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Skull Manor Murder Mystery

It is time again for the annual Skull Manor Costume Ball! Skull Manor is an old estate in the heart of Spider City known for its captivating architecture, mysterious ambiance, and unspeakable history. The townspeople have been scurrying about the streets to prepare for the big night of great food, inspiring conversations, and outrageous gossip. This has been a daunting year of dissension and discord among many of the residents of Spider City. Rumors of blackmail, thievery, and scandalous controversies have been circulating throughout the town’s grapevines. We all hope everybody can put aside their differences for a night of fun. If not, there may be misfortune on the horizon. This is where your story begins.

Guest List

 

THE CRAZY HATTER

Hat Designer

The Crazy Hatter is a world-renowned hat designer known for eccentric fashion pieces and for being the source of spilled secrets in Spider City. This unconventional hat maker has mastered the art of eavesdropping, so if you have skeletons in your cupboard, it is best not to breathe a word of them.

This talented hatter has powerful worldwide connections. After a few viral videos circulated on social media about a decade ago, The Crazy Hatter catapulted to fame by becoming the go-to designer for celebrity hats. 

Suggested attire (but feel free to wear whatever you wish): A Mad Hatter costume, a large hat, and a velvet suit. A red wig and crazy makeup with a cane are optional accessories.

 

LANE CROFT

Archeologist-Adventurer

Lane Croft is one of the most interesting people you will ever have the pleasure of meeting. Lane travels the world in search of ancient artifacts and hidden treasures. With enraged foes around the globe, Lane is forced to live in a secret location in Spider City.

Lane will travel solo to distant lands in search of the most precious relics and artifacts. Lane prefers to go alone, as this adventurer doesn't like splitting any profits Rumor has it that Lane is highly-skilled at martial arts and might have had to fight other treasure hunters on occasion. Who knew that archaeology could be that dangerous of a profession? 

Suggested attire (but feel free to wear whatever you wish): Adventurer attire with a large toy gun or bow & arrow.

 

SAM STABLES

Horse Groomer

Sam Stables is an obnoxious horse groomer at Spider City Downs, the home of the Pumpkin Cup Thoroughbred Horse Races. This caretaker is currently under investigation for scandals that have happened recently at the track, and the Spider City rumor mill reports Sam may not have a job for long!

Sam has undergone a string of bad luck lately. From car accidents to sabotages at the horse track, this caretaker is getting it from all directions.. Maybe if Sam had a better attitude, things would change for the better?

Suggested attire (but feel free to wear whatever you wish): Ranch hand/western costume.

 

KAI EVERGREEN

Archery Instructor

Kai Evergreen is a boisterous archery instructor from Mississippi. Kai speaks with a charming Southern accent and follows Southern hospitality rules. However, Kai has a hidden dark side, so avoid enraging Kai at all costs.

Unfortunately, things happened out of Kai's control about a year and a half ago. This incident might be directly related to a drop in the Kai's number of students. And after what happened at the most recent archery competition - Kai might be looking for a new career. 

Suggested attire (but feel free to wear whatever you wish): An archer costume, with a toy bow and arrow as a prop.

 

KATY STARRY

Pop Star

Katy’s super-stardom has afforded her never-ending cash flow and high-level connections, but she cannot stay out of the trash tabloids to save her life! Katy is uber-famous for her talent, but her recent troubles have darkened her reputation.

The tabloids recently unveiled her lavish, million-dollar wedding for her two Goldendoodles and snapped unflattering photos of her asleep on the beach in a mermaid costume with ketchup on her cheek from her half-eaten bucket of French fries. Her last viral video filmed by a fan was of an argument between her and Theodora Jones, another pop star, at a trendy restaurant in Beverly Hills. They were arguing over who gave a dirty look first.  Katy, come on. It's time to start acting normal in public!  

Suggested attire (but feel free to wear whatever you wish): Very trendy pop star attire.

 

ELLA FROST

Amusement Park Character

Ella Frost is employed as a character actress at Dark Shadow Amusement Park. She plays the role of a fairy tale ice princess named Emma—and hopes to one day use her acting skills to make it to the Hollywood big screen.

Ella claims to be a method actress, and once she is in her character of the ice princess, there is no speaking to Ella. Many park-goers have noticed how good of an actress she has become, and have encouraged her to use her talents for something bigger than a Spider City amusement park. She really wants to take a jab at the Hollywood scene, but hasn't been able to garner the courage to quit her job and move out there. 

