed to show it in his own time, the better to catch people off guard. Well, I certainly don't mind. Anything to catch the murderer and his aggressive nature might actually spook something out of this lot.

I just knew today was going to be full of surprises...


Nessiah/Fevell
"Please do go on Sir Elliot." I said as I take one huge gulp of my coffee to avoid choking on it. Again.

Ivory/Eliott
"...

Does anyone NOT have any new clue other than Maria, Lady Cinatti and Sir Elkasjflaksjda...at all??"

TBG/Jives
I'm afraid no-one has spoken up about their clues during the night other than the two, Mister Elliot. Last night I was merely walking around making sure everyone was comfortable in their sleeping arrangements, and no-one seemed to need me. I was just doing general help up until I felt I was no longer needed, and retired to my bed at 2 a.m. Then I woke up this morning, well-rested. I certainly didn't hear any bump during the night.

Ivory/Eliott
"You didn't happen to see anyone suspicious coming out of the girls' lavatory or, Michael (chana), for that matter?"

TBG/Jives
No, Sir Eliott, I did not. Although that may have been past when I had fallen asleep. Perhaps little Michael or Lady Cinatti could give an approximate time of when they decided to visit the lavatory, assuming it was after everyone else had fallen asleep. I woke up early this morning, so it had to be within that small time period for me to have not noticed. Coffee, Mr. Eliott?

Ivory/Eliott
I give off an expressionless face, as usual.

"Ice tea please if you will.", giving a little nod to the Chief Steward. I eyed everyone in the room, from head to toe slowly with a haughty look, suspecting everyone and not even leaving the kids out. Clearly some has gotten the body language as few of them started to give off offended looks on their faces.

I smirk as I've found the one I've been searching for. I walk up to him and say...

"This is your last chance boy. Where were you last night and what were you doing...Craig Harver?"

Jeroen/Essex
'So you would kill me, even though you think I am not a murderer, and in the most sincere of ways? Something sounds very insincere to me, sir Jives. Didn't you once say you had a power which only worked if you didn't lynch anyone? Why are you adamant about lynching me, then, especially if you think I am indeed the slave owner I claim to be, and not the murderer?'

I turn to sir Jacobs.

'I am afraid I have not seen anyone beside Maria last night, sir Jacobs.'

LWG/Sara
So sorry everyone that I awoke so late and I apologise for my quietness. This whole situation is rather scary, I‘m so lucky there are some attractive rich men to look after me! I have however overheard all your conversations. Everything my sister tells you is the truth, she has never been one to tell tall tales. And I can vouch for most of what she said with 100% certainty.

Lynching someone still seems so barbaric to me, are we really going to do this? I thank the lord there wasn’t another murder last night, But I do believe in my sister.

#Lynch Jeroen_Sol

Chearlie/Harver
I feel a liquid running through my spine.
"I... I... was... sleeping"
I gulp, but I know that didn't sound convincing
"Last day has a pain in the ass all I wanted was to rest"

Nessiah/Fevell
I down my coffee, turn around and stare intently at Mr. Harver, "Pain in the ass?" I ponder for a moment as I hold my chin, "Mr. Harver, the way you sound right now is definitely not convincing. What did you do last night? You were talking about something disturbing and if anyone else also had some similar experience."

Chearlie/Harver
"Yes, a pain in the ass with all this thing of the murder striking me out of the nothing, don't tell me you don't think the same Mr... who's name I forgot.
But I... didn't... do anything last night, I was just sleeping, why did you ask Mr Elliot Jacob, did you... find something?"

Jeroen/Essex
Miss Sarah, I am not denying I am you and your sister´s master. Everything Maria has said up till now is true? Very possible. The thing is, everything I've said this day is also true. Frankly, there seem to be many events taking place here. There´s our tale of slavery (I'm guessing you are independents too?), but there are also drug dealers aboard (cartel). Last, there has been a murder (mafia). Our only job here is to solve the murder. Actually, even that should be handled by our Sergeant. Lynching me will do us no good.

Adon/Starmoon
Counter-accusing is a very horrid thing to do, and will not get us further in this mystery! There were two beings active last night, though I know not who they were, they must have something to do with it! They were part of the cause to my lack of sleep last night...

Cave/Cinatti
"Ahem."

I hold up my right hand, casually examining my ruby ring.

"I will put it to you plainly, Lord Essex. You are, simply put, a criminal. Perhaps not a murderer, but a criminal nonetheless. I have ascertained that while your goal is almost certainly not the same as the murderer's, it is quite dangerous to have a man who can control others aboard a ship seeking to rid itself of an interloper through democratic process. Especially if the allegiance of that 'man' is unknown."

I pause for dramatic effect, ignoring the throbbing at the back of my head.

"Lord Essex. If there was some condition that had to be fulfilled for you to have considered yourself a winner in all of this, what might it be? I advice you to be truthful. I have had many potential business partners attempt to swindle me in the past. Such persons have had a tendency to find themselves in quite unfortunate predicaments later in life."

Jeroen/Essex
'An interesting and perhaps a little questionable question, Lady Cinatti, but I will answer it. I would consider myself a winner if I survived this madness and reclaimed at least one of my slaves. Right now I have reclaimed miss Maria, but not miss Sarah.'

Cave/Cinatti
"Very well. Now, if I were to ask you to name the person you thought most likely to be the murderer and provide reasons as to why, could you do it?"

LWG/Sara
Hmmm, I cannot deny that you seem to be telling the truth also, and the fact that you out your intentions does puzzle me, perhaps because you realize there is no longer hope for you.

If the first night he came for my sister, clearly tonight he will come for me. What it means for everyone and myself if he has two slaves under his control I do not know, and I highly doubt I will be benefited from it. My vote is set, I refuse to be re-claimed as a slave with you as my master. All I want to do is leave this boat with my sister.

Gourd/Maria
"I as well sister!" Maria says, roused by her sister's words. She would like to say more, but she remembers her slave-codes and bites her lip, annoyed.

YM/Ms Lee
Ms. Lee
"While I am startled by Elliot Jacobs' sudden fingerpointing at Mr. Harver, but given the man's weak response I am entitled to believe that what the policeman claims has some credit. In the meantime, there is one slight issue I would like to clear up:"

author=CAVE_DOG_IS_BACK
Lady CinattiI pause for dramatic effect, ignoring the throbbing at the back of my head.

My lady, did the man attack the back of your head? With some kind of object, perhaps?

TBG/Jives
author=Yellow Magic
Ms. Lee

author=CAVE_DOG_IS_BACK
Lady CinattiI pause for dramatic effect, ignoring the throbbing at the back of my head.


My lady, did the man attack the back of your head? With some kind of object, perhaps?

Indeed, Ms. Lee. Lady Cinatti mentioned it earlier:

author=CAVE_DOG_IS_BACK
Last night, as I adjourned to the lavatory, I heard a voice. Interestingly enough, it was a man's voice. Shocked that a gentleman would intrude upon a lady's domain, I quickly moved to apprehend the intruder, but the blackguard surprised me, giving me a nasty bump on my head. When I came to, the only thing that remained was this."

I draw a small satchel from my bad, laying it on the table before me.

I mean this most firmly, Ridgerow, that you are not welcome on this boat anymore. Your practices are rugged, and if you happen to enslave that other poor girl Sara during the night, then you shall have the power of three lynch votes! And that will indeed be treacherous in the hands of an independent observer. No, you must not stay, and my politeness will not hinder this decision.

Also, my politeness forbids me only from casting the first suspicion on a man's person, or else giving the hammering vote on the lynch. Any other lynches are consistent with my moral caliber. And I would have to say that I can't stand the thought of you being on this ship anymore, if only for the my duty to protect the good of the men/women boarded this vessel.

Mirror/Lady Margraves
I agree that such a disgraceful man as Lord Essex shall not be on this boat anymore. We must help poor girls get rid of him.

#Lynch Jeroen_Sol

Chearlie/Harver
"If someone else vote for Jeroen_Sol, that person would be very scummy, Elliot has important information and you are rushing the day, you idiots."

TBG/Jives
#cancel
"Indeed, Sir Craig Harver, you are correct. I would like to lynch Sir Essex, but we must find out which clues our kind guest Elliott has to offer us first. Your tea, Mr. Elliott?

Jeroen/Essex
If I reclaim miss Sarah, I will not have three votes. I have to choose between my slaves about whose vote I want to control. I am in essence a doublevoter, and need I remind you the only crime punishable by death is murder? But enough of that, it is very clear this murder has released the beast, hungry for blood, in many of you.

