Reputation is everything. Someone's willing to kill for it.
Setting:
1950s Estate Setting · Flexible Group Size · Beginner Friendly · Fancy Gala
THE SETUP
Welcome to the Wathom Estate, spring 1958. This is the social event of the season — and a desperate attempt at redemption.
Three years ago, the Wathom Reserves Scandal destroyed this family. Edwin Wathom and Charles Sterling were equal partners in a lucrative oil venture — until investigators found missing funds, falsified records, and bribed officials. Edwin took the fall. Sterling walked away clean. In fact, he ended up with everything.
Now the Wathom fortune is gone. The estate is mortgaged. The family name is mud.
Eleanor Wathom has spent three years clawing her way back into society. Tonight's party is her declaration: the Wathoms are still standing.
But Sterling isn't just powerful — he's hated. The scandal took other families down with it. Then there was the factory accident that killed four workers. The official report blamed negligence. Whispers say Sterling knew the equipment was faulty and covered it up.
One widow has been fighting for justice ever since. Sterling has crushed every attempt.
Tonight, you're walking into a room full of history — people destroyed by Sterling, people drowning in debt, people with grudges and secrets and very good reasons to want someone dead.
THE VIBE
Think old money trying to save face. Champagne flutes and forced smiles. Everyone's polite — but no one's forgotten. The kind of party where the compliments are sharp and the grudges run deep.
This is a world of wealth, pride, and secrets people thought they'd buried. Tonight, one of them resurfaces — with a body attached.
some of the CHARACTERS
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Wealthy and powerful, Charles Sterling built an empire in oil and manufacturing. He’s known for his ruthless business tactics.
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Host of tonight's gala and patriarch of the Wathom family. A prominent businessman whose family has been central to Lost Valley for generations.
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Edwin's wife and co-host of tonight's event. She manages the household and maintains the family's social standing.
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Charles Sterling's wife of 30 years. Elegant and composed, she is the picture of a dutiful society wife.
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Charles Sterling's son and heir to the Sterling fortune. Known for his wild lifestyle and gambling habits.
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Edwin's younger sister. Known for her beauty and charm, she moves easily through Lost Valley's social circles.
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Edwin's younger brother, recently returned from the war. He helps manage the family estate.
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A reporter for the Lost Valley Gazette. Sharp-eyed and always looking for the next big story.
Every guest has a history with this family. Every guest has a reason to smile — and a reason to kill.
HOW TO EXPERIENCE THIS STORY
Private Parties
Bring Black Tie & Bloodshed to your home, venue, or event. Perfect for birthdays, bachelorettes, corporate events, or any occasion that deserves a little high-society drama.
All character packets with backstory + secrets
Pre-event character assignment + "what to expect" communication
Hosted facilitation by Lost Valley Mysteries
Printed clue materials
Light props
Debrief / reveal
Awards (Best Detective, etc.)
Costume guidance (encouraged, not required)
What’s included
Public Events
Check our calendar for upcoming chances to step into the story alongside other guests.