Game Overview
Blood on the Clocktower, a captivating social deduction game created by Steven Medway and published by The Pandemonium Institute, immerses players in a gripping narrative where good and evil clash.
This game has a player count ranging from 5 to 20, pitting an informed minority of evil players against an uninformed majority striving to uphold justice in a game of mystery, logic, and deduction.
At its core, this bluffing game shares mechanics with the classic game of Mafia, dividing participants into two opposing teams:
- The nefarious evil team comprising a central “demon” figure and supporting “minions,”
- and the virtuous good team consisting of townsfolk and outsiders
Each player is secretly assigned a unique role, complete with distinct abilities, and must strategically employ their skills to aid their respective team in this game of social deception.
The strategic depth of Blood on the Clocktower will keep you engaged and challenged as you navigate the intricate web of alliances and betrayals.
Game Setup
Before the game commences, the Storyteller, a pivotal role tasked with guiding the narrative, selects a specific “script” or cast of characters from the available options. These scripts, typically featuring 22 to 25 distinct characters, determine which roles will be in play for the current game session.
The Storyteller’s role is to not just to narrate the game but also to introduce twists, provide misinformation, and keep the social game engaging and unpredictable.
The Storyteller is the master of ceremonies, orchestrating the game’s narrative and ensuring that each player’s unique abilities and the game’s mechanics are utilised to their fullest potential.
The good team comprises two main factions: the Townsfolk, whose abilities benefit the forces of good, and the Outsiders, whose powers can potentially cause board game trouble.
Conversely, the evil team consists of the Minions, supporting the demon with abilities designed to undermine the good team, and the demon, possessing the power to commit murder during the night phase. The number of Minions and Outsiders present depends on the total number of participants.
In instances where a player may need to leave early or join late, they can assume the role of a Traveller, a unique character with specialised abilities that can align with either the good or evil team. The Traveller’s role is to balance the game by adapting to the needs of the team they join, making their role crucial in maintaining the game’s balance and unpredictability.
The Traveller’s ability to switch teams and adapt to different strategies adds an extra layer of complexity and excitement to the game.
Gameplay Phases
Blood on the Clocktower unfolds through two distinct and engaging phases: the night phase, where players must remain silent and the Storyteller guides them through specific actions, and the day phase, where players awaken and engage in open discussions, exchanging information and strategising.
This unique gameplay structure adds an immersive and interactive element to the game, keeping players engaged and connected throughout.
Night Phase
During the night phase, players must remain silent, their eyes closed, as the Storyteller awakens them one by one to perform specific actions or gather crucial information. The Storyteller may deliberately misinform players deemed “drunk” or “poisoned” by the game’s mechanics, adding to the mystery.
On the first night, the Minions and the Demon learn of each other’s identities, laying the groundwork for their nefarious collaboration. The demon may consult the Grimoire, a book about the other players’ roles.
Day Phase
As daylight breaks, players awaken and engage in open discussions, exchanging information and strategising. They can converse privately or participate in public deliberations within the “Town Square.”
The good players must employ their social deduction skills and collective knowledge to identify the evil players. In contrast, the evil team members can spread misinformation and engage in bluffing to sow confusion and suspicion among the good team.
Notably, even eliminated players remain active participants, able to contribute to discussions as ghosts, ensuring their continued influence on the game’s outcome.
After a period determined by the Storyteller, all players convene in the Town Square, where they can nominate suspected players for execution.
Using voting tokens, a majority vote determines who will be executed, with deceased players retaining a single vote for the remainder of the game. In most cases, the game concludes when either the demon is executed, securing victory for the good team, or only two living players remain, granting triumph to the evil team.
Official Scripts
Currently, The Pandemonium Institute offers three official scripts, each introducing its unique set of roles and mechanics:
- “Trouble Brewing”
- “Sects & Violets”
- “Bad Moon Rising”
Additionally, The Pandemonium Institute is developing an app version of the Town Square, currently in early access, to enhance the Blood on the Clocktower online gameplay experience further.
