Hello, Sherlockians. We all here are just enraptured with the BBC modernization of Sherlock Holmes, but let's not forget our roots. For some of you, I'm afraid you haven't formally been introduced to the world's only consulting detective.

This quiz will focus mainly on Holmes and Watson from Conan Doyle's original 60 stories, with a little Moriarty thrown in. The focus here is on introducing the characters, the developing relationship, etc. We can do another quiz later with specific facts related to the cases themselves if you wish.

Rules: We'll keep it simple--Everyone answer as many as you can. I won't give hints on the forum, but you can PM me. If several people need the same help, I'll consider posting the hint. You can also PM me for "How many do I have correct?" type stuff, and I'll tell you the number correct, but not which ones.   

Answers will be posted sometime late Friday evening (EST), and the winner announced.

There are 11 questions because, well, I needed one more than 10. : )

The game is afoot...

1. Every story has a beginning. What words did Dr. Watson first hear Holmes say?

2. Ladies (especially), what colour are the eyes of our detective friend (bonus points if you tell the story in which this information is found)?

3. Each story (or nearly so) gives us a glimpse into Holmes' special deductive powers. What brilliant deduction is the very first one that, through Watson's eyes, we get to see?

4. Most of the stories have Dr. Watson as narrarator. Four of them do not. Which are they, and, for those, who relates each drama?

5. Easily, the most popular image of Sherlock Holmes is with his deerstalker hat, Inverness cape, and calabash pipe. In which canon story do we first see Holmes portrayed in this manner?

6. No one would call Dr. Watson an immoral man, but we do see hints of one particular vice in stories such as "The Dancing Men" and "Shoscombe Old Place". What weakness do these stories (and perhaps one or two others) suggest or show?

7. The best-known illustrator of the stories that appeared in The Strand magazine was a relatively unknown artist. Name the man who gave Holmes his handsome, scholarly, dignified aura.

8. All good things must come to an end. What is the last case (chronologically) that we see Holmes and Watson solving as one unit?

9. Related to Holmes retirement, Dr. Watson tells us that Holmes has removed to the Sussex Downs, and occupies himself primarily in two fields of study. What are these two fields?

10. Yikes! Almost done... Watson leaves the rooms at 221B Baker Street at one point, and then returns to live with Holmes again later. Why did he come back, and why did he originally go?

11. Moriarty, arch-nemesis of Holmes, never actually meets Dr. Watson. He gets all his information about the professor from Holmes. What is unusual about the way Holmes introduces Watson to Moriarty in the canon? I suspect this question might be hard to follow. I can't make my meaning more clear without giving away the answer. PM me if you wish, and I'll give any hints that I can.

Bonus: Hidden within the questions themselves is a clue as to what Holmes himself might think of this quiz. Can you find it? Note: If you think you know, feel free to post your answer, but please give us a ***Spoiler*** alert so as not to ruin the fun for others.

Have fun. (no exclamation point for kazza's benefit)