If anyone of you is still interested, I find sir Jives' manner of voting, cancelling, revoting and then cancelling again very suspicious. Do watch out for him after I'm gone, will you? Hawrhawrhawr!

TBG/Jives
May I say that there is indeed an aspect of the evidence that we somehow ignored. I quote the description of the item by our dear Sergeant:

Small Satchel of Oparium: Found in the bathroom after an attack (?), this small satchel carries residue of the hallucinogenic drug, Oparium, which is known to make users violent and dangerous when confronted. The drug is missing, possibly used by the attacker.

I emphasise the points which need to be addressed. Someone here has possibly consumed some Oparium, albeit a small dose. They are most probably inclined to be irritable when questioned, or confronted with evidence of any kind. Since I am too polite to cast suspicion on anyone, I entrust that the more bold and aggressive members can grill other suspects about clues, to elicit an aggressive reaction? I mean this in the kindest of manners.

Ivory/Eliott
"So Mr Harver is the only one willing to cooperate on slowing the lynch of Mr Essex despite that my evidence will have the potential to harm him. Interesting. In addition, the last post of Mr Jives actually has a link to my clue regarding Mr Harver."

Nessiah/Fevell
I sigh and rub my temple.

#cancel

"Sir Elliot, I would like to ask for the important pieces of information again. It seems that I have lost it and I would like to be refreshed. I'm sure a lot of us are confused by the situation."

I notice that I already ran out of coffee and asked Mr. Jives for a glass of water.

Ivory/Eliott
I give a blank look at Lady Cinatti regarding her comment to me.

Great. A day has passed and only this much posts were made. Quite a slow day but a certain person's response did not satisfy me at all.

"Mr Harver if I could, I would rather you come out and confess yourself but it seems you've decided to discard your last chance. Very well. Yesterday, there were needles found in your room. Some appear to be new, while some... appeared to have been used. Explain yourself.", I said impatiently, giving him a stern look.

"Now."

"Oh and, the receipt was found in one of the more "influential peoples'" room. So anyone who's not a kid/Dobby/serves coffee speak up buddy."

chana/Michael
The fact is we're not looking for a slave owner but a murderer, cartels and mafias !
#{Cancel

Cave/Cinatti
"Buffoons. If you all were diamonds, I'd classify you as chocolate. We have no clear leads as to who the murderer is as of yet. Such evidence is extremely unlikely to be presented now. There is no reason to believe Essex's statement about his abilities, and there is no reason to not get rid of a man who can control others whose allegiance lies not with the law-abiding citizens aboard this boat, but with himself."

Now, Lady Cinatti, you said you've been knocked over the head and a satchel remains with you. If you were unconscious as you've said, shouldn't the perpetrator have enough time to take it with them?

"I can't speak as to why that knave left the satchel behind. I can only assume that he did not know that he was missing. Or perhaps he did not know that I was unconscious and that he would be able to retrieve it."
@ivory
"The drug in question is not a liquid, but a powder. These needles are immaterial. Throw the brigand who would make humans into marionettes off of this ship."

Nessiah/Fevell
"I only cancelled my vote to give Mr. Elliot some time to give his information. He did ask for us to back down at least after he present them." I sigh again.

"But powder can be dissolved into water? I'm not sure how you actually use Oparium. I'm afraid I'm very uninformed about these things." I take a pause, "But how are they immaterial? What are they used for and why does he have a large amount of them?"

"Wait, now that I think about it..." I open my notebook and read some of the previous pages. "They are used for heroin and the likes right? And I recall reading that you can either inject or inhale them. So there is no way that those needles aren't good proof that Mr. Harver is a drug user!"

Ivory/Eliott
author=CAVE_DOG_IS_BACK
Lady Cinatti

"The drug in question is not a liquid, but a powder. These needles are immaterial. Throw the brigand who would make humans into marionettes off of this ship."

"Drugs is still drugs. Also since I'm not sure when the deadline is, I'll leave these evidence right away.

The receipt in question has been found in one of the more...influential peoples' room. Because of their standing, I'm not allowed to reveal the person. The receipt says...
"To: NAME REMOVED

This document is to prove the purchase of two (2) livestock under the Class Q-31 Act. Both animals are in sound health and mind. Both are registered and marked in the proper and usual manner. The cost of both is $2000 Pounds total, that is $1000 Pounds each. Payment has been received. The bearer of this document is considered the owner of said livestock and may sell or use them as S/He sees fit as long as they abide by the guidelines set down by the 1872 Provinces Convention.
Enjoy your purchases.
From: Ryan Coldidge.

PS: Hope you enjoy these two, old friend. I know you prefer them young and pretty!"

The final clue is about the deceased. And...

The Deceased is a man named Ryan Coldidge. 57 years of age.

Rumour has it that he has ties to a lot of underground businesses including slave-running, smuggling, insider-trading and various other small crimes, though he has not been charged with anything. He was also accused of handling stolen goods and there was some nasty business with a kidnapped child, though he managed to get out of that one somehow, since any charges were dropped and it was revealed to be a family issue.

He's known to be a philanthropist and funded a soup kitchen and Women's shelter, so a lot of people consider him a kindly man who is just misunderstood and gives many second chances to those who probably don't deserve them.

Regarding the first piece of information, anyone who's not a kid/slave/serves coffee can start speaking up now."

Jeroen/Essex
'Hmm... (Although I haven't received any flavour about this,) I think it's safe to assume the note was found in my room, and the two animals referred to are Maria and Sara. In that case the friend I bought them from is our victim, and must've been killed on his way to bring the two girls to me. I thought it was odd he never showed up in the cocktail lounge that night...'

Ivory/Eliott
"Having 'livestock' as codenames for them seems pretty disgusting to me. If you indeed bought them from the victim, shouldn't you have known about the receipt beforehand...? It wouldn't make sense to just "assume" it's yours. You seem to like hiding a lot of things. Perhaps you are protecting a certain person of the same standing as yours...?"

Jeroen/Essex
I assume it's mine because I bought my slaves from an old friend, and the receipt says the man sold it to a friend. (I wasn't told about any receipt, so I can't be certain, but it seems to make sense) Your reaction removes my doubt. It's mine, isn't it?

With regards to protecting someone, Lady Cinatti summed it up quite well. My allegiance is to myself.

Ivory/Eliott
"Haha. There are only two things that you need to know. One is that, the receipt is found in one of the more influential people, and there wasn't anything at all, that was implying it to be you. It could be anyone from the upperclass. Second, think why I've approached Mr Harver but not yet to anyone regarding that clue."

Chearlie/Harver
Time pass quickly (cause rmn was down :(.) and things aren't clear yet
"I still don't get your point Elliot, why are you watching me or you are just playing the good and bad cop so we talk, I am not a fucking drug dealer"
Have I been to obvious? I don't think so, but I try to remember what I have said

author=Craig Harver
that was a dizzy night, I barely remember what happened until I see the bag, I'm shock, I told myself too calm down and then I sigh guilty.

"What has been going on?"

author=Craig Harver

author=Elliot Jacob
"This is your last chance boy. Where were you last night and what were you doing...Craig Harver?"

I feel a liquid running through my spine.
"I... I... was... sleeping"
I gulp, but I know that didn't sound convincing
"Last day has a pain in the ass all I wanted was to rest"

author=Craig Harver
Craig Harver
"Yes, a pain in the ass with all this thing of the murder striking me out of the nothing, don't tell me you don't think the same Mr... who's name I forgot.
But I... didn't... do anything last night, I was just sleeping, why did you ask Mr Elliot Jacob, did you... find something?"

Also, I have been defending what they are saying about a drug dealer... shit, shit, SHIT!, I have been so obvious since the day started, even an idiot wouldn't notice it, but that makes me wonder why people, other than Elliot, haven't react much to this.

Nessiah/Fevell
"Mr. Harver," I started slowly and surely, "Mr. Elliot here has given us some information that you have used needles and the likes in your room. Ms. Cinatti was also hit by the head and they found a satchel of used oparium."

I look at him with a strong stare, "Oparium can be used in many ways. I am curious as to why you're in possession of such materials." I try to recall what the Sergeant said.

author=Liberty

I lick a finger, dip it in and taste it. Chemicals... a hint of liquor... a stinging after-taste. It's definitely Oparium. The drug of choice for day-trippers. Damn, this could complicate things. People who use the drug often react violently when confronted and though the high only lasts a while, they can be very dangerous when provoked.

"Speaking of which, Mr. Harver were you drinking last night? You were pretty irritable." I ask rather curiously.

