Fine Wine, Good Friends, and a Wicked Murder
Prepare to step into an evening of elegance and intrigue as Ivanna Katenka, a figure shrouded in mystery and famed for her impeccable taste in wine, invites you to her private wine-tasting soirée in the picturesque town of Gladerock. Renowned for her ability to curate exceptional vintages and craft an ambiance of charm and sophistication, Ivanna promises an unforgettable experience where laughter flows as freely as the wine. But as the guest list reveals, this isn’t just any gathering—among the attendees are a few individuals with notorious reputations and fiery dispositions. With your exclusive invitation in hand, you’ve decided to join this enchanting yet unpredictable evening. This is where the night begins, but how it will end remains anyone’s guess. Will it be a celebration, a confrontation, or something far more unexpected?
Guest List
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BILLIE BENJAMINS
Fundraising Consultant
This French Canadian, Billie Benjamins, recently moved to the tiny town of Gladerock. Nobody truly knows Billie’s intentions, but this consultant is supposedly a professional fundraiser from a big city. It didn’t take long for Billie to hit the radar of the local courts, as one resident is already preparing to file a restraining order—though the exact reason remains a mystery. Many in Gladerock find it peculiar that a fundraising consultant would settle in a town with so few fundraising opportunities, leading to whispered theories about ulterior motives. Billie’s peculiar habit of pitching elaborate charity events for causes that don’t exist in the area only adds to the confusion. Despite the skepticism, Billie continues to attend every social gathering, exuding charm and dodging pointed questions with an unsettling smile.
COSTUME SUGGESTIONS: Conservative suit - click for W and click for M.
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POINDEX BOINKERTON
Computer Programmer
Details, details, details! If you’re speaking to Poindex Boinkerton, you better prepare for many intricate fine points and facts! This is one over-explaining member of the Nerd Herd—a computer support team in Gladerock—always ready to travel to your home to remedy technological ailments. Poindex is celebrated for a keen ability to uncover hidden issues within devices and networks, but some locals whisper about an uncanny talent for discovering more than just technical problems. With a knack for finding sensitive information, Poindex has a way of making people uneasy, as if questioning this tech-savvy genius might lead to unintended consequences. Those who’ve worked with Poindex often leave feeling both impressed and strangely wary.
COSTUME SUGGESTIONS: Wear nerdy attire—the nerdier, the better! Glasses with tape on the bridge, a protractor, and a calculator are optional props.
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IVANNA KATENKA
Airport Security Agent, Gladerock International Airport
Ivanna Katenka is the ultra-mysterious airport security clerk. Far from a femme fatale, she is feared by most and has an intense anger management problem. Her piercing glare has been known to make even the boldest travelers confess their secrets. As Gretchen Audigger’s somewhat tolerable neighbor, their frequent squabbles provide endless entertainment for the rest of the block.
Ivanna is hosting the wine-tasting party for the neighborhood and even a few people who are new to town.
COSTUME SUGGESTIONS: Wear any uniform-like costume (i.e., a white shirt and black pants with a fake armband or badge).
DORIE LAXX
Owner, Dorie's Day Spa
Originally hailing from the UK, Dorie Laxx traveled to America to fulfill her dream of owning a luxurious Day Spa. She’s a tad snooty and a bit of a one-upper, but this relaxation queen truly knows how to make her customers feel like royalty! However, some locals have started taking advantage of her accommodating nature by booking lengthy appointments and failing to show, or slyly requesting free services under the guise of dissatisfaction with services. Despite her polished demeanor, Dorie is growing increasingly frustrated by the town’s freeloaders but keeps her composure to maintain her reputation as the ultimate spa queen.
COSTUME SUGGESTIONS: Wear very casual attire, such as a terry robe and slippers or a terry warm-up suit and slippers.
GRETCHEN AUDIGGER
Pampered Fiancé
Gretchen Audigger is a former barista from the local coffee shop in the tiny town of Gladerock. After meeting her wealthy fiancé two years ago, she’s become the town’s ultra-glamorous pampered princess. Known for her lavish lifestyle and dramatic outbursts, Gretchen’s penchant for stirring up trouble has earned her quite the reputation. Her prior sugary sweet disposition has melted into a foul, ill-mannered spirit recently, but one thing’s for sure—she knows how to turn heads.
