Pirate's Peril (14-28 players)
Halloween Sale!
Last night, the infamous Pirate Captain E.T. Mass was murdered, with three sets of footprints found leaving his bloody private chambers. He left behind a complex puzzle leading to the secret location of his legendary Treasure Horde. Looming large is the election for the next Captain. Who will be the next leader of The Mass? Who will claim the Treasure Horde as their own? And most importantly, Who Killed Captain Mass?? This original UTHER murder mystery dinner party is sure to leave you intrigued, delighted, and swashbuckling. No generative A.I. was used in the design or writing of this game.
Theme: Pirates of the seven seas
Vibe: Escape room meets murder mystery. Intense puzzling and politicking for power.
Supports 14-28 players
Game lasts 2-3 hours
Host can play
Requires printing 4 pages and minor arts+crafts (glue, tape, or staples)
Suitable for PG-13 audiences
Includes host guide (instructions, playlist, pinterest board, and more), cast list, all character sheets, invitation card, and full explanation doc
PDF folder straight to your inbox
Full game intro below:
Dear Crew,
If you’re reading this, it means I’ve died. I’ve instructed Beeyelltee to distribute these pages from my personal effects in the event of my death. The Pirate’s Code of The Mass still stands, as it did when I was a wee lad, cutting my teeth as a lowly Cabin Boy. There’s a few things I’d like you to know…
I know that ye may believe me to be slipping from my mind, that I may be less Pirate than I once was. Well that may be true. My speed may have declined as my age increases, but my mind is as sharp as ever. I know for a FACT that some of ye have joined the crew to try and take advantage of my old age, lookin for a few dubloons… NICE TRY! My treasure horde gets fuller and healthier every year… not that any of you know where it’s hidden…
It’s remarkable how much people let slip around you once they think you’ve gone cuckoo… I daresay I know just about every dirty little secret and mischief that goes on on this ship! NOTHING ESCAPES THE NOTICE OF CAPTAIN E.T. MASS ABOARD HIS SHIP! In fact, the reason I’ve written up these pages is because I know I’m not long for this earth– I’ve heard the rumblings of a plot or two to murder me! I’ve had a good, long life, and these pages are how I’m setting me things in order. Do me a favor, will ye? At the time of writing this, I’m not sure who exactly it is that is going to kill me… Will ye do your best to try to find out who it was, and avenge me?
Now, to the business of things. As ye all know, there must be a vote to determine who shall succeed me as Captain of the Mass… But that leaves one little detail of my legendary treasure horde… Now, I have never been one to just give away such a fortune. Ye have to WORK for yer living!! So, I have decided to organize a bit of a treasure hunt, ye see? It’ll take cunning and smarts, and a bit of everything else it takes to be a good Captain... You’ll have to work together, even if you may nary like it…The sailor who be most worthy of the treasure will surely be the one to find it. Not only will this give them claim to my Horde, but I have also decided to reward this clever Pirate with TWO EXTRA VOTES in the election for Captain…
Chamberlain Beeyelltee should have handed out some pages that I left to some of ye in the event of my passing. Among these is a small note giving one of ye the CAPTAIN’S BLESSING… I’ll not say more… This here letter is addressed to all aboard, as well as this poem I’ve written to get ye started…
Ruby in sunshine
Glowing like Blood,
Jade in the moonlight
Prized from the Mud,
Onyx is darkest
Sculptures it cast,
Gold is the hardest
Save it for Last.
Clues ask the Question,
Answer to Jot.
Cypher to Number,
You’re getting Hot.
Four little puzzles,
Their points to plot.
Find out me killer,
And X marks the Spot
LUCK O’ THE SEA BE WITH YE!
– Captain E . T. MASS
Post Script from Chamberlain Bunsen Beeyelltee:
This morning I found Captain Mass’s private chambers empty. His possessions were askew but what was more worrying was the streak of blood leading through his door and to the nearby guardrail. I detected three distinct sets of footprints in the blood. Clearly, Captain Mass was murdered by three people aboard this very ship. This is a most grave betrayal.
As per his instructions, I have distributed to many of you pages and notes from his private logs, as well as the above letter. As Chamberlain, I shall be conducting the election for our next Captain at tonight’s end. I recommend that those of you who wish to be the next captain campaign for support, and the rest of you determine for whom you plan to vote.
Pirate’s Code of The Mass
The Captain’s Word is Law at all times. When the Captain is absent, the Chamberlain speaks in their stead.
Gambling on board is strictly prohibited and shall be punished with Marooning
If more than three of four parts of those aboard shall agree upon it, anyone aboard shall be forced to Walk the Plank.
If the Captain shall Perish, the next Captain shall be chosen by all aboard via a vote, to be conducted by the Chamberlain after sufficient deliberation is had among the crew. The person receiving the most votes shall be Captain.
Prisoners have a right to vote for any new Captain, for their new master decides their fate.
All votes cast have equal power and weight. None but the Captain may override an agreement by vote.
Disputes and Duels shall NOT be settled by sword, fist, or lead while at sea. Other means of resolution must be sought.
Betraying one’s Captain and Crew is the highest dishonor a Pirate can cast upon themself. Desertion is punished strictly with Marooning.
){kind=link}