top of page

Skull Manor Murder Mystery

    It is time again for the annual Skull Manor Costume Ball! Skull Manor is an old estate in the heart of Spider City known for its captivating architecture, mysterious ambiance, and unspeakable history. The townspeople have been scurrying about the streets to prepare for the big night of great food, inspiring conversations, and outrageous gossip.
     This has been a daunting year of dissension and discord among many of the residents of Spider City. Rumors of blackmail, thievery, and scandalous controversies have been circulating throughout the town’s grapevines. We all hope everybody can put aside their differences for an exciting night of fun. If not, there may be misfortune on the horizon.
This is where your story begins.

Guest List

 

THE CRAZY HATTER

Hat Designer

The Crazy Hatter is a world-renowned hat designer known for eccentric fashion pieces and for being the source of spilled secrets in Spider City. This unconventional hat maker has mastered the art of eavesdropping, so if you have skeletons in your cupboard, it is best not to breathe a word of them.

This talented hatter has powerful worldwide connections. After a few viral videos circulated on social media about a decade ago, The Crazy Hatter catapulted to fame by becoming the go-to designer for celebrity hats. 

Suggested attire (or you can wear any costume): A Mad Hatter costume, a large hat, and a velvet suit. A red wig and crazy makeup with a cane are optional accessories.

 

LANE CROFT

Archeologist-Adventurer

Lane Croft is one of the most interesting people you will ever have the pleasure of meeting. Lane travels the world in search of ancient artifacts and hidden treasures. With enraged foes around the globe, Lane is forced to live in a secret location in Spider City.

Lane will travel solo to distant lands in search of the most precious relics and artifacts. Lane prefers to go alone, as this adventurer doesn't like splitting any profits Rumor has it that Lane is highly-skilled at martial arts and might have had to fight other treasure hunters on occasion. Who knew that archaeology could be that dangerous of a profession? 

Suggested attire (or you can wear any costume): Adventurer attire with a large toy gun or bow & arrow.

 

SAM STABLES

Horse Groomer

Sam Stables is an obnoxious horse groomer at Spider City Downs, the home of the Pumpkin Cup Thoroughbred Horse Races. This caretaker is currently under investigation for scandals that have happened recently at the track, and the Spider City rumor mill reports Sam may not have a job for long!

Sam has undergone a string of bad luck lately. From car accidents to sabotages at the horse track, this caretaker is getting it from all directions.. Maybe if Sam had a better attitude, things would change for the better?

Suggested attire (or you can wear any costume): Ranch hand/western costume.

 

KAI EVERGREEN

Archery Instructor

Kai Evergreen is a boisterous archery instructor from Mississippi. Kai speaks with a charming Southern accent and follows Southern hospitality rules. However, Kai has a hidden dark side, so avoid enraging Kai at all costs.

Unfortunately, things happened out of Kai's control about a year and a half ago. This incident might be directly related to a drop in the Kai's number of students. And after what happened at the most recent archery competition - Kai might be looking for a new career. 

Suggested attire (or you can wear any costume): An archer costume, with a toy bow and arrow as a prop.

 

KATY STARRY

Pop Star

Katy’s super-stardom has afforded her never-ending cash flow and high-level connections, but she cannot stay out of the trash tabloids to save her life! Katy is uber-famous for her talent, but her recent troubles have darkened her reputation.

The tabloids recently unveiled her lavish, million-dollar wedding for her two Goldendoodles and snapped unflattering photos of her asleep on the beach in a mermaid costume with ketchup on her cheek from her half-eaten bucket of French fries. Her last viral video filmed by a fan was of an argument between her and Theodora Jones, another pop star, at a trendy restaurant in Beverly Hills. They were arguing over who gave a dirty look first.  Katy, come on. It's time to start acting normal in public!  

Suggested attire (or you can wear any costume): Very trendy pop star attire.

 

ELLA FROST

Amusement Park Character

Ella Frost is employed as a character actress at Dark Shadow Amusement Park. She plays the role of a fairy tale ice princess named Emma—and hopes to one day use her acting skills to make it to the Hollywood big screen.

Ella claims to be a method actress, and once she is in her character of the ice princess, there is no speaking to Ella. Many park-goers have noticed how good of an actress she has become, and have encouraged her to use her talents for something bigger than a Spider City amusement park. She really wants to take a jab at the Hollywood scene, but hasn't been able to garner the courage to quit her job and move out there. 

Suggested attire (or you can wear any costume): Ice princess costume.

 

HARLEQUIN

Vigilante - Villain

Harlequin is an enigma to most people of Spider City. On one hand, she has been seen fighting crime on the streets at night. Others report that she is the criminal mastermind of the underground. Nonetheless, she doesn’t have a day job but can afford expensive things.

Harlequin has been spotted (and filmed) doing heroic acts lately, such as saving the innocent citizens of Spider City from the criminals lurking on the streets. Many influential people in town are starting to believe that Harlequin might just be a superhero - just like from the comic books. But Harlequin adamantly denies being a hero. Is it because she is humbled and shy and doesn't wish to have any attention for her good deeds? Only time will tell.  

Suggested attire (or you can wear any costume): Harley Quinn costume, theatrical makeup, and a crazy wig of any kind.

