Witch of Salem

Game Rules

Welcome to the world of Witch of Salem, a captivating and mysterious game that will transport you to the eerie town of Arkham. In this game, the goal is to unveil the secrets of the Ancient One and prevent the ultimate destruction from being unleashed upon the world.

To start your adventure, you’ll need a group of brave investigators. Choose from a diverse set of characters, each with their own unique abilities and traits. Will you be the cunning detective or the wise professor? The choice is yours.

As you delve into the game, you’ll encounter a series of frightening and challenging events. You must investigate various locations, gather clues, and make crucial decisions that will shape the outcome of the game. But be careful, for the forces of evil are relentless and always at your heels.

To aid you in your quest, you’ll have access to a range of powerful artifacts and spells. These magical tools will help you combat the supernatural and turn the tide in your favor. But use them wisely, for their power comes at a cost.

Each game of Witch of Salem is unique and unpredictable. The Ancient One has countless tricks up their sleeve, and it’s up to you to decipher their intentions. Will you be able to stop the impending darkness, or will you succumb to the horrors that lurk within the shadows?

Witch of Salem is a game that combines strategy, luck, and cooperation. Work together with your fellow investigators, communicate, and share information to increase your chances of success. Remember, the fate of the world rests in your hands.

So gather your courage, embrace the unknown, and embark on a thrilling journey through the streets of Arkham. The Witch of Salem awaits, and only you can stop the impending doom. Are you ready to face your fears and save the world? The choice is yours.

America, early 20th century: a time of mystique and darkness. In this sinister game, the “Great Old Ones,” terrifying demons from another realm, rule the shadowy world. Long ago, these demons were held in check by even more formidable forces… or so it is said.

I’m sure you’ve heard of the ancient evil lurking beneath the depths of the ocean. It’s currently trapped inside a magical prison, a pyramid situated in the mysterious underwater city called R’lyeh.

But here’s the thing – the servants of this wicked entity have managed to open magic portals in various parts of the city of Arkham. These portals serve as gateways for the forces of darkness to enter our world. That’s where Robert Craven, a powerful Witch of Salem, comes into the picture. He’s gathering a courageous group of scholars well-versed in the supernatural to join him in his battle against this malevolence.

So now, it’s up to us to uncover the locations of these open portals using magical glasses and seal them shut with powerful incantations. However, we have to tread carefully because there’s always a risk of accidentally opening new portals ourselves! Right now, we have no clue about the true identity of the “Great Old One” trapped in R’lyeh. We don’t even know which weapons can put an end to this demonic menace.

I have stumbled upon an ancient book called the “Necronomicon”. It is said to contain dark magic and information about demons. I believe that this book will be the key to our success. With it, we can embark on a dangerous adventure that will test our sanity.

Our mission is to confront terrifying creatures, led by the wicked magician Necron. He is the archenemy of Robert Craven, and we must stand against his monstrous minions and the dreadful shadows of other powerful beings known as the “Great Old Ones”. Can we overcome this evil before the demon descends upon Arkham from the parallel dimension?

To triumph over Necron and his minions, we must work together. Our task is to locate and seal the portals that connect our world to the parallel dimension. We must do this before Necron gains too much power and manages to open a rift between the dimensions. In addition, we will need to utilize magical items that have the strength to imprison the “Great Old Ones” in R’lyeh. Failure to accomplish these objectives in a timely manner will result in defeat for all of us.

