What is Jubensha?
Jubensha (剧本杀, meaning “script kill”) is an immersive, script-based role-playing and mystery-solving game that originated in China. While most of the scripts are in Mandarian, we’re bringing you some English ones!
How Does a Game Work?
- The Setup: A typical game involves 5 to 8 players (often designed for around six) and lasts between 3 and 5 hours.
- Character Scripts: Every player gets a private booklet containing a unique character background, relationships with other players, personal timelines, secrets, and hidden objectives.
- Clues: At various points in the game you will obtain clue cards revealing snippets of the truth that may cast a light on the lies your fellow players are telling.
- The Narrative: Guided by a Game Master (GM), players work through rounds of discussion, clue-sharing, and evidence examination to unravel a central mystery.
In a Jubensha you take on the roll as one of the potential suspects of a murder mystery and you are tasked with figuring out the truth or hiding your involvement if you are the murderer!
In contrast to TTRPGs, Jubenshas are very much a player skill game. There are no skill checks, or stats to rely on. You’ll have to use your brains to make sense of the clues and charisma to get other players to give you some precious information. You are encouraged to roleplay as the character you’re playing so there is still a sense of theatrical flair in the game.
Because of the nature of how these games are written, the player count is set in stone for each game.
Beast of the Black Forest (Jubensha)
There’s been a murder in the village and fresh fears of the return of the legendary werewolf creature are abound. Someone here could be a werewolf, but one thing’s for sure. There’s a killer among you! Will you sentence the correct person? Or will the killer get away?
Price: $65 per pax | $32 for Pass Holders
Approximately 4 hours, 1 session
5 players
Alpha Colony Research Station (Jubensha)
The last transmission from Alpha Colony Research Station, an outpost in the furthest reaches of Known Space, was cryptic and unsettling. “This is Alpha Colony on Cryon-5. We’ve encountered a mysterious structure near Erebus Sector, commencing full investigation”. The signal went dark after and all communication was lost.
In response, the Galactic Science Federation (G.S.F.) dispatched a task force to investigate what happened. And you are a member of this team.
Price: $55 per pax | $22 for Pass Holders
Approximately 3 hours, 1 session
5 players
Echoes of the Straits - The Merchant's Last Banquet (Jubensha)
In the late 1800s, at the height of prosperity in the Straits Settlements, fortunes were built on trade, influence, and secrets carefully guarded behind closed doors. Invited to the birthday banquet of William Chan, one of the region’s most powerful merchants, six guests soon find themselves trapped within his estate following his sudden and mysterious death. As the night unfolds, hidden agendas are revealed, alliances are tested, and the fate of more than one empire hangs in the balance.
Price: $55 per pax | $22 for Pass Holders
Approximately 3 hours, 1 session
6 players