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1986 | A  Sinister  '80s  Murder  Mystery 

Flamebury Falls has a historic estate on the edge of town named The Craven Gray Manor. Wicked things have happened at the manor over the years, so some say the property may be cursed. Others claim the owners are starting the rumors to encourage thrill-seekers to visit the town and dare to stay at the property.  Who knows the truth?

Nevertheless, Ridley Barnabet recently inherited the family fortune and wishes to catapult the manor to become a local hot-spot and travel destination. Ridley has sent out exclusive invitations for a VIP bash. The town gossips are on fire with rumors of what will happen on this night when the who’s who of the town will be gathered together.

On another note, there is a buzz that the mysterious society, The Clear, might be involved with the event. The Clear is a top-secret social order that nobody knows for sure exists, but everyone chats about and spreads tales about how they control the world and all of its headlines. Could The Clear be behind this event? Only time will tell - or would time even spill the secret?

You’ve received an invitation to the gathering at the manor. This is where your story begins.

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FER SURE, LET'S GO TO THE GALLERIA: 

Choose a fun '80s costume from our shopped selection below or dress up in the theme of your character's occupation (links provided below for the costume suggestions with each bio).  Or, do a combo of your character's occupation with a fun '80s prop. We did some shopping with our trusted costume stores, but feel free to grab things from your closet, visit a local vintage store, or go to many other costume stores online.

Guest List

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LENNON LITTLE
Founder, The Little Mag | Syndicated Columnist
Lennon Little is an author and syndicated columnist at The Little Mag – a news and opinion magazine founded by Lennon. This writer uses big words during chats, seeking to impress others. Does it work? Maybe sometimes, but most people are immune to it, given Lennon’s reputation for studying the dictionary. Constantly distracted, Lennon always tries to listen to conversations and hardly pays full attention to you. Just don’t get on Lennon’s bad side unless you want to be the victim of Lennon's next scathing article.

Lennon is currently working on a scoop of the Daystar Asylum - a mental hospital that is legendary for housing the most dangerous serial killers who have escaped Death Row by claiming insanity.  However, Lennon has been stumbling on roadblocks lately, and the story has stalled. Could it be because Lennon is racking up foes in town?  
COSTUME SUGGESTIONS: Anything' 80s-inspired (plenty to choose from above).  You are trendy, so be as eccentric as you want to be! Have fun with it. Also, look up some 'big words' from the dictionary and bring them with 
you so you can sound super smart! 

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DENVER BUNDY
Aerobics Instructor
Denver Bundy is a fiery aerobics instructor at the Gwinnett Gym. Don’t ask Denver a question; you won’t get a direct answer. Instead, you’ll hear everything skirting the issue mixed with counter questions. Nobody knows where Denver hails from, as Denver speaks with an ever-changing accent. During aerobics class, Denver is a chipper soul. However, outside of the studio, Denver finds sadness in everything.

Denver and Ridley Barnabet have butted heads lately, but Denver has accepted Ridley's invitation to the mysterious gathering, nonetheless. As an aerobics instructor, Denver prefers to network` with the upper echelon in town. 

Denver no longer speaks to the family that turned their backs on him/her after they snooped in Denver's room, only to discover research notes and books checked out from the library about poison, bombs, guns, and human anatomy. They accused Denver of plotting to kill, but Denver was only researching for a debut murder mystery novel - or so Denver claims. 
COSTUME SUGGESTIONS: ‘80s inspired workout attire (in the shopped selection above). Also, practice your ever-changing accent. You do this to mess with people, as you love to watch their reactions. You hail from the USA.

 

RIDLEY BARNABET
Owner, Craven Gray Manor  
Ridley Barnabet is the peculiar owner of the Craven Gray Manor. Long ago, Ridley’s great-grandfather purchased the estate, and ever since then, the Barnabet family has suffered a string of bad luck. It is probably all coincidence, but don’t stand next to Ridley in a lightning storm, just in case. Ridley laughs at everything and hates awkward conversation pauses, so Ridley hums to fill up the silence.

