You have been invited to the anniversary bash of Mr. Francis Fisk, a noted businessman. The guest list includes a number of Fisk’s high-society friends, family members, and business associates. Everyone is expecting an evening dinner, drinks, dancing and gossip—they aren’t expecting a black out and a grisly murder in the darkness.
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Murder in Manhattan by Chandler Kennedy Design and Art by Chandler Kennedy, Josh Cairney and Ken Blumreich Layout by Ken Blumreich Edited by Melissa Buchanan Ken Blumreich and Playing with Murder Press 2012 A personal, revocable, nontransferable, and non-exclusive license to make limited personal use of this material is granted to you subject to the terms and conditions described in the Playing with Murder User Agreement, the text of which can be found at http://www.playingwithmurder.com/user-agreement-i-6.html. Last Revision: 12/5/2014
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Table of Contents I. Introductory Materials ..........................................................................................5 Welcome! .......................................................................................................... 6 What Is My Role? ............................................................................................. 8 How Do I Get Started? ..................................................................................... 9 1. An Overview of the Party ................................................................................. 11 2. Character List .................................................................................................. 14 Male Roles ....................................................................................................... 14 Female Roles ................................................................................................... 16 Male or Female Roles ...................................................................................... 17 3. Preparations .................................................................................................... 18 Props ................................................................................................................ 18 Menu ................................................................................................................ 18 Setting the Scene ............................................................................................. 19 Audio................................................................................................................ 19 Candles ............................................................................................................ 19 Preparing the Paperwork ............................................................................... 20 4. Before the Party............................................................................................... 21 Invitations and Assigning Characters ............................................................. 21 Preparing the Scavenger Hunt ....................................................................... 23 II. Party Guidebook ............................................................................................... 25 5. Running the Party .......................................................................................... 26 Guest Arrival................................................................................................... 26 Introduction ................................................................................................... 26 Welcome Script ............................................................................................27 Act One ........................................................................................................... 28 Blackout Approaching Script...................................................................... 29 The Murder ..................................................................................................... 29 The Lights Go Out Script ............................................................................ 29 Blackout! ..................................................................................................... 30 Act Two ............................................................................................................ 31 Trapped in the Penthouse Script ................................................................. 31 Presentation of Evidence................................................................................ 32 Presentation of Evidence Script ................................................................. 32 Votes ............................................................................................................... 33 Revelation ....................................................................................................... 34 III. Printed Materials ............................................................................................. 35 6. Nametags and Character Sheets .................................................................... 36 Nametags .....................................................................................................37 Irene den Walderf ........................................................................................ 41 Richard den Waldern.................................................................................. 45 Rose den Waldern....................................................................................... 49 Ashley LeBois .............................................................................................. 53 Helen LeBois ............................................................................................... 58
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Sam Lily ...................................................................................................... 62 David Kreigh ............................................................................................... 66 Gwen Kreig ................................................................................................. 70 Grayson Kreig ..............................................................................................74 Jo Chase ...................................................................................................... 78 Francine Rose ............................................................................................. 82 Jesse Corrington ......................................................................................... 86 Isaac Corrington ......................................................................................... 90 Chester Fisk ................................................................................................ 94 Jonathon Fisk ............................................................................................. 98 Francis Fisk ................................................................................................102 Jess McIntire ............................................................................................. 105 Mercy Neist ................................................................................................ 107 Zachary Wellington .................................................................................... 111 Candice Wellington ................................................................................... 115 Davana Gudriov ......................................................................................... 119 Alexiei Siranov ........................................................................................... 123 Taylor Walker ............................................................................................ 126 Jamie Lavigne ............................................................................................ 129 Sydney O’Connor ....................................................................................... 132 Callaway Lee .............................................................................................. 135 7. Props and Printouts ......................................................................................138 Invitations ..................................................................................................... 139 What Is a Murder Mystery Party? .................................................................140 The Guest List ................................................................................................ 141 RSVP Card Version 1 ..................................................................................... 142 RSVP Card Version 2 ..................................................................................... 143 Clues .............................................................................................................. 144 Files................................................................................................................ 145 Cell Phone Clues ............................................................................................ 152 Jo’s Camera Footage ..................................................................................... 156 Voting Sheet .................................................................................................. 157 Awards ........................................................................................................... 158 Party Scripts .................................................................................................. 165 Welcome Script .......................................................................................... 165 Blackout Approaching Script..................................................................... 167 The Lights Go Out Script ...........................................................................168 Blackout! .................................................................................................... 169 Trapped in the Penthouse Script ............................................................... 170 Presentation of Evidence Script ................................................................ 171
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I. Introductory Materials Section I of this instruction manual contains all of the introductory materials necessary for planning and preparing your party. In this section you will find a basic overview of the plot; a description of each of the characters; tips on preparing your playing area, choosing a menu, and organizing your printouts; and detailed instructions on how to go about inviting players and assigning characters. Please note: The majority of the contents of this book are intended for the eyes of the Host/Hostess only! The success of your party hinges on a strong element of intrigue and mystery, so be certain not to share this book with other players. The material that should be provided to your guests is clearly described in this book. Under no circumstances should you allow any of your players access to this book!
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Welcome! Thank you for choosing Murder in Manhattan, another fine product by PWM Press; this package contains everything you need to host a spectacular Murder Mystery party that your guests will remember for many years to come. Included are materials for hosting a party for anywhere from 10 to 25 participants (including yourself). Note that the game is played the same way no matter how many guests you have. This is because only the ten required characters are critical to solving the mystery; the additional guests just add more personalities to the fun! Murder Mystery Parties are essentially a combination of improvisational acting, storytelling, and creative problem solving. Your guests will each assume the role of a particular character and will play the part of that character throughout the course of the game. Each character has personality traits, goals, secrets, and information, all of which are included in the character sheet. A big part of the entertainment value of Mystery Parties is getting into character and trying to achieve your character's individual goals. At some point during the party, an Event will occur that will force the players to come together in order to solve a problem or unravel a mystery. Traditionally, the Event in question will be the murder of one of the characters (as played by a guest), but the basic framework of a Mystery Party can accommodate numerous different types of Events. The guests will need to use the information that their characters know (as well as additional clues that are provided during the game) to solve the mystery or overcome the problem posed by the Event. Typically this culminates in the guests voting on the identity of the murderer, but again, different parties will have different goals. The party may also have certain additional subgames built into the framework; for example, many Mystery Parties will have some form of scavenger hunt built into the story. Once the mystery has been solved or the problem has been overcome, the party draws to a close. Guests are provided with an opportunity to vote on the best actor/actress, the best dressed player, and so forth and then are given certificates and awards for their participation in the game. Throughout the course of the party, the Host/Hostess is responsible for ensuring that the event continues to run smoothly. He or she sets the scene, provides dinner and drinks, and moves the plot along at key points by reading scripted descriptions of what is happening. Frequently the Host/Hostess will also play one of the characters.
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This particular Mystery Party, Murder in Manhattan, is a murder mystery wherein each party guest will be playing the role of a guest or employee of Irene den Waldern at an anniversary bash for Francis Fisk, and the Host/Hostess will be playing the part of Taylor Walker, a caterer. The party takes place in two acts. During Act One, guests will mingle over food and drinks until Francis Fisk is shockingly murdered during a blackout that left the room pitch black and created an opening for the killer. The guests will then search for clues during Act Two and, upon reviewing the evidence, will vote for who they think committed the crime. They should discover the killer was an architect that Francis was going to expose to the police for his previous crimes.
Please be advised: The parties developed by PWM Press are substantially more complex and detailed than other similar products. Even if you are experienced at hosting Murder-Mystery Parties, it is imperative that you read chapters one through seven carefully and completely before beginning to plan out your party!
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What Is My Role? As the Host or Hostess, your role in the party is that of a facilitator or a storyteller. It is your job to plan the event, prepare the playing area, and, once the game begins, move the story along and make certain that everyone is on task and enjoying themselves. In many Mystery Parties the Host or Hostess is given the option to not learn the identity of the murderer before the end of the game, thereby allowing him or her to participate in the party the same way as the other guests. However, because Murder in Manhattan is a more complex party, it is necessary for the Host or Hostess to have a clear understanding of all key plot points in order to ensure that the game runs smoothly. This means that you will be aware of the killer and the victim’s identity in advance. You will be playing the role of Taylor Walker, a caterer hired for the event. As a caterer you will be able to watch over your event in character to make sure everything runs smoothly while still enjoying the opportunity to play someone with their own secrets, motivations, and goals.
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How Do I Get Started? Start by reading this book thoroughly. The importance of this cannot be overemphasized! This book contains detailed information on every aspect of planning and executing your party, and you will find that a comprehensive understanding of the source material will make your responsibilities as Host or Hostess much simpler and more enjoyable. Once you have read the entire book, you should do the following: Several Weeks Before the Party • Decide on the date of your event. The more time you give yourself to prepare, the more successful your event will be. It is recommended that you give yourself a minimum of two weeks to prepare for your party. • Decide on your location, menu, and decorations. You have numerous options for determining how to decorate your venue and what food to serve. You should decide on these options well in advance of the actual party and create a list of supplies that you will need. Refer to Chapter Three (under Props, Menu, and Setting the Scene) for suggestions on menu items and decorations. • Decide on your guest list and send out invitations. You will need between ten and twenty-five participants for your party to run properly. Refer to Chapter Four (under Invitations and Assigning Characters) for detailed information on assigning characters and issuing invitations. One Week Before the Party • Purchase any necessary supplies. If you require special decorations or ingredients for your menu, purchase them well in advance of your party date. Waiting until the day of or the day before an event will be more stressful and difficult than taking the time beforehand. • Verify attendance. Contact each of your guests beforehand and verify that they will be able to attend. If there are any last minute cancellations, you may need to bring in alternate players. • Prepare the paperwork. Print out copies of the character sheets, clues, voting sheets, and other relevant materials. Refer to Chapter Three (under Props) for specific instructions. One Day Before the Party • Decorate your venue. Depending on the complexity of your decorations, you may wish to begin decorating your venue a full day in advance.
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Begin preparing the food. Any food items that can be prepared in advance should be readied before the day of the party. While this will, of course, depend somewhat on your particular menu, ideally you should have everything ready to go in the oven or be set out on the table.
The Day of the Party • Finish decorating. If there is additional decorating that needs to be done, try to do it several hours in advance of guest arrival; remember that some people may end up arriving earlier than you expect! • Finish preparing the food. If there are items that need to be cooked or prepared on the day of the party, have them ready to go before your guests arrive. Remember that once the party starts, you will have numerous responsibilities and will not be able to spend too much time in the kitchen. • Set out folders with character sheets and other prepared materials. Have all of your paperwork prepared and ready for distribution. Refer to Chapter Three (under Props) for details. Make certain that you have a copy of Chapter Five (Running the Party) on hand. Upon Guest Arrival • Use the guidebook to run the party. Chapter Five (Running the Party) serves as a step-by-step manual that will walk you through the events that are to occur once the party begins.
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An Overview of the Party Basic outline: This mystery is divided into two primary segments. Act One is the first portion of the evening, during which the guests will arrive at Francis Fisk’s penthouse apartment for a party in his honor. They will have a chance to eat, drink, and mingle with one another while acting in character. It is most important that the guests get to know each other’s characters during this part of the game, as knowing the details of the other players will be important to form a theory about the murder in Act Two. In this act, you will encourage everyone to introduce themselves to one another, ask about each other’s backgrounds, and share gossip. Additionally, several of the guests have certain personal goals (unrelated to the overall mystery) that they are attempting to achieve, and Act One gives them the opportunity to meet those goals. During the course of the evening, there are rolling blackouts that will be slowly approaching the Upper East Side. These are likely a result of power shortages in New York and the Head Caterer (played by the Host/Hostess) tells people not to worry. When the blackouts hit the penthouse, Francis Fisk is stabbed in the ensuing confusion. Act Two will commence with the discovery of Francis Fisk’s corpse. He has been stabbed through the heart with something sharp. The Head Caterer will respond to the murder by calling the police. However, the elevator that leads to the apartment is not working due to the blackout, and the police cannot reach the penthouse until the power is restored. Until then, everyone is trapped, and they need to find the murderer or get caught in the inevitable scandal. The rest of the evening is then devoted to locating clues, piecing together evidence, and trying to figure out who killed Fisk. The guests should hopefully determine that the killer is Zachary Wellington, the Architect, who killed Fisk over a personal vendetta (see Zachary’s character sheet for details). However, the night will include red herrings and misdirection that may lead them to point the finger at other guests. Those who correctly identify the killer will win an award at the end of the night. Solving the mystery: There are several puzzles that the guests will need to piece together in order to solve the murder. They will find evidence such as Fisk’s corpse, Jo Chase’s camera footage, and the murder weapon, but solving the mystery will hinge on opening the safe and cracking Fisk’s cell phone. Here are notes about each piece of evidence:
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Francis Fisk’s corpse: Francis has been stabbed in the heart by a sharp implement. Bloody knife: Found in a wastebasket, it was obviously quickly discarded. The knife matches the set in the kitchen. Jo Chase’s camera footage: The camera footage shows a male figure stabbing Fisk in the dark, but it is so grainy it’s difficult to tell who it is. Fisk’s cell phone: The cell phone is cutting-edge technology and is down to its last bar of power. The players will only have time to examine three of the four recent e-mails and texts on the phone before it dies. o Phone call to the NYPD recorded earlier this morning; it lasted over thirty minutes. o E-mail to Jonathon Fisk about certain payouts on recent Ponzi schemes. o E-mail draft to Zachary Wellington titled “I know what you did to Gayle.” o A financial review of Rose den Waldern’s accounts that shows she has been rebuilding assets after taking a substantial loss in an investment. The investment is traced back to Jonathon Fisk. Safe: The safe holds multiple files containing background information and secrets of several guests: the den Waldern’s, Fisk’s brothers, and Zachary Wellington. Fisk had a private eye investigate these people for various reasons: o Files on Rose den Waldern: This reveals through love letters that she was once a groupie for the band Eagle’s Rose in college and was going to run away with band member Grayson Kreig. However, her parents died shortly after. Receipts for a wedding ring are in this file. Also, there are some pictures of Rose and Grayson Kreig in a coffee shop that look recent. And a note from a private eye for a meeting earlier today. o File on Irene den Waldern: Mostly police records of public intoxication—one for public indecency and one for driving under the influence. o File on Richard den Waldern: Accounting files on notable contributions to children’s charities around the country. Also, admission papers to St. Albert’s Institution for attempted suicide. The file indicates that he was under watch for three months and then released. o File on Francine Rose: There are many pictures of her about town and a copy of a birth certificate. There is a note to contact the IRS about the birth certificate. File indicates she was living with Rose den Waldern’s cousin Stephan Transiv in Florida. There are
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pictures of Francine Rose in Florida, but she doesn’t look anything like the Francine Rose at the party. o File on Chester Fisk: These are mostly police reports on Chester’s past. He has multiple arrests for being drunk in public, possession, etc. In the past few years he appears to have cleaned up his act. There are financial notes on a hotel called the Castle. All the accounting notes are pristine. o File on Jonathon Fisk: The files on Jonathon are over ten years old, and all predate his assignment to Australia. There are several files with police records holding accusations of rape from numerous women. All the charges were dropped after substantial payouts. There are also financial records on Ponzi schemes that Fisk’s accountants apparently paid out before they were brought to police attention. There is an invoice from a private investigator to reopen the file on Jonathon that covers airfare to Australia and expenses. A meeting was scheduled tomorrow to discuss his findings. o File on Zachary Wellington: Mostly accounting records on his architecture business that Fisk recently took over and assimilated into his own company. Notes on employees, as well as an assessment of the company and suggestion for improving productivity. Also, an invoice from a private investigator for researching the death of Gayle Hartfort several years ago, dated before the takeover. Culmination: At the end of the evening, the clues will be assembled and reviewed. Once the files from the safe are reviewed and the cell phone has been opened, the murderer will be revealed. Now partygoers will have the opportunity to cast their vote for who they think the killer is. Awards: At the end of the evening, several awards will be presented to the guests. These awards are fully outlined in Chapter Five.
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-2Character List Please note: This character list is for the Host/Hostess’s eyes only and should not be shared with the other players. An abbreviated guest list to be included with the invitations is provided in the handouts chapter (Chapter Seven). Optional characters are marked with an asterisk (*).
Male Roles •
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Francis Fisk—Real Estate Tycoon—This party is being thrown by Francis in celebration of his company’s twenty-five years of success in real estate. Fisk is very wealthy and is using this party to announce his engagement to Rose den Waldern—in addition to celebrating the success of Fisk Enterprises. He is generally well liked by everyone. Francis always has to be in control. He has secret files on all the van Walderns and Fisks so that he can never be surprised by them. He is aware that Grayson Kreig and Rose den Waldern had a fling, but Rose has told him it’s over. To control his womanizing brother Jonathon, he sent him away to Australia, and he paid for brother Chester’s private education until Chester decided to invest in hotels. Whoever plays Francis Fisk during the first portion of the game will play Jess McIntire, one of the caterers, during the second portion. Richard den Waldern—Philanthropist—A young but prominent philanthropist, he is known for giving generously to children’s charities around the country. He was recently committed to St. Albert’s Institution and put on suicide watch by his sister, Rose. He was released and told everyone he was visiting family in Florida. By happy coincidence, his cousin Francine came up from Florida, and he is using her as his cover story. Chester Fisk—Playboy—The debauchery and indulgence of the life of the upper class run hand in hand with this well-known playboy and brother of Francis Fisk. He owns the Castle, a hotel known for ruining the reputations of many celebrities and socialites. However, recently he has begun a secret affair with Ashley LeBois and has stopped his debaucherous ways (at least in private). Jonathon Fisk—Outcast—Jonathon runs Fisk Enterprises in Australia and has been invited back to New York for his brother’s big celebration. He
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was banished to Australia after he was accused of raping several women and his brother caught him running several Ponzi schemes with his money. While in Australia Jonathon continued his illegal activities and even fathered an illegitimate child. He desperately wishes to overthrow his brother by any means possible and return to New York. Zachary Wellington—Architect—A board member of Fisk Enterprises from Chicago, he is attending the event with his daughter Candice. He married Francis’s ex-wife and then murdered her when she was about to leave him to return to Francis. Francis found this out many years later and took Zachary’s company from him in retribution. He informed Zachary before the party that he had alerted the NYPD and they would be standing by. Zachary is looking for a way to take revenge and pin it on another guest. *Sam Lily—Lawyer—Entertainment lawyer known for his famous clients and sharp sense of humor. He knows a lot more about the partygoers’ legal histories than any of them know. He is having a secret fling with Helen LeBois, and the two are planning a quiet wedding. *David Kreig—Author—He published a biting satire on Upper East Side personalities—recently at the top of the New York Times bestseller list—which everyone suspects is based on actual socialites. David attended the same prep school as most of the people here, but he came from a middle class family in Brooklyn and it practically bankrupted his parents to provide that future for him. But, he has turned all of his experiences there into literary gold. *Grayson Kreig—Rock Star—A one-hit wonder, Grayson was once part of the band Eagle’s Rose, which has long since broken up. He was madly in love with Rose den Waldern, but she left him when her parents died to take care of her siblings. Recently, he met her again, and they have started a fling. He has come to the party to stop her from marrying Francis Fisk. *Jesse Corrington—Journalist—Editor of a biting online gossip site, The Socialite, Jesse is known for only publishing verifiable rumors. He comes from one of the most powerful families on the Upper East Side but has always hated that his life has been planned out for him. He has made his break from them through founding his own website, which might be a bit of a rag, but it is enough to grant him his own independence. *Isaac Corrington—Retired Senator—Although retired from government life, Isaac is the head of the politically active Corrington family. Easily the king of the Upper East Side socialites, Isaac had played the social and political scene for years. But now that he’s retired he’s
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looking out for the legacy of his family and wants to see his grandson Jesse take his place instead of running that yellow rag of a gossip website. *Alexei Siranov—Security—Doorman and security for the party, Alexei is in charge of making sure none of the lower classes get into the party. He has a shady past with the Russian mafia but has been trying to clean up his act since he came to New York.
Female Roles •
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Irene den Waldern—Party Planner—Party planner of the event with a party girl past she leverages to host only A-List parties. She lives a charmed life. Aside from some minor infractions in her youth everything she has ever wanted has been handed to her on a silver platter. She is the life of every party. Rose den Waldern—Queen—Queen bee of the older socialites and older sister of Irene, Rose rules the Upper East Side with an iron fist inside a silken glove. She had a wild past and was madly in love with Grayson Kreig, but she left him when her parents died to take care of her siblings. She invested well and continued to support them. However, she recently got caught in a Ponzi scheme run by Jonathon Fisk and lost a great deal of money. She had her brother Richard committed to an institution after he continued to donate their money to charities. She does what she thinks is best for her family, no matter how hard-handed. She is engaged to Fisk because she thinks he will provide a good support for her family, even though she has fallen back in love with Grayson. Jo Chase—Filmmaker—New to the scene, Jo makes documentaries and is filming as we speak. She wants to do an exposé on the secret lives of the Upper East Side and where better than at this party? Candice Wellington—New Girl—Candice is both Zachary’s daughter and his assistant. This is her first time in New York. She is very nervous to be around the socialites but is determined to make a good impression for her father. *Ashley LeBois—Editor—Up-and-coming queen of the younger generation, Ashley is the editor of Runway, a popular fashion magazine. She is a schemer and uses The Socialite to keep the younger generation in line. She is fiercely protective of her friends. She is the younger sister of Helen LeBois. *Helen LeBois—Designer—Helen owns and designs her own line of haute couture fashion, catering only to the rich and fabulous. She is reserved and conservative, but has recently fallen deeply in love with Sam Lily, a lawyer from out West. It is very out of character for her, but she’s
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happy. She doesn’t want to create a scene and is planning to have a small ceremony soon. *Gwen Kreig—Rising Star—New to the social scene, Gwen is a fashion designer with cutting-edge style and swift social climbing ambitions. She clambered to the top of the fashion scene after a scandal at Fashion Week caused by Ashley LeBois. While no one believed she wasn’t responsible, she was still smart enough to use the publicity to start her own line. Now she just needs some powerful backers. Gwen is the younger sister of David and Grayson. *Francine (Frank) Rose—Debutante—A cousin of the den Walderns from Florida, Frank recently arrived in New York and is making her debut among the upper class. She is actually a fake, an actress from Florida who found out about the trust fund in the real Francine’s name and is trying to get Rose to grant her access to it. *Mercy Neist—Scheming Socialite—A well-known socialite, Mercy mysteriously left New York a few years ago and has only just returned. She is a troublemaker and a schemer who used to give Ashley a run for her money. She has returned after the police dropped some charges and is eager to return to the scene. *Davana Gudriov—Housekeeper—Ashley’s maid and housekeeper, Davana has been looking out for Ashley since she was a little girl. She knows a great deal about the secret goings-on of the Upper East Side but is fiercely loyal to the LeBois family.
Male or Female Roles •
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Taylor Walker—Head Caterer—Hired by Irene to be attentive and discreet, as well as to run the staff and make sure the party goes as planned. Jess McIntire—Caterer—Hired by Irene to be attentive and discreet, as well as to bring her any juicy gossip. (NOTE: The guest that played the victim Francis Fisk in Act One will play this character in Act Two). *Jamie Lavigne—Caterer—Hired by Irene to be attentive and discreet, but paid off by Jesse to bring proof of any rumors. *Sydney O’Connor—Caterer—Hired by Irene to be attentive and discreet, as well as to bring her any juicy gossip. *Callaway Lee—Bartender—Hired by Irene to be attentive and discreet, as well as to bring her any juicy gossip.
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-3Preparations As Host or Hostess, it is your responsibility to ensure that the mystery unfolds smoothly, that everyone is involved in the event, and that the location is set up in a fashion that lends itself to the story. While the party is designed to accommodate straight-from-the-box play with a minimum of set up and expense, you will find that a little bit of preparation will go a long way towards improving the overall experience. This section of the instruction manual should give you some ideas regarding how to set up your party.
Props While all the items that you need to play (invitations, nametags, character sheets, clues, voting sheets, and player awards) are included in this booklet for easy printing, more flavor can be added to the evening by taking a little extra time in preparing these necessities. Some possible suggestions include the following: Invitations: Printing out the invitations on high quality stationary, vellum, or cardstock adds a touch of class and authenticity to your event. Nametags: Most office supply stores carry a wide variety of plastic ID badge holders that are ideal for party nametags. Character Sheets: These can be printed on plain paper. It is a good idea to have duplicates prepared in advance, as players have been known to misplace their starting materials. Clues: Locating the clue cards during Act Two will be an integral part of solving the mystery. The game manual contains printed and pictorial representations of the clues that can be printed and used as is; it is recommended that these be printed on heavy cardstock, since the players will undoubtedly want to examine them in detail. Player Awards: High-quality certificate paper is available at most office supply stores. Printing your player awards on this type of paper will give your guests a memento suitable for framing and display!
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While five star restaurant food is a perfect choice for an Upper East Side soiree, it is difficult to come by. Be sure instead to have lots of upper class hor d'oeuvres on trays for casual sampling. Also have an ample supply of fake champagne and other virgin drinks available so your guests can always have a glass in their hands. Now is the perfect time to try some new virgin cocktail mixes so your guests can feel like real New Yorkers.
Setting the Scene Murder in Manhattan is designed to be played in two acts, with Act One being the evening spent at Francis Fisk’s anniversary party while the guests attempt to uncover rumors and secrets about each other and Act Two being the time spent looking for the murderer. This party requires only minimal space and can be completed with very little in the way of decorations; a single large room for the main party can serve as the primary playing area with a small side room to serve as Fisk’s study. Of course, if you have more space available, you can designate several other rooms as part of the party, so that the guests can steal away to have private conversations. Ideas for other rooms include a game room, library, private balcony, or pool and garden area (if you have outdoor space to use). Decorations for the evening can be as simple or complex as you desire. If you want to go the distance, a web search for “New York benefits” or “Upper East Side party theme” will turn up numerous links to websites providing ideas. Subdued lighting, drapes to cover walls, and pictures of New York monuments may help immensely.
Audio PWM Press offers several audio files for use with each of its mystery parties. The most recent version of these files (along with an instruction sheet that describes how to best make use of them) was included in your original download. Additionally, a sound track on loop for the party would add a feeling of class. Classical or understated modern music would work well, depending on the average age of your guests.
Candles During the blackout scene, you have the option of providing guests with candles to add to the ambiance of the room. This scene is detailed in the party guide section titled “The Blackout”. If you choose to use candles, LED candles are safest and provide excellent ambiance without risk of fire.
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Preparing the Paperwork Have all of your paperwork printed out and ready to go beforehand. Begin by printing out all of Section II (the Party Guidebook). You will be using that section to run the party. You should also prepare three large envelopes or folders as follows: First Folder (labeled “Act One”): This should include nametags and character sheets for each player, along with multiple copies of the “Welcome to the Party” text. As players arrive, you can pass out starting materials. Second Folder (labeled “Act Two”): This should include sealed envelopes, labeled with each character’s name, containing the character's information and rumors for Act Two. It should also contain the paper tokens that represent clues that are to be hidden for the scavenger hunt (assuming that they have not been placed out ahead of time). Third Folder (labeled “Finale”): The final folder should contain the voting sheets and preprinted award certificates that can be filled out when winners are decided.
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-4Before the Party This portion of the instruction manual will walk you through all of the steps you need to accomplish before your guests begin arriving.
