Publisher: Bearded Rat Mysteries
It is the morning of April 23rd, 1889, the day after the Oklahoma Land Run, and Esther Wilcox is found dead. But who killed her, and why? It's up to you and your fellow Stillwater Creek settlers to solve the murder and carry out justice in the Wild West! Pick a character and use the clues in your character prompt to accuse, deny, fight, cry, and laugh until the secret is out. For 8 players, with two extra characters provided. Playing time approximately two hours. Ages 14 and up.
This download includes:
8 character prompts, containing instructions, character background, clues, and secrets
2 extra character prompts, containing instructions, character backgrounds, and sample lines to say
3 clues labeled "confidential" to be given to specified characters
1 host guide, containing detailed instructions, tip, hints, and an optional recipe
1 informational handout on "What is a Land Run?"
What to expect:
Murder at Stillwater Creek is first and foremost a game of conversation. It's best played in a room where you can hear each player well, as well as played in an environment where you can focus on the game. The game is divided into 3 rounds. At the beginning of each round, players will spend a few minutes reading the clues and secrets found in their character prompt. Once ready, everyone will discuss the rumors, revelations, and accusations found in their character prompt, all while staying in character. But be ready - things can get pretty heated, pretty fast! At the end of round 3, the players will each make an accusation, and then the murderer will confess.
Why choose this murder mystery game?
Murder at Stillwater Creek is a very character driven game. Your character will have a lot of depth, will have a significant role in the plot (this pertains to the 8 principal characters, not the 2 extra characters), and will have a lot to do and say. Most murder mystery games simply give players a basic background and a few lines to say, but Murder at Stillwater Creek provides plenty of suggested interaction, an intricate plot, as well as A WHOLE LOT of room to improvise. If you really want to get into character and get lost in a stroyline, this game is for you!
CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS
JEDIDIAH “JED” DANE
Born and bred in Iowa, Jed was exuberant to hear about the Oklahoma Land Run. He convinced his childhood friend, Ezekiel “Zeke” Barnard, to join him on the adventure, and the two of them set off with grand hopes and dreams of their new life in the Unassigned Lands. Jed is a no-nonsense lawyer, and the unofficial leader of the Stillwater settlers, ready to take charge in any situation.
EZEKIEL “ZEKE” BARNARD
Zeke is a tough-as-nails coal miner, passionate about every aspect of his life, and the land run is no exception. He happily agreed to join his childhood friend, Jed Dane, on the journey to the Unassigned Lands. While his domestic skills leave something to be desired, Zeke is a loyal friend and a zealous settler.
SGT. MARTIN CLEMMONS
A man of experience and vision, Sgt. Clemmons gave up his military life and joined the land run to start a new adventure. He dreams of a life of simplicity, and he plans on achieving that dream through self-discipline, hard work, and a stiff upper lip. Things just might work out in his favor, whether or not he makes friends in the process. He lives his life like he fights on the battlefield: fiercely, and without tact.
JULES DUPONT
As a former Boomer, Jules DuPont has wanted to settle in Stillwater for years. It’s not surprising that he jumped at the chance to be a part of the land run without a second thought. But don’t be fooled by his pretty boy good looks; originally from France, Jules’ life experiences have made him scrappy and resourceful, exactly what a settler needs in order to survive the tumultuous life in the Oklahoma Territory.
ELMER MILLER
Elmer, a native Missouri farmer, sold his farm and headed southwest with his family to build a new life in Oklahoma’s Unassigned Lands. With his wife Camilla and daughters Minnie & Debbie in tow, there’s no room for failure. They expect him to be a reliable husband and father, and that’s just what he’ll be.
CAMILLA MILLER
Although little leery about the move to the Oklahoma Territory, Camilla is nonetheless giving the land run her best effort. As wife to Elmer Miller, she really has no other choice but to grin and bear it all. Camilla spends most of her time in the background, taking care of people, cleaning up messes, and raising her twin daughters, Minnie and Debbie.
