Who is manufacturing Salem? When will it be be ready?
Yifeng packaging will be making the faux book box. They have already sent several samples, one of which is seen in the introduction video. Panda Manufacturing will be providing the hourglass, booklet, and cards. Orders to these manufacturers will be placed at the end of April. As soon as we receive all the pieces, we’ll assemble the game and ship the completed products on to you! Our goal is to get the games into your mailboxes by November, but we anticipate that we can do it sooner than that. We will of course keep you updated.
Last updated: March 26, 2015 15:12
Does Salem need a moderator?
Salem can be played with or without a moderator.
The moderator plays a small role when there is one, helping to move tokens around during the Night, and at the beginning of the game when the Black Cat is placed. The moderator is also instructed to maintain order, operate the hourglass, silence the dead, and enforce the 6 Laws of Salem.
In the no-moderator version, the first player who dies becomes the moderator, and before the first death there is a “Town Crier” who directs the placement of tokens and the opening and closing of eyes.
So, if someone in the group doesn’t want to play, they can moderate. If everyone wants to play, not a problem! Both methods are described completely in the rulebook, and a Moderator Script card is included in the game.
Last updated: April 11, 2015 15:12
Is there a gameplay demo available?
Yes! It’s at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uzNSOwoGXxE&feature=youtu.be
Last updated: March 28, 2015 14:48
Is there a 2-3 player variation of the game?
Currently, there isn’t a 2-3 player variation, since it would change the nature of the game quite a bit (Since you’d know that if you weren’t the witch, the other person would be!). Technically, you could play with 2-3 people just fine, but it would basically just be a game of luck (which cards you draw), and guessing (trying to pick out the Witch card).
This is a 4-12 player game. That’s just the way it is :)
Last updated: April 12, 2015 12:51
If I ordered a copy of the game (backed at least $23), can I also have a print-and-play version?
If you have ordered at least one copy of the game (pledged $23 or more), and you would also like a print-and-play version of the game:
-
Click on “Manage” next to your pledge amount.
-
Increase your pledge by $5, but don’t change your selected reward.
-
After funding has completed, I’ll send out a survey to all backers who are exactly $5 above a reward level, asking for your email address. In July, you will be sent a print-and-play copy of the game.
Please message me with questions.
Last updated: March 31, 2015 20:04
What is the quality of the game cards?
We are using “Premier Quality” 310-gsm ivory core cards. They are bridge-sized cards, and great quality!
Last updated: April 06, 2015 16:26
What happened to the Spy?
With further play-testing, and the addition of the tokens, we’ve decided to remove the “Spy” Tryal card. Since so many Tryal cards are in the game, we found that the Spy was not adding very much new information, but had the potential to ruin games, especially if he found the “Witch” card early on. If we hit the $65K stretch goal, players will have the option of adding the “Spy” card back into the game. We’ll explain how to use the “Spy” on our website if anyone wants to use this role.
Last updated: April 11, 2015 19:34
Will the cards fit in the box if they have sleeves?
Yes! They are a little snug, but if you use 56x87mm sleeves, then they fit!
Last updated: April 09, 2015 20:51
Nitty Gritties.
Red Cards Red Cards are placed on a player, not necessarily in front of a certain Tryal card. If the number of accusations played on a player exceeds the required amount to reveal a Tryal (Example, if you played an Evidence card on someone with 6 accusations), they do not carry over to the next Tryal).
Blue Cards When a player dies, his or her blue cards are placed in the discard pile. If only two players are left, all blue cards are discarded from the game. If you are one of the last two players remaining, when you draw a blue card place it aside and draw a new card instead.
Constable As the first law of Salem states, the Constable may never give himself the Save token. If the Constable is also a Witch, he or she is an “evil” Constable, and may use his or her power to help the Witches. The Constable can not abstain from placing the Save token, unless the Asylum card is in front of him or her.
Matchmaker If both Matchmaker cards are placed on the same player, they are discarded. If one of the Matchmaker owners is killed during the Night, both die, even if the other person “confessed” or was saved during the Night. If a player is matched with Mary Warren when she dies, that player still dies, even though Mary is unaffected by Matchmaker.
Black Cat As stated in the second law of Salem, Witches may place the Kill token on themselves during The First Night, giving themselves the Black Cat card to throw off suspicion.
