Murder! At the Masquerade A Murder Mystery Game

One dance. One unknown host. One murder, and counting…

One dance. One unknown host. One murder, and counting…

You receive an invitation to a masquerade ball. It appears out of nowhere, like magic.

The host is unknown, but the location is enticing: an old castle off the coast, built on a small island, accessible only by boat. On the invitation is a challenge, written in gold ink to attract the eye,

All guests will compete for the ultimate prize.

The catch? You cannot reveal your true identity.

You cannot refuse.

A storm brews as you board the boat. You arrive at the castle and still, the host is not revealed.

The storm grows, and lightning strikes; soon you hear a scream – a body is found on the rocks, pushed from the ballroom balcony.

A woman is dead. But who was she?

As you discuss the deadly dance with your fellow guests, you will ask these questions:

Who is the host?
Why did the host throw a masquerade ball?
Why were you invited?
What is the ultimate prize?
Who are your fellow guests?

By solving these riddles, you may catch the murderer.

And maybe if you catch the murderer, you will leave the island alive.

Maybe.

*******PLEASE NOTE*******
This game has no fancy illustrations or design - so it's only $12.99!

Murder! At the Masquerade can be played virtually, but it is better suited to playing in person.

For ages 12 and up. Playing time approximately 2-3 hours.

The host can play too!

This game is clue heavy. There are lots of details, the plot is intricate, and it requires more detective work than my other games. You have been warned!

This download includes:

6 Essential character handbooks, containing character background, quirks,* clues, and secrets
6 Recommended character handbooks, containing character background, quirks, at least one secret, and at least two things to say per round
8 Optional character handbooks, containing character name, quirks, one secret, and at least one thing to say per round
1 blank spectator handbook so the host can create more characters, if needed
1 Host Guide, containing detailed instructions, tips, costume and prop ideas, and a recipe for Masquerade Punch
1 Optional script
Certificates for Best Improviser, Winner of the Ultimate Prize, Best Dastardly Plan, Best Costume, Best Accusation, and Best Character Quirks

*Character quirks are things to say and/or do throughout the game

See below for the character list. Because the characters' identities are a secret in the game, the character descriptions cannot be detailed; nevertheless, each character has a list of adjectives that best describes that character.

ESSENTIAL CHARACTERS:

The Swan (F)
Feminine, graceful, cutthroat

The Serpent (F)
Cunning, alluring, dangerous

The Crone (F)
Feeble, deceitful, intelligent

The Casanova (M)
Charming, flirtatious, cold-blooded

The Wolf (M)
Charismatic, greedy, ruthless

The Goblin (M)
Crafty, covert, unscrupulous

RECOMMENDED CHARACTERS:

The Queen (F)
Controlling, ambitious

The Raven (F)
Secretive, lethal

The Phoenix (F)
Extraordinary, savage

The Boar (M)
Boorish, bold

The Jester (M)
Talented, zealous

The Emperor (M)
Tyrannical, persuasive

OPTIONAL CHARACTERS:

The Damsel (F)
Beguiling, selfish

The Dragon (F)
Merciless, covetous

The Butterfly (F)
Visionary, macabre

The Firefly (F)
Passionate, volatile

The Cadet (M)
Authoritarian, untrustworthy

The Chancellor (M)
Slimy, crooked

The Hound (M)
Inquisitive, unsubtle

The Rat (M)
Cruel, tricky

Murder! At the Masquerade is divided into 4 rounds. During rounds 1, 2, and 3, each player will reveal the clues given to them in their handbook. During round 4, each player will guess who they think killed the victim. Once every player has guessed, the host will ask the the players to read their confessions.

This game comes with an optional script. I do not recommend using the script. However, I know there are certain situations where the script is helpful, so that’s why I provided it in the game packet. The script only includes lines for the essential characters. If any optional or spectator characters are playing, they can interrupt the script to reveal their clues, or wait until the end of each round.

***My games are conversation-based murder mystery games with elaborate storylines and characters. They’re more like games, and less like party kits. That’s why I do not have expansion packs. The storylines are a little too complicated to accommodate a plethora of extra characters. However, I do include a blank spectator character handbook in this game. If you have more players than characters, you are welcome to create your own spectator characters so that the extra players can be included. Please note that spectator characters are exactly as they sound: spectators. They have a name and optional things to say/do, but they are not active characters in the storyline.***

This game is a digital file that you will download. This means as soon as your payment is confirmed, you will have the option to download Murder! At the Masquerade, and then you can play the game.