Ivory/Eliott
"There was a search in everyone's room. All I've said was we've found needles in yours and never had I've said you're a drug dealer. Your particular reaction to my initial question doesn't make you look good though."

Chearlie/Harver
"Speaking of which, Mr. Harver were you drinking last night? You were pretty irritable." They are more irritable.
"I wasn't drunk, you curious george, you were pretty merrry and happy making me wonder the same thing, but I don't really give care about that. Also, what... kind of needle?"

Cave/Cinatti
"If I have to listen to you ignoramuses prattle on about meaningless drivel any longer, it will surely be the death of me. Throw Essex off the ship or throw me off."

Jeroen/Essex
'Why don't we both jump off together?' I say jokingly. I check my pocket watch to see how long it is till sunset. 'Lady Cinatti is right. If you want to throw me off you should be quick about it. HawrHawrHawr! Of course I'd much rather hear sir Simmons' and the Margraves' opinions on the events first.'

Gourd/Maria
"So, it's pretty safe to assume that Craig was using the Oparium. This does bring him into a different light, he could...possibly be cartel but I doubt it. I believe he simply used the drugs, but did not sell them. Regardless, I'm not sure why this matters on this particular day - there are bigger fish to fry people!" Maria puts on an impatient face.

chana/Michael
Couldn't the receipt have been found in the seller-murderer's room rather than in the buyer-slave owner's? We still don't know if it was found in lord Essex's room

Gourd/Maria
"The receipt was from the slave-seller, and was adressed to an "old friend". It really doesn't matter where it was found, but who it is addressed to"

chana/Michael
What I meant is maybe it was found in the room of the person it was adressed to.

Or rather one can imagine the seller kept the receipt and thus it would be found in his-i.e. the murderer's-room.

YM/Ms Lee
"I wish to re-iterate my previous point, namely the goings-on around Lady Cinatti last night."

author=CAVE_DOG_IS_BACK
Lady CinattiI pause for dramatic effect, ignoring the throbbing at the back of my head.

My lady, did the man attack the back of your head? With some kind of object, perhaps?

chana/Michael
By the way Maria, as long as Lord Essex does not have the receipt, he cannot prove you're his slave, in other words you remain a free person, no?

Dudesoft/Lord Margraves
Waking from my nap, "I do say!" I say.
"What in tarnation did I miss this time?"

TBG/Jives
I apologise for my brief absence. The door was locked to this lobby, therefore I could not enter for a full day! I hope that the sheriff will extend our bedtime so that we may find and lynch the correct person. Which in this case, is indeed Essex. He is a confirmed anti-innocent presence that must be eliminated for this town to continue. Now that we've got all 3 clues, we are able to lynch him without losing valuable evidence.

#lynch Jeroen_Sol

Gourd/Maria
Maria looked at Michael bitterly, knowing he didn't know any better.
"No. As for your other question: It is much easier to use a simple logical order; it is likely that the receipt was for my owner. It shows that my owner thinks of us nothing more as livestock leaving him as a malicious entity with control over 3 votes tomorrow. It's also been confirmed that my master is not 'town', making him a threat to town even if he's not the killer."

Mirror/Lady Margraves
I still stand on my decision that we shall not keep this foul man aboard. We can't possibly accept slave trader among us, no matter if he's a killer or not!

Liberty/Sergeant
I sip a cup of tea I made myself earlier and watch Eliott show off the evidence that was found in the suspects' rooms. The needles seem to be the big talking point, as is the receipt. Funnily enough people seem to have glossed over the now known man and his description.

Damn, but I hope the Inspector and Rookie are keeping an eye out for each other after the last attack, because I'd rather not have to find either of their bodies laying somewhere. I just hope they're getting somewhere with their investigation on who in this room are Cartel.

I guess I should gather this evidence and add it to the log.

UPDATED MAP


Cave/Cinatti
My lady, did the man attack the back of your head? With some kind of object, perhaps?

"If you mean to inquire as to the presence of another weapon, I'm afraid that you are sorely out of luck. My assailant surprised me and knocked me off my feet. The crash against the water basin was most unpleasant, but I will carry on somehow.."


"There is a pressing detail that seems to have gone unmentioned..an onyx shifting among black diamonds. Ladies, Gentlemen, little girls and boys, you have all been looking so hard that you have failed to see what is right in front of you. Recall the little girl's words."

The man selling us was rather....wicked but naive. He had allowed us to come ahead on to the boat and he would come meet us here. Of course, we tried to escape with the help of a kind man. But, the seller killed him right in front of my eyes.

"She espouses that one of the two men involved in this transaction killed another one. I can only assume that this 'kind man' was Mr. Coldidge, considering his ties to 'slave-running.' Indeed, his miniature biography even says that many view him as a kindly man, just like this little girl did...

Whatever the case may be, there is no doubt that Mr. Coldidge was killed by someone who was in the same line of business as him. Lord Essex has already admitted to participating in the duplicitous act of slavery, but that's not all Mr. Coldidge dealt in. And yet, somehow, he always got away unburnt. Perhaps because he had friends in high places? A friend like Lord Essex? Unless there is a judge on this boat with similar connections, I see no reason to believe that it would not be him.

But the crux of it all is this: The deceased was meeting with someone he considered a friend. Lord Essex and he were in the same line of work. Not only this, but the slave girl mentions that the murderer was also involved in this dirty business of playing with lives, and the only person who that description could possibly fit is Lord Essex! I implore you, if you have any sense in your body, throw the blackguard off of this vessel!"

Jeroen/Essex
''Why would sir Coldidge help free the slaves he was just selling? That doesn't make any sense. It seems far more likely that this 'kind man' killed these girls' seller as they were on their way to meet their new owner, me.'

Chearlie/Harver
"We aren't getting to any point in this hell, I think a desicion will be the best thing in order to get out of this dumb situation"

#Cancel
#Lynch Jeroen Sol

"Although I still have my eyes on Lyle Jives"

Cave/Cinatti
author=Jeroen_Sol
Ridgerow Essex''Why would sir Coldidge help free the slaves he was just selling? That doesn't make any sense. It seems far more likely that this 'kind man' killed these girls' seller as they were on their way to meet their new owner, me.''

Are you trying to say that the little girl's vision is the true liar in all of this?

The man selling us was rather....wicked but naive. He had allowed us to come ahead on to the boat and he would come meet us here. Of course, we tried to escape with the help of a kind man. But, the seller killed him right in front of my eyes.


The little girl has said already that when she said "selling," she meant to say "buying." I am not surprised that a street urchin would bungle such an important detail, but that is indeed what happened.

The man buying us was rather....wicked but naive. He had allowed us to come ahead on to the boat and he would come meet us here. Of course, we tried to escape with the help of a kind man. But, the buyer killed him right in front of my eyes.

There is only one dead person aboard this ship, and that is Coldidge. The only important detail here is that this girl has named you as the killer, and you have, in a way, confessed.

Ivory/Jacobs
"IIRC, someone said something about the person going bananas if he/she took the Oparium and confronted. I wonder if there's gonna be some consequences if we lynch Mr Harver..."

Nessiah/Fevell
"I think the most important thing right now..." I rub my forehead with my hand as I try to clear my head, "Is to lynch Mr. Essex."

I ponder as I hold my chin, "Because if we consider about it, he has the power to have two votes under his sleeve. It doesn't help that Ms. Maria and her sister won't have any power to give us vital information they might know because of the Slave Code."

#lynch Jeroen_Sol

chana/Michael
Well then, if lord Essex has to be dead for you to be free, Maria:
#Lynch Jeroen_Sol

EVENT

Nessiah/Fevell
The majority have decided to convict Mr. Essex with the hammer. I curse my tunnel vision as I was too focused on Mr. Harver. Focusing only on the "needles" and his situation. I give a heavy sigh and reread the receipt Mr. Elliot presented to us. I didn't realize that it was connected Mr. Essex at all.

"To: NAME REMOVED

This document is to prove the purchase of two (2) livestock under the Class Q-31 Act. Both animals are in sound health and mind. Both are registered and marked in the proper and usual manner. The cost of both is $2000 Pounds total, that is $1000 Pounds each. Payment has been received. The bearer of this document is considered the owner of said livestock and may sell or use them as S/He sees fit as long as they abide by the guidelines set down by the 1872 Provinces Convention.
Enjoy your purchases.
From: Ryan Coldidge.

PS: Hope you enjoy these two, old friend. I know you prefer them young and pretty!"

"Wait...What?"

PS: Hope you enjoy these two, old friend. I know you prefer them young and pretty!"

