Design a Puzzle Hunt or Escape Room for Friends

You want to run a puzzle hunt or escape evening for friends and have a date, a group, and a vague idea but no actual puzzles. This builds it from the premise outward: the narrative frame that ties everything together, then puzzles that fit your space, your prep time, and your budget. Good for anyone hosting a mystery night at home, a venue, or online.

<context>
You want to design a puzzle hunt, escape room experience, or mystery evening for {GROUP_SIZE} friends or family. The theme is [describe or 'open']. The setting is [your home / a hired venue / online]. You have [time to prepare] and a budget of approximately [budget].
</context>

<task>
**Design a playable experience from scratch:**
1. Choose a narrative frame: what is the premise that makes all the puzzles feel connected?
2. Design four to six puzzles at varied difficulty: include one for each of the core puzzle types
3. Create a hint system: how players can get unstuck without breaking immersion or feeling like failures
4. Plan the physical or digital setup: what props or materials do you need?
5. Build in a satisfying resolution: how does the experience end and how do you celebrate completion?
</task>

<output_format>
- Narrative frame (3-4 sentences: premise, stakes, and goal)
- Puzzle designs (4-6 puzzles: type, mechanic, and solution)
- Hint system design (3-tier: nudge / bigger hint / reveal)
- Setup checklist (materials and prep time)
- Ending and celebration plan
</output_format>