John Barleycorn Must Die
Micro-game for three players
Every year, fae entity John Barleycorn blights the fields of your small hamlet. Every year, three brave hedgewitch wardens must slay him to save the crop for the year to come. Every year, John Barleycorn seems more terrible and warped than before. This year, the duty of protecting your people has fallen upon you.
DECLARATION
You recall the atrocities John Barleycorn has committed upon your people and your home in years past. Take turns declaring how John Barleycorn’s deeds have affected you personally, and therefore why you shall kill John Barleycorn.
DUTY
The elders have prepared you for this moment. Each answer one question: What magic have they taught you? What tools have they provided you? What advice have they given you?
DEPARTURE
The sun is setting, and the night of the vernal equinox draws nigh. Each answer one question: What did you do, this last day before your confrontation, during the festival to welcome in the spring? Who sees you off as you head into the fields? Where do you go to await John Barleycorn’s coming?
DESTINATION
The night grows cold. Take turns answering: What heralds John Barleycorn’s coming? How do you react and steel each others’ will? What does John Barleycorn look like?
DESTINY
John Barleycorn is come, vicious as the scythe. Take turns answering: How is he different than you have heard? How does your magic fail you? How does he perish?
Each answer: Do you survive?
Dawn is breaking. The village is safe.