I stand up enraged. What in the world is wrong with these people?!
Not only did they call them livestock, they're treating their fellow human beings as animals. I clench my fist and do my best not to crumple the receipt as I return it to the Sergeant. I face the audience again and my vision only at Mr. Essex before he gets dragged away.

"Excuse me." I hold my shaking voice to avoid showing my anger. As soon as Mr. Essex faces me, I give him a punch in the face, squarely at the nose.

"That's for Ms. Maria and her sister, fucker." I said as the tone of my voice drips with acid.

My fist hurts, but it's worth it.

Jeroen/Ridgerow Essex
"Control yourself, sir Fevell!" I yell, as I duck, hoping to avoid the hit.

Nessiah/Fevell
"Like hell I'll calm down!" I scream angrily at Mr. Essex. It didn't help that he evaded my blow, I decide to just tackle him and attempt to punch his face in.

ivory/Jacobs

"Calm the fuck down you guys.", I say monotonously as I watch the catfight transpired.

I lay my head down a bit and smiled to myself.


"Mr Fevell, impulsiveness will do you no good. As much as I frown upon the wrongdoings of the man (lol not really), one must retain a cool and clear head as to not do something that they will...regret."

I turn to Mr Fevell and try to stop him.

Liberty/Sergeant
I watch as Jacobs wrestles the two men apart, grabbing Mr Fevell. I was quite surprised by Mr Fevell, throwing himself at Mr Essex as he did, but I guess the anger had been building a while - he had not seemed at all impressed by Maria's status as a slave and it looked like they were forming a friendship of some sort, if only due to commiseration and horror at her loss of freedom.

Mr Essex picks himself up off the ground, having fallen after being off-balance after his dodge. He seems uninjured, thankfully. All I need is for someone of his status to be injured again and I'll never see another promotion. I notice something fall from his pocket as he dusts himself off.

Odd, I could have sworn that everyone had been thoroughly searched before being led into the dining room. A few people watch as I pluck the piece of paper from the floor and open it.

It seems to be a theatre-room ticket, docked and stamped with the time of use - 2:35PM. Oh God, don't tell me...

I summon one of the guards, while everyone looks on in astonishment at a red-faced Essex. The guard soon brings back one of the theatre ushers who confirms that he let Mr Essex and an unknown woman into theatre to watch an afternoon showing of "All my Chickens" at around 2:30 the day of the murder. The stupid man was more concerned with keeping up appearances than clearing himself of murder!

I take Mr Essex aside and offer my greatest apologies for his detainment, while he demands that none of this leave the room - he can't afford a divorce at the moment and if his wife, the daughter of one of his largest allied companies, catches wind of anything indecent, she'd leave him and take as much with her as she could. It'd ruin him.

I agree, of course, with the stipulation that perhaps he consider everything in this room to have never happened... including the ownership of the two young slave girls. He seems only too happy to leave and I give Jones the okay to escort the man from the premises.

As the door closes behind them, I break the news to the two girls, who are both overjoyed at the thought. The rest of the group gathers round to congratulate the girls, hugs and handshakes are given and received and for a moment it seems everyone has forgotten that in this room is a murderer, someone who would attack an elderly lady and some possible Cartel.

I don't forget this, though, and I'm sure that both the Rookie and the Inspector haven't either...

Jeroen_Sol, Independent Slaver, was 'lynched'.

NIGHT TWO ENDS

Liberty/Sergeant
I watched my corner of the room, but kept getting distracted by the game going on. Seems both Lady Cinatti and Lord Margraves are evenly matched when it comes to most card games. I wasn't the only one watching - Jives and Ms Lee were up for a while, observing the game.

Not much movement occurred during the night. I think I saw Mr Fevell walking around near the stage, though I lost track of him, and I know I saw Mr Harver crawl back into bed pretty early, though he seemed to be limping a little. I wonder what happened? He disappeared just after dinner and hadn't been seen for a while.

All in all, a rather quiet night. I turned in around 5am, hoping to sleep until about 11am. By then everyone would be up and ready for another day of 'let's find out who does what and if anyone is secretly a murderer.'

I was sleeping pretty deeply until a scream echoed across the room. Jumping up I ran towards the stage, trying to manoeuvre around the people who had also headed that way.

Jives, Lady Cinatti (how the hell did she move so fast?!), Ms Lee, Miss Maria, Miss Starmoon and Jones had beaten me to it. It being two bodies, laying together in a pool of blood. I pushed through the group and dropped down by one body, checking the pulse, while Jones checked the other.

No good, both were dead and had been for hours. Mister Simmons and Fevell, both lay backstange, both with stab-wounds.

Jones is keeping the rest of the group out on the stage while I investigate back here. The Medical Officer will be down to pick up the bodies soon.

Mister Fevell was stabbed what looks to be three times in the chest and stomach regions, Mister Simmons, once in the throat. In Mister Simmons' pocket I find a note that reads:
"Carve the sentence 'Seven shells to the forwind' into a bookshelf backstage' to signal the next group of the pickup."
An odd symbol like an upside-down star and moon is stamped on the bottom of the note - a symbol associated with the East Province Cartel.

The knife in Mr Simmons' hand is blood-stained and small, looking like a divers-knife. There's a holster for it strapped to his calf. This seems most likely the murder weapon.

Mister Fevell's pockets were empty.

KNIFE added to evidence
NOTE added to evidence



Archeia_Nessiah/Lawrence Fevell, Town, has died.
Zeuzio/David Simmons, Cartel, has died.

DAY PHASE 3 BEGINS

Mirror/Mrs Margraves
Poor things... What wretched soul can possibly do such an evil deed? We must find this killer and quickly, or else someone else will die!

ivory/Jacobs
"Hello, guess I'm stickin' around longer hehe. Since two people has died, it means that mafia probably targeted a BP or someone who the doctor protected (we still can't be sure how many of those 'normal' roles will pop up in the game though). If that's the case, why didn't that person spoke up? There is nothing to lose considering that that person would probably be proven as town immediately and mafia/indi would probably target him/her again anyways. Second, where were you two last night, Lady Cinatti and Ms Starmoon?"


"Ms Margraves, do you have any more input to the game, say, some night flavor perhaps?"

thatbennyguy/Jives
What a long night that was. Dearie me, two deaths in a single day? We are lucky that one of them was a harmful cartel, instead of an innocent bystander. Mr. Fevell was a brilliant magician, and an even more upstanding citizen.

Now to the business. Last night I was watching Lady Cinatti and Mr. Margraves play a stellar midgame, and they were drawn when I finally decided to go to bed at about 2am. Ms. Lee was with me, though I'm not sure when she went to sleep.

Liberty
An odd symbol like an upside-down star and moon is stamped on the bottom of the note - a symbol associated with the East Province Cartel.

I find this imagery most curious. The symbol of the Cartel is an upside-down star and moon. One of the inhabitants of this ship is named Miss Jane Starmoon. Is this a coincidence, or are we inclined to believe that Miss Starmoon is somehow related to the cartel? I mean this in the most unassuming of manners.

Mirror/Mrs Margraves
I wish I could help you, sir Eliott, but I was very tired last night, so I was asleep, whole night.

ivory/Jacobs
"What about the first night then?"

YM/Ms. Lee
"I went to sleep at around 5 AM.

The issue of Miss Starmoon is very unlikely to be a coincidence. Perhaps she could share some light on the matter..."

ivory/Eliott Jacobs
"Oh, you. Almost forgotten about you. Are you sure you've went to sleep around 5 am?"

thatbennyguy/Jives
Ms. Lee, what happened during the 3 hours I went to sleep? Who won the game of cards between Cinatti and Margraves? I mean, I would care to know.

Mirror/Mrs Margraves
First night I was playing cards with my beloved husband. Do you have any other questions to me, sir Eliott? I'm glad to help investigation in every way I can... Though I'm not sure if I have anything valuable to say.

ivory/Jacobs
"Husband and wife. Say, if something were to happen between one of you two, would it affect your winning condition...?"

YM/Ms. Lee
author=ivoryjones
Eliott Jacobs"Oh, you. Almost forgotten about you. Are you sure you've went to sleep around 5 am?"

"5 AM is the time I went to bed, so yes. I'm assuming I slept, albeit a bit restlessly."
author=thatbennyguy
Lyle Jives, Chief StewardMs. Lee, what happened during the 3 hours I went to sleep? Who won the game of cards between Cinatti and Margraves? I mean, I would care to know.

"I'm afraid I do not know; I was not exactly absorbed by the game."

