Witches Among Us: A Trial in Salem Anthony Edit (12/14)

On this Sacrament Day, dusk has fallen over the town of Salem. It is the late hours in the day where the oranges of the setting sun shift into deep blues. From the west quarter near Fairmaid's Hill, a mob approaches while carrying a series of torches, pitchforks and a selection of other rural weapons. You hear chattering from the people as they all headed towards the nearby forest. What do you do? [[Intrigued by the situation, you join the crowd to find out more about the situation up close.->Follow the crowd.]] [[Although you are curious about the growing gathering, you are cautious and choose to observe from a distance.->Observe from a distance.]]

You decide to keep yourself at a distance, but curiosity still drives you to figure out what is happening this evening. While approaching the mob from behind the shade of multiple trees and shrubs, you hear the preaching of some sort of sermon in the distance. At the same time, you see the general store owner watching from his entryway and the tavern owner joining the crowd. [[Get closer to listen to the sermon.->Listen to the preacher.]] [[Approach the storekeeper.]] [[Approach the tavern owner.]]

You walk at a brisk pace to close the distance between you and the crowd. As you approach, you can sense a mix of emotions emanating from various people; Anger. Fear. Excitement. They seem aggressive in nature, but you are still not entirely sure as to why and drives you to know so. [[You continue to follow silently, blending into the crowd.->Listen to the preacher.]] [[You turn to a person walking alongside you, "Excuse me, but what is going on here?"->Approach the tavern owner.]]

The situation does not sit right with you. Especially what the preacher is saying. You follow your instincts. Without a moment's hesitation, you speak out: "What is this? How can you make these accusations against one of our own? One who left the old world to construct a new world of Christian faith like all of you? A woman most, nay all of us, have toiled and prayed beside for entire stay in this land! You are even persecuting her without giving her the chance or ability to provide a rebuttal! How so can you truly believe that she is a witch?!" [[Immediate silence. All eyes fall onto you.->Good luck, bruh. You gon die.]]

You choose to stay hidden, waiting to see how this suspicious trial will turn out. While eavesdropping on the sermon, you briefly overhear the name Bishop mentioned and find out that the prosecution will be continuing the next morning at the Meeting House. In the end, a chill of fear and relief passes over you when the mob departs without paying any mind to your presence. "Could that have been me accused liked that?", you think to yourself. Nonetheless, you feel compelled to see this ominous event through and decide to make your way to the Meeting House the next day. [[Go home and sleep.->Your hide is safe. For now.]]

You approach Stephen Paterson at his establishment's threshold. His face is laced with concern as he watches the hoard pass by. "Good eve, Mr. Paterson. Do you know why all these people are coming this way?" Startled by your presence, Mr. Paterson jumps slightly. "Oh, Miss Esther! You don't need to worry about this. In fact, a young lady like you should not be out of the house with nightfall approaching. You should head on home before you hear about the wi..." His voice trails off mid-sentence, "You should head home. Now! Make haste girl before it is too late." You reply, "I appreciate your concern, sir." [["I will head home with haste and send your regards to my father. Have a good night." ->Leaving Mr. Paterson]] [[" However, to be respectfully frank, I am not afraid of anything. Good night, sir." ->Listen to the preacher.]]

You turn to the gentleman walking to your left and see that it is Mr. Jonathan Williams, the local tavern owner down the street from your father's bakery. "Good evening, Mr. Williams. Do you know what is transpiring here?" Mr. Williams responds, "What are you doing here, Ms. McKinnon. This is no place for a woman! Your sex has not the constitution for a trial of such grave ramifications!" while grabbing your arm to pull you back. [["Unhand me, Mr. Williams! What do you mean by not having the constitution due to being a woman? I am grown and capable of doing what I want!" You force him to let you go and push to the front with vindication.->Listen to the preacher.]]

You arrive home to your father's bakery. Sleep does not come easy. You cannot stop thinking about the accusations of witchcraft. Your few interactions with Bridget Bishop continuously enter your mind. Despite your belief that Bishop is no witch, there remains a small voice of doubt that follows you into your dreams. [[Awaken the next day. ->THE NEXT DAY.]]

