Unleash the mystery. Live the story.
Costume Advice
SPLISH, SLASH, AND SUS ROLES
(Spring, Summer and water-related Characters for a Mystery Party)
Whether you're flipping burgers at a beach bash, guarding the deep end, or investigating something fishy near the marina, the Splish, Splash & Suspicious category is soaked in style, secrets, and SPF 50. These characters might look ready for fun in the sun—but someone’s clearly going overboard.
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EXAMPLE LOOKS OF SPLASH & SUS COSTUMES.
TYPES OF MURDER MYSTERY PARTY CHARACTERS
Who Falls Into the Water-Themed Cast?
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Lifeguard – Muscles, whistle, and a deep mistrust of floaties.
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Fisherman / Fisherwoman – Might have hooked more than fish.
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Marine Biologist – Knows what lies beneath. Bilingual. Hates beach-goers.
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Luau Guest / Tiki Host – Too cheerful. Possibly hiding bodies in the pig roast.
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Swimming Pool Technician – Pool noodle in one hand, wrench in the other. Has chemicals.
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SCUBA Diver / Police Diver – Finds evidence no one else can reach—and maybe hides it.
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Beach Bum – Chill vibes, suspicious tan lines, probably saw something while half-asleep.
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Water Skier / Wakeboarder – Loud, flashy, competitive. Got beef with everyone.
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Surfer Dude/Dudette – Knows the tides... and where the body went out.
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Cruise Director – All smiles and itinerary changes. Knows every passenger—and every scandal.
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Shark Conservationist – Passionate, intense, possibly too defensive.
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Lighthouse Keeper – Grizzled loner. Speaks in riddles. Definitely cursed.
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Beach Cop – Badge, sandals, and way too much authority.
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Sunscreen Rep or Tanning Lotion Influencer – Glossy, orange, and deeply shady.
🌊 Men’s Summer / Water Costume Ideas
🎣 Fisherman (Suspiciously Knowledgeable)
DIY Costume Build
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Cargo shorts or rolled-up jeans
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Flannel shirt, utility vest, or hoodie with sleeves pushed up
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Bucket hat or trucker cap (the more faded, the better)
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Fishing rod, bait box, or a single “lucky lure” you refuse to explain
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Optional chaos add-ons: fake fish, tangled net, clipboard labeled “Catch Log”
How to Play the Role
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Constantly complain about “conditions”
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Act like you know everyone’s secrets because “people talk near water”
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Squint a lot. Even indoors.
Funny Things to Say
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“Fish don’t lie. People do.”
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“I didn’t see anything… but the water remembers.”
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“That ain’t a knot — that’s sabotage.”
Quirk Ideas
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Refuse to shake hands because yours “smell like bait”
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Name every object after a fish (“Classic Marlin move.”)
🛟 Lifeguard (Authority Figure With Zero Chill)
DIY Costume Build
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Red shorts and tank or a DIY “LIFEGUARD” shirt
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Sunglasses, whistle, rescue tube or flotation device
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Sunscreen aggressively smeared on the nose
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Flip-flops or bare feet (confidence required)
How to Play the Role
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Constantly scan the room like someone might drown in a carpeted area
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Interrupt conversations to remind people to hydrate
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Blow the whistle at mildly suspicious behavior
Funny Things to Say
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“No running. Emotionally or physically.”
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“I’m gonna need you to step back from the vibes.”
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“I don’t care who you are — safety first.”
Quirk Ideas
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Count people like you’re monitoring swimmers
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Narrate imaginary rescues
🤿 Pool Tech / Diver / Marine Pro (Wet and Over It)
DIY Costume Build
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Work shirt, rash guard, or polo with logo vibes
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Tool belt, water-testing kit, clipboard
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SCUBA gear OR flippers/snorkel for comedy value
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Optional: towel permanently over one shoulder
How to Play the Role
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Act exhausted by everyone’s ignorance
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Mutters about “chemical imbalance” and “pressure issues”
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Always looks slightly damp, emotionally and physically
Funny Things to Say
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“Yeah, that’s not supposed to be bubbling.”
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“I told them not to mix systems.”
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“If this goes cloudy, we’re all in trouble.”
Quirk Ideas
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Take fake water samples from drinks
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Shake your head slowly at dramatic moments
🏄 Surfer / Beach Dude (Here for the Vibes, Not the Rules)
DIY Costume Build
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Board shorts, open shirt or rash guard
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Puka shell or shark tooth necklace
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Messy hair, sandals
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Foam surfboard tucked under one arm
How to Play the Role
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Everything is about energy
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No one can tell if you’re joking or enlightened
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You’re oddly intuitive… but useless
Funny Things to Say
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“That’s a gnarly situation, bro.”