Invitations and Assigning Characters Print out and send your invitations (along with RSVP cards, “What Is a Murder Mystery Party?” and the “Guest List” inserts) several weeks in advance of your event. The success of the party hinges on a minimum of ten participants (including the Host or Hostess) so it is very important that you verify attendance well before the actual event takes place; this will give you an opportunity to reschedule in the event that not enough players are able to attend. Note that there are two types of RSVP cards available in the Props and Printouts chapter (Chapter Seven): the first type allows the Host or Hostess to choose the character the guests will be playing, and the second type provides an option for guests to indicate their character preference. Which type of RSVP card you use will be determined by how you want to assign characters. You have several options when it comes to assigning characters. You can assign characters yourself based on what you know about your guests and what roles you think they would enjoy, or you can allow your participants to choose their own characters on a first-come, first-served basis. We recommend you choose to assign characters yourself (perhaps after discussing the available options with your players so that you can get a feel for what they would enjoy playing). This allows you to assign roles in a fashion that will keep the party running smoothly and will be enjoyable for all involved; for example, you may not want to assign an extremely outgoing character to someone who is particularly shy and introverted, since that person would likely to feel uncomfortable playing a character whose personality contrasts so drastically with their own. If you opt to assign characters yourself, your invitation process should be as follows: • Step One: Contact prospective guests by phone, e-mail, or in person, explain that you will be hosting a Mystery Party, and verify their interest and availability. If you wish, you may choose to discuss available character options so that you have a good idea of what type of character each guest would like to play.
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Step Two: Once you have established your guest list, print out and send out the formal invitations, along with the “What Is a Murder Mystery Party?” insert, the “Guest List” insert, and the first RSVP card (there is a field on this RSVP card that you can use to specify what character the guest will be playing). Step Three: When you receive final confirmation via RSVP, send the guest his or her character sheet and rumor list. If you wish, you may instead choose to include the character sheet along with the original invitation; this works best if you know for certain each person you are inviting will definitely be attending.
If you opt to allow your guests to choose their own characters, your invitation process should be as follows: • Step One: Print out and send invitations to all your prospective guests, along with the “What Is a Murder Mystery Party?” insert, the “Guest List” insert, and the second RSVP card (this version includes an option for guests to indicate their first and second character preferences). • Step Two: As you receive the RSVP cards, assign the characters based on the preferences your guests have expressed. In some cases it may be necessary to assign a character other than the guest’s first or second choice (if both those characters have already been assigned); in this case you may wish to contact the guest and tell him which characters are still available. • Step Three: Send each guest his or her character sheet. Remember: Once you have assigned characters, you must provide each guest with a copy of their character sheet. This should be done well in advance of the party so that each guest has time to put together a costume and give some thought to how they will role-play their character. Be sure to let the guests know that they should not share details of their character with anyone prior to the party! Guests should be told to bring their character sheets with them to the party, but as Host or Hostess, you should make certain to have some additional copies of these character sheets on hand, since it is likely that some guests will forget or lose theirs.
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Preparing the Scavenger Hunt A substantial portion of the night’s festivities will involve a scavenger hunt to locate the various clues that lead to the killer. There are four clues to be hidden, represented by paper tokens with a description and picture of the items, and locating them should take up most of the second half of the evening. It’s best to hide the clues before the party starts if there isn’t a great risk of people finding them during Act One. Otherwise they can be hidden during the intermission between Act One and Act Two (if you can hide them without being seen). Either way make sure they’re hidden before you’re prompted to start the scavenger hunt, which begins starts shortly after the discovery of Francis Fisk’s dead body. It is important you set up the clues in a way that will ensure the players are challenged but do not find it impossible to locate the objects necessary to make the event progress. Since you are just hiding paper tokens, there are many options for hiding places. Some hosts will tape the phone token to an actual phone, however it is just as appropriate to hide the token under a book or tape it to a wall. The locations of the clues do not have to be places that would be “realistic” for the story; the scavenger hunt simply represents the guests scouring for evidence. Accordingly, you can hide the clues anywhere that is part of the designated party area; they do not have to be in “the study” or any other specific room. The four clue tokens that will be hidden for the scavenger hunt are: • A Bloody Knife • Fisk's Dead Body • Fisk's Phone • Fisk's Safe Two of these clues will trigger further action once found: 1. Fisk’s Phone – When guests find the Fisk’s Cell Phone clue, read the phone token to the group and see if anyone says that they know how to get into the locked phone (a few can do it and should know to speak up; it’s a skill listed on their character sheets). a. If at least one person speaks up, inform the group that the battery is almost dead and they only have time to look at three of the four clues. Shuffle the clues and ask the person who found the phone to select three of them and read them aloud to the group. b. If no one speaks up, you will have to prompt Jonathon Fisk to announce that he knows how to unlock the phone. He is a required character with that ability, and it is critical that the phone be unlocked for the group to solve the mystery.
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2. Fisk’s Safe - When guests locate the Fisk’s Safe clue token, you will read the clue token to the group and see if anyone speaks up about knowing how to open the safe (a few characters do). a. If at least one person says they can open it, you will share the contents of the safe with the group. This means you can either read each of the file clue tokens out loud or pass the file tokens around to be read by the guests individually. b. If no one speaks up, you will have to prompt Chester Fisk to announce that he can do it. He is a required character with that skill, and it is also critical that the safe be opened to solve the mystery. Remember to be clear with your guests regarding the rules of finding the clues. If there are any places specifically off limits, point that out to the players and consider posting signs reminding them. Some good general rules for everyone to follow include: • Nothing is hidden inside something that needs to be disassembled in order to gain access; if you really feel that a hammer and screwdriver would be helpful in trying to find a potential token, you’re looking in the wrong place! • No tokens are hidden in a way that would require anyone to lift anything heavy or move anything especially delicate to find them. • No tokens are hidden in places that would be dangerous to reach or that would require guests to climb onto something. • No tokens are hidden in places that would require guests to get wet or dirty in order to reach them. After the scavenger hunt has concluded and the clues have been shared with everyone, the group will have everything they need to solve the mystery. There should then be a period for everyone to discuss the new information and their ideas about who may have killed Francis Fisk.
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II. Party Guidebook This section of the instruction manual, the Party Guidebook, contains a detailed script for running the party. You should print out this section in its entirety and have it on hand during the party; at various points you will need to read directly from this guidebook. The following is an outline of each step found in the Party Guidebook: 1. Guest Arrival: Explains what you will need to do as the guests arrive for the party, before the actual game begins. 2. Introduction of the Guests: Provides a script for introducing the guests to the scene and explaining how the party will be run. 3. Act One: Covers the events leading up to the murder, including mingling, dinner, and the blackouts. 4. The Murder: Describes how to handle the actual murder of Francis Fisk. 5. Act Two: Covers the hunt for clues as the guests try to solve the murder. 6. Presentation of Evidence: Once all the clues have been found, the guests will have an opportunity to consider the different pieces of evidence they have gathered and present theories on the identity of the killer. 7. Votes: After all the evidence is considered, the guests will have an opportunity to vote on who they believe is the killer, as well as on which guests are the best dressed and the best at acting. 8. Revelation: Finally, once all the votes have been tallied, the actual killer will explain his actions, and the awards will be handed out.
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-5Running the Party This portion of the instruction manual will walk you through all the steps you need to follow once your guests arrive. Read over this section carefully as it contains vital information to the success of the event. Before starting the party, make sure that the following have been completed: Hide the scavenger hunt clue tokens (Fisk’s body, the bloody knife, the safe and the cell phone, all of which can be found on page 144), unless you plan on doing this later in the party. Make sure all printed materials are prepared in their folders. Compile a list of names of the characters that will not be played by anyone tonight. You will be reading this list to the guests so they no which names on their character sheets to ignore. Once you have taken care of those things, you are ready for the party to begin!
1) Guest Arrival As guests arrive, you’ve got a good chance to speak with them one-on-one and help orient them to the party; this may be their first murder mystery game! It’s up to you if you’d like to ask them to get into character before the game officially starts. Either way, it’s time to give them their starting materials. Starts: When first guest arrives. During this stage of the event: Make certain that everyone has a character sheet and visible nametag. Invite the first guests to mingle until the rest of the guests have arrived. If you are using the audio tracks, start the 'Cocktail Party.mp3'.
2) Introduction Once everyone has arrived, it will be time to explain to them how the party will proceed. Starts: When all the guests have arrived.
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During this stage of the event: Gather guests in the main room. Read the "Welcome to the Party" text (below).
Welcome to the Party
Welcome, everyone, and thank you for attending Murder in Manhattan. As all of you know, this is a murder mystery party. During the party, each of you will be playing the role of a guest or employee of Francis Fisk at his party celebrating his company’s anniversary. You should each have a character sheet that details what your character knows and how you should act in response to specific situations. Aside from these instructions, there is no particular script you need to follow; simply do your best to act as you believe your character would act. During the course of the event I will be playing the part of Taylor Walker, one of the caterers. However, I will also be available to answer any questions about how the game works. Just let me know if you need to ask me something “out of character.” Your goal tonight is to get to know the other guests. Introduce yourselves, exchange backgrounds, and trade gossip. You should find there are some interesting secrets in the room - maybe even a secret or two for which one would kill. This means that you should pay special attention whenever you feel that a guest has something to hide. Even more importantly, make sure to protect your own secrets; you don’t people drawing any unfavorable conclusions about you. Not in this prestigious crowd. Each character sheet includes Gossip & Objectives pages that detail what you know about the other guests. Check your sheet before you start a conversation so you know with whom you’re dealing. [Read following if you have less than 25 people or unassigned characters.] Please note that there will be no one playing the following characters tonight and cross them off of your sheet anywhere the names appear. [List the names of characters that are not being played by anyone] You may hear these names in your conversations but you will not be interacting directly with those characters today. Before we begin, we’ll give everyone a couple of minutes to read over your character sheets and make sure you understand everything. Remember not to show your character sheets to anyone else and to be careful with what information you end up sharing with other players. Most of you have secret information listed on your sheet your character wouldn’t want to disclose to just anyone. Please take a minute to read over your character sheets now. [Once everyone has had a chance to read over their sheets, give them an
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opportunity to ask questions about how the game will work. Once all of their questions have been answered, continue this script.] Alright, if there are no further questions, let me describe the scene for you. You are in Francis Fisk’s fabulous penthouse suite apartment on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. You are here for an evening of dinner, dancing, and conversation in celebration of the twenty-fifth anniversary of Fisk Enterprises. Francis Fisk has a big announcement to make at midnight, but everyone is free to mingle and talk until then. [Point out each of the different rooms that are considered part of the game, and explain what part of the apartment they represent. You should have at least one large room for the dining hall and another that is Fisk’s study. You can specify other areas as you wish, depending on the size of the playing area.] You are now free to mingle with each other and enjoy the party. Drinks and food will be available shortly. And now, if I could see the catering staff in the kitchen. After reading: Take the catering staff (or whatever guests you’d like to help you with food) into the kitchen and explain that part of their role tonight will be to assist with serving food, bringing around the appetizer trays, and keeping drinks refilled. Make sure the guests have started mingling and are enjoying themselves.
3) Act One Act One is relatively simple and is intended primarily as an opportunity for your guests to get into character, mingle, and enjoy the food. This act should last for approximately an hour or two, though that time may be adjusted up or down depending on how long it takes to eat and how animated and in character your guests are. Starts: When guests have started to mingle. During this stage of the event: Enlist the aid of any guests you’ve asked to help with food to lay out and circulate the hors d’oeuvres. Help confused guests understand that this time is to be used to learn about the characters of the other guests. Knowing details about the other attendees will benefit them as the game goes on.
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Monitor the guests to make sure they seem to be enjoying themselves and aren’t running out of things to talk about. If the conversation begins to slow substantially, you may wish to move to the murder early. After dinner has concluded and a few minutes before you are ready for the murder to occur, read aloud the “Blackout Approaching” script, included below.
Blackout Approaching
As the evening progresses, you begin to notice patches of darkness in the city below. New York has been experiencing rolling blackouts due to recent power shortages, and it appears that one is approaching the apartment. But not to worry, there are candles on hand in case the emergency lights do not come on. Please continue enjoying yourselves; all is well.
4) The Murder A blackout creates the perfect opportunity for the killer to act. You will now set the stage for the murder. Starts: When you are ready for murder to occur. During this stage of the event: If you are handing out candles when the lights go out, gather them now. Discreetly inform Francis Fisk that he is about to be a murder victim and that you will be cueing him momentarily to fall to the floor and play dead. If you are using audio, get the “Scream-Thud.mp3” track ready. Tell Francis that it will be his cue to fall. Prepare to turn the lights off. Read aloud the “The Lights Go Out!” script below.
The Lights Go Out
The rolling blackouts continue to approach, and then suddenly, all the lights go out. [Here you should extinguish the lights.] The caterers go to get the candles as you wait in confusion for the emergency lights to come on. As people move around in the darkness there is suddenly a
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scream and a thud in the confusion. [Cue Francis Fisk to fall to the floor as the victim. If you are using the audio files, play the Scream-Thud.mp3 track first.]
The Blackout The blackout has caused mass confusion for the guests. You will now get the lights working again and reveal the murder victim to the guests. Starts: A few moments after Francis Fisk is murdered. During this stage in the event: Turn on a few independent light sources, like lamps or flashlights. There should be less light than before the blackout since these lights represent emergency lights. o If you are using candles, keep the independent light sources low enough so the candles have an effect. o If you are not using candles, make sure there is enough light for people to see during the scavenger hunt. If you are using candles, pass them out to the guests. Read the “Blackout!” script below.
Blackout!
The emergency lights come on in a minute and the caterers pass out candles. You are all shocked to see the still form of Francis Fisk sprawled on the floor in a pool of blood, obviously stabbed through the heart by a knife of some sort. A feeling of horror sweeps through the room. Not only has Francis Fisk just been murdered, but the killer is surely still here. We will now take a brief intermission as we prepare for Act Two. After reading: Hand out the Act Two character sheets. Give the guest who was previously playing Francis Fisk a new nametag; during Act Two he will be playing the part of Jess McIntire, one of the caterers. If you haven’t already done so, hide the clue tokens (Fisk’s body, the bloody knife, the cell phone and the safe) for the scavenger hunt.
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6) Act Two After the intermission, it will be time for the group to figure out who killed Francis Fisk. This starts with the scavenger hunt to find the primary clues: Fisk’s dead body, his cell phone, his safe, and the bloody knife. Starts: After everyone has read their Act Two character sheets and you are ready to continue the game. During this stage of the event: Reassemble guests in the playing area. Read the “Trapped in the Penthouse” script below.
Trapped in the Penthouse
The murder is reported to the police and some guests head to the elevator. However, due to the power outage the elevator will not open. All the guests are trapped in the penthouse until the power comes back on and the police can get in. The building manager says that the power outage should last an hour or so. Everyone should be very cautious: after all, Francis Fisk was just murdered, and it is likely the murderer is still in the penthouse. You should look for clues to solve the murder before the police arrive and splash this party all over the tabloids. We will now begin a scavenger hunt for clues. The clues are small paper tokens that are hidden throughout the area. Everyone can join in. If you find one, announce it to the group and then bring it to me. I will let you know when all the clue tokens have been found and we will attempt to solve this mystery! After reading: Lay out any ground rules about areas that are on or off limits. Prompt the guests begin hunting. Oversee the scavenger hunt and make certain that everyone is following the rules and staying in the correct area. If Jo Chase approaches you about her camera footage (as she is instructed to do in her character sheet), tell her you will share the footage with the group after the scavenger hunt. If the group is unable to locate one or more of the clues, provide hints or point them in the right direction. After the guests have found all four clues, read the following script:
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After combing through the area, it seems that we’ve found everything there is to find. We have located four clues: a bloody knife, Fisk’s cell phone, his safe, and, of course, his dead body. Now let’s take a closer look at the evidence!
7) Presentation of Evidence It is now time for the final presentation of evidence. At this point, all evidence will be reviewed and everyone will be given a chance to provide any additional information they might have regarding the identity of the killer. Starts: After the clue tokens have been found and guests have regrouped. During this stage of the event: Read the Fisk’s Dead Body clue and Bloody Knife clue tokens to the group. Read the Fisk’s Cell Phone clue token to the group and wait for someone to say that they know how to unlock the phone. Several characters have this ability noted on their character sheets so someone should speak up. o If no one speaks up, discretely prompt Jonathon Fisk to do so; he knows how to unlock it. o When someone that can unlock the phone steps forward, let the group know that the cell phone battery is so low and they will only be able to access three of the four clues before the phone dies. o Shuffle the clues and allow the guest who located the cell phone to pick three cards at random. Instruct that guest to read the clue tokens out loud to the group. Read the Fisk’s Safe clue token to the group and wait for someone to say that they know how to open the safe. o If no one speaks up, discretely prompt Chester Fisk; he can open it. o When someone that can open the safe steps forward, either read the file tokens aloud to the group or simply pass them around to be read by guests individually. If the guest playing Jo Chase approached you about her camera footage, read the camera footage clue to the group. Read the “Presentation of Evidence” script below.
Presentation of Evidence
Now that we’ve seen the hard evidence, does anyone have anything to add?
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Did anyone see anything suspicious leading up to the event? Does anyone have any questions or theories? After reading: Give the guests a chance to talk amongst themselves. It is likely at this point that the guests will want to ask questions and level accusations at one another and provide alibis or explanations as to why they are not guilty. Allow this to continue as long as is necessary. When all guests have had their say, announce that it is now time for everyone to cast their votes for who they believe committed the murder.
8) Votes Starts: After the presentation of evidence discussion. During this stage of the event: Pass out the “Who Did It?” voting sheets and have players fill them out. Collect completed voting sheets and tally up the votes. Prepare the award sheets. The awards that will be presented at the end of the night include the following. •
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Keen Detective Award: This award goes to any guest who correctly identified the Architect as the killer. Note that it is possible several guests will receive this award; be sure to have multiple copies printed. Outstanding Acting Award: This award goes to the guest who received the most votes for best role-playing. Outstanding Costume Award: This award goes to the guest who received the award for best costume. Falsely Accused and Convicted Award: If the majority of the guests vote for someone other than the Architect as the killer, that unfortunate person receives this award as a consolation prize. Cold-Blooded Killer Award or Got Away With Murder Award: The guest who played the Architect will receive one of these awards. If any of the other guests successfully identified him during the vote, he gets the “Cold-Blooded Killer” Award. If none of the other guests identify him as the killer, he gets “Got Away With Murder.” Hapless Victim Award: The guest who played Francis Fisk will receive this award.
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9) Revelation! After tallying up the “Who Did It?” votes, you will announce the results to the group and then ask that, as the game is now over, the real killer step forward and explain his motive. Starts: After awards are prepared. During this stage of the event: Ask that the real killer step forward and explain his or her motive. The guest who played Zachary Wellington should then announce his guilt and explain his actions using the information from his character sheet. Announce the results of the voting to the group and hand out appropriate awards.
Conclusion And that’s it! The mystery is solved. You may tell your guests that the game has concluded and thank them for coming. Hopefully the party continues as everyone recounts the best moments from the night! If you haven’t taken any pictures yet, this would be a great time to take a group shot with everyone in costume. We hope everyone had a great time! If you enjoyed the game, please let your guests know that Playing With Murder supplied the party kit for tonight’s event. We would love to see any pictures that were taken by you or your guests. Please let them know that party pics can be emailed to us at
[email protected] or posted directly to our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/playingwithmurder). Also, we’d love to hear your feedback about the game! Please email us and let us know how it went. We take your input seriously when writing these games and would love to know if you have any suggestions for how we could make the game better. Your comments and photos are both welcome at
[email protected]. Thank you for Playing With Murder! Hope to hear from you soon!
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III. Printed Materials Section III of this instruction manual contains all of the materials that will need to be printed for the party. Included are nametags, character sheets, invitations, clues, player awards, and optional script sheets (which can be used in addition or instead of the inline scripts included in Section II).
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-6Nametags and Character Sheets This section of the instruction manual has detailed character sheets and nametags for each of the characters. These sheets provide a description of the character, suggestions for costuming and role-playing, information that the character has at the beginning of the party, objectives for Act One, and objectives for Act Two. Remember that the objectives for Act Two should not be given to the guest until Act Two begins!
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Irene den Waldern
Richard den Waldern Philanthropist
Party Planner
Rose den Waldern
Ashley LeBois
Queen
Editor
Helen LeBois
Sam Lily
Designer
Lawyer
David Kreig
Gwen Kreig
Author
Rising Star
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Grayson Kreig
Jo Chase
Rock Star
Filmmaker
Francine Rose
Jesse Corrington
Isaac Corrington
Chester Fisk
Debutante
Journalist
Retired Senator
Playboy
Jonathon Fisk
Francis Fisk
Outcast
Real Estate Tycoon
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Jess McIntire
Mercy Neist
Caterer
Scheming Socialite
Zachary Wellington
Candice Wellington New Girl
Architect
Davana Gudriov
Alexei Siranov
Housekeeper
Security
Taylor Walker
Taylor Walker
Head Caterer
Head Caterer
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Jamie Lavigne
Jamie Lavigne
Caterer
Caterer
Sydney O’Connor Caterer
Callaway Lee
Sydney O’Connor Caterer
Callaway Lee
Bartender
Bartender
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Irene den Waldern
Act One
Party Planner Who You Are
You are Irene den Waldern, a famous and well-known socialite on the Upper East Side. Your family is fabulously rich due to old money and your older sister’s shrewd business sense. Good things just seem to happen to you naturally, and everything you have ever wanted has fallen into your lap. You have a wild past of partying and drug use but have put those days behind you in an effort to become a successful businesswoman. You have never married but have a string of boyfriends and broken hearts behind you. Even though you pledged eternal love to all your paramours, you were always too much of a free spirit to really settle down. Your last long-term relationship was with Jesse Corrington, but he was too obsessed with his work to pay enough attention to you, so you broke it off. You currently work at a famous public relations firm in Manhattan that specializes in celebrities and movie promotions. You use your status among New York’s upper crust to throw fabulous parties for your firm: your very presence ensures an A-list crowd. Francis Fisk, one of the wealthiest men in New York, asked you to throw this party for him in celebration of his company’s twenty-fifth anniversary.
Getting Into Character You are the epitome of razor-edge style, and you dress to stand out at your parties, since it is likely photos of you and your guests will be splashed over Page Six. Wear bright, eye-catching colors, and don’t be afraid to bare skin. Be sure to assure anyone who asks that your wild days are behind you; you are much too polished to admit you did anything wrong, though.
Gossip and Objectives for Irene den Waldern Mingling With Other Guests You’ll find it beneficial to know as much as you can about the other guests as the game goes on. There are a lot of secrets out there, so use the mingling period to discover as many as you can. Even more importantly, make sure your own secrets stay hidden. Introduce yourselves to the other guests, ask about their backgrounds, give your own background (the best possible version, of course), and share gossip about the other attendees. Find out the story behind everyone’s story! •
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Your brother Richard was recently released from a mental institution—St. Albert’s—known for its discretion. He attempted suicide after your older sister Rose cut off his access to the family’s money. You tried your best to be by his side during those trying months, but your busy schedule often got in the way. Rose told you to tell everyone he was visiting family in Florida, so as to avoid a scandal. This party is his first since his “vacation.” Your older sister Rose is very controlling and rules the older members of the upper class of New York with an iron fist. You suspect she and Francis might be dating; if all goes well this would be her fourth marriage. While not a black widow, Rose has certainly enhanced the family money after each divorce with enormous settlements. You suspect the “big announcement” Francis has planned for midnight might be their engagement. You and Ashley LeBois have been best friends since grade school. Ashley is the queen bee of the younger crowd on the A-list and has a penchant for elaborate schemes. Although you love her like a sister, any mischief at your party is likely her fault. Ashley’s older sister Helen LeBois is a fantastic fashion designer who made her name catering to the elite who could afford her dresses. You’ve worn her dresses on the red carpet many times before. You prefer Gwen Kreig’s cutting-edge style, but due to her feud with Ashley you try not to wear her designs even though she appeals more to your sense of style. Sam Lily is a celebrity lawyer, and your firm has used him many times before for clients caught in compromising positions. He is also well known for his biting sense of humor and is always good for a laugh. David Kreig is the very handsome up-and-coming author of Looking In. Your boss has instructed you to get the movie rights to his bestselling novel. However, while normally you would relish this opportunity, you suspect you might be a character in his book, a vapid and naive girl named Serella, which is utterly unlike you. Try to find out if you are in his book. Gwen Kreig is the youngest person at the party tonight and David’s little sister. She used to be Ashley’s friend, until she switched a dress from Helen’s fashion show and sent out one of her own dresses in its place. This bold move garnered her a lot of attention and enough supporters to launch her own fashion line. Despite her obvious upward social maneuvering, you have to admit her sense of style is phenomenal and often wish you could wear her clothes. But Ashley would certainly see that as a betrayal. Grayson Kreig is David and Gwen’s older brother and used to be a rock star. He had one hit song a few years ago and used it to weasel his way into polite society. You suspect he and Rose may be having an affair since she has his hit song on her ringtones. Jo Chase is a friend of David’s. You’ve heard she’s become a successful documentary filmmaker and is documenting New York life. Francine Rose (whom you call Frank) is your cousin from Florida. She recently escaped her controlling father and has come to New York to live the life she always dreamed of. She is graciously helping Richard out as he supposedly spent time with her. She’s been a great help to have around, and you’re sure you’ll be fast
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friends soon. You used to date Jesse Corrington and while it was nothing serious to you, it meant a lot to him. He runs The Socialite, a website which posts the best gossip on the rich and fabulous in New York. Now that the site has launched to mass acclaim he might be worth your while, but only if he’s no longer such a workaholic. Also, be sure to give him no reason to post about you: his website has damaged the image of several wealthy socialites who thought themselves untouchable. Isaac Corrington is a retired senator who served for many years in Washington, D.C., and you believe he may be grooming his grandson Jesse to replace him. Isaac is known for controlling the future of his family, just like your sister. Chester Fisk, brother of Jonathon and Francis, is an indulgent druggie whose escapades with his family money are legendary. He recently bought a hotel named the Castle where he routinely hosts wild debaucherous parties you have had to rescue clients from many a time. It seems most scandals these days open with “At last night’s party at the Castle...” Jonathon Fisk runs Fisk Enterprises in Australia. He has a rough past with his brother Francis and was banished from New York, but you don’t know the circumstances. Rumor has it he was worse than Chester in his youth. Francis Fisk is the biggest name in high-end New York real estate and one of the richest men on the island. He is the CEO of Fisk Enterprises and is solely responsible for his family’s immense fortune. A self-made man, he brought his younger brothers up from poverty. He hired you to throw this lavish party for the twenty-fifth anniversary of his company and said he had a “special announcement” to make at midnight. Be sure to quiet the guests when it’s time. Mercy Neist is a party girl from your younger, wilder days on the party scene. The daughter of a wealthy family, Mercy has always had a talent for mischief and trouble. She went to Europe several years ago to avoid felony charges of possession with intent to distribute narcotics. The charges were recently dismissed, and she appeared in the New York social scene again. She knows all the secrets of your drug use in the past and may be here to get something out of you. Unfortunately, her family is too highly placed to remove her from the party, even though you have no idea how she got on the list. Make sure she doesn’t talk to Jesse or you may get splashed across his website. Zachary Wellington ran his own real estate business in Chicago before it was acquired in a merger with Fisk Enterprises. Now he is on the board of Francis Fisk’s company. Candice Wellington is Zachary’s daughter and assistant. You have never seen her before in New York, but from the way she follows her father around it is apparent he is grooming her to take over his businesses. Davana Gudriov is Ashley’s housekeeper and practically raised her while her workaholic mother ran her business. The woman is kind and reliable but unfortunately usually gets caught up in Ashley’s schemes. If anything goes wrong go to her first as she is easier to crack than Ashley. She’s been invited to help with the party. Alexei Siranov is the doorman to Francis’s building, and you hired him as security for the event since you think he might have Russian mob connections. Taylor Walker is a trusted head caterer your company has used for years. No one ever pays any attention to the help so you made sure Taylor knows you pay extra for any overheard gossip. Jamie Lavigne is a trusted caterer your company has used for years. No one every pays any attention to the help so you made sure Jamie knows you pay extra for any overheard gossip. Sydney O’Connor is a trusted caterer your company has used for years. No one every pays any attention to the help so you made sure Sydney knows you pay extra for any overheard gossip. Callaway Lee is a trusted bartender your company has used for years. No one every pays any attention to the help so you made sure Callaway knows you pay extra for any overheard gossip.
