Blood on the Clocktower
- Designer Steven Medway
- Publisher The Pandemonium Institute , A-Z kiadó , Bumble3ee Interactive , Fox in the Box , Funtails
- Illustration Micaela Dawn , Aidan Roberts , John VanFleet , Grace VanFleet
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Start for freeWhat to Expect
You play in Ravenswood Bluff where a Demon kills at night and masquerades as townsfolk by day. A Storyteller moderates alternating day discussions and night information phases: players whisper, accuse, and are woken one-by-one for effects. Characters have unique abilities and eliminated players remain active as ghosts. The game blends Hidden Roles, Deduction and Betting and Bluffing in extended, social sessions.
Who Is This Game For?
Designed for large groups and party nights, not small tabletop duos. The min age of 15 and the social complexity make it better suited to experienced players and fans of social deduction rather than families with young children.
How It Works
A Storyteller conducts the game; during day players discuss and vote, during night the Storyteller wakes players individually to trigger abilities or gather information. Core mechanics include Hidden Roles, Deduction and Betting and Bluffing, with Negotiation and Prisoner's Dilemma shaping player interaction. The game relies on role-based information and moderation rather than a traditional board.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Steven Medway. Blood on the Clocktower retools Werewolf/Mafia conventions with an active Storyteller and persistent player roles. In 2022 it received multiple nominations including Golden Geek Best Party Game (2022) and Board Game Quest Awards Best Game from a Small Publisher (2022). The Storyteller-driven structure and ghost mechanic distinguish it in the social-deduction genre.
Awards
2022
- 2022 Board Game Quest Awards Best Game from a Small Publisher — Nominated
Pro
- Intense social interaction via Hidden Roles and Negotiation
- Storyteller system enables dynamic, moderated play
- Eliminated players can continue as ghosts
- Scales to large groups (up to 21 players)
Contra
- Long playtime (~120 minutes) requires commitment
- High burden on the Storyteller for moderation
- Not ideal for very small or inexperienced groups
Setting & Atmosphäre
Set in the fictional village of Ravenswood Bluff around a clocktower murder mystery. The theme leans on murder/mystery and social-deduction tropes.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Join a game with an experienced Storyteller and focus on listening during day phases; learn roles gradually.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
No. The game requires multiple players and a Storyteller; player count is 6–21.
How long does a game really take?
Duration is listed as about 120 minutes; setup, explanations and discussions can extend that.
What prior experience do I need?
Familiarity with social-deduction titles helps; the game suits experienced players and party groups.
How does this compare to similar games?
Compared to Werewolf/Mafia, it centers a Storyteller and keeps eliminated players engaged as ghosts.
Is this suitable for families?
With a min age of 15 and social complexity, it's better for older teens and adults than young families.
What mechanic makes it special?
The combination of Hidden Roles, Deduction and Betting and Bluffing with a Storyteller-driven flow is central.
Fazit
Great for large groups that enjoy psychological bluffing and moderated play. Less suitable for small or time-pressed groups.
