From IcebreakerIdeas.com:
The Mafia party game presents a conflict between the Mafia – the informed minority – and the Innocents – the uninformed majority. Originated by Dmitry Davidoff of the USSR in 1986, this popular game has many variations and can be played by a group of seven or more people. For very large groups, we suggest adding additional characters.
The game has two phases; night, when the Mafia might secretly “murder” an innocent, and “day” when Innocents vote to eliminate a Mafiosi suspect. The game ends when all the Mafia members are eliminated or there are more Mafia members than Innocents.
There are many variations of the game, some of which we have included below. Realistically, the minimum number of players needed to play is seven (5 Innocents against 2 Mafia). The basic version described here requires a deck of cards and works best with between twelve and twenty-four players.
- Rules
- [optional: show guests before playing this 5 minute video about the origins of the real-life Mafia — The Mafia Explained]
Moderator script for The Lake Tahoe Mafia Scenario
[created by prompting ChatGPT with some of knowledge and experience from visits to South Lake Tahoe]
NIGHT 1
“The town of Tahoe, nestled by the serene waters of the lake, had always been a place of natural beauty and tranquility. But as night fell, a group of locals sought adventure and mystery at one of Tahoe’s most ancient and storied sites: Cave Rock.
Cave Rock, a site revered by the Washoe people, was shrouded in legend. It was said to be a place where, long ago, the Washoe sacrificed their unfit babies, giving rise to the haunting name ‘Tahoe’ or ‘water’s edge.’ The group, intrigued by these tales, ventured to Cave Rock, hoping to experience the mystical aura of this sacred place.
As they explored the rugged landscape, the setting sun cast a golden hue over the rock formations, creating an almost surreal backdrop. The sound of the lake’s waters lapping against the shore added a rhythmic, yet eerie soundtrack to their exploration.
Engrossed in the history and natural beauty of Cave Rock, the group hardly noticed the fading light. But as darkness enveloped the area, one member of the group wandered off, drawn to a secluded crevice within the rock.
When the rest of the group realized their friend was missing, a sense of unease quickly set in. They called out and searched the area, but found no trace. The only response was the echo of their own voices against the ancient rock walls.
As they returned to town under the starlit sky, the group was filled with a mix of fear and bewilderment. The sacred and imposing Cave Rock, with its rich tapestry of legends, had become the scene of a baffling disappearance. The town of Tahoe, once a haven of peace, now faced a night of mysterious whispers and shadows, pondering what secrets the waters of Lake Tahoe might be hiding.”
NIGHT 2
“As the night fell over Lake Tahoe, the bright lights of the lakeside casino beckoned gamblers and thrill-seekers alike. The clatter of roulette wheels and the shuffling of cards filled the air with a sense of excitement and danger. Among the crowd, a high-stakes player, known for their daring and luck, was drawing a crowd at the blackjack table. Little did they know, their fortune was about to run out.
In the midst of the game, the player received a mysterious note, urging them to take a midnight boat ride from the dock behind the casino. Intrigued and sensing an adventure, the player slipped away from the cheering crowd and made their way to the promised boat at Emerald Bay.
The moonlit waters of Emerald Bay were calm, reflecting the starry sky above. The player boarded the solitary boat, finding it eerily unmanned yet ready to set sail. As they ventured deeper into the bay, the twinkling lights of the casino faded into the distance.
But this journey had no return. The next morning, the abandoned boat was found drifting aimlessly in the bay. There was no sign of the player, only a pair of concrete-filled boots left behind, tied to the edge of the boat. The infamous Tahoe Dance Floor had claimed its latest victim.
Back at the casino, whispers spread like wildfire. The mafia’s signature was unmistakable. It was a message to all: In the world of high stakes and shadowy figures, a gamble with the mafia might lead you to a dance with the depths of Tahoe.”
NIGHT 3
“As the night descended upon Tahoe, a chilling unease lingered in the air, intensified by the recent eerie events. The town, still reeling from the discovery at Emerald Bay, was about to face another mysterious ordeal.
In the shadowy pine forest, a local known for their evening walks ventured into the dense woods, unaware of the lurking danger. The forest, usually a peaceful retreat, was eerily quiet, the only sound being the distant lapping of lake waves.
By morning, the walker was nowhere to be found. A trail of footprints led deep into the woods, ending abruptly. Near this spot, a lone, split pine cone lay on the ground — a silent testament to the night’s sinister events.