Piety Scapegoat can be used to put red cards on the player with Piety. Will Griggs can not use an Alibi as a Witness card against the player with Piety.
Scapegoat & Robbery As implied by the first law of Salem, the effects of Scapegoat and Robbery can never affect you. They may only involve two other players, ex. taking cards from one player and giving them to another.
Stocks When played, the Stocks card should remain in front of the player until they have been skipped. It should then be discarded. If a Scapegoat card is played on a player with Stocks in front of them, the Stocks card is also moved to the new player along with the blue and red cards in front of that player. If a player is given two Stocks cards, he will be skipped twice in a row.
Martha Corey If Martha has inherited John Proctor’s special ability, Martha and John look at the cards they will receive from the dead player and take turns picking cards, starting with John.
Thomas Danforth/George Burroughs If Thomas is playing accusations on George, Thomas needs 7 accusations to reveal a Tryal.
Witch Cards A player may have more than one Witch card. If one Witch card is revealed, the player is dead and must reveal the other Witch card as well.
Last updated: April 11, 2015 15:12
Advanced Rules/Tips
To make the placement of tokens less obvious: -Have each player place their Town Hall card in the middle, forming a small circle representative of the actual circle of players. The Witches and Constable can place tokens on these cards, rather than next to the actual player. -Make noise during the placement of tokens. One good way to do this is to have each player pat the table with their non-dominant hand, leaving the dominant hand to move tokens. Or, come up with your own house rules about making noise during Night rounds (ex. chanting in Latin, turning on creepy music, humming, etc.). -After the first player dies, let them become the Moderator, taking over the Town Crier’s duties. This keeps the dead player involved, and makes the movement of tokens easier.
To make the game more difficult: -When Conspiracy is drawn, Tryal cards are usually taken from the player to your left. To increase difficulty, take a Tryal card from the player to your left, place this card in the middle, have the Town Crier/Moderator shuffle the cards, and deal a Tryal card to each player. This will make it harder to track down the spreading of Witches. -During the Night, have the Constable replace a player’s token with the Save token face-down, instead of placing the Save token face-up next to a player. This will result in more confessions and slightly quicker deaths. -In a 4-player game, use 26 “Not a Witch” cards so that each player will have 7 Tryal Cards. In a 5 or 6 player game, use 28 and 34 “Not a Witch” cards to let each player have 6 Tryal cards.
Last updated: April 11, 2015 15:12
Moderator Script.
MODERATOR’S GENERAL DUTIES Keep order, operate the hourglass if people are taking too long, enforce the laws of Salem, and most importantly, keep the dead silent!
AT THE START “All players close your eyes.” (Make sure everyone’s eyes are closed). “Witches, please open your eyes and point to any player to give the Black Cat to. You may point to yourself.” (Make sure that you see who the Witches point to). “Witches, please close your eyes.” (Make sure witches eyes are closed). “Everyone, please open your eyes.” (Place Black Cat card in front of the player who the Witches pointed to).
NIGHT “All players close your eyes.” (Make sure everyone’s eyes are closed). “If you have a Witch card, or ever had a Witch card, please open your eyes and point to any player to give the Kill token. You may select yourself.” (Discreetly place the Kill token face-down in front of the person the Witches pointed to. Put that player’s blank token in the middle). “Witches, please close your eyes.” (Make sure Witches’ eyes are closed). “Constable, please open your eyes and point to any player to give the Save token. You may not select yourself. You may not place the Save token if the Asylum card is in front of you.” (Put the Save token face-up in front of the player who the Constable points to). “Constable, please close your eyes.” (Make sure the Constable closes his or her eyes). “Everyone, open your eyes. Before we reveal who has been given the Kill token, any player may choose to “Confess.” This means that you can flip over one of your own Tryal cards, in exchange for immunity from the Kill token. Your decision to “Confess” ends with the sands of the hourglass.” (Flip the hourglass. Once time has run out, proceed.) “You may now flip over your tokens. If you have been given the Kill token, you are now dead unless you were given the Save token by the Constable, you chose to confess, or the Asylum card is in front of you.”
Last updated: April 09, 2015 06:30
Who is manufacturing Salem? When will it be be ready?