The preacher locks his gaze onto your face with emotions flashing across his face; Stunned. Ashamed. Furious. Two minutes of silence pass before the preacher makes a single declaration: "It appears we have other witches in collusion with Bishop!" Gasps are heard from the women watching. The men near you step forward and hold your hands behind your back. "What?" You try to wiggle away. "THIS IS A LIE! Unhand me! Your accusations are baseless! I have never even spoken to this women! I do not have to be an accomplice to know that you are all wrong!" You stare into the preacher's eyes, someone you have trusted for years, as he coldly turns his back to you. [[YOU ARE TAKEN TO PRISON.]]

You see a preacher standing next to a woman whose arms are tied behind her back and a gag stuffed in her mouth. You recognize her as Bridget Bishop, a woman you have encountered in passing in town. The preacher waves his arms as the passion in his voice projects over the crowd; his voice becomes clearer the closer you get. "Good Christians of Salem! We have a dire situation upon us! Our town has been visited by a dreadful outbreak of witchcraft! But fear not for we have captured this witch: One of our own who has sold her soul to the devil!" [["Occasioned by dreadful Witchcraft broke out here a few weeks past, & one Member of this Church and another of Salem upon public examination by Civil Authority vehemently suspected for Shee-Witches, & upon it Committed. This is John 6:70."->Citation: Sermon from Salem]] [[Growing up in the church, you believe what the preacher is saying. You have trusted him to lead you down the right path. Feeling relief from the potential threat, exhaustion overtakes you, and you decide to go home and attend the trial in the morning.->Your hide is safe. For now.]] [[You are angered at his words. You have known Bishop to be a kind woman who is undeserving of this mockery. You hold your tongue but continue to blend in with the crowd.->Hold your tongue.]] [[You are filled with righteous fury and speak out against the preacher.->Speak out against the preacher.]]

Your name is Esther McKinnon. You are a young woman, a daughter of the town baker. Born and raised in Salem, Massachusetts, you are currently 17 years of age in the year of our Lord 1692. Lately, there have been whispers amongst the town folk of a suspicious uproar of witchery and black magic, the likes of which has never been seen before. [[YOUR JOURNEY BEGINS.->Introduction to Salem.]]

Having had enough excitement for the day, you heed Mr. Paterson's advice and go straight home. You try to sleep off the energy from today's previous events, but you cannot help feeling like something is going terribly wrong. The next day, as you walk around town, you hear about what has transpired in bits and pieces. Apparently, Bridget Bishop was confirmed to be responsible of witchery and sentenced to be hung. She was a good woman you have known your entire life. You were not particularly close to Bishop. Your interactions have always been brief and often revolve around your father's business, yet she was always kind to you and your family. This feels wrong. Somehow, you feel that this is only the first of many and a sudden chill of fear runs through your body. [[Finale]]

"Order! Order!" shouts the man at the head of the table. His voice is so loud and so commanding it passes from the center of the meeting house into the road. "I am Judge Sewall appointed by Governor William Philips to interpret whether those accused of witchcraft are guilty in the Commission of Oyer and Terminer. I will only allow this trial to continue if there is order and peace expected of good Christians!" The commotion outside dies down at his words. He stands with an aura of authority and nods to the guards who in turn allow the now silent villagers to file into the meeting house. Taking the hint, you move to find a spot to watch closer the table Seawall is at but remain on the edges of the crowd. With the audience now in attendance, he turns his gaze to Bishop in a single, steady movement. "How do you plead." Bridget stands and clearly says, "I am innocent to a witch. I know not what a witch is." The crowd responds with an outcry even more intense than what you experienced outside. You hear "Witch!" Heathen" " liar" "Burn her!" and other exclamations said with the most vitriolic anger you've ever heard in your life. It takes Seawall a full ten minutes to regain order in the meetinghouse. The trial proceeds as the jury arrives, and a number of witnesses take the stand. Sewall asks them to come up one by one. Listen to: - [[Samuel Gray]] - [[John Bly]] - [[Richard Coman]] or [[Jury's Verdict]]

The break of dawn has arrived. The rays of the early sun pierce the sky like blades through the fluffs of cotton above. You exit your father's bakery and start to make your way to the Meeting House, passing the Salem jail along the way. You catch a glimpse of terrified eyes from various women whom you feel like you may or may not know. And seeing them makes you remember Bridget Bishop again. [[Remembering Bridget Bishop reminds you of your original objective to reach the courthouse. ->Travel to the meeting house.]]