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“I don’t trust that vibe.”
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“Feels like a suspicious rip current.”
Quirk Ideas
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Offer advice that sounds deep but solves nothing
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Nod slowly instead of answering questions
🌺 Women’s Summer / Water Costume Ideas
🌸 Luau Party Guest (Chaotic Good Energy)
DIY Costume Build
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Bright floral dress or grass skirt with bikini top
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Leis, flower crown
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Tropical drink (real or fake)
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Bonus chaos: coconut bra or ukulele
Makeup & Hair
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Bronzy shimmer, glossy lips
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Loose waves or a side braid with flowers
How to Play the Role
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Treat everything like it’s part of the party theme
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Accidentally overhear important things while dancing
Funny Things to Say
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“Ooooh, is this a dramatic luau?”
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“That sounds like a curse. Or a toast.”
🛟 Lifeguard (Intense Sense of Justice)
DIY Costume Build
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Red swimsuit or shorts with crop top/tank
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Whistle, sunglasses
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High ponytail or bun
Makeup & Hair
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Clean skin, bold brows
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Sporty ponytail or bun
How to Play the Role
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Absolute authority
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Zero patience for nonsense
Funny Things to Say
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“I’m trained for this.”
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“Step away from the pool drama.”
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“I saw that. I see everything.”
🤿 Pool Tech / Diver / Marine Pro
(Wet, Competent, and Deeply Annoyed)
DIY Costume Build
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Fitted work shirt, rash guard, or polo with logo/patch vibes
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Utility shorts, leggings, or cargo pants (practical but stylish)
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Tool belt, water-testing kit, clipboard, or laminated checklist
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SCUBA mask, snorkel, or flippers for comedic effect
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Optional but recommended: towel permanently draped over one shoulder like it’s fused there
Easy Upgrades
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Hair tie on wrist at all times
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Waterproof watch
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Sharpie tucked into belt
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Gloves shoved halfway into a pocket
Makeup & Hair (Effortlessly Functional)
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Minimal makeup: tinted moisturizer, waterproof mascara, lip balm
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Slightly smudged eyeliner is a feature, not a bug
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Hair in a low bun, messy ponytail, or braid that looks like it’s been redone 12 times
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Bonus points if a few strands escape and never get fixed
How to Play the Role
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Act like this is your third emergency today
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Treat everyone like they are one bad decision away from catastrophe
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Speak in tired professionalism, even when being dramatic
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Always seem seconds away from shutting the whole place down
Funny Things to Say
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“Yeah… that’s not supposed to be bubbling.”
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“I explicitly said not to mix systems.”
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“If this goes cloudy, we’re all in trouble.”
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“Who touched it. Be honest.”
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“This is why I don’t take days off.”
Quirk Ideas
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Dip test strips into drinks and frown thoughtfully
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Sigh deeply before answering any question
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Shake your head slowly during dramatic reveals
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Pause, sniff the air, and say, “Something’s off.”
Character Vibe Summary
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Energy: Capable, tired, mildly threatening
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Status: Knows more than everyone else
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Suspicion Factor: Alarmingly high
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Emotional State: Damp, annoyed, correct
🧪 Marine Biologist / Ocean Expert (Corrects Everyone)
DIY Costume Build
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Utility shorts or capris
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Short-sleeve button-up
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ID badge, gloves, notebook
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Rubber boots or dive shoes
Makeup & Hair
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Natural makeup, tinted lip balm
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Low bun, braid, or practical ponytail
How to Play the Role
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Constantly clarify facts
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Passionately pedantic
Funny Things to Say
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“Actually, those are jellies.”
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“That behavior is highly unusual.”
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“The data doesn’t support your alibi.”
📸 Pool Diva / Influencer (Main Character Energy)
DIY Costume Build
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Designer swimsuit
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Sheer cover-up
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Giant sunhat, oversized sunglasses
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Phone in waterproof case
Makeup & Hair
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Full glam or glossy minimalist look
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Hair down, styled, or sleek ponytail
How to Play the Role
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Everything is content
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The mystery is ruining your aesthetic
Funny Things to Say
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“Wait, let me film this.”
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“This is not on brand.”
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“My followers are gonna freak.”
