How to Host a Murder

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How to Host a Murder
Players 8
Age range Adult
Setup time Pre-planned, usually at least a week in advance.
Playing time 3-4 hours
Random chance None
Skills required Deduction, Role-playing/Acting

How to Host a Murder is a dinner party murder mystery game created by Decipher, Inc. Each different mystery, called an episode, has eight suspects (4 male and 4 female) who are played by the guests of the party.

Contents

[edit] Gameplay

[edit] Preparation

Before the event of playing the game, the host of the party assigns each of his/her guests as one of the characters. Invitations are then dispersed. Included on the invitations are brief summaries of each of the other characters, allowing each guest to know a little something about everyone else. A trait of the series is that the character's names will often reveal something about the character themselves. There are also a number of references or parodies of well-known people or ideas associated with the theme of the game (eg. Hannibal Schecter is a pun on Hannibal Lecter, Hal Coppone is a reference to Al Capone and S. Treighton Harrow seems to hint at the phrase "Straight and Narrow").

[edit] Beginning the Game

On the night of the party, guests will arrive, usually in costume and the game will begin. Each guest will receive a character manual which will instruct them about what they will need to do as the game progresses. The rules of the game will then be read aloud. The main rule of the game is that none of the guests can lie. They can be evasive in answering questions, but they may not directly tell an untruth.

[edit] "Briefing"

Next, the CD will be played. This reveals the facts about the murder, such as events leading up to the killing, details about the murder itself, information about the victim, etc. The actual game will then begin.

[edit] Personal Dossier

Upon instruction from the host, the guests will all turn to the next page in their manuals. They will come across a double-page spread which is titled 'Personal Dossier'. This page reveals previously unknown information about the guest's character.

[edit] Rounds

The game unfolds in rounds in which clues are revealed by the suspects. The host will instruct the guests to turn the page. Similarly to the Personal Dossier, there is a double-page spread which is entitled 'Round One'. On one page there is a subtitle which reads 'Conceal'. Information on this page is usually incriminating towards the guest's character and they should do their best to keep these topics from entering conversation. The other page is subtitled 'Reveal'. Information on this page is likely to throw suspicion on other guests. During the round, guests should work their 'Reveal' information into the conversation. When something incriminating is mentioned about them, especially if it's listed in their 'Conceal' notes, it is in their best interest to shift the spotlight onto someone else.

The round is complete, when all guests have revealed every point listed under 'Reveal'. Usually a short break will follow, before returning to Round Two. There are four rounds, and each one follows the same pattern as listed above.

[edit] Secret Clues

At various points during the game, a guest may be instructed to retrieve a secret clue. These are usually 'evidence' to support a 'Reveal' point, such as a letter or a voice recording. The clues are to be revealed to the entire group and then left on the table for all guests to view at their leisure. There are only six secret clues, so naturally, two guests will not receive a secret clue.

[edit] Solving the Crime

At the conclusion of Round Four, each guest must reveal who they believe is the murderer and how they managed to do it. Once every guest has revealed their accusation, the character manuals are passed to the guest on the left.

The last page of the manual is entitled 'Solution' followed by the character's name and a number. The solutions on the page are read out, in order, slowly revealing who had what to do with the crime and gradually eliminating characters down to the number eight - the murderer.

[edit] Episodes

There have been many episodes published over time; however, all but four have since gone out of print.

[edit] The Watersdown Affair

Status: Out of print, though was intended to be reprinted in 2005.

Set in 1936 in an English country mansion. Sir Roger Watersdown has invited a select group of friends and family to his elegant country mansion, although things take a nasty turn when a murder occurs.