Setting Up the Game

• Before you start playing, make sure to punch out all the tiles carefully. You’ll only need one set of 8 portal tiles, and the extra sets are there in case you need replacements.
• The board represents the city of Arkham, featuring seven locations numbered 0 to 6, an underwater prison in R’lyeh, and a track that keeps track of Necron’s strength.
• Take the 6 “Great Old One” cards and shuffle them. Place 5 of these cards face down next to the board, alongside the 5 numbered edges around R’lyeh. Flip the card on the first edge face up.
• Put the 6th card face down on the R’lyeh space on the board. This card represents the “Great Old One” that you and the other players must banish and defeat.
• Keep the overview of the “Great Old Ones” card next to the board for reference.
• First, pick a player to go first and make sure to shuffle all 26 creature cards. Place the shuffled deck next to the starting player.
• Next, grab the 12 event cards and shuffle them. Remove 4 of the cards and set them aside. These cards won’t be used right away. Take the remaining 8 event cards and place them face down next to the player to the right of the starting player.
• Now it’s time to choose your playing pieces. Each player should select a set of pieces of the same color. This set should include a player figure, 8 location cards, a player aid card, and a player board. Don’t forget to grab a sanity marker too, which you’ll use to keep track of your sanity throughout the game.
• First, I’m going to put my sanity marker on space 6 of my player board. Then, I’ll place my player figure on Miskatonic University. Finally, I’ll put the Witch of Salem figure on Miskatonic University as well.
• Next, I need to set up the Necron track. I’ll place the Necron marker at the starting point of the track, which is the large space at the lower right of the board. I’ll also keep the die next to the board.
• Now it’s time to set up the portal tiles. There are 8 of them in total, with 4 walls and 4 portals. I’ll shuffle them and place one tile on each of the numbered locations 1 through 6 on the board. The remaining 2 tiles will go back in the box, unseen. The number of open portals in each game can vary from 2 to 4.
• Finally, I’ll grab the bag of item markers. There are 34 of them. I’ll draw 1 item from the bag and place it on my player board. If I have any artifacts, I’ll put them in the designated artifact space. Any additional items that I have will go in one of my three minor item spots.
• When playing the game, start by drawing three items from the bag for each location on the board. Place these items from left to right on the three-item spaces next to the corresponding location. Once you have completed drawing for all locations, put the bag next to the board.

How to Play

Your role in the game is to assist the Witch of Salem in her mission. You and your fellow players must work together to stop the “Great Old One” in R’lyeh. In order to achieve this, you need to close all the portals in town using the right artifacts.

It’s important to note that you can only close the portal at Miskatonic University after you have successfully banished the “Great Old One” in R’lyeh. Time is of the essence, as Necron’s power is increasing rapidly and getting harder to control.

Hey there! Let’s talk about how to play this game and what you need to watch out for. The goal is to prevent the Necron marker from reaching the last space on the Necron track or the demon space before the “Great Old One” appears.

So, here’s what happens in each round of the game:

A. Reveal New Creature(s)

At the start of each round, the first player flips over one or two creature cards. It depends on how many people are playing:

• If there are two players, they flip one card.
• If there are four players, they flip two cards.
• If there are three players, they take turns flipping one and two cards, starting with one card.

In the creature deck, each creature has two cards. There are also two special cards called the Necron and Robert Craven.

Once a creature card is revealed, there are two things that can happen:

I’m going to rewrite this content for you, rephrasing it to be more engaging and accessible, while keeping all the important information. Here’s what I came up with:

In this mysterious game, there are creature cards with pictures, and I have to make sure there’s no other card with the same picture already on the board. If I reveal a creature that is unique, I place it on the first empty spot next to the Witch of Salem, moving clockwise. The very first creature I draw goes to the Sanatorium. However, I never place Necron or Robert Craven on the board. And remember, I should never place a creature card on the Miskatonic University.

Now, here’s an important rule: if all 6 spots are already filled with creatures, I have to discard any new card I draw without doing anything with it.

When playing Witch of Salem, you’ll encounter various challenges that test your strategic abilities. Let’s take a look at a few examples to give you a better understanding of the game.

Example 1: The Undead is revealed. You might already have another card with the same picture on the board. In this case, the Necron marker moves 3 spaces forward toward the dimensional rift.

Example 2: Deep One. To overcome this challenge, you and your fellow players need to collectively discard two magic glasses items.

Example 3: Lava Worm. Defeating this creature requires you and your fellow players to collectively discard 4 minor items (not artifacts). You can choose any combination of items to discard.

When it comes to discarding items, it’s up to you and your fellow players to decide how many each player will give up. Remember to place the discarded items next to the board. By working together and making strategic decisions, you’ll increase your chances of success in Witch of Salem. Good luck!



