Red Scare!

Origin This is an adaptation of a game originally played in the Soviet Union. It is sometimes known in other countries as “Mafia” or “Werewolves.” It has been adapted here to reflect the paranoia of the era of McCarthyism in the United States.

Rules Print the slides containing the names of the roles. Each player should read his or her role silently. No player should ever reveal his or her role unless he/she is “neutralized.” The Moderator Says: “All players go undercover for a secret operation and close their eyes.” “The spies open their eyes, recognize one another, and choose an agent to neutralize (kill).” The spies silently point to one agent. They must all agree upon the victim, or no one is neutralized during this operation. “The spies go back undercover and close their eyes.” “The medic opens his eyes, and I’ll show you the agent who was neutralized tonight.” Point to the agent. “Would you like to use your power to heal this agent?” “The secret operation is over. Everyone returns to Washington, D.C…. Everyone, that is, except for (name of the agent neutralized).” That player is now out of the game. “The agency must meet and decide which of their own is a spy.” After the players discuss, they vote by pointing a finger at the person they think is a spy. Whichever player is the subject of the most votes is neutralized. Start over at step 1 until either all spies or all agents have been neutralized.

Game Roles Agent – A spy hunter for the United States government. Your job is to root out all the spies and neutralize them. Spy – A U.S. government agent who is secretly funneling national security secrets to the Soviet Union. Your job is to avoid detection by neutralizing the agents. Special Roles Joseph McCarthy – A powerful U.S. senator who claims to know the identity of Soviet spies. You may vote twice in the agency meeting (use both hands to point instead of just one). This role is awarded at the beginning of the game by vote of all the players, or by selection of the moderator. For the sake of retaining anonymity, the title of “Joseph McCarthy” may be awarded to any player – agent or spy. The first time McCarthy is neutralized, he does not leave the game. He simply loses his role and becomes an ordinary agent or spy. Agency Medic – This player may use his powers once per game to heal a victim of the spies. This player may use his or her power to heal himself/herself.

Role Mix The number and types of roles assigned will depend upon the number of players. (Note: McCarthy is a role that is assigned in addition to the agent/medic/spy role.) # of Players Medics Agents Spies Ten 0 8 2 Eleven 0 9 2 Twelve 1 8 3 Thirteen 1 9 3 Fourteen 1 10 3 Fifteen 1 11 3 Sixteen 1 12 3 Seventeen 1 13 3 Eighteen 2 12 4 Nineteen 2 13 4 Twenty 2 14 4 Twenty-one 2 15 4 Twenty-two 2 16 4 Twenty-three 2 17 4 Twenty-four 2 17 5 Twenty-five 2 18 5 Twenty-six 2 19 5 Twenty-seven 2 20 5 Twenty-eight 2 21 5 Twenty-nine 2 22 5

Spy! Agent Spy! Agent Spy! Agent Spy! Medic Joseph McCarthy Medic

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