Early Twentieth Century
Murder Mysteries
Inspired by historical figures from Bellingham’s past — though the story, events, and dialogue are purely fictional.
Beneath the veneer of prosperity, tensions simmered. Business partnerships dissolved in bitter rivalries, secret deals were struck in smoke-filled backrooms, and more than one prominent citizen harbored dark secrets that could destroy reputations – or lives. It was in this atmosphere of ambition and dangerous secrets that tragedy would strike…
This immersive murder mystery experience takes place in the historic setting of early 1900s Bellingham at the Roeder residence. Guests will investigate clues, question suspects, and work to solve the mystery before the evening concludes.
A rough-and-tumble lumber industry mogul who built their fortune from the ground up through hard work and shrewd business. This character represents the working-class backbone of the economy, unafraid to speak bluntly and fight for their interests against more refined competitors.
Arrive in character, but feel free to ask any questions about the game to the host. Here are some character attributes to help you get into character:
During the introductions phase, give this introduction about yourself. Feel free to paraphrase, but don't stray from the core concepts:
Split into small groups and spread this gossip about the other character that are not in earshot:
I've heard the Banker has been quietly buying up waterfront properties under false names, possibly to corner the market before some big announcement.
Workers at the cannery whisper that the Cannery Executive has been cutting corners on safety to boost profits — there was an accident last month they tried to cover up.
The Landowner has been seen meeting with a lawyer from Seattle — supposedly about challenging some old timber claims that could affect several people's properties.
The Magnate's copper mine investments are failing — I heard they've been borrowing heavily to cover losses and might be facing bankruptcy.
The Partner seems unusually worried lately — I've seen them arguing with their spouse about business matters, saying some dealings have 'gone too far.'
The Poet has been writing scathing articles about local business corruption for eastern newspapers — someone's secrets are about to be exposed nationally.
The Railroad Baron has been spotted meeting with out-of-town investors — word is they're planning to bypass Fairhaven entirely and build a competing rail line.
Ask each person a question about where they were on the night of the murder:
You been buying up timber rights behind folks' backs? That ain't right.
Your operations need our wood for shipping. You trying to cut us out?
Your family's got good timber land. You planning to sell, or we got a problem?
You been interfering with my logging contracts. What's your game?
You talk about preserving forests. That's bad for business, ain't it?
You writing articles about logging being bad for the environment? Who's paying you?
Your railroads haul our timber. You raising rates or cutting deals with competitors?
Answers to give:
Innocent: I run an honest timber business. Don't need fancy banking tricks to make my living.
Guilty: The Magnate was gonna expose my illegal logging operations. Had to shut them up permanent.
Innocent: Timber and fishing can work together. I got no beef with honest fishermen.
Guilty: They threatened to block my timber shipments unless I paid bribes. Couldn't let that stand.
Innocent: I respect property rights. Always have. Your family's land is your business.
Guilty: The Magnate was gonna help you sue me for cutting trees on disputed land. Had to stop that.
Innocent: Business is business. Sometimes we compete, but I bear no personal grudges.
Guilty: You cost me a fortune with your interference. Someone had to teach you a lesson.
Innocent: I got nothing against charity work. Just don't want it hurting honest working folks.
Guilty: Your spouse was gonna get the government to shut down my operations. Couldn't allow that.
Innocent: Art's fine, I guess. Just don't like when city folks bad-mouth working people.
Guilty: The Magnate was feeding you lies about my business for your articles. Had to silence them both.
Innocent: Transportation's important for timber. I work with whoever gives fair rates.
Guilty: They were gonna build a new rail line that'd put my logging operation out of business.
Questions to ask:
You been buying up timber rights behind folks' backs? That ain't right.
Your operations need our wood for shipping. You trying to cut us out?
Your family's got good timber land. You planning to sell, or we got a problem?
You been interfering with my logging contracts. What's your game?
You talk about preserving forests. That's bad for business, ain't it?
You writing articles about logging being bad for the environment? Who's paying you?
Your railroads haul our timber. You raising rates or cutting deals with competitors?
Answers to give:
Innocent: I run an honest timber business. Don't need fancy banking tricks to make my living.
Guilty: The Magnate was gonna expose my illegal logging operations. Had to shut them up permanent.
Innocent: Timber and fishing can work together. I got no beef with honest fishermen.
Guilty: They threatened to block my timber shipments unless I paid bribes. Couldn't let that stand.
Innocent: I respect property rights. Always have. Your family's land is your business.
Guilty: The Magnate was gonna help you sue me for cutting trees on disputed land. Had to stop that.
Innocent: Business is business. Sometimes we compete, but I bear no personal grudges.
Guilty: You cost me a fortune with your interference. Someone had to teach you a lesson.
Innocent: I got nothing against charity work. Just don't want it hurting honest working folks.
Guilty: Your spouse was gonna get the government to shut down my operations. Couldn't allow that.
Innocent: Art's fine, I guess. Just don't like when city folks bad-mouth working people.
Guilty: The Magnate was feeding you lies about my business for your articles. Had to silence them both.
Innocent: Transportation's important for timber. I work with whoever gives fair rates.
Guilty: They were gonna build a new rail line that'd put my logging operation out of business.
Talk amongst yourselves to try and gather theories. This is unstructured time.
Once you have your theory, vote.
If called upon, give your final statement:
Innocent: I built my business through hard work and honest dealing. Been cutting timber since I was a boy, and I've never needed to hurt anyone to make my way. The Magnate's death is bad for all of us in business.
Guilty: Damn right I killed 'em! The Magnate cost me everything with their meddling and interference. A working man's got to protect what's his. They pushed too far, and I pushed back — permanently.