Yifeng packaging will be making the faux book box. They have already sent several samples, one of which is seen in the introduction video. Panda Manufacturing will be providing the hourglass, booklet, and cards. Orders to these manufacturers will be placed at the end of April. As soon as we receive all the pieces, we’ll assemble the game and ship the completed products on to you! Our goal is to get the games into your mailboxes by November, but we anticipate that we can do it sooner than that. We will of course keep you updated. Last updated: Thu, Mar 26 2015 6:12 pm EDT
Does Salem need a moderator?
Salem can be played with or without a moderator. The moderator plays a small role when there is one, helping to move tokens around during the Night, and at the beginning of the game when the Black Cat is placed. The moderator is also instructed to maintain order, operate the hourglass, silence the dead, and enforce the 6 Laws of Salem. In the no-moderator version, the first player who dies becomes the moderator, and before the first death there is a “Town Crier” who directs the placement of tokens and the opening and closing of eyes. So, if someone in the group doesn’t want to play, they can moderate. If everyone wants to play, not a problem! Both methods are described completely in the rulebook, and a Moderator Script card is included in the game. Last updated: Sat, Apr 11 2015 6:12 pm EDT
Is there a gameplay demo available?
Yes! It’s at: https://www.youtube.com/watch… Last updated: Sat, Mar 28 2015 5:48 pm EDT
Is there a 2-3 player variation of the game?
Currently, there isn’t a 2-3 player variation, since it would change the nature of the game quite a bit (Since you’d know that if you weren’t the witch, the other person would be!). However, I’ve received a couple of requests about this, so I’m racking my brain to come up with something. It will probably be a simpler form of the game that I’ll include in the rulebook. I’ll keep everyone posted. Last updated: Fri, Mar 27 2015 9:45 pm EDT
If I ordered a copy of the game (backed at least $23), can I also have a print-and-play version?
If you have ordered at least one copy of the game (pledged $23 or more), and you would also like a print-and-play version of the game: 1. Click on “Manage” next to your pledge amount. 2. Increase your pledge by $5, but don’t change your selected reward. 3. After funding has completed, I’ll send out a survey to all backers who are exactly $5 above a reward level, asking for your email address. In July, you will be sent a print-and-play copy of the game. Please message me with questions. Last updated: Tue, Mar 31 2015 11:04 pm EDT
What is the quality of the game cards?
We are using “Premier Quality” 310-gsm ivory core cards. They are bridge-sized cards, and great quality! Last updated: Mon, Apr 6 2015 7:26 pm EDT
What happened to the Spy?
With further play-testing, and the addition of the tokens, we’ve decided to remove the “Spy” Tryal card. Since so many Tryal cards are in the game, we found that the Spy was not adding very much new information, but had the potential to ruin games, especially if he found the “Witch” card early on. If we hit the $65K stretch goal, players will have the option of adding the “Spy” card back into the game. We’ll explain how to use the “Spy” on our website if anyone wants to use this role. Last updated: Sat, Apr 11 2015 10:34 pm EDT
Will the cards fit in the box if they have sleeves?
Yes! They are a little snug, but if you use 56x87mm sleeves, then they fit! Last updated: Thu, Apr 9 2015 11:51 pm EDT
Nitty Gritties.
