I was hoping to just get this over and done with quickly, but that apparently isn't going to happen, and I feel obligated to make a post explaining my actions, just so everyone is clear on the exact events that transpired.
First, I checked the marketplace. I saw a MW Langes Messer for trade for a Long bow. I went and bought a long bow. The trade was still up, so I accepted it. A few minutes later, I checked my character page and noticed I had two messages:
From: Uhtred_III_of_Bebbanburg
To: Xol_dfc
Subject: Re: marketplace transaction
hey xolvern!
pleease give me the mw back
From: Uhtred_III_of_Bebbanburg
To: Xol_dfc
Subject: Re: Re: marketplace transaction
xolvern im serious please give me the mw langes messer back
Now, up until this point I had assumed this was some kind of deal I had happened upon at the right time. So, I responded with a simple question:
From: Xol_dfc
To: Uhtred_III_of_Bebbanburg
Subject: Re: Re: Re: marketplace transaction
Why?
I received the next two messages very shortly afterward:
From: Uhtred_III_of_Bebbanburg
To: Xol_dfc
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: marketplace transaction
why? cos i WRONGLY put it up there.. do u really want to keep it, though u know it was my mistake?
dude i am a fucking admin lol sure u wanna do that?
From: Uhtred_III_of_Bebbanburg
To: Xol_dfc
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: marketplace transaction
i put up longbow for +3 langes messer
Now, I'm a pretty reasonable guy. As I stated multiple times in IRC, I'd be perfectly happy to give the item back, provided he apologizes for this line:
dude i am a fucking admin lol sure u wanna do that?
I don't fault him for being upset. Anyone would be upset in his position. All I want is an apology.
Also, to address this, specifically:
Ugh, of course. And now the guy starts making excuses to not give it back. If people are going to be scumbags at least have a little pride in it. Either you're a garbage human being who gets an item you didn't earn or you're a nice person who gets good reputation, but don't try to have it both ways and pretend like you're justified in ripping people off.
I have made no excuses, and I don't intend to rip anyone off. I don't want to profit off of this transaction no matter what Uhtred ends up doing. Should Uhtred return and apologize, he gets his item back. If he either doesn't return or doesn't apologize, I'll end up giving the item away one way or another, whether it's an extra bonus to the next lottery winner, or the next tournament winner, or simply to some noob player who I happen to see using a Langes Messer, I won't be seeing a penny of profit from it.