You are cordially invited to Murder on the Ottoman Express, an evening of travel, intrigue, espionage, and murder!
When: Saturday, July 20, 2024 at 7 PM
Where: 5802 Stacy Ct, Charlestown, IN 47111
All info on this page, as well as your character info booklet, will be printed and given to you on the night of the party
The Setting
The Ottoman Express is a luxurious and renowned passenger train that takes three days to travel between Constantinople and Paris. The train line is lavish, with a glowing reputation for comfort and style. Tonight, some of Europe’s most notable citizens and travelers (and some who are not so notable) are journeying through the European countryside.
Two days ago (June 29, 1914), just before the train left Constantinople, newspapers announced that Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria, heir to the throne of Austria-Hungary, had been assassinated in neighboring Bosnia. Everyone is now on edge—this could be the start of a great war.
A further trouble is the discovery of a dead body in the kitchen car this evening. Selda Zaim, the maid of Turkish merchant Esra Hoca, has been bludgeoned over the head with a cooking pot.
It is now midnight, and the train’s conductor has requested that everyone remain calm. It is only a few hours until the Ottoman Express arrives in Paris and the proper authorities can investigate the crime. But until then, there are many mysteries to unfold…
1914 Politics
Germany, Austria-Hungary, and the Ottoman Empire form one power bloc (the Central Powers), while France, Great Britain, and Russia form the Triple Entente (the Allied Powers) in opposition to them.
It’s the dawn of war. The United States and Romania are technically neutral, but lean towards the Allied Powers. While Italy is in a defensive alliance with Germany and Austria-Hungary (two of the Central Powers), that is set to expire in 1915, and Italy will most likely join in with the Allied powers. Bulgaria is also technically neutral, but leans towards the Central Powers. It’s certain that these nations will join the side they’re already inclined toward once the war begins.
The Characters
The Train
The Ottoman Express Gazette
How to Play
Thread & Thrum 