Free Room
The Skeleton’s Curse
Lord Mortimer Vane was buried with his secrets and a grudge. You wake on the floor of his crypt with one candle left. Find the light, read what the dead scratched into the walls, break what needs breaking and get out before the clock runs down.
The Story So Far
Lord Mortimer Vane died in the winter of 1703, and nobody at Hollowmere was sorry.
He had made his money the old fashioned way, by taking it from people who could not stop him. He kept rings. One for every debt he called in, every family he turned out, every promise he broke. The last one, a heavy gold signet with a skull cut into black stone, he never took off.
When they carried him down into the crypt, his steward slipped that ring off his finger and hid it where nobody would ever think to look. Then they sealed the door.
Vane did not take it well. Since that night, every so often, somebody wakes up on the floor of his crypt with no idea how they got there. A candle, a locked door, and Lord Vane sitting on his throne by the only way out, waiting for someone to give back what was taken.
Most never do. One of them, a woman who only ever signed her letters M., got close enough to leave a note for whoever came next. You are next.
What You’ll Be Doing
No spoilers, just a feel for what is waiting down there.
Work In
The Dark
Most of the crypt is pitch black. Find a light, then carry it around to see what is really there.
Dig Through
His Things
A locked chest, an old letter, things left behind by the people who came before you.
Break What
Needs Breaking
Something in this room has to be smashed. Grab it, aim it and let it fly.
Face
Lord Vane
He is sitting by the only way out. He has things to say, and he does not like wrong answers.
Before You Go In
The questions people ask about this room. Nothing here gives the puzzles away.
How long does it take?
You get ten minutes on the clock. Most people finish in seven to ten, and the first time through you will probably use most of it.
How scary is it?
It is dark and creepy rather than gory. There is one jump scare, so if you are playing with younger ones, keep the sound down and be ready for it.
What age is it for?
We would say 12 and up. Younger players will be fine with a grown up sat next to them.
Do I need to sign up or download anything?
No. It runs in your web browser, on a laptop, desktop, tablet or phone. Just press Play.
Can I play it on my phone?
Yes. Everything works with taps and drags. Turn your phone sideways for a much bigger view of the crypt.
I am stuck. What now?
Press the light bulb at the top for a hint. Hints know where you are up to, but each one takes 30 seconds off your clock.
Can we play as a group?
Definitely. Crowd round one screen or share your screen on a call, and let one person drive while everyone else argues about what to click.
Does it save my progress?
Each game starts fresh, the way a real escape room would. Your best time is saved on your device so you can try to beat it.
Is it really free?
Yes. The Skeleton’s Curse is one of our free rooms. The bigger, harder rooms live in Premium Escapes.
Sound on or off?
Sound starts off. Turn it on with the speaker button or by pressing M. It is a lot creepier with headphones.