Ridley's brother, Barney Barnabet, is a reporter for Flamebury at Five - the daily newscast. Barney has been missing ever since he interviewed the staff and some patients at the Daystar Asylum. Ridley is convinced that there has been foul play afoot. Either Barney was murdered because he uncovered dirt on someone, or he's being held hostage in the asylum as an unregistered patient. Either way, Ridley has vowed to save Barney at all costs.
COSTUME SUGGESTIONS: ‘80s Gothic attire. You own a mansion with a sordid history and are known for being a bit creepy. 

 

EASTEN LEE
Psychiatrist | Daystar Asylum
Dr. Easten Lee is a psychiatrist at the Daystar Asylum. Dr. Lee will interrupt anyone at any time, as what this doc has to say is more important. Dr. Lee loves to be pampered and is no stranger to the day spas of Flamebury Falls. Easten is notorious for extravagant exaggerations, so whatever spews from this doc's lips, scale it back a bit to get the truth.

Easten has been involved in many scuffles around Flamebury lately. Like many others in town, his list of adversaries has grown like a dry sponge in a bucket of water. 

Easten lacks morals and integrity, and this is widely known. Easten takes up a visitor's spot in front of the facility because it is closer to the front doors. Easten arrives late, takes long lunches, and leaves early daily. Easten also doesn't wait in lines, and is notorious for cutting to the front without an apology. Easten will be the last one to do the right thing - this is for sure.
COSTUME SUGGESTIONS: 80s style hair and a lab jacket &/or scrubs. You’ve just come from work at the asylum. 

 

KYLIN KISS
Event Director, Craven Gray Manor
Kylin Kiss is the event director at Craven Gray Manor.  Kylin was formerly a psychiatric technician at the Daystar Asylum, but nobody knows what happened with that job. Kylin refers to all females as ‘mama’ and wouldn’t be caught wearing anything but black clothing. Kylin is a twitchy, nervous person and is constantly fidgeting.

Kylin was recently fired from the Daystar Asylum, but the events around that firing were kept hush-hush. That must mean that both parties might have been at fault, as Kylin hasn't said a word and the asylum won't give a statement on what happened.  This mystery drives the town gossips crazy, but only time will tell if they will find someone to spill the beans. 

There is a rumor that Kylin is grossly underpaid as the events coordinator at the Craven Gray Manor. Also, there isn't harmony under the massive estate's rooftop, as Kylin and Lake Mullin, the housekeeper, sparked a feud that started at the Gwinnet Gym when Kylin took too long resting periods between reps on the leg press. 
COSTUME SUGGESTIONS: '80s-inspired black attire.  Go Gothic, if you wish.

 

TAYLEN KELLER
Hitchhiker
With a cackling laugh and a complaint about everything, Taylen Keller is the unappreciative hitchhiker from Skeleton Valley, a town about two hundred miles away from Flamebury Falls. Taylen always snaps fingers to accentuate a point and brags about having amassed wealth in the bank—all while looking like a pauper.

Since Taylen arrived in Flamebury Falls, the rumor mill has circulated stories about Taylen being some kind of undercover agent - maybe for the federal government or a foreign agency. Taylen has been spotted around town, taking photographs and watching people while sitting on public benches and taking notes. Some of the townsfolk have reported spotting Taylen trailing people down the street and then ducking into alleyways to avoid detection by the target.

Taylen is up to no good, that's for sure. 
COSTUME SUGGESTIONS: ‘80s inspired clothing  (in the shopped selection above) – but nothing too flashy, as you don’t have money - at least you like to look like you don't have money. 

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SALEM KNOWLES
Ph.D. Candidate
Salem Knowles is currently earning a Ph.D. in abnormal psychology. Focused on the brain patterns and associated behaviors of serial killers, this graduate student will go to the ends of the Earth to get answers. Salem speaks slowly and refuses to use contractions.  A tender heart, Salem apologizes to food before taking the first bite.

Salem's archenemy is Timber Shubin - a server at Lights Out, a themed dining-in-the-dark restaurant in Flamebury Falls.  The funny thing is that both Salem and Timber were invited to the gathering at the Craven Gray Manor. Can these two get along for the night? Only time will tell. 