The cell is cold and barren of all but a bed made from thin straws of hay. You try your best to sleep, but it escapes you while drifting in and out of consciousness, until exhaustion begins to overtake you. Once sleep is finally within reach, you are startled awake by the stomping of many boots; they belong to the town sherrif and one of his deputies, whose large hands grab your shoulders and lift you by your elbows until you are on your feet. [[You try to shake off the exhaustion and fight them off.->Try to fight them off.]] [[In your sleepy daze, you comply with the guards' demands and follow peacefully.->Go with the guards peacefully.]]

No matter how hard you try to get away, the hold on you is unbreakable. The sleep that has escaped you is taking its toll. The Sheriff and deputy continue to drag you into the main street. As you walk you realize you are heading towards the Meeting House to learn your fate. Suddenly, the deputy pushes you into some mud. Exhausted and weak, you struggle to pick yourself up and see townsfolk gathering along the street. Words are being spat into your face. "Witch!" "Heathen!!" "Devil-Worshipper!!!" These words, even though you are physically weary, ignite anger and fear in you because you know they are wrong on seeming so bent on accusing you. Suddenly, you: [[Tackle the deputy and attempt to run.->Tackle.]] [[Begin crying and shout back about your innocence.->Passive Walk.]]

The two guards guide you by the arms into the main street, hollering at you to walk forward. As you travel, you see townfolk gather along the road. The whispers and looks of disbelief are some that will be burned and etched into your memory. [[Seeing the shame of your neighbors, anger bubbles beneath your skin. You are innocent. You do not deserve this judgment. You decide to try to escape.->Tackle.]] [[Try not to make eye contact with anyone, head down, and keep walking.->Passive Walk.]]

"[[WITCHES AMONG US: A TRIAL IN SALEM]]"[[.->Easter Egg Ending]] [[Relive the tale.->YOUR JOURNEY BEGINS]]

Created by: - Anthony Trotter - Brandy Escobar - Julio Hernandez - Nick Stone - Megan Salazar History 306: Playing with the Past, Fall 2018. California State University, Long Beach. This game is inspired by the Salem Witch Trials occuring from 1692-1695 in Salem, Massachusetts. Although based on true historical events, this game is a fictional depiction of the events of this time. To find more information, please visit the Salem Witch Trials Documentary Archive and Transcription Project provided by The Univiersity of Virginia at http://salem.lib.virginia.edu/home.html Note: We are not affiliated with The University of Virginia, the archive, or its creators. This is just a great resource that we have used. Special thanks to Jenny o'Sullivan as the Wiccan consultant for the hidden ending.

SHE'S ACTUALLY A WITCH! Easter egg ending coming soon.

With a second wind born through anger, you attempt to tackle the deputy who shoved you into the mud. He stops you, spins you around, and proceeds to drag you by your hair along the path to the Meeting House. Your eyes squeeze shut as you scream out in pain. You writhe with your hands tied but still try to grab his hands for some relief. As you open your eyes once more, you recognize Bridget Bishop coming from behind and enduring the same onslaught of heckling from people you had once known as kind and compassionate, but that's all gone now. All you see when she catches your gaze is complete and utter despair. You were not paying full attention to where you were walking, and find yourself within the entrance to the courthouse. The deputy suddenly lets you go, and you accidentally crash into a precariously placed bookcase, which falls over. [[Violently attempt to escape again.->Weaponize Books]] [[Try to protect your face and body from the falling bookcase.->Innocent]]

You walk in front of the guards powerlessly. Your eyes are filled with tears, and your head falls to see nothing but the wet ground. You hear the citizens of Salem's whispers transition into full-on clamoring. As you lift your eyes from the earth, you realize their attention is no longer on you but on Bridget Bishop who follows the same path as you toward the meetinghouse. You turn your head back down to the earth. Disturbingly you find yourself relieved that the attention is not on you anymore. As you reach the entrance of the meeting house, you turn around to look at Bishop once again. You catch her gaze and become entranced in the complete and utter despair she exudes. So much so that you don't watch where you are walking. You accidentally run into a precariously placed bookcase, knocking it over. [[React in anger to the treatment the townsfolk are giving you and Bridget.->Weaponize Books]] [[You can't stand to look at Bridget but declare you innocence.->Innocent]]

