Knight of Murder

IDEAS ON HOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN COSTUME

CAPE OR ROBE- Make a cape from a piece of velvet material. Add some fake fur and gold cording for the collar, if desired.

STAFF – Spray paint a curtain rod gold.

CROWNS – Obtain a Burger King crown and spray paint it gold. Decorate your crown with fake jewels (found at local craft store). OR, here is a great link with ideas!

CRESS – Use felt, notions and glue to make your own cress or coat of arms and adhere it to your outfit (see below).
– A cress can be easily made out of felt and attached with safety pin, stitch withery, hot glue or velcro.

DRESS UP AN OUTFIT – check second-hand stores for inexpensive garments.
• Add shimmering fabric or even fake fur.
• Can’t sew? Attach the fabric with hot glue or stitch witchery.
• Change the color of a dress or outfit by spray painting it.
• Add gold cording, tassles, etc. to your favorite outfit or dress. You can find these in the notions section of your fabric store.

MAIDEN’S HAT – Spray paint a cone-shaped party hat a solid color. Add a piece of sheer fabric to the top to cascade down.

JESTER COSTUME – Follow this Link

SIMPLE DIRECTIONS – How to make a medieval costume

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MEDIEVAL HAIRSTYLES TO CONSIDER

• Fishtail Braid
• Milkmaid Braid
• A Low Bun
• French Braid Updo
• Flowing Loose Curls

Looking for inspiration? Look here at this GALLERY OF MEDIEVAL HAIRSTYLES.

Watch a video to help you style your hair. CLICK HERE.

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Your Medieval Cast of Characters

King Kyle—King. As ruler of this prosperous kingdom, Kyle is well liked by everyone. It’s hard to have many enemies when the punishment of betrayal is death! 

Queen Genevieve—Queen. Genevieve rules equally alongside her king, or so she thinks. 

Sheriff—The Sheriff of Fernwood. As Kyle’s official in Fernwood, Sheriff is in charge of collecting the taxes in the manor. With the profits dwindling, Sheriff may have some explaining to do since the royal family’s prosperity seems to be at its highest. 

Sherilyn—Sheriff’s Wife. Sherilyn will do anything to see her husband promoted, especially if her actions bring her more power and riches. 

Lord Taylor—Lord of the Manor. In celebration of his only son’s marriage to the noblewoman of his choosing, Lord Taylor is determined to host a tournament of epic proportions. 

Lady Gwendolyn—Lady of the Manor. Gwendolyn is delighted for the approaching tournament To Gwendolyn, the celebration symbolizes prosperity and happiness and a chance to marry off her only son to another noble. 

Baron Bartholomew—Son to Lord Taylor and Lady Gwendolyn. The tournament is planned in honor of his marriage to another noble on the one year anniversary of his and Diana’s meeting. Baron’s only regret is that he must marry for wealth instead of love. 

Lady Diana of Dunnsberry—Noblewoman. Diana arrived in Fernwood on a quest for a husband. While her heart is now satisfied, another’s may now be broken. 

Maid Marilyn—Lady Gwendolyn’s Lady-In-Waiting. As Lady Gwendolyn’s right-hand woman, Marilyn is like a daughter to the lady. Like a true mother, Gwendolyn will do anything to ensure Marilyn’s happiness. 

Sir Cameron—Knight. Sir Cameron is looking forward to entertaining and fighting for his honor in the manor tournament. If Cameron wins, rumor is that he will be asking for the favor of Maid Marilyn. 

Sir Rufus—Knight. Sir Rufus is looking to boost his unfavorable reputation in the manor lands with a victory over Sir Cameron in the tournament. A triumph will not only win him the favor of a maid, but the popularity that he desires. 

Gary Gallant—Squire. As Sir Cameron’s apprentice, it is essential that Gary puts the needs of his master above his own. Once Gary proves valor, loyalty and honor, he will be knighted himself. 

Joking Jerry—Court Jester. Jerry is commissioned to make everyone laugh. But at what cost does a laugh turn deadly? 

Willie the Watchman—Manor Watchperson. As the guardian for the lord and his manor lands, Willie will be the force that keeps anyone from getting out of hand at the tournament. 

Elizabeth the Elaborate—Vassal. With a class rank higher than others, Elizabeth has some favor with the nobles. Can Elizabeth’s persuasion be enough to make Lord Taylor change his decisions concerning her daughter, or will she be forced to take measures into her own hands? 

Maid Victoria—Maid. Another victim of a pre-arranged marriage to a man she does not love, Victoria questions whether her destiny is sealed or if she can change it in just one night? 

