Overview:

In “Safe Haven,” players must decide who will enter a bunker to survive a looming disaster. With resources and air sufficient for only one year, the bunker has a strict capacity limit, meaning not everyone can be saved. For example, if there are 6 players, the bunker can only hold 4; with 10 players, it can support only 5 to 7. This forces players to make tough choices about who will be allowed inside. Among the players is an Operator who holds a hidden Wild Card role, with the power to make or break the group’s chances. The only way to achieve a positive outcome in the game is through a Group Win, attainable only if everyone in the bunker possesses the necessary skills and resources to survive the scenario. If they fail to meet these needs due to the Operator’s hidden role or missing resources, no one wins. This game is designed for a minimum of 6 players.

Objective:

Players must collaboratively decide who will enter the bunker based on each person’s skills, weighing the potential impact of the Operator’s hidden role. Survival depends on making the right choices about who enters the bunker.

Setup:

1. Materials Needed:

• Character Cards (one per player) describing each character’s skills and role.
• Wild Card for the Operator, defining their hidden trait.
• Secret Card that introduces a personal trait or condition affecting their role and interactions.

2. Character Assignments:
For character assignments, ensure clarity by stating, “Each player draws a Character Card that represents their role and skills and discusses their potential value for survival in the bunker.”

Doctor:

• Skill: Advanced medical training, able to treat injuries and illnesses.
• Resource: Medical supplies (first aid kit, basic medicine).

Engineer:

• Skill: Skilled in water purification and basic repairs.
• Resource: Filtration tools and small repair kits.

Farmer:

• Skill: Knowledge in sustainable agriculture and food production.
• Resource: Seeds for fast-growing crops.

Teacher:

• Skill: Experienced in survival basics and basic education.
• Resource: Books and tools for teaching survival skills.

Psychologist:

• Skill: Conflict management and stress relief techniques.
• Resource: Counseling materials and relaxation guides.

Botanist:

• Skill: Expert in plant identification and edible foraging.
• Resource: Edible plant guide and starter seeds.

Chef:

• Skill: Able to prepare food with limited resources.
• Resource: Preserved spices and basic cooking equipment.

Chemist:

• Skill: Able to create cleaning supplies and simple chemical solutions.
• Resource: Basic lab kit with common household chemicals.

Hunter:

• Skill: Knowledge in hunting and trapping techniques.
• Resource: Hunting tools and basic traps.

Paramedic:

• Skill: Emergency medical skills focused on trauma care.
• Resource: Basic emergency medical kit.

Mechanic:

• Skill: Able to repair machinery and make simple tools.
• Resource: Small toolkit for mechanical repairs.

Veterinarian:

• Skill: Medical skills focused on animal care and biology.
• Resource: Veterinary supplies and animal care guide.

Nutritionist:

• Skill: Plans balanced diets with limited resources.
• Resource: Nutritional guides for rationing.

Sociologist:

• Skill: Knowledge of social dynamics and group cohesion.
• Resource: Conflict resolution materials.

Electrician:

• Skill: Knowledge of electrical repairs and power conservation.
• Resource: Small toolkit for electrical repairs.

Gardener:

• Skill: Experience in small-scale indoor gardening.
• Resource: Portable planting containers and soil packs.

Strategist:

• Skill: Skilled in resource allocation and survival planning.
• Resource: Planning guides and resource tracking tools.

Historian:

• Skill: Knowledgeable in past survival techniques and history.
• Resource: Books on historical survival methods.

Carpenter:

• Skill: Can create basic furniture and bunk structure.
• Resource: Woodworking tools and materials.

Plumber:

• Skill: Knowledge of water management and plumbing repairs.
• Resource: Plumbing repair kit.

Herbalist:

• Skill: Identifies medicinal plants and natural remedies.
• Resource: Dried herbs and a herbal remedy guide.

Sewing Specialist:

• Skill: Repairs clothing and makes basic textiles.
• Resource: Sewing kit with needles, thread, and fabric.

Nutrition Scientist:

• Skill: Expert in creating nutritional substitutes with minimal resources.
• Resource: Nutritional powders and meal replacements.

Clown:

• Skill: Expert in making balloon animals and performing silly tricks.
• Resource: Balloon animal kit (including balloons and a pump).

Poet:

• Skill: Writes inspiring poems, boosting morale with words.
• Resource: Notebook and pen for jotting down verses.

Dancer:

• Skill: Can dance on command, entertaining and uplifting the group.
• Resource: Portable speaker for music.

Comedian:

• Skill: Can tell jokes to lighten the mood, even in dire situations.
• Resource: A list of jokes and puns.

Magician:

• Skill: Performs magic tricks to entertain and distract.
• Resource: A basic magic kit with simple tricks.

Conspiracy Theorist:

• Skill: Always has a wild theory about survival scenarios, adding humor and paranoia.
• Resource: A notebook full of theories.

Whistler:

• Skill: Can whistle catchy tunes, boosting morale through music.
• Resource: A whistling guide with popular songs.

Cheerleader:

• Skill: Can lead cheers and chants to motivate the group.
• Resource: Cheerleading pom-poms.

Yoga Instructor:

• Skill: Leads yoga sessions for relaxation, which might not help in survival.
• Resource: A yoga mat (or towel).

