Witch Hunt 1649

"We are come to the dregs of days, where it is counted virtue to point out the imperfections of our brethren" — Zachary Boyd, 1629

Scotland, 1649 — The last decade has seen bouts of warfare, outbreaks of plague, and seismic political upheaval. The religious authorities are keen to stamp down on sinful behavior, and witch trials are gathering pace...

In Witch Hunt 1649, players take on the role of neighbors in an East Lothian village. Players are allied in pairs, so gameplay blends competition and co-operation.* As players develop their holdings by buying assets from a shared pool, they must also monitor their welfare and reputation values as these values, along with support from allies, may be the only way they can weather accusations of witchcraft. Let your welfare or reputation drop too low — or get convicted of witchcraft — and it's game over!

The experience is anchored by immersive world-building, drawing players into the social, religious, and political tensions that shaped this volatile period. Fate cards give players scenarios to navigate, while assets can be used defensively or to attack other players. Optional story cards offer additional historical context, and each game will feature at least one witch trial in which accused players try to defend themselves against damning allegations. Gameplay is straightforward while still being moderately strategic. Be prepared for unruly livestock, belligerent neighbors, and tales of Satanic orgies brought to life through colorful quotations from historical records.

Alliances are not present in two-player games and are optional in three-player games. In games with an odd number of players, one player will be unallied.

A revised version of Witch Hunt 1649 will be available from Central Michigan University Press in 2025.