Irene den Waldern
Act Two
Party Planner
Francis Fisk is dead! If you and the other guests cannot figure out who the killer is before the power comes back on then you will all be taken in to the police and embroiled in a great scandal. It could ruin your reputation, and you can’t have that. During Act Two your primary objective is to piece together what happened to Fisk while keeping as many of your own secrets as quiet as you can. You know that you are not the killer, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you have nothing to worry about; if evidence seems to indicate that you committed the crime, the other guests may decide to turn you in to protect themselves! Make certain that you do everything possible to prove your innocence.
Special Knowledge and Instructions for Act Two: • •
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Your party has been ruined! Try to make sure everything runs smoothly and be sure to try to salvage the situation. If the files in Fisk’s safe are opened you want to protect your little brother above everything. It’s no business of anyone else's why he was in that institution. No one needs to know he tried to commit suicide. What did Mercy do to get back to the States? You need to make sure she doesn’t take advantage of the chaos to damage the reputations of you or any of your guests.
Richard den Waldern
Act One
Philanthropist Who You Are
You are Richard den Waldern, although everyone calls you Rick and you prefer it—Richard sounds so pretentious. You are Irene and Rose’s little brother and grew up in their shadow; they practically raised you after your parents died when you were young. You are a well-known philanthropist despite your youth, and you donate predominantly to organizations that help children. You feel that the scheming and glitteratti world of the Upper East Side robbed you of your childhood, and you want to make sure as many children have the opportunity for a good life as possible. After all, if your sisters used all the family’s money they would just buy shoes and dresses—better the money go to a good cause. You passionately want to make the world a better place and give generously whenever you’re asked. Your older sister Rose is the queen bee of the older socialites and has always been just as controlling of you as she is of the beautiful women of New York’s elite. Recently Rose cut you off from the family money after a generous donation to Habitat for Humanity: Fund for Children. She said that you needed to grow up, get over your abandonment issues, and start adding to the family fortune instead of depleting it. You and she had a huge fight, after which you slit your wrists to get her attention. You didn’t mean to commit suicide; you just wanted her to take you seriously since nothing you said seemed to matter. However, things went a little too far, and she rushed you to the hospital. She then committed you to an institution named St. Albert’s without your consent and held you captive there for three months, all the while telling her social friends you were in Florida visiting family. She finally let you out after the doctors agreed you were on your way to recovery. You need to convince her that you should regain access to the family money without making a scene. You may not care so much about your family’s social ranking, but a scandal would make some charities less likely to accept your aid.
Getting Into Character You are young and still slightly awkward. While your clothes are tailored, you don’t quite fit in them. This is your first party since being released from the institution, and you are nervous in large crowds. If anyone asks you about your philanthropic work you are VERY excitable and passionate.
Gossip and Objectives for Richard den Waldern Mingling With Other Guests You’ll find it beneficial to know as much as you can about the other guests as the game goes on. There are a lot of secrets out there, so use the mingling period to discover as many as you can. Even more importantly, make sure your own secrets stay hidden. Introduce yourselves to the other guests, ask about their backgrounds, give your own background (the best possible version, of course), and share gossip about the other attendees. Find out the story behind everyone’s story! •
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Irene den Waldern, your older sister, is a slightly reformed party girl. While she was there for you when you were “sick,” she was always being called away by her pointless job, catering to vapid celebrities. You think she just traded the wilder parties of her youth for the more upper class version, but she’s still the same old flaky Irene. Rose den Waldern is your other older sister. You are furious with her for cutting you off and then committing you against your will to a mental institution. She was always very controlling after your parents died, and although she practically raised you, that’s no excuse for her actions. Despite this you need her to give you access to the money again so you can continue to make the world a better place. Ashley LeBois is Irene’s best friend. She’s the editor of Runway, a popular fashion magazine and is “an evil dictator of taste.” She’s known for her impeccable good taste and harsh words to those who don’t meet her standards. She is the queen bee of the younger socialites and rules them with an iron fist. She is well known for leaking disastrous gossip to Jesse to post on his website—The Socialite—and uses it to keep her “minions” in line. She is forever scheming to maintain her status. Helen LeBois is Ashley’s older sister and a good friend of Rose. She designs clothes for the fabulously wealthy, since they’re the only ones who can afford them. She recently became engaged to Sam Lily. You found out because you saw him propose in a restaurant, but you don’t think anyone else knows. David Kreig actually went to school with several of Irene’s crowd, but you don’t think they remember him since he was poor then and never went to parties. He recently published a wicked satire on life on the Upper East Side that you thought was incredibly accurate. You’re sure the vapid character Serella was based on Irene, and several of the other characters sound like her friends. You’re not in the book though, and you think David is a wonderful writer who deserves his hard-earned fame. Sam Lily is a celebrity lawyer who you think is engaged to Helen LeBois. You don’t know much about him beyond that he owns his own law firm. Gwen Kreig, David’s younger sister, was your best friend in grade school, but then she leveraged an internship with Helen to sabotage one of the shows and launch her own career. This backstabbing was the final straw in a pattern you saw. Sure enough, once she got her big break Gwen turned into a power-hungry socialista just like the rest of them. You haven’t spoken to her in months. Grayson Kreig is David’s older brother and used to be a rock star. He had one hit song a few years ago and used it to weasel his way into polite society. You suspect he and Rose may be having an affair since she has his hit song on her ringtones: you heard it ring several times while you were in the institution. Jo Chase is a friend of David’s. You’ve heard she’s become a successful documentary filmmaker and is documenting New York life. Francine Rose (whom you call Frank) is your cousin from Florida. She recently escaped her controlling father and has come to New York to live the life she always dreamed of. She graciously agreed to help you with your story concerning your “vacation.” Be sure to take her aside to make sure you both have your facts straight.
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For a while you hoped your sister Irene would marry Jesse Corrington and settle down. But, like all her romances, it fell apart as soon as Jesse couldn’t devote all his time to her. Jesse’s gossip website has proven to be a weapon wielded by many on the Upper East Side, so be careful what you say around him. Isaac Corrington is a retired senator who served for many years in Washington, D.C., and you believe he may be grooming his grandson Jesse to replace him. Isaac is known for controlling the future of his family. Look out for Jesse if you can: he deserves his own future. Chester Fisk, brother of Jonathon and Francis, acts like a playboy with vulgar and excessive tastes, but you have come to suspect that’s only a front. He has donated anonymously to several of your favorite charities. You only found out because some representatives contacted you to attend many parties he’s indirectly hosted to raise money. Jonathon Fisk runs Fisk Enterprises in Australia. He has a rough past with his brother Francis and was banished from New York, but you don’t know the circumstances. Rumor has it he was worse than Chester in his youth. Francis Fisk is the biggest name in high-end New York real estate and one of the richest men on the island. He is the CEO of Fisk Enterprises and is solely responsible for his family’s immense fortune. A self-made man, he brought his younger brothers up from poverty. Mercy Neist used to be Irene’s other best friend, the wild opposite of Ashley’s refined tastes. She was the one who supplied Irene with drugs and led her on most of her wilder adventures. She left New York suddenly several years ago. You do not know why she has returned, but it surely involves trouble. Zachary Wellington ran his own real estate business in Chicago before it was acquired in a merger with Fisk Enterprises. Now he is on the board of Francis Fisk’s company. Candice Wellington is Zachary’s daughter and assistant. You have never seen her before in New York, but from the way she follows her father around it is apparent he is grooming her to take over his businesses. Davana Gudriov is Ashley’s housekeeper and practically raised her while her workaholic mother ran her business. The woman is kind and reliable but unfortunately usually gets caught up in Ashley’s schemes. Alexei Siranov is the doorman to Fisk’s building, and your sister hired him as security for the event since she thinks he might have Russian mob connections. Taylor Walker is your sister’s head caterer and is in charge of the help. Jamie Lavigne is one of your sister’s caterers. Sydney O’Connor is one of your sister’s caterers.
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Callaway Lee is your sister’s bartender.
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Richard den Waldern
Act Two
Philanthropist
Francis Fisk is dead! If you and the other guests cannot figure out who the killer is before the power comes back on then you will all be taken in to the police and embroiled in a great scandal. It could ruin your reputation, and you can’t have that. During Act Two your primary objective is to piece together what happened to Fisk while keeping as many of your own secrets as quiet as you can. You know that you are not the killer, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you have nothing to worry about; if evidence seems to indicate that you committed the crime, the other guests may decide to turn you in to protect themselves! Make certain that you do everything possible to prove your innocence.
Special Knowledge and Instructions for Act Two: •
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You don’t want to cause a scandal during your sister’s party, so if any information comes up about you and your time in the institution try to downplay or hide it as best you can. Many people will use this as an opportunity to cause a scandal and hurt each other. If you see this be sure to sigh and shake your head in disappointment. It’s so typical of these people to care nothing for anything but their own reputations. If news about any engagement or hidden love comes out, be very supportive and defend people’s right to happiness. After all, there is so little of it in the world.
Rose den Waldern
Act One
Queen
Who You Are You are Rose den Waldern, queen of the older Upper East Side socialites. Your mother was queen before you, a member of the prestigious Hartfort family, who have been members of the New York social scene since it was New Amsterdam. Your parents died when you were in college, cutting your wild indulgent lifestyle short, and you came home to raise your little brother and sister, who were still in grade school. You learned to be cold and practical, quickly earning the respect of the upper class and then taking control of the social scene to ensure your continued high station in the eyes of the New York elite. You have been married three times, once for love and twice for security. You are just as flighty as your little sister Irene but have learned to hide it to maintain your cool facade. When you were in college you were a groupie of Grayson’s band Eagle’s Rose and were madly in love with him. You were about to run away with him when your parents died and you had to come home. You control the family’s vast fortune with an iron fist, carefully seeding it through investments to ensure your continued lifestyle. Francis Fisk began courting you, and you saw the merging of your two fortunes as the perfect way to ensure the stability and security of the den Waldern name. However, in trying to learn more about his company you made an investment mistake encouraged by Jonathon Fisk that turned out to be a scam and lost over half your fortune before you managed to pull out. Your little brother’s philanthropic donations started to eat away more rapidly than you could fill the hole you had created, and you had to cut him off. You were devastated when he tried to commit suicide and blamed yourself. You institutionalized him in St. Albert’s for his own good and because they are known for their discretion. You have done your best to be an attentive and loving sister, while still refilling your bank account slowly. During this time you and Grayson reconnected. He found you crying in a coffee shop in Brooklyn where you went because no one would recognize you. You fell madly back in love with him and have been seeing him ever since. However, this complicates your engagement to Francis Fisk, who is the wiser choice between the broke musician and the successful businessman. However, you are a romantic at heart and have changed your cell phone ring to your favorite Eagle’s Rose song.
Getting Into Character You are the perfect lady, elegant and poised. As queen bee of the older socialites you are always composed and charming. Be sure not to show too much emotion, and always be extremely polite. Veil your threats so they are not obvious. Your taste is conservative but fashionable. All these young people flashing their bare skin, they need to remember that what is hidden is what is desired.
Gossip and Objectives for Rose den Waldern Mingling With Other Guests You’ll find it beneficial to know as much as you can about the other guests as the game goes on. There are a lot of secrets out there, so use the mingling period to discover as many as you can. Even more importantly, make sure your own secrets stay hidden. Introduce yourselves to the other guests, ask about their backgrounds, give your own background (the best possible version, of course), and share gossip about the other attendees. Find out the story behind everyone’s story! • •
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Irene is a lot like you when you were younger: wild and flighty. However, she did inherit your good taste and throws marvelous parties. Be sure to compliment her on this little soiree. You feel terribly guilty about Richard and what happened to him. Be kind to him, but remember that a party is not the place to air your dirty laundry. Avoid talking money with him. He mustn’t know that you made a mistake or your control over your family might slip. Ashley LeBois is Irene’s best friend and the up-and-coming queen bee of the younger socialites. Observe her shenanigans and only interfere if she threatens your position amongst the older socialites. Then teach her a lesson so she remembers you are still in charge. Helen LeBois is an old friend of yours who designed her own incredibly successful fashion line. She has always been brilliant and shares many of your tastes. However, her last husband left her for a younger woman, and she has not been the same since. It’s time to find her someone to settle down with, so be sure to peruse the party for an eligible bachelor with the right qualities. Sam Lily is a rising star in the legal world. He owns his own law firm that caters to celebrities and the wealthy. However, he is new to New York, and you heard he was born on a farm in Ohio. While his status as a successful lawyer makes him worthy of attending parties with the Manhattan elite, it does not make him one of them. David Kreig recently published a book on the life of socialites on the Upper East Side that set all of Manhattan abuzz. Well, the younger generation anyway. However, he probably only wrote it because he is not a member, and when you’re on the outside all you can do is look inside and yearn. Gwen Kreig is a talented young designer. You actually ran into her attending a function several years ago at Irene’s private high school and introduced her to Helen. Her career showed promise but then she entered into a petty war with Ashley for status amongst the younger generation. You were at the show on the front row (where else?) when her dress came out instead of Helen’s. The little backstabber used this to launch her own career. However, she has done very well for herself so her presence is tolerated as long as she behaves. Make sure you are polite to her even though she does not deserve your attention. You were madly in love with Grayson Kreig when you were in college and toured with his band Eagle’s Rose as a groupie. However, you had to leave him when your parents died to take care of your family fortune and younger siblings. You had heard his little siblings attended school with some of the younger generation but hadn’t seen him until recently. He came upon you crying over Richard in a coffee shop in Brooklyn, hiding your shame from the Upper East Siders. He comforted you, and it was as though no time had passed. His hit song is now the ringtone on your phone. Be sure to try and avoid him at the party; you mustn’t let Francis know of your indiscretions. Jo Chase is a documentary filmmaker Irene has allowed into the party. Filming the event is terribly gauche so make sure you avoid her, but always be poised if you are on camera. Francine (Frank) Rose is your late cousin’s daughter from Florida. She appeared in New York a few weeks ago, having run away from your controlling cousin-in-law, Stephan Transiv. You offered her shelter
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and promised to hide her from him. You are grateful she showed up when she did. She has been a huge comfort to Richard and will lend credence to your story that he was “on vacation in Florida” when you had him institutionalized. Be sure to introduce her around so she knows all the right people. Jesse Corrington runs some gossip rag. Be careful around him. He comes from a good family, but one wrong word will have you splashed all over his website. Isaac Corrington, Jesse’s grandfather, is a recently retired U.S. senator and head of the prestigious Corrington family in New York. They are well known for their political power, and he rules them with an iron fist. He has uncanny business and political sense and is a delightfully subtle schemer. If you have an opportunity to get back at Jonathon for leading you astray, Isaac would be a good ally. Chester Fisk, brother of Jonathon and Francis, is a debaucherous playboy whose escapades have reached even your ears. When Francis announces your engagement you hope you can influence his wild ways. Jonathon Fisk runs Fisk Enterprises in Australia. You took his advice on an investment that turned out to be a Ponzi scheme, and you lost half of your fortune. You have not found a way to pay him back for this ruinous suggestion. Be sure to be completely polite and claim you recouped all your losses. Francis Fisk is the epitome of the Upper East Side elite. Even though he came from a poor family, he has been very, very successful and is also cultured and mannerly. You and he began dating several months ago, and things were going very well. He took you to all the best restaurants and shows, and you had rarely felt so pampered. He proposed to you romantically and is throwing this party so he can announce the news. However, you are not sure if you love him because your feelings for Grayson are so complicated. Mercy Neist comes from a well-known family and was friends with Irene and Ashley in school. Unfortunately, she had some complications with the law in her youth and has only recently returned. Be sure to welcome her back to New York and ask how her travels were. Zachary Wellington is a successful real estate investor from Chicago. He used to live in New York and you dated him after college. However, he left the city and was briefly married in Chicago. His wife died in a building fire, and he was left with his daughter Candice. Francis recently bought his company in a ruthless takeover. You think he keeps him on his board just so he can keep an eye on him. Candice Wellington is a sweet young girl who is new to New York and high society. Be sure to introduce her to your sister and her friends so she can start making inroads with the right people. Davana Gudriov is Ashley’s housemaid and has come to help with the party. Alexei Siranov is the doorman to Francis’s building. Taylor Walker is your sister’s head caterer and is in charge of the help. Jamie Lavigne is one of your sister’s caterers. Sydney O’Connor is one of your sister’s caterers. Callaway Lee is your sister’s bartenders.
Rose den Waldern
Act Two
Queen
Francis Fisk is dead! If you and the other guests cannot figure out who the killer is before the power comes back on then you will all be taken in to the police and embroiled in a great scandal. It could ruin your reputation, and you can’t have that. During Act Two your primary objective is to piece together what happened to Fisk while keeping as many of your own secrets as quiet as you can. You know that you are not the killer, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you have nothing to worry about; if evidence seems to indicate that you committed the crime, the other guests may decide to turn you in to protect themselves! Make certain that you do everything possible to prove your innocence.
Special Knowledge and Instructions for Act Two: •
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Your fiancé is dead! Well, it might be terribly gauche, but you didn’t really love him and now you can be with Grayson. However, revealing it now would only add to the scandal of the murder (and might lead others to suspect that you committed the crime), so be sure to keep it under wraps. You don’t want ANYONE to find out about Richard’s time at St. Albert’s, so be sure to keep an eye on him. This is the perfect opportunity to get back at Jonathon Fisk for involving you in a Ponzi scheme. Any dirt you can dig up on him to undermine him and get back the money he stole from you would be a grand coup. You are still the queen. Be sure to be a cool head in this situation and control the crowd. This is such a potentially huge scandal you need to control how it breaks.
Ashley LeBois
Act One
Editor
Who You Are You are Ashley LeBois, member of a prestigious family, editor of a famous design magazine, and sister to the owner of a fabulous design company. Your life is the envy of all the Upper East Side socialites, and you bask in your perfection. However, you have a dark secret: you have been seeing Chester Fisk on the sly. You ran into him at a nightclub opening, and for just one moment you let your pristine mask slip and gave in to a bit of indulgence. That bit became a bite, which became a slice, and sooner than you knew you had bitten off more than you could chew. You discovered that Chester’s whole playboy attitude is a front for a shrewd but caring young man. You are terrified that you are falling in love with him. You have been best friends with Irene den Waldern since grade school and have always felt as though you were in her shadow. You fought, clawed, backstabbed, and schemed your way to be queen of your prep school and the Manhattan socialites, but everything has always just fallen into Irene’s lap freely and without effort. You stalked the previous editor of Runway relentlessly until she hired you, and then you applied your sharp social skills to climbing the business ladder, which you did with poise, keeping your poison tongue discreet but just as sharp. Runway caters to the socially elite and you only publish fashion and cutting edge design. You would never use your prestigious pages for tawdry gossip. Plus it could be linked to you.
Getting Into Character As the editor of a fashion magazine you wear only the latest fashions, so cutting edge you might be falling of the fashion cliff. Be sure to wear something innovative you can flaunt over the other girls and hint that you might be able to get them one for a favor. If anyone acts up it is your duty as up-and-coming queen bee to remind them you are in charge. You are fiercely loyal to your friends and will defend them in the most conniving ways possible.
Gossip and Objectives for Ashley LeBois Mingling With Other Guests You’ll find it beneficial to know as much as you can about the other guests as the game goes on. There are a lot of secrets out there, so use the mingling period to discover as many as you can. Even more importantly, make sure your own secrets stay hidden. Introduce yourselves to the other guests, ask about their backgrounds, give your own background (the best possible version, of course), and share gossip about the other attendees. Find out the story behind everyone’s story! •
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Irene den Waldern may not be queen, but she is the darling of the New York elite. She is poised without trying, perfect without striving, and everything always goes well for her. You have been her best friend since you both got Manolos, but you have always been in her shadow. While she may be hosting this party you are still the queen on your turf; make sure she knows it if anything goes wrong. Richard den Waldern is the youngest of the wealthy den Walderns and the most naive. He has always been a nice boy but tends to give a lot to charity. You heard he went away to Florida recently. Irene was very concerned so you suspect something is afoot. Do your best to find out what. Rose den Waldern is good friends with your sister Helen and is the queen of the older socialites. While you admire her sharp wit and ruthless skill, she is a little old fashioned for your taste. She thinks the Socialite is a crass rag and does not see all of its potential to control the socialites. You know she is utterly ruthless and will do anything to achieve her ends, even against her own family. Helen LeBois is your older sister and a fabulous designer. You have featured her many times in your magazine. You are fiercely devoted to her and brook no upstarts to her position amongst the socialites, like that conniving Gwen Kreig. You have always participated in her show at Fashion Week, and it is one of your most treasured childhood memories. Sam Lily is an up-and-coming lawyer in New York. You actually featured him in your magazine in a spot on “Most-Eligible Bachelors.” He’s well groomed and polite, but too folksy for your taste. He grew up on a farm somewhere in the Midwest, went to school at Harvard, and then established himself in New York. Still, he is very handsome. See if you can introduce him to some of the young ladies. It would be nice to do a continuation piece on “New York Marriages.” David Kreig is a thorn in your side. You vaguely recall seeing him when you were in prep school, but he wasn’t a member of the social elite so he mostly passed beneath your notice. And then he published that book, Looking In. All of the Upper East Side bought it to see if they were in it, and you suspect you were. There is a character in there named Clair, a manipulative, weaseling anti-heroine who ends up sleeping with the protagonist, a young man of the lower class trying to move up the social chain. As if you would EVER slum it in Brooklyn! Find out if that character is you, and if she is, find some way to make him pay for using you and your story to bribe his way into the Manhattan social scene. Gwen Kreig is worse than her brother. In prep school you saw potential in this shy girl from Brooklyn and took her under your wing, teaching her where to shop, who to be seen with, and how to act. She is an extremely talented designer and interned with your sister. Helen was so smitten by her talent that she began to rely heavily on her, and you and your opinions fell to the wayside. To make your sister pay you switched one of her dresses with one of Gwen’s designs. This ended up launching Gwen’s career but ruined her standing in good society. Do NOT admit to this. Gwen is an upstart and you are queen. You refuse to wear her beautiful designs out of sheer stubbornness and take every opportunity to jibe that Runway will NEVER display her designs since yours is the only opinion that matters in the New York fashion world. Grayson Kreig had a hit song a million years ago. How on earth did he get into this party?
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Jo Chase is a filmmaker or something. Irene is apparently letting her film the party for a documentary on the New York elite. Be sure to put your best foot forward when you’re on camera. But, if something should slip, make sure that camera does not leave the penthouse. Francine (Frank) Rose is Irene’s cousin from Florida. She supposedly spent a lot of time with Richard, so be sure to grill her about their time. She’s new to New York. Take her under your wing and teach her what it means to be one of the players in your court. She should know your rules before she breaks any. Jesse Corrington is an old flame of yours. You were passionately in love in prep school but then he left you for Irene. He owns and operates The Socialite, a web magazine full of the gossip and lies of the Upper East Side. You wield his site like a weapon amongst the socialites and have posted anonymously to it hundreds of time, using it as an engine of destruction against any who challenge your position. Isaac Corrington, Jesse’s grandfather, is a retired U.S. senator and one of the highest ranked of the old New York elite. Be sure to be very respectful and poised around him. One word from him could threaten even your throne. Chester Fisk (Jonathon and Francis’s brother) is a no-good, manipulative playboy, and you are falling hopelessly in love with him. His mind is just like yours—always on the move, always ten steps ahead of the game, which he plays flawlessly. He’s like your other half. Of course, his reputation is utterly incompatible with yours, so be sure not to let anything slip. Maintain appearances, but find time to slip away with him if you can. Jonathon Fisk runs Fisk Enterprises in Australia. You have heard that his past was much like Chester’s and that Francis sent him to Australia to get him out of the States. Francis Fisk is a well-groomed and powerful member of the New York social elite. Fisk Enterprises owns some of the largest and most well known high rises in New York, and practically everything he touches turns to gold. He also wants to make an announcement at midnight. Try to find out what it is. You hate surprises. Mercy Neist used to be your and Irene’s best friend. She was always the bad girl, and partying with her always brought out Irene’s wilder side. The stories she could tell would drive you to social oblivion. She had to leave the States due to drug charges and has recently returned. Keep an eye on her. She is a mischief maker on par with you. If she gets too out of hand, see if you can’t have the police reopen her case. Nothing says queen like banishing a competitor. Zachary Wellington is a Fisk Enterprises board member from Chicago. Something about him rubs you wrong, you just can’t put your finger on it. Be sure to find out as much about him as possible. Candice Wellington is Zachary’s daughter and new on the New York scene. Be sure to take her under your wing. Davana Gudriov is your housekeeper and has been a factor in your life ever since you were a child. She always plays a part in your schemes and frequently covers for you. You often ask her for advice, and she gives it freely, often with anecdotes from “the Old Country.” She practically raised you, and you love her like family, although you will always think of her as “help.” Alexei Siranov has been the doorman to Fisk’s building for years, and you have frequently seen him with tough-looking men. You suspect he has Russian mob ties, although you do not have any proof: he has always been very discreet. Taylor Walker is Irene’s head caterer. The upper class often ignores the help, but you know they hear more than they should. Be careful around them, and be sure to grill them if you think they’ve overheard something. Jamie Lavigne is one of Irene’s caterers. The upper class often ignores the help, but you know they hear more than they should. Be careful around them, and be sure to grill them if you think they overheard anything. Sydney O’Connor is one of Irene’s caterers. The upper class often ignores the help, but you know they hear more than they should. Be careful around them, and be sure to grill them if you think they overheard anything.
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Callaway Lee is Irene’s bartender. The upper class often ignores the help, but you know they hear more than they should. Be careful around them, and be sure to grill them if you think they overheard anything.
Ashley LeBois
Act Two
Editor
Francis Fisk is dead! If you and the other guests cannot figure out who the killer is before the power comes back on then you will all be taken in to the police and embroiled in a great scandal. It could ruin your reputation, and you can’t have that. During Act Two your primary objective is to piece together what happened to Fisk while keeping as many of your own secrets as quiet as you can. You know that you are not the killer, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you have nothing to worry about; if evidence seems to indicate that you committed the crime, the other guests may decide to turn you in to protect themselves! Make certain that you do everything possible to prove your innocence.
Special Knowledge and Instructions for Act Two: •
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You cannot BELIEVE this all happened! This is the scandal of the century, and you’re at ground zero. Be sure to enlist Davana to aid you in gathering information and controlling its flow. Do not let Gwen Kreig ruin your relationship with your sister with her vicious rumors. What you did was petty, and you know it now. If anyone tries to hurt the den Walderns, be sure to take them down quickly and publicly. No one can take a swing at Irene’s family but you. You are an expert with cell phones. If one needs to be unlocked, step up. You know how to open them like no one else.
