Murder! On the Mayflower

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! On the Mayflower. 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! On the Mayflower can be played virtually, but it is better suited to playing in person. It's the perfect game for family gatherings, church groups, office parties, and classrooms!

- 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 1.5-2.5 hours.

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

- This game comes with an optional script. Usually I advise against using the script, but 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! On the Mayflower, and then you can play the game.

This download includes:

12 Essential character handbooks, containing character backgrounds, character quirks*, clues, and secrets

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

10 Spectator character handbooks, containing character backgrounds, character quirks, one secret, and the opportunity to reveal that secret during round 3

1 Blank spectator character handbook so the host can create extra spectator characters, should more than 30 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 Character Quirks

*Character quirks are things to repeatedly do and say throughout the game.

A NOTE ABOUT 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! On the Mayflower is divided into 4 rounds. During rounds 1, 2, and 3, each player will reveal the clues given to them in their handbook. At the end of round 3, each player will guess who they think killed Dorothy Bradford. Once every player has made an accusation, the players will turn to round 4 to 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: FLEXIBLE

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:

WILLIAM BRADFORD

A practical and stubborn man, William Bradford rose to leadership of the saints by the age of 30, when he sailed to the New World on the Mayflower. He worked as a weaver before sailing to Plymouth with his wife, 23-year-old Dorothy Bradford. He was heartbroken at the news of her death, even if he couldn't show it.

Props: Notepad and pen.

MASTER CHRISTOPHER JONES

A man of the sea and Master of the Mayflower, 50-year-old Jones is an expert in his field, and despite the perilous voyage of the Mayflower, has managed to bring (most) of its passengers safely thus far. Extremely proud of his devotion to personal integrity, he demands the same from all his underlings, and is certain no man in his charge would attempt any crime while on board his ship. He is fearless, ambitious, and in charge - of everything, all the time.

EDWARD WINSLOW

A printer by profession, 25-year-old Edward Winslow is well educated and perceptive, despite his young age and limited experience. He is one of the instigators for the move to the New World, and he and his wife Elizabeth never hesitated in their determination to travel the seas with their fellow saints. He is called to the New World, and will make his home there, no matter the tasks and tests set before him.

ELIZABETH WINSLOW

As the proud wife of Edward Winslow, 27-year-old Elizabeth enjoys her status among the women as the wife of the up-and-coming, soon-to-be-leader of the new colony. She also likes to keep her ear to the ground and her nose in other people's business, in order to keep abreast of all the goings on of the Mayflower passengers - purely out of motherly concern, of course.

JOHN HOWLAND

A lusty (that means full of vigor!) young man of 21, John Howland is the indentured servant of Katherine Carver. John is the perfect picture of youth and determination, excited to conquer the New World with grandeur, and willing to face any risks that come his way. He may have made some enemies during his time on the Mayflower, however, and now he's facing the consequences.

DOLLY SMITH

As the 18-year-old indentured servant of Katherine Carver, Dolly enjoys a certain amount of prestige that she did not experience as a young street urchin. She is forever thankful to her mistress for employing her and is devoted to her care; and such being the case, literally crossed an ocean to serve her. Her early years as an orphan made her resourceful, cunning, and wary, and these traits have served her well during the voyage of the Mayflower.

Props: Notepad and pen.

MYLES STANDISH

Hired by the Saints to be their official Military Advisor, 33-year-old Myles Standish is no stranger to danger and adventure. He is useful to the Saints and Strangers alike, and he knows it, and he depends on it. Everything in his life, from his profession to his relationships, is guided by strategy, impartiality, and boldness. Anyone would agree that his bravery in the face of adversity cannot be questioned, although some say his tactics border on the barbaric. But as Myles would say, when one is dealing with the wild and untamable New World, gentleness will get you nowhere, fast.

ROSE STANDISH

Born an aristocrat in London, Rose is cultured and proper, with a thirst for adventure. As the 22-year-old wife of Myles Standish, Rose Standish has learned to lead her life with courage and spontaneity, and that is why her decision to cross the Atlantic with her husband came so naturally to her. If only making friends could come so naturally as well.

ELIAS CLARK

27-year-old Elias Clark is a boatswain on board the Mayflower, a position he has acquired after years of faithful service. He is loud, uncouth, opinionated, and harsh; and were it not for his skill and nimble feet during raging storms, Master Jones would have long since done away with him. But don't be fooled by his rough manners, his sense of loyalty is as strong and zealous as his love for a good ale.