Reception and Acclaim
Blood on the Clocktower has garnered widespread acclaim and recognition within the gaming community. Its successful Kickstarter campaign in 2018, managed by Fabled Creative, raised over $570,000, surpassing its initial goal of $65,000, a testament to the game’s anticipation and popularity and the game’s quality.
Blood on the Clocktower was showcased during its development phase at various conventions and expos, including PAX 2018 and UK Games Expo 2018. This further fueled excitement for this Blood on the Clocktower UK hit. In 2022, the game was even adapted into a comedy show at the Old Red Lion Theatre in London, England.
Renowned gaming publications and critics have lavished praise on Blood on the Clocktower. Quintin Smith of Shut Up & Sit Down proclaimed it his “favourite game” in a video review during the Kickstarter campaign.
Wargamer hailed it as the “all-round best social deduction game,” commending its ability to address and resolve common issues within the genre.
Vanessa McGinnis and Charlie Hall of Polygon listed Blood on the Clocktower among “the best board games we played in 2023. “McGinnis emphasised the game’s capacity to generate unique and exciting stories during each playthrough, distinguishing it as a truly special experience.
Alex Hern of The Guardian aptly described Blood on the Clocktower as “the Ulysses of the board games world,” acknowledging its complexity and longevity while recognising its status as a must-experience game for enthusiasts.
In 2022, Tabletop Gaming awarded Blood on the Clocktower the “Best Party Game” award, with editor Christopher Eggett praising its enjoyable gameplay and remarkable longevity due to the multitude of roles and setups available.
Key Features
Variable Roles and Abilities
The game’s unique roles and abilities will keep you on the edge of your seat, eager to discover what each player brings to the table. The unpredictability of Blood on the Clocktower will keep you excited and intrigued, as you never know what twists and turns the game might take.
Storyteller-Driven Narrative
The Storyteller assumes a pivotal role in Blood on the Clocktower, meticulously guiding the narrative and infusing the game with elements of surprise and suspense. TheClocktower storytelling abilities are instrumental in creating a truly immersive and captivating experience for all participants in the quaint town of Ravenswood Bluff.
Hidden Identities and Social Deduction
At the heart of Blood on the Clocktower lies the challenge of deducing the hidden identities of fellow players. Participants must employ their deduction skills to discern who can be trusted and who may harbour sinister intentions, adding an extra layer of intrigue and suspense to the gameplay.
Ghostly Persistence
Even after being eliminated, players can continue influencing the game’s outcome by assuming the role of ghosts. This unique mechanic ensures that all players remain engaged and invested in the narrative until the very end, fostering a sense of collective storytelling and shared experience.
Blood on the Clocktower
Clocktower offers a unique and captivating twist on the social deduction genre, fostering intense social interaction and storytelling through its highly interactive and dynamic gameplay.
With its rich narrative, diverse character roles, and engaging mechanics, this game provides an immersive and replayable experience for groups of 10 or more players.
While the game’s reliance on a skilled Storyteller and the potential for strong personalities to dominate the narrative may present challenges, its overall strengths, including its high replayability, engaging social experience, and strong thematic atmosphere, make it a standout choice for those seeking a truly memorable and engaging gaming experience.
Whether you’re a seasoned social deduction enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, Blood on the Clocktower promises to captivate and challenge you, inviting you to immerse yourself in a world where deception, cunning, and camaraderie intertwine in a thrilling battle between good and evil.
So gather your friends, head to the Treehouse board game café or your favourite clock tower cafe, and prepare for an unforgettable adventure in Blood on the Clocktower.
Frequently asked questions about Blood on the Clocktower:
How long does it take to play Blood on the Clocktower?