Helen LeBois
Act One
Designer
Who You Are You are Helen LeBois, a self-made businesswoman who creates and produces her own fashion line. You have stores in New York, London, and Paris, and you earn every cent you make. You are longtime friends with Rose den Waldern and have stood by her side through her many marriages and subsequent divorces. Although you came from a wealthy and well-known family, you take pride that you are wealthy on your own, and you do your best not to disturb the family money, which is growing well in many investments. You are always looking for new stable investment opportunities. Your fashion line is very popular amongst the social elite, which is good since only they can afford it. Your little sister Ashley is following in your footsteps. Although she never had the eye for design, she has exquisite instinctive fashion sense, which has served her well. You recently became involved with Sam Lily, a wealthy celebrity lawyer who was defending a client you were dressing for an awards show. Despite your wildly different backgrounds the two of you hit it off. Your schedules made seeing each other difficult, but Sam just proposed to you in your favorite restaurant, saying he couldn’t spend another moment without you. Surprised, you said yes but haven’t told anyone else. You are hoping for a quiet wedding when the social season is over.
Getting Into Character As a fashion designer wear something avant-garde and unusual yet tasteful that you can say you designed yourself. You have a critical eye for style and are free with your comments—always polite, but biting none the less. After all, you are a designer.
Gossip and Objectives for Helen LeBois Mingling With Other Guests You’ll find it beneficial to know as much as you can about the other guests as the game goes on. There are a lot of secrets out there, so use the mingling period to discover as many as you can. Even more importantly, make sure your own secrets stay hidden. Introduce yourselves to the other guests, ask about their backgrounds, give your own background (the best possible version, of course), and share gossip about the other attendees. Find out the story behind everyone’s story! •
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Irene den Waldern was a notorious party girl in her youth, and you would listen to Ashley complain about her for hours on end. However, she seems to have put that behind her and is leveraging her status as a socialite for the success of her PR firm. Richard den Waldern was recently on vacation in Florida, although from what you don’t know since he’s never worked a day in his life. He was always a bit delicate. Rose van Waldern is the queen of the older socialites and your long-time friend. She confided to you that Francis Fisk has proposed to her. He is an excellent match for her. Ashley LeBois is your younger sister and the queen of the younger generation. She has exquisite fashion tastes but is prone to elaborate schemes and cruel manipulations. Be sure she behaves herself. This is Francis and Rose’s party, not hers. Sam Lily is a wonderful, charming lawyer who was originally from Ohio but worked his way up to New York’s elite. You find his occasional folksy lapses to be endearing, and above all, he makes you laugh. Try to be discreet around him, but it is hard to contain your happiness. David Kreig is a recently published author. He wrote some little book about the Upper East Side that earned him a lot of fame. But he’s from Brooklyn. You can’t believe someone from Brooklyn made the list. Gwen Kreig is a backstabbing, two-faced little snit who used your hard-earned fame to launch her own career. If there’s anything you can’t stand it’s people using you to get ahead. She once sent out one of her dresses at your Fashion Week runway show after you graciously allowed her to intern for you. She has since become hideously popular, even if her work is less refined than your own. Be polite and aloof. Don’t let that little bitch get to you: you’re too good for her. Grayson Kreig, David and Gwen’s older brother, was a rock star a million years ago. You know Rose was a major groupie of his in her wilder days, but she came to her senses and returned to New York. You can’t imagine why he’s here. Jo Chase is some minor documentary filmmaker. Be careful to be poised on camera, but avoid her if possible. Francine Rose is Richard’s cousin from Florida. Rose said she was hiding her here from a controlling father. That story seemed odd to you. You don’t want Rose to be hurt so be sure to investigate. Jesse Corrington dated Ashley all through prep school, but that ended a while ago. He currently runs some gauche rumor rag online. You think it’s a pity. He comes from too good a family to be chasing gossip. Isaac Corrington, Jesse’s grandfather, was a U.S. senator but recently retired. He is royalty amongst the New York elite and has excellent taste and business sense. Chester Fisk (brother of Jonathon and Francis) is a sad excuse for New York nobility and wastes all his time in his hotel with hookers and drugs when he’s not throwing wild parties. Jonathon Fisk runs Fisk Enterprises in Australia. You knew him when he was a young playboy, but he seems to have grown up. Be sure to ask him about any investment opportunities in the outback. There might be some untapped riches you don’t know about.
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Francis Fisk is the perfect gentleman. You are delighted that he is marrying Rose and think they will make a wonderful couple. He is an excellent businessman and has guided his company well. He might also be a good source of investment suggestions. Mercy Neist used to be Ashley and Irene’s best friend, but she had to leave for Europe and has only just returned. Be sure to ask her about the European fashion scene since you’re always looking for new venues. Zachary Wellington is a board member of Fisk Enterprises from Chicago. You heard rumors about a fire in one of his buildings that killed his wife many years ago. Fisk bought him out in a merger, but Zachary doesn’t seem to be very happy in his current position. Candice Wellington is Zachary’s daughter. He appears to be grooming her to take over his company. Davana Gudriov has been Ashley’s maid and housekeeper since Ashley was a child. You moved out but Davana has stayed with Ashley. The two are thick as thieves, and Davana is always involved in Ashley’s schemes. But, the old bag is a tough nut to crack and rarely gives up information. Alexei Siranov is the doorman to Fisk’s building. Taylor Walker is the head caterer for Irene. Jamie Lavigne is a caterer for Irene. Sydney O’Connor is a caterer for Irene. Callaway Lee is a bartender for Irene.
Helen LeBois
Act Two
Designer
Francis Fisk is dead! If you and the other guests cannot figure out who the killer is before the power comes back on then you will all be taken in to the police and embroiled in a great scandal. It could ruin your reputation, and you can’t have that. During Act Two your primary objective is to piece together what happened to Fisk while keeping as many of your own secrets as quiet as you can. You know that you are not the killer, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you have nothing to worry about; if evidence seems to indicate that you committed the crime, the other guests may decide to turn you in to protect themselves! Make certain that you do everything possible to prove your innocence.
Special Knowledge and Instructions for Act Two: •
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Console Rose. This must be just awful for her. Be sure to defend the den Walderns at all opportunities. They had nothing to do with this awful tragedy. Keep Grayson Kreig away from Rose. This is NOT the time for him to be talking to her about the ancient past. Jonathon Fisk will now be inheriting Fisk Enterprises. Find out everything you can about him to see if now is a good time to begin an investment for your company to take it public. Something good might as well come out of this horrible scandal. Be sure to listen to anything Sam says. After all he is a lawyer, and he gives good advice.
Sam Lily
Act One
Lawyer
Who You Are You are Sam Lily, a successful celebrity lawyer. You were born on a farm near Piqua, Ohio. You worked hard in school and got a scholarship to Harvard Law. All your hard work and sweat paid off when you joined your first law firm. You quickly realized most of the money in New York law was wrapped up in the socialites. So you started gathering a client list of the wealthy and famous, honing your social skills and learning Jimmy Choo from Manolo. You just established your own firm with an impressive client list that successfully elevated you to the wealth and status of the New York elite. You did not rise so far and so fast by being nice, however. The upper levels of New York are run on secrets, and you’ve worked hard to learn them all. You met Helen LeBois and fell in love with her. Your two very busy schedules made dating difficult, and you, not one to beat around the bush, you decided to risk it all and propose. She said yes, and you couldn’t be happier. If only those football jocks could see you now. You realize all of these people are hypocrites and hiding secrets, and since you’re a lawyer you are playing nice, for now. But don’t be afraid to break your folksy charm and show your sharklike grin if necessary.
Getting Into Character You are well tailored with a touch of home, be it a bola tie or leather vest under your suit. You have lost your accent but still use a few Midwestern idioms like “Well, I’ll just sit here a spell” or “He’s committed more crimes than a raccoon in a White Castle.” You know your “country” ways mean people underestimate you, and you use that to your advantage to put them off their guard.
Gossip and Objectives for Sam Lily Mingling With Other Guests You’ll find it beneficial to know as much as you can about the other guests as the game goes on. There are a lot of secrets out there, so use the mingling period to discover as many as you can. Even more importantly, make sure your own secrets stay hidden. Introduce yourselves to the other guests, ask about their backgrounds, give your own background (the best possible version, of course), and share gossip about the other attendees. Find out the story behind everyone’s story! •
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Irene den Waldern is the hostess, and your research shows that she was splashed across Page Six and the gossip columns most of her teenage life. She also had many misdemeanor records for public intoxication and indecency. She recently has made a change for the better and is an executive in a PR firm where she leverages her socialite status to the benefit of her clients. Richard den Waldern was recently admitted to St. Albert’s on suicide watch by his sister Rose den Waldern. He was just released. Rose den Waldern had several minor drug charges when she was younger but cleaned up her act when her parents died. Someone has been looking into her family and their past recently, but your firm’s detectives are unsure who. Ashley LeBois has a sterling record. She is the editor-in-chief of Runway, a high-grossing fashion magazine. She is the queen of the younger socialites, which means she is ruthless. Be sure to stay on her good side since you are marrying her sister. Helen LeBois is simply lovely. It’s not that she’s the most beautiful woman you’ve ever met, just that she is the most striking. She wants a quiet wedding, and you are fine with that. You find all the secrecy amusing. David Kreig recently published a book based on the social elite. You confirmed that the character Clair is Ashley, Serella is Irene, James is Jesse, Chester is Charles, and he, of course, is the protagonist. Nothing in the book is libelous because the names were changed, and you did confirm that many of the events in it are relatively true. Ironically, many rumors on the Upper East Side require no embellishment to be shocking. Gwen Kreig is a young and popular fashion designer whose clothes are very, very trendy right now. According to photos from Fashion Week a few years ago one of the models wore one of Gwen’s designs on Helen’s runway. Although Gwen denied the allegations, she still used the buzz to launch her own career. Grayson Kreig, David and Gwen’s older brother, had one minor rock hit years ago. He also has several old charges for possession of narcotics that he served some time for before his band’s lawyer had him acquitted. Jo Chase is a documentary filmmaker of some note amongst the publicly funded television stations. There is a record of someone named Francine Rose in the den Waldern family tree, but according to your researchers all of her credit cards are currently being used in Florida. Jesse Corrington runs a gossip website called The Socialite. It has been sued multiple times for libel and defamation of character but has successfully defended itself so far due to the anonymous nature of its posts and its requirement of photographic proof to all its allegations. Isaac Corrington (Jesse’s grandfather) is a retired U.S. senator who has a sealed file with both the New York police department and the military. Chester Fisk, brother of Jonathon and Francis, has a rap sheet from his teenage years longer than both your arms, mostly minor charges: solicitation, narcotics, disturbing the peace, drunk driving, etc. His lawyers always managed to get the charges dropped or reduced so he could pay a fine. Undoubtedly his fines have paid many NYPD officers’ salaries over the years. However, he does not have any infractions in the past
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few years. Recently his name is on the papers of several clubs and restaurants that have changed hands. Jonathon Fisk was convicted of narcotics charges and rape several years ago before leaving for Australia. While there he was charged with business fraud for several Ponzi schemes, but the trial is ongoing. He is also paying several large settlements for alleged rape and has one illegitimate child for whom he pays child support. You have no idea how he managed to leave the country or why he was able to return. Be sure to keep Helen away from him. Francis Fisk has a clean record as far as you could find. He was divorced in his youth and lost a great deal of his fortune in a quiet settlement. Mercy Neist was convicted of possession with intent to distribute narcotics a few years ago, but she fled to Europe. Those charges were recently dropped by the NYPD. Zachary Wellington was suspected of arson in his wife’s death but was acquitted. He recently lost his own company in a hostile takeover by Fisk. All of this sounds fishy and makes your lawyer’s instincts tingle. There’s just something about him . . . Candice Wellington has no criminal history and is an exemplary student who just graduated with honors from Yale. Davana Gudriov is a Russian immigrant who moved to New York before Ashley was born. She has strong ties to her family back home and communicates with them regularly. Alexei Siranov has a long rap sheet from Russia with charges ranging from armed assault and theft to business fraud. However, he has kept his nose clean here in America and has been working at this building for several years. He just filed marriage papers with the state. Taylor Walker, the head caterer, has a few parking tickets. Jamie Lavigne is a caterer with no record. Sydney O’Connor is a caterer with no record. Callaway Lee is a bartender with no record.
Sam Lily
Act Two
Lawyer
Francis Fisk is dead! If you and the other guests cannot figure out who the killer is before the power comes back on then you will all be taken in to the police and embroiled in a great scandal. It could ruin your reputation, and you can’t have that. During Act Two your primary objective is to piece together what happened to Fisk while keeping as many of your own secrets as quiet as you can. You know that you are not the killer, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you have nothing to worry about; if evidence seems to indicate that you committed the crime, the other guests may decide to turn you in to protect themselves! Make certain that you do everything possible to prove your innocence.
Special Knowledge and Instructions for Act Two: • •
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Be sure to comfort Helen. You know she is close to Rose. You are a skilled investigator and putting together the clues and solving the mystery of this murder before the police arrive would prove your worth in the eyes of the social elite. You know how much they hate a scandal. Be sure to take point on all the evidence. You have a lot of knowledge on the guests at this party. It might not be the best move, but use this knowledge to assist with finding the real murderer as you sift through the clues.
David Kreig
Act One
Author
Who You Are You are David Kreig, author of Looking In, a biting satire on the life and lies of the Upper East Side socialites. You went to prep school with many of the younger socialites and were ignored by all of them since you came from Brooklyn and since your parents practically triple-mortgaged their home to afford your tuition. Everyone there knew you were poor, and they treated you like gum on their Prada shoes. You studied hard and got into Yale. There you entered the writing program, and your professors told you to write what you knew. So you did. Overnight you became famous and every single member of the New York snobbery had bought your book, wondering if they were in it. The main characters are loosely based on the younger socialites: Serella is Irene, Clair is Ashley, James is Jesse, and Charles is Chester. But there are plenty of other influences as well, and the characters are exaggerated to make them more satirical.
Getting Into Character You are new to the scene and do not yet own a nice suit. It’s the first time you can afford one not bought at the Salvation Army. You knew all these people in school, but no one ever noticed you. You turned your frustration into gold and now is the time to show them that a kid from Brooklyn can be just as successful as these oldmoney WASPs.
Gossip and Objectives for David Kreig Mingling With Other Guests You’ll find it beneficial to know as much as you can about the other guests as the game goes on. There are a lot of secrets out there, so use the mingling period to discover as many as you can. Even more importantly, make sure your own secrets stay hidden. Introduce yourselves to the other guests, ask about their backgrounds, give your own background (the best possible version, of course), and share gossip about the other attendees. Find out the story behind everyone’s story! •
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You have had a crush on Irene den Waldern ever since you first saw her. She was a major party girl back when you were in prep school and was inseparable from her two friends Mercy and Ashley. While Ashley was queen of the school, she was still second best to Irene, who was effortlessly popular. Richard is Irene’s kid brother. He was friends with Gwen when they were in school, but ever since Ashley framed her at Fashion Week they haven’t spoken. Rose den Waldern was never much a figure in your life, but you know she has been married several times and is very controlling of her siblings. Ashley LeBois is one of the most manipulative people you have ever met. She is constantly playing games with everyone around her, be they friend or foe. You managed to avoid most of the social wars in school thanks to being below her notice, but she once wrapped Gwen in one of her petty schemes and it nearly got Gwen sued. Gwen was able to spin it for the best, but it devastated her social standing, and all the socialites backed Ashley, refusing to believe the truth. Helen LeBois is a wealthy and influential fashion designer who once hired your sister as an intern. For whatever reason, Ashley switched one of Gwen’s dresses at Helen’s runway show and blamed it on Gwen, whom she said pulled the stunt because she wanted to launch her own brand. Helen blacklisted Gwen from the social elite in retaliation. Sam Lily is a celebrity lawyer your agent recommends—might be a good idea to ask him if he’s interested in representing you. Gwen Kreig is your baby sister. She was taken in by the glittering lifestyles of the girls at prep school and wanted to be like them. Ashley took her under her wing to train her but then threw her into one of her petty schemes without remorse. The backlash was devastating, and it was only through Grayson’s quick thinking that she was able to reshape the buzz into a career. Since then her fashion line of cutting-edge punk and high-class fashion has done shockingly well amongst the younger generation of rich and upwardly mobile. If she could just get featured in a magazine her career would really take off. Grayson Kreig is your brother, and he made his name as a rock star in his band Eagle’s Rose, for which he was the lead singer. He had a few hit songs, but then his career petered out. He currently works as an art seller at a local gallery in Brooklyn. Jo Chase is an old friend of yours from childhood. The two of you grew up on the same block and were best friends. When you went to prep school, she was home schooled. You went to Yale, and she became a documentary filmmaker. She’s done really well for herself and expressed interest in filming more of the varied degrees of New York life. Irene said it would be okay for her to attend the party with her camera. Watch out for her: she is not used to high society. Francine Rose is Irene’s cousin from Florida. Jesse Corrington was a lazy legacy when you were in school. Everything you worked your ass off for was just handed to him. He also got into Yale but flunked out because he never attended class. He bought a magazine a few years ago and turned it into a gossip website for the Upper East Side. You know Ashley has
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made alarming use of it, but fortunately you and your family have stayed off it. Try to keep it that way. Isaac Corrington, Jesse’s grandfather, used to be a U.S. senator. You vaguely remember seeing his name on a ballot. Chester Fisk, brother of Jonathon and Francis, is a lazy, self-obsessed playboy whose goal in life seems to be to inhale as many drugs as possible and bring everyone down the rabbit hole with him. In school he was always late and responsible for many crazy parties that ended in police raids—parties that you never got invited to. Jonathon Fisk is Francis’s brother from out of the country. Francis Fisk is a wealthy businessman. He earns the money, and Chester spends it. Mercy Neist was inseparable from Irene in school and was like a female version of Chester. Irene always ended up in the worst places when Mercy was around. Ashley may have her beat on scheming, but Mercy was always more ruthless. Zachary Wellington is from Chicago and is on the board of Fisk Enterprises. Candice Wellington is Zachary’s daughter and seems to be new to the New York social scene. Maybe you could make a friend before the other socialites corrupt her. Davana Gudriov is Ashley’s housekeeper, and you remember her showing up at school with items Ashley forgot. Alexei Siranov is the doorman to Fisk’s building. Taylor Walker is Irene’s head caterer. Jamie Lavigne is one of Irene’s caterers. Sydney O’Connor is one of Irene’s caterers. Callaway Lee is Irene’s bartender.
David Kreig
Act Two
Author
Francis Fisk is dead! If you and the other guests cannot figure out who the killer is before the power comes back on then you will all be taken in to the police and embroiled in a great scandal. It could ruin your reputation, and you can’t have that. During Act Two your primary objective is to piece together what happened to Fisk while keeping as many of your own secrets as quiet as you can. You know that you are not the killer, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you have nothing to worry about; if evidence seems to indicate that you committed the crime, the other guests may decide to turn you in to protect themselves! Make certain that you do everything possible to prove your innocence.
Special Knowledge and Instructions for Act Two: •
Well, even though this is a horrible tragedy, this could be a great concept for your next book. Be sure to gather all the information you possibly can. And be very discreet; after all, the social butterflies won’t like their dirty laundry being aired.
Gwen Kreig
Act One
Rising Star Who You Are You are Gwen Kreig, a very popular young designer whose meteoric rise has been noticed by many of the Upper East Side royalty. If they’re not wearing your clothes, then their children certainly are. You have two lines: one is very upper class punk, and the other is sleek and sophisticated. You are one of the youngest people in attendance here tonight, but you have accomplished more in your few years than most in a lifetime. You went to prep school with many of the young socialites and became enamored with the glamour of their lifestyle. You convinced Ashley LeBois to take you under her wing even though your parents are poor and from Brooklyn. She treated you like a slave, sending you to run errands and involving you in her schemes to punish people she felt had slighted her. You got an internship with her older sister and were introduced to an even more beautiful world—so much bigger than your little sewing machine. You worked tirelessly for her but started to feel that she was taking advantage of your talents. Then one day, for no reason, Ashley threw a fit at Helen’s Fashion Week show and switched one of the model’s dresses with one of yours. Your dress came down the runway to thunderous applause, and the resulting scandal removed you from social prominence with surgical precision. Grayson suggested you use the news buzz generated from the show to launch your own career, so you did. Investors took notice, and soon offers were pouring in. Within weeks you had a work space, cloth, and people to help you. Your clothing line has been in your own private store for three years now, and you’ve made enough money to pay back your investors and start making money of your own. What you really need now is some good publicity to launch you out of New York. You’d like to make your brand national.
Getting Into Character You wear all your own designs and are on the cutting edge of chic style. You wear lots of accessories to make your clothing look new and varied. You are very eager to make your mark in the fashion world and are unfailingly polite and polished. If anyone asks you about your internship, be tactful but tell the truth. After all, it was Ashley’s fault, not yours, that the scandal happened.
Gossip and Objectives for Gwen Kreig Mingling With Other Guests You’ll find it beneficial to know as much as you can about the other guests as the game goes on. There are a lot of secrets out there, so use the mingling period to discover as many as you can. Even more importantly, make sure your own secrets stay hidden. Introduce yourselves to the other guests, ask about their backgrounds, give your own background (the best possible version, of course), and share gossip about the other attendees. Find out the story behind everyone’s story! •
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Irene den Waldern attended prep school with you and was Ashley’s best friend, the only person she wouldn’t backstab. Irene is now in public relations, and if she could get some of her clients to wear your clothes it would really help your brand. Richard den Waldern used to be your friend in prep school but abandoned you after the incident at Fashion Week. Rose den Waldern is Irene’s snobby older sister, and you remember that she was very controlling. Ashley LeBois is a lying, manipulative, ice-hearted bitch who rules the young socialites like an evil fairy queen. She is constantly playing games and spreading innuendo about everyone around her, and she does it in a way that somehow elevates her status in their eyes. She was responsible for your downfall from polite society, and you are determined to claw your way back in. Any way you can finagle to get your clothing highlighted in her magazine would be a HUGE win. Helen LeBois is a talented fashion designer, although her style is a little too stuffy for you. She hasn’t spoken with you since she tried to sue you after Fashion Week. Sam Lily is a celebrity lawyer. David Kreig is your older brother, and he recently published a brilliant satire of the Upper East Side titled Looking In, which is about people at this party. Serella is Irene, Clair is Ashley, James is Jesse, and Charles is Chester. You think the book is wonderful and are very happy for his success. Grayson Kreig is your other older brother, and he used to be in a band called Eagle’s Rose that had a few minor hits many years ago. But now he works in an art gallery in Brooklyn. He’s been seeing someone lately. You know all the signs: humming to himself, checking his phone, strumming idle chords on his guitar. He’s fallen for someone, and he’s fallen hard. Jo Chase is your brother David’s best friend. They’ve known each other since they were toddlers. She’s recently become an acclaimed documentary filmmaker and wants to make a film about the upper crust of New York. Look out for her; she doesn’t know how vicious they can be. Francine Rose is new in town. You think she might be from Florida. Jesse Corrington went to prep school with you, and you had a huge crush on him. However, he was always hanging out with Ashley, and you haven’t spoken to him since the incident at Fashion Week. He won’t take your calls. If you could somehow engineer the downfall of Ashley via his gossip website that would be sweet justice. Isaac Corrington, Jesse’s grandfather, used to be a U.S. senator but has retired now. He’s a really big todo amongst the older members of high society. Chester Fisk was a lewd and deviant playboy in prep school and once tried to make out with you at a party. You ran away and never told anyone. You’ve heard he’s become even worse; avoid him if you can. Jonathon Fisk is Chester’s brother from Australia. Francis Fisk is the oldest of the Fisk brothers and runs the business all their money comes from. He’s fantastically rich and powerful. This is his party, and you are honored to have been invited.
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Mercy Neist was another one of Ashley’s friends in prep school and was the wild child of the bunch. You heard she had some sort of falling out and left for Europe and has only just returned. Feel her out carefully. If she and Ashley really had a falling out then she is perfect to help you gather dirt to hurt Ashley: Mercy was always the most ruthless of all the young socialites. Ashley may have been queen, but Mercy was her hit man. Zachary Wellington is a businessman from Chicago. Candice Wellington is Zachary’s daughter and is new to New York. Try to get her interested in your designs. Maybe she could convince her father to invest. Davana Gudriov practically raised Ashley and was always involved in her schemes. Don’t trust that old bat for a second. She’s always spying for Ashley. Alexei Siranov is the doorman to Fisk’s building. Taylor Walker is the head caterer. Jamie Lavigne is a caterer. Sydney O’Connor is a caterer. Callaway Lee is a bartender.
Gwen Kreig
Act Two
Rising Star Francis Fisk is dead! If you and the other guests cannot figure out who the killer is before the power comes back on then you will all be taken in to the police and embroiled in a great scandal. It could ruin your reputation, and you can’t have that. During Act Two your primary objective is to piece together what happened to Fisk while keeping as many of your own secrets as quiet as you can. You know that you are not the killer, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you have nothing to worry about; if evidence seems to indicate that you committed the crime, the other guests may decide to turn you in to protect themselves! Make certain that you do everything possible to prove your innocence.
Special Knowledge and Instructions for Act Two: •
Thanks to Ashley you are a wiz with cell phones. If you find any you can access their secrets quickly.
Grayson Kreig
Act One
Rock Star
Who You Are You are Grayson Kreig. You were once a rock star and leader of a band called Eagle’s Rose that had a few hit songs several years ago. Those songs launched you into immediate stardom, and for a year or two you were the hottest act in the States, before the popularity of the songs faded. During that time your band had a few groupies, but none so beautiful and passionate as Rose den Waldern from New York. The two of you were madly in love, and spending time with her often made you late to shows. But then her parents died, and she had to leave to take care of her family. You finished touring and tried to find her but discovered she’d married. This devastated you, and you threw yourself into pursuing art, but you could never write another song. So you bought a tiny art gallery and leveraged what money you hadn’t squandered to make a living for yourself. You’d been doing well for yourself when you ran into Rose crying in a coffee shop. Her little brother had just tried to commit suicide, and she blamed herself. You comforted her, and before you knew it you had fallen in love again. You began seeing her and then found out last night that she is engaged to Francis Fisk. You bribed the doorman to let you in so you could persuade Rose to come away with you.
Getting Into Character You don’t fit into this world. You don’t own a thousand-dollar suit, but you try to dress the part anyway. You just need to get through the door and talk to Rose. You are very out of place in this world and feel uncomfortable around all these people.