Salem has also had difficulty making arrangements for interviews of serial killers at the Daystar Asylum. Only months from finishing a dissertation, Salem needs to interview a few more notable serial killers to complete the research. If Salem can't interview these killers, Salem won't graduate. Needless to say, Salem has been stressed out lately. 
COSTUME SUGGESTIONS: ‘80s trendy attire (in the shopped selection above). You’re a college student, so something playful and youthful.  Practice speaking without using contractions before the party. You are very formal. 

 

CAMPBELL WATTS
Chef, Craven Gray Manor.
A chef who hates the sound of chewing, Campbell Watts prefers standing in the shadows during social gatherings. Campbell was recently hired as the head chef of the kitchen at Craven Gray Manor. Campbell hates to wear shoes and refuses to use hairnets or gloves while creating 'culinary art.' 

After a negative review of the food at Lights Out was published in the local press, the restaurant's owner fired Chef Campbell as the head chef. Subsequently, given the bad press, Chef Campbell had difficulty finding another position in town. After receiving many rejections, Ridley Barnabet offered the job as the head chef of Craven Gray Manor. However, the chef is making far less money now. It is well known that the chef is still bitter about this issue. 

COSTUME SUGGESTIONS: ‘80s inspired chef’s uniform. 

 

LANDRY SHAWCROSS
Administrator, Daystar Asylum
Landry stands in a formal position with hands behind the back at all times. Landry is a no-nonsense administrator at the Daystar Asylum – the largest mental institution in the nation. Landry refuses to call anyone by their real name and will issue a suitable nickname upon meeting someone.  

Landon is no stranger to road rage incidents, fighting over parking spots at the mall, and even arguments with fast-food employees about the food not being hot enough. Landry has had a difficult time making friends in town, but Landry doesn't seem to care.
COSTUME SUGGESTIONS: Anything '80s inspired. Wear a Pac
-Man suit (in the selection above), that’s fabulous.  You can wear a lab jacket and scrubs and say you just got off work if you so desire.  Come up with some nicknames for the other characters (i.e., Honey Bear, Little One, Shorty Shorts, McTalksAlot, Beast Mode, Juice Box, Captain Chaos, Boo Boo, Tinkerpoo, etc.) so you can be ready for the big night). 

 

LAKE MULLIN
Housekeeper, Craven Gray Manor
Lake Mullin, the housekeeper at Craven Gray Manor, has an irrational fear of looking into a mirror and of small creatures. Always smiling, this caretaker will tell the same stories repeatedly, but nobody has the heart to tell Lake they’ve already heard it.

Lake Mullin lived in his/her grandparents' basement playing Atari and other video games until far into adulthood, so Lake doesn't have much worldly experience. Lake's grandfather committed his/her Gran to the Daystar Asylum after getting into a fight over the last serving of a box of Cheerios. Lake's grandfather was crazy, not his/her grandmother! After Lake's grandfather died, the county took over the house for back taxes and kicked Lake out onto the street. Lake was lucky enough to find a job as a housekeeper at the Craven Gray Manor.  Lake's poor Gran is stuck at the Daystar Asylum. They won't release her because they get paid per patient, and she's the one who gives them no trouble. If they free her room, a serial killer might fill it up! Lake is trying to find a way to rescue her.
COSTUME SUGGESTIONS: 80s-inspired maid/housekeeper/janitor costume. 

 

JAZIAH GILYARD
College Student
Jaziah is currently studying animal science at Flamebury Falls Community College. Jaziah will keep you on your toes during allergy season with random scream sneezes.  This studious student overuses the word weasel during chats and will get offended at anything and everything.

Jaziah is in deep trouble after receiving a grade of 61 in Abnormal Psychology class at Flamebury University. This could mean that Jaziah's plans for applying to veterinary school are over, as the vet schools take grades seriously, and this was a GPA killer.  Jaziah would re-take the class, but one person only teaches it at this time, so Jaziah is stuck for now. 

Many people in town consider Jaziah a moocher and, for that reason, avoid this student's phone calls. 
COSTUME SUGGESTIONS: Anything '80s-inspired. Nerd outfit if you want to delve into your academic side.