COSTUME SUGGESTIONS: Luxurious cocktail party attire.
INGA FEDEROV
Personal Trainer
Originally hailing from Eastern Europe, Inga Federov is the town of Gladerock’s personal trainer and serious fitness guru. Her hyper-energetic demeanor and obsession with protein shakes make her hard to ignore. Despite her overly friendly, fake persona, Inga’s endless energy and somewhat dubious motivational catchphrases—like “Pain is just fear leaving your biceps!”—have made her a local sensation.
COSTUME SUGGESTIONS: Any warm-up suit or athletic attire.
DR. INDY JONAS
Ancient History Professor
Dr. Indy Jonas is the arrogant, over-exaggerating Ancient History professor at Gladerock College. With a broad Australian accent and signature leather satchel, Indy fancies being the next great adventurer—but colleagues mostly see a walking ego trip. If there’s a relic to be found, Indy will talk about it for hours… even if it doesn’t exist. Rumors swirl that Indy’s tales of daring excavations may be as fictional as some of the artifacts described. Still, Indy’s undeniable charm and knack for captivating an audience make it hard to look away.
COSTUME SUGGESTIONS: An archeologist or adventurer costume.
MICHA ANGELO
Free-lance Artist
The Italian heartbreaker, Micha Angelo, is a charismatic yet eccentric artist. Micha sometimes sings instead of speaks and quickly blames the song outburst on an inner artist. Growing up with a troubled past, Micha spent years in and out of juvenile detention, often turning to art as an emotional escape. With a deep passion for self-expression, Micha channeled those struggles into creativity, eventually becoming a full-time freelance artist. However, despite years of effort and dedication, only a handful of Gladerock's locals believe Micha’s work is anything more than eccentric nonsense, leaving Micha constantly battling for recognition.
COSTUME SUGGESTIONS: Very trendy attire. A beret and sketch pad as optional props.
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GET READY FOR THE WINE TASTING!
Attending a wine tasting can be a delightful and enriching experience. Start with tasting lighter wines before moving to heavier ones to avoid overwhelming your palate. Take time to observe the wine's color, swirl gently to release aromas, and then sniff before tasting. Sipping water between tastings can cleanse your palate, ensuring you fully experience each wine's unique profile. It's also helpful to eat a light meal beforehand to balance the effects of alcohol. Engage with the host to learn more about each wine's origin and characteristics. Most importantly, spit out wine after tasting if you prefer; it's a common practice at tastings and ensures you can enjoy the variety without overindulging. Enjoy the experience, and remember, there are no wrong questions or impressions when it comes to wine!
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Wines can primarily be broken down into the following categories:
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Red Wines: Made from dark-colored grape varieties. Look for body types (light, medium, full), common flavors (berry, plum, tobacco), and recommended pairings (red meats, cheese). Popular types include Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Pinot Noir.
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White Wines are made from green grapes or grapes with yellow and green skins. Note the sweetness level (dry, semi-sweet, sweet), acidity, and flavor notes (citrus, apple, pear). Common varieties include Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Riesling. Pair with seafood, poultry, or salads.
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Rosé Wines are pink in color and are made by allowing the grape skins to contact the wine for a short time. They're often light and fruity, perfect for warm days, and pair well with light dishes like salads and fish.
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Sparkling Wines include Champagne (from France), Prosecco (from Italy), and Cava (from Spain). They range from sweet to dry and are perfect for celebrations. Look for the bubbles' quality and persistence.
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Dessert Wines are sweeter wines, often served with or as dessert. Types include Port, Sherry, and Moscato. Look for the sweetness level and pairing suggestions.
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Fortified wines, like Port, Sherry, and Madeira, have spirits added. They can be dry or sweet and are typically served with or after dessert.
When selecting a wine, consider the occasion, your taste preference (sweet vs. dry, light vs. full-bodied), and food pairings. Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations from a sommelier or wine seller.