Gossip and Objectives for Grayson Kreig Mingling With Other Guests You’ll find it beneficial to know as much as you can about the other guests as the game goes on. There are a lot of secrets out there, so use the mingling period to discover as many as you can. Even more importantly, make sure your own secrets stay hidden. Introduce yourselves to the other guests, ask about their backgrounds, give your own background (the best possible version, of course), and share gossip about the other attendees. Find out the story behind everyone’s story! •
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Irene den Waldern went to school with your little brother and sister. She was a bit crazy when she was younger but seems to have turned into quite the host. Try to convince her to let you stay and talk to her sister. Richard den Waldern used to be friends with your little sister Gwen. He might be a sympathetic ear if you can just explain what is going on. Rose den Waldern puts up a strong front, but she is really a vivacious, wild force of nature who loved you passionately once and now loves you again. She loves her family fiercely and defends them like a mama grizzly bear. You love this about her. You love everything about her. If you can just talk to her, surely she’ll see marrying Francis, while a more socially acceptable partnering, is the wrong move. Love is passionate; it does not conform to social mores. Ashley LeBois used to go to prep school with your sister and brother. She created a horrible scandal by switching one of Gwen’s dresses for one of Helen’s. Everyone blamed Gwen. Helen LeBois is a famous designer who used to be Rose’s friend. Gwen interned with her for a while, but she tried to sue Gwen after the scandal during Fashion Week. Sam Lily is a lawyer to the high muckety-mucks of New York society. David Kreig is your little brother and just published a bestselling book that is a satire on the denizens of the Upper East Side. He based it on kids from his prep school, but the book came out when you began your affair with Rose so you haven’t read it yet. Gwen Kreig is your little sister and is a truly talented fashion designer. Despite how her career began she has earned every cent she’s made and has sewn her fingers to nubs countless nights. She was burned by these manipulative and cruel people before; be sure to watch out for her. Jo Chase is David’s childhood friend. She recently became an acclaimed documentary filmmaker amongst the public television circuits. She’s making a film on the many levels of New York life, and you hope she gets the cold, hard truth about these people. Francine Rose is new in high society. Jesse Corrington went to school with David and Gwen. David says he was a lazy, entitled layabout who was grandfathered into everything he even half attempted. You’ve heard he now runs a magazine online. Isaac Corrington, Jesse’s grandfather, used to be a U.S. senator. You voted for his opponent; he seemed more honest. Chester Fisk, brother of Jonathon and Francis, went to school with your little sister and brother. Even you haven’t missed him splashed all over Page Six with one of his thinly veiled orgies. Jonathon Fisk is back from Australia. He was running Fisk Enterprises Down Under. Francis Fisk is annoyingly perfect Upper East Side royalty. He is self-made, owns his own company, and has excellent taste. Unfortunately, he proposed to Rose before you could. If you can’t convince her to come away with you maybe you can convince him to break it off. Mercy Neist used to go to school with your sister and brother.
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Zachary Wellington is a businessman from Chicago. Candice Wellington is Zachary’s daughter. Davana Gudriov is Ashley’s housekeeper. Alexei Siranov is the doorman to Fisk’s building. You gave him $100 to let you into the party. Taylor Walker is the head caterer. Jamie Lavigne is a caterer. Sydney O’Connor is a caterer. Callaway Lee is a bartender.
Grayson Kreig
Act Two
Rock Star
Francis Fisk is dead! If you and the other guests cannot figure out who the killer is before the power comes back on then you will all be taken in to the police and embroiled in a great scandal. It could ruin your reputation, and you can’t have that. During Act Two your primary objective is to piece together what happened to Fisk while keeping as many of your own secrets as quiet as you can. You know that you are not the killer, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you have nothing to worry about; if evidence seems to indicate that you committed the crime, the other guests may decide to turn you in to protect themselves! Make certain that you do everything possible to prove your innocence.
Special Knowledge and Instructions for Act Two: • •
Be sure to comfort Rose. The loss of Francis must be hard on her, even if he was competition. Be there for her as much as you can. If anyone questions you and your purpose here try to be discreet. Your business is your business.
Jo Chase
Act One
Filmmaker Who You Are You are Jo Chase, short for Joanna Chase, an up-and-coming documentary filmmaker. Most of your films have been made for public broadcasting stations and have focused on topics of local interest—for example, community gardens or local charity events. Recently, you have been working on a film about the people of New York, and you think filming a high-society gathering will be the perfect addition to the footage you have already captured. You have been friends with David, and secretly in love with him, for years. The two of you grew up on the same block and were best friends, but while he went to prep school, you were home schooled. You’ve never revealed your feelings to him because you’ve always been such good friends that you don’t want to lose him. He has always encouraged your filmmaking, and you hope if his book is ever optioned for a movie that you will be involved.
Getting Into Character You have never been to a high-society party, and you have a very retro style. Make sure to be fashionable but still be yourself. Carry your camera wherever you go, and be sure to film everything. You are very polite and intelligent. Maintain good manners, but don’t let these people walk all over you.
Gossip and Objectives for Jo Chase Mingling With Other Guests You’ll find it beneficial to know as much as you can about the other guests as the game goes on. There are a lot of secrets out there, so use the mingling period to discover as many as you can. Even more importantly, make sure your own secrets stay hidden. Introduce yourselves to the other guests, ask about their backgrounds, give your own background (the best possible version, of course), and share gossip about the other attendees. Find out the story behind everyone’s story! • •
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Irene den Waldern is the love of David’s life, and you know it. He used to write sappy short stories about her when they went to prep school together, although Irene never even knew he existed. Richard den Waldern is Irene’s younger brother and used to be best friends with Gwen until Ashley LeBois set Gwen up at her sister’s Fashion Week show. But these high-society people are fickle friends anyway. You think Gwen is better off without him. Rose den Waldern is Irene’s older sister and a bit of a control freak from what you hear. Ashley LeBois is a manipulative queen bee who, when they were in school together, devastated Gwen for some petty reason. Helen LeBois is a talented designer. Even you have stared at her clothes longingly while window shopping. Gwen interned for her while in school but was set up by Ashley to ruin her show at New York Fashion Week. Sam Lily is a lawyer. David Kreig is your best friend and the love of your life. But he has been obsessed with these high-society people ever since he went to prep school with them. You don’t understand it, but you are trying to. You read Looking In in an attempt to understand high society, maybe there are some of those characters at the party tonight, he did say it was based on real people he went to school with. Gwen Kreig, David’s younger sister, is a truly gifted fashion designer, and you have always loved her clothes. You’re very proud that she turned her fall from high-society graces into a brilliant career. Grayson Kreig, David’s older brother, is a talented musician who had a few hits many years ago, but he currently runs an art gallery in Brooklyn. Francine Rose is new, and you have never met her before. Jesse Corrington used to attend prep school with David and Gwen. David always said he was a lazy bastard who had everything handed to him. It’s weird that he is now running a gossip website. Isaac Corrington, Jesse’s grandfather, was a U.S. senator responsible for pushing a lot of laws that have led to fiscal mismanagement on Wall Street. You’ve done some digging for a documentary on economic decline, and his morals while in office were very questionable. Chester Fisk, brother of Jonathon and Francis, has been splashed all over Page Six for years. He owns a hotel responsible for half of the divorces in New York. Jonathon Fisk has recently returned from Australia, and something about him sets your nerves on edge. Francis Fisk is a wealthy businessman hosting this party in celebration of his twenty-fifth anniversary as the CEO of Fisk Enterprises. Mercy Neist was one of Ashley and Irene’s friends in prep school. David and Gwen have told you that she was the social hit man wielded by Ashley with devastating efficiency amongst the young socialites. Zachary Wellington is a businessman from Chicago and also sets your teeth on edge. You have no idea why. Candice Wellington is Zachary Wellington’s daughter and new to New York as far as you know. Davana Gudriov is Ashley’s housekeeper, and her accent places her as Russian, maybe from near
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Moscow? Alexei Siranov is the doorman to Fisk’s building. You recognize his stance as that of someone with military training. Taylor Walker is the head caterer. Jamie Lavigne is a caterer. Sydney O’Connor is a caterer. Callaway Lee is a bartender.
Jo Chase
Act Two
Filmmaker Francis Fisk is dead! If you and the other guests cannot figure out who the killer is before the power comes back on then you will all be taken in to the police and embroiled in a great scandal. It could ruin your reputation, and you can’t have that. During Act Two your primary objective is to piece together what happened to Fisk while keeping as many of your own secrets as quiet as you can. You know that you are not the killer, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you have nothing to worry about; if evidence seems to indicate that you committed the crime, the other guests may decide to turn you in to protect themselves! Make certain that you do everything possible to prove your innocence.
Special Knowledge and Instructions for Act Two: •
A murder? This is the perfect addition to your film. Get everything you can on camera. You were filming during the murder. You might have captured the act! During the scavenger hunt, tell the Hostess that you have footage the group should see.
Francine Rose
Act One
Debutante Who You Are
Your name is not Francine Rose, but Mary Telle. You are an actor from Florida. You befriended the REAL Francine Rose when she was acting on a local stage. She complained about her controlling father who wanted NOTHING to do with the socialite world of the Upper East Side his wife came from and was forcing his daughter away from it. You did your research and found out that Mr. Rose (Stephan Transiv) married Rose den Waldern’s cousin but that she died a few years ago in an accident. However, Francine had a trust fund set up for her by her mother that her father has never had access to. There are millions of dollars in that fund just sitting there. If you can convince these people you are who you say you are you can get access. You paid a guy an exorbitant amount of money to fake your ID and birth certificate, and then you hopped a train to New York. When you arrived you showed up on Rose den Waldern’s doorstep, only to discover that Richard had just tried to commit suicide and the family was in turmoil. Everything was perfect—they were so wrapped up in their drama that they spilled all their secrets to you, who acted as innocent as possible. Fortunately for you, no one expects you to know how to act since you are from Florida. Just smile and be polite. Your goal is to convince Rose to give you access to the family money by any means possible.
Getting Into Character You have a slight tan from living in Florida. The den Waldern’s gave you access to their closets so you have your pick of beautiful couture to wear. Be sure to gather as much information as possible so you can blackmail if necessary.
Gossip and Objectives for Francine Rose Mingling With Other Guests You’ll find it beneficial to know as much as you can about the other guests as the game goes on. There are a lot of secrets out there, so use the mingling period to discover as many as you can. Even more importantly, make sure your own secrets stay hidden. Introduce yourselves to the other guests, ask about their backgrounds, give your own background (the best possible version, of course), and share gossip about the other attendees. Find out the story behind everyone’s story! •
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Irene den Waldern is your “cousin” and has been nothing but kind to you. She’s taken you shopping and to all the best restaurants. You’ve done your best to be a good friend and get in her good graces so she can help you persuade Rose to give you access to the funds that were locked for you after your mother died. She used to be a bit of a party girl, and you even found some minor drug-related charges in your research. Richard den Waldern, younger brother of Irene and Rose, tried to commit suicide and has been sequestered in St. Albert’s until very recently. Rose cut him off from the family money because he had been donating too much to charity. You stayed by his bedside as much as possible and worked out a story about your time in Florida together. If you can keep his secret he might help persuade Rose to let you access “your” funds. Rose den Waldern controls the family money. She has been distraught over Richard’s suicide attempt and blames herself. Due to her emotional state she has not checked in on your background too much. You know she is seeing someone in Brooklyn because you followed her a few times, but you don’t know who he is. When you see Grayson you will recognize him as her Brooklyn affair. Ashley LeBois is Irene’s friend but you haven’t been formally introduced yet. She is editor-in-chief at Runway magazine. Be sure to ask her for New York fashion advice. Helen LeBois, Ashley’s older sister, is a famous designer whose clothes you have pined over. You are very excited to get to meet her in person. Sam Lily is a lawyer of some sort. David Kreig wrote a book called Looking In, which is based on people from the Upper East Side. You read it religiously as research material, and Irene will not stop complaining. You are pretty sure she is the character Serella. Gwen Kreig, David’s sister, is a rising star in the fashion world, and you have seen her designs online, although she hasn’t really been featured in magazines yet. Some of her punk clothes were affordable enough that you ordered some when in Florida. Grayson Kreig is Rose’s affair, but you don’t know anything else about him. Jo Chase is new on the Upper East Side. She’s filming for something. Jesse Corrington runs a web magazine called The Socialite, which reports gossip and rumors backed by photographic proof. You’ve read all its archives in preparation for coming to New York. You concluded that these people are all backstabbing, manipulative, and self-obsessed. If you can play the rumors right you might get out of here clean. Just be sure not to get your name splashed on his website or the REAL Francine Rose might notice. Isaac Corrington, Jesse’s grandfather, used to be a U.S. senator. You have read Chester Fisk’s name all over The Socialite and Page Six of the New York Post. He runs a hotel called the Castle that is well known for dangerous parties and ruining reputations. He is Jonathon and Francis’s brother.
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Jonathon Fisk is Francis’s brother from Australia. Francis Fisk is a wealthy businessman who built an empire in real estate from nothing. He recently proposed to Rose: you know because you found the ring. You wonder if he knows about her Brooklyn affair. Mercy Neist used to be Irene’s friend. She just returned from Europe. Zachary Wellington is a businessman much like Fisk but from Chicago. Candice Wellington is Zachary’s daughter. Davana Gudriov is Ashley’s housekeeper. Alexei Siranov is the doorman to Fisk’s building. Taylor Walker is the head caterer. Jamie Lavigne is a caterer. Sydney O’Connor is a caterer. Callaway Lee is a bartender.
Francine Rose
Act Two
Debutante
Francis Fisk is dead! If you and the other guests cannot figure out who the killer is before the power comes back on then you will all be taken in to the police and embroiled in a great scandal. It could ruin your reputation, and you can’t have that. During Act Two your primary objective is to piece together what happened to Fisk while keeping as many of your own secrets as quiet as you can. You know that you are not the killer, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you have nothing to worry about; if evidence seems to indicate that you committed the crime, the other guests may decide to turn you in to protect themselves! Make certain that you do everything possible to prove your innocence.
Special Knowledge and Instructions for Act Two: •
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This is the worst thing that could have happened to you. With everyone investigating the murder, all sorts of secrets are about to come out, and your cover is thin enough already. Sam Lily is a lawyer. Be careful and try to get him on your good side. Otherwise he might expose you.
Jesse Corrington
Act One
Journalist
Who You Are You are Jesse Corrington, the legacy of the powerful Corrington dynasty of New York City. Your whole life was planned out for you as soon as you were born. You would go to an expensive prep school, attend Harvard and major in something to help a political career, and then would work as an aide to one of your relatives before moving into public service yourself. All through prep school everything you wanted was just handed to you. You dated Ashley LeBois because she was from the right family. You skated through class staring out the window but still getting good grades because your grandfather donated obscene amounts of money to your school. Then you applied to a few extra colleges beside the Ivy Triumvirate on a whim. To your surprise, you got in. You bucked your grandfather’s insistence and your family’s expectations and left for the West Coast. There you studied journalism and social sciences. When you returned to New York you were a changed man. You decided that since you could never really leave the world of backstabbing socialites, that you would do your best to make them fear you. You took over the aging newspaper The Socialite and turned it into a web-based magazine that allowed anonymous posting. What makes you different from the other gossip sites is that you require photographic proof to all posts. Your site is wildly popular amongst the younger generation of socialites and has given you a mantle of power. No one wants to make you angry or double deal with you because you effectively hold the database of all their secrets. For the first time ever you are in control of your own life.
Getting Into Character You were born into the world as New York royalty, and you know it. You wear the finest clothes and always look as polished as possible. Carry around a tablet or smartphone so you can keep track of your site, and remind people that you are always watching. Be sure to send out mass texts if you catch anyone doing anything juicy.
Gossip and Objectives for Jesse Corrington Mingling With Other Guests You’ll find it beneficial to know as much as you can about the other guests as the game goes on. There are a lot of secrets out there, so use the mingling period to discover as many as you can. Even more importantly, make sure your own secrets stay hidden. Introduce yourselves to the other guests, ask about their backgrounds, give your own background (the best possible version, of course), and share gossip about the other attendees. Find out the story behind everyone’s story! •
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You went to prep school with Irene den Waldern, and she was always effortless in everything she did, even though she was a hard-core party girl. She had unnatural good luck, and everything always worked out in her favor. When you came back after college you discovered that she belonged to a PR firm, and you hoped she had grown up. You began seeing each other, and things were going very well until you really got The Socialite up and running, and then she felt you had become too distant and broke it off. You still find her beautiful and would like to date her again. Your site has surprisingly little gossip on her besides which parties she takes her clients to. Richard den Waldern was a quiet boy who never quite fit in while in prep school. Since then he’s grown into quite a philanthropist. He recently went to Florida to visit relatives and came back with his cousin, Francine Rose. However, your “Sighted” feature (which allows people to post where they’ve seen prominent socialites) did not track his leaving or return to the city. Odd, your little birds are normally very thorough in their documentation of the prominent den Waldern family. Rose den Waldern is the head of the den Waldern family and queen of the older socialites. Her heyday was before your site opened so you do not have much posted about her. She has been seen in some off locations, though. She was “Sighted” going into and out of St. Albert’s, a mental institution known for its discretion. She has also been seen getting out of her Town Car in Brooklyn. However, you have not posted these tidbits publicly yet since they by themselves are not scandalous. Maybe a little polite digging will glean the truth in this odd tale. Ashley LeBois is the queen of the younger socialites and used to be your girlfriend in prep school. She is obsessed with social standing and constantly plays games with the people around her to maintain strict control of the social hierarchy. She moved up from intern to editor with shocking speed inside Runway magazine. You are sure she used her natural scheming, bribery, and perhaps a few called-in favors to do it. However, her fashion taste is exquisite and the magazine sales have flourished under her guidance. You received an anonymous tip that she has been seen with Chester Fisk at his hotel. Before you post you need proof as to what she is planning. If it was just a party then it’s interesting but not scandalous. Helen LeBois, Ashley’s older sister, is a famous designer whose clothes have been featured multiple times in Runway. That sort of favoritism is why you despise New York socialites. Back in prep school one of the Fashion Week shows was ruined by her intern Gwen Kreig, who sent out one of her own designs. You knew Gwen and it didn’t sound like her. Plus there was no proof. Helen later tried to sue Gwen unsuccessfully. Sam Lily is a celebrity lawyer who came from Ohio and worked his way up to run his own law firm. From all accounts he is a good man for a lawyer and is so new to the upper echelons of New York society that no one knows much about him yet. David Kreig recently published a book called Looking In, which is about the life and lies of members of the Upper East Side. You found out he actually attended prep school with you, although you don’t remember him. He turned all of his observations into a biting satire you actually found to be rather accurate. You are pretty sure that you are the character James, a lazy legacy whose parents plan his every move. And you think it’s one hundred percent accurate to who you were back then. Be sure to congratulate him on his success and say you think he nailed you perfectly. Maybe he would like a side job writing a blog for The Socialite. His
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satirical style would certainly be a great addition to the site. Gwen Kreig, David’s younger sister, used to be one of Ashley’s minions at school. She did everything from fetch Ashley’s lunch to take out her dry cleaning. Ashley got Gwen a job interning for her sister Helen. But then, Ashley says, Gwen displayed her own designs at one of Helen’s Fashion Week shows and used the buzz to launch her own career. You don’t buy the story; it seems like one of Ashley’s machinations, but there is no proof. Since the incident Gwen has rocketed up in the fashion world. She just needs a little more publicity; maybe you can help her out. This manipulative world shouldn’t ruin someone with so much talent. Grayson Kreig, David & Gwen’s brother, used to be a rock star, you think. But it was so long ago, who cares? Jo Chase is a documentary filmmaker whose films are often sold to public television. She’s here filming the party. If anything interesting happens be sure to get a copy of the footage so you can upload it to your site. Francine Rose is the den Waldern’s cousin from Florida. She’s completely new to New York so be sure to be polite and helpful; she has no idea the snake’s nest she’s walking into. Isaac Corrington is your manipulative grandfather. He’s Upper East Side royalty and just as powerful socially as Rose. He believes that government is the best way for his family to gain social status so he forcefully encourages all of his descendants to pursue public office. You bucked against his well-laid plan for your life. You haven’t spoken much to him since. Whatever happens, don’t let him persuade you to do anything; everything he does is a scheme to put you in his power. Chester Fisk, brother of Jonathon and Francis, is responsible for most of the gossip on your site. The parties at his hotel are legendary for their promiscuity and “anything goes” policy. In prep school he was always a self-entitled ass, but he really seems to have taken a turn for the worse. Still, his name keeps people coming back to your site so be sure to gather what gossip you can. Jonathon Fisk just returned from Australia. Your posters caught his arrival on “Sighted” and report seeing him meet with Zachary Wellington on several occasions. Francis Fisk is the host of this party and a very successful businessman. He is normally too boring to end up on your site, but you got a tip a week ago that said he was looking at diamond rings. You would not release the information without knowing the identity of the bride, but you’d be willing to bet your penthouse he’ll be announcing the engagement at this party. Try to find out who it is and beat him to the punch. Mercy Neist was best friends with Ashley and Irene in prep school. She was responsible for many of Irene’s darker transgressions and was arrested with her on some minor narcotics possession charges. Every time, they got off with a slap on the wrist, but then Mercy was charged with intent to distribute and had to flee to Europe. She just returned so the charges must have been dropped. She is merciless and makes Ashley look like Ghandi when it comes to scheming. Keep an eye on her; the girl is a walking scandal waiting to happen. Zachary Wellington is a businessman from Chicago who flew into town for this party. He is a board member of Fisk Enterprises and has been meeting with Jonathon Fisk. Candice Wellington is Zachary’s daughter and new to New York. Be sure to welcome her and offer to show her around. Davana Gudriov practically raised Ashley, and Ashley kept her on as her housekeeper after she left her family’s home. Ashley always uses Davana in her little schemes and often treats the poor woman like a slave. Davana is fiercely loyal to Ashley, though. She’s difficult to crack. Alexei Siranov is the doorman for Fisk’s building and appears to have been hired to work security. Taylor Walker is the head caterer. Jess McIntire is a caterer with a criminal juvenile record. He robbed a gas station at knifepoint as a thirteen year old. You have promised to pay him $500 for any rumors he brings you. Also, if he lies to you, you will reveal his record and make sure he never works high society events again. Jamie Lavigne is a caterer. Sydney O’Connor is a caterer. Callaway Lee is a bartender.
Jesse Corrington
Act Two
Journalist
Francis Fisk is dead! If you and the other guests cannot figure out who the killer is before the power comes back on then you will all be taken in to the police and embroiled in a great scandal. It could ruin your reputation, and you can’t have that. During Act Two your primary objective is to piece together what happened to Fisk while keeping as many of your own secrets as quiet as you can. You know that you are not the killer, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you have nothing to worry about; if evidence seems to indicate that you committed the crime, the other guests may decide to turn you in to protect themselves! Make certain that you do everything possible to prove your innocence.
Special Knowledge and Instructions for Act Two: •
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Jess McIntire is a caterer with a criminal juvenile record. He robbed a gas station at knifepoint as a thirteen year old. You have promised to pay him $500 for any rumors he brings you. Also, if he lies to you, you will reveal his record and make sure he never works high society events again Be sure to be a comfort to Irene and her sister; this must be hard for them. It’s also an opportunity to see if Irene might be interested in dating you again. A scandal like this could give your site national exposure. Be sure to expose these people for the sociopathic social climbers they are. Jo Chase was filming at the time of murder; be sure to get that footage.
Isaac Corrington
Act One
Retired Senator Who You Are You are Isaac Corrington, a retired U.S. senator. You were raised to believe that it was your duty to do what was necessary to further the name of your family. Your father had a rich legacy he passed on to you, along with a vast fortune. Just as he did, you have ensured that your family remains one of the most powerful families in New York, if not the United States. Under your watchful eyes your sons and daughters grew up to be senators, governors, and very successful business owners, all adding to the family name and its prestige. You believe in keeping business within the family and not airing your dirty laundry in public. As such you have a powerful PR machine behind you and have bought and sold many of the New York socialites with large sums of money you treated like chump change. While in the Senate you backed the deregulation of business so that your family could grow and expand. And then one of your most promising grandchildren, Jesse, whom you thought would one day make an excellent senator, maybe even president, decided he wanted nothing to do with his family’s long and proud history. His rebellion infuriated you, and you cut him off from family money and then tried to manipulate him back into the fold. He dodged your every attempt, something which made you proud yet was also very vexing. When Jesse returned to New York after attending college on the West Coast (when he could have gone to Harvard!), he started some ridiculous gossip rag all the young people are obsessed with. This is no worthy endeavor for someone with your name. He should be running the city, not trading in petty secrets. Your goal at this party is to show him that he does not have true power and should come back to your vision of his future. Use whatever means necessary in your scheming.
Getting Into Character You are the oldest person at this party so run some aging powder through your hair to give yourself a dignified look. Maybe even a little age makeup. Be sure to dress very well. You are the richest person in attendance and like to remind people of that by wearing only the finest clothes.
Gossip and Objectives for Isaac Corrington Mingling With Other Guests You’ll find it beneficial to know as much as you can about the other guests as the game goes on. There are a lot of secrets out there, so use the mingling period to discover as many as you can. Even more importantly, make sure your own secrets stay hidden. Introduce yourselves to the other guests, ask about their backgrounds, give your own background (the best possible version, of course), and share gossip about the other attendees. Find out the story behind everyone’s story! •
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Irene den Waldern used to attend prep school with Jesse and was a bit of a wild child. However, she now works for a PR firm you have used for your family a few times and has proven a resourceful and inspired publicist. Jesse dated her for a while but they broke it off recently. Perhaps she would be willing to talk to him if you promised her business from some of your more prominent family members. Richard den Waldern is a philanthropist who mostly supports children’s charities. Rose den Waldern is the socialite queen of the Upper East Side. She is on countless charity boards and wields her power like a true dictator, an iron hand in a silken glove. While you think her scheming a bit below you—her machinations don’t hold a candle to the scheming required for success in politics—you still respect her as a businesswoman. Ashley LeBois used to date Jesse and was the perfect match for him. Unfortunately that fell apart. Since then she has proven very driven and risen high in the business world in just a few short years. She would still make a good match for him if you cannot bring Irene around to your side. Helen LeBois, Ashley’s older sister, is a popular designer and many of your family have attended state functions in her clothes. You heard through the grapevine that she might be engaged; be sure to congratulate her. Her last husband left her for his secretary—how terribly stereotypical. Sam Lily is a fast-rising lawyer specializing in celebrities and movie stars. A few of your family have used him to great success. David Kreig wrote some book that has made him famous. Gwen Kreig is a designer, you hope; it would explain that dress she’s wearing. Grayson Kreig might be a musician; it would explain his hair. Jo Chase must be a filmmaker due to her camera. How did she get in here? Francine Rose is a cousin of the den Walderns from Florida. She is new to New York. Jesse Corrington is your grandson and was a very promising young man until he decided to turn away from your plans for him. Since then he’s steeped himself in the low-life gossip of the socialites and published their rumors on the Internet. Make him see the error of his ways. Chester Fisk, brother of Jonathon and Francis, is a worthless excuse for a socialite, all money and no class. His hotel is responsible for many of the scandals you have had to squash in the past few years. If you can find an opportunity to shut him down take it; that boy is more trouble than he’s worth. Jonathon Fisk is Francis’s younger brother. Where Francis has excellent business sense, Jonathon is more likely to be involved in the seedier sides of business dealings. Year ago, he was accused of assaulting a young woman and of being a party to some business transactions that read more like con jobs, after which his brother sent him to run Fisk Enterprises in Australia. You believe he has continued his misdealings down under. What can Francis be thinking, bringing him back here? Francis Fisk is a self-made real estate kingpin. In twenty-five years he took himself from rags to riches and has established his firm as one of the most powerful and influential in the tri-state area. You greatly respect him for making a name for himself, and he has excellent taste for someone not born into high society.
