The host of a murder mystery party

Questions about the host of a murder mystery party.

what does the host do?

Generally, the host prints out the game and prepares everything.

(They’re often the ones who downloaded the game in the first place, although this isn’t always so.)

They also organise the venue, send invitations, and act as host on the day.

What does the host do?

Here’s what the host actually does in an interactive murder mystery game.

Before the party, the host:

• Buys the game and downloads the files.
• Reads all the material, including the instructions and character sheets, to understand the game and how it works.
• Decides who will play which character.
• Sends out invitations.
• Prints the character information and prepares the character envelopes (which contain character information, rules, and so on) for the evening.
• Prints clues and other information needed during the information.
• Gets to the venue and makes sure that everything is ready for the party.
• The host might also sort out the venue and refreshments – or others may do that. (I recommend getting others to help!)

The host might also be responsible for sorting out the venue and refreshments – or that may be done by others. (I recommend getting others to help!)

During the party the host:

• Manages the party timetable and ensures that key events occur as scheduled.
• Meets and greets the guests and hands out the character envelopes.
• Introduces the party, reads the introduction and runs through any key rules.
• Issues timed handouts and clues and makes announcements as necessary.
• Oversees key rules, such as combat or poisoning or pickpocketing.
• Answers questions about the game world.
• Oversees the game wrap and debrief.

The host might also serve food and drinks – but it’s often better if others are responsible for that.

have you any hints for a host?

Yes - lots!

Click here for lots of hints for hosting a murder mystery party.

which murder mysteries can be played by the host?

These games can be played by host.

The Last Gasp – the guest playing the murderer doesn’t know that they did it and the only place the murderer is listed is in the solution. Therefore, it’s easy to run that one and still try to solve the murder. (Just don’t read the solution – seal it in an envelope when you print it.)

The Auction, Cudham Riding Club, and The Final Curtain – the murder is revealed in two places: their character sheet and in the solution. So if you don’t read the solution and you don’t look at the character sheets too closely, you should be able to play.

Reunion with Death and Death in Venice are designed for the host can play a character (although you can host them normally if you like).

Murder at Sea – while you won’t be able to solve the murder (because you will need to know who did it), if you haven’t filled the game it’s easy to play one of the characters (Patrick Malloy – the priest) and just enjoy “hamming it up”.

(I often find that as I’m so busy being the host, I don’t have time to solve the murderer – so knowing the murderer isn’t usually a problem.)

I've also written a tip about playing the host at the same time as hosting: Playing and Hosting a Murder Mystery Game.

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