Hey there! Let me break it down for you. You might see a red arrow on certain cards, pointing at the stuff you have to get rid of.

If you and the gang can’t fully do what’s needed on the card, then it’s time to toss away any matching items you’ve got. And as a little bonus, you’ll have to nudge that Necron marker closer to the dimensional rift. Just make sure it ends up on the next Necron spot!



If you don’t want to move the Necron marker, you can simply hold on to your items.

If a creature is activated, you get rid of the creature card that was drawn. However, the corresponding creature stays on the board.

Unique Creature Cards



Necron: I push the Necron marker forward by one space for every creature that is on the board. And if there happens to be a “Great Old One” at Miskatonic University, I move the Necron marker an extra two spaces.

When I’m done with that, I give the Necron card and all the creature cards that have been thrown away (including the Robert Craven card, if it has been thrown away) a good shuffle and put them back into the creature deck.



Robert Craven: Alright, let’s get started. Put the Witch of Salem and all our player figures over at Miskatonic University. Take back any location cards you’ve played and put them back in your hand.

If there’s a “Great Old One” on the shadow space at Miskatonic University, we’re safe, no losses for us. When we’re done, we can pack up the Robert Craven card and draw a new creature card.

B. Player Actions

Now, it’s time for each of us to take some actions. We’ll go in turn, starting with me, and then move on clockwise. Here’s what we need to do:

1. Play a location card and move

• Choose a location card from your hand and put it face-up in front of you. Then, move your player figure to the location shown on the card.

If you use your secret passage location card, you can go to any location, but you can’t stay at the same one. However, you have to give up 1 sanity when using the secret passage. The secret passage is the only way to get to R’lyeh and banish the “Great Old One”.

When you go to the Miskatonic University location, you get back all the location cards you have used before. Then, as usual, you have to play a new location card on your next turn.

2. Trade with another player

If there is another player at your new location, you can give them a non-artifact item, and they can give you a non-artifact item too. But if there are multiple players at the same location, you can only trade items with one of them.

Note: You can never trade or give away artifacts.

Encounter a Mysterious Being or Dark Figure

Now, when I find myself face to face with a strange creature or an ominous shadow, it’s time to roll the dice, my friend. This roll will determine what I lose in this peculiar encounter.



Give up a non-artifact object. You have to give away the object shown on the dice if you have one. If you don’t have any objects, there’s no additional punishment. If you have multiple objects, you only have to give up one.



Go crazy! If your sanity reaches 0, you’re done for!



When it’s my turn, I’ll move Necron one space closer to the dimensional rift.

But here’s an important thing to remember: if I land on the same location as the Witch of Salem, I won’t have to roll the die for any creatures there. That includes shadows at the University, too.

After rolling the die and suffering any losses, I have a chance to defeat the creature. This is true even if the Witch of Salem is at the same location.

Now, defeating a creature requires me to have the right items. For most creatures, it’s 2 items (or 3 for shadows) listed at the top of the creature card. And don’t worry, I don’t have to get rid of those items afterwards.

But there’s an exception: the creature called “Thul Saduun.” To defeat this one, I’ll have to say goodbye to one of my artifacts.

Once I defeat a creature, I’ll put it in the creature’s discard pile. Shadows, on the other hand, go back into the box.

4. Use one item

Here’s a tip: you can use just one item! Once you’ve used it, simply put it near the edge of the board.



Hey, check out these magical glasses: When I wear them, I can take a peek at the face-down portal tile in the spot where I’m standing. It’s like having a secret power! Then, I put the tile back face down on the board. Guess what? Now I know if there’s a portal there or not.

But here’s the catch: I can’t spill the beans to my buddies about what I saw on the portal tile. It’s my little secret.

Just remember, I can’t use these cool glasses at Miskatonic University. That place doesn’t have portal tiles. Instead, there’s a visible, open portal right from the start of the game.



Necronomicon: Hey there! Let’s talk about the Necronomicon. It’s a pretty cool card that can give you some insight into what’s coming up next in the game. You see, the Necronomicon lets me reveal the next “Great Old One” card that’s hanging out around R’lyeh.