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Mercy Neist used to attend prep school with Jesse but just recently returned from Europe. Zachary Wellington is a real estate mogul from Chicago, and his firm was recently bought out in a brutal acquisition by Fisk Enterprises. Fisk made him a board member to keep an eye on him. His only living family is his daughter; her mom died in a mysterious fire in one of his old buildings. Candice Wellington is Zachary Wellington’s daughter and new to New York. You’ve heard she just graduated from Yale. Davana Gudriov is Ashley’s housekeeper. Alexei Siranov is working security. Taylor Walker is head caterer. Jamie Lavigne is a caterer. Sydney O’Connor is a caterer. Callaway Lee is a bartender.
Isaac Corrington
Act Two
Retired Senator Francis Fisk is dead! If you and the other guests cannot figure out who the killer is before the power comes back on then you will all be taken in to the police and embroiled in a great scandal. It could ruin your reputation, and you can’t have that. During Act Two your primary objective is to piece together what happened to Fisk while keeping as many of your own secrets as quiet as you can. You know that you are not the killer, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you have nothing to worry about; if evidence seems to indicate that you committed the crime, the other guests may decide to turn you in to protect themselves! Make certain that you do everything possible to prove your innocence.
Special Knowledge and Instructions for Act Two: • •
This is an awful scandal and you need to do your best to contain it. You cannot have the Corrington name mixed up in this sordid business. You’ve acquired many interesting abilities in your past, one of which is safe cracking. Might come in useful, but don’t let anyone see you do it.
Chester Fisk
Act One
Playboy
Who You Are You are Chester Fisk, the self-proclaimed playboy debonair of the Upper East Side. Your brother Francis made his fortune when you were very young, and all your life everything you have ever wanted has been provided for you on a silver platter. As a teenager you indulged yourself to extremes, sampling everything your money could buy you—drugs, alcohol, women, gambling, wild parties, etc. However, you had an epiphany: as a playboy no one ever took you seriously. You decided to start building your own empire, separate from the shadow of your older brother. You started with the “Castle,” a run-down, dilapidated hotel you renovated and turned into the playhouse for the Upper East Side’s fantasies. You regularly throw parties where “anything goes” is an understatement. All the publicity has kept all your rooms booked, and you are quietly making a fortune. With that fortune you have been buying nightclubs and restaurants and donating to charities, all as discreetly and anonymously as possible so as not to soften your hard-earned reputation as a ne’er-do-well. You love the secrecy and romanticism of the 1920s to 40s, and many of your clubs have a speakeasy theme to add an air of mystique to them. All of them have been doing very well, and you are looking to expand into other cities. Chicago would be perfect, due to its mobster history. You recently seduced Ashley LeBois; it started as just another conquest but she has proven interesting and delightful. Enough so that you stopped your other entertainments. You’ve even been looking at engagement rings.
Getting Into Character Be sure to play up the indulgent playboy aspect as much as you possibly can. You wear well-tailored, old-fashioned suits, giving you somewhat the air of a mobster. Your favorite color is purple so be sure to wear it on your tie, shirt, or accessories. You love lush fabrics; feel free to go over the top in this regard.
Gossip and Objectives for Chester Fisk Mingling With Other Guests You’ll find it beneficial to know as much as you can about the other guests as the game goes on. There are a lot of secrets out there, so use the mingling period to discover as many as you can. Even more importantly, make sure your own secrets stay hidden. Introduce yourselves to the other guests, ask about their backgrounds, give your own background (the best possible version, of course), and share gossip about the other attendees. Find out the story behind everyone’s story! •
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Irene den Waldern used to be a party girl back in school, and she was a beautiful disaster. She had the uncanny ability to avoid trouble; things just always seemed to work out in her favor. Since then she has joined a PR firm, and your hotel has caused several scandals she has worked hard to dissipate. Be sure to offer your apologies for all the trouble you have cause her clients as sarcastically as possible. Richard den Waldern is a kind soul trapped in a cruel world. He has recommended several charities to you to donate to, often under the pretext of “redeeming” you. Unbeknownst to him you have often contributed to them generously. Rose den Waldern is a powerful socialite with a checkered past. You would have liked to have known her when she was younger, when she was a groupie for some forgotten rock band. Now she is a waspish control freak who runs her family like a well-greased wheel. Ashley LeBois is the manipulative queen of the Upper East Side socialites. She schemed and clawed her way to the top, and she’s earned her position. One night at one of your parties you saw her cut loose, and you were entranced by her. You seduced her and have been continuing this passionate affair ever since. She is terrified people will find out and that it will ruin her hard-won reputation. You are happy to indulge her, and yourself, for the time being. No need for her to see what a romantic you truly are; that can wait for when she comes around and your empire is in place. Helen LeBois is a stuck-up designer who thinks her clothes cover gods. You have always disliked her and her desire for perfection. It is the imperfections that make people beautiful, not the lack of them. But she is Ashley’s sister, and you want Ashley to be happy, so be sure to pull in your claws. Sam Lily is a rising star in the legal world, and your hotel has been investigated by his firm more than once when one of their clients was not as discreet as they should have been. You’re very experienced at this game and are always helpful, but you don’t reveal too much. He can talk to your lawyers. David Kreig recently published a book on the Upper East Side, and it is obvious to you that you are the playboy Charles. You don’t mind; all publicity is good publicity as far as you’re concerned. Gwen Kreig, David’s sister, is a popular fashion designer amongst the younger crowd, and many of your clients wear her clothes. You like her punky style, even though you prefer something a little more old fashioned. She used to be one of Ashley’s girls in prep school but then caused a scandal at one of Helen’s shows during Fashion Week. That sort of deviousness sounded more like Ashley to you, but you have no proof and don’t care either way. Grayson Kreig—Who? Jo Chase appears to be a filmmaker. Be sure to show off for her and see if you can’t push your indulgent reputation a bit further. You never know where her footage might show up. Francine Rose is Irene’s cousin from Florida and looks ripe for the picking. Be sure to invite her to your hotel so you can find out what her poison is. Jesse Corrington was a friend of yours in prep school. His family basically spelled out his life for him, but he rebelled and went off the school on the West Coast. You thought it was the right thing for him to do; he
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came back his own man instead of just another cookie-cutter Corrington. Also, his gossip website, The Socialite, is one of your best PR machines. You’re reasonably sure it’s responsible attracting the young crowd to your hotel and parties. Isaac Corrington is a retired senator and New York royalty. Be careful around him; he still wields considerable power, and many of his family have been caught in your hotel. Still, it’s not like they were there under duress. And you didn’t sell them the hookers and blow; you just provided the rooms. Jonathon Fisk is your older brother and a true scoundrel. When you were young he helped Francis run Fisk Enterprises, but the power went to his head. He became obsessed with and stalked and assaulted several women. He was accused of shady deals, and Francis sent him to Australia to get him away from the family. While Down Under he’s done alright for Fisk Enterprises, but you still hear he is continuing more of his bad business. Be careful around him; he may try to usurp your investments if he finds out about them. Francis Fisk is your older brother and made the fortune you abused so thoroughly when you were younger. More than anything you want to make him proud of you, and that is why you are trying to discreetly set up your own empire. You want to support him in his hour of triumph, and you have heard him talking about a woman he wants to marry. Francis has never been a very emotional man and tends to view life as a series of business transactions. Find out if he truly loves this woman or if this is just another deal to enhance his standing. Mercy Neist was best friends with Ashley and Irene in prep school. She was by far one of the wildest and most merciless people you have ever met. The girl was a walking scandal. She always knew where the parties and the drugs were. Ashley used to call her her “hitman” and would turn her loose on girls who disputed her reign at school. One night she went too far and was caught with a bunch of pills. Her parents got her out on bail, but you found out she was going to be arrested again on felony drug charges and warned her. She fled to Europe and remained there, partying just as hard as ever. She’s amassed a fortune by marrying and then divorcing rich Europeans. Recently the charges against her were dropped, and she’s returned. Be careful around her. She could be a great addition to your hotel staff if she’s mellowed a bit, but her schemes tended to be very malicious, which could damage your hotel. Zachary Wellington is a businessman much like Francis—but from Chicago. Francis was briefly married to a woman named Gayle Hartfort but got divorced. The woman broke his heart and then married Zachary. After she gave birth to Candice she died in a fire in one of Zachary’s buildings. Francis just recently acquired Zachary’s business in a hostile takeover he said was personal. Try to find out more about what happened. Candice Wellington is Zachary’s daughter, and he appears to be grooming her to take over his business interests. Davana Gudriov practically raised Ashley, and after Ahsley moved out on her own, she retained Davana as her housekeeper. Davana knows all of Ashley’s secrets and is always used in her schemes. However, the woman is as hard as Russian ice and fiercely loyal to Ashley, so she is unlikely to crack. Alexei Siranov is the doorman at Fisk's building. You have seen burly Russian men around him and suspect he may have some ties to the mob. Taylor Walker is a caterer Irene hires a lot. Taylor also moonlights at your club. Jamie Lavigne is a caterer. Taylor also moonlights at your club. Sydney O’Connor is a caterer. Taylor also moonlights at your club.
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Chester Fisk
Act Two
Playboy
Francis Fisk is dead! If you and the other guests cannot figure out who the killer is before the power comes back on then you will all be taken in to the police and embroiled in a great scandal. It could ruin your reputation, and you can’t have that. During Act Two your primary objective is to piece together what happened to Fisk while keeping as many of your own secrets as quiet as you can. You know that you are not the killer, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you have nothing to worry about; if evidence seems to indicate that you committed the crime, the other guests may decide to turn you in to protect themselves! Make certain that you do everything possible to prove your innocence.
Special Knowledge and Instructions for Act Two: •
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Someone murdered your brother. You suspect your other brother, Jonathon. He is an awful sneak and a dirty bastard, but you never thought he’d go this far. You know Francis was a control freak, and has files on you and the family in his safe. He kept several very talented private investigators on retainer. You know the code to crack the safe; be sure to check those files. Francis was never far from his cell phone; it was like an extension of his soul. Likely it has all his most recent actions recorded on it. Ashley is a natural at manipulating people. Be sure to put your heads together and come up with a plan to locate the murderer by any means necessary. Whoever did this needs to pay.
Jonathon Fisk
Act One
Outcast
Who You Are You are Jonathon Fisk, a disillusioned con artist masquerading as a businessman. Your brother Francis has always eclipsed you. In school he had the best grades and won every prize. He won the scholarships that sent him to Brown. He made a fortune before he was thirty—the list goes on and on. Fortunately for you, he was naive and put the money in a fund you could access and made you his partner. With all this money you could do whatever you wanted. Your misdealings started out small, but over the years you developed several Ponzi schemes to pad your own pockets. You’ve also always had a thing for beautiful women. However, whenever you get drunk it turns more malicious, and several of your little beauties have pressed charges. Francis found out about your doubledealings, banished you to Australia to run his company’s dealings there, and cut you off from all his personal money. You figure he considered that part of the company too small to make you any threat to him. You continued your ways, which led to a string of settled lawsuits from women you wronged and even one who bore your son. You paid her off, of course, so you could continue your life in what passes for Australian high society. You did your best to run the company there, but you have always been on the lookout for chumps. Recently you were approached by Rose den Waldern, who you knew from New York. You also knew she was fabulously rich. You took her for almost everything before she caught wind, and then you passed it off as a horrible miscalculation, knowing she wouldn’t want word of her foolish investment to get out and embarrass her family. Your brother just summoned you back to New York to celebrate the twenty-fifth year of his company and to announce his engagement to none other than Rose den Waldern. You were then approached by Zachary Wellington, the man who had married your sister-in-law, Gayle Hartfort, after she divorced Francis. Turns out Francis just ruined his business, and he was looking for revenge. You suggested destabilizing Francis’s control of Fisk Enterprises, but Zachary seems to have something more personal in mind. You are eager to help him in any way you can.
Getting Into Character You are suaveness and charm incarnate; everything you do is calculated to put people at their ease. You have a bit of a tan from the great Down Under and a slight Aussie accent you play up because it is disarming.
Gossip and Objectives for Jonathon Fisk Mingling With Other Guests You’ll find it beneficial to know as much as you can about the other guests as the game goes on. There are a lot of secrets out there, so use the mingling period to discover as many as you can. Even more importantly, make sure your own secrets stay hidden. Introduce yourselves to the other guests, ask about their backgrounds, give your own background (the best possible version, of course), and share gossip about the other attendees. Find out the story behind everyone’s story! • • •
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Irene den Waldern is a party planner Francis hired for tonight. She’s also Rose den Waldern’s little sister. Richard den Waldern is Rose’s little brother. Rose den Waldern is engaged to your brother Francis. She contacted you a while ago about investment opportunities in Fisk Enterprises, and you passed her on to a Ponzi scheme a friend of yours runs—in return you got half of her investment. You made a tidy profit, and he took her for a ton of money before she figured it out. You played innocent and apologized profusely for not knowing the investment (Internet for African countries—how dumb can she be?) was a fraud. You know she’ll keep quiet to avoid embarrassment. Be sure to apologize again and congratulate her on her engagement. Ashley LeBois is the editor of a popular fashion magazine, Runway. Helen LeBois, Ashley’s older sister, is a driven businesswoman who owns her own fashion line. You knew her when she was younger—before you were exiled. She was married to a hideous older man; you wonder what happened to him. Sam Lily is a lawyer who owns his own firm that caters to celebrities and those who can afford him. David Kreig is an author with a recent hit. Gwen Kreig is a stunning young lady who you should definitely get to know better. Grayson Kreig, David and Gwen’s older brother, was a rock star a million years ago but appears to have lost his popularity. Jo Chase looks like an aspiring filmmaker. Be sure to turn on the charm when you’re on camera. Francine Rose is Rose’s cousin. She doesn't look like she’s from New York; she’s much too tan. You can practically smell her falseness. Jesse Corrington runs a website that feeds the rumor mongering of the younger socialites. How cute. Isaac Corrington, Jesse’s grandfather, is a retired senator. He was once a big fish on the social scene of New York so be careful around him; he may not fall for your disarming charm. Chester Fisk is your pathetic excuse for a younger brother. He was an indulgent playboy in prep school when you left and according to Page Six has not improved. He’s probably more like you than Francis; he just hasn’t learned to hide it yet. Looks like he has a lot of growing up to do. Francis Fisk is your self-righteous older brother. When your indiscretions came to light, instead of supporting you he banished you to the other side of the world. You’d do anything to pay him back for that. Mercy Neist appears to be a New York socialite who graduated to eurotrash. Be sure to try and charm her; she looks like she knows how to have a good time. Zachary Wellington married your ex-sister-in-law, Gayle Hartfort, right after her messy divorce from Francis. She died in a fire at one of Zachary’s buildings a short time after giving birth to Candice. Zachary said that Francis suddenly decided to expand Fisk Enterprises to Chicago and took over his company roughly to do so. It sounds like Francis, but there is something missing; it seems a little too personal and a little too like what he did to you. Help Zachary as much as you can, but try to find out what he’s hiding. Candice Wellington is Zachary’s daughter and a recent graduate from Yale. She probably knows more
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about her father, so try and weasel your way into her good graces. Davana Gudriov is Ashley’s housekeeper. Alexei Siranov is working security. You have a lot of the Russian mob in Australia and recognize the way he holds himself, as well as his accent. Taylor Walker is the head caterer. Jamie Lavigne is a caterer. Sydney O’Connor is a caterer. Callaway Lee is a bartender.
Jonathon Fisk
Act Two
Outcast
Francis Fisk is dead! If you and the other guests cannot figure out who the killer is before the power comes back on then you will all be taken in to the police and embroiled in a great scandal. It could ruin your reputation, and you can’t have that. During Act Two your primary objective is to piece together what happened to Fisk while keeping as many of your own secrets as quiet as you can. You know that you are not the killer, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you have nothing to worry about; if evidence seems to indicate that you committed the crime, the other guests may decide to turn you in to protect themselves! Make certain that you do everything possible to prove your innocence.
Special Knowledge and Instructions for Act Two: •
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Who killed your brother? You know everyone is going to think it was you. You have had enough trouble with the police; you do NOT need to be investigated for murder. You have a checkered past that left you with many interesting skills, two of which are safe cracking and cell phone manipulation. If you find either you can access them easily. You don’t want any of your sordid past, and present, to come into public light; be sure to protect yourself and gather allies, through whatever means necessary, to protect yourselves.
Francis Fisk
Act One
Real Estate Tycoon Who You Are You are Francis Fisk, host and murder victim (be sure not to let anyone know the latter). You are throwing this party to celebrate the twenty-fifth year of your successful real estate company, Fisk Enterprises, and to announce your engagement to the socialite Rose den Waldern. You were born in New York to a middle class family and got a scholarship to Brown. There you studied Business Management, and you applied yourself diligently when you returned. You founded your own company and through good business practices and sound investments have become one of the richest men in New York. You tried to bring your brother Jonathon in when you originally opened the company but the power turned out to be too much for him. He resorted to Ponzi schemes and the like to cheat money out of people. The final straw came when several women accused him of assault. He has always been charming and a ladies’ man, and you had had your suspicions, but public embarrassment was the last straw. Fortunately, he beat all the allegations. You opened a branch in Australia and sent him there. If England used it as a penal colony so would you. He has been quiet the past few years, and your business Down Under has grown so you felt that this anniversary was time for the two of you to reconcile. Years ago when you were just starting your business you fell head over heels for Gayle Hartfort, a lovely socialite who played you like a fiddle. She cheated on you and one messy divorce later moved to Chicago where she married Zachary Wellington. A few years later you heard she had died and were shocked. You had put that behind you until one of your private eyes came to you and said he had heard rumors that Zachary Wellington had deliberately burned down that building with Gayle inside. Furious, you bought out his business in a vicious merger and put him on your board so you could keep an eye on him while your detective dug up more. He found a tape showing Zachary leaving the building that burned with a gasoline can in one hand. He locked the doors behind him. You have resolved to have Zachary arrested to exact justice and revenge! But it will wait until after your party; you don’t want to cause a scene and ruin your engagement announcement. Don’t mention anything about Zachary’s crime to anyone before then. You have a private detective on retainer and pay him well. You researched Rose and her family thoroughly so you would know what you were getting into with the marriage.
Getting Into Character Although you came from the middle class you have impeccable taste and can afford the best suits so you wear them. This is your party so be sure to look dashing and powerful. You are a cold man; everything to you is a business transaction keyed to elevate your status. Be sure to keep all emotion off your face.
Gossip and Objectives for Francis Fisk Mingling With Other Guests You’ll find it beneficial to know as much as you can about the other guests as the game goes on. There are a lot of secrets out there, so use the mingling period to discover as many as you can. Even more importantly, make sure your own secrets stay hidden. Introduce yourselves to the other guests, ask about their backgrounds, give your own background (the best possible version, of course), and share gossip about the other attendees. Find out the story behind everyone’s story! •
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Irene den Waldern was once a party girl, and she has a few criminal charges in her past—drunkenness, public disturbance, and a minor narcotics possession. All the charges were dropped or fines were paid. Since her youth she has joined a successful PR firm and plied her socialite status to the benefit of her clientele. You felt it was appropriate to have her host the party since you are going to be engaged to her sister. You have instructed her that you have a “special” announcement to make at midnight. Richard den Waldern, Rose and Irene’s younger brother, is a philanthropist who gives generously to children’s charities. His psychologist’s records show he has issues with high society and bemoans his lack of childhood. Rose cut him off recently, and he tried to commit suicide. You have copies of his entrance papers to St. Albert’s and his psychological examinations. Don’t let him know you have this information about him; you know Rose doesn’t want scandal and you respect her wishes. Rose den Waldern is the queen of the Upper East Side and a very charming woman. She is the perfect match for your empire and will only elevate your status amongst the New York elite. You were not born into society, but she was and will lend you more authenticity. You care for her, but you do not love her. You have done your very best to woo her and are very romantic, but it is all a front, which you suspect she knows. You also know she recently lost half her family’s fortune in a bad investment, but your detectives are still tracking it down. Discreetly let her know you will take care of her and her family. Ashley LeBois is Irene’s best friend. She is the youngest editor-in-chief of the fashion magazine Runway, a title she earned through hard work and a few called-in favors. You are aware she is quite a manipulative socialite. Helen LeBois, Ashley’s older sister, is a famous fashion designer who owns stores in New York, Paris, and London. You know she is looking for investors to take her clothes national. Perhaps you can work out a deal a bit later in the evening. Sam Lily is a celebrity lawyer whose rise you have watched with interest. You have not used his firm yourself but have heard good reviews from friends. He was born in Ohio and is trying to make it in the New York social scene. You sympathize with how hard this is, so be sure to offer him some advice if he looks like he’s floundering. David Kreig is the author of a bestselling book called Looking In. Your detective tells you it is based on people he knew in prep school and that the playboy Charles is your younger brother Chester. Gwen Kreig is a rising star in the fashion world and is looking for publicity and backers to expand her line. Publicly supporting her might be a good way to add a bit of youth to the Fisk Enterprises name. Grayson Kreig, David and Gwen’s older brother, was once a rock star with a few major hits. You are aware that Rose was once one of his groupies before she moved back to New York. Your detectives report she has been seeing Grayson since Richard was put in the institution. He was NOT invited. Don’t make a scene, but tell him the wedding is happening and it is time for him to leave. Jo Chase is a young filmmaker. You agreed that she could shoot the party and add the footage to a movie
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she is making about life in New York. Make sure nothing scandalous ends up on that tape. Francine Rose is Rose’s cousin from Florida. She just arrived in New York, and your detectives have yet to give you anything interesting on her. Jesse Corrington comes from a good family but runs a gossip rag online. Isaac Corrington, Jesse’s grandfather, is a retired senator and respected member of New York royalty. You are aware he maneuvers many members of his family into government and public positions. Looks like he slipped up with Jesse. Chester Fisk is your younger brother and your biggest disappointment. He was very young when you started your business, and you took care to provide a life for him you never had. It ended up spoiling him rotten, and he’s never amounted to anything but an indulgent playboy. You had some hope when he bought his hotel, the Castle, but he just turned it into a playboy mansion for the upper crust. If you can, try to give him some advice and tell him to grow up; it’s time to be a man. Jonathon Fisk may be your brother, but you believe he belongs in jail. When you started your business you tried to bring him in, but he became consumed by the power and abused it. He created disastrous Ponzi schemes and left a long trail of ruined women behind him. Once he had gotten all the allegations dropped you realized he was not going to be punished for his wrongdoings so you shipped him off to Australia. You would not stand for him to ruin your hard work and good name. He kept it quiet, and the business has done well so you invited him back to congratulate him and make amends. Mercy Neist was a New York socialite who went to school with Chester. She has been in Europe the past few years getting wealthier by marrying Europeans and then divorcing them. She could potentially be trouble. Zachary Wellington murdered your ex-wife. You have the proof in your safe. Just get through the party, and then you can call the cops. You have instructed Alexei not to let him leave. You should go tell Zachary you know what he did—just to watch him squirm. You can’t set him on fire, but watching him wait for the hammer to fall would be just as rewarding. Candice Wellington is Zachary's daughter, and you feel sorry for her since she is the unfortunate victim in this. But you are glad that she is here to see her father’s arrest because you know it will crush him. Davana Gudriov is Ashey’s housekeeper. Alexei Siranov is working security, and your detectives tell you he has ties to the Russian mob. You told him not to let Zachary leave under any circumstances. Taylor Walker is the head caterer. Jamie Lavigne is a caterer. Sydney O’Connor is a caterer. Callaway Lee is a bartender.
Jess McIntire
Act Two
Caterer
Who You Are You are Jess McIntire, a caterer hired by Irene den Waldern. She hired you because you are professional, discreet, and unfailingly polite. These upper class gigs pay ridiculous amounts of money, so you are always on your best behavior to ensure you land another one. You have a sealed juvenile record. You were raised in a poor section of Brooklyn and robbed a gas station at knifepoint when you were thirteen. You served your time and got out, but if any of your highpaying jobs knew, you’d lose them all. No one wants someone who has been in jail on their wait staff.
Getting Into Character Irene wants you to wear nice clothes to blend in with the crowd, so be sure to wear formal gear.
Gossip and Objectives for Jess McIntire Mingling With Other Guests You’ll find it beneficial to know as much as you can about the other guests as the game goes on. There are a lot of secrets out there, so use the mingling period to discover as many as you can. Even more importantly, make sure your own secrets stay hidden. Introduce yourselves to the other guests, ask about their backgrounds, give your own background (the best possible version, of course), and share gossip about the other attendees. Find out the story behind everyone’s story! • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Irene den Waldern hired you and is the party planner for this party. She’s known for paying well and being loyal to her staff. Richard den Waldern is Irene’s brother and a known philanthropist. Rose den Waldern, Irene and Richard’s older sister, is a famous socialite and is always at the most fabulous parties. Ashley LeBois is the head of Runway, a fashion magazine, and is known for her excellent taste and extravagant parties. Helen LeBois, Ashley’s older sister, is a famous designer, and last week you saw her and Sam Lily at the restaurant where you work. He proposed to her. It was so romantic. Sam Lily is a successful lawyer and new to the New York social scene. David Kreig is an author who wrote a stunningly accurate book on the Upper East Side. After working as an invisible aid to these people for years, you can say that the book is one hundred percent accurate. Gwen Kreig is a new designer who makes clothes a lot of your friends save up for. They’re edgy and just out of your price range. Grayson Kreig, David and Gwen’s older brother, used to be in some band. Jo Chase makes documentaries for public television. Francine Rose is Irene’s cousin. She’s new to New York. Jesse Corrington runs The Socialite, a gossip website used by the Upper East Side in their petty rumor wars. He’s paid you $500 to bring him any juicy rumors you may overhear. Isaac Corrington, Jesse’s grandfather, used to be a senator, but is still powerful amongst New York royalty. Chester Fisk, younger brother of Jonathon and Francis, runs the Castle, the most debaucherous hotel in Manhattan. His parties are legendary, and he pays well. Jonathon Fisk runs Fisk Enterprises in Australia. Francis Fisk is throwing this party to celebrate his business’s twenty-fifth year. Mercy Neist is a New York socialite who has been traveling abroad recently. Zachary Wellington is a Fisk board member from Chicago. Candice Wellington is Zachary’s daughter. Davana Gudriov is Ashley LeBois’ housekeeper. Alexei Siranov is working security. Taylor Walker is a head caterer you’ve worked with before. Jamie Lavigne is a caterer. Sydney O’Connor is a caterer. Callaway Lee is a bartender.
Mercy Neist
Act One
Scheming Socialite Who You Are You are Mercy Neist, New York socialite and world traveler. Not to mention one of the most devious and manipulative minds to come out of the Upper East Side since the Kennedys. You went to prep school and were friends (if you can call it that) with Irene and Ashley. You’ve never wanted to be queen; it’s way too much work. You preferred to be the power behind the throne, and it allowed you to be more vicious since you didn’t have to maintain appearances all the time. Your multiple psychologists have said you are a burgeoning sociopath, but what do they know? You’ve never killed anyone or built an altar to the “popular kid.” You are simply extremely effective in what you do, making mischief. You’ve always liked to push the extremes. In prep school you did this by finding the wildest parties and seeing what you could get people to do. You’ve always been a skilled negotiator, and you’ll never forget the time you got Irene to put a lampshade on her head, snort coke, and then dance in saran wrap. Oh, the power. One time things went a little too far. You had bought enough pills from a dealer of yours that you’d cleaned him out for a particularly wild party. And then your driver got pulled over for a missing taillight. You managed to get out on bail, but then Chester Fisk called to warn you that they had found your stash and were going to charge you with felony possession. So you hightailed it to Europe and spent a few years breaking hearts. It was way too easy to manipulate those European guys. You’d play the shy, wide-eyed, innocent American and then take them for everything they had in the divorce settlement. After several years playing this game, you found yourself in a situation that opened the doors for your return to the States. You caught a NYPD chief’s daughter on spring break in Monaco … and let’s just say the pictures you took were incriminating enough that he dropped the charges on an already cold case. Now you’re back, and it’s been far too long. People have forgotten why they were scared of you. It’s time to remind them that the bitch is back. Chaos is your element.