"Order! Order!" shouts the man at the head of the table. His voice is so loud and so commanding it passes from the center of the meeting house into the road. "I am Judge Sewall appointed by Governor William Philips to interpret whether those accused of witchcraft are guilty in the Commission of Oyer and Terminer. I will only allow this trial to continue if there is order and peace expected of good Christians!" The commotion outside dies down at his words. He stands with an aura of authority and nods to the guards who in turn allow the now silent villagers to file into the meeting house. With the audience in attendance, he turns his gaze to Bishop in a single, steady movement. "How do you plead?" Bridget stands and clearly says, [["I am innocent to a witch. I know not what a witch is."->Citation: Bishop's Plead]]The crowd responds with an outcry even more intense than what you experienced outside. You hear "Witch!" Heathen" " liar" "Burn her!" and other exclamations said with the most vitriolic anger you've ever heard in your life. It takes Seawall a full ten minutes to regain order in the meetinghouse. The trial proceeds as the jury arrives, and a number of witnesses take the stand. Sewall asks them to come up one by one. Listen to: - [[Samuel Gray 2]] - [[John Bly 2]] - [[Richard Coman 2]]

You stumble back, and there is a momentary pause. In the silence, you attempt to stammer out an apology. The crowd ignores you, looking back at Bishop and there is a shout of "Look at what she made her do!" The villagers then throw any object within reach at her and shout witch at an even louder volume. You once again attempt to say she is innocent. That it was an accident, but the guards grab you, drag you entirely into the meeting house, and force you into a seat in front of a single stoic looking man. [[Listen to the man ->Plead your case.]]

As the bookcase comes crashing down, you feel the embers of anger burn once again! You grab the books that have tumbled to the floor and start throwing them at anyone in your view. The guards who have brought you to trial unfairly. The townsfolk who are harassing Bridget. The crowd turns their attention towards you. There is a second of silence as the crowd process your anger. For that moment the residents of Salem can't seem to believe you would stand up against them. The moment passes. You hear someone yells out "WITCH!" and find the individual pointing towards you. The rest of the villages start throwing anything around them in your direction and begin shouting one word repeatedly. "Witch! Witch! Witch!" The Sheriff once again grabs you, moving you further into the meeting house, and forcibly seat you in a chair in front of a single stoic looking man. [[Listen to the man ->Plead your case.]]

"Did you see that witchery?! With just the movement of her eyes, she has bewitched that bookcase! Can you imagine the great hysteria this witch is capable of?! This witch should be tried!!" and suddenly the word witch begins to spread like wildfire, as everyone joins to chant: "Witch! Witch! Witch!"

I don't want to die.. You can feel the thumming of your heartbeat as they pound ceaselessly in your ears. What is going on..? You vision is getting hazy. I don't want to die... You can feel the tears welling up in your eyes. What wrong have I done? Your chest feels tight. How is it so hard to breathe? HOW DO I GET OUT?!! I DON'T WANT TO DIE!!! Waterfalls stream down your cheeks. Panic. All you feel is panic. Words claw out of your throat. You fall to your knees and cry out: "I know nothing of witchery! I am innocent!" Looking up you recongnize the form of Bridget Bishop and you see an opportunity for it all to stop. Against everything you have believed, you point at her and bawl: "I WAS WRONG! These men have proof and I believe their testimony. SHE IS A WITCH!!! She has betrayed us all!" [[Bishop's fate is sealed.]]

Various witnesses to testify to Bishop's alleged witchery. Each testimony builds the hysteria surrounding the court. Even the crashing of the bookcase earlier in the day is taken as evidence of her How is it possible that all three men, men you have also known your entire life, believe Bishop is the source of their woes? Do I believe them? [[Speak out against Sewall]] [[Keep Quiet. This has nothing to do with me.]]

