New Salem: The Essence

It is the late 17th century in Salem, Massachusetts where witches walk unseen among the Puritans. One by one, virtue gives way to suspicion, fear, and a creeping darkness that threatens to consume the town. Refusing to watch Salem fall, you and a handful of trusted citizens journey beyond its borders to found a shining new community: New Salem. But as this new town is constructed, you can feel the same evil that festered in Salem creeping into its foundation as well. Even some of your trusted founders seem to be spreading despair. But are their selfish acts based on greed or something more sinister? If darkness gains too great a foothold, the curse that doomed Salem will consume New Salem, and your refuge will become another stronghold for the witches. You are a founder of New Salem. Each round, you will vote for the Buildings you would like to be built in town. You will earn points for some Buildings, but most will also add some amount of Despair to New Salem as well. The Constable, a rotating position, will cast judgement on one of the founders declaring whether they think they can be trusted or not. You also will have an Event you can play at some point in the game, which will allow you to tilt the game in your personal and/or team’s favor. If there is enough Despair in the town by the end of the game, the Witch with the most points wins. Otherwise the Puritan with the most points wins. It plays 3-8 players in about 30 minutes. —description from the publisher