fbpx
Search

Guest Info

Look here to find everything you need to know about your fellow buccaneers, acting like a pirate, and more!

Talk and Act Like A Pirate!

Guidelines to help you reach your pirating potential. 

~ APPLIES TO YE WENCHES AS WELL!!!

GROWL – AND SCOWL OFTEN. Pirates don’t use a cultured, elegant, smooth vocalization – they mutter and growl… A lot.

USE PIRATE LINGO. Sounding like a pirate isn’t as hard as it seems! There are lots of resources for picking up pirate “lingo,” (like the dictionary you can download above), so make use of them (more common terms listed below) in addition to trying to affect a vocal sound. Avoid using modern epithets (swear words). It’s much more colorful (and kid-friendly) to use “pirate slang” for those naughty words.

GESTURE WITH YOUR HANDS FREQUENTLY. Don’t forget that pirates do most of their talking on the deck of a ship – out on the ocean, where wind, waves, and bird calls make it tough to hear. Gesturing often gives you a sense of “being there.”

SLUR YOUR WORDS TOGETHER. Saying, “The boys and I were out for a lovely day on the water today” sounds like something you’d overhear at a yacht club, not out on the bounding main! Instead, try, “Me ‘n’ these here scurvy scallywags drug our sorry keesters out t’th’ship’n’had us a grand great adventuaaarrr! We almost had t’keelhaul Mad Connie f’r gettin inter th’ grog behind our backs!” Use contractions whenever possible. Be sure to punctuate often with “Arrrr!”

NEVER USE “YOU” OR “YOU’RE” – EVER. Instead, use the piratical form, “yer”, “ye” or “ya” for all forms of address to others. “Yer a scurvy bilge rat, ya pompous gasbag” or “Here’s yer dinner, ya mangy cockroach.” Note that you should always endeavor to call the addressee by some insulting name, usually involving an animal.

EMBELLISH AT WILL. A pirate is larger than life, and his or her speech should always reflect this. Don’t just say, “We saw a whale off the starboard bow today.” Say, “Me’n’th’ crew seen a great grand sea beastie, th’ mother of all whales, aye!”

REFER TO YOURSELF AS “ME” AT ALL TIMES, NEVER “I.” It is not piratically correct to say, “I have a cold.” It is far better as a pirate to declare, “Got me a case o’th’sniffles, ‘ass rye!”

MORE IMPORTANTLY, SUBSTITUTE “ME” FOR “MY.” For example, don’t say, “Look at my new sword,” say “Lookit me new sword!” Also substitute “meself” for “myself” as in “Got meself a right fine ship!”

MUTTER UNINTELLIGIBLY UNLESS YELLING. Being a pirate usually meant being liquored up to some degree – a lot of time, pirates were pretty mush-mouthed. In the step preceding, the term “‘ass rye” actually translates to “that’s right.” Get it?

BE AS LOUD AS HUMANLY POSSIBLE. Pirates are not shy – stand tall, me hearties, and be counted!

Close Tab

Prime Suspects: Salty Sea Dog Regulars

Cap’n Redbeard—Pirate Captain. A fierce but fair pirate, this man runs a tight ship and won’t have anyone overthrowing it!

Sharktooth Brandy—Saucy Sea Mistress. Sister to the Cap’n, Brandy has been braving these waters since she was a girl. Her latest conquer, however, is not one that occupies her time at sea. 

Merciless Morgan—First Mate. Found alone on an island, Redbeard took Morgan in and he quickly became one of the Cap’n’s favorites. 

One-eyed Wanda—Gunner. Raised as a boy on the pirate ship, Wanda was passed over by Merciless Morgan when it came to promotion. Wanda has a lot to prove if she is to earn her rightful place. 

Thumbless Jacky—Crewmate. A seasoned pirate, Thumbless Jacky has only been on the crew of The Jaded Jewel for only a short while.  

Cutthroat McPhearson—Powder Monkey. Fierce and feisty are two words that best describe this pirate. Cutthroat has larger plans than most of his fellow crew members.

