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.

Can the host also play a character?

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.

However, the host can play a character in two ways.

First, some murder mystery games are written so that the host can play: Murder mystery games the host can play.

Second, I've written some advice about playing the host at the same time as hosting: Playing and Hosting a Murder Mystery Game.

Got a murder mystery game question?

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