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Only in a few corners of the world is the memory of magic still alive, even though a few centuries ago its healing power permeated everything. Witches, its last remaining practitioners, have always been outcasts and could help human society only in strict secrecy. The leader of their people, the Septima, has always been the wisest, most knowledgeable witch. Now, as her time is coming to an end, witches from all over the world gather at Noctenburg to leave their mark on the hostile town and prove to the Septima that they are her worthy successor.
Septima is a competitive, highly interactive strategy game of witchcraft. As the leader of your coven, you must prove your worth in the town of Noctenburg to become the successor of Septima, the High Witch. Practice your craft and gain Wisdom by collecting herbs, brewing potions, healing the townsfolk, mastering charms and rescuing your fellow brothers and sisters from the trials. But beware: magic, even if used for good, invokes suspicion in the townsfolk...
Simultaneous action selection with positive player interaction: Septima’s central mechanism revolves around the simultaneous, secret selection of one of nine Action cards each turn: Move, Collect, Brew, Heal, Recruit, Plea, Chant, Rite and Remember. Each Action gets a powerful bonus if it is chosen by multiple players, but performing them together also raises suspicion in the townsfolk and attracts the attention of the Witch Hunters. Decisions of when to do a shared action (and who to do it with) adds a fresh, semi-cooperative touch to a competitive game, and lots of player interaction.
Rescue witches to build your Coven: Heal, enthrall or convince the townsfolk and amass enough support to sway the periodic Witch Trials in your favor. If the hostile witnesses are outvoted, the convicted witch is absolved and joins the coven that rescued them. You start small but you can grow your coven to up to four witches this way, each with their own personality and special ability to help your cause. Reckless Witches caught by Witch Hunters are also put to trial, so with enough support from the townsfolk, even witches from other, less careful players’ coven can end up in yours.
Accessible, intuitive and familiar: Septima is Mindclash Games’ most accessible title to date, with beautiful, hand-drawn art style by Villő Farkas and with the character art of Barbara Bernát, wooden components and intuitive, theme-inspired mechanisms. It is very quick to teach and set up, and takes less than 2 hours to play, even with four players.
Year Published
2023
Featured Videos
Transcript Analysis
Browse transcript mentions, sentiments, pros/cons, mechanics, topics, quotes, and references.
Total mentions: 12
This page: 12
Sentiment:
pos 11 ·
mix 0 ·
neu 0 ·
neg 0
Showing 1–12 of 12
Video 04aJI9oFNns
Get into Games on Air top_10_list at 27:26 sentiment: positive
video_pk 61678 · mention_pk 154342
Click to watch at 27:26 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
none
Cons
none
Thematic elements
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
Mechanics unknown.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- The podcast life chooses you.
- The content gods that making all the content.
- Pub Meeple is a website that you can link your board game collection.
- Return to Dark Tower is uh I want to play this game more often than we do.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video KzfJqLIM5lw
The Board Game Garden general_discussion at 21:10 sentiment: positive
video_pk 39327 · mention_pk 118530
Click to watch at 21:10 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Stunning art and celestial vibe
- Excited to learn more about gameplay
Cons
- Not yet fully disclosed gameplay
Thematic elements
- moonlit magic and mysticism
- celestial/witchy vibes
- mythic, celestial ambiance
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- unknown — not fully detailed in the video; described as celestial-themed and evocative
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- welcome to the board game garden
- i am the rose in the board game garden
- we plant this garden and hopefully it will grow
- thank you so much for joining the board game garden
- i would absolutely love to see your answers to these questions
- the board game community is so engaging and passionate
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video hrdqoxEVTws
Jenna's Board Games playthrough at 13:38 sentiment: positive
video_pk 38817 · mention_pk 116978
Click to watch at 13:38 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Gorgeous production and component quality (spider meeples, metal coins, well-illustrated board)
- Deep solo variant with clear path to victory via tribulations
- Tight, decision-rich play with strong thematic flavor
Cons
- Heavy weight and table space can be challenging for casual players
- Learning curve can be steep due to many interacting rules and setups
- AI can feel punishing in late game rounds
Thematic elements
- witch covens, ritual tracks, town politics, ally-building
- A town where witches vie for control of the Septima title amid a looming Black Widow threat
- story-driven with seasonal arcs and trial-based scoring
Comparison games
- Cerebria
- Anachrony
- Nana
- Raising Robots
- Nemesis
- Ticket to Ride Legacy
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Card-driven action selection — Players choose actions from their hand and use associated bonuses when matching with Coven leaders or opponents.
- Crowd and trial mechanic — Deploy loyal citizens to trials; the outcome affects scoring and the Black Widow’s coven.
- Endgame/tribulations scoring (solo variant) — In solo mode, players complete tribulations on divination cards to win, adding a unique objective layer.
- Resource management — Gather ingredients and crystals to brew potions that heal patients or grant special abilities.