The eight guests are:

  • Dr. Malcolm K. T. Praktiss: A renowned Harley Street doctor who is both Sir Roger's personal physician and bridge partner. While he is unmarried, he seems to have a lot of lady friends. He is known to some as "Mal".
  • Miranda T. Shetes: An aspiring young American actress who recently gained critical praise for her portrayal of Miss Hardcastle in She Bends Over to Conquer. Sir Roger has financed a number of her dramatic pursuits. Close friends know her as "Randy".
  • Roger S. B. Astird: Sir Roger's illegitimate son who was kidnapped by his nurse as a baby. Though he plans to be become an architect, he has recently been travelling in Europe and pursuing his love of mountain climbing. At Watersdown Mansion, he is called "Rog" to avoid confusion with his father.
  • Dame Allison Bigh: A successful mystery novelist whose best-selling book, The Knife Slices Coldly has rocketed her to fame and popularity. Sir Roger is a fan of her work, and has invited her to the Watersdown Mansion so she can set the mood for a sequel. Friends call her "Ali".
  • Prosper Alvin Bates, Esquire: Sir Roger's lawyer and golfing companion. The solicitor's personal estate, Whole-In-Won, borders the Watersdown Mansion. Closest friends know him as "Pro".
  • Donald J. Brooks: Sir Roger's nephew who is also a successful city banker and financial strategist. He and his wife Florence are visiting Watersdown Mansion to propose a business idea. He is known as "Donny".
  • Florence Wing Brooks: The heiress to the Wing fortune and Donald Brooks' socialite wife. Before her marriage she was a well-known fashion model. She carries an air of charm and intrigue about her. Friends call her "Flo".
  • Eiaguielle R. Aminmund: Sir Roger's efficient secretary. After the death of Lady Watersdown, she manages the majority of the affairs at Watersdown Mansion. Due to the irregular length of her name, friends know her as "E.R.A.".

[edit] The Grapes of Frath

Status: Out of print.

Set in 1925 onboard a yacht in the Mediterranean.

[edit] The Last Train from Paris

Status: Out of print.

Set in 1940 on a train leaving Paris before German troops invade the city. Each of the eight guests receives a letter from the mysterious "Number 9" informing them of this last chance to escape. These distinguished guests are:

  • Khover T. Ageante: A British businessman whose work takes him frequently between Paris and Berlin. Interestingly, no one seems to know quite what his business is. He is a distinguished individual who is considered by many to be very worldly.
  • Princess Idelle Chattre: The last descendant of the royal Chattre line. Her royal blood traces back to Nonnes Taupe Chattre who claimed the Northern European land where his descendants have since thrived. She is quite beautiful but known for being quick to anger.
  • Malcolm "Mal" R. Conntint: A restless, cynical man whose unwillingness to return to his USA home has become a point of much speculation among his fellow Parisian socialites. Rumours have claimed he is a cold-blooded murderer whereas others attribute his reluctance to return home to a broken heart.
  • Mary K. Trairie: An American journalist who has remained in Paris to reveal the truth about the European war to her readers. She was the daughter of the late Augustus Kohn, a renowned publisher in the US. She was briefly married to one Harry Trairie, but his untimely death cut their marriage short.
  • RAF Group Captain Weyland W. Awfcorce: A renowned English pilot who was shot down over Germany. He managed to evade the Nazis and made it to Paris, where he hopes to be able to find a way back to his homeland. His close friends know him as "Wey".
  • Barbra Z. Enhussie: The rich, spoilt daughter of the late "Perfume King", Louis Z. Enhussie. She was brought up amidst abundant wealth and her abodes, the Châteaux Enhussie and her Paris apartment, are known for extravagant parties and social events.
  • Duke Schwäzhe B. U. Klare: A victim of the German advances who is considered by his captured people to a great hero. He is well-learnt in military matters and is an excellent swordsman. Being young, handsome and unmarried, he is considered to be on of the most eligible bachelors in Europe.
  • Belinda Screete: An American dress-maker known throughout Paris as a source of both quality and the height in fashion. She flies in high society, and her vivacity and charm have earned her friendship with the wealthy and influential.

[edit] It's the Pits

Status: Out of print.

Set in 1895 at an archaeological dig site in Mesopotamia.

[edit] The Chicago Caper

Status: Available.

Set in 1928 in a speakeasy in Chicago. Notorious mobster Harold "Hal" Coppone has been released from prison and on his return to Chicago, a bomb was thrown into his car. When the smoke cleared, it was discovered that Coppone wasn't even in the car. The mobster had a fortune stored away in a safe below the Luxington Hotel. Only he, and his gang's treasurer Sunny, knew the safe's combination. When Sunny went to check on the fortune, he unlocked the safe and found Hal Coppone lying dead on the ground, his body riddled with bullets. Each of the eight guests had some motive for wishing Coppone out of the way, but which one actually got to him?