The playtime for a game of Blood on the Clocktower can vary depending on several factors, including the number of players, their familiarity with the game, and the complexity of the chosen script (scenario). However, here are some general guidelines:
• Shorter Games (6-8 players):
These games typically take around 30 to 60 minutes. With fewer players, there are fewer discussions and accusations, so the game moves more quickly.
• Medium Games (9-12 players): These games usually take around 60 to 90 minutes. The discussions become more complex with more players, and there are more opportunities for strategy and deception.
• Larger Games (13+ players): These games can take anywhere from 90 minutes to 2 hours or more. With a larger number of players, there are more roles, more potential for bluffing, and more time spent discussing and debating who the demon might be.
Additionally, if players are new to the game or if it’s a particularly strategic or intense session, the game could take longer. The open discussion nature of the game means there isn’t a strict timer, so games can vary in length depending on how much time players spend debating and strategising.
How is Blood on the Clocktower different from Werewolf?
Blood on the Clocktower and Werewolf (also known as Mafia) are both social deduction games where players are assigned secret roles and must work together to uncover hidden threats among them.
However, there are several key differences that set Blood on the Clocktower apart from Werewolf:
1. Player Elimination
• Werewolf: Player elimination is a core part of the game. Once a player is killed, they are out and can no longer participate in discussions or influence the game.
• Blood on the Clocktower: There is no player elimination in the traditional sense. Even after a player “dies,” they continue to participate in discussions and can even influence the game in various ways, such as voting during the day. Dead players receive a limited number of “ghost votes” to use strategically.
This keeps all players engaged throughout the entire game.
2. Night Phase and Information Gathering
• Werewolf: The night phase involves werewolves secretly choosing a player to kill, while other roles (like the Seer) may gather limited information. The information revealed is often minimal, and much of the game relies on social dynamics and deduction.
• Blood on the Clocktower: The game is more information-rich. Many roles are designed to gather information or manipulate the game state in creative ways. Players receive new information regularly, which keeps the game dynamic and provides more strategic options.
3. Game Master Role
• Werewolf: There is typically a narrator or moderator who facilitates the game, but their role is mainly limited to announcing day and night phases and reporting on the results of the werewolves’ actions.
• Blood on the Clocktower: The Storyteller plays a much more active and integral role. They oversee the game, manage the various abilities of characters, and can even provide misinformation to balance the game or create interesting situations. The Storyteller is a participant in the game’s strategy and often tailors the experience to ensure it remains fun and engaging.
4. Bluffing and Role Flexibility
• Werewolf: The roles are often straightforward, and bluffing is typically limited to claiming a different role or pretending to be a regular villager.
• Blood on the Clocktower: Bluffing and deception are more nuanced. The game includes a wide variety of roles, and even evil players (like the demon and their minions) are given the knowledge of some good roles they can bluff as. Good players, too, might bluff as different roles for various strategic reasons, making the social dynamics and bluffing elements more complex.
5. Death and Resurrection Mechanics
• Werewolf: Once players are killed by the werewolves or executed by the village, they are out of the game until a new game starts.
• Blood on the Clocktower: There are roles and mechanics that can bring players back to life or otherwise allow them to remain active even after death. This adds a layer of strategy and unpredictability, as the state of the game can change dramatically.
6. Complexity and Variety of Roles
• Werewolf: The game typically has a few core roles (e.g., Werewolf, Villager, Seer) with some variations in advanced versions.
• Blood on the Clocktower: The game includes a wide variety of unique roles with complex abilities. Each script has a mix of different roles that can dramatically alter the game dynamics. There are also different scenarios or “scripts” that offer different sets of roles and balance, allowing for a highly customisable experience.
7. Game Atmosphere and Design
• Werewolf: The game is often played quickly with a light atmosphere, focusing on simple bluffing and deduction.
• Blood on the Clocktower: The design encourages a more immersive and theatrical experience. The Storyteller’s role, the rich lore behind each script, and the emphasis on keeping all players engaged contribute to a more narrative-driven and thematic experience.