Samuel Gray takes the stand and [[testifies->Citation: Testimonies]]: "One night, I saw an apparition roaming about my home and became terrified. However, I am here on behalf of my neighbor, whose child had fallen ill and died of a sad condition months after. I had seen a ghost that resembled Bridget Bishop and am now convinced she was responsible for that infant's misfortunate death! If this witch is capable of infanticide, then she must die before causing anyone else harm!!" He steps down from the stand. Listen to: - [[John Bly]] - [[Richard Coman]] or move on to [[Jury's Verdict]]

John Bly takes the stand and [[testifies->Citation: Testimonies]]: "Surely, this woman is capable of such witchery that I myself have seen. One night, one of my cattle began jumping, leaping, and knocking its head against the fence as if it were deaf and blind after having seen an apparition og Bridget Bishop roaming after dawn. I am convinced that she has bewitched my cattle and should be executed before she cause further harm to anyone!" Listen to: - [[Samuel Gray]] - [[Richard Coman]] or move on to [[Jury's Verdict]]

Richard Coman takes the stand and [[testifies->Citation: Testimonies]]: "This woman is a witch! I've seen her deal with the supernatural. I've seen her in the night as an apparition, and I didn't know what to make of it, but then I was knocked over her ghost while on my bed and frightened for my life!" The court becomes silent while Bishop stands in awe and terror of such accusations. Listen to: - [[Samuel Gray]] - [[John Bly]] or move on to [[Jury's Verdict]]

You move foward eventually, coming up right beside Sewall and say, "Sir, She is innocent! She is NOT a witch! Many of you have seen her in town! I have never seen her act suspiciously. I am a Christian and I am begging you! Look into your hearts and see that she has done no wrong! Further more, there is no evidence of witchery! I stand here speaking on behalf of a woman I have seen in town who has treated me with kindness for the past ten years! Even if I am wrong, then the only thing I am guilty of is misjudging a character, who is in league with the King of lies, when the Lord has spoken of loving thy neighbor!" "If she is to say argue the innocence of Bishop, whom we know to be a witch, then there is no deliberation neccesary! Miss McKinnon is colluding with a witch and therefore a witch herself!" [[Your fate is sealed.]]

After listening to everyone's testimonies, the jury leads

"Sir, I am innocent! I am not a witch! Many of you have seen me growing since birth! You have sat next to me and my family during morning services on Sacrament Day! In fact, I was there only yesterday! I am a Christian and I am begging you! Look into your hearts and see that I have done no wrong! Further more, there is no evidence of witchery! I merely stood up for the honor of a woman I have seen in town who has treated me with kindness in passing! Even if I am wrong, then the only thing I am guilty of is misjudging a character, who is in league with the King of lies, when the Lord has spoken of loving thy neighbor!" Sewall looks at you with resigned look while the crowd once again erupts into shouting. The man who spoke for the jury earlier speaks out again. Screaming to be heard. "If she is to say argue the innocence of Bishop, whom we know to be a witch, then there is no deliberation neccesary! Miss McKinnon is colluding with a witch and therefore a witch herself!" Sewall barely regains order, but once he has turns to you. "Miss McKinnon is to be hung with Bishop at Gallows Hill IMMEDIATELY!!!" [[Your sentence is carried out.]]

You hastily make you the way from your father's bakery to the bakery. While you want to know the outcome of this upsetting situation, you also want it to reach a conclusion as soon as possible. As you reach the entrance of the meeting house, you hear an outpouring of shouting behind you. Turning around you catch sight of Bridget Bishop making her way down the main road flanked by guards on either side. You begin to hear a single chant take hold of the crowd and slowly grow in volume. "Witch! Witch! Witch!" Bishop raises her head, and you meet her eyes. You are entranced by the complete and utter despair you find in them. You're so captivated you don't realize you've been moving backward. You accidentally bump into a precariously placed bookcase. It crashes to the ground! After a momentary someone shouts "Look at what she did!" The crowd then begins to throw any available object in reach at Bishop. In response the guards forcefully carry her into the meeting house, knocking you aside as you did the bookcase. [[Not knowing what else to do you follow the guards. ->Go to the courthouse.]]