Suggested attire (but feel free to wear whatever you wish): Ice princess costume.

 

HARLEQUIN

Vigilante - Villain

Harlequin is an enigma to most people of Spider City. On one hand, she has been seen fighting crime on the streets at night. Others report that she is the criminal mastermind of the underground. Nonetheless, she doesn’t have a day job but can afford expensive things.

Harlequin has been spotted (and filmed) doing heroic acts lately, such as saving the innocent citizens of Spider City from the criminals lurking on the streets. Many influential people in town are starting to believe that Harlequin might just be a superhero - just like from the comic books. But Harlequin adamantly denies being a hero. Is it because she is humbled and shy and doesn't wish to have any attention for her good deeds? Only time will tell.  

Suggested attire (but feel free to wear whatever you wish): Harley Quinn costume, theatrical makeup, and a crazy wig of any kind.

 

BETTY ARCHER

Cupcake Chef, Betty Archer Cupcakes

Betty Archer is a talented cupcake chef. She made her television debut on Cooking Network’s Cupcake Battles, where she placed a disappointing second. However, Betty doesn’t take the blame for her loss.

Betty's wealthy parents own the Archer Performance Center in town, where all of the large events are hosted in town, such as symphony orchestras, ballet performances, comedy troupes, award shows, and concerts. Rumor has it that there have been problems with some events lately that have caused events to have to be canceled. Betty used to work at the performance center, but ever since she became a semi-famous cupcake chef and opened a bakery in Spider City (Betty Archer Cupcakes), her cupcake career has taken off. It doesn't look like Betty will ever go back to working for her parents. 

Suggested attire (but feel free to wear whatever you wish): Quirky 1950s attire or a cupcake costume or a chef's uniform.

 

MITZI MINX

National Football League Cheerleader

Mitzi Minx is genuinely fun to be around because she was born for comedy. During the NFL off-season, she’s a knee-slapping amateur comedian. She's ready to put her pompoms away and become a professional standup, but she hasn’t mustered the courage.

Mitzi has been dealing a lot of hate online when she posts video clips of her comedy act. She started off taking her turn on the stage during amateur nights at the local comedy club, The Laugh Shack. She quickly became the crowd favorite, so the manager gave her a shot at opening for the famous comics who came to town. That is when the social media hate commenced. It does seem to be from one account, for the most part. Also, this troll appears to be a Spider City local. Mitzi wants nothing more than to find out the identity of this cyberbully.

Suggested attire (but feel free to wear whatever you wish): Cheerleader costume - you can pick the team you wish to be on - it doesn't matter. You can also make one up, if you wish, such as the Spider City Outlaws, or Spider City Vipers . Optional: bring some jokes with you to perform for others – why not?

 

DARK VADON

Movie Memorabilia Collector

Dark Vadon makes a living as a movie memorabilia collector and auctioneer. Dark is known for wearing head-to-toe movie costumes, and some find this behavior to be quite strange. Dark is very blunt and to the point, but most people find this off-putting.

Many people, especially the locals who go to the weekly auctions of movie and television memorabilia, believe that Dark might actually be a very famous celebrity who is living in Spider City anonymously. How else would someone have access to all this memorabilia? Well, it could be fake or bought on another online auction site, but the locals of Spider City love the mystery and intrigue involved with going to the Dark Auction House.

Suggested attire (but feel free to wear whatever you wish): Darth Vader costume or any other movie costume.

 

DARBY YONTZ

Viking Tough Runs, Founder / Coordinator

Darby founded the Viking Tough Runs—a 5-mile obstacle course that challenges racers with mud, barbed wire, heights, and small spaces. Darby’s races are definitely not for the weak of heart. Darby is hosting the annual Viking Tough Run race in Spider City that will be held the day after the Skull Manor Costume Ball.  It will have all the usual obstacles - mud pits, climbing walls, barbed sire crawl, rope swings, balance beams over slime, and a few tunnel crawls. 

Darby works most days of the year and doesn't have time for socializing or self care. This is starting to show in Darby's attitude, as this traveling business owner has been very stressed lately. That's why Darby decided to take a break and attend the costume ball. Darby also has asked the staff of the mud run to attend - but Darby thankfully didn't make it mandatory. They need a break!  

Suggested attire (but feel free to wear whatever you wish): a Viking costume.

 

VICTORIA GLAMINTON

Lounge Singer

Victoria Glaminton is an insufferable lounge singer at the Witching Hour Lounge in Spider City.  Lacking manners and decorum, offensive words flow from her mouth like a full-blast fire hose. Victoria isn’t known for being friendly, so tread with caution around this diva.