Gurglin’ Uma Scarr—Galley Wench. Desperate to gain Cutthroat McPhearson’s attention, Uma is a woman that will do many things to get noticed. 

Governor Napier—Governor of Port Royal. As the governor of this seaside town, it is his job to keep it safe at all costs!

Juliana Napier—Governor’s Wife. Tired of living in terror, Juliana is ready to take matters into her own hands to insure the safety of her family. 

Antonia Napier—Governor’s Daughter. In love with a merchant sailor, Antonia is destined to lead a happily married life—as long as nothing gets in her way! 

Breathless Betty Napier—Governor’s Daughter. This rebellious daughter has a lot to learn about what she can and cannot get away with. Will her parents be able to teach Betty her limits?

Commodore Clearing—Commodore. In charge of the fleet that defends Port Royal, the commodore may lose his job and his arranged marriage if he can’t bring a pirate to justice.

Buccaneer Bradshaw—Privateer. Ready to step in and take over where the commodore is lacking, Buccaneer Bradshaw needs to prove that he has what it takes to get the job done and win the heart of Breathless Betty. 

Shoutin’ Roger Dagger—Innkeeper. Rumor has it that vigilante-minded Roger is out to bring a pirate to justice himself. 

Mad Rose—Serving Wench. A real spitfire, Rose will make anyone who crosses her regret their actions. 

Blackspot Jane—Pirate’s Widow. Widowed and alone, Jane is desperate to make someone pay for her loss. 

Sealegs Sam—Merchant Sailor. A lowly merchant sailor, Sam wants nothing more than to be married to his true love, Antonia. 

Rovin’ Reynolds—Treasure Hunter. Hot on the trail of Toothless Willie’s buried treasure, there is little that can come between them and their fortune in gold. 

Jean Golddust—Gold Dealer. Jean is eager to exchange gold for anyone in town. Not only does the gold tell tales of where it’s been but who has been dealing with and for the pirates. 

Dirty Wiggins—Gallows Master. For many, justice in this seaside village means the gallows, and Dirty is often the one responsible for putting the guilty there.

Close Tab

Port Royal was a city located at the end of the Palisadoes at the mouth of the Kingston Harbour, in southeastern Jamaica. Founded in 1518, it was the centre of shipping commerce in the Caribbean Sea during the latter half of the 17th century.

Port Royal was once home to privateers employed to nip at superpower Habsburg Spain‘s empire when smaller European powers dared not directly make war on Spain. As a port city, it was notorious for its gaudy displays of wealth and loose morals and was a popular homeport for the English and Dutch sponsored privateers to spend their treasure during the 17th century. When those governments abandoned the practice of issuing letters of marque against the Spanish treasure fleets and possessions in the later 16th century, many privateers turned pirate and used the city as their main base during the heyday of the Caribbean pirates in the 17th century. Pirates from around the world congregated at Port Royal coming from waters as far away as Madagascar.

Close Tab

Costumes

Costumes

  

Just add any of these:

  • Rings, earrings, medallions, jewels.
  • Bandana – to be worn under or instead of ye pirate hat
  • Scarves
  • Hats
  • Eye-Patch — download a template here.
  • Scars– draw them in with eyeliner or for extra added effect, get some latex scars from a local costume shop
  • Facial Hair
  • Parrot (for shoulder) – directions on how to make one here.
  • Spyglass
  • Hook
  • Peglegs
  • Missing Limbs– Tuck an arm or leg into your outfit.
  • Missing teeth– use tooth blackout.
  • Gold teeth
  • Gold Coins
  • Swords
  • Pirate Pistols
  • Fishnet or pirate stockings
  • Tattoos– Download Some Pirate Tattoos
  • Belt – the wider the better! Don’t forget a BIG buckle.
  • Pirate sashes -simply tie a long scarf (or piece of fabric) around your waist.
  • Boots
  • Vest – red, black or striped should do!

Pirate Apparel

   

THE CLOTHES: The clothes serve as a “base layer” which you can accessorize over to complete the outfit!