Fashion Designer:

• Skill: Designs outfits but focuses more on style than practicality.
• Resource: A sketchbook for designs.

Players reveal their character roles and skills, discussing their potential value for survival in the bunker. The Operator also has a Wild Card in addition to their Character Card, which details a hidden role known only to them.

3. The Operator’s Wild Card:
The Operator’s Wild Card role is revealed only after everyone is in the bunker, regardless of whether the Operator was selected to enter. This hidden role may carry advantages or challenges that affect the group’s survival. Potential Wild Card roles include:

• Exit Code Keeper: The only person who knows the code to unlock the bunker’s exit.
• Bunker Architect: The architect created detailed plans and drawings, thoughtfully considering every aspect, from the building’s purpose and aesthetics to its environmental impact, structural stability, and safety. They selected materials, defined layout and proportions, and integrated essential systems such as HVAC, plumbing, and electrical. Collaborating closely with structural, electrical, and mechanical engineers, as well as landscape and interior designers, the architect ensured a cohesive and functional design. As a result, they have an in-depth understanding of how every system in the bunker operates.
• Saboteur: A hidden threat who may work against the group, depleting resources or causing conflict.

4. Secret Cards:

Each player receives one Secret Card that introduces a personal trait or condition affecting their role and interactions in the game. These secrets can create unique dynamics and strategic considerations as players make decisions about who should enter the bunker. Once the bunker doors close, players reveal their Secret Cards simultaneously, adding a dramatic twist to the outcome and altering group dynamics. Here are some examples of Secret Cards:

- Terminal Illness: You have a serious illness (e.g., cancer, Parkinson’s, HIV, epilepsy). This may affect your willingness to take risks or your priorities in decision-making. It also limits your long-term survival prospects.

- Infertility: You are unable to have children. This affects your perspective on family and reproduction discussions in the bunker.

- Sexual Orientation: You identify as gay and are not willing to reproduce with the opposite sex. This may influence your views on selecting players for reproduction or group dynamics.

- Special Skill: You possess a unique skill not listed in your Character Card (e.g., electrical engineer, advanced first aid).

- Psychological Condition: You have an anxiety disorder that can impact your ability to function under pressure, affecting decision-making or resource management.

- Disability: You have a physical disability that limits your ability to perform certain tasks, affecting how others perceive your value in the group.

- Survivor Guilt: You have survived a previous disaster, which haunts you and impacts your decisions. This may lead to hesitation or reluctance in critical moments.

- Resourceful: You are skilled at finding creative solutions and making the most out of limited resources, enhancing the group’s chances of survival.

- Courageous: You are willing to take risks for the greater good, inspiring others to face challenges head-on.

- Manipulative: You use deceit or cunning tactics to control situations or influence others for personal benefit, potentially causing conflicts within the group.

- Supportive: You are always willing to lend a helping hand or provide encouragement, creating a positive atmosphere that fosters teamwork.

- Resilient: You are able to bounce back from setbacks, maintaining a strong spirit and determination to keep the group motivated.

5. Scenario Setup:
The moderator describes a disaster scenario requiring the group to seek shelter in the bunker, such as:
— A viral outbreak with deadly airborne pathogens.
— Extreme environmental disasters rendering outdoor survival impossible.
— A resource scarcity crisis demanding a secure shelter for long-term survival.

- A nuclear reactor has malfunctioned, releasing radioactive materials into the atmosphere.

Time Pressure:

Set a strict time limit (e.g., 5–10 minutes) for the Discussion Phase where players debate who should enter the bunker. This forces players to think quickly and prioritize their arguments. As the timer counts down, players may become more frantic in their decision-making, leading to hasty alliances or decisions.

Game Phases:

1. Character Introduction:
Each player introduces their character, describing their skills and the value they could bring to the group’s survival. The Operator introduces their role like everyone else, keeping their Wild Card a secret.

2. Discussion Phase:
Players discuss who should enter the bunker, debating each person’s potential contribution to the group’s survival. Alliances, arguments, and persuasion are encouraged as players work to convince each other of their worth.

3. Voting Phase:
After the discussion, players vote on who will be allowed into the bunker, limited by the bunker’s capacity. The Operator votes like everyone else, mindful of their hidden Wild Card role.

4. The Operator Reveal:
Once the group has entered the bunker, the Operator reveals their Wild Card role, which now influences the group’s survival strategy.

5. Group Survival Outcome:
After the reveal, the group assesses if they have the required skills, resources, and cooperation needed to survive the scenario based on the choices made.

• Group Win: The group wins if the survivors in the bunker have sufficient resources, skills, and resilience to endure the crisis together.
• No Victory: If the players in the bunker fail to possess the necessary skills or resources to survive the disaster, or if the Operator’s role undermines the group’s efforts, all players lose.
• Players Outside the Bunker: If a player is left outside the bunker, they also lose, as they are exposed to the disaster without the protection of the bunker.

Game Variations:

- New Disaster Scenarios: Change the scenario or resource needs to challenge decision-making further.

Safe Haven is a test of teamwork, strategy, and trust. The group’s survival hinges on making the right choices, ensuring that everyone who enters the bunker can contribute to lasting through the crisis. Can you make the right choices and survive together, or will missteps lead to the group’s downfall?