Now, when the game starts, we already know what card is on edge 1. But the first time I use the Necronomicon, I get to reveal the card on edge 2. Then, if I use it again, I reveal the one on edge 3. And this keeps going until we finally reveal the card that’s actually on R’lyeh itself. It’s like a little peek into the future!



Elixir of Nus: When you drink this mystical potion, you feel a wave of calm wash over you, helping to restore your sanity. It’s like a soothing balm for your mind. Normally, you would recover one sanity point, but if you happen to find yourself in the presence of the enigmatic Witch of Salem, the elixir works even more powerfully, replenishing 2 sanity instead. However, there is a limit to its magic. Your sanity can never exceed 6, no matter how much elixir you consume. So, take a sip of this elixir when you need a boost, but be mindful of its limits.



The N’gaa Dagger: If you happen to be at the same place as the Witch of Salem, you can indeed take down the creature right then and there. This method also works for defeating the shadow over at the university.



Artifacts: So, if you find the artifact that you see next to the portal tile, you can put it on the portal tile to show that the portal has been closed.

Warning: Here’s something important to know: if, at the end of the game, you find an artifact on a wall, it means you and the other players lose. But, if you want to close the portal at Miskatonic University, you can use any artifact, but only after you reveal the “Great Old One” in R’lyeh.

You can also use any artifact to defeat the “Thul Saduun” creature. When you use an artifact to do that, you have to throw it away near the edge of the board.

5. Buy and get one item at your location

• After your turn, you can choose to take one item from your location and put it on your player board. But, if you already have three regular items or one artifact, you need to get rid of one to make space.

When I pick up an item, I need to make sure I pay for it before leaving. The price is determined by the symbols above the place where the item was found. Depending on where I found the item, I must do the following:

– If the item was in a space with one symbol, I need to pay the price shown for that symbol.

– If the item was in a space with two symbols, I need to pay the price shown for both symbols.

In either case, I need to make sure I pay the correct amount for the item I am taking.



Hey there! Let’s talk about moving that Necron marker closer to the dimensional rift. It’s pretty important to understand how this works and why it matters.

So, you know that Necron marker? It’s this little thing that represents the Necrons, these spooky, otherworldly creatures. And the dimensional rift? Well, it’s like this portal or gateway to another dimension that’s opened up.

Now, you might be wondering why moving the Necron marker towards the dimensional rift is a big deal. Well, there are a few reasons. One of the key things is that it helps the Necrons get closer to their goal. You see, by moving the marker, they’re able to gain more power or influence over the dimensional rift.

But it’s not just about the Necrons. By moving that marker, it can have an effect on the game as a whole. It can change the dynamics and give the Necrons an advantage or make things more challenging for the other players.

Overall, the meaning behind moving the Necron marker towards the dimensional rift is to elevate the tension and excitement of the game. It adds a sense of urgency and forces the players to take into account the presence and movements of the Necrons.

So, if you’re looking for a game that keeps you on your toes and keeps you guessing, then you’ll love this one. With these factors in mind, it’s clear that moving the Necron marker is a crucial part of the game. It’s all about strategy, timing, and understanding the consequences of your actions.

Now, I don’t know about you, but I find this whole concept fascinating. It’s like a double-edged sword – exciting and risky at the same time. The movements of that Necron marker can really regenerate a response from everyone at the table.



Hey there! Let’s talk about a fascinating concept – the loss of sanity. Have you ever felt like you were going crazy? Well, let me tell you, it happens to the best of us. Sometimes, life can throw us a curveball that leaves us feeling overwhelmed and a little bit off kilter.

Now, here’s the thing – losing your sanity is kind of like a rollercoaster ride. It can be a thrilling and exhilarating experience. However, it can also be a bit scary and daunting. It’s a fine line between madness and genius, my friend.

So, what can cause this rollercoaster ride for your mind? Well, it could be a variety of factors. Stress, for example, can really take a toll on your mental well-being. When you’re constantly juggling a million things and feeling overwhelmed, it’s easy to see how your sanity might take a hit.

