ETIQUETTE

Gentle Readers, 
    A murder mystery party can be a difficult thing to orchestrate because it involves directing actors who don't have the entire script.  Here are a few suggestions to keep the mystery going: 

    I. When to Embellish 

    It's obvious that if The Questioner asks who the murderer is and s/he confesses immediately, this will be the shortest mystery party in history. At the same time, if everyone just makes it up as they go along, there will be no way to decode what really happened.  So use common sense.  Lie a bit to explain things that just don't add up, especially if you have been instructed to do so.  Fib to other characters who are nosing around where they don't belong.  Play innocent.  Keep secrets.  Just don't get carried away.  Believe me when I tell you that this story is complicated enough without embellishment. 
      

    II. When to Cave 

    Unless you are instructed otherwise (in writing), the time to cave in and admit what you know is when The Questioner reveals your secrets directly to your face at the very end.  His evidence should always be good, so there's not much point in keeping up the lie anyway.  Issue a few weak denials and then admit it all with a flourish.  This is your big moment.  Play your character to the hilt. 
      

    III. Who to Believe 

    Who can tell? Evidence never lies, but people do. Experts usually can be trusted to know their field of expertise. Everyone will try to learn things from you (maybe some things they already know) so doing a little investigating with third parties to confirm facts may help. Lastly, if you find yourself in a complete tizzy, consult The Questioner for help.

      

    IV. Last Advice 

    The best way to have a good time with this is to keep your character in mind.  Remember your motivations: are hiding something, trying to discover something, or both?  Circulate around and see what you can overhear.  Form alliances.  Get as much as you can while giving away as little as you can.  

    Also, use your imagination! Clearly no one has these super-powers so a bit of make-believe is in order. Costumes won't be perfect, but compliment and laugh as appropriate. Since there are superpowers that can be used at various times, I recommend keeping their effect as private as you want them to be.
     

    Most importantly - have a terrific evening!