Mystery of the Abbey
Encyclopedia
Mystery of the Abbey is a board game
published by Days of Wonder
where each player plays the role of a monk
seeking to solve a murder in an abbey along the lines of The Name of the Rose
. The game is similar to Cluedo
in that the objective is to identify a murderer by process of elimination by moving from room to room in a monastery
and asking questions of other players in order to force them to reveal information that will disqualify potential suspects.
Unlike Cluedo
, a player, on his turn, can ask any question to any player provided the response would not include a suspect's name. The person being asked the question may choose to answer or otherwise refuse by putting a finger to his lips (i.e taking a vow of silence). If the player does elect to answer the question, he then has the right to immediately ask his own question to the first player.
Players use the suspects' characteristics to help identify the murderer. The 24 suspects are differentiated by their association with one of three monastic orders (Franciscan, Benedictine and Templar), their title (Father, Brother and Novice), whether or not they are wearing a hood, whether or not they have a beard, and whether they are fat or thin.
Game rules, special cards and other elements are designed around the theme of the monastery and monastic life. Although most of these can directly impact the outcome of the game, some are intended to simply add an element of fun and atmosphere (for example, one card calls for all questions in the next round to be asked in Gregorian chant).
Board game
A board game is a game which involves counters or pieces being moved on a pre-marked surface or "board", according to a set of rules. Games may be based on pure strategy, chance or a mixture of the two, and usually have a goal which a player aims to achieve...
published by Days of Wonder
Days of Wonder
Days of Wonder is a board game publisher based in the United States and France. Founded in 2002, Days of Wonder distributes its games to 25 countries. It specialises in German-style board games and have branched out to include some online games. Days of Wonder has published games in English,...
where each player plays the role of a monk
Monk
A monk is a person who practices religious asceticism, living either alone or with any number of monks, while always maintaining some degree of physical separation from those not sharing the same purpose...
seeking to solve a murder in an abbey along the lines of The Name of the Rose
The Name of the Rose
The Name of the Rose is the first novel by Italian author Umberto Eco. It is a historical murder mystery set in an Italian monastery in the year 1327, an intellectual mystery combining semiotics in fiction, biblical analysis, medieval studies and literary theory...
. The game is similar to Cluedo
Cluedo
Cluedo is a popular murder/mystery-themed deduction board game originally published by Waddingtons in Leeds, England in 1949. It was devised by Anthony E. Pratt, a solicitor's clerk from Birmingham, England. It is now published by the United States game and toy company Hasbro, which acquired its U.S...
in that the objective is to identify a murderer by process of elimination by moving from room to room in a monastery
Monastery
Monastery denotes the building, or complex of buildings, that houses a room reserved for prayer as well as the domestic quarters and workplace of monastics, whether monks or nuns, and whether living in community or alone .Monasteries may vary greatly in size – a small dwelling accommodating only...
and asking questions of other players in order to force them to reveal information that will disqualify potential suspects.
Unlike Cluedo
Cluedo
Cluedo is a popular murder/mystery-themed deduction board game originally published by Waddingtons in Leeds, England in 1949. It was devised by Anthony E. Pratt, a solicitor's clerk from Birmingham, England. It is now published by the United States game and toy company Hasbro, which acquired its U.S...
, a player, on his turn, can ask any question to any player provided the response would not include a suspect's name. The person being asked the question may choose to answer or otherwise refuse by putting a finger to his lips (i.e taking a vow of silence). If the player does elect to answer the question, he then has the right to immediately ask his own question to the first player.
Players use the suspects' characteristics to help identify the murderer. The 24 suspects are differentiated by their association with one of three monastic orders (Franciscan, Benedictine and Templar), their title (Father, Brother and Novice), whether or not they are wearing a hood, whether or not they have a beard, and whether they are fat or thin.
Game rules, special cards and other elements are designed around the theme of the monastery and monastic life. Although most of these can directly impact the outcome of the game, some are intended to simply add an element of fun and atmosphere (for example, one card calls for all questions in the next round to be asked in Gregorian chant).
External links
- Mystery of the Abbey website at Days of WonderDays of WonderDays of Wonder is a board game publisher based in the United States and France. Founded in 2002, Days of Wonder distributes its games to 25 countries. It specialises in German-style board games and have branched out to include some online games. Days of Wonder has published games in English,...