Another factor to consider is the people around you. Toxic relationships and negative influences can chip away at your sanity over time. Surrounding yourself with positive and supportive individuals is crucial for maintaining your mental balance.

Of course, let’s not forget the power of our own thoughts. Negative self-talk and a pessimistic mindset can send you spiraling into a state of insanity. It’s important to cultivate self-awareness and challenge those negative thoughts when they arise.

Now, I know what you might be thinking – how can I prevent myself from losing my sanity? Well, my friend, it’s all about finding balance. Taking care of your physical and mental health is crucial. Engaging in activities that bring you joy and help you relax can work wonders for preserving your sanity.

Remember, my friend, losing your sanity is not the end of the world. It can be a transformative experience that leads to personal growth and self-discovery. So, embrace the madness, my friend, and see where the rollercoaster takes you.



When you reveal and resolve the top creature card, you get to see what it is and activate its effects.



So here’s what we have to do: let’s turn over that top event card and see what we’re dealing with.

• No pressure, but you don’t have to take an item if you don’t want to. It’s totally up to you.
• If you do decide to take an item, just keep in mind that you won’t be able to use it until your next turn. It’s like putting something on hold.
• Now, if you happen to be the lucky one who takes the very last item from a location, don’t worry. We’ve got a solution. Just reach into the bag and draw three more items. Then line them up from left to right in the empty spots at the location. Simple fix, right?
• But what if there are no more items left in the bag? That’s no problem. Just gather up all the items that have been used or thrown away near the game board and toss them back into the bag. That way, we always have something to work with.

C. Time for an Event Card

Okay, folks. It’s that time. Once everyone has finished their player actions, it’s the last player’s turn to draw and reveal the top event card. What surprises await us? I guess we’ll find out soon enough!

Hey there! Let’s play a game called “The Witch of Salem.” I’ll guide you through the rules. Ready? Let’s roll!

Move the Witch of Salem figure along with me to the locations, as instructed by the event card. For example, if the card shows “3,” I’ll move three spots ahead. We’ll start at location 6, the church, and then move to location 0, Miskatonic University.

Now, here’s where things get interesting! I have some special abilities that can help you out if we’re in the same location. Check them out:

• I can defeat a creature for you using my powerful Dagger of N’Gaa.
• If you’re feeling a little drained, I can help you recover 2 sanity by using the Elixir of Nus. Pretty neat, huh?
• Oh, and here’s a cool trick! We don’t need to roll the die when we move to a location with a creature. I’ve got it covered!

Now, here’s what we do next. We follow the instructions on the event card. Easy peasy! If we run out of event cards, we’ll shuffle all 12 together, take out 4, and keep the remaining 8 for the next round. So, the fun never stops!

Next Round

Guess what? The starting player kicks off the next round by drawing one or two creature cards. Exciting, right?

Oh, and by the way, the starting player never changes. So, it’s always you who gets to lead the way. Lucky you!

Encounters with the “Great Old One” Shadows



• There are six different “Great Old Ones” in the game. At the start, five of them are positioned around R’lyeh. These five can only manifest themselves as shadows at Miskatonic University, thanks to event cards. If you visit Miskatonic University and encounter a shadow, you will need to roll the die and face the consequences indicated. To defeat the shadow, you must possess the three specified items listed at the top of the “Great Old One” card (remember, you don’t have to discard these items). The card’s text remains in effect while the shadow is present at Miskatonic University.
• If another shadow appears at the University due to an event, the current shadow is removed and returned to the box. If there are no “Great Old One” cards placed around R’lyeh, nothing noteworthy happens.

Ah, the Witch of Salem, a game that piques my curiosity. Let me tell you, my friend, the rules are quite simple, yet perplexing. Pay close attention, for I shall guide you through this mysterious journey.

First things first, my fellow seeker of knowledge. You must lay your eyes upon all the “Great Old One” cards before Necron sets foot in the demon field nestled in the corner of the board. Picture this – if you fail to do so, the game is lost, and we don’t want that, do we? Nay, we must triumph!