PANTS – The pants will preferably be black, although gray and brown are also options. Tight or baggy will do. Cut the bottoms of the legs off, in a zig zag pattern to look old and worn out, so that they are just below the knee.

SKIRTS A skirt for female pirate costumes can be long(peasant-type) or short. To make it look tattered and old, take some scissors and tear up the bottom to cut it shorter and to make it look tattered and old.

SHIRT Find a white long sleeved button-up shirt – the baggier the better. Since pirates weren’t always the cleanest of people, try and stain it up a little bit and even tear it in certain areas. If you are able to locate a long-sleeved white shirt that has ruffles on the cuffs and maybe even a Victorian style ruffle on the collar, then you are very lucky! This would suit a pirate costume well!

 

Decoration Ideas

Setting the Scene

Outside Your Party Space

Outside Your Party Space

   

One way to create instant excitement for the pirate murder mystery game is to create an entrance that your guests will never forget!

• Create an actual plank out of wood for your guests to walk over.

• Hang Toothless Willie somewhere in the area. (This could be outside or inside) .

 

• Make a tavern sign for your SALTY SEA DOG INN (How to and templates included in mystery-pictured below left)

• Print and make these EASY directional signs (included in mystery – pictured below).

 

• Create a sign for the entrance. Hang a poster that says “Hope Abandon All Ye Who Enter Here” (design included with mystery purchase).

       

Close Tab

Inside Your Party Space

Inside Your Party Space

 

 

Arrr, preparing a pirate-themed murder mystery party is a treasure trove of fun! Here are some decoration ideas to transform your party space into a seafaring adventure:

 

Set the Scene:

 

  

  • Ship Deck Backdrop: Create a ship deck setting using large cardboard or fabric to mimic wooden planks, rigging, and a mast.
  • Nautical Accents: Hang fishing nets, ropes, and lifebuoys on the walls for an authentic touch.
  • Barrels and Crates: Scatter barrels, crates, and chests around the space for added pirate ambiance.

Mood Lighting:


  • Lanterns and Candles: Use flickering LED lanterns or candles in hurricane lamps to create an atmospheric glow.
  • Blue Lighting: Utilize blue lighting to mimic the moonlight reflecting on the sea.

Pirate Props:


 

  • Eye Patches, Hats, and Bandanas: Provide props like eye patches, tricorn hats, and bandanas for guests to wear upon arrival.
  • Swords and Treasure: Display prop swords, cutlasses, and plastic treasures like gold coins and jewels on tables or in treasure chests.

Table Setup:

 

  • Rustic Tablecloth: Use burlap or weathered fabric as tablecloths for a rugged, pirate-y look.
  • Rustic Tableware: Opt for wooden or metal plates, tankards, and utensils for an authentic feel.
  • Centerpieces: Arrange centerpieces with faux ship wheels, compasses, or miniature treasure chests filled with fake jewels.

Signage and Maps:

 

   

 

  • “X Marks the Spot”: Create signs with “X” marks and arrows pointing to different areas of the room for added mystery.
  • Old Maps: Hang weathered maps on the walls, marking them with “secret” locations or clues.

Themed Food and Drink:

 

  • Pirate Platters: Serve seafood platters, fruits, cheeses, and finger foods on wooden serving trays or barrels.
  • Grog Bar: Set up a “grog” bar with non-alcoholic drinks in rustic containers labeled as “rum.”

Character Stations:


 

  • Character Introductions: Create stations or posters introducing each character with a brief backstory and costume suggestions.

Sound Effects:

 

  • Sea Shanties: Play traditional sea shanties or instrumental pirate-themed music softly in the background.
  • Seagull Calls and Ocean Sounds: Use sound machines or apps to add ambient seagull calls and ocean sounds.
     

Combining these decorations will create an immersive and exciting atmosphere for your pirate-themed murder mystery party. Just remember, it’s not just about the decor; it’s the interactions and mystery-solving that’ll make the night a true adventure!