Gourd/Maria
"Oh no! Mr. Fevell!" Maria looks diststraught but happy to help in anyway she can after taking a hefty trip to the little lady's room.

ivory/Jacobs
"Why don't all of you start lynching Ms Starmoon since Adon's gonna be modkilled anyways."

chana/Michael
As I rush out of my room, I run to where I heard people scream, and there.. I see my father lying in a pool of blood. "Daddy, nooo..., who did this, why?" I utter as I sob, kneeling next to my father's body.

ivory/Jacobs
"Since your pops was a cartel, maybe, just maybe..."

Chearlie/Craig Harver
Starmoon, can I eat that, what is it? So my main suspects are, Lyle Jives, I still think is the scummiest in this damn ship, and I have a terrible feeling about Lady Cinnatti, She isn't acting as intelligent as she think she is. Proves, I can only speak of what I have seen. I don't know about this mysterious Starmoon since I also don't know who is this.

So I will give the first step

#Lynch ThatBennyGuy (Lyle Jives)

YM/Ms.Lee
"Come to think of it, why are we not paying attention to the confirmed drug user in our midst?"

Adon/Jane Starmoon
Everyone, everyone, please! You are at an misunderstanding, I am not to be lynched, I am innocent! Let me explain to you:

Last night, at around 2 AM, I woke up to the fact that I had left my favorite tarot deck on stage, and I couldn't possibly leave it there, it was a valuable possession to me! As I reach the backstage door, I hear muffled words of people, possibly mentioning the cartel. Then I hear noises of what must have been a fight, and ran back to my room. This morning, Mr. Simmons and Fevell were found dead, either they killed eachother or someone else killed them! I am only a witness to the horror! Even more, I am the one who found the dead bodies on stage, I went to check it out because I was curious what could have happened. I would consider you revise your decision, because my psychic abilities may be of assistance!

About the cartel symbol, even though it is highly coincidental that the symbol includes two figures that spell out my last name, I am not affiliated with them at all. My last name was given to me by my parents, and possibly a highlight of my psychic abilities.

It is possible that the child is cartel because his father was, but I do not personally believe the child capable of assassination.

Mr. Harver definitely looks suspicious, though I am still leery about lynching him. Does anyone have a current reason why we should be lynching him?

Gourd/Maria Eddington
"Well, we may want to lynch him because he's a known drug-user, and Harvey, your ideas about Ms. Cinatti aren't supported by why you think just that you think she may be the killer. Like I said earlier in my testimony people leaving the room, I am fairly certain that we are looking for a male killer.

Chearlie/Craig Harver
"Well... I have to admit that I... have wasted all my... hits I have, but if you kill me, what would you find, that I am... indeed a blody drug-user, beside I don't have any relation with the murder, cartel, or another independent group, but well that you can only find if you kill me.

The same reason I didn't want to lynch Mister Essex was because we already have information about what he did and it didn't sound related to a murder, and we are not looking for any cartel neither independent group, we are looking for the Murder and in other case another who cooperates with the murder. So if we keep lynching the ones we have more information about what they do it would be worst than lynching people that we don't have much information about what they do.

So I am basing my suspcious on that. And that's why Lyle Jives + his behaviour, and that I don't know to much about Cinnati who also her acts are somehow suspcious (The behaviour based on the reason of why people act, while the reasons of Lyle Jives sound like they don't have to much order and about Cinnaty is a little bit about meta gaming about how Cave played other games.)

chana/Michael
Interesting, so that leaves Ms Lee, Ms Harver and Ms Jives : I would leave Mr Harver out, too suspicious to be the murderer.

ivory/Jacobs
"So Ms Starmoon...you've found those cards already, right...?"

"Anywho, I can confirm what Ms Starmoon said. About Ms Lee, it wasn't said what time but I saw her head to bed myself after she's done watching Lady Cinatti and Mr Margraves play a bit. Regarding Lady Cinatti though, she's been missing when I was patrolling the women's area. The only one who came back was Ms Starmoon, and she was muttering something about cards and finding them in the morning. So, where were you really, Lady Cinatti?"

thatbennyguy/Jives
OK, young Mr. Craig Harver, that is quite enough! I see no reason to either trust nor distrust me, since there is no evidence that is connected to me in any way, shape or form. There is, however, evidence of you consuming illegal drugs in the form of injections, and the bustle which we all saw between Sir Fevell and the Lord Essex, which Elliott here broke up.

Jane, most sweet waitress. Please display your oracular prowess to predict the murderer. How does your "psychic" ability work, in that you may be able to predict the future?

I am also curious of the nature of Mr Margraves, who needs to speak more often, and not just in outbursts of "where are we, what happened?" and the such-like. I mean this in the most politest of manners, but I am getting irritated by people's unwillingness to speak, as Eliott has mentioned.

Chearlie/Craig Harver
"OK, young Mr. Craig Harver, that is quite enough!, yeah whatever, I give my reasons of why I see you suspicious, if you don't see them, you must be faking or blind, but I don't have to much to say since I already speak out everything I think.

As for the situation of Sir Fevvel and Lord Essex, sounds like things about Cartel, I don't find relation with the murder, and about me, I admit it and I have been obvious I consume drugs, sometimes I wonder if is good that people don't pay to much attention to this cause they understand that Is dumb to go against someone who they already have information of, or is it bad cause they haven't notice that."

YM/Ms. Lee
"There is nothing to suggest that you are not a murderer, Mr. Harver. Being a drug addict does not rule you out of any other misendeavours...rather, it makes them more likely."

ivory/Jacobs
"And there is nothing that could prove he is. Sir Essex(?) dealt with slavery as the victim was, but he had nothing to do with the murder. Dealing with shady schtuffs doesn't automatically mean you're the murderer. We could have made an agreement for him to control the vote on a certain person (most likely a 'confirmed' mafia) instead of kicking him out of the house. I do agree with Mr Harver on one thing however and it's that Lady Cinatti isn't acting quite herself lately.

One thing to note is that it seems quite a handful of people seems to be connected to each other. Mr and Mrs Margraves, the slaves, the kid and his deceased father...I wonder if they could communicate OOT...?"

Chearlie/Craig Harver
I already said that lynch me would be worthless since you already have all the information about me, I am a town druggie who still lives with his damn mother and do nothing with his life, I want to do this trip so I can get away from my mother and all my problems. Also, I can prove that I am not the murder, I use my last 2 hits this night and the other night, and I haven't killed anyone, I'm afraid that I attack Lady Cinnati, Maybe I could done one, but it didn't happen and now I have to be on my senses all the time since I don't have more hits so I definitely kill a person. And about me being innocent and not cartel, not anything, I can just give my word.

chana/Michael
Mr Lee is in rupture with his origins, after turning his back to the nobility and it's luxury, he decided to become an adventurer, wouldn't accepting to sell two slaves to a new master be very much in accordance with his style of life? (I know this is pretty meta, but isn't somewhat the idea of this game?).

Chearlie/Harver
Yeah, is sort of the idea, but I suck when I enter to meta-gaming out of how people have played in other games :/

As far as I can guess basing the game on Meta-Gaming (story, rather than behaviors like mafia use to be)
Innocents:
Michael (chana)
Eliott Jacobs (Ivory Jones)

as for the others, I can't say much in that aspect :/

Adon/Jane Starmoon
My psychic routine I use to learn information is simple, my fellow people. There are spirits within this ship that have seen many things, including the murder that is trying to be solved. I consult with these spirits, but they are fickle, and the information they give me has a half chance of being in-accurate, which is the only downside. I prefer to do this during the daytime, because at night the spirits on board have other business to tend to. I am willing to accept a question from the crowd, if there are more than one suggestions we will take a vote. Also, I forgot to mention I can only communicate with these spirits once before I exhaust my psychic energy.

Mr. Harver, do not dare make a list of innocents.

thatbennyguy/Jives
Excuse me, but I would rather like to hear from Mr Margraves.

If you look at his previous history of what he has said, it has been next to nothing. Now I'm not pointing the finger, because I am not allowed to due to my power, but I would like Mr. Margraves to please step forward, and at least speak. His silence has gone on far enough.

Sorry, I meant Mrs. Margraves. I mean this in the politest of ways, but anyone who has only said about 5 things, and nothing constructive, will not be helpful to us if they survive. Even if they are innocent, they will not be able to provide valuable feedback if they happen to be in the final deciding 3, or however many there are. I mean this most politely, because my power only works if I am kind to almost everyone. Perhaps that is why chana suspects me, but it is true.

Gourd/Maria Eddington
"We should gather info from Fevell." Maria says very confident this is the best course of action.

