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Costume Advice

ADVENTURERS

Here’s a complete character prep guide for portraying a classic “adventurer/academic” character in the vein of Tomb Raider, archaeologist, professor, anthropologist, or explorer-style tour guide. Think dusty relics, khaki layers, and a thirst for ancient truths. Whether you're raiding temples or lecturing on the Babylonian calendar, this breakdown will help you embody the character perfectly — especially with items you already own!

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TYPES OF MURDER MYSTERY PARTY CHARACTERS

You're likely to have been assigned one of the following character roles to play:
  • Tomb Raider

  • Archaeologist

  • Professor - Ancient History

  • Hunter

  • Anthropologist

  • Tour Guides

Classic Aesthetic

THE COSTUME: Closet Staples You Might Already Have
  • Khaki or cargo pants or shorts

  • Button-up shirt (white, tan, olive, or chambray)

  • Leather or canvas belt with a pouch or canteen

  • Lace-up boots, hiking shoes, or desert boots

  • Blazer or light trench coat for professor types

  • Long skirt with tucked-in blouse for 1930s academia flair

  • Utility vest, if you're leaning rugged

DIY Touches
  • Aged effects – Lightly smear shirt or pants with tea or diluted paint for a dusty, well-traveled look

  • Prop a "journal" – Old notebook + twine = your expedition log

  • Make a faux relic – Wrap a rock in foil, spray with bronze, and label it "The Amulet of Xoth"

  • Add patches or stitching to clothes to suggest past adventures

 
HAIR & MAKEUP:
  • Women: Braids, ponytails, or a messy bun with strands escaping — practical, windswept

  • Men: Slicked back, slightly disheveled, or tousled under a fedora

Makeup Ideas (Optional)
  • Light contouring to add definition or the appearance of dirt

  • Smudge a little brown eyeshadow for a “dusty explorer” cheek

  • Dark eyeliner for dramatic adventurer eyes (especially for Lara-style looks)

  • Subtle bruises or scars for a “been through something” vibe — use purples, browns, and reds

 
ACCESSORIES: 
  • Fake or real glasses (round or librarian-style for scholars)

  • Leather satchel or messenger bag

  • Faux relics – scrolls, daggers, amulets

  • Map rolled and tied with string

  • Compass, rope, or a magnifying glass

  • Hat – wide-brimmed fedora, pith helmet, or explorer bucket hat

  • Camera or binoculars slung around neck for tour guides or wildlife observers

CHARACTER & ROLEPLAYING TIPS
Voice & Speech
  • Speak with confidence and curiosity

  • Toss in words like: “specimen,” “artifacts,” “site integrity,” or “carbon dating”

  • Give mini-lectures on meaningless topics: “Ah, this statue was clearly inspired by third-dynasty symbolism. Note the posture…”

Behavioral Quirks
  • Avoid eye contact while thinking aloud

  • Gently tap your chin while solving puzzles or observing a scene

  • Correct people with charming arrogance: “Actually, that’s Mesopotamian, not Egyptian.”

  • Pause to write notes in your "field journal"

 Bonus Touches
  • Prewrite a field journal page with mysterious scribbles

  • Create a map or clue on aged paper to dramatically pull from your bag

  • Have a signature line, like:

  • “I didn’t come all this way for nothing.”

  • “History leaves breadcrumbs — and I follow them all.”

  • “Touch that relic, and I’ll have to document your fingerprints.”

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© 2006. My Mystery Party, LLC. All rights reserved. Games created by Dr. Bon Blossman.

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