The Art of Murder - An art Heist Murder Mystery Game Kit

The main curator and manager of The Yate Gallery, she started as an intern over 20 years ago and worked hard to move up the ladder and now she works very closely with the owner, Sir Reginald, acting as his personal assistant and confidante. She plays a crucial role in the gallery's operations, overseeing the collection and the day-to-day activities. She is known for her professional style, deep knowledge of art, and her ability to handle both the gallery's and Sir Reginald's affairs efficiently. Her position gives her insider knowledge of the gallery's and Sir Reginald's secrets, making her a key figure in managing the gallery's success and navigating any mysteries or challenges that arise.

A wealthy European art collector known for his stylish appearance and passion for rare artefacts. He has questionable morals and has a reputation amongst the art world that is a mix of respect for his taste in art but also suspicion about how he may have acquired it, especially regarding items that may have been stolen by his ancestors. At a gallery event like this, his presence is both celebrated and scrutinised. Especially when a famous painting is stolen. After a scandalous report came out a few months ago that his family are currently facing bankruptcy, he has been selling much of his family's collection.

He's the head of security at the gallery, his job is to protect the valuable artwork on display. But on this night, he was late to his shift having fallen victim to an unexpected sabotage when someone drugged him coffee during his break. While he was asleep, they stole a valuable painting. He was the one who first discovered the theft upon regaining consciousness and immediately alerted the authorities. He is normally very good at his job. He's determined to help recover the stolen artwork and restore his reputation, proving his commitment to the gallery's safety and security.

He specialises in securing rare art pieces for various collectors. He is not only known for his effectiveness but also for his charm and charism which allows him to build trust and rapport with art collectors and sellers alike. Working alongside his partner Dhalia, his sharp mind and a keen eye for detail makes them formidable players in a world where the lines between legal and illicit are often blurred or at least morally grey. His knack for securing deals is matched only by his ability to keep the origins of these acquisitions discreet, ensuring that his clients acquire their masterpieces free from legal scrutiny.

A very talented artist especially known for her ability to create near-perfect copies of famous paintings, matching even the original brush strokes. She works with her partner, Hansel Colbein, who acquires rare artwork for collectors across the globe. While making these copies isn't illegal, some have questioned the ethics of making money this way. After all, it has been commented on that to a casual observer placing a Dhalia work next to its original inspiration, it's often hard to tell them apart. She's built a reputation for providing clients with replicas that are almost indistinguishable from the real masterpieces, there's nothing wrong with that though, is there? Quite often a gallery owner will place her copy of a painting on display to the public instead of the original in order to protect it.

She is the estranged wife of the gallery owner Sir Reginald and is set on claiming the gallery's fortune for herself. Since her marriage fell apart, she's become focused on getting what she believes she deserves, regardless of who she has to push out of the way, including his current partner or any illegitimate children. She is cold, strategic and smart and doesn't hesitate to use legal means or manipulate situations to her advantage. She's determined to make sure everything from the gallery ends up with her, seeing the fortune not just as money but as a way to secure her future and cut off her rivals. Pearl is ready to do whatever it takes to ensure she's the only one who benefits from her husband's wealth.

They are a notorious figure in London's criminal underworld, renowned for their expertise in art thefts but who has managed to evade capture for years. All crimes are meticulously planned and executed, targeting rare and valuable pieces from both public exhibitions and private collections. Despite the relentless efforts of law enforcement to convict them, they've remained one step ahead, leaving no evidence and every lead turns cold. They even confidently attend public events like this one and mingle in plain sight and even when a painting goes missing and they at the scene, they always has a solid alibi and no charges are ever brought against them.

Often works as a waiter at these gallery parties, they're known to the guests as a charismatic and cheerful young person. Their mother, Leonora Delvici had a brief affair with Sir Reginald when she was younger, making him their father, although this identity was kept a secret from everyone, even Sir Reginald mostly to avoid conflict with his then wife Pearl Eering. Raised away from the wealth and recognition of their father's world, they grew up humble and hard working but has always had an interest in art yet no desire to inherit from their father. They just want their mother to be looked after and hopes to be able to do that one day. After all, she raised them on her own while working full time in a very demanding job, she deserves a break.

A suave and influential art collector, they are known for their extravagant lifestyle and a deep pocket. They have a keen eye for rare and exquisite pieces and are always the centre of attention at high-profile auctions and exclusive parties. Behind their charming smile and friendly demeanour lies a fierce competitor, especially when it comes to beating their rival in the art collecting world, Vandergaugh, often turning every art event into a battlefield each one determined to out-do the other. The unusual thing about Matti is that they always seem to have an endless flow of cash, Vandergaugh is having money trouble but Matti doesn't seem to be, causing rumours to circulate that they're perhaps engaged in illegal activities.

