arabian nights
Arabian Nights is a murder mystery party for 18-24 guests (plus one host) set in the middle-eastern kingdom of Ardalan published by Freeform Games.
(Note that if you click on the link below and then buy Arabian Nights I will earn a small amount of commission.)
the story
Welcome to Ardalan, a small kingdom ruled by a benevolent Sultan.
The Sultan has a beautiful daughter, Princess Almeera, who has just turned eighteen. Earlier this evening, the Sultan chose a husband for her.
Dozens of princes attended the feast, but the Sultan noticed one man who was handsomer, cleverer, and richer than any of the others in attendance. So, the Sultan announced his daughter's engagement to the Prince Ala' ad-Din.
Tragically, the young prince's dead body was discovered in the marketplace only an hour later. The Sultan's guards are surrounding the marketplace, and the Grand Vizier is on his way to oversee the investigations.
Who murdered Prince Ala'ad-Din?
how arabian nights works
Arabian Nights is an interactive murder mystery game, so all the players receive complete details of their character, including a detailed backstory, objectives that they must try to achieve, and information about other characters.
Characters also have item cards (that represent scimitars, lamps, carpets and so on), and abilities (that let them detect secrets find out information about other people).
In my opinion, once you've played an interactive murder mystery game, you won't want to go back.
the cast
The cast of Arabian Nights consists of:
- Abdul-Malik – the Sultan's Grand Vizier
- Adi – a member of the Sultan's Guard
- Ara – a young woman shopping in the marketplace
- Cantara – a fortune teller
- Deniz – a trader
- Hassan – the caravan leader
- Hayat – Captain of the Sultan's Guard
- Inas – a trader
- Ismat – the crazy beggar
- Jamal – Hassan's son
- Jinan – a doctor
- Joharra – the tailor's apprentice
- Kalila – a merchant
- Kasuni – a caravan guard
- Malak – a fire walker
- Nadia – Omar's apprentice
- Nihad – an entertainer with a performing monkey
- Numair – a member of the Sultan's Guard
- Omar – a jeweler
- Prince Amir Barad – a suitor of the Princess
- Prince Jabbar Sharifi – a suitor of the Princess
- Rasha – the snake charmer
- Zahrah – a young woman shopping in the marketplace
- Zane – a messenger
the details
Instead of a formal dinner party, Arabian Nights is better suited to a buffet meal or finger food.
Everyone needs to be able to talk quietly with each other - to plot and scheme and achieve their goals.
Arabian Nights needs a dedicated host, someone to organise the game.
I really enjoy being the host - you know what's going on and can watch your friends scheme and plot and be devious to one another.
how to get arabian nights
Click here to purchase Arabian Nights from Freeform Games.
You will be taken to the Freeform Games LLP website - follow the instructions to purchase Arabian Nights.
Just download the game, print it out and have a great murder mystery!
Disclosure: I am a partner at Freeform Games - feel free to ask me lots of questions! (I will also earn commission if you buy Arabian Nights.)
Does Arabian Nights come with a money-back guarantee?
Does Arabian Nights come with a money-back guarantee?
Yes!
Freeform Games offer a cast-iron guarantee on all their murder mystery games. If you're not completely satisfied with Arabian Nights then let them know within 30 days and they will refund you.
What age is Arabian Nights suitable for?
What age is Arabian Nights suitable for?
Freeform Games recommends Arabian Nights is suitable for anyone aged 12+. You can play it with kids or adults - or a mixture of both!
How long does Arabian Nights take to play?
How long does Arabian Nights take to play?
I would allow 3-4 hours to play Arabian Nights. While the game itself takes 2.5-3 hours to play, I recommend allowing time to introduce the game and wind down after.
Where's my download?
Where's my download?
Shortly after buying Arabian Nights you should receive an email from Freeform Games explaining how to download the game files.
If you haven't received this, please first check your spam filter - sometimes the emails end up there.
If that fails, please get in touch directly with Freeform Games - with the details of which game you bought, when you bought it, and which email address you used. Or contact me (with that same information) and I'll get in touch for you.
How many guests will I need?
How many guests will I need?
You need at least 18 guests and no more than 24.
If you have fewer than 18 guests you will have to drop a character (which may affect the plot), or play a character yourself (not ideal, but I talk about it here), or even ask a guest to play two characters at once.
If you have more than 24 guests you will need to create your own, or use one of the free extra characters provided by Freeform Games when you download Arabian Nights.
Can I host Arabian Nights and also play a character?
Can I host Arabian Nights and also play a character?
The host has an important role in Arabian Nights. The organize and coordinate the party. They also act as an impartial "referee" - so it's important that they have read the game and understand what is going on.
So I recommend not playing a character and hosting the game.
But if you still want to host a game and play a character (or you have to because a player cannot attend), I have advice on doing that here.
New game
The Show Must Go On! - an English amateur dramatics themed themed murder mystery for 9-13 guests.
Don't know where to start?
Here's my suggested quick route through the site:
Step 1 - Go to Choosing a Game to choose the game that suits your party best.
Step 2 - Review the Tips for Hosts for helpful advice.
Step 3 - If you want to keep up to date with the latest murder mystery game news, click on my What's New page.
Step 4 - Once you've had your party - tell me how it went! Click here to tell me your murder mystery party story.
Got a question? Click here to go to the FAQ.
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