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, arrange for the invitations to be sent out and generally 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 so that they have a good understanding of the game and how it works.
• Decides who is going to play which character.
• Sends out invitations.
• Prints out the character information and prepares the character envelopes (which contain character information, rules, and so on) for the evening.
• Prints out clues and other information that will be needed during the information.
• Gets to the venue and makes sure that everything is ready for the party.

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 and 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 be involved in serving food and drinks – but it's often better if others are responsible for that.

have you got 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?

The following 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 as soon as 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 play using online video chat. Each game comes in two versions, one where the host is playing a character (so don't read the character sheets) and another where the host knows everything.

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 quite 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 who the murderer is 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.

Got a murder mystery game question?

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