Murder! At the Circus

This game is a digital file that you will download. This means as soon as your payment is confirmed, you will receive a link to download Murder! At the Circus. That link is good for 24 hours after the first download. After downloading, you can print the files and play the game.

*******PLEASE NOTE*******

This game has no fancy design or illustration – that’s why it’s a low price!

- Murder! At the Circus can be played virtually or in person. It’s up to you!

- The host can play too! The host won’t know who the murderer is. That means you can pick a character and play along with everyone else!

- For ages 12 and up.

- Playing time approximately 1-2 hours.

- If you'd like to play music before, during, or after the game, Bearded Rat Mysteries has a Murder! At the Circus playlist on spotify. Just search for Bearded Rat Mysteries, or go here.

- This game comes with an optional script. Usually I would advise against using the script, but it might make things easier if you’re playing virtually. It’s up to you. The script only includes lines for the essential characters. If any optional characters are playing, they can interrupt the script to reveal their clues, or wait until the end of each round

- Don't forget to follow me on Facebook and Instagram @beardedratmysteries, and sign up for my newsletter to keep up with new games, sales, and giveaways! Just go to https://www.emchaffin.com/newsletter

This game is a digital file that you will download. This means as soon as your payment is confirmed, you will have the option to download Murder! At the Circus, and then you can play the game.

This download includes:

6 Essential character handbooks, containing character backgrounds, clues, and secrets

9 Optional character handbooks, containing character backgrounds, one secret, and at least one thing to say per round

5 Spectator characters, containing character name, profession, and one thing to say per round

1 Blank spectator character handbook so the host can create extra spectator characters, should more than 20 characters be needed

1 Host Guide, containing detailed instructions, tips, and hints

1 Optional script

6 certificates, including Best Improvisor, Best Liar, Best Dastardly Plan, Best Costume, Best Accusation, and Best Actor Overall

A NOTE ABOUT CREATING SPECTATOR CHARACTERS: Spectator characters are for the players who do not want to be front and center, but still want to be part of the game. Anytime I’ve hosted a murder mystery party, a significant portion of the players SAY they want to play, but when it comes down to it, they don’t want to actively participate. That’s why spectator characters are so handy – it gives the player an option to participate with no pressure.

Murder! At the Circus is divided into 4 rounds. During rounds 1, 2, and 3, each player will reveal the clues given to them in their handbook. During round 4, each player will guess who they think killed Rufus the Clown. Once every player has made an accusation, the players will read their confessions, starting with confession #1.

***My games are conversation-based murder mystery games with elaborate storylines and characters. They’re more like games, and less like party kits. That’s why I do not have expansion packs. The storylines are a little too complicated to accommodate a plethora of extra characters. However, I do include a blank spectator character handbook in this game. If you have more players than characters, you are welcome to create your own spectator characters so that the extra players can be included. Please note that spectator characters are exactly as they sound: spectators. They have a name and optional things to say/do, but they are not active characters in the storyline.***

This game is LEVEL: INSPECTOR

ANYONE, experienced murder mystery game players and novices alike, can enjoy all three levels of my mystery games. But in case you’re curious, here’s how I break down the three levels:

LEVEL: FLEXIBLE This level is super flexible and allows players to be involved as much or as little as they desire. It’s a great game to play as a first-time murder mystery player and can be a great get-to-know-you activity for groups of people that have yet to bond.

LEVEL: INSPECTOR The characters in this level tend to have more clues and secrets, so there’s a little more reading before each round. It’s a great game to play for everyone!

LEVEL: INTRIGUE The essential characters in this level tend to have a lot of secrets and clues. There’s more to keep track of, but that also means there’s more intrigue, more twists, and more laughs! It’s a great game to play with your friends and family, people you know really well and can really “vibe” off of, if you know what I mean.

CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS

ESSENTIAL CHARACTERS:

Reuben Malarkey, Ringmaster

Reuben is a former runaway who found his home among the glamor, the animals, and the death-defying feats of courage one can only find at the circus. He’s worked every job imaginable, from shoveling elephant poop, to tent lifting, to tightrope walking – until he finally achieved his lifelong dream: resident Ringmaster of The Bearded Rat Circus. It’s no surprise, really, because no one comes between Reuben and his dreams.

Loretta Katz, Lion Tamer and Menagerie Director

As a woman who was raised with five brothers, Loretta has no fear of large, hairy beasts. That’s why lion taming is so perfect for her. Her act is like none other, filled with danger, and agility, and emotional connection, but she’s also the Menagerie Director, which allows her to watch over her animals with vigilance. No one hurts her animals and gets away with it.

Mary Song, Contortionist

As a Chinese immigrant on American soil, Mary has overcome her fair share of hardships, but she’s no longer that young girl eager to make a life in America. She’s a grown woman living the dream of the glorious circus! She’s come a long way, and she’s not letting anyone take it away from her.

Pierre Legrand, Trapeze Artist

A tried and true circus runaway, Pierre left his family to pursue the glories of the big top, and he hasn’t looked back since. The trapeze was his first love, and through careful instruction, practice, time, and good ol’ fashioned pluck, he is now the star trapeze artist at The Bearded Rat Circus. Sure, he has a few accidents every now and again, but he always gets up and tries again. That’s how he lives his life: no looking back. Ever.