​Victoria has her hopes and dreams set on moving to Hollywood and making it as a singer/songwriter. She has written some songs and created a demo tape, but she hasn't had the nerve to send it to anyone yet. This is primarily because of some local haters who have said terrible things about her singing voice. She hopes to one day be the opener's opener for Katy Starry's concert in Spider City and prove to everyone that she is talented. But who knows if that will ever happen. 

Suggested attire (but feel free to wear whatever you wish): Glamorous evening gown.

 

VIKING TOUGH RUN STAFF 

The hardworking staff of the Viking Tough Runs, 5-mile obstacle courses that challenge racers with mud, barbed wire, heights, and small spaces, are highly dedicated to their jobs and are a tight-knit group. Darby’s races are definitely not for the weak of heart.

Darby's staff are loyal and never miss work, which is fantastic for Darby.  But since this group only gets a handful of days off work per year, they are low on gas and  running out of steam. Nobody can sustain working that many days per year for too long! 

Suggested attire (but feel free to wear whatever you wish): a Viking costume.


DR. DRUID

Mad Scientist

Dr. Druid was terminated from Telomere Tech University for performing illegal research on human subjects. The professor swiftly relocated to Spider City and rumor has it that the doc might be working out of a garage laboratory.

Dr. Druid claims that Telomere Tech University's administration simply didn't recognize how smart this research was, so they felt threatened and terminated the doc's employment. Currently, Dr. Druid works around the clock and is constantly trying to recruit test subjects for whatever is going on in that garage. 

Suggested attire (but feel free to wear whatever you wish): Mad scientist costume.

 

CAP’N CLAUSE  

Crab Boat Captain

Cap’n Clause served as a deckhand on a family-owned boat as a salmon gillnetter as a teen. Now, the captain's one of the top crabbers in the Alaskan waters. Cap’n Clause is relentless and pushes the crew of The Crab Rave to work an exhausting amount of hours in extreme conditions.

Cap'n Clause, who grew up with the name Clue Clause, was one of the smartest people at Spider City High School Supposedly, this crabber was to be the Valedictorian of the senior class but got caught up in a scandal and lost the honor. The cap'n doesn't like talking about what happened. 

 Suggested attire (but feel free to wear whatever you wish): Pirate captain costume.

 

MAX MILLION  

Travelopagus  Spokesperson

Max Million is a spunky spokesperson for Travelopagus—the world’s largest online travel agency. Max Million is paid to travel and take fun pictures while vacationing in exotic locations. Some say Max Million has the sweetest gig on the planet, while others ridicule Max for having to wear a gnome costume everywhere.

Max is paid a six figure salary to travel to exotic destinations that everyone would want to visit, eat the best food there, see the amazing sights, and tour all of the attractions. Max has a job that makes most people envious.

Suggested attire (but feel free to wear whatever you wish): Gnome costume.

 

CLAMMY THE CLOWN

Clown for Hire

Clammy the Clown’s reputation as a performer has plummeted to oblivion with the residents of Spider City. Clammy is a party clown for hire who has been around for years, but recently, this clown's behavior has turned dark. Something’s not quite right in Clammy's head.

Recently, Clammy was hired for a kid's party and things didn't go well. Clammy is starting to believe the kids have started an internet trend to hire clowns for parties only to make embarrassing social media videos of them. Clammy is wanting to change careers, but is currently soul-searching.

Suggested attire (but feel free to wear whatever you wish): A clown costume—make it as spooky as you wish.

 

ORLANDO DEPP

Academy Award-Winning Actor

Orlando Depp is a snooty Academy Award-winning actor with childhood roots in Spider City. He loves to return to his hometown to escape the paparazzi—for some reason, the media doesn’t cross the town lines. Nonetheless, Orlando is demanding and acts as if everybody’s beneath him.

Orlando starred in the recent film Megatron. For some reason, this movie flopped on opening weekend, and nobody can pinpoint what happened. Orlando swears it was his costume design, but there was a lot more wrong with the film. 

Suggested attire (but feel free to wear whatever you wish):  Formal party attire. Bring a Sharpie marker in case people want autographs.

 

DR. BUFORD ROID

Proctologist

Dr. Buford Roid is the nerdy proctologist who takes his job very seriously. If you’re not into discussing the health of your backside, you may want to avoid this not-so-charming chap! The doc has good intentions, nonetheless.