Charlamagne—Chambermaid. Occupying the lowest tier of servant-hood in the castle, Charlamagne has unlimited access to all areas of the castle—a privilege others do not possess. While Charlamagne’s knowledge of the intimate sections of the castle may be to her advantage, they may also be her ticket to trouble. 

Maid Monica—Maid. Since Monica has always caught the Baron’s eye (and heart), she assumed a marriage was impending. Since Bartholomew’s engagement has been set with Diana, some say Monica has turned rather ruthless. 

Poor Pearl—Peasant. Pearl’s measly earnings have grown even smaller since the sheriff has been enforcing the laws. 

Wyatt Worker—Serf. A member of the lowest class in the system, Wyatt will need to prove himself in order to get what he wants. 

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An Olde English Tutorial Thoust Wilt Enjoy

Including The Goodmen and Goodwives That Shalt Be At Ye Celebration

Dost Look Below in the “Costumes” Section To Discover Thy Perfect Apparel Awaits

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Other tidbits ye might enjoy

Where did jousting come from?Originally, in the early centuries of knighthood knights would often fight vicious battles against each other to establish supremacy and find out who the better knight was. But over the centuries this practice was eliminated because it served no good purpose for knights of the same kingdom to wound, maim or kill each other. A knight killed this way was one less knight that could fight for the kingdom. So jousting came into prominence because it was much safer. Knights could still battle and establish their stature while not usually harming each other.

Jousting and the ceremony
 Jousting developed into a show all its own and for many gatherings, ceremonies and events the jousting tournament was the highlight. Even today we still have jousting tournaments at Renaissance faires. This tradition of jousting as a spectacle has given us some wonderful costumes, outfits, clothing and regalia from the Medieval Period.

The favor of a maid?
Fundamental to the tournament was the idea of chivalrous and romantic conduct. A knight selected a lady. In her honor he would fight. If he fought successfully, he expected to receive his reward. It was considered downright disgraceful – absolute treachery – for a lady to refuse her favors to a knight who had fought in her honor.

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THE ENTRANCE

• Have a trumpet sound effect announce guests as they arrive.

•  Have guards greet your guests.

• Lay out wood planks to create a drawbridge leading up to your entrance. (Look in the discount bin at your local hardware store for inexpensive wood.)

• Make a black construction paper chain to simulate large chains for your drawbridge or dungeon.

• Create a dragon out of carboard boxes and spray paint to guard your castle.

• Make a castle façade with styrofoam (Pictured below. Instructions included in packet.)

• Have stone signs around the venue. (Pictured below. Instructions included in packet.)

• Make a moat with alligators!!!

• Create a dragon out of carboard boxes and spray paint to guard your castle.

• Make some banner flags to fly for Fernwood Manor (directions and templates included with mystery).

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INSIDE THE PARTY SPACE

• Hang plastic shields, swords, axes, etc. on the walls (find some at a local party store).

• Use stone wall scene setters to easily and inexpensively give you castle walls.

• Set up a Jousting Arena and encourage jousting! (Jousting Arena signs included with mystery.)

• Have the king’s riches on display.

• Make your own shields out of cardboard.

• Create a throne by spray painting a chair gold. Add a bit of regalness with a velvet cushion or accent.

• Create gallows for anyone wanting to take a picture!

• Have an unfinished basement set up as the dungeon.

• Have candles flickering about.

• Hold the party in an old pub or a castle. (Yes! We have had customers do this!)

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PICK A COLOR SCHEME

Two popular color schemes for your party may be gold and purple (the color of regency) or gold and red.

To pull the color scheme through to your whole space consider the following:

• When decorating a large area or to make an area look more intimate and festive, consider draping white or gold gossamer across the ceiling, walls, and edges of the tablecloth. Combine two colors for a fabulous appearance.

• A little spray paint can go a long, long way.
– Spray paint novelty items, vases, old wine bottles, etc. to help bring out the color theme and add inexpensive decoration to your party.

• Have a tablecloth—whether plastic or fabric – the colors of your choice.

• Accentuate your tablecloth with the alternative color by using paint pens or fabric paint to paint on decorative accents.

USING FABRIC

There are many ways you could use “fancy” fabric – shimmering, metallic, sheer, etc. – to decorate in a number of ways:

• Drape brightly colored fabric on the walls like banners. (Purple and gold for royalty!)

• Make a table runner.

• Drape over furniture.

• Tie to the back of a chair.