 

Close Tab

 

   

Setting Ye Pirate Table

Setting Ye Pirate Table

 

There are many ways to really “dress-up” your table(s) for your party.

  • Cover your table with a black tablecloth and scatter gold chocolate (or plastic) coins and plastic jewels.
  • Create a treasure chest centerpiece and fill it with whatever you wish!
  • Adding a few pirate accessories can go a long way!
    • Skulls
    • Candles
    • Candelabras
    • Strings of beads/pearls wrapped around glassware, centerpieces, napkin holders, etc.
    • Treasure chest
    • Coins or jewels scattered about
    • Red & white napkins
    • A spyglass (or two)
    • Empty bottles
  • Using bottles instead of glasses can add to the effect. If the bottles are clear, consider serving a red, blood-like beverage or utilizing the “shark’s blood cocktail” idea on our food page.
 
  • Think about table runners or table clothes made out of materials such as:
    • Red fabric
    • Black fabric
    • Fish netting
    • Cheesecloth (pictured below right)
    • Cobwebs
    • Burlap
    • Brown Craft paper
    • Carribean inspired fabrics or designs
    • Jolly Roger flags
    • Striped fabric
    • Skull-themed fabric

     

Close Tab

Lighting

Lighting

     
Creating the perfect lighting for a pirate-themed murder mystery party involves setting an atmosphere that’s both mysterious and adventurous. Here are some ideas to achieve this:

 

Indoor Setup:

 

 

Dim Lighting: Use low, ambient lighting to create a mysterious and eerie atmosphere. Use candles, lanterns, or string lights with warm yellow or orange hues.

  

Flickering Candlelight: Scatter candles around the room to provide a soft, flickering light. Place them in lanterns or candle holders for safety.

 

Colored Lighting: Use colored bulbs or gels to add a tint of blue or green to some areas, mimicking the effect of moonlight or the ocean.

 

Spotlights: Install spotlights or focused lights to highlight certain areas, such as a treasure chest or a map, enhancing the pirate theme.


Outdoor Setup:


Tiki Torches: Line the perimeter with tiki torches to create an adventurous, outdoor pirate ambiance. These can also serve as markers for the party area.


 

String Lights: Hang string lights across trees or between posts for a magical, pirate cove feel. Choose warm, subdued colors for a more mysterious vibe.


 

Glowing Accents: Incorporate glowing elements like glow-in-the-dark stickers or props to add a touch of intrigue. Hidden treasures or clues that glow in the dark could add an interactive element to the game.


 

Special Effects:

Smoke or Fog Machines: Add an element of mystery and drama with a fog or smoke machine, especially for outdoor settings, to create a misty, adventurous atmosphere.

 

 

Projection Effects: Use a projector to display moving images of the sea, a ship, or pirate symbols on walls or screens, creating an immersive experience.

 

Sound Effects: Incorporate sounds of the sea, creaking ships, seagulls, and other pirate-themed ambient noises to enhance the immersive experience.

 

Safety Precautions:

  • Ensure all lighting elements are safely installed to prevent accidents.
  • Keep candles and open flames away from flammable materials and areas where they could be knocked over.
  • If using electrical equipment outdoors, ensure they are rated for outdoor use and are protected from the weather.

Combining these elements can create an immersive pirate-themed environment that sets the stage for a thrilling murder mystery party!

 

Close Ta

Color Scheme

Color Scheme

   
For a pirate-themed murder mystery party, choosing the right color scheme can significantly enhance the atmosphere and immerse guests in the theme. Here are some color scheme ideas that align well with a pirate setting:

 

Classic Pirate Colors:

    

Black and Gold: This classic combination exudes sophistication and richness, resembling treasure and pirate regalia. Black represents mystery and adventure, while gold signifies treasure and wealth.

 

Red, Black, and White: Red symbolizes danger, passion, and action, while black adds a sense of mystery and darkness. White can be used as an accent to balance and highlight key elements.