MINNIE MILLER
Minnie left the family farm in Missouri with great hope and romantic ideals. She leads her life with exuberance and passion, and everything about the new adventure in the Unassigned Lands has her fluttering with excitement, and flirting with the depths of despair. At least she has her twin sister Debbie to keep her grounded.
DEBBIE MILLER
Debbie is the practical, reasonable, and dependable daughter of Elmer and Camilla Miller. She prides herself in being useful to her father, and hopes the Oklahoma Land Run will be an opportunity for her dependability to shine. She’s determined to see her family flourish, even if Minnie drives her crazy sometimes.
EXTRA CHARACTER - MILDRED FAIRFAX
Mildred Fairfax is a spunky old woman determined to have a chance at staking her own claim. Her hard work and tenacity has served her well over the past years, so that now, at almost 80 years of age, she’s ready to stake a claim, or die trying.
EXTRA CHARACTER - RUPERT GALLOWAY
Rupert Galloway is one of the poor, unlucky fellas that couldn’t manage to stake a claim during all the commotion of the 1889 Land Run. Restless for a good outcome from a bad few days, Rupert is determined to solve the case and find justice for Esther Wilcox….and maybe snag her claim in the process.
The best way to print is on 8.5x11” paper at 100%. If you take the PDFs to a copy shop like Kinko’s, they can print 2-up and fold and staple. But it’ll cost you.
What is a murder mystery game?
A murder mystery game is first and foremost a game of conversation. Each player receives a character prompt, where they will read their character background, as well as a list of clues to reveal, and secrets to keep. Then, the players will converse with each other, sharing their clues and making accusations. But be prepared; any clue that’s revealed might offend another player, and soon the players will be yelling, arguing, laughing, and crying. It’s your job to wade through the lies and emotions to find the truth, and make a final accusation.
Why is this fun? What's the point?
It’s fun to pretend to be a different person, and to react outrageously to the things other players reveal. But it’s even more fun to create memories with your friends and family by sharing a few contrived rivalries, shocking revelations, and inside jokes! Believe me, you may not remember that one time you guys went to the movies, but you’ll remember that one time you were settlers in the 1889 land run, and you spent your evening accusing each other of murder. Not to mention, playing this game is cheaper!
I'm an introvert. Will I like this game?
Yes! In fact, of all the people I know that enjoy murder mystery games, the vast majority are self-declared introverts. I’m an introvert, and I love to play! This is because murder mystery games are less about our desire to be in front of people (or how we get our energy), and more about our desire to be creative and “go with the flow”. All you need is a willingness to be silly.
What about my friends who crave rules, formulas, and structure? Will they like this game?
They’re strange creatures, but we all know one or two. Don’t worry, they’ll enjoy it too – and it will be a chance to practice being flexible!
Will there be more downloadable games in the future?
Yes! I have extravagant plans to make many, many games available for download. Stay tuned!
Can I have more/less players than the game suggests?
Each game will have a certain number of necessary players, and a certain number of extra players. For example, Murder at Stillwater Creek is for 8 players, and includes 2 extra characters. You need at least 8 people to play. You cannot play with less. The extra characters are just that – extra. They’re not necessary to the game, and are completely optional to use. But here’s a warning: the extra characters don’t add a lot to the game, so if you use them, it’s best they’re played by the people most hesitant to participate.
Do I need to memorize my part? Do I need to study before the game?
Absolutely not! This game is not about perfection. Part of the fun is flying by the seat of your pants, pretending you know everything, and failing miserably. Embrace the chaos!
What ages can play?
Each individual game will have its own age range. Murder at Stillwater Creek, for example, has a fair amount of reading, so I suggest ages 14 and up. However, my 10-year-old niece played a character for the test run and she did a great job without any problems, so it’s really up to the host’s discretion. Some things discussed are murder, betrayal, deceit, and love triangles. No sexual encounters are a part of the storyline.
How'd you get the name Bearded Rat Mysteries?
I like to joke that I’m trying to grow a beard, and I also really, really love rats. That’s why, when I was trying to think of what to name my wifi, my friend Matt suggested “The Bearded Rat”. The name just kind of stuck, and now it has graduated to my business name.
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Price: $15.00
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