Chearlie/Craig Harver
"Jane Starmoon, So I don't dare to say that I little kid who's father is innocent, is innocent? Maybe Elliot could be the murder or associated with one but I don't see his acts leading him to be the murder, so something tells me you know something cause there is no reason to shut up someone who didn't said anything wrong."

YM/Ms. Lee
"I'm having a bit of difficulty believing Ms. Starmoon's claim. Talking to spirits? Could this not be a very convenient way to pin blame on someone else?"

Adon/Jane Starmoon
It matters not whether you are a believer of the spirits or not, but it could possibly get us somewhere away from this stagnant pool of blame.

thatbennyguy/Jives
Sir Craig... Elliot is a third-party investigator brought in for the case. He is not in the pool of suspects.

chana/Michael
Miss Starmoon, could I ask this : "Is the murderer of noble extract?"

Chearlie/Craig Harver
"Okay, I was wrong when I said Elliot could be suspicious (apparently I miss some important points), but then we all agree that both I mention are innocent, and that Jane Starmoon scold me for saying something harmless.

I see the point on Ms Lee words, although how the heck we will discover if she is lying, for now it is pretty valuable information that she claim to be a spriti chit-chatter since if she is lying she can slip, if she is not we can trust her."

chana/Michael
Oh, yes, I suggested this question to the spirits so it allows us to know if Mr Lee or Mr Jives is the murderer? does everyone agree with this question? as Miss Starmoon indicated it's a one shot thing so we can't miss it.
Oh, Miss Starmoon,if those spirits cannot answer this question, could you give us hints as to what types of questions they can answer?
Finally, Mr Jives, you're absolutely sure there are no nobles among your ancestors, right?

Adon/Jane Starmoon
Micheal, I can ask any question that can receive a yes or no answer. To clarify, there is a 50% chance of the answer being false, so it is not the most reliable source of information, but it is something to go by.

Mirror/Ms. Margraves
I am sorry, ms. Starmoon, but I can't believe in your claims. We are all grown up people here, except for this poor kid, so we can't fall to such a nonsense about spirits (In game terms, this power is just absolutely useless, answer with 50% chance of being false give you nothing at all. I believe Liberty wouldn't allow such a useless power, so you've probably just made it up to cover yourself).
You're obviously hiding something. And this is what innocent people wouldn't do in this situation.
#Lynch Adon
Also, I have a word to mr. Jives. Don't forget your place, servant. You dare to point your fingers at innocent and respected women and saying that you don't mind to kill me even if I'm innocent just because I'm not helpful enough? No sane man could say such a thing. I want our authorities to put you under restriction, so you won't do any harm to me or any others.

ivory/Jacobs
"Anywho, can you tell us who you've targeted the first night and the second night, Mr Harver? About the power of Ms Starmoon though, Liberty did mention the powers would be out of the norm so we shouldn't expect anything 'ordinary'. And Lady Cinatti seems to be awfully silent. Maybe we should lynch her or something."

Chearlie/Craig Harver
I didn't target any of this morons if someone target me I would attack him, but if no one attacks me I probably could attack someone random who I cross with them on the night. First night I was in the ladies bathroom taking my first hit and Lady Cinnati start scratching the bathroom door and telling me to stop using the best toilet, I got mad and open the door on his face, I got scared and hide on a ventilation hatch, I fall sleep there and when I wake up she has gone. Although I don't think she really attack me, someone who want to use the bathroom doesn't sound as someone who wanted to attack me, but I was so high that I could be in my snese and think with logic, but I'm framing her for being suspicious(not because of she being quiet) but her acts, but she being quiet maybe means she got tired of this "game".

Second night nothing happen

By the way, tomorrow I won't care anymore. (that's a sort of a lie, but I don't know how to say that my win condition is that town need to win before 4th day)

chana/Michael
I agree that it's weird Lady Cinnatti never mentioned her encounter with you in the ladies's room, Mr Harver.
Also, those spirits ARE the most helpless if any (Liberty's or Adon's mistake?)

Adon/Jane Starmoon
Lynching me on the basis that my psychic abilities are next to worthless? It doesn't look like you have much supporting your claim. (Haven't you thought that that power would be a game breaker if it were a 100% accurate? I mean, if I ask if chears is mafia, and i have a 100% chance of getting an accurate answer, and chears is being awfully kind to another member, almost as if they were affiliated, then we would know exactly who to lynch and BANG game over. However, if there is a fifty-fifty chance, we all get to decide whether or not we will be going with my answer, since we will not know whether it is accurate for sure. Also, I must quote my answer from the PM I receive, I believe.)

chana/Michael
The problem is not that "we will not know whether it is accurate for sure.", but that we will not know if it's accurate AT ALL, in fact we'll know no more and no less than before the spirits answered, which IS a bit surprising as a power... (not that you may have anything to do with it).

Gourd/Maria Eddington
#Lynch Adon237
"Sorry, but as much as I'd like to believe you, Ms. Margarves has a point." Maria looks a little glum at first, but then confident this is the best course of action.

YM/Ms. Lee
I turn to Ms. Margraves with a look of shock on my face. "My word! 50% chance of being false? Ms. Starmoon actually said that?"

I furrow my brow as I try to remember the day's events. "...yes, I do Ms. Starmoon mentioning something along those lines. This 'half-chance' definitely seems like a convenient excuse for an incorrect accusation. Added to the fact that this is a power that can only be used during daytime, and I can't help but find Ms. Starmoon's little ruse quite ridiculous."

#lynch Adon237

chana/Michael
If this is all Ms Starmoon has as a defence, then :
#Lynch Adon237

Adon/Jane Starmoon
Fine, you can proceed to lynch me, but I will turn up as town, I promise.
Once you learn that townies, get rid of Margraves or Cinati.

It seems like someone gets a little bored and decides to accuse someone, and everyone realizes this is not going to go anywhere and hops the lynch-train.

I mean doesn't a 100% chance of getting an accurate answer sound like a game breaking power? Not balanced, not fair?

Not to mention you are believing someone who has not spoke much at all in this mystery, how can you guarantee that Ms. Margraves isn't trying to mislead you?

chana/Michael
100% chance yes, but how about 75% (though for a one time power, how much difference would that make..?)? Anyways, you do sound convincing, so :
#Cancel, for now.

Liberty/Sergeant
I watch as the suspects mull around the table area, arguing with each other about whether or not this or that is suspicious or noteworthy. It seems rather petty to me as I read through the Autopsy reports of the first victim. An officer brought them in not to long ago.

From the looks of it he definitely died from head injury. A cracked skull; blunt force trauma to the back of the head; brain haemorrhage. At least it was a relatively quick death, unlike those of Mr Fevell and Mr Simmons.

I read through the preliminary report slowly. Both bled out from knife wounds. Mr Fevell took longer to die than Mr Simmons, though not by much. From the looks of things Simmons attacked Fevell and overpowered the man, then fell back and accidentally cut his own throat.

A throat clears next to me and I turn to see Lady Cinattia standing nearby. She seems somewhat fragile in appearance, almost tottering on her feet. Terrified for her, I grab a chair and usher her into it.

She sits and grabs her head, moaning as she does so. Asking what seems to be the matter, I get nothing but groans; suddenly she falls forward and I dive to catch her. From the looks of things she's fainted. I call Jacobs over to assist and he helps me lay her flat.

Miss Sara runs to the door, begging assistance. One of the guards pops his head in and I'll have to scold him about that later, but I tell him to get the Medical Officer in here now.

The rest of the suspects just watch in silence.



A tense hour passes while we wait to hear the verdict. Somewhere along the way I had forgotten just how aged the Lady Cinatti was and began treating her the same way I'd treat the younger members of the group.

A knock on the door alerts us and I head to see what's up. One of the nurses is there with a sheaf of paper and the bad news.

Lady Cinatti will require constant supervision and medical attention. Apparently the blow she sustained the other night had caused some internal haemorrhaging and she slipped into a coma. They're worried about her pulling through.

The papers are details of her stay in the Sick-bay on various days through-out the trip. One of these times shows that she visited around 2:00PM the day of the murder and didn't leave until 2:33PM. Apparently the paperwork went missing for a few days and only just turned up, giving the old Lady an alibi for the murder.
And seeing that she was gambling with Lord Margraves all night, she also has an alibi for last nights murders.

Well, I guess that's one less suspect to worry about. I thank the nurse, give her back her papers (bar the relevant one) and head back into the room to share the news.


CAVE_DOG_IS_BACK/Lady Cinatti, Town, has been cleared of the crimes!

