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As the Beads Drop: Mardi Gras Murder Mystery Party Game | Boxed Kit
- Type Boxed Kit
- SKU MARDIPRP-12
- Age Range 15 to Adult
- Minimum # of players 8 Suspects
- Max Players (Kit A) 12 Suspects
- Max # Offered 48: 20 Suspects, Up to 28 Team Roles (1 Team, Various Kit Sizes)
- Difficulty Rating Moderate, 6/10
- Roles Co-Ed (See Host Character List)
- Game Duration 2 - 4 Hours Average (Flexible)
- Setting At Madeline Broussard’s Royal Court party in New Orleans, where members of the Krewe of Pantheon gather during the height of Carnival season.
- Game Format Murder | Guided Clue Mingling | 4 Rounds
- Vibe & Content Notes Mardi Gras Traditions Afoot * Clean, Lighthearted Drama, Scandals & Betrayal * French Quarter Vibes
- Publication Date 2008. Last Revised: 2022
A vibrant Mardi Gras murder mystery filled with Royal Court rivalries, hidden motives, outrageous costumes, Carnival traditions, family drama, festive competition, and deadly intrigue in New Orleans.
Kit Sizes & Pre-Game Website
Kit A: 8 to 12 Players (12 Suspect Roles)
Kit B: 8 to 20 Players (20 Suspect Roles)
- Includes the 12-character main game and 8-character expansion pack.
- Free player pre-game website
Kit C: 8 to 32 Players (20 Suspect Roles and 12 Team Roles)
- Duplicate, non-suspect Team Roles: 12 members of the Boucher family.
- Use the Kit B invitation and player pre-game website
Kit D: 8 to 40 Players (20 Suspect Roles and 20 Team Roles)
- Duplicate, non-suspect Team Roles: 20 members of the Boucher family.
- Use the Kit B invitation and player pre-game website
Need a different or larger kit size? Contact us! The Boucher family can be expanded for larger groups.
How the Kit Sizes Relate to the Downloadable Version
- 12 players: main game only
- 20 players: adds expansion pack #1
- 32 players: adds expansion pack #1 and 12 Boucher family Team Roles
- 40 players: adds expansion pack #1 and 20 Boucher family Team Roles
As the Beads Drop Mardi Gras Murder Mystery Synopsis:
Carnival season fills New Orleans with Bal Masques, tableaux, Royal Court gatherings, charity events, and dazzling parades. At the center of the excitement is the Krewe of Pantheon, one of the city’s longest-standing Carnival organizations, with more than 200 members.
Madeline Broussard, the newly crowned Mardi Gras Queen of the Krewe of Pantheon, is hosting the prestigious Royal Court party. The guests will arrive in outrageous Carnival fashion for an evening of appetizers, trivia, dancing, dining, and festive competition.
Unfortunately, several Royal Court members share troubled histories, clashing personalities, hidden motives, and strong opinions about nearly everything. The celebration may be colorful, but simmering disputes threaten to transform the festivities into a Carnival catastrophe. As a member of the Krewe, you must attend. This is where your story begins.
Your boxed kit arrives professionally printed and prepared for easy hosting. The exact quantity of materials varies depending on the selected kit size.
Included in the Boxed Kit:
- Host Instructions, including the standard host booklet and a game-specific information sheet
- Professionally Printed Game Materials
- Character Materials, including the Host Character List, Guest List, and Clue Cards
- Solution Materials
- Envelopes and Other Required Game Components
- Optional Extras, such as the free invitation
- Envelopes are not sealed, even in the spoiler-free kits, in case the host needs to view the cards. Sealing envelopes before gameplay is optional.
- Select games may also include video content, bonus clues, or other interactive extras. Any game-specific extras will be listed above under Interactive Extras.
Some light assembly may be required with the standard version. For a spoiler-free, party-ready game, select the appropriate kit option above.
For immediate access to a print-at-home version, use the instant download link on the product page instead of purchasing the boxed kit.
Standard vs. Spoiler-Free Assembly
Standard Version
The standard version requires light assembly before the party. The host must fold and insert the cards for Rounds 1, 2, and 3 into the corresponding labeled envelopes.
Spoilers are limited to the Round 2 and Round 3 card bundles. If the host wishes to avoid seeing them, a trusted person who is not playing may fold and insert those cards. The remaining kit will still arrive prepared without exposing the host to spoilers.
Spoiler-Free Version
With the Spoiler-Free (Party-Ready) Preparation Option, the Round 1, 2, and 3 clue & solution cards are professionally folded and inserted into their designated envelopes, allowing the host to prepare for and host the party without any fear of viewing the spoiler content.
Pre-game character materials are not inserted into envelopes. This allows the host to add the players' contact information on the task cards while they are still arranged in a convenient stack, rather than removing them from envelopes and reinserting them afterward.
Included Assembly in Both Versions
Certain materials are inserted into their designated envelopes in every boxed kit, when applicable. These may include:
- Blackmail notes and other special messages
- Victim signs
- Forensic reports
- Scavenger hunt materials
- Other game-specific surprise items
Keep each bundle of envelopes together according to its label, such as Round 1, Round 2, or Round 3. Some envelopes may already contain game-specific materials, even when the remaining cards still require insertion.
With the standard kit, if an item has already been placed inside a designated character’s envelope, tuck it inside that character’s folded clue card before returning the card to the envelope. This helps ensure the player sees the additional item when the round begins.
Envelopes Are Not Sealed
Envelopes are left unsealed in both versions. This allows the host to review or adjust the materials if necessary, such as when a guest cancels at the last minute, and the host needs to confirm that all vital characters remain assigned.
The host may seal the envelopes before gameplay, but sealing is optional.
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Order Processing Time:
Orders are usually processed within 24-48 hours after the order has been placed.
Custom or special order items may take longer to process, typically 3-5 business days.
Shipping Methods:
Standard Shipping (3-7 business days)
Expedited Shipping (2-3 business days)
Express Shipping (1-2 business days)
Packaging:
Rest assured that all items will be securely and safely packaged to prevent any damage during transit. Fragile or high-value parts will be packaged with additional protective materials, such as bubble wrap or foam padding.
Shipping Rates:
Shipping rates vary based on the size, weight, and destination of the package. You can view the estimated shipping costs for your order during the checkout process before placing your order.
Order Tracking:
Once your order has been shipped, you will receive an email with the tracking number and carrier information. You can also track your order status by logging into your account.
International Shipping:
We ship worldwide! Please note that international shipping rates and delivery times may vary based on destination. Customers are responsible for any customs fees, import taxes, or additional charges that may apply.