Thanks for choosing A Murder Among Us – Death at the Dread Dragon Inn!
As host, you have the special task of setting up the scenario and helping players with any questions they may run into. If you’re playing along, great – there are no spoilers here!
We’ve done our best to make the setup as simple as possible, but if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
I. PRE-PLANNING
II. QR CODE SETUP
III. STARTING THE MURDER MYSTERY
IV. INTERMISSION
V. END
VI. QUESTIONS PLAYERS MAY ASK
VII. WALKTHROUGH
In order to play you’re gonna need to invite some people over, and those people are gonna need to know what’s going on. They’ll also need to choose a character type.
For Death at the Dread Dragon Inn, they can play as either a Fighter, a Wizard, a Ranger, or a Rogue.
There can be more than one of each type of character, but there must be *at least* one of each type.
This is because some character types will have access to information in the QR Clues that others do not.
Since at least one of each character type is needed, there will need to be at least four players.
If you’re playing as well, you’ll need to choose a character, too!
Since this murder mystery takes place in a fantasy realm, players will also need to decide which fantasy race they’d like to play as, though this will have no effect on the game.
You can copy and send the following link to players:
PLAYER INSTRUCTIONS – DEATH AT THE DREAD DRAGON INN
It gives an introduction to the story and the four types of characters, as well as a general idea of what to expect.
As host, it’s your responsibility to make sure players choose a character type, and that at least one of each type is chosen.
Our QR clues will paint a vivid picture of the setting, the famed Dread Dragon Inn, but feel free to add any additional decorations as you see fit. When we host Murder Mystery parties with our friends, we always pick some thematic music to go along with our game, and provide a place for people to bring snacks/drinks. It’s your mystery though, so you get to choose what all goes along with the game!
In case you’re looking for some ideas when it comes to food, drinks, and décor, we’ve put together some recommendations to take your Death at the Dread Dragon Inn Murder Mystery to the next level!
Check them out here:
PARTY PLANNING IDEAS
The Death at the Dread Dragon Inn PDF you received will contain 13 QR clues (not including the one for Host Guide) that you’ll need to cut out and place around the room. If you opted for the Flavor Pack, you’ll have an additional 10 QR clues, totaling 23.
Each QR clue will have a number, followed by a name.
On the right you’ll also find the number and name, followed by a recommendation on where to place the object in your space.
Cut out the QR clue portion, and tape it where it belongs in the room.
Once you’ve placed them all, you’re done with the setup!
NOTE: The QR Clues should be placed in plain sight, and should not be hidden from players.
While our murder mysteries can be setup in a single room, you’re encouraged to use as much space as you’d like!
Each QR clue will prompt the scanner to select either PHASE I or PHASE II, followed by their character type, meaning each QR code contains 8 unique perspectives, totaling 104 for the standard mystery, and 184 with the flavor pack!
Once all QR clues are placed and your guests have arrived, it’s time to start the Murder Mystery!
You’ll need to go over the rules and guidelines with everyone, but it’s all pretty straightforward:
Players will use their phones to scan the various QR clues placed around the room. Players can and should scan the QR clues in any order. However, this does not mean the QR clues can be solved in any order. Rather, it’s important to fan out and get an idea of what each QR clue gives/needs and share the information with each other so that players can start making the necessary connections.
Players will need to work together in order to collect all of the information necessary to solve the puzzles, but they don’t have to (and shouldn’t) move as a single group. Players can explore in small groups, teams of two, or even individually – just so long as they share the information they collect with everyone else.
Upon scanning, players will need to select the correct phase – PHASE I or PHASE II.
PHASE I takes place up until the intermission.
PHASE II takes place after the intermission.
Once the phase is selected, players will need to select their CHARACTER TYPE.
Remember, the information gained from a QR clue by one character type might be different than what is gained by a different character type.
TIP: Good note-taking will greatly enhance players’ chances of success!
Easy, right?
Once everyone is clear on how to play, have everyone listen to the introduction:
(Or if you prefer – you can read it yourself here.)
Before starting, have your players introduce themselves if they haven’t done so already. It’s important to know who’s who in this game!
Once everyone is ready, they may begin!
Eventually, your players will reach a point instructing them to notify the HOST that they’ve reached the INTERMISSION.
Once the INTERMISSION has been reached, everyone can take a break if they’d like. The mystery will only thicken from this point!
Once everyone is ready to continue, please click the SPOILERS button below and read the text.
The host doesn’t have to do anything here! At the end of Phase II, players will be prompted to identify the murderer.
If they get it correct, they win!
If not… well, that’s up to you.
How do I scan QR codes?
Open the camera on your smartphone and point it at a QR code, then click the link that’s displayed. Alternatively, you can download a free QR Code Scanning app.
Can’t I just cheat by selecting whatever character I want after scanning?
Sure, you could do that, but that would be cheating, and it’d ruin the fun for everyone.
How come my friend has access to information that I don’t?
Your friend is likely a different character type, and different character types see different things. The Ranger’s keen eyes might allow them to spot clues that others miss, while the Wizard might be more adept at deciphering the magical properties of potential clues.. In the end, it takes all four types to solve the mystery.
What’s the best way to beat my friends at this game?
Actually, it’s not about beating your friends. This is a cooperative murder mystery, you’ll need to work with your friends if you want to win!
Just in case you get stuck, a full walkthrough of the Death at the Dread Dragon Inn as well as the final solution can be found here:
DEATH AT THE DREAD DRAGON INN WALKTHROUGH