The eight guests are:

  • Molly M. Awbsterr: A society dame who hails from New York. She is a flapper and is not afraid to flaunt her wealth and social status.
  • Ernie G. Ambler: A renowned gambler who never seems to lose and often frequents The Green Tables. It is said that he will bet on almost anything. He is known to some as "Bet A Million" Ambler.
  • Silky M. Adam: An elegant lady who owns and operates The Everlay Club. She was married to businessman U. Penn Adam until his recent and tragic death. She earns her nickname from the beautiful silk gowns she wears.
  • Eddie "Socks" R. Gyle: An avid golfer who owns the gaming house, The Green Tables. He is known to some as "Fast Deal Eddie" although few know what he actually deals in.
  • Malissa F. "Scoop" Orrthot: A journalist for The Chicago Trumpet who writes particularly about the Chicago crime circles. Many of her recent articles have exposed government corruption. Her relationship with her boss, Augustus Kohn, has been a point of much gossip around town.
  • S. Treighton Harrow: A D.A. who is considered to be one of the best in the business. He is single-handedly responsible for bringing about the imprisonment of several of crime's biggest figures.
  • Anna Maria Carlotta "Torchy" Sassine: A jazz singer who performs at The Green Tables and The Everlay Club. She is known for her bluesy, 'torch' songs which has earned her her nickname.
  • Billy "The Kid" Thrower: A baseball pitcher who is reputed as one of the greatest Chicago's Stock Kings have ever seen. In his first game alone, he struck out 11 batters. Off the field, he is fun-loving, fast-living and as hell-raising as a baseball player gets.

[edit] Hoo Hung Woo

Status: Out of print.

Set in 8th Century China at the Festival of the Autumn Moon.

[edit] The Class of '54

Status: Out of print.

Set in 1959 at a 5-year high school reunion in a small town somewhere in the USA. The class' most famous student, Rock N. Roley, a popular performer, will be providing a concert for the celebration. However the festivities will no doubt be plagued by the memories of the death of Becky Sue Lamour, a girl who was killed after the homecoming dance.

The eight guests are:

  • Calvin Q. Layder: While being a science wiz, "Cal" was gleefully accepted into the 'in' crowd on account of his brilliant practical jokes. He was particularly close to Rock.
  • Dierdre C. Deucer: A beautiful girl who wanted to escape her unfortunate upbringing on the wrong side of the tracks. She managed to graduate in the top ten percent of her class, was voted the homecoming queen and is now studying law. Her friends know her as "Dee".
  • Delbert Toydes: The class' sporting hero who achieved greatness in football, basketball and baseball. Since graduating, "Del" has been signed to play with the Washington Rednecks professional football team.
  • Evelyn C. Leigh: A 'born-cheerleader' who was the life of the party back in '54. "E.C." only just managed to graduate and immediately married and moved to Bigtime. Sadly, her husband Herman Duszit died in a traffic accident and she now devotes most of her time to raising their son.
  • Joseph K. Awledge: Rock N. Roley's manager who knew that he wanted to be in charge of a big corporation from the beginning. "Joe" graduated with honours from a big eastern university in '58.
  • Penelope Lofer: Formerly Penelope Roley, "Penny" is Rock N. Roley's twin sister. She and Rock grew up in the family's mansion and she ensured that it was always full of teen life. Since then, she has married her high school sweetheart.
  • Priscilla E. Teene: The studious high-acheiver of the class. She had the highest grade point average in high school, was senior class president and valedictorian. "Pris" has since graduated from college and now works at a publicity firm in Bigtime.
  • Richard C. Alcitrent: The class rebel, who even now hasn't found his place in society. He was once one of Rock's closest friend. Most know him as "Rick".

[edit] Power and Greede

Status: Out of print.

Set in 1936 at the exclusive Hollywood premiere of Power and Greede, a biopic of late actress Malissa Ann Greede. She was one of the greatest performers W. Anton Power's studio had come across.

