OPENING RITUAL — Read this aloud as you begin
"Desai & Associates works late. Tonight, it worked too late. Vikram Desai — 67, feared, respected, and dangerous to those who crossed him — is dead. And someone on this floor knows exactly what happened."
Old Pune intellectual atmosphere — classical Indian, Pt. Bhimsen Joshi, or quiet jazz. Think a senior law partner's office at night.
Spotify: "Classical India Focus" or "Late Night Jazz"
Food: Pune misal pav, irani chai, or biscuit and coffee — a working-late feel.
Drink: Strong filter coffee or Darjeeling tea. The victim would have approved.
Study lamp. Single light source over the evidence. The rest of the room in shadow.
Business formal — the law firm aesthetic. Dark colors, no nonsense.
Optional — but it transforms the vibe.
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SETUP RITUAL — Do This Before Players Arrive
1
Arrange evidence packs face-down on the table. Don't mix Pack A and Pack B.
2
Open the Auto-Host page on a shared screen and load the first phase. Don't start the timer yet.
3
Set the lighting and start the music playlist at low volume.
4
Have Role Cards and Investigation Worksheets open on separate devices or printed.
5
When everyone is seated, read the Opening Ritual above. Then start the Auto-Host timer.
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SETTING THE SCENE — Pune
ICC Trade Tower, Pune
Thursday 6 March 2025
Vikram Desai, 67 — Senior Partner, Desai & Associates
Murder Window: 8:20 – 9:15 PM
Difficulty: ★★★☆☆ · 3/5
💡 Host tip: Print this page and keep it near you during setup. The Opening Ritual sets the tone — don't skip it.