🎭 Character & Roleplaying Tips (For Everyone)
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Call people “Captain,” “Sharkbait,” “Pool Noodle Guy,” or “Deckhand”
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Describe the crime dramatically:
“This case has as many layers as coral strata.” -
Carry seaweed and insist it’s “evidence”
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Make intense eye contact, pause, then say:
“The tide’s gonna turn…” -
Turn everything into a boat pun
🌊 Bonus Costume Twists (Instant Crowd Favorites)
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Retired Pirate Turned Dock Manager – authority issues, mysterious limp
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Mermaid in Disguise – wig, tail-print skirt, cryptic warnings
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Waterpark Mascot Gone Rogue – unsettling enthusiasm
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Slightly Crispy Tourist – sunburned, confused, suspicious souvenirs
🌊 Additional Water / Summer Murder Mystery Character Roles
🚤 Marina Manager
Vibe: Stressed authority figure
Why Suspicious: Controls dock access, schedules, and keys
How to Play It:
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Always “handling paperwork”
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Snaps at people for being in the wrong slip
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Knows exactly who arrived and when
Fun Lines
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“This marina runs on rules.”
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“Boats don’t just move themselves.”
🧴 Resort Activities Director
Vibe: Cheerful menace
Why Suspicious: Everywhere, all the time
How to Play It:
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Forces games and icebreakers mid-investigation
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Refuses to acknowledge tragedy
Fun Lines
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“Okay everyone, trust fall circle!”
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“This mystery pairs GREAT with a scavenger hunt!”
🧃 Smoothie Bar Attendant
Vibe: Too friendly
Why Suspicious: Handles everyone’s drinks
How to Play It:
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Overly enthusiastic about ingredients
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Remembers everyone’s orders perfectly
Fun Lines
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“I never forget a face. Or a smoothie.”
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“That one had extra… protein.”
🐚 Beachcomber / Local Legend
Vibe: Sun-baked oracle
Why Suspicious: Knows secrets no one told them
How to Play It:
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Speaks in riddles
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Collects strange objects as “warnings”
Fun Lines
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“The ocean told me this would happen.”
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“Bad energy washes ashore eventually.”
🏖️ Timeshare Salesperson
Vibe: Aggressively polite
Why Suspicious: Desperate and persuasive
How to Play It:
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Tries to sell during interrogations
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Dodges questions with offers
Fun Lines
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“Before we accuse anyone—have you considered ownership?”
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“This alibi comes with a free weekend stay.”
🚿 Waterpark Safety Inspector
Vibe: Clipboard villain
Why Suspicious: Obsessed with hazards
How to Play It:
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Shuts down imaginary attractions
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Points out “code violations” everywhere
Fun Lines
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“That scream was not regulation.”
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“This whole place is a lawsuit.”
🛥️ Yacht Owner’s Entitled Relative
Vibe: Rich, bored, dangerous
Why Suspicious: Money solves problems
How to Play It:
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Complains about service constantly
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Claims ignorance about everything important
Fun Lines
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“Can’t someone else handle this?”
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“I thought consequences were optional.”
🦐 Seafood Vendor / Dockside Cook
Vibe: Loud and defensive
Why Suspicious: Knows who ate what
How to Play It:
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Swears the food is safe
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Takes accusations personally
Fun Lines
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“My shrimp don’t kill people.”
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“If anyone’s poisoned, it’s the vibes.”
🛶 Kayak / Paddleboard Rental Attendant
Vibe: Chill but observant
Why Suspicious: Watches everyone leave and return
How to Play It:
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Calmly drops crucial info
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Shrugs at chaos
Fun Lines
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“Yeah, they came back… eventually.”
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“Current was strong that day.”
🌞 Sunrise Yoga Instructor
Vibe: Serene threat
Why Suspicious: Always present at odd hours
How to Play It:
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Speaks softly about dark topics
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Encourages breathing during accusations
Fun Lines
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“Let go of blame.”
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“Inhale truth. Exhale lies.”
🐠 Aquarium Curator / Touch-Tank Guide
Vibe: Protective nerd
Why Suspicious: Controls restricted areas
How to Play It:
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Corrects everyone
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Treats animals better than people
Fun Lines
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“Don’t tap the glass.”
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“That behavior is highly aggressive… for a human.”
🧢 Summer Camp Director
Vibe: Forced optimism
Why Suspicious: Used to covering chaos
How to Play It:
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Pretends everything is normal
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Keeps schedules no matter what
Fun Lines
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“This is just a teachable moment.”
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“Camp rules still apply.”