Blood on the Clocktower: how to play, for first-timers
Blood on the Clocktower, by The Pandemonium Institute, is Mafia grown up. A Demon and its Minions hide in a small town; every player has a unique character with an ability, and a Storyteller runs the game and can bend it to keep it close. Dead players stay in the game, keep talking and still get one last vote, so nobody sits out.
It is best learned at a table with an experienced Storyteller. SyncTrip clubs run Clocktower nights in Chandigarh, and newcomers are always welcome.
Teams and roles in Blood on the Clocktower
The deepest social deduction game there is, run by a Storyteller.
Townsfolk (good)
Most players. Each has a helpful ability, like learning information at night.
Outsiders (good)
Good players whose abilities hurt their own team or confuse it.
Minions (evil)
Know the Demon and help it with abilities that spread lies and misinformation.
Demon (evil)
Kills one player most nights. If the Demon dies, good wins.
Storyteller
Runs the game, gives out information at night, and keeps the game balanced and fun.
How to play Blood on the Clocktower
The Storyteller deals each player a secret character from a script. The starter script, Trouble Brewing, is the one to learn on.
Night: players close their eyes. The Storyteller wakes characters one by one to use their abilities and give them information; the Demon chooses a victim.
Day: players talk in groups, swap claims and hunt for the Demon. Remember, Minions and some good characters may be fed false information.
Nominations: players nominate and vote to execute. If the votes reach at least half of the living players, the top-voted player is executed at the end of the day.
Dead players keep their eyes open and keep talking, and each has a single ghost vote for the rest of the game.
How to win
- Good wins when the Demon is executed or killed.
- Evil wins when only two players are left alive and one of them is the Demon.
Tips for your first game
On your first game, tell people what you learned. Information only helps good if it's shared.
Don't trust anything blindly; the Storyteller and evil players both distort information.
Save your ghost vote for the final day.
Play Blood on the Clocktower with people near you
Upcoming SyncTrip board-game and social deduction nights. Most people come alone.
Game cafés and game nights by city
Blood on the Clocktower: questions people ask
How many players do you need for Blood on the Clocktower?
Five to fifteen players plus a Storyteller, with room for a few more as 'Travellers'. It plays best with eight to twelve.
How long does Blood on the Clocktower take?
Usually one to two hours for a full game, depending on the number of players and how much the table talks.
Where can I play Blood on the Clocktower in India?
SyncTrip clubs host Blood on the Clocktower nights in Chandigarh with an experienced Storyteller. Join the next one on the SyncTrip app; beginners are welcome.
What is Trouble Brewing?
Trouble Brewing is the beginner script in Blood on the Clocktower. It has simpler characters and is what most groups play first.
If you like Blood on the Clocktower, try
Mafia6–15+ players · 20–40 minThe classic party game of lying, accusing and voting people out.
Werewolf6–20 players · 20–45 minHunt the werewolves in your village before they eat everyone.
Secret Hitler5–10 players · ~45 minA tense game of elections, policies and a hidden leader, set in 1930s Germany.