8. Rule Customisation and Storyteller Influence
• Werewolf: The rules are relatively fixed, and the moderator’s role is to enforce them strictly.
• Blood on the Clocktower: The Storyteller can adjust rules on the fly to maintain game balance and enhance enjoyment, including providing or withholding information, or making rule adjustments to fit the needs of the game. This flexibility allows the game to cater to different group dynamics and preferences.
In Summary:
While Blood on the Clocktower shares its social deduction roots with Werewolf, it distinguishes itself by focusing on continuous player engagement, a rich set of information-gathering mechanics, diverse and complex roles, and a more active Game Master role. These elements combine to create a game experience that is more strategic, dynamic, and immersive compared to the more straightforward and player-eliminating nature of Werewolf.
Is Blood on the Clocktower replayable?
Yes, Blood on the Clocktower is highly replayable! Several factors contribute to its replayability, and it is designed for high replayability, offering a fresh experience with every playthrough. The variety of scripts, diverse roles, dynamic player interactions, and the influence of the Storyteller all combine to create a game that remains exciting and engaging, no matter how many times you play it.
What is the minimum number of players for Blood on the Clocktower?
The minimum number of players required to play Blood on the Clocktower is 5 players. This includes:
• 1 Storyteller (who acts as the game master and does not play a character role)
• 4 players who are assigned roles within the game (such as good and evil characters).
Breakdown for a 5-Player Game:
1. Storyteller: The game master who manages the flow of the game, assigns roles, handles abilities, and provides or withholds information to balance the game.
2. 4 Active Players: These players will be divided into:
• 1 Demon (the main antagonist)
• 1 Minion (if using a script that includes minions)
• 2 Good Players (such as Villagers with unique abilities)
With this setup, the game can still maintain its core elements of deduction, bluffing, and strategy, though with a more straightforward gameplay experience compared to larger player counts.
Larger groups (6-20+ players) allow for more complex strategies, more roles, and a richer game experience, but the game is still playable and enjoyable with a minimum number of 5 participants.
How popular is Blood on the Clocktower?
Blood on the Clocktower has become quite popular within the board gaming and social deduction communities since its release. Several factors contribute to its popularity:
1. Community and Fan Base
• Blood on the Clocktower has garnered a dedicated fan base and active community, both online and offline. The game has been featured in board game cafes, conventions, and game stores worldwide, often drawing crowds for its interactive and engaging gameplay.
• Online communities on platforms like Discord, Reddit, and BoardGameGeek are vibrant, with players frequently discussing strategies, creating custom scripts, and organising online games.
The game has a strong following in these communities, indicating its widespread appeal and engagement.
2. Critical Acclaim and Reviews
• The game has received positive reviews from board game critics and influencers. It is often praised for its innovative take on the social deduction genre, particularly its unique mechanics, engaging role variety, and the Storyteller’s influence, which keeps every game fresh and dynamic.
• On BoardGameGeek, a well-respected board gaming website, Blood on the Clocktower has high ratings and is frequently discussed, indicating its popularity and the community’s engagement with the game. It has a BoardGameGeek rating of around 8.6 out of 10, based on thousands of ratings, which is considered very high in the board game community.
3. Presence at Conventions and Events
• Blood on the Clocktower has been prominently featured at major board game conventions like Gen Con, Origins Game Fair, and UK Games Expo. At these events, it often attracts large crowds, and tables hosting the game are consistently filled with eager participants.
• The game is popular in live streaming and YouTube videos, where groups of players play it in front of an audience, showcasing its appeal to both players and viewers. These videos have helped spread awareness and increased its popularity.
4. Word-of-Mouth and Social Nature
• The social and interactive nature of Blood on the Clocktower makes it ideal for groups of friends or game nights, and word-of-mouth has been a significant factor in its popularity. The game’s unique approach – where no one is ever eliminated entirely, and everyone stays engaged – has set it apart from other social deduction games like Werewolf or Mafia.
