The Devil’s Dominion

In 1692, the Puritan village of Salem in the Massachusetts Bay Colony found itself consumed by fear and suspicion. Several young girls began experiencing sudden, unexplained episodes—collapsing, trembling, and claiming to be tormented by invisible forces. In a society bound by strict religious faith, moral discipline, and a profound fear of the Devil, these events quickly sparked rumors of witchcraft. What began as isolated incidents soon spread throughout the village, turning neighbors against one another and testing the social and spiritual bonds of the community.

As rumors intensified, tales of supernatural harm—mysterious illnesses, ghostly visitations, and secret pacts with the Devil—permeated daily life in Salem. Ministers preached of moral corruption and urged vigilance, while civil authorities struggled to maintain order and administer justice amid mounting panic. Longstanding rivalries, personal grievances, and entrenched social hierarchies increasingly shaped accusations, and fears of mob influence and declining trust in leadership further destabilized the village. With the looming oversight of colonial authorities pressing on local leaders, Salem now stands at a crossroads between order and chaos.

As delegates enter this committee, they must navigate the complex intersection of fear, faith, and governance. The village seeks to root out perceived evil, uphold religious authority, and protect the colony from spiritual corruption—but at the same time, unchecked reliance on dubious evidence and escalating personal vendettas threaten to destroy innocent lives, erode trust in institutions, and deepen social divisions. Delegates will decide whether Salem succumbs to division and unrest or finds a path toward justice, stability, and unity.