Inside Featured Host Victoria's Special WANDERSTAR Farewell Party
Every host brings something different to a Foulplay party, and that’s exactly why we love sharing your stories! This time we’re featuring Victoria, who gathered friends for a night in the Frontier Star System with our sci-fi space western adventure, WANDERSTAR.
Complete with wanted posters, custom 3D-printed props, themed decorations, blackjack tables, and a supporting cast of furry friends, Victoria and her guests had everything they needed to have a blast! The evening turned out to be more sentimental than planned when it became an impromptu goodbye party for one of the co-hosts, who just accepted a job cross-country. It was a night to remember not only for the fun game antics, but also as a memorable send-off for a friend!
Read on to see how Victoria’s evening played out from murder mystery game to fond farewell!
Why did you decide to host a murder mystery party? Why did you decide to use Foulplay Games?
“It all started after another game. We’d just finished an escape room together and were grabbing dinner afterward, chatting about what we’d like to do as our next friend group activity. I mentioned I was doing some freelance work for Foulplay Games and immediately before the words “murder mystery company” were fully out of my mouth, the consensus around the table was, “we HAVE to do this!”
Sometimes the best game nights happen almost by accident. We love hearing how one shared adventure can inspire another, and escape room fans often make fantastic murder mystery players thanks to their love of puzzles, storytelling, and teamwork.
“WANDERSTAR immediately stood out to me because it wasn't another traditional mystery. The whole space western setting felt like Firefly crossed with a classic whodunnit, and I knew our group would have a lot of fun dressing up as smugglers, bounty hunters, and outlaws.”
WANDERSTAR is perfect for groups looking for something a little different, swapping drawing rooms and candlelight for frontier spaceports, rival crews, and notorious outlaws.
How did the game go overall?
“It couldn’t have gone better. The decor was on point, we had an amazing cast of characters plus three dogs and two cats in attendance. The two rival captains were old elementary school friends who were immediately in character at each other’s throats, but had each other’s backs. Without spoilers, one of my favorite moments of the night was when those two allied to try to get information and the allegiance of another character who was holding a secret very, very close to their chest. They all really got into character super well!”
One of the things we love most about murder mystery parties is watching every group put their own spin on the story. Whether you're a seasoned roleplayer or stepping into character for the first time, it's always fun to see unexpected alliances, rivalries, and memorable moments unfold as the mystery progresses.
“The timing also made the night feel especially meaningful. One of our co-hosts had just accepted a new job and was moving across the country just two days after the party, so what started as a game night unexpectedly became a send-off surrounded by friends. It felt fitting that she spent her last weekend with us captaining one of the ships before heading off on her own next adventure!”"
We can't think of a more fitting send-off than captaining a starship into the Frontier one last time!
Were there any extra touches you added or fun memories or stories to share?
“The pair whose house we hosted at really did a phenomenal job in transforming their living spaces into Lone Rock Port, with planets hanging from the ceiling, wanted posters, ambient sci-fi music (Foulplay provided a great themed Spotify playlist!), and themed drinks that guests could enjoy.”
One of the best parts about hosting a Foulplay game is making it your own. Adding extra touches to the ambiance can really help people get into character!
“My wife really deserves most of the credit for the extra touches. She designed and 3D printed miniature ships, droids, weapons, and other props and prizes that matched the game items, so instead of simply handing someone a card, they could actually hold pieces of the world in their hands. The guests could take them home with them after, too. She also took pictures and made wanted posters of me playing a despicable outlaw while holding our cat, Marbles, as my sidearm of choice.”
These extra touches can lead to some extra fun as well:
“One of the funniest moments was at the blackjack table I’d built as an optional activity at the corner of our seedy space cantina. The killer got so into it they gambled all their credits! He made sure to let everyone know that the house always wins!”
Any suggestions, recommendations, or tips for folks wanting to host their own murder mystery game?
“Even if people are shy or don’t know each other well beforehand, once people start talking in character, the game develops a momentum all its own. Having props and little side games, like blackjack, can also help break the ice. Most importantly, don’t be afraid to make the evening your own!”
Our thanks again to Victoria for sharing her WANDERSTAR party with us! If there’s a little space cowboy in you aching to get out, check out WANDERSTAR now! If you’re still unsure of how to get started, check out our hosting step-by-step strategy guide.