An art critic, who, unlike most in the business comes from a decidedly working-class background, this means that she faces additional scrutiny and disdain within the elitist art world, but she doesn't let that stop her. She's smart, has studied hard and knows her stuff but her strong opinions are often dismissed by those who believe she lacks the refined tastes of those from 'better' backgrounds. She can get very defensive, especially when challenged, this stems not only from her belief in her opinions but also from defiance against being looked down on because of where she came from.

He's worked hard to become highly respected within the art community, having convinced everyone that he went to the top schools and comes from a well-regarded background. Because of this his reviews are taken very seriously and he is far more respected than Joanna Vermer, who has embraced her humble beginnings rather than suppressed them. He has a big influence on what's popular and what's not in the art world. His opinions matter to a lot to art collectors and galleries, but it's all built on lies. He is no better than Vermer is but Vermer can keep her morals, he'd rather have the money.

They are an undercover cop, pretending to be a student, studying art at university and are volunteering here at the gallery. They blend in perfectly as a guest at these high-end events, they are trying to gather evidence on the ‘big 3’, which is Matti, Monet and Rousse. With a sharp mind and a knack for picking up subtle clues, they have been gathering information without drawing attention to themselves. Their mission is clear: to infiltrate the network and gather enough evidence to expose the illegal activities hidden beneath it all, remain focused and alert, always on the lookout for any exchange or deal that might lead them closer to cracking the case.

An art historian and a very formidable force in her field, she's has a wealth of knowledge about paintings and their origins and has studied hard, gaining a Ph.D. and has published several published books and is well known in the academic as well as the Art world. She has travelled all around learning about the diverse artistic traditions and cultures. She's known for her sharp wit, confidence, and independence, she's a career woman with little interest in men. While some may find her intimidating, those who engage with her discover a loyal friend unafraid to challenge social norms.

The gallery assistant, who works closely with Delvinci. She knows everything there is to know about the gallery, including where all the art pieces come from. She also has special access to all the gallery's records, which makes her really important if the police ever need inside information, on any potentially illegal dealings. She's smart and has a good feel for what goes on behind the scenes, making her a key person who could help in a tricky situation. While she's loyal to the gallery, within reason, she also cares a lot about doing what's right and will not lie to the police if questioned.

A mysterious benefactor who has donated lots of money and art to collections over the years. She's a quiet person who is rarely seen at parties and when she is, she is usually engaged in private conversations with the owners and collectors but very rarely makes small talk or socializes with the general party guests. It's not uncommon for her to just show up, chat with them for five minutes and then disappear for the rest of the night. She keeps a low profile and operates in the shadows because she's the head of the art thefts that have been happening recently across the globe. She has many valuable pieces of stolen and forged work in her collection.

A waitress at tonight's party. She's a local girl, a bit rough around the edges and is known for being a bit of a gossip. She's a friendly, down-to-earth girl, but is looked down on by the more elite guests as she's from a working-class background and some people are surprised to see her at such a fancy event. Sir Reginald usually hires people a bit more refined. This can work in her favour though. No one pays much attention to her and may let something slip and they often do, it's why she knows so much, she has the ability to disappear into the background.

A member of London's high society who is a close friend of Sir Reginald, but he is not your typical aristocrat. He's an eccentric gentleman, known for his radical opinions and tastes. Unlike Sir Reginald, he favours new or obscure artwork. His unconventional approach often raises eyebrows among the more conservative circles of society. Despite their differing tastes, his friendship with Sir Reginald remains strong, they grew up together and would do anything for each other.

He works closely with Sir Reginald, as the middleman, his job is to navigate the murky waters of the art world. While not directly involved in criminal activities, he possesses a certain level of street smarts and a knack for operating in the shadows. He's skilled at acquiring art for Sir Reginald's collection while keeping their dealings discreet, and managing the books, making sure any questionable transactions are kept under wraps.

The victim's current flame, several years younger than him, no one really knows where she came from. She's pretty and she's polite, she seems to fit in with society, but she's distrusted. They believe she's just after his money. Artful and manipulative yes but not a criminal, just a gold digger. Sir Reginald has always been a sucker for a pretty face and she is very pretty.

A member of London's high society. She's been the chief topic of conversation in the tabloids recently, people have been speculating about her relationship with Sir Reginald. She's a well-known face in this society mostly because of her romantic history. She has been married multiple times, often to wealthy older men who meet untimely deaths shortly after tying the knot, leaving her substantial inheritances. These mysterious circumstances have cast suspicion over her, but she claims it's all idle gossip and denies any ulterior motives. Older men, just die, it's the curse of getting old.