John Bly takes the stand and [[testifies->Citation: Testimonies]]: "Surely, this woman is capable of such witchery that I myself have seen. One night, one of my cattle began jumping, leaping, and knocking its head against the fence as if it were deaf and blind after having seen an apparition og Bridget Bishop roaming after dawn. I am convinced that she has bewitched my cattle and should be executed before she cause further harm to anyone!" Listen to: - [[Samuel Gray 2]] - [[Richard Coman 2]] [[or move on to Bishop's Verdit ->Bishop's Verdict 2]]

Samuel Gray takes the stand and [[testifies->Citation: Testimonies]]: "One night, I saw an apparition roaming about my home and became terrified. However, I am here on behalf of my neighbor, whose child had fallen ill and died of a sad condition months after. I had seen a ghost that resembled Bridget Bishop and am now convinced she was responsible for that infant's misfortunate death! If this witch is capable of infanticide, then she must die before causing anyone else harm!!" Listen to: - [[John Bly 2]] - [[Richard Coman 2]] [[or move on to Bishop's Verdit ->Bishop's Verdict 2]]

Dragged out sky onece blue is grey drizzle comes down dirt roads become sludge hills is slippery (falls) led up to noose one last look at sky Goodbye

How is it possible that all three men believe Bishop is the source of their woes? However these are not the only testimonies that come to light. "During Bishop's examination before the magistrates, the afflicted girls behaved as if they were tortured. It seemed that by casting her eye upon them, Bishop could strike them down into fits. The only thing that would stop these fits was the touch of her hand upon the girls. Abigail Hobbs, a woman who had already confessed to being a witch, played into this drama by testifying that Bishop's specter tormented her because of her confession. She also affirmed that Bishop had been present at a meeting of witches, in a field at Salem Village, and took part in a diabolical sacrament." "In addition to this evidence, evidence of other previous witchcraft was brought to light. Bishop was accused of murdering children, bewitching pigs, and coming to various townsmen during the night. In further evidence, "poppets" were found in the wall of her cellar. These puppets were made of rags and hogs bristles, with headless pins in them. Bishop could "give no account unto the court, that was reasonable or tolerable." The final piece of damning evidence was when a jury of women found a "preternatural teat" upon her body. Within three hours, the teat had disappeared, adding to the intrigue." [[(The Accounts of Sarah Nell Walsh)]] Do I believe them? Before you can reach a conclusion in your own mind, Sewall moves to stand in front of the table. Everyone is silent, and you realize that the jury is reentering the meeting house after a deliberation of guilt. That was far too quick for any actual deliberation. Sewall asks "Has the jury reached a verdict?" One of the men stands and says, "We have your honor. We find her guilty. It is clear to us from this testimony that Bridget Bishop knows what a witch is. Furthermore, she is well enough informed on the matter to have the powers to commit acts of witchcraft herself." Sewall responds, "Then Bishop is to be hung to death at Gallows Hill once we conclude the next trial." He then turns his attention to you. "Now Miss, how do you plead?" [[I plead innocent.]] [[I don't want to die.->Point out Bishop.]]

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The guards

You see the Sherrif grab bishop and drag her out. The crowd ignores you completely after you commentary. You realize you've senticed that you've saved your life at the cost of hers. You are responsible for her death.

A rumbling voice comes from your left. You turn to see the familiar face of Mr. Williams, fist shaking in the air. "Look at her! Do you not see the guilt in her eyes? She is of the same tree as Bishop. THIS GIRL IS TOO A WITCH!!! Do you see the scratches on my arms? This is her doing! Jury of the court, do you not see that she is an acomplice to evil? We must dispose of the threat now before further threat comes to our home!" A tornado of noise swirls around you. Chaos. Absolute chaos. Both of you arms are seixed by men twice your size and you are forced to your knees. You lock eyes with Sewall. His eyes narrow into slits before addressing the court once more: "ORDER! I DEMAND ORDER! Jury, we must make haste with our decisions before we are all doomed. What say you?" In unison, words are spoken: "Her fate is the gallows. Take her to her grave." [[Gallows Hill]]

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You stand on a wooden structure next to a large tree with a noose tied around your neck. You look past the crowd who has gathered eagerly to watch your death. You wish you could see the sun. However, a storm has arrived on the horizon bloclking the sun from view. The last thing you see and hear before the world goes dark is the angry mob shouting at you.