Embedded Files
PRELUDE
20-30 minutes*
* You may need longer for Act I if you have not shared your character descriptions in advance.
It’s 1874 and rumor has it that gold’s been discovered just outside the little town of Bison Way and someone’s left a map with a bunch of clues at the Swizzling Lizard Saloon. Everyone’s heading there to try to decipher the map and find the gold.
What to do: Players should review the first part of their character descriptions if they have not done so already. They may want to grab a refreshment or start chatting with the other guests, but they should not discuss the murder or any other secrets yet.
What happens at the end of the Act: Briar Bell gets everyone’s attention and announces the murder. (What should be said is included inBriar Bell’s character description. Whoever is playing Briar Bell may want to consult with the person hosting the event about when they are ready to start.) After Bell’s announcement, Sheriff Star Law will go check out the murder scene and bring back a report. Give players time to read the portion of their character description that comes after Bell’s announcement. When everyone is ready, Open Clue File #1.
ACT I
15-20 minutes
Star Law has just returned from investigating the murder and brought back a clue. Guests have been told they are not allowed to leave the saloon.
What to do: Players should start talking to one another to find out what the others know about the murder. This is the time to follow up on any leads you might have, spread rumors (true or false), and learn about the other characters.
What happens at the end of the Act: Letters arrive at the saloon. Open Clue File #2.
ACT II
30-45 minutes
Two letters containing information about the murder and clues about how to decipher the maps have arrived.
What to do: Players should review the information they received about the murder and the maps. Once players have gotten as far as they can with decoding the maps, they should continue to discuss the murder among themselves or spend some time looking for the objects they need to find.
What happens at the end of the Act: Another letter arrives with some additional clues. Open Clue File #3.
ACT III
20 minutes
You’re racing against the clock now! You have 20 minutes to write down where you think the gold is hidden.
What to do: Work together to figure out where the gold is hidden. Have someone set a timer for 20 minutes. At the end
What happens at the end of the Act: The timer goes off. You should have written down your final answer to the missile code. You will have to wait and see whether you succeeded in disarming the missiles. For now, there is nothing more that you can do.
ACT IV
30-40 minutes
You have all the clues, so it’s time to investigate and build alliances. You will want to go back to review the crime scene and autopsy information presented in Clue File #2.
What to do: Review the new evidence and discuss it with other players. Make a decision about who you want to accuse of murder. Try to build alliances with other players in order to ensure that the majority identify the correct murderer.
What happens at the end of the Act: Everyone writes down who they think the murder was and who launched the missiles.
ACT V
20-30 minutes
The truth is reviewed!
What to do: Read the solution file. Have players share what they wrote down and tally up points to see who achieved their goals. Take some time for everyone to share their secrets, reveal secret identities, and discuss the story.
What happens at the end of the Act: Announce the winner(s)! (Um… that is if you’re keeping score.)
AFTER PARTY
As long as you like
The case is solved and it’s time to celebrate!
What to do: Hang out and enjoy yourself
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