 

Nautical and Sea-inspired Palette:


Blue, White, and Sand: Blue represents the vast ocean, while white signifies the foam of the waves and sails. Adding sandy or beige tones brings in an earthy feel reminiscent of beaches and deserted islands.

 

Navy Blue and Gold: Navy blue evokes the deep sea and night sky, while gold mirrors treasures and the glimmering sun on the water’s surface.

 

Rustic and Vintage Tones:

     

 

Earthy Tones with Accents: Use browns, tans, and dark greens to convey a rustic, weathered look reminiscent of wooden ships and old maps. Accent these with touches of aged brass or bronze for authenticity.

 

Weathered Wood and Sea Green: Emulate the colors of aged ship decks with weathered wood tones, paired with sea green accents reminiscent of algae or treasures found underwater.

 

Accent Colors and Details:

  • Accent colors like Deep Purple or Burgundy: These hues can add depth and richness, evoking the secrecy and drama of a pirate’s life.
  • Hints of Rich Emerald or Sapphire: These jewel tones can represent valuable treasures and add a sense of luxury to certain elements or decorations.

Consider these color schemes when selecting decorations, costumes, table settings, and invitations to ensure a cohesive and immersive pirate-themed atmosphere for your murder mystery party. Incorporating these colors in various elements will help transport your guests into the world of pirates and mysteries.

 

Close Tab

Creating Your Photo Spot!

Creating Your Photo Spot!

Give your guests an unforgettable souvenir by setting up a photo area where they can capture a picture of themselves in character.

 

A few suggestions:

• Pick a place where there will be good lighting.

Accessories and decorations can make a difference. Have some extra props on hand that your guests can pose with.

An easy way to create a background is to use a “scene setter”. These affordable rolls of images transform your room instantly and make for a good backdrop to your picture.

• Make sure there is enough room to fit everyone into the frame.

For individual shots of guests, designate someone to be in charge of pictures as your guests arrive.

 

— Consider your character list and which character would fit the role of taking the picture. I.e., if you want mug shots, perhaps ask the investigator to be in charge of taking the pictures.

For a group picture, take one just before the introduction is read or right after the solution is read (before people may start heading out).

— These are two times when you can count on everyone being around and attentive. 

  a group of people posing for a photo    

BACKDROP IDEAS for Murder Among the Mateys!

• Build a ship in your backyard to pose in front of.

• Create a the ship’s sails for a backdrop using directions in mystery.

• Hang a Jolly Roger flag to pose in front of.

• Decorate a corner with old crates, barrels, skeletons, treasure chests, etc.

• Paint a backdrop for your guests to pose in front of.

• Have additional props for posing in pictures (pirate swords, pistols, eye patches, hats, bandanas, etc.).

a group of people in clothing 

Close Tab

Utilizing The Extras!

Utilizing The Extras!

 

Whatever you decide on; BE SURE TO UTILIZE ALL OF THE EXTRAS THAT COME WITH THE MYSTERY — 

 

These are one-of-a-kind designs, ideas, templates and more that Night of Mystery has developed to help you throw your own unique and authentic mystery party.


With ordering this mystery, you will find: 

  • HOW TO MAKE PIRATE SAILS, TREASURE CHESTS AND TREASURE MAPS. (Directions and pictures to guide you.)
  • DIRECTIONAL SIGNS (1 design)

   

  • SALTY SEA DOG INN SIGN (1 design)
  • GROWLER LABELS (4 designs)
  • PIRATE BANNER (1 design).
  • DESIGNED MENU (1 design you can personalize with your menu items)
  • SIGNS (7 designs, 2 copies of each)
  • TREASURE MAP (1 design).
  • SAIL AND FLAG TEMPLATES FOR FOOD DECORATION (2 designs).
 
  • PIRATE TATTOOS

 

 

AND MORE!!!

 


Close Tab

Setting the Scene

Food & Drinks

Food

Food

 

           

• SWASHBUCKLING SNACKS. Purchase sword-shaped cocktail picks, available at most grocery stores. Thread grapes, cheese or other sliced fruit onto each sword.

