Trouble in Thornwood | Non-Murder Mystery

A fun non-murder adventure for 8-16 players, ages 14 and up for difficulty. This is a case of a stolen ancient artifact. This game has required videos, a fun group challenge, and evidence cards instead of the traditional forensic report. Expansion packs (purchased separately) will include up to 24 additional roles with 12 of them being required players - totaling 40 unique suspect roles in the game if all packs are purchased. Expandable teams are included with expansion pack #3, so you can host a party for 200+ players.  

This is the instant download version of the game - everything you need will be available as soon as you complete the order - nothing to ship - no wait. 

This game was created on 02/26/24

Downloadable content: there are multiple PDF files to download with this game - a host instruction file, printable file, solution key, backup scripts, and more optional files.  You must use Adobe Reader (free software that you can download at Adobe.com) to view the PDF, as a PDF is an Adobe product or you will face problems with the PDF files, as PDF files are Adobe products.  

Format: this is a traditional, mingling, clue-based game (downloadable version) for in-person groups. For virtually-formatted games that are ideal for video chat platforms, click here. 

Gifting: the standard game license does not allow transfers, so you cannot purchase a download as a gift. For gifts, click here for gift certificates, or use the link below for the boxed version of the game (party pack).  

Commercial licensing: This license is for a single personal use of this theme. If you are using the game other than for private use &/or you'll host it multiple times, you'll need a commercial license. 

Mystery Party Helpful Links:

• Host character list for the main game players 1-16
• Free, printable invitation
• Boxed Set Version - our party packs are prepared for you, ready to go with the spoiler-free option
• Game Trailer Video
• Sample game - view format, plotlines, and more
• Free pre-game site for the main game players
• Expansion pack #1 (purchased separately) - 8 additional required players with 6 being required 
• Expansion pack #2 (purchased separately) - 4 additional required players, 4 optional players 
• Expansion pack #3 (purchased separately) - 8 optional players with 6 being expandable into teams
• Pinterest Board for DIY ideas
• This chart compares our download and boxed set versions

Mystery Party Synopsis:

   Nested in the breathtaking Thanos Mountains, Thornwood is a relatively small town. Hartford University, one of the world's most prestigious scholarly institutions, is the municipality's lifeblood and is famous for its extraordinary contributions to many academic fields.

     In recent news, Dr. Indiana Tawny, a famed archaeologist and professor at Hartford, unearthed a crown estimated to be a thousand years old from the submerged city of Posidonia. The crown, thought to be made of meteorite metals, platinum, and a combination of luminous minerals and bioluminescent organisms, might have belonged to the ancient city's ruling class. Scientists and historians from all corners of the world are desperate to participate in a collaborative research project surrounding the crown.

     But before the find becomes a perpetual laboratory subject, the mayor of Thornwood is hosting a celebratory bash for the discovery in Thornwood Town Hall. The night of the gala, the prized artifact will be displayed behind a glass case in the center of the Starlight Sonata Ballroom for all to admire.

     Soon after the announcement of the celebration, the town's hotels found themselves fully booked, as well as every restaurant in the city for days surrounding the event. The tickets for the event sold out in mere minutes, but you were fortunate to get your hands on one. This is where your story begins.

How to Host a Large Mystery Party Game:

All expansion packs are purchased separately. You can skip optional players from the previous pack and select players from the next one. But we do not suggest skipping an entire expansion pack.

• Main Game: 16 Unique Players 
• Expansion Pack #1: 8 Unique Players (6 are required, 2 optional)
• Expansion Pack #2: 8 Unique Players (4 are required, 4 optional)
• Expansion Pack #3: 8 Unique players, all optional and 6 are expandable into teams as described below. 
• Up to 25+ team members as magician's assistants with Lou Violet.  
• Up to 25+ team members as City Manager's Office staff with Sage Maroon. 
• Up to 25+ team members as Archaeology Graduate Students with Cass Onyx.
• Up to 25+ team members as the Entourage of Echo Amethyst. 
• Up to 25+ team members as Emerald Syndicate Mobsters with Ember Lime.
• Up to 25+ team members as Tourists with John/Jane Silver.

Total players: 40 unique suspect roles and the ability to expand to cover 200+ players with the expandable teams, which are duplicated team roles, non-suspects who play as a team under a suspect team leader.

For more information about how the expandable team players work, head over to our FAQ page and scroll down to the 'Optional Players' section.