Gourd/Maria
"Ms. Cinatti!" Maria yelps shocked! Why are all of the people she's beginning to trust here always leave? She sighs loudly and looks at the remaining suspects. Obviously the boy could have no malicious intent for anyone. Ms. Margarves was a bit of a gray are for Maria seeing as how she rarely said anything helpful - much like the butler and Jane who she was opposed against. Also, wasn't a guilty butler a staple of mystery fictions? Hm. "Well, while we're at this grey area in voting... I may as well inform you all of what I was doing last night.
I took a bathroom break before sleeping and snooped a teensy bit - hearing a noise on the roof. Then, figuring it could be a rat, went back to my bedroom and talked with my sis until drifting off- waking up in the morning to a scream."

thatbennyguy/Jives
Friends, I do not believe Miss Jane is lying! Indeed, as I have quoted above, she mentioned of a Psychic Show that she was hosting, far before she claimed out loud. I believe that her power is correct, because it seems to specific to be made up. Indeed, a 50% chance of correctness is still valuable, since if we ask if a person is the killer, then we can get a 50/50 chance on one of us being the killer. And that is a better chance then we have right now.

Now think. The evidences must point to someone, right? The evidence laid out before us is not meaningless, and without reason? We have to re-evaluate all the evidence we have before us and come to a valuable conclusion, I suggest. I am currently re-reading over the evidence right now, and I suggest we all do this so we can eliminate this killer once and for all!

Let us re-evaluate the evidences. The body was the body of Mr. Ryan Coldidge found between the stage and the bar at approximately 2:40PM. The deceased (Ryan Coldidge), had much to do with drug-dealing and slave-running trades, all of his charges dropped. He was a criminal with the facade of a nice guy, who had to deal with the business of a kidnapped child.

I in fact believe this child could be Mr. Michael Simmons here, based on the flavour text. I also don't believe that Michael is the killer, due to his young nature and also the fact that he would not kill his own father. We know that the killer killed both Mr. Simmons and Mr. Fevell because the diver's knife that killed both of them was found in Fevell's hand.

Last night we saw that Fevell got very irritated at Essex the slaveowner, and proceeded to attempt a fistfight with him. This is a flavour EVENT that should not be ignored, because clearly it did not happen without purpose. My theory is that Fevell was attracted to the young slaves, and if anyone would threaten them, then he would die in place of them. Call it a day-doctor of sorts. However, my theory is still unlikely, and if anyone has anything to explain last night, then that would be appreciated.

Now about the oparium. Oparium is a drug that can be taken intravenously (via IV), and needles were found in Craig Harver's room. Indeed, Harver himself has admitted to using the drugs. The oparium was found at the site of Cinatti's head-bashing, which is now confirmed to be true, since Cinatti has been confirmed innocent. Therefore, we can conclude that the drugs caused Craig to hit Cinatti over the head. However, the drug causes hallucinations, therefore Craig must not have been in his right mind when he hit Cinatti. I don't believe that Craig is the killer, but I do believe that he is connected with the cartel in some way or the other.

*gasps*

In conclusion, I have narrowed it down to Mr. Margraves, Mrs. Margraves, Ms. Lee, and the slave sisters.

I am of the belief that the slave sisters only exist to serve the slave master, and do not have powers of their own. Therefore that leaves Mr. Margraves, Mrs. Margraves, and Ms. Lee.

I am afraid that <<Mr. Margraves has only spoken about 5 lines throughout our whole trip>>, so that is a definite possibility. Indeed, if someone as inactive as this was a townsperson, then they would be thrown off this boat straight away, like Miss Cinatti ((by this is mean modkilled)).

So upon that note, I address Ms. Lee. I believe you are town by what you have said on this ship, but if it is not harmful to the crew onboard, could you please out the info about your powers? Because it would be very pleasant if you do.

Gourd/Maria
"You're quite the charmer, Jives. Regardless of your very...insensitive wording, I am wondering why the word "bashing" has come up so many times in different situations. Huh. "

thatbennyguy/Jives
I apologize, my dear Maria. I only assumed... well, this is awkward. Do you have any powers that are to speak of?

Gourd/Maria Eddington
"I'm sorry, but I will not be revealing that. We aren't quite close enough to end-game situation, Jives. "

thatbennyguy/Jives
Fair enough. Let me ask you, why are you voting for Miss Jane? She hinted on her psychic abilities in her first ever post, and psychic abilities can not exactly be used for harm, can they? Her claim was hinted at in that she was to host a Psychic Show. I'm not one to judge, but I think a few people were quite eager to get rid of Miss Jane today as well.

Gourd/Maria
"I am honestly not sure what to think of Jane, so I voted to lynch her for an answer. Probably not the brightest thing I've ever done. But, Ms. Margarves does have a point. Several to be exact. Besides, I'd probably vote for you if not for Jane and you honestly look very innocent. Aside from a few comments that I can't quite remember - many of my doubts of you come form you thinking everyone is innocent. Also, you have been quite rude throughout the entirety of this all - do not pull the "I must be polite" line, kindly. Of course, I mean not to anger you, I am simply speaking my mind in an attempt to piece together who could be the killer. Also:
#Cancel
I know the killer is a man, why am I voting for Jane? That was stupid of me as well. I apologize sincerely."

chana/Michael
I would still like to ask the spirits : "Is Mr Lee the murderder?" (I suppose I would take a yes as an encouragement in that direction).

Mirror/Mrs Margraves
Good people, don't tell me you fall in such nonsense. Everyone who educated enough should know that answer with two possible and fairly opposite options (yes or no) and equal chance of telling the truth or lie is equal to no answer at all. There's no such thing as "answer will give us a chence that target is a killer", because this answers will be the same for EVERYONE on this ship with equal "chances" each. I don't believe I really need to explain such a simple logic even child should understand, but I see that not everyone still understands it.
Let me point that against my fair arguments there's two counter-arguments from them. This "answer will give us a chance" from Mr Jives, which is just nonsense and I've told you why.
Second from Ms Starmoon herself. All she was able to say about her rubbish claim is "but 100% chance would be unfair". She isn't even trying to consider possibility of 75% chance or any other number inbetween, because it would be a useful power and will wreck her claim. So she chooses to stick with "it's either 100% or 50%, and because it can't be 100% then I'm telling the thruth despite my power being COMPLETELY useless". Also, their teamwork is quite outstanding. I believe we should lynch Ms Starmoon to see the thruth behind all this, and if she'll prove herself lying - turn our attention to Mr Jives.
I'm usually a peaceful person, but it seems that our authorities are blind and I have to defend myself against those liars here.

Gourd/Maria Eddington
"Due to what I saw on the night of the murder, I cannot vote for Jane in good heart. Jives on the other hand..."
#Lynch thatbennyguy

ivory/Jacobs
Mr Margraves and whoever-LWG-is-playing is in danger of being modkilled so we should probably lynch Ms Lee or Michael. And uh, not sure if I could remember but why do you think the killer is a man, Maria?

Dudesoft/Mr Margraves
I look up from my game of solitaire and say, "Well said, my beauty."
#lynch thatbennyguy

Mirror/Mrs Margraves
Well, if even you want to lynch mr Jives first, then so be it.
#cancel
#lynch thatbennyguy

thatbennyguy/Jives
My power is that I am loved.

It takes 1/2 majority + 1 to lynch me.

Please unvote for my dear life.

chana/Michael
You mean majority +1? ok, #Cancel

Gourd/Maria Eddington
author=ivoryjones
Eliott JacobsMr Margraves and whoever-LWG-is-playing is in danger of being modkilled so we should probably lynch Ms Lee or Michael. And uh, not sure if I could remember but why do you think the killer is a man, Maria?
I am sure the killer is a man because the last two people to leave the room after the murder were a man I didn't know, and my sister - I was witness to this. Since my sister is the same alignment as me, the killer must be the man.
Therefore, I am not unvoting Mr.Jives.

chana/Michael
It's Mr Jives or Mr Lee, why do you think it's Mr Jives?

Gourd/Maria Eddington
"It has been established earlier that Mr Lee is probably associated with the cartel and Jives seems to think everyone is innocent."

chana/Michael
Alright, let's go for Mr Jives then, if we're wrong we'll know who to lynch:
#Lynch Mr Jives
So it's not hammer, there's one vote missing...

Adon/Jane Starmoon
If you are positive that the killer was a man, then why not Jives? Lets hope Maria's ideas are in fact true!
lynch #thatbennyguy (Mr.Jives)

TWILIGHT PHASE: EVENT

thatbennyguy/Jives, Town, has been 'lynched'.