• BONE BREAD STICKS. Make bone bread sticks out of dough and dip in bloody marinara sauce. Tell yer guests they taste bad to the bone!

• CANON BALLS. Serve meatballs in Teriyaki sauce as canon balls. Stack them on several mini trays in pyramid style like canon balls ready for battle!

• CELERY SHIPS. Cut celery into 3-inch lengths. Smear with peanut butter. Make a small pirate flag (using template with mystery) and stick in the center of the celery. Place a few raisins along the length to make the pirates.

• WATERMELON PIRATE SHIP. Accentuate with a large pirate sail (template design included with mystery).

• PIRATES BOOTY. Puffed corn. Not really sure why it is called Pirate’s Booty, but it fits the theme.

 

SAILOR’S DELIGHTS:

• FISH AND CHIPS. A staple in any seaside inn.

• SALMAGUNDI. This pirate stew, based on British recipes, was essentially a conglomeration of whatever they had on hand. This Americanized version of the dish has the easiest ingredients to locate. Pirate Salmagundi might include turtle meat among other uncommon ingredients.

• JERK CHICKEN. When pirates landed on an island in the Caribbean, the eating was good. Barbecue was a common method for preparing food. This recipe will give you one of the popular, although spicy, flavors from the islands.

• SALTY SEA DOGS. Serve hot dogs or sausages with a pirate sail (sails templates included in mystery packet).

 

Close Tab

Desserts

Desserts

• A CARIBBEAN TREAT. Serve ice cream balls rolled in coconut or frozen bananas and fresh mango sorbet for dessert.

• OCEAN BLUE PARFAIT. Make pirate parfait with blue jello and gummy fish. Top with white whipped cream sprinkled with blue sprinkles (for ocean waves) and an orange pirate ship with a toothpick pirate flag (included with packet).

• THEMED CAKES: Click on pictures to go to more in-depth directions on how to make the cakes seen.

 

Close Tab

Drinks

Drinks

• Shark’s Blood Cocktails (or Mocktails) —  Freeze red Hawaiian Punch into ice cubes. Put the ice cubes into sprite or another clear liquid and watch as the sprite turns pink to red.

• Planter’s Punch – This punch will capture the spirit of pirate grog with the rum and citrus flavors, but a few other ingredients make it much more interesting than that. Serve it in a punch bowl OR serve it in labeled growlers. (Label designs included with the mystery.)

• Fishbowl Cocktails – If you are daring enough – serve the elaborate fishbowl punch!

• Growlers of Beer – Pickup growlers of beer from your favorite brewery and slap some pirate labels on them (included with mystery)

  

   

Close Tab

Spotify Playlist

Click on the image to get to our Spotify Playlist for this party!














Close Tab

Other Music Ideas

Other Music Ideas

Looking for a cd filled with pirate ditties? Try this website that has reviews of pirate music. From “Got booty” to “Prelude to Mutiny”, this website has reviews to help you pick a cd to your liking.

Movie Soundtracks–Find some great pirate music from the soundtracks of famous pirate movies. Try Pirates of the Carribean, Pirates of Penzance or any of your favorite pirate movies!

For Free Music–Visit your local library for a number of compilations from the time.

Close Tab

Host Information

Invites in a Bottle..

Invites in a Bottle..

Nothing can create more buzz and excitement for your party than sending/delivering your guests a one-of-a-kind invitation.

One way to go above an beyond to carry out the pirate theme is to send your invitation in a bottle.

 

Some hosts have done this by purchasing bottles from their local brewing store and adding their guests name. For this method, you will need to be able to hand deliver your invitations if you don’t want postage to get expensive. Others have gone the route of sending a “message in a bottle kit” online and including their invitations that way. More on this here.

*Added tip:

Give each of your guests their own pirate name on their invite. See “Naming Guests” tab for how.