• Players often recommend the game to others due to its engaging mechanics and the depth of strategy and social interaction it offers.
5. Successful Kickstarter Campaign
• Blood on the Clocktower was launched through a successful Kickstarter campaign, which raised over $500,000 from more than 4,000 backers. The strong backing from the community even before its official release demonstrated significant interest and anticipation for the game.
• The game’s successful funding and subsequent delivery have helped maintain its momentum and popularity.
6. Availability and Distribution
• While the game is available in many regions, its popularity has led to rapid sellouts in some cases, indicating high demand. It is also frequently sought after by board game stores and cafes, which often feature it as a centrepiece game due to its ability to accommodate large groups and provide an engaging experience.
7. Replayability and Customisation
• The game’s high replayability, variety of roles, and customisation options (such as different scripts and custom roles) contribute to its sustained popularity. The ability for each game session to feel unique keeps players returning for more.
Conclusion
Blood on the Clocktower is considered a highly popular game within the board gaming and social deduction community. Its innovative mechanics, community support, and presence at conventions and online platforms have helped it gain a strong following. The game’s design, which ensures all players remain engaged throughout the session, sets it apart from other social deduction games, contributing to its continued popularity and widespread appeal.
What is the best player count for Blood on the Clocktower?
The best player count for Blood on the Clocktower generally falls in the range of 7 to 15 players. This range is considered optimal because it offers a balance of strategic depth, role diversity, and engaging social dynamics while still being manageable for both the players and the Storyteller (the game master).
Reasons Why 7 to 15 Players is Optimal:
Balanced Role Distribution:
• With 7 to 15 players, there is a good mix of good and evil roles, providing enough variety and strategic opportunities for both teams.
• The Storyteller has the flexibility to include a broad range of characters, allowing for interesting interactions and strategies without overwhelming the players with too many roles to keep track of.
Engaging Social Dynamics:
• This player count allows for meaningful discussions and debates during the day phase. Players have enough time to speak and share their suspicions, which is crucial for social deduction.
• The number of players is sufficient to create a dynamic social environment with alliances, betrayals, and bluffing, which are core to the fun of Blood on the Clocktower.
Manageable Complexity:
• With fewer than 7 players, the game can feel too simple or predictable, lacking the depth and diversity that make Blood on the Clocktower engaging.
• With more than 15 players, the game can become more challenging to manage, especially for the Storyteller, who must keep track of numerous abilities,
interactions, and game states. Additionally, discussions can become lengthy, potentially slowing down the pace of the game.
Involvement and Engagement:
• Every player has a meaningful role and an opportunity to impact the game’s outcome. With 7 to 15 players, there are fewer risks of players feeling left out or their contributions being diluted among a very large group.
• Even if a player “dies,” they remain engaged with ghost votes and can still influence discussions, ensuring a more interactive and inclusive experience.
Replayability and Variability:
• This range allows for a good variety of scripts and roles to be used, enhancing the game’s replayability. Each game can feature different roles and strategies, keeping the experience fresh and exciting for returning players.
While Blood on the Clocktower can technically be played with as few as 5 and as many as 20+ players, the sweet spot is generally around 7 to 15 players. This range provides a balanced, engaging, and dynamic experience that captures the essence of the game’s social deduction and strategic elements while being manageable and fun for all participants.
How does Blood on the Clocktower end?
Blood on the Clocktower ends when one of two conditions is met, resulting in a victory for either the good team or the evil team. The ending is dictated by the game’s rules and the objectives of each team:
1. Victory Conditions for the Good Team
The good team (villagers) wins when:
• The Demon is Executed: The good team successfully identifies and executes the demon during the day phase. This can happen at any point in the game, even if other evil players (minions) remain alive. If the demon is executed by the vote of the town, the game ends immediately, and the good team wins.
