It goes without saying…. but we’ll say it anyway: Be Respectful when questioning other characters. Remember that the aim is for everyone to enjoy the process whilst solving the mystery!

TIPS for questioning and detecting…..

Stick to your Role: stay in character and ask questions as if you were the character described on your card. This adds to the immersion and fun of the role-playing experience.

Ask Open-Ended Questions that require more than a simple “yes” or “no” answer. This allows for more detailed responses and helps gather more information.

Listen Carefully: actively listen to the responses of the suspects. Clues and hints might be embedded in their answers.

Take Notes during the interview phases. Keeping track of what each suspect says can help in piecing together the puzzle.

Believable Alibis: to help in narrowing down the list of suspects, investigate alibis during the questioning process – how believable are they?

Collaborate: Persuade other players to share their findings but be mindful of sharing too much….

Here’s a list of example questions to use as a guide when asking for information from other characters (suspects):

• Where were you at the time of the murder?
• Did anyone see you near the crime scene?
• Have you noticed any suspicious behavior from other characters?
• Do you have any information about the victim’s relationships with other suspects?
• Did you find any relevant clues or evidence before or during the investigation?
• Have you noticed anything unusual or out of place in Offingham Manor lately?
• Have you heard any rumors or gossip that might be related to the murder?
• What was your relationship with the victim? Were there any conflicts or disagreements?
• Is there anyone who can vouch for your whereabouts during the time of the murder?
• Have you seen anyone acting strangely or nervously since the murder occurred?

Body-language & methods of cross examination….

Detecting signs through body language and employing interesting methods of cross-examination can add depth and excitement to the role-playing murder mystery game. Here’s some guidance for players on how to do it effectively and enjoyably:

Observe Body Language:

Pay attention to the body language of other suspects during the game.
Watch for nervous tics, fidgeting, avoiding eye contact, or any other unusual behavior that might indicate guilt or deception.
Also… be aware that that body language alone can be misleading, so consider it along with other clues and information.

Cross-Examination Techniques:

Try use different cross-examination techniques to gather information:
Good Cop/Bad Cop: Players can take on different roles and approaches when questioning, such as being sympathetic or assertive, to see how the suspect reacts.
Bluffing: Players can bluff by presenting false evidence or making exaggerated claims to see if the suspect contradicts themselves or reacts defensively.
Playing on Emotions: Players can appeal to the suspect’s emotions or personal connections to extract more information.
Divide and Conquer: Players can compare suspect’s responses to different interviewers for inconsistencies.

Ask Hypothetical Questions:

Ask hypothetical questions to test the reactions of suspects.
For example, “If you were the murderer, how would you have done it?” or “What do you think the murderer’s motive might be?”

Use Environment and Props:

Players can use the Offingham Manor Setting Grid and elements within it as props during questioning.
For example, they can place their avatar on the board, point to locations / objects, or interact with elements in the environment to set the scene and enhance the role-playing experience.

Build Narratives:

Players can piece together the clues they have gathered during questioning to connect the dots, build narratives and theories about the murder creating a compelling story.

Use the Detective:

Players can ask advice and question the detective (“DS Walsh”) as well, challenging their conclusions or asking for additional clues. The detective can provide more context or guide the players if they seem stuck by referring to the guidance or offering relevant information.

Have Fun with Personalities:

Players can have fun by using different accents or adopting exaggerated personalities for their characters.
This adds entertainment value and makes the game more enjoyable for everyone.

Remember, to be creative with your role and questions. Delving deeper into the personalities and backstories of the other players (suspects), all helps to create an immersive and enjoyable experience. The more engaging the questioning and role playing, the more enjoyable the experience will be for everyone involved.

Happy sleuthing!