Places to find fancy fabrics inexpensively:
– Searching clearance bins at fabric stoes
– Second hand shops
– The fabric section at Walmart

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LIGHTING

Needless to say, they didn’t have electricity in the Middle Ages. When considering the lighting for your party, you will not want anything too harsh or bright.

Consider the following and what might work best within your space:

• Christmas lights – drape around trees or inside of fabric

• Candles – place in jars or on their own

• Solar lights

• Torches

• Lanterns

• Oil burning lamps

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SETTING THE TABLE

• Construct one long table for dinner. Use a brightly colored piece of fabric for a runner.

• Decorate the table runner with gold fabric paint.

• Use goblets for drinking.

• Purchase gold colored plastic cups and hot glue fake jewels to the outside of the cups.

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CREATE A PHOTO SPOT

Give your guests an unforgettable souvenier by setting up a photo area where they can capture a picture of themselves in character.

A few suggestions:

• Pick a place where there will be good lighting.

• You can make it as elaborate or simple as you want.

• Accessories and decorations can make the difference. Have some extra props on hand that your guests can pose with.

• An easy way to create a background is to use a “scene setter.” These affordable rolls of images transform your room instantly and make for a good backdrop to your picture.

• Make sure there is enough room to fit everyone in to the frame.

• For individual shots of guests, designate someone to be in charge of pictures as your guests arrive.
o Consider your character list and which character would fit the role of taking the picture. Ie, if you want mug shots, perhaps ask the investigator to be in charge of taking the pictures.

• For a group picture, take one just before the introduction is read or right after the solution is read (before people may start heading out).
o These are two times when you can count on everyone being around and attentive.

BACKDROP IDEAS for the Medieval theme

• Create a “castle wall” backdrop using scene setters or directions in mystery.

• Decorate a deep blue sheet with some stars for a magical night feel.

• Create a throne by spray painting a chair gold. Add a bit of regalness with a velvet cushion or accent..

• Have additional props for posing in pictures (crowns, tiaras, trumpets, robes, etc.)

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SERVING A MEDIEVAL FEAST

Medieval foods can consist of things as simple as chicken wings, potato pancakes, cider, chicken pot pie, and chocolate dipped fruit. However, if you want to add some authenticity to your menu include roasted turkey legs, mince pies, fruit pies, savory tarts, and shepherd’s pie. And don’t forget the ale and wine, which was always a staple at any medieval feast.

How to plan A Medieval Feast:

• Begin dinner with soup or broth, bread, & cheese.

• Follow with green vegetables.

• Next, serve a meat dish of lean pork or chicken, or perhaps fish accompanied with sauces.

• End with sweets and spiced desserts.

• Serve wine and ale throughout the entire meal, or if the event is non-alcoholic, use apple cider, grape juice, lemonade, water, etc. Just don’t let your guests go thirsty!

• Divide the various dishes among two or three courses, serving each course in its entirety and leaving time for talk, music, & entertainment for guests between courses.

** See Meal Customs to enhance the experience!!!

A Great Idea For Meat:
Serve turkey legs or chicken on the bone– Perfect for having your guests eat with their hands, as they did in the olden days. Want something simpler? Think chicken wings.

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SERVE A CASTLE OR WEDDING CAKE:

Miscellaneous Fact: Origin of the Wedding Cake
“In medieval England, guests brought small cakes and piled them on the center of a table. The bride and groom then attempted to kiss over them. A baker from France conceived the idea of icing all the small cakes together in one large cake.”

• Need Ideas for Castle Cakes? GET THEM HERE!

• Directions for the Dragon Cake: FIND THEM HERE!

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CUSTOMS FOR THE MEAL:

• Have the table low to the ground and the guests sit on the floor.

• Guests eat entirely with their hands. (Silverware? What is silverware?)

• Each new dish was announced by trumpets and drums.

• Music and singing were part of the meal.

• See above sections on what foods a Medieval Feast would consist of.

• Juggling and dancing were also forms of entertainment between courses of the meal.

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MUSIC

Musical selections from this time period are hard to suggest since there is little documented.

Instrumentals:
There were many simple instruments that were used to entertain. Try finding some music from the harp, flute, pan flute, mandolin, organ or lute. Find it here.

Theatrical Soundtracks:
Since little is known, try using soundtracks from movies from the time period. Braveheart, Camelot, or for some humor Monty Python’s Search For The Holy Grail.

For Free Music:
Visit your local library for a number of compilations.

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Create a Scrolled Invite

One thing that could really set your party apart is creating and delivering these scrolled invites for your guests to come to the party! Nothing will get your guests talking more!!!

Design and directions included in the “Party Extras” section of your mystery packet when you order!

