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Thanks for choosing QR Murder Mysteries - The Secrets of Silver Pine Lodge!
As host, you have the special task of setting up the scenario and helping players with any questions they may run into. If you’re playing along, great – there are no spoilers here!
We’ve done our best to make the setup as simple as possible, but if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
I. PRE-PLANNING
II. QR CODE SETUP
III. STARTING THE MURDER MYSTERY
IV. INTERMISSION
V. END
VI. QUESTIONS PLAYERS MAY ASK
VII. WALKTHROUGH
I. PRE-PLANNING
In order to play you are going to need to invite some people over, and those people are gonna need to know what’s going on. They’ll also need to choose a character type. For The Secrets of Silver Pine Lodge, they can play as either a Novice, a Detective, a Comedian, or a Brainiac.
There can be more than one of each type of character, but there must be *at least* one of each type.
This is because some character types will have access to information in the QR Clues that others do not.
If you’re playing as well, you’ll need to choose a character, too!
You can copy and send the following link to the players:
PLAYER INSTRUCTIONS – THE SECRETS OF Silver Pine Lodge
It gives an introduction to the story and the four types of characters, as well as a general idea of what to expect.
As host, it’s your responsibility to make sure players choose a character type, and that at least one of each type is chosen.
Our QR codes will paint a vivid picture of the setting, A secluded mountain lodge, but feel free to add any additional decorations as you see fit. When we host Murder Mystery parties with our friends, we always pick some thematic music to go along with our game, and provide a place for people to bring snacks/drinks. It’s your mystery though, so you get to choose what all goes along with the game!
In case you’re looking for some ideas when it comes to food, drinks, and décor, we’ve put together some recommendations to take your Secrets of Silver Pine Lodge Murder Mystery to the next level!
Check them out here:
PARTY PLANNING IDEAS
II. QR CODE SETUP
The Secrets of Silver Pine Lodge PDF you received will contain 13 QR codes (not including the one for Host Instructions) that you’ll need to cut out and place around the room. If you opted for the Flavor Pack, you’ll have an additional 10 QR codes, totaling 23.
Each QR code will have a number followed by a name.
On the right you’ll also find the number and name, followed by a recommendation on where to place the object in your space.
Cut out the QR code portion, and tape it where it belongs in the room.
Once you’ve placed them all, you’re done with the setup!
NOTE: The QR Clues should be placed in plain sight, they should not be hidden from players.
While our murder mysteries can be setup in a single room, you’re encouraged to use as much space as you’d like!
Each QR code will prompt the scanner to select either PHASE I or PHASE II, followed by their character type, meaning each QR code contains 8 unique perspectives, totaling 104 for the standard mystery, and 184 with the flavor pack!
III. STARTING THE MURDER MYSTERY
Once all QR codes are placed and your guests have arrived, it’s time to start the Murder Mystery!
You’ll need to go over the rules and guidelines with everyone, but it’s all pretty straightforward:
Players will use their phones to scan the various QR codes placed around the room. Players can and should scan the QR codes in any order. However, this does not mean the QR codes can be solved in any order. Rather, it’s important to fan out and get an idea of what each QR code gives/needs and share the information with each other so that players can start making the necessary connections.
Players will need to work together in order to collect all of the information necessary to solve the puzzles, but they don’t have to (and shouldn’t) move as a single group. Players can explore in small groups, teams of two, or even individually – just so long as they share the information they collect with everyone else.
Upon scanning, players will need to select the correct phase – PHASE I or PHASE II.
PHASE I takes place up until the intermission.
PHASE II takes place after the intermission.
Once the phase is selected, players will need to select their CHARACTER TYPE.
Remember, the information gained from a QR code by one character type might be different than what is gained by a different character type.
TIP: Good note-taking will greatly enhance players’ chances of success!
Easy, right?
Once everyone is clear on how to play, read aloud the following prologue:
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The year’s first snowfall came early to the Rocky Mountains of Colorado.
Outside, the forest whispers with wind, tall pines swaying against a sky of silver clouds. Deep in the mountains — miles from the nearest town — stands the Silver Pine Masonic Lodge, a massive stone relic built long before any of you were born. Its stained-glass windows flicker with candlelight, and the heavy wooden doors creak like they’ve been waiting a hundred years for visitors to return.
