Murder Among The Mateys Murder Mystery Party Game is a downloadable pirate murder mystery party game kit designed for hosts who want a fun, easy-to-run Salty Sea Dog Inn–themed whodunnit. Use this printable mystery party kit for Talk Like a Pirate Day, family parties, mystery nights, or any celebration that needs a swashbuckling pirate-night twist.
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Setting the Scene
Well, shiver me timbers and sharpen me sword!
After a voyage filled with pillaging and plundering, the Jaded Jewel–a pirate ship captained by Redbeard, an old but dangerous pirate–is docked in a cove near Port Royal. As the pirates head into town to celebrate their homecoming and spend their gold and goods, a night of turmoil and trouble is sure to transpire in this pirate murder mystery.
As the night quickly steers out of control, one guest meets a tragic demise and ends up in Davy Jones’ Locker leaving the rest of the party goers to bring the guilty to the gallows.
Is the culprit the profiteering pirate organizing a mutiny? Or, the saucy sea mistress who wanted more than a casual commitment? The perpetrator could be the swashbuckling swordsman desperate to win the love of the governor’s
daughter, or possibly the treasure seeking seaperson incapable of sharing.
In a harbor village filled with backstabbers and buccaneers looking to get ahead, there is little reward for honesty and a high price to pay for deceit.
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
Sea Maiden
Sister to the cap’n, Brandy has been braving these waters since she was a girl. Her latest conquer, however, is not one that she 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 Jack
Crewman
A seasoned pirate, Thumbless Jack 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 the crew members.
Gurglin’ Uma Scarr
Galley Wench
Anotonia Napier
Governor’s Daughter
Buccaneer Bradshaw
Privateer
Blackspot Jane
Pirate’s Widow
Jean Golddust
Gold Dealer
Governor Napier
Governor of Port Royal
Breathless Betty Napier
Governor’s Daughter
Shoutin’ Roger Dagger
Innkeeper
Sealegs Sam
Merchant Sailor
Dirty Wiggins
Gallows Master
Juliana Napier
Governor’s Wife
Commodore Clearing
Commodore
Mad Rose
Serving Wench
Rovin’ Reynolds
Treasure Hunter
Guest Breakdown
For 20-80 guests: at least males, 5 females, 10 gender-neutral.
For 15-20 guests: 5 males, 4-5 females, 10 gender-neutral.
For 10-15 guests: 3-4 males, 1-3 females, 6-8 gender-neutral.
For 8-12 guests: 4 males, 1-2 females, 3-6 gender-neutral.
* The upgrade is only able to upgrade the 15-20 guest version to the 20-80 guest version of this pirate murder mystery. The upgrade DOES NOT work with any other size of party.
Guest Breakdown
For 20-80 guests: at least males, 5 females, 10 gender-neutral.
For 15-20 guests: 5 males, 4-5 females, 10 gender-neutral.
For 10-15 guests: 3-4 males, 1-3 females, 6-8 gender-neutral.
For 8-12 guests: 4 males, 1-2 females, 3-6 gender-neutral.
Clean versions are void of references to extra-marital affairs, alcohol and/or illegal drugs. Teens and/or conservative groups often use clean versions for their mystery of choice.
* The upgrade is only able to upgrade the 15-20 guest version to the 20-80 guest version. The upgrade DOES NOT work with any other size of party.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to the pirate theme of this party, even the clean versions contain references to violent behavior in the past (such as pirates being hung, flogged and marooned). Please see the introduction file to get a sense of what to expect.
First-time host/hostesses need not be wary. Night of Mystery parties have everything you need to throw a successful party and are designed to be easy-to-run.
If you want to play along, you can! As host, you will want to read the host’s guide in full to ensure that you are setting the game up correctly WITHOUT letting you know who the murderer is!
Then sit back, relax, and enjoy the MURDER!
Excellent Question! And one that needs more explaining, please see the “How to Play” Page of our site and/or download a preview file to get a complete understanding of how our mysteries are run!
Yes. We have invitations you can download at any time to send out to your guests. (We recommend you do this before purchasing if you are unclear of your guest count.)
Once you order, you will have access to your party pdf as well as email invitations with character descriptions included for your guests. See a sample emailable invite with character description here.
YES! As host, you get to decide how much or little you know about the murder.
If you want to play along, you will want to read the host’s guide in full to ensure that you are setting the game up correctly WITHOUT letting you know who the murderer is in this murder mystery party game!
This will depend on (a) the version of party you order and (b) what you/they want to do at the party.
Some murder mystery party game rules say (generally the smaller 6-8 guest and 8-12 guest versions) have the victim rise and become the investigator after their “death.”
Since the victim does not know who murdered them, they can still play along and try to guess the murderer using their previous background knowledge and their money in order to bribe and blackmail others and derive their secrets from one another.
If you have a larger version, and you have not assigned the investigator (they are generally listed as the first person to eliminate for this reason), then the victim will need to become the investigator.
If you have assigned the investigator, but have an extra role that is not already filled, the victim can become this person (if you order the 20-80 player version, this will always be an option).
If the victim wishes to do nothing, they can do that as well. Some guests really enjoy playing along “dead” and trying to figure out who killed them.
Where to Start
- Purchase this Mystery
- Download and Print Your Kit!
- Start Planning An Epic Murder Mystery Party!
What’s in Our Printable / Digital Kit
- Character Sheets
Juicy secrets, wild motives, and unique roles for every guest. - Host Guide
Easy, step-by-step instructions to run the show like a pro. - Game Materials
Clues, evidence, and everything to solve the case. - Invites & Decor
Printables to build hype and set the scene. - Awards
Certificates for Best Costume, Super Sleuth & more!
How to Play this Mystery
This quick video gives you the rundown on how Night of Mystery parties work. For the nitty-gritty details, be sure to download the intro file that matches your specific mystery — it’s got everything you need to host like a pro.
“I purchased the Night Of Mystery packet for a work team building event. All of my co-workers said it was the best team event they’ve been to. The packet was very straightforward and had so many ideas and tips to help make running the event super simple. Highly recommend!”
“I hosted my first party and I was scared that if anyone could fail such a flawless package it would be myself. But this kit makes it so so easy and fun. Lots of room to make it your own and not cookie cutter, but always super straight forward! I can’t wait to host another onell! Thanks Night of Mystery!”
“I’ve had three parties over the years. This year we will be doing it again! Normal parties have their groups. High school over there, church over there, family over there. Well with the murder mystery dinner there is none of that. Plus your free to not be you for the night. Every party has been a success! Last one we had over 100 people come.”
“This was the BEST team event we’ve ever done. It was inclusive, creative, and so easy to execute with your kit. Everyone had a blast!”
Are You Up for the Challenge? Get this Mystery Now!
Murder Among The Mateys Murder Mystery Party Game