Link for ordering bottles you can send through the mail

Close Tab

Naming Your Guests

Naming Your Guests

  

To get everyone into the pirate-y mood, you may want to create a pirate name for each of your guests for their initial invite. While they will be assigned a character name once they have positively rsvp’d, you can send their invite to a “temporary” pirate name. (We suggest you try to incorporate their birth name in their name, so they get the hint.) Ie, One-eyed Sarah, Toothless Tommy the Rugged, Swashbucklin’ Greta, Pegleg Pete, Stinkin’ John, etc. There are many resources on the internet that can help you as well!

If you are having over 20 guests, you will be utilizing our extra materials and characters. Since these characters have general names, that you can then change, you will want to give your guests very piraty names. To do this, use this pirate name generator.

Close Tab

Extra Touches

Extra Touches

Here are a few ways to add authenticity to your materials.

  

• Print all of your materials out on parchment, craft paper, or newsprint for an “old” effect.

• Stain materials with coffee or tea to make them appear aged.

• Burn the edges of the materials.

• Use a wax seal when sealing things like invitations, objective envelopes, the solution, etc.

• Print out a copy of the “Pirate Code” and have your guests sign it as they enter (included with packet).

• Give your guests a pirate pouch to hold their money in throughout the night.

• Purchase pirate coins from a party store to use instead of the money included with the mystery.

Close Tab

Creating Your Photo Spot!

Creating Your Photo Spot!

Give your guests an unforgettable souvenir by setting up a photo area where they can capture a picture of themselves in character.

 

A few suggestions:

• Pick a place where there will be good lighting.

Accessories and decorations can make a difference. Have some extra props on hand that your guests can pose with.

An easy way to create a background is to use a “scene setter”. These affordable rolls of images transform your room instantly and make for a good backdrop to your picture.

• Make sure there is enough room to fit everyone into the frame.

For individual shots of guests, designate someone to be in charge of pictures as your guests arrive.

— Consider your character list and which character would fit the role of taking the picture. I.e., if you want mug shots, perhaps ask the investigator to be in charge of taking the pictures.

For a group picture, take one just before the introduction is read or right after the solution is read (before people may start heading out).

— These are two times when you can count on everyone being around and attentive. 

 

BACKDROP IDEAS for Murder Among the Mateys!

• Build a ship in your backyard to pose in front of.

• Create a the ship’s sails for a backdrop using directions in mystery.

• Hang a Jolly Roger flag to pose in front of.

• Decorate a corner with old crates, barrels, skeletons, treasure chests, etc.

• Paint a backdrop for your guests to pose in front of.

• Have additional props for posing in pictures (pirate swords, pistols, eye patches, hats, bandanas, etc.).

 

Close Tab

Utilize ALL the Extras!

Utilize ALL the Extras!

Once you order, in your mystery packet you will receive directions and/or printables to make unique and original decorations specific to your party!

Included will be:

  • HOW TO MAKE PIRATE SAILS, TREASURE CHESTS AND TREASURE MAPS (Directions and pictures to guide you.)
  • DIRECTIONAL SIGNS (1 design)
  • SALTY SEA DOG INN SIGN (1 design)
  • GROWLER LABELS (4 designs)
  • PIRATE BANNER (1 design)
  • DESIGNED MENU (1 design you can personalize with your menu items)
  • SIGNS (7 designs, 2 copies of each)
  • TREASURE MAP (1 design)
  • SAIL AND FLAG TEMPLATES FOR FOOD DECORATION (2 designs)
  • PIRATE TATTOOS

And more..

        

Close Tab

More Resources and Inspiration!

More Resources and Inspiration!

Check out some of these movies and shows to fuel your pirate fire: Treasure Island, Pirates of Penzance, Pirates of the Carribbean (any of them), Blackbeard The Pirate, Goonies, Black Sails (HBO tv series) or check out this complete movie list.

   

Looking for Inspiration?

For even more party planning ideas, check out our Murder Among The Mateys Pinterest Board here.

Close Tab

How to Win a FREE Party!

How to Win a FREE Party!

Each month we highlight one of our customers who has posted on our blog and award them a FREE party!