Red Cards Red Cards are placed on a player, not necessarily in front of a certain Tryal card. If the number of accusations played on a player exceeds the required amount to reveal a Tryal (Example, if you played an Evidence card on someone with 6 accusations), they do not carry over to the next Tryal). Blue Cards When a player dies, his or her blue cards are placed in the discard pile. If only two players are left, all blue cards are discarded from the game. If you are one of the last two players remaining, when you draw a blue card place it aside and draw a new card instead. Constable As the first law of Salem states, the Constable may never give himself the Save token. If the Constable is also a Witch, he or she is an “evil” Constable, and may use his or her power to help the Witches. The Constable can not abstain from placing the Save token, unless the Asylum card is in front of him or her. Matchmaker If both Matchmaker cards are placed on the same player, they are discarded. If one of the Matchmaker owners is killed during the Night, both die, even if the other person “confessed” or was saved during the Night. If a player is matched with Mary Warren when she dies, that player still dies, even though Mary is unaffected by Matchmaker. Black Cat As stated in the second law of Salem, Witches may place the Kill token on themselves during The First Night, giving themselves the Black Cat card to throw off suspicion. Piety Scapegoat can be used to put red cards on the player with Piety. Will Griggs can not use an Alibi as a Witness card against the player with Piety. Scapegoat & Robbery As implied by the first law of Salem, the effects of Scapegoat and Robbery can never affect you. They may only involve two other players, ex. taking cards from one player and giving them to another. Stocks When played, the Stocks card should remain in front of the player until they have been skipped. It should then be discarded. If a Scapegoat card is played on a player with Stocks in front of them, the Stocks card is also moved to the new player along with the blue and red cards in front of that player. If a player is given two Stocks cards, he will be skipped twice in a row. Martha Corey If Martha has inherited John Proctor’s special ability, Martha and John look at the cards they will receive from the dead player and take turns picking cards, starting with John. Thomas Danforth/George Burroughs If Thomas is playing accusations on George, Thomas needs 7 accusations to reveal a Tryal. Witch Cards A player may have more than one Witch card. If one Witch card is revealed, the player is dead and must reveal the other Witch card as well. Last updated: Sat, Apr 11 2015 6:12 pm EDT
Advanced Rules/Tips
To make the placement of tokens less obvious: -Have each player place their Town Hall card in the middle, forming a small circle representative of the actual circle of players. The Witches and Constable can place tokens on these cards, rather than next to the actual player. -Make noise during the placement of tokens. One good way to do this is to have each player pat the table with their non-dominant hand, leaving the dominant hand to move tokens. Or, come up with your own house rules about making noise during Night rounds (ex. chanting in Latin, turning on creepy music, humming, etc.). -After the first player dies, let them become the Moderator, taking over the Town Crier’s duties. This keeps the dead player involved, and makes the movement of tokens easier. To make the game more difficult: -When Conspiracy is drawn, Tryal cards are usually taken from the player to your left. To increase difficulty, take a Tryal card from the player to your left, place this card in the middle, have the Town Crier/Moderator shuffle the cards, and deal a Tryal card to each player. This will make it harder to track down the spreading of Witches. -During the Night, have the Constable replace a player’s token with the Save token face-down, instead of placing the Save token face-up next to a player. This will result in more confessions and slightly quicker deaths. -In a 4-player game, use 26 “Not a Witch” cards so that each player will have 7 Tryal Cards. In a 5 or 6 player game, use 28 and 34 “Not a Witch” cards to let each player have 6 Tryal cards. Last updated: Sat, Apr 11 2015 6:12 pm EDT
Moderator Script.
MODERATOR’S GENERAL DUTIES Keep order, operate the hourglass if people are taking too long, enforce the laws of Salem, and most importantly, keep the dead silent! AT THE START “All players close your eyes.” (Make sure everyone’s eyes are closed). “Witches, please open your eyes and point to any player to give the Black Cat to. You may point to yourself.” (Make sure that you see who the Witches point to). “Witches, please close your eyes.” (Make sure witches eyes are closed). “Everyone, please open your eyes.” (Place Black Cat card in front of the player who the Witches pointed to). NIGHT “All players close your eyes.” (Make sure everyone’s eyes are closed). “If you have a Witch card, or ever had a Witch card, please open your eyes and point to any player to give the Kill token. You may select yourself.” (Discreetly place the Kill token face-down in front of the person the Witches pointed to. Put that player’s blank token in the middle). “Witches, please close your eyes.” (Make sure Witches’ eyes are closed). “Constable, please open your eyes and point to any player to give the Save token. You may not select yourself. You may not place the Save token if the Asylum card is in front of you.” (Put the Save token face-up in front of the player who the Constable points to). “Constable, please close your eyes.” (Make sure the Constable closes his or her eyes). “Everyone, open your eyes. Before we reveal who has been given the Kill token, any player may choose to “Confess.” This means that you can flip over one of your own Tryal cards, in exchange for immunity from the Kill token. Your decision to “Confess” ends with the sands of the hourglass.” (Flip the hourglass. Once time has run out, proceed.) “You may now flip over your tokens. If you have been given the Kill token, you are now dead unless you were given the Save token by the Constable, you chose to confess, or the Asylum card is in front of you.” Last updated: Thu, Apr 9 2015 9:30 am EDT
Current Estimated Shipping Date: November 2015
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