Fable Mable, Trick Rider and Sharpshooter

Born Mable Bolt on a ranch in Oklahoma, Fable Mable has always had an aptitude for trick riding and guns. That, paired with her fabulous good looks, has brought her far. She’s a star, and wherever she goes, she’s recognized as Fable Mable, the talented beauty. Being the center of attention is her sweet spot, and she basks in the glory of it every single day. No one can take it away from her; she shines too bright!

Samson Armstrong, Strongman

Samson has always been strong. It’s not really a talent, it’s not something he works at – not hard, at least. People adore this aspect of him. They gasp at the ease with which he bends steel; they ooh at the sight of his twitching biceps; they ahh at the grace of his body as he lifts grown men into the air like they’re made of feathers. He is the Strongman, and he’s good at it. It feels good to do what you’re good at, right?

OPTIONAL CHARACTERS:

Madam Celeste Moonbeam the Fortune Teller

Madam Fortune Teller is the best fortune teller around, predicting everything from the weather to WWI. She’s itching for a chance to be in on the action and to prove to the world her second sight is as good as the first, so you better watch out – she means business.

Viper Valentine, Snake Charmer

Beautiful and dangerous, Viper is a particular hit with the male spectators of the circus. It is a blessing and a curse – it’s why she has her job, but it’s also why she has so many troubles.

Bob Smith, Kitchen Server

Bob’s just a run-of-the-mill guy, trying to work his way up the circus ladder. Someday he’ll be a star!

Eddie Edwards, Kitchen Server

A simple man with simple dreams, Eddie’s just grateful to be a part of something bigger than himself. And he gets to be around food all day, to boot!

Bill Bologna, Acrobat

An orphan born and raised in New York City, the circus is everything Bill’s always dreamed of: a fun, exciting career that doubles as a big family.

Shirley Shoot, Cannon Ball Woman

Shirley was six the first time she went to a circus and witnessed a woman flying out of a cannon, and she’s wanted nothing but to fly ever since.

Griselda Gruper, The Bearded Lady

These days, Griselda simply goes by The Bearded Lady. Scorned and shunned since puberty, she is a woman who learned to blend into the background despite her beard. Her appearance is masculine, but she’s a feminine darling with a love for anything pink and frilly. But most of all, she loves the circus.

Remi Rathbone, Rat Trainer (can be man or woman)

A street urchin born and raised on the rough streets of New York City, Remi grew up with rats and learned, day by day, how to live among them. Remi took that skill and made a career, and what better circus in which to be the rat trainer than The Bearded Rat Circus?

Jasper Jazz, Band Leader

A man of music, Jasper lives his life the way he’s always dreamed: by following the rhythm of the circus. After all, what more could a musician want than to play music all day long?

SPECTATOR CHARACTERS:

Ember Bladestone, Fire Breather and Sword Swallower (can be man or woman)

Holly Heights, Tightrope Walker and Aerial Silk Artist

Marcus Malarkey, Owner of The Bearded Rat Circus

The Ghost of Rufus the Clown

Serendipity Enigma, Magician (can be man or woman)

Mystery Game Modules Terms and Conditions

General

(i) Any Mystery Module purchased cannot be returned, refunded, or exchanged.

(ii) If you experience technical difficulty in downloading a Module, please contact our customer service team for assistance.

(iii) You are permitted to download the Module but this license is personal to you, non-exclusive and non-transferrable.

(iv) You may reproduce and store portions of the Module’s content for your personal use.

(v) Full-scale reproduction of the contents of the Module are expressly prohibited.

(vi) You may not make or distribute unauthorized copies of the Module, or copy, modify, or transfer the Module, in whole or in part, unless you receive our express permission.

Terms of Use

(i) You are granted the right to download and print the Module.

(ii) You may print the Module for personal use.

(iii) You agree to protect the Module from unauthorized reproduction and/or distribution.

(iv) Network distribution of the Module is expressly prohibited.

Copyright

The entire contents of the Module are protected by copyright. You may not create derivative works from any of the Module content. No part of any chapter or character of any Module may be reproduced for any other purpose, without the prior written permission except as permitted in this license agreement.

Disclaimer

The Module is provided “as is”, without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied including without limitations, accuracy, omissions, completeness or implied warranties or suitability or fitness for a particular purpose or other incidental damages arising out of the use or the inability to use the Module. You acknowledge that the use of this service is entirely at your own risk. The story, all names, characters, and incidents portrayed in this production are fictitious. No identification with actual persons (living or deceased), places, buildings, and products is intended or should be inferred. By purchasing this mystery module, you acknowledge that you have read this Agreement, and agree to be bound by its terms and conditions.

Release of Liability

By authorizing the purchase of and downloading any Mystery Module created and provided by Bearded Rat Mysteries, LLC, you hereby assume all liability associated with preparing and performing any Module. Bearded Rat Mysteries, LLC, is not responsible for any harm, mental or physical, to any participant, nor is Bearded Rat Mysteries, LLC, responsible for any damages done to personal, private, or public property resulting from preparing or performing any Module. By purchasing this mystery module, you acknowledge you have read this form and agree to assume all liability.