 

TIMBER SHUBIN
Server, Lights Out
Timber Shubin is a server for Lights Out, a themed dining-in-the-dark restaurant built over a sixteenth-century cemetery. Timber avoids eye contact while speaking and looks over each shoulder before saying a word. When Timber gets an edge, get ready for a break-out dance session.

Many people say that because the Lights Out restaurant was built on top of an old cemetery, strange things happen there, such as unexplained noises exuding from the walls, lights flickering in the restrooms, and items that have gone missing from the tables. Timber feeds into the hype, keeping the dining room full every night. 

Timber and Salem Knowles recently got into a skirmish at an arcade over who was next to play Pacman, as they were competing for the high score of the night.  
COSTUME SUGGESTIONS: Tuxedo with '80s-inspired hair.  You are the fanciest and most sophisticated one at the party.

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AUSTEN GUBIN
Zookeeper
Austen Gubin is a caring zookeeper at the Flamebury Falls Zoo. Austin will push anyone out of the way to step on a crispy item, and if it doesn’t make a crunch when stepped on – disappointment will flush Austen’s face. An avid animal lover, Austen has a lot of love to give and doles out hugs to whoever will take them.

Austen is a former member of a radical animal rights group (AAU, Animal Activist United), and a current member of the Flat Earth Group - a gathering of people who believe the Earth is not round. Austen is opinionated, but a weak-minded follower who can be convinced to join a group without much effort.

COSTUME SUGGESTIONS:  ‘80s inspired zookeeper outfit.  Or, anything ‘80s with an animal twist.  

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SIDNEY BUNTING
Personal Trainer
Sidney Bunting is the aggressive personal trainer at the Gwinnet Gym. Sidney has problems controlling anger and will berate and physically abuse any inanimate object that gets in Sidney’s way. Sidney is addicted to smelling things and will sniff anything new that comes Sid’s way – including people.

If Sidney doesn't believe in something, Sidney will speak out in full force against it. Sidney is very strong-minded and isn't easily convinced to believe in things that aren't the norm. Sidney has been living on his/her own since seventeen and is still single with no kids. Sidney plans to stay that way, as the most important thing in Sidney's life is Sidney! 

Be careful about getting on Sidney's bad side, as Sidney is definitely one you'd see in a revenge plot made-for-TV movie one day. And Sidney wouldn't be an actor - Sidney would be the inspiration for the story. 
COSTUME SUGGESTIONS:  ‘80s inspired workout attire (in the selection above).  

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CHARLIE ATKINS
Mystery Shopper
Charlie Atkins will unnerve you by speaking in the third person and winking for no reason. Critical of everything, this mystery shopper pays attention to fine details. The townsfolk think of Charlie as the snitch of Flamebury Falls.

Charlie has beef with many people in town and has been susceptible to bullies in the past. A grudge holder, Charlie finds it difficult to get beyond even the most trivial things and has hang-ups over something that happened years ago. 

Charlie is an avid sports fanatic and has season tickets to every major league in town (NFL, NBA, MLS, and NHL). Charlie is the one to put on your trivia team if you need someone that knows about sports! 
COSTUME SUGGESTIONS:  Detective costume, or ‘80’s-inspired trench coat and fedora. 

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DOMINIQUE BECKER
Aerobics Instructor 
Dominique is a silly aerobics instructor at the Gwinnet Gym. Dominique prefers to be called Domi and acts like a child  on occasion. Domi admits to taking a running start every night when going to bed, so the monsters underneath don’t grab Domi’s legs. A bit of a nutrition snob, Dominique refuses to eat low-quality food.

Dominique lives in a small apartment with ten cats - all named as colors (Red, Blue, Yellow, Orange, Green, Taupe, Ivory, Gray, Brown, Pink). Dominique doesn't get along with many neighbors, as s/he loves to play music loud and screams while playing video games at all hours of the night. Domi just wants to have fun. 
COSTUME SUGGESTIONS: '80s-inspired workout
 attire (plenty to choose from in the selection above).  

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LET US GET YOU IN THE MOOD. GRAB A MIRROR TO DANCE WITH!

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