Props: Flask

LIZZY TILLY

16-year-old Lizzy Tilly is as changeable as the sea that brought the Mayflower to the New World. She is happy, chatty, broody, and spiteful, but she is learning to control the storms of her emotions – you know, one day at a time. In the meantime, she genuinely tries to be a friend to everyone, man and woman alike.

BESSIE HOPKINS

No one can say 35-year-old Bessie Hopkins is not ready for the trials of the New World. Having just given birth to a healthy baby boy amidst the filth of the main deck, Bessie has so far conquered the most daunting of trials any passenger of the Mayflower has yet faced. Although not one of the Saints, Bessie joined the Saints on the Mayflower to start a new life, and to build a legacy.

KATHERINE CARVER

Rich and proud of it, 43-year-old Katherine Carver has two indentured servants at her disposal, as well as a hefty dose of snobbery. John Howland and Dolly Smith are her servants, legally bound to serve her until their allotted appointment ends, but no one complains about the situation. Katherine may put on airs, but she's fair, and she whole heartedly supports the endeavors of her loved ones, a trait which led her to the Mayflower and all the trials thereafter.

Props: papers that say Vote for John Carver!

OPTIONAL CHARACTERS:

STEPHEN HOPKINS

Stephen is the resident New World expert. He’s seen it all – he’s been shipwrecked on an island in Bermuda, befriended Native Peoples in the New World, and grappled with ignorant authorities. He is larger than life, and everyone knows it.

Props: Flask

BILL BREWSTER

Bill is an elder of the Saints and is in charge of making sure everyone behaves properly. He has the most life experience and the most education out of everyone on the ship, and he is the only passenger to have experience as a diplomat. It’s kinda funny he’s not the one in charge, isn’t it?

Props: Notepad and pen

MARY BREWSTER

Mary is the wife of the esteemed Bill Brewster, which can be kind of a drag. All he does is point out people’s faults. But she’s a hardy woman, well prepared to take on the adversity of the New World – and the adversity of her husband, too.

JOHN CARVER

John Carver is a rich and important man. He basically funded this entire operation by himself! It’s only natural he should be made governor. Heaven knows his wife thinks so, too.

MAE CHILTON

A 13-year-old girl from sandwich, England, Mae is nothing but eager to start a new life in the New World. Her father, James Chilton, recently died, and left her an orphan in the care of Myles and Rose Standish. If there’s anything she can do to catch the murderer, she wants to do it – more than anything in the world.

SUSANNA WHITE

As a strong woman who recently gave birth on the Mayflower, Susanna has a lot to offer this new colony – but her heart is so broken, she’s not sure she will ever fully recover. Dorothy Bradford was Susanna’s niece, and Susanna will have to summon all her strength to make it through the investigation.

GILES HEALE

Giles is a young surgeon, fresh out of school, eager to hold his first “real” job. The voyage proved difficult for him and his skill level – perhaps he was not as prepared as he thought.

MARGERY STEWART

Margery is a young, ambitious woman who fought hard to have her own career on board the Mayflower. The voyage was hard for her, but she’s strong and spunky. It takes more than a bad journey to faze Margery!

SPECTATOR CHARACTERS:

DESIRE MINTER

Desire is a young woman in the care of the Carver household.

SOLOMON PROWER

Solomon is a 24-year-old single man, filled with conviction, and anxious to start a new life in the New World.

ISAAC ALLERTON

Isaac is 33 years old and married to Polly Allerton.

POLLY ALLERTON

Polly is 30 years old and married to Isaac Allerton.

JACK BILLINGTON

Jack is an adventurer, eager to make a new life in a New World – free from the silly rules of other civilized nations. Eleanor Billington is his wife.

ELEANOR BILLINGTON

Eleanor is an adventurer, eager to make a new life in a New World – free from the silly rules of other civilized nations. Jack Billington is her husband.

CONSTANCE HOPKINS

Constance is the 14-year-old daughter of Stephen and Bessie Hopkins.

JANE TINKER

Jane Tinker is 30 years old and ready and willing to start over in the New World, free from government oppression and worldly influences.

JONATHAN CLARK

Jonathan is the pilot of the Mayflower and an experienced sailor – he was captured by the Spanish, interrogated, imprisoned for five years, and recently released. This voyage? Piece of cake. Elias is his little brother.

JOSHUA ALDEN

Joshua is Master Jones’ brother-in-law, and the Mayflower’s barrel maker. That’s an important job! Everyone eats the food stored in the barrels. One might even say everyone’s alive because of Joshua.

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