The Witch's Circle

Each of you was closer to the Witch than was wise. Now something has happened to her.

The Witch's Circle is a micro-RPG for 2–6 players. You'll write questions about the Witch and pass them to each other. Answer honestly, or say "I cannot speak of this."

After three rounds and a shared closing question, the torches appear on the hill.

No GM or preparation. You just need paper, pens, and the willingness to share what you remember.

Inspired by For the Queen by Alex Roberts and My Life with Master by Paul Czege.

Created for the 48-Word RPG Jam 2026. Complete game text follows.

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THE WITCH'S CIRCLE

You each knew the Witch.

Go around. Write a question about her, pass it left. Answer honestly or say “I cannot speak of this.”

After three rounds, the youngest writes a closing question. Everyone answers.

Torches on the hill. The villagers are coming. What do you do?

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Play advice and example questions

Keep questions personal, specific, and charged. Ask about moments, choices, favors, debts, and silences. Avoid yes/no questions. Ask “what,” “when,” and “why,” rather than “did you” or “was she.”

You might ask about what the Witch did, what she wanted, what she took, or what she gave. You may also ask about what you did or failed to do.

Example questions:

• What did she ask of you that you never told the others?
• When did you realise knowing her would end badly?
• What did she save you from?
• What did you take from her home?
• Why do the villagers blame her instead of you?
• What lie did you tell about her?

“I cannot speak of this” is always a valid answer. Use it to protect secrets, signal guilt, or mark things too dangerous to name.

When the torches appear, don’t rush. Sit with what’s been said. Let the final decision be shaped by what you now share, and what you still refuse to say.

Credits

• Decorative border and snowflake divider by @alderdoodle
• Circular face illustration  from Heritage Type Alphonse Mucha 03 collection (CC0 1.0)