The eight guests are:

  • Denise N. Dayer: A young actress who is still waiting for her big break. In the meantime, she works as an assistant at Power Film Studios. She has taken quite an interest in directing.
  • Heidi Voltäje: A new starlet who recently earned national acclaim for her small role in Lay of the Land. Her close friends know her as "Hi".
  • Ivonde B. Ahlone: A glamorous, Swedish-born actress who was brought to America by director Sel U. Lloyd after he noticed her in a low-budget European film. She has a appeared in numerous Power Film Studios productions including Daze of Wynan Rosas and The Thick Man.
  • Hackford "Hack" Ryder: A down-to-earth novelist-turn-screenwriter who has enjoyed success in Hollywood. He has written several successful films, notably Goddess, a biography of silent film diva Sola Sivius.
  • Savoy R. Fayre: A British actor who is considered one of Hollywood's greatest leading men. He achieved true stardom for his role opposite Malissa Ann Greede as the butler in the film adaptation of Dame Allison Bigh's The Butler, Diddit. He is a good marksman who enjoys his hunting and is also a brilliant golfer.
  • Seldon "Sel" U. Lloyd: An influential director whose films have sent Ivonde B. Ahlone to stardom and made Malissa Ann Greede a household name in Tequila Mockingbird and The Butler, Diddit. He is so popular that actors and actresses have fought tooth and claw to act in one of his productions.
  • Stuart D. Muphin: The gorgeous, tall, dark and handsome actor who is well-known for his roles in westerns. He starred as an alcoholic bird-watcher opposite Malissa Ann Greede in Tequila Mockingbird.
  • Tatyana "Tat" Altale: A former actress who has turned to being a gossip columnist. She starred as Sola Sivius in Goddess which earned her critical acclaim, she has decided that gossiping is her true calling.

[edit] The Duke's Decent

Status: Out of print.

Set in 1931 in an English country mansion.

[edit] The Wall Street Scandal

Status: Out of print.

Set in 1987 in a New York penthouse apartment of a Wall Street financier.

[edit] Roman Ruins

Status: Available.

Set during Roman power in the Ancient world at a celebratory banquet.

The eight guests are:

  • Licentius Caesar: The current ruler of Rome's empire who suceeded his father Disgustus Caesar. He is a close friend of the poet Flabbius Corpus and has a keen interest in the arts. He is in a relationship with Cleptopatra.
  • Rotunda Immaculata: A Vestal Virgin who has been groomed for her position since she was 8.
  • Maximus Testosterus: A renowned military commander whose battles are already becoming legends. He is proud and his physique and rugged good looks are intimidating.
  • Cleptopatra: the beautiful and horribly rich Queen of the Nile. Her solid gold barge is tribute to her immense wealth. She is engaged in an intense romantic relationship with Licentius Caesar.
  • Bogus Fortunatus: An enigmatic, but intensely famous, priest who predicts the future quite accurately using entrails. He is involved with the Cult of the Blue Oyster, a radical group who wish to restore the 'good old days' when Disgustus Caesar was still ruling the Roman Empire.
  • Flotilla Submergia: The owner of one of the largest trade fleets in Rome and is acknowledged as providing the Empire with exquisite grains.
  • Harangus Adnauseum: A part politician, part philospher, senator. While he is incredibly wealthy he maintains a Stoic way of life.
  • Mercedes Accelleratti: The wife of Flabbius Corpus who lives life in the fast lane. She is strongly opinionated and has a somewhat flighty personality. She has been gifted by all the muses, but particularly the muse of interior decorating.

[edit] The Good, The Bad and The Guilty

Status: Available.

Set in 1881 in the country town of Roadkill. Judge Waylon Payne has captured 'The Malevolent Seven', a band of good-for-noting, murderous bandits who have wreaked havoc upon the Wild West. The town is invited to the hanging of these despicable criminals, and special seats have been reserved for the eight guests.

