Setting: You are invited to palatial Greco-Roman vacation villa of Marcus Aurelius. Guests are encouraged to wear togas and other Roman-inspired attire.

Characters (10):

1. Marcus Aurelius (Host): A flamboyant and wealthy socialite known for throwing extravagant parties. (Props: Gold laurel wreath, extravagant toga)
2. Livia Drusa (Wife): Marcus’ beautiful and bored wife, rumored to have a wandering eye. (Props: Pearl necklace, flowing white toga)
3. Gaius Julius (Business Partner): Marcus’ shrewd and ambitious business partner, with a hidden resentment. (Props: Short toga, stylus and wax tablet)
4. Claudia Vestalis (Priestess): A mysterious and stoic priestess of Vesta, rumored to possess ancient secrets. (Props: Long white robe with gold trim, crescent moon pendant)
5. Lucius Gladius (General): A retired general, decorated but gruff, with a suspicious past. (Props: Military sash, short toga)
6. Cornelia Medici (Doctor): A brilliant but unconventional physician with a sharp tongue. (Props: Doctor’s bag, simple white toga)
7. Septimius Silo (Slave): Marcus’ disgruntled slave, yearning for freedom. (Props: Simple brown tunic and sandals)
8. Flavia Picatrix (Actress): A popular and flamboyant actress, known for her dramatic flair. (Props: Eye-catching jewelry, colorful toga)
9. Decimus Poeta (Poet): A brooding and melancholic poet, secretly in love with Livia. (Props: Laurel wreath, simple toga)
10. Aulus Veritas (Detective): A sharp and cynical detective hired by Marcus for “security” purposes. (Props: Magnifying glass, notepad and pen, plain toga)

The Murder: The night takes a deadly turn when Marcus Aurelius is found poisoned during the festivities. All the guests become suspects.

The Game:

• Guests will receive a character booklet with their backstory, secrets, and potential motives.
• The host will narrate the events of the evening, including introductions, mingling, and key moments leading up to the murder.
• Guests can move around the party space, interact with each other in character, and search for clues.
• The guests can hold private conversations and form alliances to uncover the truth.
• Aulus Veritas, the detective, can be approached for questioning and guidance (played by the party host or a designated player).
• The game concludes with a group discussion where everyone presents their theories and accuses a fellow guest of murder. Voting will decide who the group believes is the culprit.

Props and Costumes:

• Guests are encouraged to wear togas or Roman-inspired outfits.
• Provide various fabrics, pins, and jewelry for guests who want to create their own costumes.
• Decorate the venue with grapevines, laurel wreaths, statues, and oil lamps to create a Roman atmosphere.
• Prepare Roman-inspired food and drinks like olives, grapes, cheese, and wine.

Additional Ideas:

• Introduce a hidden challenge – each guest has a secret object they need to find or steal from another player.
• Include a hidden room in the venue that can be discovered and explored for clues.
• Plant a fake news article or rumor circulating among the guests that adds to the mystery.

Who is the Murderer?

This can be pre-determined by the host or left as a surprise. Each character has a motive:

• Livia: Bored with Marcus, could be having an affair and wanting his fortune.
• Gaius: Resentful of Marcus’ success and wanting to take control of the business.
• Claudia: May have an ancient vendetta against Marcus’ family.
• Lucius: Maybe hiding a dark secret from his past that Marcus threatened to expose.
• Cornelia: Might have a grudge against Marcus due to a medical disagreement.
• Septimius: Could have poisoned Marcus in a desperate attempt for freedom.
• Flavia: Perhaps jealous of Livia’s beauty and social status.
• Decimus: Driven to madness by his love for Livia and hatred for Marcus.
• Aulus Veritas: Could be a rogue detective with a hidden agenda.

This outline provides a framework for a fun and engaging murder mystery party. With a little creativity and preparation, your guests will be transported to a world of intrigue and ancient Roman drama!