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Death by Promotion - an Office Party
$50 CAD
Death by Promotion
An Original Murder Mystery
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Instant digital download (pdf).
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Designed for 13 players.
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Host plays along - no prior knowledge of the murderer.
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Some evidence, but mostly player-led.
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Every player has secret objectives.
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Approximately 2 hours of game play.
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Optional real life props (locked boxes).
Death by Promotion
A Office Party Murder Mystery Game
For 13 players
Big Promotions. Bigger Grudges.
Welcome to Jefferson’s Accounting — a thriving company, a glittering anniversary party, and a promotion everyone wants.
The Baltimore branch is celebrating its 75th anniversary, along with the impending retirement of long‑time CEO Geoff Jefferson. With a new CEO position on the horizon and Employee of the Month votes about to be cast, ambitions are high, gossip is flying, and tensions are quietly building.
It should have been a night of celebration.
Instead, someone ends up dead.
Instant digital download
Start planning today!
Meet the Suspects
Geoff Jefferson
The kind‑hearted CEO, preparing to retire after decades steering the company to success. But stepping away from power is never simple — what unfinished business might he be leaving behind?
Cleo Consort
A stern regional manager with her eye firmly fixed on the top job. Ambition can be a powerful motivator… but how far is she willing to go to secure her promotion?
Chris Creek
The ever‑popular office manager who keeps the wheels turning and the chaos at bay. But when you know how everything works, you also know how to make it fall apart…
Nigel Pricklefruit
The rule‑obsessed head of HR, meticulously documenting every infraction and watching everyone closely. Has someone finally grown tired of being under his microscope?
Miranda Marsh
The chatty secretary who hears it all and forgets nothing. When secrets flow through your desk like paperwork, which ones are worth keeping — and which are worth using?
Betty Baker
A relentless baker whose pastries are irresistible and whose gossip is even juicier. What has she overheard between batches of brownies?
Lydia Lindbergh
An ambitious accountant with her sights set firmly on climbing the corporate ladder. When opportunity knocks, does she answer — or create it?
Clark Taylor
An overlooked accountant desperate for recognition and a chance to shine. What happens when being invisible becomes too much to bear?
Sam Anther
A laid‑back employee whose surprising job security has raised more than a few eyebrows. Is he lucky… well‑connected… or hiding something?
Tristan Gray
A recently fired accountant nursing a bruised ego and a long memory. When resentment simmers long enough, what does it become?
Landon Site
The eager new intern determined to make a lasting impression. But in a cutthroat office, is enthusiasm enough — or is there a hidden agenda?
Nelson Intendo
The mysterious IT technician who sees every email, every password, every late‑night login. When you control the system, what else can you control?
Pearl Ripley
The no‑nonsense security guard with a past in law enforcement and a sharp eye for trouble. What did she see on the cameras — and what did she choose not to report?
Tone & Style
The tone is playful, social, and lightly competitive, with plenty of room for humour, gossip, and dramatic accusations.
You don’t need acting experience — some people lean into their roles, others prefer to play more quietly. Both work perfectly.
The mystery itself is solid and only fully makes sense at the end, just like a good murder mystery should.
Props & Interaction
The game includes interactive elements such as:
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Locked “safes” (envelopes with number codes), or real boxes optionally
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Clues hidden in charts and documents
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Voting, searching, and information‑sharing
Players are encouraged to mingle, collaborate, and occasionally mislead one another — all within the structure provided.
How Do You Play It?
Death by Promotion is a gently competitive, guided‑improv murder mystery party game.
Each player has:
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One main goal: work out who committed the murder
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One or more personal objectives, unique to their character
Some goals directly conflict with others — so not everyone can win everything. The fun comes from navigating office politics, secrets, and alliances while staying (mostly) in character.
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One person acts as the host/moderator, but also plays a character
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Players arrive in costume, but not yet in character
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The game unfolds over two acts, each lasting around 30 minutes
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New instructions and tasks are given between acts
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The full experience lasts around 2 hours
You can think of the evening as guided improv: players are given prompts, tasks, and secrets that naturally drive the story forward, leading to a final discussion and reveal.
What Does the Host DO?
Hosting Death by Promotion is straightforward and fully guided.
The host will:
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Download the PDF files
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Read the introduction and host checklist
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Print the game materials following the checklist instructions
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Optionally organise some physical props (locked boxes)
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Assign characters to players
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Organise the party
The host can play the game, but there are a limited number of characters that can be played without knowing who the murderer is.
On the day of the game, simply follow the step‑by‑step checklist, which walks you through setup, gameplay, and the final reveal.
Clear instructions guide you through every stage, making it easy to host. There are busy moments for the host at several points in the evening - but it is all laid out clearly and so long as you follow the list and tick as you go, it is straight-forward.
No acting or mystery‑solving experience is required - the host does not know the solution in advance.
Perfect For
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Games nights and dinner parties
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Groups who love clever plots and quirky humour
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Players who want an immersive story without complicated rules
Why Players Love It
Players often mention how much they enjoy:
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The office setting, which feels instantly familiar and easy to slip into
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The satisfying mix of gossip, alliances, and quiet scheming
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Having personal goals that really matter, even if you don’t “win” the mystery
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The balance between structure and freedom to play their character their own way
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Watching office politics spiral out of control
Good to Know
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Players: 13
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Play time: ~2 hours
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Experience level: Best if you've hosted before, but do-able, especially if you share hosting
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Replayability: One‑time experience
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Format: PDF download
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You need access to a printer and 40 sheets of paper, many double-sided printing
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Support: FAQs and friendly email help if needed
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Content Note: This game includes references to recreational drugs and alcohol. Parental discretion is advised for younger players.
A Quick Note on Use
This game is licensed for personal use only
You’re very welcome to print as many copies as you need for your own group
However, the files may not be shared, resold, or used for paid events without permission
If you’re interested in using the game commercially, please get in touch — we’d love to chat.
Thank you for supporting independent creators.
Ready to Play?
Time to schmooze, gossip, and angle for advantage — just remember:
the only thing deadlier than office politics is what happens after the lights go out.
Add Death by Promotion to your next game night and see who really deserves the corner office.
Instant download now
Host when you're ready!
Props
Here are some of the props you'll find in this game so you can see the kind of thing to expect. We promise there are no spoilers here! Everyone will see this information either before or right at the start of the game.
