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PLAYER INSTRUCTIONS
THE MCDERMOTT HOUSE MURDERS

Hello! You might be wondering what this is, and why you’ve been sent here!
You’ve been invited to attend a Murder Mystery event, where you’ll be required to use your wits and puzzle-cracking prowess to solve a murder!
Here’s everything you need to know.

SYNOPSIS

Almost 100 years ago, on a stormy night, tragedy struck a small town household. Seven victims, from the young daughter of the McDermott family to a stranger in the wrong place at the wrong time, were all poisoned by an unknown hand. The homeowner, Charles McDermott, who was the first to discover the scene days later, spent the rest of his life trying to unveil the perpetrator. Some say he went mad in his pursuit. Now, you and your happenstance companions have found yourselves crossing the threshold into the deserted McDermott House, a house that may not be as abandoned as you thought. Whether you’re a professor whose research has run to the macabre, a psychic following some otherworldly call, a detective with an eye for cold-case mysteries, or a criminal with personal insight into the mind of a villain, perhaps you can finally shed some light on the century-old murder, if the shadows of McDermott House don’t get to you first!

CHOOSING YOUR CHARACTER

To play, you’ll need to decide on a “character type” that will define what information you’re given during the event.
For this scenario, there are four character types to choose from. Select one below to learn more about it!



As a Detective, your keen eye for clues and knack for solving crimes will give you a unique perspective in the haunted McDermott House. Whereas others may let their emotions get the better of them, you’ll know to stay cool and calm in the face of danger.



As a Criminal, finding items of value comes second nature to you, including clues and secrets others may overlook. Whether you’ve served years of hard time in the pen, or maybe just some light community service for jaywalking, you have in advantage in not thinking like the squares around you.




As a Psychic, you are in tune with the supernatural world around you, allowing for a very unique point of view in the haunted McDermott House. Are tarot cards your schtick? Or perhaps you like to keep your abilities on the down-low? Either way, you’ll have a special advantage in finding clues that others simply can’t.




As a Professor, academics and facts are on your side. Whether you’re a history buff or a science nut, your logic and reasoning will prove crucial in the investigation of the haunted McDermott House.

You get to decide the personality, the quirks, the motives, and the backstory for your character!
Was the Detective investigating a mysterious call?
Was the Criminal ducking inside to evade the law?
Had the Psychic had a dream telling them to find the house?
Did the Professor need a first-hand look at the scene?
It’s all up to you!

NOTE: To play, there must be at least one of each type of character, so let the host know quickly which type you’d prefer!
Of course, there may be more than one of each type, i.e. there can be a Detective who is famous for solving cold cases right next to a Detective who’s faking it until they make it, but there must be at least one of each type to complete the murder mystery.

Have fun choosing your character and deciding what their name is, why they’re at the McDermott House on such a stormy night, and how they might interact with the others!
Just remember to let your Host know as soon as possible to lock in your choice!

WHAT TO BRING

To play, you’ll need a smartphone.
Why?
The world in which you’ll be a part of in this Murder Mystery will be shaped by various QR codes that you’ll need to scan in order to collect information, solve puzzles, and decipher clues!


Most smartphones can scan QR codes simply by pointing at them with your Camera App, but if your phone’s camera doesn’t have that function, you can download one of the many free QR Scanning apps available.

A notebook or some scrap paper with something to write with will definitely come in handy as well.

Other than that, just bring yourself!
Everyone is encouraged to dress the part, and feel free to bring along any props you have that might go well with your character.