Liberty/Sergeant
I watch as the angry group turn on the poor manservant, Jives, jeering and insulting him for his protection of his fellow worker, Miss Starmoon. I usually don't care about others too much, but I'm shocked at the way they act towards the man who has catered to their every need and been so helpful in every way. Even Jacobs seems shocked by it all, slow to do anything as Michael kicks the poor man in the shin.

I have to admit, I admire his calm, though. He stands through it all stoic and proud, unbent by their accusations. I signal Jacobs and he takes the man aside, signalling the rest of the group to get back.

We both escort him from the room, and I try not to look at his face when the guard outside cuffs him and drags him off to meet his fate. He grabs my wrist just before he is taken away and whispers "I didn't do it."

Looking in his eyes... damnit. I can tell a guilty man from an innocent one and I'll be damned if Jives is guilty. Still, for his own safety he'll be kept in the brig. It'd be madness to keep him in here with the rest of the suspects - they'd tear him apart.

Jacobs taps my shoulder and lets me know that he'll stay in the brig the night, keeping watch on Jives. It wouldn't do to have one of his friends help him escape, especially when I'm sure of his innocence. It'd just make things much worse for him.

I head back to the room to find everyone standing around the stage, staring in shock at the scene there. Miss Starmoon is crying and laying in a huddle in the middle of the stage, probably terrified from all that has happened so far.
Suddenly she stiffens and a host of other-wordly voices permeate through the hall, causing people to jump in shock.

"Ask me... Ask us... Three questions... Three dead souls... Ask..."

Gourd/Maria
Has Mr. Harver killed multiple people?

Mirror/Mrs Margraves
Am I mafia or not?

Dudesoft/Mr Margraves
Is Cave really innocent?

Chearlie/Craig Harver
Is Little Wing Guy Mafia?

chana/Michael
Is Ms Lee the murderer?

YM/Ms Lee
Is Mrs. Margraves hiding something sinister?

Liberty/Sergeant
I watch as Miss Starmoon seems to collapse in on herself, before sitting up, her eyes wild and mouth open.

A soft-spoken, yet familiar voice comes from Miss Starmoon's body.
"Ask...me..."

"Fevell!" Maria calls out tearfully, sniffling slightly at the sound of her dead friend's voice. "Has Mr. Harver killed multiple people?"

There is a slight groan and then silence. Maria bursts into tears and sits heavily on a chair her sister grabs for her, then sobs as the rest of the group approach the stage carefully.

Mrs Margraves steps forward, her face determined. Her voice is shaky as she asks, "Am I mafia or not?"

There is silence, then a long whine, like something dying and being dragged issues from Starmoon's throat. "Maaaaaybeeeee."

Mrs Margraves steps back, slightly shocked and horrified. Her husband takes her hand and gently pulls her into his arms, and asks with a soft voice "Is Lady Cinatti (Cave) really innocent?"

Again there's a strange groan and silence. I'm rather shocked he asked this question since it was not long proven that the old Lady was innocent, but also practically on her death bed, what with being in a coma at the time. Still, I guess everyone is scared and unsure of each other and themselves.

Michael takes a step forward, his face covered in dried tears. The poor boy is obviously suffering due to his fathers' death, but he is incredibly brave. Ms Lee lays a hand on his shoulder as he asks "Is Ms Lee Mafia?"

A long, strangled out whine follows the question, then a short screeched answer, "NO!"

He bursts into tears, turns and runs to the men's side of the room. Poor child is probably heading to the last place he feels safe, his bed. I watch Maria stand and indicate that she should head after him. He needs some comfort - they both do.

Jacobs steps forward, white in the face but very much composed. It's what I'd expect from my fellow Officer. His voice is steady as he asks "Is Mr Margraves mafia?"

A strangled groan and silence is his only reply. Many of those left shift nervously as we watch Miss Starmoon sway back and forth, at times looking like she'd almost fall over completely.

Ms Lee clears her throat. "Is Mss. Margraves hiding something sinister?"

Mrs Margraves sends a shocked, hurt look at Ms Lee who ignores her, keeping her eye on Miss Starmoon. A low moan comes from her mouth, then a stretched "Maaaaybeeeee".

Suddenly, Miss Starmoon falls forwards, hitting her head on the stage floor. Her head flips up, dark eyes glinting menacingly at us. I feel a shiver run down my spine as a manic grin appears on her face; a grin I have seen many times when chasing down criminals. A sure, cocky, manic, crazy, comforting grin that I'd recognise anywhere. The grin of a man who shared many lunches, chases and crazy stories over the past year. I can feel tears that I'd determinedly held off start to fill my eyes and I surreptitiously wipe them away as everyone focuses on Miss Starmoons next words.

They come out as though ripped from his very soul; harsh, painful words for those who saw the way he interacted with the people around him.
" slaves connected murder "

Silence falls, as does Miss Starmoon's face. After a few moments she sits up, swaying, a look of pain on her face. She tries to stand, but can't seem to get up. I climb up on the stage and try to help her stand but she can't seem to get her legs to work. I pick her up instead, motion for others to grab a chair and place her in it, gently. She seems completely drained. Her face is covered in sweat and white as a sheet; her hands shake as Ms Lee hands her a glass of water.

I hold it up so she can drink and when she is finished she closes her eyes and falls asleep. I, Ms Lee, Mrs Margraves and Miss Sara see her safely to bed, the other three saying they'll keep an eye on her during the night.

I leave the room, thinking on the answers we were given.

~~~

When I return to the rest of the group Maria approaches me, demanding that I see to the child Michael. She makes a pretty strong case against him being a murderer, not least the fact that he is a child and knows nothing of death. Ashamed, I agree with her. Really, he should have been removed from the start, but with his father wanting him close by, there was nothing I could do.

I call one of the guards and ask them to get one of my fellow officers - Myra Tanar. She appears quickly, happy and chirpy, though her eyes are reddened from crying. I explain to her about Michael, and being the kindly soul that she is, she's only too happy to take him into her custody.

She's had a lot of experience with children, gladly, since she used to be a teacher and saw a lot of foster children in her family as a kid. She picks Michael up and carries him off to stay with her until we reach civilisation again. As he is carried away, Michael waves goodbye with one hand, the other clutching his toy tightly.

I can see more than a few tears in the eyes of the others, but this is something that should have happened a while ago.

~~~

chana/Michael Simmons, Innocent, has left the building.

NIGHT PHASE 3 BEGINS

"My Dear Friend,
I do hope this letter finds you well. I must say, it shall be wonderful to see you once more and I hope that the goods you promised to bring with you are in good shape. You do know how much I enjoy these things when they're brand new and I am very much looking forward to checking them out for myself.
After our transaction is completed, we should get together for a quiet game of Backgammon, share a bottle of Pimms finest and reminisce about the old times. Sounds a treat, doesn't it?
Oh, and don't forget to bring the receipt for the items. I almost got into trouble the last time when you forgot. Something about having little claim to them and ..."

"To: NAME REMOVED (Now known to be Mr. Essex)

This document is to prove the purchase of two (2) livestock under the Class Q-31 Act. Both animals are in sound health and mind. Both are registered and marked in the proper and usual manner. The cost of both is $2000 Pounds total, that is $1000 Pounds each. Payment has been received. The bearer of this document is considered the owner of said livestock and may sell or use them as S/He sees fit as long as they abide by the guidelines set down by the 1872 Provinces Convention.
Enjoy your purchases.
From: Ryan Coldidge.

PS: Hope you enjoy these two, old friend. I know you prefer them young and pretty!
"

Name: Ryan Coldidge
Age: 57
Gender: Male
Known Alias': Mister Col
Occupation: Unknown
Police Record: Handling stolen goods (dropped), Kidnapping (dropped), Racketeering (dropped), Smuggling (dropped), Smuggling (dropped), Theft (dropped), Theft (dropped), Fraud (dropped), Fraud (dropped), Theft (dropped)

Other information:
Rumour has it that Mr Coldidge has ties to a lot of underground businesses including slave-running, smuggling, insider-trading and racketeering.
He has been suspected of various small crimes, though he has never been charged with anything.
He has been accused of handling stolen goods and there was some nasty business with a kidnapped child, though he managed to get out of that one somehow, since all charges were dropped and it was revealed to be a family issue.

He's known to be a philanthropist and funds a soup kitchen and Women's shelter, so a lot of people consider him a kindly man who is just misunderstood and gives many second chances to those who probably don't deserve them.

No one can quite trace where his large fortune comes from but many believe it to be ill-gotten.