Lately, Dr. Ruid's customers have lodged complaints about their office visit seeming like a nightclub atmosphere. The business next door to the proctology office has been playing obnoxious music at a very loud volume. Dr. Roid is losing both patience and patients. 

 Suggested attire (but feel free to wear whatever you wish): A lab coat and stethoscope as a prop. It is optional to bring a pair of examination gloves.

 

JACK JUMPMAN

Pumpkin Patch Owner

Jack Jumpman is the creepy owner of the Spider City Pumpkin Patch.  Jack Jumpman has a habit of frightening the patch customers by jumping out at them. Unfortunately, there’s nowhere else to buy a Halloween pumpkin, so Jack Jumpman’s business is safe for now.

Rumor has it that someone has been shopping the land next to Jack's patch. Jack is very nervous about this, as there are many businesses that could detract from the pumpkin patch. Also, the worst case scenario would be to have someone open and competing pumpkin patch! Spider City is not big enough to support two pumpkin patches! 

Suggested attire (but feel free to wear whatever you wish): Pumpkin Head costume.

 

MERLIN WISER  

Owner, Merlin’s Beard Magic Shop

Magic, anyone? Merlin’s Beard Magic Shop is the one-stop shop for all of your magical needs - that is, if you have any.  Merlin Wiser is a super-friendly community leader who performs a weekly magic show at the Witching Hour Lounge—he’s a hit with the kids!

Someone has gotten ahold of many of Merlin's secrets and has posted them on social media. Merlin isn't too worried about it, as the kids who attend his shows aren't on social media. However, their parents are - and they are the ones responsible for buying their kids' tickets.  Merlin has been busy trying to come up with new and improved illusions for his show - that he will never share with anyone! 

Suggested attire (but feel free to wear whatever you wish): Wizard costume.

 

PEE

Teen Rebel

With both parents as loving physicians, Pee is a rebellious teen who combs the streets of Spider City every night looking for trouble. A teenage dropout, this nonconformist often ends up on the wrong side of the law. It’s only a matter of time before she lands behind bars.

But Pee isn't hardened nor is she a criminal. When push comes to shove, this tenderhearted chicken will flee the scene. Nobody really knows why Pee is rebelling, but it might be because her parents are too busy to give her the attention she needs. 

 Suggested attire (but feel free to wear whatever you wish): Rebellious Gothic teenage attire such as torn tights, crazy wig,  thick makeup.

 

CAPTAIN RON FELDMAN  

Pilot, Plumet Airlines

Plumet Airlines is known for taking in ‘unemployable’ pilots, and they do this so they can offer cheap tickets! Captain Ron Feldman is the not-so-serious pilot that loves to play jokes with his passengers during flights over the overhead system.

But Ron Feldman hasn't always worked for the cheapest airline. Ron had a lucrative job not long ago and because a passenger complained about one of his silly pranks, Ron was fired. He hasn't been the same ever since, but he does try to make the best of his rotten situation.

Suggested attire (but feel free to wear whatever you wish): Pilot costume .

​

SCOTTY KAY

Salesman, Jenk Alarms

Scotty Kay is the top salesman for Jenk Alarms, the number-one residential alarm company in Spider City. He is so smooth that he could sell an open can of red paint to a lady in white gloves.

Scotty has recently paid cash for a home in Spider City that many people were shocked that he could afford on an alarm salesman's salary. He must be selling tons of alarms! Or, maybe he's just made some clever investments? 

Suggested attire (but feel free to wear whatever you wish): Business casual attire.

 

MO PLINKER  

Contortionist

Mo Plinker is the lead performer for Circus de Olay, an Australian-based theatrical company that presents awe-inspiring circus arts and street entertainment shows. Mo Plinker is a contortionist who can bend and contort in ways never seen by humankind. 

Mo leads a troupe of contortionist who are a tight-knit group who considers each other as family. They will fiercely defend each other and have a wolf pack mentality. 

Suggested attire (but feel free to wear whatever you wish): A circus performer costume,  such as a sparkly unitard (for women) with theatrical face paint.

 

CONTORTIONIST

Circus de Olay

The Circus de Olay show is a traveling act by an Australian-based theatrical company that includes awe-inspiring circus arts and street entertainment.  The program includes many talented contortionists who treat each other as family.

Suggested attire (but feel free to wear whatever you wish): A circus performer costume, such as a sparkly unitard (for women) with theatrical face paint.

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