In an exciting blend of suspense, strategy, and role-playing, the University of Wisconsin-Superior hosted a Masquerade Murder Mystery. It was a captivating murder mystery event attended by all kinds of students. The game event, which was held last Friday evening in the William “Pope” Wright Student Center, provided a unique opportunity for students to immerse themselves in an interactive storytelling experience, filled with mystery and unexpected twists.
Students make use of the provided wardrobe to dress up for the Masquerade Murder Mystery.
Photo by Patrick Douglas | The Promethean
The game was simple yet still engaging. All of the students received a certain character card. The cards had a variety of clues on them, that would help the students uncover the identity of a murderer amongst them. Every student played a different character that ranged from a charming socialite to a mysterious outsider. They were also given both public clues to share with others and private secrets to keep to themselves.
The game was split into three rounds, and each round added a new layer to the developing storyline. The purpose of the first round was to introduce the characters. Never breaking character, the students talked to each other and shared the public information on their cards while beginning to uncover motives for the murder that had yet to take place. “There’s a part of the card that tells you how to act before the murder,” said the Masked Host.
Some of the students conversing as they discuss their character in the first round.
Photo by Patrick Douglas | The Promethean
The tension rose as the second round began. This is where the pre-murder clues were shared and the different characters’ motives started to make sense. Everyone eagerly awaited the moment when the victim would be revealed, and with each revelation, the web of lies and deceit grew more complex.
In the third round, the students went into full on investigation mode. “You’ll be asked to accuse who you believe murdered the victim. It could be anyone in the game, including yourself,” said the host. This was the most dramatic segment, as a murder had been committed and now was the time to interrogate others.
The students discussed all of the information they had gathered and worked together to try and figure out who committed the crime. In somewhat of a twist at the end, the murderer didn’t even know who they were. They could even accuse themselves, but the solution wasn’t revealed at the end of the event.
Various snacks and drinks were provided, as well as a costume wardrobe. The dress code was formal attire, and masks. However, students who didn’t have their own formal attire or mask could easily show up and use what was readily available.
For a lot of the students, the night was more than solving a mystery. It was about having a good time out with friends, meeting new people, and a fun experience that everyone closer together in the spirit of friendly competition and mystery.