Getting Into Character You’ve just spent several years traveling around the world, mainly in Europe. Feel free to add something a little exotic to your appearance. An avant-garde style would be appropriate since you’re fresh out of Paris and know trends that have yet to hit the States.
Gossip and Objectives for Mercy Neist Mingling With Other Guests You’ll find it beneficial to know as much as you can about the other guests as the game goes on. There are a lot of secrets out there, so use the mingling period to discover as many as you can. Even more importantly, make sure your own secrets stay hidden. Introduce yourselves to the other guests, ask about their backgrounds, give your own background (the best possible version, of course), and share gossip about the other attendees. Find out the story behind everyone’s story! •
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Irene den Waldern was the perfect little princess back in prep school. Everything just seemed to roll off her, no matter what you got her to do. Admittedly, her police record is mostly your fault, but it’s the imperfections that make people beautiful, right? You heard she’s all grown up now. Maybe you should remind her of her wild side. Richard den Waldern was a cute little kid when you left. Now he’s a big deal as a children’s philanthropist. Sounds like someone has daddy issues. Rose den Waldern, Irene and Richard’s older sister, was the queen of the old hags when you were a kid, and it doesn’t look like things have changed. Might be time to see if you can crack her perfect shell. If you remember correctly she did have a thing for rock stars… Ashley LeBois was the queen of prep school only because you let her have the crown. You were her hitman, taking out social challengers, but you could have always applied your skills to her. Is she still the queen, or has someone dethroned her uptight ass? Helen LeBois, Ashley’s older sister, is a big deal designer in the States, but most Parisians only know her as that charming American with the tiny shop next to the bistro. She thinks she’s an important designer, but the only people who buy her designs abroad are Americans with no taste. Sam Lily is new, but his accent screams “not a New Yorker.” David Kreig looks awfully familiar; maybe you slept with him in prep school? Gwen Kreig used to be Ashley’s little bootlicker. Looks like she’s grown up a bit since Ashley kicked her to the curb at one of Helen’s fashion shows in a typical Ashley tantrum. She might be a good confederate for some of tonight’s entertainment. Grayson Kreig … David and Gwen’s older brother. He used to be famous, right? Did he have a band? Jo Chase … Jo who? Francine Rose says she’s a den Waldern but you smell a rat. Something about that girl is off. Find out what and then find her poison. Jesse Corrington used to be a lazy dreamer in prep school. But he was always too cute to really mess with. From the sound of it he now runs a fabulous gossip website. Looks like the pup’s all grown up with some teeth Isaac Corrington, Jesse’s grandfather, is an old has-been senator who now plies his ex-government status for invites to parties he should be sleeping through. Whatever. Chester Fisk, younger brother of Jonathon and Francis, was your only match in prep school. He played up the delinquent playboy for all he was worth, but you don’t con a con man. You know he has a sharp mind behind his full scotch glass. Apparently he still throws one hell of a party. Plus, you still owe him a favor for tipping you off about the felony charge. Without him you’d be moldering in jail instead of blowing through rich husbands. Be sure to find a little time to show him how grateful you are. Jonathon Fisk runs the Australian branch of Fisk Enterprises. You spent a little time Down Under and heard the most salacious gossip about him. It appears he was exiled from New York for running Ponzi
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schemes and being hard on his women—practices he continued, albeit more discreetly, south of the equator. He even has a bastard child he makes child support payments to regularly. Everyone at the party knows dealing with Fisk Enterprises is a safe bet, but taking financial investment advice from Jonathon is just asking to flush your money down the drain of whatever con game he is running that week. You wonder if people know he hasn’t quit his naughty ways … Francis Fisk is a big to-do in the business world and is where Chester gets all his money. Zachary Wellington is new to New York. Candice Wellington is new to New York, she looks like she could be fun. She probably doesn’t know any of the rules yet. Davana Gudriov is Ashley’s old maid. The hag is smarter than she looks, so be careful to be perfectly polite to her. Alexei Siranov is working security. You spent enough time in the Eastern Bloc to recognize Russian mafia when you see them. Keep an eye on him; they favor close-up shooting. Taylor Walker is head caterer. Jamie Lavigne is a caterer. Sydney O’Connor is a caterer. Callaway Lee is a bartender.
Mercy Neist
Act Two
Scheming Socialite Francis Fisk is dead! If you and the other guests cannot figure out who the killer is before the power comes back on then you will all be taken in to the police and embroiled in a great scandal. It could ruin your reputation, and you can’t have that. During Act Two your primary objective is to piece together what happened to Fisk while keeping as many of your own secrets as quiet as you can. You know that you are not the killer, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you have nothing to worry about; if evidence seems to indicate that you committed the crime, the other guests may decide to turn you in to protect themselves! Make certain that you do everything possible to prove your innocence.
Special Knowledge and Instructions for Act Two: •
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This is the biggest scandal to hit the Upper East Side since … well, ever. And you’re at ground zero. The opportunities for you to cause chaos are endless. Secrets come out when people are nervous, be kind and attentive, try to weasel secrets out of the other guests. Use what you find in the most destructive manner possible. Be sure to remind Ashley you were her hitman and you are still effective. You might work for her again, you might not, but keep smiling until you screw her over. Find information on her that would ruin her: a secret love, someone she betrayed in her past, or point out who she is in Looking In.
Zachary Wellington
Act One
Architect
Who You Are You are Zachary Wellington, a successful Chicago businessman who owned a growing company until recently—that is, until Fisk decided to tromp all over your dreams, again. Many, many years ago you fell head over heels in love with the beautiful Gayle Hartfort, a sophisticated socialite who had left New York after a messy divorce for the peace of Chicago. The two of you fell in love in a whirlwind romance and were married shortly after. You had never been happier. You were just starting to make it as a real estate agent in Chicago, and your bride was pregnant with your baby girl. Candice was born, and she was perfect; you were living the dream. Then you found out that Gayle was having second thoughts. Her maid reported she was wavering in her love to you. Then you found packed bags hidden in her room, and they had baby clothes in them. She was going to take Candice from you! You lured her to one of your buildings under the pretext of showing her your latest buy. But instead of meeting her you covered the ground floor in gasoline and set the building ablaze. The fire department ruled it an accident, and you raised Candice on your own. You taught her that family loyalty was the most important thing in the world and have been grooming her to take over your company. She recently graduated from Yale with a major in Business Management and was the vice president of your company when Fisk swooped in and bought you out in a brutal hostile takeover. He dismantled your company for parts and fired your staff, and you watched in despair as all you had built for twenty-five years went down in flames before your eyes. To add insult to injury, he then made you a partner in his firm, forcing you to work for the success of his company rather than your own. He demanded you be at his twenty-fifth anniversary bash, just to rub salt on your fresh wounds. You met earlier with his younger brother Jonathon, who is just as disillusioned as you are, to see if the two of you could team up to dethrone Fisk. Then, Francis came to you just before the party to tell you that he knew about what happened to Gayle. He plans to have you arrested in front of your daughter at the end of the party. You are the murderer. Hide this information from everyone.
Getting Into Character You are suave and wealthy, and you act overconfident to compensate for the recent debilitating blows dealt you by Francis. Be sure not to let your animosity toward Francis show. Outwardly you are very supportive of him. Ironically the takeover doubled your assets so you are richer than ever. Most of all, don’t let Candice know anything is wrong; she mustn’t know what you did to her mother.
Gossip and Objectives for Zachary Wellington Mingling With Other Guests You’ll find it beneficial to know as much as you can about the other guests as the game goes on. There are a lot of secrets out there, so use the mingling period to discover as many as you can. Even more importantly, make sure your own secrets stay hidden. Introduce yourselves to the other guests, ask about their backgrounds, give your own background (the best possible version, of course), and share gossip about the other attendees. Find out the story behind everyone’s story! • • • • • • •
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Irene den Waldern is the younger sister of Rose den Waldern, a famous socialite. She works for the PR firm responsible for the party. Be sure to compliment her on what a great party she’s thrown. Richard den Waldern is Rose’s younger brother. He was recently in Florida visiting family. Be sure to ask how he liked the beaches. Rose den Waldern is a famous New York socialite who reminds you almost painfully of Gayle. Be sure to tell her how lovely she looks. Ashley LeBois is the editor of Runway, a popular fashion magazine. Be sure to tell her how much you admire her taste. Helen LeBois, Ashley’s older sister, is a designer with several international stores. Gayle used to wear her dresses and always looked stunning in them. Be sure to tell her how much you love her designs. Sam Lily is a successful lawyer. You might need his services before the night is out so be sure to get on his good side. David Kreig is an author who just published a bestselling book on Manhattan socialites. He’s probably a good source of information on the inner workings of this world. Be sure to congratulate him on his success as a writer. Gwen Kreig is an up-and-coming designer. She’s a bit young but seems to make up for it in talent. Be sure to tell her how stunning she looks and congratulate her on her business. Grayson Kreig, David and Gwen’s older brother, was a rock star with a few big hits when you were younger. It’s surprising to see him at a high-class event like this. You haven’t heard anything about him in years. Jo Chase is a filmmaker. Be sure not to get caught doing anything incriminating on tape. Francine Rose is Irene’s cousin. She’s new to New York. Jesse Corrington runs a gossip website frequented by the younger generation. It wouldn’t hurt to cozy up to him and see if you can learn anything useful. Isaac Corrington, Jesse’s grandfather, used to be a U.S. senator and was responsible for pushing a lot of laws through Washington that made real estate acquisition easier and more lucrative. Chester Fisk is Francis’ youngest brother, and you’ve heard he’s an indulgent party boy. Jonathon Fisk was banished from New York to Australia for some women issues. He’s recently returned at the request of Francis, who no doubt wanted to show him how successful his older brother is. You met with him earlier to feel him out. He’s probably a good ally for whatever you scheme up. Francis Fisk is your arch-nemesis. Unless he directly approaches you, try to avoid him. Mercy Neist is a New York socialite. Candice Wellington is your daughter, and you worked hard as a single father to raise her right. She just graduated from Yale with honors, and you are so proud of her. Don’t let her see the darker side of you. Davana Gudriov is Ashley LeBois’ maid. Alexei Siranov is security.
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Taylor Walker is head caterer. Jamie Lavigne is a caterer. Sydney O’Connor is a caterer. Callaway Lee is a bartender.
Zachary Wellington
Act Two
Architect
You are the murderer. During the blackout you snatched a knife from the kitchen and stabbed Francis Fisk. You then quickly discarded it in the waste basket. You need to do whatever you can to destroy any evidence linking the murder to you and make sure no one finds evidence of your motives. All of these socialites are schemers and have dark secrets, be sure to find them out so you can direct attention away from yourself.
Special Knowledge and Instructions for Act Two: •
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You murdered Francis with a knife you stole from the kitchen. You wiped it in the darkness and dumped it in a wastebasket, but you can’t remember which one. By whatever means necessary, don’t get found out. Misdirect, point the finger, don’t let anyone find out what you’ve done. Your daughter Candice is the most important thing in your life. Make sure she doesn’t find out what happened between you and her mother.
Candice Wellington
Act One
New Girl
Who You Are You are Candice Wellington, daughter of Zachary Wellington, a wealthy and successful real estate mogul from Chicago. Your mother, Gayle, died in a fire when you were very young, and your father raised you all on his own. All your life he taught you that family and loyalty were the two most important things. You’ve wanted to continue your father’s legacy in the business he built from the ground up, so you attended Yale as a Business Management major. You graduated with top honors recently, just as your dad’s company was acquired by Francis Fisk in a hostile takeover. Your father made double what the company was worth, but you were very sad to see everyone you had known as a child fired or replaced by this businessman from New York. You understand that it was just business and that your father’s company was a logical acquisition for Fisk to expand into Chicago; still, the takeover was very brutal. At least Fisk was kind enough to put your father on his board so he still has some say in the future of the remains of the company he built. You know your father has been under a lot of stress recently. He’s not one to show his emotions, but you can tell that he is under a lot of pressure and it’s getting to him a bit. This is the first time you have been to New York, and the first time you have been to such a magnificent party. They sure do scale things up in the Big Apple. You want to make your father proud of you, so watch out for him and be on your best behavior. You’ve done a little homework on the attendees of the party, so you are not totally unprepared.
Getting Into Character Nervous, but never shy, you have gone shopping down Fifth Avenue to fit in with all these Park Avenue princesses, and you look good. Be inquisitive and polite. Try to have something kind to say to everyone so you make a good impression for your father as he meets the people in his CEO’s life.
Gossip and Objectives for Candice Wellington Mingling With Other Guests You’ll find it beneficial to know as much as you can about the other guests as the game goes on. There are a lot of secrets out there, so use the mingling period to discover as many as you can. Even more importantly, make sure your own secrets stay hidden. Introduce yourselves to the other guests, ask about their backgrounds, give your own background (the best possible version, of course), and share gossip about the other attendees. Find out the story behind everyone’s story! • • • • • • •
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Irene den Waldern is a publicist for a PR firm and according to Page Six of the New York Post spends as much time going to these parties as her clients. Richard den Waldern is a young philanthropist. Rose den Waldern, Irene and Richard’s older sister, is a famous socialite and is on the board of multiple charities and organizations around New York. Ashley LeBois is the editor-in-chief of Runway magazine, which you have worshipped since you got your first pair of Jimmy Choos. Helen LeBois, Ashley’s older sister, runs her own fashion line, and while her style is a little too conservative for you, she is still very well known. Sam Lily just established his own law firm that caters to entertainment law and those who can afford the limelight. David Kreig recently published a book on the lives of Upper East Siders called Looking In, which you read before coming to New York. The main characters are all self-obsessed young socialites. Serella is a vapid princess who skates through catastrophes and scandals untouched. Clair is a manipulative queen bee who cares more for her social standing than her friends. Charles is an indulgent playboy drunk on the wealth of his family and living life in a drugged haze. And James is a rich, entitled layabout whose family has planned his every move. Gwen Kreig is the designer of a very popular line that is all the rage in Chicago. You own a bunch of her clothes and are ecstatic to meet her in person. Her style is very edgy yet chic and is NOT conservative. Grayson Kreig, David and Gwen’s older brother, was a member of the band Eagle’s Rose about a million years ago. Jo Chase makes lots of documentaries for public broadcasting. Her last film on urban gardens almost brought you to tears. Francine Rose is Irene’s cousin. She’s new to New York. Jesse Corrington runs The Socialite, a gossip website used by much of the Upper East Side. You haven’t read it all (the archives are HUGE), but what you have read seems very back biting and petty. Isaac Corrington, Jesse’s grandfather, used to be a senator, you think. Chester Fisk, younger brother of Jonathon and Francis, rules Page Six, as far as you can see. He owns a hotel responsible for catering to the irresponsible in New York. Jonathon Fisk runs Fisk Enterprises in Australia. He and your father have met a few times so that your dad could get to know the company better. Francis Fisk is a wealthy, successful businessman who built his real estate empire from the ground up here in New York. His business strategy is superb, and you think he will make your father a very, very wealthy man. Mercy Neist is a socialite who has been traveling abroad recently. Zachary Wellington is your father, and you are attending this party by his side so that he is not all alone
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amongst these New Yorkers. Davana Gudriov is a maid. Alexei Siranov is security. Taylor Walker is the head caterer. Jamie Lavigne is a caterer. Sydney O’Connor is a caterer. Callaway Lee is a bartender.
Candice Wellington
Act Two
New Girl
Francis Fisk is dead! If you and the other guests cannot figure out who the killer is before the power comes back on then you will all be taken in to the police and embroiled in a great scandal. It could ruin your reputation, and you can’t have that. During Act Two your primary objective is to piece together what happened to Fisk while keeping as many of your own secrets as quiet as you can. You know that you are not the killer, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you have nothing to worry about; if evidence seems to indicate that you committed the crime, the other guests may decide to turn you in to protect themselves! Make certain that you do everything possible to prove your innocence.
Special Knowledge and Instructions for Act Two: •
This scandal is horrible, and you don’t know how it will affect your father’s business. Be sure to help him as much as possible and be supportive.
Davana Gudriov
Act One
Housekeeper Who You Are You are Davana Gudriov, a Russian immigrant who has worked as a housekeeper for the LeBois family your entire life. You had just been hired when Ashley was born, and you were there every day when her mom was working. Your English improved greatly as you helped her through her homework. The secrets you could tell about the LeBois family would curl toenails and peel paint. However, above all else you are loyal, a holdover from your upbringing.
Getting Into Character You are aging now. It has been many years since you were that bright-eyed Russian girl on the boat. You wear a maid’s outfit and bustle around. Feel free to use a slight Russian accent and use Russian sayings, like “In Russia where there is snow there are always wolves” or “Have some vodka, vodka makes everything better,” etc. Wear a wig and age makeup if you like, but be sure to be as unobtrusive as possible, unless someone threatens the LeBois family; then you are fierce as a tiger protecting her young.
Gossip and Objectives for Davana Gudriov Mingling With Other Guests You’ll find it beneficial to know as much as you can about the other guests as the game goes on. There are a lot of secrets out there, so use the mingling period to discover as many as you can. Even more importantly, make sure your own secrets stay hidden. Introduce yourselves to the other guests, ask about their backgrounds, give your own background (the best possible version, of course), and share gossip about the other attendees. Find out the story behind everyone’s story! •
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Irene den Waldern is Miss Ashley’s best friend. You remember when they used to have slumber parties together. And when, as teenagers, they’d come home throwing up at 3 a.m. in the morning. Or when Miss Ashley protected Miss Irene from her older sister Rose by hiding her in her room when she had too many drugs. But it’s been a long time since then and now Miss Irene is a respectable businesswoman. Richard den Waldern, Miss Irene’s brother, was once such a quiet young man, but always very sad. You think this life is not the life he should have lived. Miss Ashley said he had been in Florida recently, but you know better; whenever Miss Irene used to say she was in Florida visiting family she was always hiding in Miss Ashley’s room. Rose den Waldern was a good friend of Miss Helen. She used to be very carefree when she was younger. She ran around with some musicians from Eagle’s Rose, including that nice young man, Mister Grayson. But then her parents died, and she raised her two younger siblings all on her own. Ashley LeBois is like your daughter. You were there for her birth, her first day of school, and her first boyfriend. You covered up for her to her mom when she would spend late nights out with friends. You were big sister, nanny, and mother to her. She has been seeing Mister Chester recently, sneaking in through the back of his hotel. You would say he’s bad for her, but she’s been so happy recently. Helen LeBois is Miss Ashley’s older sister, and she owns a very popular clothing line. She has also been very happy recently. She has not been this happy since right before she met her first husband. You suspect there is a man. Sam Lily is a very nice man. He was born on a farm, like you were, and he makes Miss Helen laugh. You like it when he comes over. David Kreig is a mean young man who wrote a nasty book with Miss Ashley as a character. You read the whole thing, and you know Miss Ashley is Clair, Miss Irene is Serella, Mister Chester is Charles, and Mister Jesse is James. This would make Miss Ashley very angry; try to keep her from finding out. Gwen Kreig used to be Miss Ashley’s friend, as much as Miss Ashley has friends. Then one day at Miss Helen’s fashion show something went wrong and now they’re not friends. Sometimes these things happen. In Russia, you leave enemies on ice floe; in Manhattan, you make scandal. Grayson Kreig, Mister David and Miss Gwen’s older brother, used to be a rock star, a long time ago when Miss Rose was much happier. Jo Chase is making a documentary in Mister Fisk’s house; make sure everything is perfect so Miss Ashley looks good on camera. Francine Rose is Miss Irene’s cousin. You think that is odd; she doesn’t look anything like her. Jesse Corrington runs The Socialite; even you read it. Sometimes you are even mentioned as “Ashley’s maid.” Isaac Corrington is Jesse’s grandfather and a very important man. He was a senator for the U.S. government once, but now he has retired to rule New York. Even you know who has real power here.
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Once you would have said Chester Fisk was a very bad boy. He was the reason Miss Ashley come home sick. But now, now they are spending time together, and Miss Ashley is so happy. Even you remember when Jonathon Fisk was a very bad man. He was not good to women, and he stole people’s money. You don’t know why Mister Francis asked him to come back to New York. Francis Fisk is Mister Chester and Mister Jonathon’s older brother and is a very wealthy businessman. He has been good to this city and to Miss Ashley’s friends. This is his party, so make sure you take care of his every request. Mercy Neist just got back from Europe. Maybe she knows some of your old friends. Zachary Wellington is a member of Mister Francis’s board from Chicago. Candice Wellington is Mister Zachary’s daughter. Alexei Siranov is the doorman to Mister Francis’s building. But you have seen him meeting with men you know to be Russian mafia. You have heard them talking in Russian, asking about people who live here. Alexei has told them to leave many times, but they always get their way. Taylor Walker is head caterer. Be bossy and make sure their job is done well. Jamie Lavigne is a caterer. Be bossy and make sure their job is done well. Sydney O’Connor is a caterer. Be bossy and make sure their job is done well. Callaway Lee is a bartender.
Davana Gudriov
Act Two
Housekeeper Francis Fisk is dead! If you and the other guests cannot figure out who the killer is before the power comes back on then you will all be taken in to the police and embroiled in a great scandal. It could ruin Miss Ashley’s reputation, and you can’t have that. During Act Two your primary objective is to piece together what happened to Fisk while keeping as many of your own and Miss Ashley’s secrets as quiet as you can. You know that you are not the killer, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you have nothing to worry about; if evidence seems to indicate that you committed the crime, the other guests may decide to turn you in to protect themselves! Make certain that you do everything possible to prove your innocence.
Special Knowledge and Instructions for Act Two: •
Living with the LeBois, you have acquired interesting skills, one of which is opening cell phones.
Alexei Siranov
Act One
Security
Who You Are You are Alexei Siranov, a recent immigrant from Russia. You don’t speak a lot of English, but you are clean cut and imposing so you got a job here as a doorman. It is easy; all you do is stand on the street and hold the door for the few inhabitants of the building. However, your days as an enforcer for the Russian mob seem to have caught up with you. Some of the New York branch have been bothering you, trying to get into the building. So far you have been able to rebuff them. You left Russia and that life behind you for something better. Your family was poor there, but when your parents died you decided to get out of the business of a being a hired thug. You wanted something better for yourself—to find a wife and begin a family in a safe country.
Getting Into Character Since this is not your normal job you get to dress up a bit. Be sure to wear a suit and tie and look imposing. Your English is not very good, but you try to hide it with simple and terse sentences. You are unfailingly polite.
Gossip and Objectives for Alexei Siranov Mingling With Other Guests You’ll find it beneficial to know as much as you can about the other guests as the game goes on. There are a lot of secrets out there, so use the mingling period to discover as many as you can. Even more importantly, make sure your own secrets stay hidden. Introduce yourselves to the other guests, ask about their backgrounds, give your own background (the best possible version, of course), and share gossip about the other attendees. Find out the story behind everyone’s story! • • • •
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Miss Irene is hosting this party. She hired you to work security tonight and bought you the suit you are wearing. Mister Richard is Miss Irene and Miss Rose’s little brother and has been acting very sad recently. Miss Rose is a beautiful lady. She always says the nicest things to you. Miss Ashley lives in this building below Francis Fisk and is always very stressed about her job. But recently she and Mister Chester have been seeing each other, and she is very happy. You are glad for her. Happiness is rare in this world. Miss Helen, Miss Ashley’s older sister, is also very happy. You think she has a new man in her life. Mister Sam is a lawyer of some kind. Mister David wrote a very nice book about New York. You read it but did not understand a lot of it. Miss Gwen wears the nicest clothes. Mister Grayson, Mister David and Miss Gwen’s older brother, gave you $100 dollars to let him in, saying that he had to talk with the love of his life. You are a romantic at heart so you agreed. You hope you do not get in trouble, but you think it was the right thing. Miss Jo makes very informative documentaries on TV. You have been watching them, and they are very helpful for understanding American life. Miss Francine is Miss Irene’s cousin. You think that is odd; she doesn’t look anything like her. Mister Jesse runs a website that makes Miss Ashley very stressed. Mister Isaac, Jesse’s grandfather, used to be in government. He makes you nervous due to your past interaction with Russian government officials. Mister Chester acts like a foolish man, but he makes Miss Ashley very happy. Mister Jonathon is from Australia and has a funny accent. Mister Francis, Mister Chester and Mister Jonathon’s older brother, is throwing this party because he is a very successful businessman. You are happy for him; running a business is difficult. Miss Mercy just got back from Europe. Maybe she knows some of your old friends. Mister Zachary is from Chicago. You wonder if he knows any mobsters like the ones you’ve seen in American movies. Miss Candice is Mister Zachary’s daughter. Miss Davana is Miss Ashley’s housekeeper. She arrived in New York a long time ago and has been working for Miss Ashley since she was a child. Maybe she has some good tips on how to be a New Yorker. Taylor Walker is head caterer. Make sure they don’t steal anything. Jamie Lavigne is a caterer. Make sure they don’t steal anything. Sydney O’Connor is a caterer. Make sure they don’t steal anything. Callaway Lee is a bartender. See if you can get some free drinks.
Alexei Siranov
Act Two
Security
Francis Fisk is dead! If you and the other guests cannot figure out who the killer is before the power comes back on then you will all be taken in to the police and embroiled in a great scandal. You could be deported due to your mob ties, and you can’t have that. During Act Two your primary objective is to piece together what happened to Fisk while keeping as many of your own secrets as quiet as you can. You know that you are not the killer, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you have nothing to worry about; if evidence seems to indicate that you committed the crime, the other guests may decide to turn you in to protect themselves! Make certain that you do everything possible to prove your innocence.
Taylor Walker
Act One
Head Caterer Who You Are You are Taylor Walker, the head caterer hired by Irene den Waldern. She hired you because you are professional, discreet, and unfailingly polite. These upper class gigs pay ridiculous amounts of money so you are always on your best behavior to ensure you land another one. However, one of the guests at this party is Chester Fisk, another employer of yours. When you can’t work as wait staff, you work as an “entertainer” at the Castle, Mr. Fisk’s hotel. Most often you dance on stage or with a group, but you don’t want anyone here to find out.
Getting Into Character Irene wants you to wear nice clothes to blend in with the crowd, so be sure to wear formal gear.