Now, let us talk about R’lyeh, a name that echoes with cosmic secrets. This forbidden city holds immense power, but tread carefully as you delve into its mysteries. Brace yourself, for the path ahead is not for the faint-hearted.

Remember, dear friend, the importance of comprehending R’lyeh’s dark magic. By deciphering its enigmatic forces, you gain the upper hand in this perilous escapade. Allow me to impart some wisdom to aid you on this treacherous journey.

Sincerely,

Your guide on this arcane voyage



Once you uncover the card from R’lyeh, you’ll know which “Great Old One” needs to be banned. Keep in mind that the effects of the card only apply if it’s face-up and the corresponding “Great Old One” isn’t already being banned.

To secure victory, someone must make their way to R’lyeh and ban the designated “Great Old One.” Until that happens, the portal at Miskatonic University cannot be closed.

To journey to R’lyeh, there are a few steps you need to follow. First, play your secret passage card (remember to lose a sanity in the process). Then, position your game piece on the banning space in R’lyeh. Lastly, make sure you have the required items listed on the “Great Old One” card. No need to roll the die when traveling to R’lyeh.

Important: In the case of Cthulhu, you’ll need three identical items. However, for Dagon, three different items are required.

When You Lose Your Sanity

Have you ever felt like your brain was about to explode? Like you just couldn’t handle any more stress or pressure? It’s a feeling I know all too well. When you reach that breaking point, it’s like your sanity drops to 0. You’re left feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, and desperate for relief.

The thing is, losing your sanity is a part of life. We all experience moments of intense stress or emotional turmoil that can push us to the edge. It’s normal to feel like you’re on the brink of losing control.

But losing your sanity can also be a wake-up call. It’s a sign that something needs to change. It’s an opportunity to reassess your priorities, establish healthier boundaries, and seek support from those around you.

When your sanity drops to 0, it’s important to take a step back and evaluate your situation. Ask yourself: What is causing me to feel this way? Is it external pressures, internal expectations, or a combination of both? Identifying the root causes of your stress can help you develop a plan for managing it.

Next, it’s crucial to prioritize self-care. This might mean taking a break from certain obligations, setting aside time for relaxation and hobbies, or seeking professional help if needed. Taking care of your mental and emotional well-being is essential for restoring your sanity.

Remember, losing your sanity is not a permanent state. It’s a temporary setback that can be overcome with time and effort. By focusing on self-care and seeking support, you can gradually rebuild your mental resilience and regain your sense of balance.

So, if you ever find yourself on the verge of losing your sanity, don’t panic. Instead, view it as an opportunity for growth and transformation. Embrace the challenge and take the necessary steps to restore your well-being. You have the power to bounce back and emerge stronger than ever.



If your sanity ever drops to 0, you’re toast. That means you’ve been driven insane and you’re out of the game, and your equipment goes bye-bye.

Game Over

There are a bunch of ways to lose this game, but only one way to win.

You lose if:

• Necron gets to the demon space on the track before the “Great Old One” in R’lyeh is revealed.
• Necron reaches the dimension rift at the end of the track.
• Everyone else but you gets eliminated by having their sanity reduced to 0. You can’t close the portal at Miskatonic University by yourself (someone has to banish the “Great Old One”).

You win as soon as the “Great Old One” gets banned and all the portals are closed. That assumes you didn’t mess up and accidentally open a portal by putting an artifact where there’s a wall.

Once we seal the portal at Miskatonic University, it’s time to check if we’ve successfully closed all the other portals too. Let’s reveal all the portal tiles and make sure each one has been closed using the correct artifact, with no artifacts misplaced.

If we manage to close every single portal and no new ones have opened up, that means we’ve won. But if there are still open portals or new ones have appeared, then we’ve lost the game.

Now, Let’s Talk Scores

If you’d like, we can calculate your overall success. First, count how many spaces are left on the Necron track.

Next, add up the total number of items, including artifacts and non-artifacts, as well as the sanity of each player. That final number will be your score.

Ready for More Challenge?

• On higher difficulties, players start with only 5 or 4 sanity.
• The Necron track begins 3 spaces further along.
• Remove one pair of creatures from the creature deck.

Playing Together as a Team