2. Victory Conditions for the Evil Team
The evil team (Demon and minions) wins when:
• There are Only Two Players Left Alive: The game reaches a point where only two players are left alive, regardless of whether those two players are both good, both evil or one of each. In this scenario, the demon remains hidden, and the evil team wins. This condition assumes the demon is one of the two players left alive, as the game would have ended in favour of the good team if the demon had been executed.
• Other Script-Specific Conditions: Depending on the script being used (such as “Sects & Violets” or “Bad Moon Rising”), there might be unique abilities or conditions that can lead to an evil victory. These are rare and usually revolve around the special abilities of certain characters or specific game states as dictated by the Storyteller.
Key Points About How the Game Ends
• Continuous Player Engagement: Unlike other social deduction games, in Blood on the Clocktower, even dead players remain active participants. Dead players can still contribute to discussions and vote (using their single ghost vote), which keeps everyone engaged until the very end.
• Dynamic Ending Scenarios: Because the game can end in multiple ways (either by execution of the demon or by reducing the number of players alive to two), there is always a dynamic tension as players try to deduce who the demon is or bluff to protect the demon if they are on the evil team.
• Role of the Storyteller: The Storyteller oversees the game and announces the end when one of the win conditions is met. They manage the flow of the game, control the information available to players, and ensure that all players remain engaged and entertained until the end.
• Surprise and Deception: Due to the game’s structure and role abilities, the end of the game can often come as a surprise. The good team might think they are close to victory, only for the game to end in favour of the evil team, or vice versa. This unpredictability is a core feature of the game’s excitement.
Conclusion
Blood on the Clocktower ends when either the good team successfully executes the demon, or the evil team reduces the number of players alive to two, with the demon still among them. The game is designed to keep all players engaged and involved until the very end, with a high level of strategy, bluffing, and deduction contributing to the final outcome.
Can I play Blood on the Clocktower at Draughts London?
Yes! To play Blood on the Clocktower at Draughts London, you’re in for a unique and immersive experience. Draughts London is a premier board game cafe with locations in Waterloo and Hackney, offering a welcoming atmosphere for both casual and hardcore board game enthusiasts. With a library of over 1,000 games, Draughts London provides the perfect setting to dive into a social deduction game like Blood on the Clocktower, known for its dynamic interactions and engaging gameplay.
When planning to play Blood on the Clocktower at Draughts, it’s best to make a reservation in advance. Draughts London is a popular spot, especially on evenings and weekends, so booking a table ensures you have a designated space for your game session. You can easily make a reservation through their website or by calling the Draughts directly.
Draughts offers a cosy and vibrant environment with ample seating and large tables ideal for groups looking to engage in an intense game of social deception and strategy. The staff are knowledgeable about a wide range of board games and are often available to help set up games or clarify rules, which is particularly helpful if you’re introducing new players to Blood on the Clocktower.
Draughts London has a lively and interactive ambience deal for a game like Blood on the Clocktower, where the energy of the group and the atmosphere can significantly enhance the overall experience.
The game is best played with a larger group, ideally between 7 to 15 players, which is perfect for gatherings at Draughts, where you can invite friends or even meet new players interested in joining.
Draughts London also offers a variety of food and drink options to keep everyone refreshed throughout the game. With a menu featuring snacks, meals, craft beers, and cocktails, you can enjoy great food and drink while you play, adding to the enjoyment of your game night.
The relaxed yet bustling atmosphere of Draughts complements the social and engaging nature of Blood on the Clocktower, making it an ideal location for both seasoned players and newcomers to the game.
Overall, playing Blood on the Clocktower at Draughts London provides a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in an engaging social deduction experience within a community of like-minded board game enthusiasts. Whether you’re strategising as the demon, bluffing as a minion, or sleuthing as a villager, Draughts London’s vibrant environment enhances the thrill and enjoyment of the game. Don’t forget to check our events calendar, as Draughts often hosts themed nights and special events that might coincide with your gaming session, adding an extra layer of fun to your visit.