 

To get your $5 coupon AND be entered in the Party Of the Month contest for a chance to win a FREE party,

please email nompartyofthemonth@gmail.com

Don’t forget to add all the important details and party highlights that made your party one to remember! We love to hear about all of the hard work you, as host, put into your party. From the decor to the food, costumes, whatever. As well as how you and your guests acted (and reacted!) throughout the night! Everything that made your party one your guests will never forget — tell us about it! And be sure to attach some pictures!!!

Upon submitting, we will email you back a coupon to use for $5 off your next party AND enter you in our “Party of the Month” contest, where you could win a FREE party! Once submitted, you will not have to resubmit, but will be entered EVERY MONTH until your party wins!

 

 

Close Tab

Tips

All of the information regarding how to run your Murder Among The Mateys party can be found online at Night of Mystery. We highly suggest that you take time to look over our website and download the Murder Among The Mateys preview file. Upon reading the introduction file of this pirate murder mystery game, it will give you a better understanding about how the parties are run and what to expect once you purchase a full mystery file.

If you still have question, the Frequently Asked Questions page at Night of Mystery is a great resource or you can contact us.
Since our games are custom written for the size of the party (ie, we don’t just create a mystery with 8 characters and then keep adding more characters to it), each mystery size is unique unto itself. That being said, going from 10-15 version to 15-20 version, will not only add in more characters, but it will change the storylines of the existing characters, and vice-versa in going from a larger version to a smaller one.

Because of this, WE STRONGLY SUGGEST you get a guest count before formally ordering. You can do so by downloading an invitation, inviting your guests and then purchasing your mystery once you have a more accurate number of people attending. Unfortunately, if you find yourself purchasing the wrong sized party, you will have to purchase another version of the mystery for the size you want unless you are moving from the 15-20 version to the 20+ version.
You can download an invitation here before ordering.
Check out some of these movies to get you in the mood and fuel your pirate fire: Treasure Island, Pirates of Penzance, Pirates of the Carribbean (any of them), Blackbeard The Pirate, Goonies, Black Sails (HBO tv series) or check out this complete movie list.
Provide an assortment of accessories to help your guests “get into character” including: eye patches, pirate hats, gold coins, pirate earrings, sashes, tooth blackout, bandanas, etc.
For even more party planning ideas, check out our Murder Among The Mateys Pinterest Board here.

Once you order, in your mystery packet you will receive directions and/or printables to make unique and original decorations specific to your party! Included will be:
• HOW TO MAKE PIRATE SAILS, TREASURE CHESTS AND TREASURE MAPS. (Directions and pictures to guide you.)
• DIRECTIONAL SIGNS (1 design)
• SALTY SEA DOG INN SIGN (1 design)
• GROWLER LABELS (4 designs)
• PIRATE BANNER (1 design)
• DESIGNED MENU (1 design you can personalize with your menu items)
• SIGNS (7 designs, 2 copies of each)
• TREASURE MAP (1 design)
• SAIL AND FLAG TEMPLATES FOR FOOD DECORATION (2 designs)
• PIRATE TATTOOS

Each month we highlight one of our customers who has posted on our blog and award them a FREE party!

To get your $5 coupon AND be entered in the Party Of the Month contest for a chance to win a FREE party, please email nompartyofthemonth@gmail.com

Don’t forget to add all the important details and party highlights that made your party one to remember! We love to hear about all of the hard work you, as host, put into your party. From the decor, to the food, costumes, whatever. As well as how you and your guests acted (and reacted!) throughout the night! Everything that made your party one your guests will never forget — tell us about it! And be sure to attach some pictures!!!

Upon submitting, we will email you back a coupon to use for $5 off your next party AND enter you in our “Party of the Month” contest, where you could win a FREE party! One submitted, you will not have to resubmit, but will be entered EVERY MONTH until your party wins!

Check out some of our past winners here! Night of Mystery POM Blogs

Thanks again for hosting with Night of Mystery and we can’t wait to hear all about your party!!!

Are You Up for
the Challenge?