The eight guests are:

  • Butch Chastity: The leader of an all-female outlaw gang. She is fearless and not afraid to shoot a man on first sight. It is rumoured that she has gotten away with more gold than any outlaw alive.
  • P'Elvis Swagarin: A solemn lone gunslinging cowboy whose only belongings are the shirt on his back, his gun, his saddle and of course, his horse. He was born Peter Elvis Swagarin.
  • Helena Handcart: The mother of the thirteen Handcart lads. Unfortunately, all thirteen of them were killed in a shootout. She now runs Handcart Ranch on her own, taking care of the family's cattle business.
  • Chief Breaking Wind: The distinguished leader of the Cowpai Tribe who will not give up hope that his oppressed people will rise to power once more. Meanwhile, he is the local barber of Roadkill. And while he hasn't scalped anyone yet, no one angers the chief.
  • Elvira-Lynn Fekshin: The madam of the local brothel, Pigeon Ranch. Since Judge Wayne is one of the Ranch's frequent clients, he seems to llok the other way, so to speak. She suffered a very sickly childhood, but now spreads happiness wherever she goes.
  • Wyatt Hertz: The famous ex-sheriff of Roadkill. He retired after he was shot in the privates during a confrontation with the dreaded Partridge Family Gang.
  • Dee Adela Muerte: A beautiful young Mexican girl who seems to be plagued by bad luck. She has been widowed three times, once to an unfaithful politician who died at Pigeon Ranch, then to the pastor and finally to the local undertaker who died from exhaustion after burying the thirteen Handcart boys. As a result she is both Roadkill's preacher and its undertaker.
  • Elias Truist-Heath: A young gunslinger who was raised by Judge Wayne. He is particularly skilled with his firearms and recently returned to Roadkill after serving with the U.S. Cavalry.

[edit] Tragical Mystery Tour

Status: Out of print, though was intended to be reprinted in 2005.

Set in 1969 on a hippie road trip.

[edit] Maiming of the Shrew

Status: Out of print.

Set in the late 1500s/early 1600s at a feast organised by the renowned playwright William Sheepsheare.

[edit] Saturday Night Cleaver

Status: Out of print, though was intended to be reprinted in 2005.

Set in 1977 at world famous Flunkytown disco.

[edit] An Affair to Dismember

Status: Available.

Set on Hallowe'en at a midnight buffet in a gothic castle. Neville Aster-Night has invited each guest to the Castle von Morgue for a night of celebration. But when the head servant reveals that her master has been murdered, the suspicion falls onto the guests.

The eight guests are:

  • The Mummy of King Aldrinktotat: A long dead Egyptian king who still roams the earth in search of fun. He is the author of the best-selling book, Life Begins at 3, 000.
  • Balihi: The show-tune singing Rogersandhammerstein Monster. He is a playwright whose works consist of Graveside Story and Eternally Damned Yankees.
  • Asthmadeus: A dim-witted prince, who makes up for his lack of brain-power with stunning looks.
  • Hannibal Schecter: The world's only kosher cannibal who is always dressed impeccably. He often escorts lovely young beauties to funerals and wakes.
  • Glumda, the Wicked Witch of the Depressed: A rather sad young enchantress who spends most of her time casting mischeivous spells to pass the time.
  • Anglea Deth: A vivacious and murderous dentist who developed a procedure so painful that your descendants can feel it. While sentenced to execution by the electric chair, she escaped and roams the world performing random acts of dentistry.
  • Aretha Garlique: A flamboyant clairvoyant who has held seances for royalty and assists Scotland Yard and the FBI by retrieving eye-witness accounts from the deceased themselves.
  • Lizzie Bordeaux: An enigmatic, gothic woman who is living the Transylvanian Dream. She is, or was, engaged to Neville Aster-Night.

[edit] Trivia

  • Interstingly, there are a number of cross-overs amongst episodes. These include:
    • Augustus Kohn: Father to Mary K. Trairie (The Last Train from Paris) and Malissa F. Orrthot's boss (The Chicago Caper).
    • Dame Allison Bigh: Suspect (The Watersdown Affair) and the author of the book The Butler, Diddit which was adapted for screen starring Savoy R. Fayre and directed by Sel U. Lloyd (Power and Greede).

[edit] External Links

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