The mafia’s message was clear: their reach knew no bounds, not even the tranquil woods were safe. The town was engulfed in a wave of fear and suspicion, the serene setting of Tahoe now a backdrop for a dangerous game of shadows.”
Night 4
“As the twilight settled over Tahoe, a sense of foreboding gripped the town, already on edge from the unsettling events of the previous nights. This evening’s tale began at the Stardust Lodge, a quaint motel known for its retro charm and picturesque view of South Lake.
A group of friends, staying at the Stardust Lodge, decided to enjoy the crisp night air by the lakeside. They laughed and shared stories, unaware that their merriment would soon turn to mystery.
As the night deepened, a dense fog crept in from the lake, engulfing the surroundings in a misty embrace. The group, feeling the chill, decided to head back to the warmth of the lodge. But as they counted their numbers, they realized with a jolt of fear that one among them was missing.
A search ensued, but all they found was a lone souvenir from the Stardust Lodge, dropped on the path leading away from the lake. The missing friend was nowhere to be seen, as if swallowed up by the thick fog that now blanketed the area.
Morning broke with no sign of the missing person. The Stardust Lodge, usually a haven for travelers, had become the scene of a baffling disappearance. The townsfolk whispered of the mafia’s invisible hand, turning even a friendly gathering into a night of unexplained vanishings.
As the town stirred to life, the sense of dread was palpable. The Stardust Lodge, once a symbol of nostalgic getaway, now stood as a reminder of the deepening mystery enveloping Tahoe.”
Night 5
“With the memories of the past nights’ mysteries still lingering, the residents of Tahoe sought solace in the bustling ambiance of Heavenly Village. The popular Basecamp Pizza, known for its lively atmosphere and delicious slices, seemed like a safe haven from the shadow of fear that had fallen over the town.
On this night, a group of locals gathered at Basecamp Pizza, seeking comfort in the crowded, lively spot. The warm glow of the restaurant and the aroma of freshly baked pizza created a sense of normalcy, a brief escape from the tense whispers that had been circulating.
As they enjoyed their meal, laughter and conversation filled the air, making the sinister events of the past nights seem distant. But as the evening wore on, one member of the group excused themselves to make a quick phone call outside.
Minutes turned into hours, and the person who stepped out into the cool night air never returned. Their friends waited, growing increasingly anxious. Finally, they ventured outside, only to find the person’s half-eaten slice of pizza on a table, steam still rising from it in the chilly air.
A search commenced, but all that was found was the person’s jacket, carelessly draped over a chair, as if they had intended to return. The crowded, lively atmosphere of Basecamp Pizza, once a refuge, now echoed with an eerie silence.
As dawn broke, the news of the disappearance spread like wildfire. Even in the heart of Heavenly Village, amidst the laughter and light of Basecamp Pizza, the mafia’s reach was inescapable. The very place that was sought for safety had become the latest stage for an unfathomable vanishing act.”
Night 6
“The unsettling chain of events in Tahoe had cast a shadow over even the most innocent of places. Seeking a reprieve from the growing tension, a group of locals decided to spend the evening at Harrah’s arcade, a place usually filled with the joyful sounds of children and the bright lights of gaming machines. It was a place where laughter echoed, and worries seemed distant – a presumed sanctuary amidst the chaos.
As the group engaged in games, competing and laughing, the vibrant arcade atmosphere provided a temporary escape. The sound of tokens clinking, digital music, and the flashing lights created an almost magical realm, far removed from the dark tales that had been haunting Tahoe.
But as the night progressed, one member of the group, caught up in the excitement, wandered deeper into the maze of games. The others, distracted by their own amusements, didn’t immediately notice the absence.
It wasn’t until the arcade lights began to dim at closing time that they realized their friend was missing. A frantic search ensued, but all that was found was a half-played game, the screen flashing ‘Game Over’ in a mocking repeat.
No other trace of the missing person could be found. The arcade, once a place of joy and laughter, had transformed into a scene of mystery. The harsh reality dawned on the townsfolk: not even the cheerful, child-filled haven of Harrah’s arcade was safe from the mafia’s unseen and ominous presence.
As dawn broke, the town of Tahoe woke to yet another disappearance, this time in a place where danger seemed most improbable. The arcade, a symbol of carefree innocence, now stood as a stark reminder of the pervasive threat lurking in every corner of Tahoe.”