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Medieval Customs and Traditions

These are some traditions that were common in Medieval times that you can incorporate into your evening to have more fun with the theme. None of these are mandatory for the mystery, just fun, added bonuses! Dilly! Dilly! 

• Have a trumpet sound effect announce guests as they arrive.

•  Have guards greet your guests.

• For authenticity, print all of the materials for the game on parchment paper.

• When the characters read the introduction, investigation report, evidence presentation & solution, have them presented on a scroll. (Follow directions on how to make a scroll invite—included with party packet.) OR have them sealed with a wax seal.

• Make the peasantry and the Jester entertain the nobility. It was common for the king and/or the nobles to demand their lower class comrades to “make them laugh” before they could continue on with their evening.

• Provide juggling and dancing as forms of entertainment between courses of the meal.

• Set up a Jousting Arena and encourage jousting!

CUSTOMS FOR THE MEAL:

• Have the table low to the ground and the guests sit on the floor.

• Guests eat entirely with their hands. (Silverware? What is silverware?)

• Each new dish was announced by trumpets and drums.

• Music and singing were part of the meal.

• See above sections on what foods a Medieval Feast would consist of.

• Juggling and dancing were also forms of entertainment between courses of the meal.

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Looking for Inspiration?

Check out some of these movies or t.v. shows! These productions are set in Medieval times. Not only will they help get you in the mood for throwing the party, but can provide inspiration and ideas on other things you may want to do when hosting your Knight of Murder party!

Movies or t.v. shows set-in medieval times: A Knight’s Tale, Robin Hood, First Knight, Excalibur, Game of Thrones (tv series), Black Death or click here for a whole list.

ALSO, Check out Our PINTEREST BOARD for loads more ideas for your A Knight of Murder Party!!!!Find these and many, many more by CLICKING HERE!!!

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CREATE A PHOTO SPOT

Give your guests an unforgettable souvenier by setting up a photo area where they can capture a picture of themselves in character.

A few suggestions:

• Pick a place where there will be good lighting.

• You can make it as elaborate or simple as you want.

• Accessories and decorations can make the difference. Have some extra props on hand that your guests can pose with.

• An easy way to create a background is to use a “scene setter.” These affordable rolls of images transform your room instantly and make for a good backdrop to your picture.

• Make sure there is enough room to fit everyone in to the frame.

• For individual shots of guests, designate someone to be in charge of pictures as your guests arrive.
o Consider your character list and which character would fit the role of taking the picture. Ie, if you want mug shots, perhaps ask the investigator to be in charge of taking the pictures.

• For a group picture, take one just before the introduction is read or right after the solution is read (before people may start heading out).
o These are two times when you can count on everyone being around and attentive.

BACKDROP IDEAS for the Medieval theme

• Create a “castle wall” backdrop using scene setters or directions in mystery.

• Decorate a deep blue sheet with some stars for a magical night feel.

• Create a throne by spray painting a chair gold. Add a bit of regalness with a velvet cushion or accent..

• Have additional props for posing in pictures (crowns, tiaras, trumpets, robes, etc.)

<< CHECK SIDE TABS FOR MORE IDEAS <<

Party Extras!

Once you order, in your mystery packet you will receive directions and/or printables to make unique and original decorations specific to your party!

Included Are: 

• SCROLL INVITE DIRECTIONS & TEMPLATE (1 design)

• HOW TO MAKE STONE CASTLE WALLS AND SIGNS

• FLAG DIRECTIONS AND TEMPLATE (1 design)

• DESIGNED MENU (1 design you can personalize with your menu items)

• SIGNS FOR WALLS (7 designs)

• WINE LABEL AWARDS (4 designs)

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Win a Free Party!

Each month we highlight one of our customers who has posted on our blog and award them a FREE party!

To get your $5 coupon AND be entered in the Party Of the Month contest for a chance to win a FREE party, please email nompartyofthemonth@gmail.com

Don’t forget to add all the important details and party highlights that made your party one to remember! We love to hear about all of the hard work you, as host, put into your party. From the decor, to the food, costumes, whatever. As well as how you and your guests acted (and reacted!) throughout the night! Everything that made your party one your guests will never forget — tell us about it! And be sure to attach some pictures!!!

Upon submitting, we will email you back a coupon to use for $5 off your next party AND enter you in our “Party of the Month” contest, where you could win a FREE party! One submitted, you will not have to resubmit, but will be entered EVERY MONTH until your party wins!

Check out some of our past winners here! Night of Mystery POM Blogs

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Click on the image to get to our Spotify Playlist for this party!