- Resource management with potions and crystals — Gather ingredients and crystals to brew potions that heal patients or grant special abilities.
- Ritual track progression — Advancing on ritual tracks to unlock abilities and victory conditions.
- Track advancement — Advancing on ritual tracks to unlock abilities and victory conditions.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- This board is gorgeous. I love it.
- Septima is basically me in a board game; I love witchy things.
- The production of this game is absolutely gorgeous.
- The box liner and backsides are gorgeous.
- Darn toot and good.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video JMIpSV0PdWM
Board Game Garden top_10_list at 17:34 sentiment: positive
video_pk 33904 · mention_pk 100984
Click to watch at 17:34 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- gorgeous theme and components
- rich decision space with tension between actions and suspicion
- solo and multiplayer potential
Cons
- longer session length in some plays
- big rule set can be intimidating to new players
Thematic elements
- witchcraft, brewing, and village dynamics
- witch coven signaling a dark, witchcraft-themed tableau
- coven-building with suspicion management
Comparison games
- Witchstone
- Broom Service
- Ways of the South Tigress
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- multiaction_card_selection — simultaneous selection of actions by players with card drafting
- resource_and_track_progress — collect ingredients, brew potions, heal townsfolk, and track progress
- suspicion_mechanic — matching actions with others raises village suspicion and impacts scoring
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- Darwin's Journey is my number one game of 2023
- Raising Robots is wonderful
- this is such a good game
- Barcelona is absolutely stunning and the chaining is satisfying
- Expeditions is not like Scythe
- the art project is absolutely fantastic
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video vp9QzO2SFV8
Board Game Garden top_10_list at 1:38:12 sentiment: positive
video_pk 31696 · mention_pk 93422
Click to watch at 1:38:12 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
very positive
Pros
- strong, cohesive theme
- cooperative depth with multiple tracks and goals
Cons
- some rule complexity; requires teaching
Thematic elements
- witchcraft, divination, and cooperative story-driven play
- witch coven and village healing with witch trials
Comparison games
- Spirit Island
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Cooperative Game — players work together to collect witches and fulfill coven objectives
- cooperative play — players work together to collect witches and fulfill coven objectives
- Simultaneous card selection — cards chosen secretly, then revealed to trigger actions; matching actions raise suspicion
- Simultaneous reveal — cards chosen secretly, then revealed to trigger actions; matching actions raise suspicion
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- I really want to be able to hop into a live stream and know exactly what I'm doing.
- Less but better quality is something I'm embracing going into 2024.
- Septima is my number one game of the month.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video SlLkZRzxGG0
Board Game Garden top_10_list at 22:37 sentiment: positive
video_pk 27818 · mention_pk 81226
Click to watch at 22:37 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
none
Cons
none
Thematic elements
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
Mechanics unknown.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- Stardew Valley the board game can be played solo.
- This is literally the cozy farming game you can find in a board game.
- I 1000% recommend this one.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video 6iRg7zhbbNw
The Brothers Murph top_10_list at 2:35 sentiment: positive
video_pk 13237 · mention_pk 38772
Click to watch at 2:35 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Beautiful theme and autumnal feel
- Dynamic tension between cooperation and accusation
Cons
- Complex for casual players
- Can require careful table management
Thematic elements
- witchcraft, trust and suspicion, trial/witch-hunter tension
- autumn witch coven feel with a witchy aesthetic
- action selection with competitive tension among coven members
Comparison games
- Witch-themed area-control games
- Other competitive-cooperative hybrids
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- asymmetric collaboration within competition — teams cooperate in some aspects while competing in others
- asymmetric teams — teams cooperate in some aspects while competing in others
- Simultaneous action selection — actions are chosen by players at the same time
- Simultaneous Actions — actions are chosen by players at the same time
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- This is a perfect Halloweeny kind of game cuz it's a horror themed game.
- Septima is a cool game that we haven't really played as much as we frankly should have.
- There's zombies and they're coming at you and you're blasting your way out.
- The look particularly is absolutely incredible.
- 10 out of 10 adorable. Amazing.
- Mysterium is a really really interesting game
- it's a hand management card game where to do the various actions you have to spend cards
- it's so Halloweeny
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video NsXIY1rSERo
Before You Play playthrough at 0:00 sentiment: positive
video_pk 11802 · mention_pk 34591
Click to watch at 0:00 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Engaging two-player rules with tight asymmetry and the cat/fox animal-form twist
- Rich mix of actions (move, collect, brew, heal, recruit, plead) with matching/collect bonuses
- Dynamic right-board and charms provide powerful one-time bonuses
- Tension from suspected witch hunter encounters and trials
- High variability via divination cards and modules like Shape-Shifting
Cons
- Steep learning curve and prototype rules may shift in final copy
- Complex component setup can slow first plays
- End-game scoring can be confusing without careful tracking
Thematic elements
- witchcraft, trial, secrecy
- Witch town and surrounding forest during witch trials
- episodic, coven-driven competition
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- action card drafting and simultaneous reveal — Players secretly choose actions from identical hands and reveal together, with bottom actions triggering when cards match with others or septima.