 

BETTY ARCHER

Cupcake Chef, Betty Archer Cupcakes

Betty Archer is a talented cupcake chef. She made her television debut on Cooking Network’s Cupcake Battles, where she placed a disappointing second. However, Betty doesn’t take the blame for her loss.

Betty's wealthy parents own the Archer Performance Center in town, where all of the large events are hosted in town, such as symphony orchestras, ballet performances, comedy troupes, award shows, and concerts. Rumor has it that there have been problems with some events lately that have caused events to have to be canceled. Betty used to work at the performance center, but ever since she became a semi-famous cupcake chef and opened a bakery in Spider City (Betty Archer Cupcakes), her cupcake career has taken off. It doesn't look like Betty will ever go back to working for her parents. 

Suggested attire (or you can wear any costume): Quirky 1950s attire or a cupcake costume or a chef's uniform.

 

MITZI MINX

National Football League Cheerleader

Mitzi Minx is genuinely fun to be around because she was born for comedy. During the NFL off-season, she’s a knee-slapping amateur comedian. She's ready to put her pompoms away and become a professional standup, but she hasn’t mustered the courage.

Mitzi has been dealing a lot of hate online when she posts video clips of her comedy act. She started off taking her turn on the stage during amateur nights at the local comedy club, The Laugh Shack. She quickly became the crowd favorite, so the manager gave her a shot at opening for the famous comics who came to town. That is when the social media hate commenced. It does seem to be from one account, for the most part. Also, this troll appears to be a Spider City local. Mitzi wants nothing more than to find out the identity of this cyberbully.

Suggested attire (or you can wear any costume): Cheerleader costume - you can pick the team you wish to be on - it doesn't matter. You can also make one up, if you wish, such as the Spider City Outlaws, or Spider City Vipers . Optional: bring some jokes with you to perform for others – why not?

 

DARK VADON

Movie Memorabilia Collector

Dark Vadon makes a living as a movie memorabilia collector and auctioneer. Dark is known for wearing head-to-toe movie costumes, and some find this behavior to be quite strange. Dark is very blunt and to the point, but most people find this off-putting.

Many people, especially the locals who go to the weekly auctions of movie and television memorabilia, believe that Dark might actually be a very famous celebrity who is living in Spider City anonymously. How else would someone have access to all this memorabilia? Well, it could be fake or bought on another online auction site, but the locals of Spider City love the mystery and intrigue involved with going to the Dark Auction House.

Suggested attire (or you can wear any costume): Darth Vader costume or any other movie costume.

 

DARBY YONTZ

Viking Tough Runs, Founder / Coordinator

Darby founded the Viking Tough Runs—a 5-mile obstacle course that challenges racers with mud, barbed wire, heights, and small spaces. Darby’s races are definitely not for the weak of heart. Darby is hosting the annual Viking Tough Run race in Spider City that will be held the day after the Skull Manor Costume Ball.  It will have all the usual obstacles - mud pits, climbing walls, barbed sire crawl, rope swings, balance beams over slime, and a few tunnel crawls. 

Darby works most days of the year and doesn't have time for socializing or self care. This is starting to show in Darby's attitude, as this traveling business owner has been very stressed lately. That's why Darby decided to take a break and attend the costume ball. Darby also has asked the staff of the mud run to attend - but Darby thankfully didn't make it mandatory. They need a break!  

Suggested attire (or you can wear any costume): a Viking costume.

 

VICTORIA GLAMINTON

Lounge Singer

Victoria Glaminton is an insufferable lounge singer at the Witching Hour Lounge in Spider City.  Lacking manners and decorum, offensive words flow from her mouth like a full-blast fire hose. Victoria isn’t known for being friendly, so tread with caution around this diva.

​Victoria has her hopes and dreams set on moving to Hollywood and making it as a singer/songwriter. She has written some songs and created a demo tape, but she hasn't had the nerve to send it to anyone yet. This is primarily because of some local haters who have said terrible things about her singing voice. She hopes to one day be the opener's opener for Katy Starry's concert in Spider City and prove to everyone that she is talented. But who knows if that will ever happen. 

Suggested attire (or you can wear any costume): Glamorous evening gown.

 

VIKING TOUGH RUN STAFF 

The hardworking staff of the Viking Tough Runs, 5-mile obstacle courses that challenge racers with mud, barbed wire, heights, and small spaces, are highly dedicated to their jobs and are a tight-knit group. Darby’s races are definitely not for the weak of heart.

Darby's staff are loyal and never miss work, which is fantastic for Darby.  But since this group only gets a handful of days off work per year, they are low on gas and  running out of steam. Nobody can sustain working that many days per year for too long! 

Suggested attire (or you can wear any costume): a Viking costume.

Check out some recent happenings that were covered in the Spider City Daily - the local newspaper. 

SPIDER CITY DAILY 1 2024.png
SPIDER CITY DAILY 2 2024.png

This book will totally get you hyped for Halloween!

Dive into this award-winning collection of YA horror short stories, Once Upon a Scare, by Dr. Bon Blossman, where the dark side of holidays comes alive with twists, turns, and psychological thrills. From Halloween reality shows to Christmas Eve horrors, these tales will keep you on the edge of your seat! Great gift for teens! 

bottom of page