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This weekend was supposed to be special — The Annual Youth Leadership Conference, hosted by the masonic lodge. Teens from across the state were invited here to learn about teamwork, honor, and leadership. You were chosen for your dedication, your creativity, and your potential to lead.
It was meant to be a weekend of inspiration… not investigation.
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The first evening began like any other conference. You checked into your rooms, found your name tags, and met other members from chapters across Colorado — even a few guests from out of state. The old building buzzed with laughter, the smell of dinner drifted from the kitchen, and the sound of shuffling footsteps echoed through the marble halls.
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At the center of it all was tonight’s keynote speaker — Dr. Clarence Cumberbun, a respected historian and former Mason. He’d planned to give a talk about the best ways to plan a successful event. How you can plan, prioritize, and delegate tasks for your event in such a way that the event planning itself can enhance the lessons of brotherhood that have endured through centuries.
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But before he could share his presentation, tragedy struck.
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Just after seven o’clock, a scream tore through the hallway.
The conference room doors burst open, and chaos followed — footsteps, shouts, people running in every direction. Within minutes, the truth spread through the building like wildfire.
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Dr. Cumberbun was found dead.
The cause — unclear. The suspects — everyone in this room.
And as if the mountain itself wanted to keep its secrets, a sudden storm rolled in. Heavy snow closed the road leading down to town. The phones are out. The lodge generator flickers but holds. You’re cut off.
No one is leaving Silver Pine Lodge tonight.
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The authorities won’t reach you until morning. Until then, it’s up to you — the students, leaders, and guests — to uncover the truth. Somewhere inside these stone walls lies the answer: a killer’s motive, a hidden lie, a clue everyone else overlooked.
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Search carefully. Listen closely. Trust no one too easily.
The lodge is filled with secrets… and every secret wants to be found.
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Welcome to The Secrets of Silver Pine Lodge.
May your mind stay sharp… and your courage hold steady.
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Before starting, have your players introduce themselves if they haven’t done so already. It’s important to know who’s who in this game!
Once everyone is ready, they may begin!
Eventually, your players will reach a point instructing them to notify the HOST that they’ve reached the INTERMISSION.
IV. INTERMISSION
Once the INTERMISSION has been reached, everyone can take a break if they’d like. The mystery will only thicken from this point!
Once everyone is ready to continue, please read the following:
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The storm outside hasn’t let up. Wind howls against the old stone walls, rattling the windows like ghostly fingers tapping to be let in. The lights flicker once… twice… and hold.
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Jimmy J. finally comes to — dazed, pale, and frightened. He doesn’t remember much, only a faint smell of dust and something sharp pressed against his neck before everything went black. Someone put him in that trunk… but why?
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Whispers ripple through the room. If Jimmy was attacked, it means the killer isn’t finished yet. Somewhere in this building, hidden among you, the murderer is still watching — waiting for their next move.
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There’s no time to waste. The storm has cut you off from the outside world, and the night is closing in. The truth lies here, within these halls, and only you can uncover it before someone else disappears.
The investigation continues. Trust no one. Search everywhere.
Welcome… to the second half of The Secrets of Silver Pine Lodge.
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V. END
The host doesn’t have to do anything here! At the end of Phase II, players will be prompted to identify the murderer.
If they get it correct, they win!
If not… well, that’s up to you.
VI. QUESTIONS PLAYERS MAY ASK
How do I scan QR codes?
Open the camera on your smartphone and point it at a QR code, then click the link that’s displayed. Alternatively, you can download a free QR Code Scanning app.
Can’t I just cheat by selecting whatever character I want after scanning?
Sure, you could do that, but that would be cheating, and it’d ruin the fun for everyone.
How come my friend has access to information that I don’t?
Your friend is likely a different character type, and different character types see different things. The Novice might see the simpler side of things, while the Brainiac might be able to glean more technical info. In the end, it takes all four types to solve the mystery.
What’s the best way to beat my friends at this game?
Actually, it’s not about beating your friends. This is a cooperative murder mystery, you’ll need to work with your friends if you want to win!
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VII. WALKTHROUGH
Just in case you get stuck, a full walkthrough of the Secrets of Pinewood Lodge as well as the final solution can be found here:
THE SECRETS OF SILVER PINE LODGE - WALKTHROUGH
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