- Resource management — Collect ingredients from hexes, use them to brew remedies and practical potions, which drive healing, movement, and scoring.
- resources gathering and potion brewing — Collect ingredients from hexes, use them to brew remedies and practical potions, which drive healing, movement, and scoring.
- seasonal cycle and moon phase tracking — The game unfolds over a year divided into four seasons; each season has rounds and a moon tracker that guides scoring and actions.
- septima tokens and right-board synergy — Septima tokens flag ideal actions per round; matching actions with septima or other players yields additional effects and progress on the right board.
- shape-shifting animal form — A coven member can transform into an animal form, altering powers, blocking leader abilities, and affecting which actions can be taken.
- trial resolution and crowd management — End-of-season witch trials determine guilt/innocence, yielding wisdom points and shifting citizens between the crowd and chambers.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- it's a one to four player experience that plays in roughly 50 to 100 minutes
- animals never raise suspicion because they're animals
- the year is divided up into four rounds or seasons
- witch hunters are patrolling their own zones
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video cl9h8L31Vgg
game_review at 0:00 sentiment: positive
video_pk 10424 · mention_pk 30691
Click to watch at 0:00 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Engaging witch-themed atmosphere with a strong narrative thread
- Tense decision-making from simultaneous actions
- Distinct powers boost replayability
- Beautiful artwork and components that support immersion
- Mechanics align well with the theme of healing and trials
Cons
- Potential learning curve due to multiple interacting mechanics
- Balance of powers may vary with player count
- Theme-heavy direction may not appeal to all audiences
Thematic elements
- Witchcraft, covenant leadership, healing, and political intrigue in a town under siege by hunters.
- A witch-hunter town in a fantasy medieval setting focused on trials, covens, and healing.
- Thematic, procedural progression through trials and town needs with a focus on role-specific powers.
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- action_resolution_and_scoring — Progress and points come from healing townsfolk and brewing potions, aligning with the witch-trials theme.
- simultaneous_secret_action_selection — Players secretly select actions each round; actions resolve in parallel, creating tension and uncertainty.
- thematic_integration_and_aesthetics — Artwork and components reinforce the witch-hunting atmosphere and immersive experience.
- variable_player_powers — Each player has a distinct power that influences strategy and interacts with town dynamics.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- simultaneous secret action selection
- variable player powers and beautiful Aesthetics
- you'll need to survive the witch trials
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video otjEL8YtlwM
Foster the meele Channel top_10_list at 20:04 sentiment: positive
video_pk 10149 · mention_pk 29880
Click to watch at 20:04 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Strong thematic pull for folklore vibe
Cons
none
Thematic elements
- witchy / witchcraft vibes
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- engine building / strategy — thematic blend of worker/engine optimization
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- Ticket to Ride is also many people's debut into board games
- you got to go fast
- you got to be swift
- Fearless is the Trailblazer album for Taylor
- Familiar Tales for me is giving me Speak Now vibes
- Bark Avenue because when you say speak a dog Burks
- the gates of Loyang … the box is red
- it's the era of Taylor Swift where she started to not really care and started to make fun of herself
- London boy
- Phantom Ink right because I don't know not only like the name of the game but the vibe
- the longest board game name I can think of
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video hvUGsmAFhEo
Before You Play general_discussion at 12:42 sentiment: positive
video_pk 7894 · mention_pk 23284
Click to watch at 12:42 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Covers additional depth via expansion modules
- Thematic and lore-friendly for fans of the setting
Cons
- Complex learning curve
- Not all modules may appeal to every group
Thematic elements
- rituals, witches, and occult-adjacent tableau
- Witch/dark magical theme; ritual boards and omens
- story-forward with modular components
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- deck-building / modular expansion — uses a ritual board and multiple modules (omens, animals) to add depth
- modular board expansion — expansion-style depth via ritual board and modules
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- "we're going to do quarterly Vlogs"
- "If you are in the US feel free to be part of the giveaway"
- "the Meep store is closing"
- "two copies of this game"
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video _PVQchm2vgk
Unknown Channel rules teach at 0:03
video_pk 2533 · mention_pk 7404
Click to watch at 0:03 · YouTube ↗
Pros
none
Cons
none
Thematic elements
- Witchcraft, coven diplomacy, potion brewing, ritual objectives, and occult trials.
- A coven-based witchcraft setting unfolding across the four seasons within a town, with moon phases guiding actions and consequences.
- Array
- Array
- positive
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
Mechanics unknown.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- Septima players lead a coven of up to four.
- There are also eight different actions that are part of the base game.
- Shape-shifting and Omens that introduces new animal tiles.
- There you have it that is how you play Septima.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Transcript Navigation
Showing 1–12 of 12