Gossip and Objectives for Taylor Walker Mingling With Other Guests You’ll find it beneficial to know as much as you can about the other guests as the game goes on. There are a lot of secrets out there, so use the mingling period to discover as many as you can. Even more importantly, make sure your own secrets stay hidden. Introduce yourselves to the other guests, ask about their backgrounds, give your own background (the best possible version, of course), and share gossip about the other attendees. Find out the story behind everyone’s story! • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Irene den Waldern hired you and is the party planner for this party. She’s known for paying well and being loyal to her staff. Richard den Waldern is Irene’s brother and a known philanthropist. Rose den Waldern, Irene and Richard’s older sister, is a famous socialite and is always at the most fabulous parties. Ashley LeBois is the head of Runway, a fashion magazine, and is known for her excellent taste and extravagant parties. Helen LeBois is a famous designer, and last week you saw her and Sam Lily at the restaurant you work at when you’re not catering. He proposed to her. It was so romantic. Sam Lily is a successful lawyer and new to the New York social scene. David Kreig is an author who wrote a stunningly accurate book on the Upper East Side socialites. After working as an invisible aid to them for years you can say that the book is one hundred percent accurate. Gwen Kreig is a new designer who makes clothes a lot of your friends save up for. They’re edgy and just out of your price range. Grayson Kreig, David and Gwen’s older brother, used to be in some band. Jo Chase makes documentaries for public television. Francine Rose is Irene’s cousin. She’s new to New York. Jesse Corrington runs The Socialite, a gossip website used by denizens of the Upper East Side in their petty rumor wars. Isaac Corrington, Jesse’s grandfather, used to be a senator and is still powerful amongst New York royalty. Chester Fisk runs the Castle, the most debaucherous hotel in Manhattan. His parties are legendary, and he pays well. You would know. Jonathon Fisk runs Fisk Enterprises in Australia. Francis Fisk, Chester and Jonathon’s older brother, is throwing this party to celebrate his business’s twenty-fifth year. Mercy Neist is a New York socialite who has been traveling abroad recently. Zachary Wellington is a Fisk board member from Chicago. Candice Wellington is Zachary’s daughter. Davana Gudriov is Ashley LeBois’ housekeeper. Alexei Siranov is working security. Jamie Lavigne is a caterer you’ve worked with before. Sydney O’Connor is a caterer you’ve worked with before. Callaway Lee is a bartender you’ve worked with before.
Taylor Walker
Act Two
Head Caterer Francis Fisk is dead! If you and the other guests cannot figure out who the killer is before the power comes back on then you will all be taken in to the police and embroiled in a great scandal. It could ruin your prospects for future jobs and you can’t have that. During Act Two your primary objective is to piece together what happened to Fisk while keeping as many of your own secrets as quiet as you can. You know that you are not the killer, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you have nothing to worry about; if evidence seems to indicate that you committed the crime, the other guests may decide to turn you in to protect themselves! Make certain that you do everything possible to prove your innocence.
Jamie Lavigne
Act One
Caterer
Who You Are You are Jamie Lavigne, a caterer hired by Irene den Waldern. She hired you because you are professional, discreet, and unfailingly polite. These upper class gigs pay ridiculous amounts of money so you are always on your best behavior to ensure you land another one. However, one of the guests at this party is Chester Fisk, another employer of yours. When you can’t work as wait staff you work as an “entertainer” at the Castle, Mr. Fisk’s hotel. Most often you dance on stage or with a group, but you don’t want anyone here to find out.
Getting Into Character Irene wants you to wear nice clothes to blend in with the crowd, so be sure to wear formal gear.
Gossip and Objectives for Jamie Lavigne Mingling With Other Guests You’ll find it beneficial to know as much as you can about the other guests as the game goes on. There are a lot of secrets out there, so use the mingling period to discover as many as you can. Even more importantly, make sure your own secrets stay hidden. Introduce yourselves to the other guests, ask about their backgrounds, give your own background (the best possible version, of course), and share gossip about the other attendees. Find out the story behind everyone’s story! • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Irene den Waldern hired you and is the party planner for this party. She’s known for paying well and being loyal to her staff. Richard den Waldern is Irene’s brother and a known philanthropist. Rose den Waldern, Irene and Richard’s older sister, is a famous socialite and is always at the most fabulous parties. Ashley LeBois is the head of Runway, a fashion magazine, and is known for her excellent taste and extravagant parties. Helen LeBois, Ashley’s older sister, is a famous designer, and last week you saw her and Sam Lily at the restaurant you work at. He proposed to her. It was so romantic. Sam Lily is a successful lawyer and new to the New York social scene. David Kreig is an author who wrote a stunningly accurate book on the Upper East Side socialites. After working as an invisible aid to them for years you can say that the book is one hundred percent accurate. Gwen Kreig is a new designer who makes clothes a lot of your friends save up for. They’re edgy and just out of your price range. Grayson Kreig, David and Gwen’s older brother, used to be in some band. Jo Chase makes documentaries for public television. Francine Rose is Irene’s cousin. She’s new to New York. Jesse Corrington runs The Socialite, a gossip website used by denizens of the Upper East Side in their petty rumor wars. Isaac Corrington, Jesse’s grandfather, used to be a senator and is still powerful amongst New York royalty. Chester Fisk runs the Castle, the most debaucherous hotel in Manhattan. His parties are legendary, and he pays well. You would know. Jonathon Fisk runs Fisk Enterprises in Australia. Francis Fisk, Chest and Jonathon’s older brother, is throwing this party to celebrate his business’s twentyfifth year. Mercy Neist is a New York socialite who has been traveling abroad recently. Zachary Wellington is a Fisk board member from Chicago. Candice Wellington is Zachary’s daughter. Davana Gudriov is Ashley LeBois’ housekeeper. Alexei Siranov is working security. Taylor Walker is a caterer you’ve worked with before. Sydney O’Connor is a caterer you’ve worked with before. Callaway Lee is a bartender you’ve worked with before.
Jamie Lavigne
Act Two
Caterer
Francis Fisk is dead! If you and the other guests cannot figure out who the killer is before the power comes back on then you will all be taken in to the police and embroiled in a great scandal. It could ruin your prospects for future employment, and you can’t have that. During Act Two your primary objective is to piece together what happened to Fisk while keeping as many of your own secrets as quiet as you can. You know that you are not the killer, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you have nothing to worry about; if evidence seems to indicate that you committed the crime, the other guests may decide to turn you in to protect themselves! Make certain that you do everything possible to prove your innocence.
Sydney O’Connor
Act One
Caterer
Who You Are You are Sydney O’Connor, a caterer hired by Irene den Waldern. She hired you because you are professional, discreet, and unfailingly polite. These upper class gigs pay ridiculous amounts of money so you are always on your best behavior to ensure you land another one. However, one of the guests at this party is Chester Fisk, another employer of yours. When you can’t work as wait staff you work as an “entertainer” at the Castle, Mr. Fisk’s hotel. Most often you dance on stage or with a group, but you don’t want anyone here to find out.
Getting Into Character Irene wants you to wear nice clothes to blend in with the crowd, so be sure to wear formal gear.
Gossip and Objectives for Sydney O’Connor Mingling With Other Guests You’ll find it beneficial to know as much as you can about the other guests as the game goes on. There are a lot of secrets out there, so use the mingling period to discover as many as you can. Even more importantly, make sure your own secrets stay hidden. Introduce yourselves to the other guests, ask about their backgrounds, give your own background (the best possible version, of course), and share gossip about the other attendees. Find out the story behind everyone’s story! • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Irene den Waldern hired you and is the party planner for this party. She’s known for paying well and being loyal to her staff. Richard den Waldern is Irene’s brother and a known philanthropist. Rose den Waldern, Irene and Rose’s older sister, is a famous socialite and is always at the most fabulous parties. Ashley LeBois is the head of Runway, a fashion magazine, and is known for her excellent taste and extravagant parties. Helen LeBois is a famous designer and last week you saw her and Sam Lily at the restaurant you work at. He proposed to her. It was so romantic. Sam Lily is a successful lawyer and new to the New York social scene. David Kreig is an author who wrote a stunningly accurate book on the Upper East Side socialites. After working as an invisible aid to them for years you can say that the book is one hundred percent accurate. Gwen Kreig is a new designer who makes clothes a lot of your friends save up for. They’re edgy and just out of your price range. Grayson Kreig, David and Gwen’s older brother, used to be in some band. Jo Chase makes documentaries for public television. Francine Rose is Irene’s cousin. She’s new to New York. Jesse Corrington runs The Socialite, a gossip website used by denizens of the Upper East Side in their petty rumor wars. Isaac Corrington used to be a senator and is still powerful amongst New York royalty. Chester Fisk runs the Castle, the most debaucherous hotel in Manhattan. His parties are legendary, and he pays well. You would know. Jonathon Fisk runs Fisk Enterprises in Australia Francis Fisk is throwing this party to celebrate his business’s twenty-fifth year. Mercy Neist is a New York socialite who has been traveling abroad recently. Zachary Wellington is a Fisk board member from Chicago. Candice Wellington is Zachary’s daughter. Davana Gudriov is Ashley LeBois’ housekeeper. Alexei Siranov is working security. Taylor Walker is a caterer you’ve worked with before. Jamie Lavigne is a caterer you’ve worked with before. Callaway Lee is a bartender you’ve worked with before.
Sydney O’Connor
Act Two
Caterer
Francis Fisk is dead! If you and the other guests cannot figure out who the killer is before the power comes back on then you will all be taken in to the police and embroiled in a great scandal. It could ruin your prospects for future employment, and you can’t have that. During Act Two your primary objective is to piece together what happened to Fisk while keeping as many of your own secrets as quiet as you can. You know that you are not the killer, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you have nothing to worry about; if evidence seems to indicate that you committed the crime, the other guests may decide to turn you in to protect themselves! Make certain that you do everything possible to prove your innocence.
Callaway Lee
Act One
Bartender
Who You Are You are Callaway Lee, a bartender hired by Irene den Waldern. She hired you because you are professional, discreet, and unfailingly polite. These upper class gigs pay ridiculous amounts of money so you are always on your best behavior to ensure you land another one. However, one of the guests at this party is Chester Fisk, another employer of yours. When you can’t work as wait staff you work as an “entertainer” at the Castle, Mr Fisk’s hotel. Most often you dance on stage or with a group, but you don’t want anyone here to find out.
Getting Into Character Irene wants you to wear nice clothes to blend in with the crowd, so be sure to wear formal gear.
Gossip and Objectives for Callaway Lee Mingling With Other Guests You’ll find it beneficial to know as much as you can about the other guests as the game goes on. There are a lot of secrets out there, so use the mingling period to discover as many as you can. Even more importantly, make sure your own secrets stay hidden. Introduce yourselves to the other guests, ask about their backgrounds, give your own background (the best possible version, of course), and share gossip about the other attendees. Find out the story behind everyone’s story! • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Irene den Waldern hired you and is the party planner for this party. She’s known for paying well and being loyal to her staff. Richard den Waldern is Irene’s brother and a known philanthropist. Rose den Waldern, Irene and Richard’s older sister, is a famous socialite and is always at the most fabulous parties. Ashley LeBois is the head of Runway, a fashion magazine, and is known for her excellent taste and extravagant parties. This party is being thrown in her penthouse suite. Helen LeBois is a famous designer and last week you saw her and Sam Lily at the restaurant you work at. He proposed to her. It was so romantic. Sam Lily is a successful lawyer and new to the New York social scene. David Kreig is an author who wrote a stunningly accurate book on the Upper East Side socialites. After working as an invisible aid to them for years you can say that the book is one hundred percent accurate. Gwen Kreig is a new designer who makes clothes a lot of your friends save up for. They’re edgy and just out of your price range. Grayson Kreig, David and Gwen’s older brother, used to be in some band. Jo Chase makes documentaries for public television. Francine Rose is Irene’s cousin. She’s new to New York. Jesse Corrington runs The Socialite, a gossip website used by the denizens of the Upper East Side in their petty rumor wars. Isaac Corrington, Jesse’s grandfather, used to be a senator and is still powerful amongst New York royalty. Chester Fisk runs the Castle, the most debaucherous hotel in Manhattan. His parties are legendary, and he pays well. You would know. Jonathon Fisk runs Fisk Enterprises in Australia. Francis Fisk, Chester and Jonathon’s older brother, is throwing this party to celebrate his business’s twenty-fifth year. Mercy Neist is a New York socialite who has been traveling abroad recently. Zachary Wellington is a Fisk board member from Chicago. Candice Wellington is Zachary’s daughter. Davana Gudriov is Ashley LeBois’ housekeeper. Alexei Siranov is working security. Taylor Walker is a caterer you’ve worked with before. Jamie Lavigne is a caterer you’ve worked with before. Sydney O’Connor is a caterer you’ve worked with before.
Callaway Lee
Act Two
Bartender
Francis Fisk is dead! If you and the other guests cannot figure out who the killer is before the power comes back on then you will all be taken in to the police and embroiled in a great scandal. It could ruin your prospects for future employment, and you can’t have that. During Act Two your primary objective is to piece together what happened to Fisk while keeping as many of your own secrets as quiet as you can. You know that you are not the killer, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you have nothing to worry about; if evidence seems to indicate that you committed the crime, the other guests may decide to turn you in to protect themselves! Make certain that you do everything possible to prove your innocence.
-7Props and Printouts This section of the instruction manual includes all of the additional materials you will need to print out for your party. Included are: • Invitations, along with an abbreviated guest list (to help players in choosing their characters) and RSVP cards. You will need to print one invitation, one guest list, and one RSVP card for each person you plan to invite. Remember to stamp and address the RSVP cards. • Tokens representing the clues for Act Two. o Fisk's Safe o Fisk's Phone o A Bloody Knife o Fisk's Dead Body o Fisk's Files (7 total) o Fisk's Cell Phone Data Clues (4 total) o Jo Chase's Camera Footage • Voting sheets for the end of the party. You will need to print out one voting sheet for each guest. • Customizable player awards. • Script cards that are to be read by the Host/Hostess at various points during the event to explain what is occurring. You will need to print out one copy of each script card.
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You are cordially invited to
A Murder-Mystery Party Date Time Location Details Enclosed.
Please RSVP no later than
What Is a Murder-Mystery Party? You have been invited to a party hosted by
Francis Fisk in celebration of the twenty-fifth year of Fisk Enterprises. The guest list includes a number of Fisk’s friend, family members, and business associates, as well as a full catering staff. Everyone is expecting an elegant evening with drinks, hor d’oeuvres, drinks, and dancing—they aren't expecting power outages, a dastardly deed, and an unsavory scandal!
Murder in Manhattan is a Murder Mystery Party
wherein the guests will take the roles of Francis Fisk and his guests and staff and play those characters throughout the course of the event. At some point during the evening, one of the guests will be “killed” by one of the other participants, and the remainder of the evening will be spent piecing together clues in an attempt to determine who the murderer is. Food and drink will be provided.
Included with this invitation are an RSVP card and a brief description of the characters. Please return the RSVP card as soon as possible!
The Guest List
Male roles are marked ♂, female roles are marked ♀, and characters that can be either gender are marked ♀♂. ♂Francis Fisk—Real Estate Tycoon—This party is being thrown by Francis in celebration of his company’s twenty-five years of success in real estate. He is very well known and always throws the most elegant parties. ♀Irene den Waldern—Party Planner—Irene runs a very successful public relations firm that caters to the Upper East Side and numerous celebrities and socialites. She is throwing this party for Francis. ♂Richard den Waldern—Philanthropist—A young but prominent philanthropist, he is known for giving generously to children’s charities around the country. He was recently in Florida on vacation. ♀Rose den Waldern—Queen—Queen bee of the older socialites, Rose rules the Upper East Side with an iron fist inside a silken glove. ♀Francine (Frank) Rose—Debutante—A cousin of the den Walderns from Florida, Frank recently arrived in New York and is making her debut among the upper class. ♀Ashley LeBois—Editor—Up-and-coming queen of the younger generation, Ashley is the editor of Runway, a popular fashion magazine. She rules the younger generation with well-timed rumors and vicious social takedowns. ♀Helen LeBois—Designer—Helen owns and designs her own line of haute couture fashion, catering only to the rich and fabulous. ♂Sam Lily—Lawyer—Sam is an entertainment lawyer known for his famous clients and sharp sense of humor. ♀Gwen Kreig—Rising Star—New to the social scene, Gwen is a fashion designer with cutting-edge style and swift social-climbing ambitions. ♂David Kreig—Author—David published a biting satire on Upper East Side personalities—recently at the top of the New York Times bestseller list—which everyone suspects is based on actual socialites. ♂Grayson Kreig—Rock Star—A one-hit wonder, Grayson was once part of the band Eagle’s Rose, which has long since broken up. ♀Jo Chase—Filmmaker—New to the scene, Jo makes documentaries and is filming the party for a new documentary. ♂Jesse Corrington—Journalist—Editor of a biting online gossip site, Jesse is known for only publishing verifiable rumors. He comes from one of the most powerful families on the Upper East Side. ♂Isaac Corrington—Retired Senator—Although retired from government life, Isaac is the head of the politically active Corrington family. Easily the king of the Upper East Side socialites, Isaac has played the social and political scene for years. ♂Chester Fisk—Playboy—The debauchery and indulgence of the life of the upper class run hand in hand with this well-known playboy, younger brother of Jonathon and Francis. He owns the Castle, a hotel known for ruining the reputations of many celebrities and socialites. ♀Mercy Neist—Scheming Socialite—A well-known socialite, Mercy mysteriously left New York a few years ago and has only just returned from traveling abroad. She is a troublemaker and a schemer who used to give Ashley a run for her money. ♂Jonathon Fisk—Outcast—Jonathon runs Fisk Enterprises in Australia and has been invited back to New York for his brother’s big celebration. Rumor says he left due to some scandal that was covered up. ♂Zachary Wellington—Architect—A board member of Fisk Enterprises from Chicago, he is attending the event with his daughter Candice. ♀Candice Wellington—New Girl—Candice is both Zachary’s daughter and his assistant. This is her first time in New York. ♂Alexei Siranov—Security—Doorman at Fisk’s building and security for the party, Alexei is in charge of making sure none of the lower classes get into the celebration. ♀Davana Gudriov—Housekeeper—Ashley’s maid and housekeeper, Davana has been looking out for Ashley since she was a little girl. ♀♂ Taylor Walker—Head Caterer—(Played by the Host/Hostess) Taylor was hired by Irene to be attentive and discreet, as well as to run the staff and make sure the party goes as planned. ♀♂ Jamie Lavigne—Caterer—Jamie was hired by Irene to be attentive and discreet and to make sure the party runs smoothly. ♀♂ Sydney O’Connor—Caterer—Sydney was hired by Irene to be attentive and discreet and to make sure the party runs smoothly. ♀♂ Callaway Lee—Bartender—Callaway was hired by Irene to be attentive and discreet as well as to keep the drinks flowing.
RSVP Card No, I will be unable to attend. Yes, I will be attending. Your Character If you have any special dietary needs or preferences (vegetarian, vegan, allergies, etc), please list them below:
We look forward to seeing you there!
RSVP Card No, I will be unable to attend. Yes, I will be attending. 1st Character Choice 2nd Character Choice I have no character preference. If you have any special dietary needs or preferences (vegetarian, vegan, allergies, etc), please list them below:
We look forward to seeing you there!
Clue 1: Fisk’s Safe
Clue 2: Fisk’s Phone
It is entirely likely that the safe could hold valuable information pertaining to Fisk’s murder; is there anyone who can open it?
There could very well be important information stored on the phone, but it is locked with a pass code; is there anyone with the skill to crack it?
Clue 3: A Bloody Knife Found in a wastebasket, the knife was obviously quickly discarded. It matches the set in the kitchen.
Clue 4: Fisk’s Dead Body Francis has been stabbed in the heart by a sharp implement.
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File on Rose den Waldern Files on Rose den Waldern: This includes love letters that indicate that she was once a groupie for the band Eagle’s Rose in college and was going to run away with band member Grayson Kreig. However, her parents died shortly after. Receipts for a wedding ring are in this file. Also, there are some pictures of Rose and Grayson Kreig in a coffee shop that look recent, and a note from a private eye scheduling a meeting for earlier today. S
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File on Irene den Waldern This file consists mostly of police records of public intoxication, as well as one for public indecency and one for driving under the influence.
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File on Richard den Waldern File on Richard den Waldern: The file includes accounting information on notable contributions to children’s charities around the country. Also included are admission papers to St. Albert’s Institution for attempted suicide. The file indicates that he was under watch for three months and then released.
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File on Francine Rose There are many pictures of her about town and a copy of a birth certificate. There is a note to contact the IRS about the birth certificate. The file indicates she was living with Rose den Waldern’s cousin, Stephan Transiv, in Florida. There are pictures of Francine Rose in Florida, but she doesn’t look anything like the Francine Rose at the party.
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File on Chester Fisk These are mostly police reports on Chester’s past. He has multiple arrests for being drunk in public, possession, etc. In the past few years he appears to have cleaned up his act. There are financial notes on a hotel called the Castle. All the accounting notes are pristine.
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File on Jonathon Fisk The files on Jonathon are over ten years old, and all predate his assignment to Australia. There are several files with police records holding accusations of rape from numerous women. All the charges were dropped after substantial payouts. There are also financial records on Ponzi schemes that Fisk’s accountants apparently paid out before they were brought to police attention. There is an invoice from a private investigator to reopen the file on Jonathon that covers airfare to Australia and expenses. A meeting was scheduled tomorrow to discuss his findings.
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File on Zachary Wellington This file seems to be comprised mostly of accounting records on Wellington’s architecture business, which Fisk recently took over and assimilated into his own company. There are also notes on employees, as well as an assessment of the company and suggestion for improving productivity. The file also includes an invoice from a private investigator for researching the death of Gayle Hartfort several years ago, dated before the takeover.
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Cell Phone Data Clue 1 The cell phone history indicates that a call was made to the NYPD earlier this morning; the call lasted over thirty minutes.
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Cell Phone Data Clue 2 The cell phone contains an email message to Jonathon Fisk that references certain payouts on recent Ponzi schemes.
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Cell Phone Data Clue 3 The cell phone contains an unfinished e-mail draft addressed to Zachary Wellington. While the draft contains no message, the title is “I know what you did to Gayle.”
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Cell Phone Data Clue 4 The cell phone contains a document that appears to be a financial review of Rose den Waldern’s accounts. The review shows she has been rebuilding assets after taking a substantial loss in an investment. The investment is traced back to Jonathon Fisk.
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Jo Chase’s Camera Footage The camera footage shows a male figure stabbing Fisk in the dark, but it is so grainy it’s difficult to tell who it is.
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Who Did It? Voting Sheet
Your character’s name
Name of the guest or player who you believe was responsible for the murder
Name of the guest or player who you feel did the best job acting in character this evening
Name of the guest or player who you feel had the best costume this evening
Awards
Keen Detective For correctly identifying Zachary Wellington as the killer,
is hereby awarded the Keen Detective Award. Great job, and thanks for playing Murder in Manhattan!
Outstanding Acting For receiving the most votes for best acting,
is hereby awarded the Outstanding Acting Award. Great job, and thanks for playing Murder in Manhattan!
Outstanding Costume For receiving the most votes for best costume,
is hereby awarded the Outstanding Costume Award. Great job, and thanks for playing Murder in Manhattan!
Falsely Accused & Convicted! Whoops! Even though you were innocent, you weren’t able to convince the other guests that you weren’t the killer. Poor
You’ll just have to live with this “Falsely Accused and Convicted!” Award as a consolation prize. Great job, and thanks for playing Murder in Manhattan!
Cold Blooded Killer! It takes a lot to murder a man in cold blood, and this award recognizes that
is not someone to be trifled with. Great job, and thanks for playing Murder in Manhattan!
Got Away with Murder! Not only did you do the heinous deed, but you got away with it as well! Congratulations,
Great job, and thanks for playing Murder in Manhattan!
Hapless Victim For being such a good sport,
is hereby award the Hapless Victim Award. Great job, and thanks for playing Murder in Manhattan!
Script Sh eets
Welcome to the Party
Welcome, everyone, and thank you for attending Murder in Manhattan. As all of you know, this is a murder mystery party. During the party, each of you will be playing the role of a guest or employee of Francis Fisk at his party celebrating his company’s anniversary. You should each have a character sheet that details what your character knows and how you should act in response to specific situations. Aside from these instructions, there is no particular script you need to follow; simply do your best to act as you believe your character would act. During the course of the event I will be playing the part of Taylor Walker, one of the caterers. However, I will also be available to answer any questions about how the game works. Just let me know if you need to ask me something “out of character.” Your goal tonight is to get to know the other guests. Introduce yourselves, exchange backgrounds, and trade gossip. You should find there are some interesting secrets in the room - aybe even a secret or two for which one would kill. This means that you should pay special attention whenever you feel that a guest has something to hide. Even more importantly, make sure to protect your own secrets; you don’t people drawing any unfavorable conclusions about you. Not in this prestigious crowd. Each character sheet includes Gossip & Objectives pages that detail what you know about the other guests. Check your sheet before you start a conversation so you know with whom you’re dealing. [Read following if you have less than 25 people or unassigned characters.] Please note that there will be no one playing the following characters tonight and cross them off of your sheet anywhere the names appear. [List the names of characters that are not being played by anyone] You may hear these names in your conversations but you will not be interacting directly with those characters today. Before we begin, we’ll give everyone a couple of minutes to read over your character sheets and make sure you understand everything. Remember not to show your character sheets to anyone else and to be careful with what information you end up sharing with other players. Most of you have secret information listed on your sheet your character wouldn’t want to disclose to just anyone. Please take a minute to read over your character sheets now. [Once everyone has had a chance to read over their sheets, give them an opportunity to ask questions about how the game will work. Once all of their questions have been answered, continue this script.]
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Alright, if there are no further questions, let me describe the scene for you. You are in Francis Fisk’s fabulous penthouse suite apartment on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. You are here for an evening of dinner, dancing, and conversation in celebration of the twenty-fifth anniversary of Fisk Enterprises. Francis Fisk has a big announcement to make at midnight, but everyone is free to mingle and talk until then. [Point out each of the different rooms that are considered part of the game, and explain what part of the apartment they represent. You should have at least one large room for the dining hall and another that is Fisk’s study. You can specify other areas as you wish, depending on the size of the playing area.] You are now free to mingle with each other and enjoy the party. Drinks and food will be available shortly. And now, if I could see the catering staff in the kitchen.
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Blackout Approaching
As the evening progresses, you begin to notice patches of darkness in the city below. New York has been experiencing rolling blackouts due to recent power shortages, and it appears that one is approaching the apartment. But not to worry, there are candles on hand in case the emergency lights do not come on. Please continue enjoying yourselves; all is well.
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The Lights Go Out
The rolling blackouts continue to approach, and then suddenly, all the lights go out. [Here you should extinguish the lights.] The caterers go to get the candles as you wait in confusion for the emergency lights to come on. As people move around in the darkness there is suddenly a scream and a thud in the confusion. [Cue Francis Fisk to fall to the floor as the victim. If you are using the audio files, play the Scream-Thud.mp3 track first.]
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Blackout!
The emergency lights come on in a minute and the caterers pass out candles. You are all shocked to see the still form of Francis Fisk sprawled on the floor in a pool of blood, obviously stabbed through the heart by a knife of some sort. A feeling of horror sweeps through the room. Not only has Francis Fisk just been murdered, but the killer is surely still here. We will now take a brief intermission as we prepare for Act Two.
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Trapped in the Penthouse
The murder is reported to the police and some guests head to the elevator. However, due to the power outage the elevator will not open. All the guests are trapped in the penthouse until the power comes back on and the police can get in. The building manager says that the power outage should last an hour or so. Everyone should be very cautious: after all, Francis Fisk was just murdered, and it is likely the murderer is still in the penthouse. You should look for clues to solve the murder before the police arrive and splash this party all over the tabloids. We will now begin a scavenger hunt for clues. The clues are small paper tokens that are hidden throughout the area. Everyone can join in. If you find one, announce it to the group and then bring it to me. I will let you know when all the clue tokens have been found and we will attempt to solve this mystery!
After combing through the area, it seems that we’ve found everything there is to find. We have located four clues: a bloody knife, Fisk’s cell phone, his safe, and, of course, his dead body. Now let’s take a closer look at the evidence!
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Presentation of Evidence
Now that we’ve seen the hard evidence, does anyone have anything to add? Did anyone see anything suspicious leading up to the event? Does anyone have any questions or theories?
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