Ireland, 1942. Spare the Rod, Spoil the Child takes place in a Magdalene Asylum, a home for “fallen women” maintained by the catholic order of the Sisters of Mercy. To repent for their sins, the penitents have to work in a laundry without being paid.
In truth, the reality is horrendous. These women are humiliated, harassed, and famished. They are not allowed to talk and they cannot keep any belonging. If they disobey, they are beaten up. They may stay forever in this dreadful place, be sent in a mental institution, become a nun, or die alone.
The PCs will play these women. Will they be able to escape? Will they lose hope? Will they die of sickness or because of the beatings? Will they help each other or will they find it easier to act selfishly? Is there more to the asylum than meets the eye?
Spare the Rod, Spoil the Child is intended for any RPG but was created with Monsterhearts (by Avery Alder) and Bluebeard's Bride (by Beltrán, Kelly and Richardson) in mind.
CONTENT WARNING: abuse, neglect, and death as thematic elements. Please use safety tools (like the X-Card, by John Stavropoulos, line and veils, the Support flower or Script Change, by Brie Sheldon) with this game, play it in a safe environnement and take care of your fellow players.
Source: The Game Website.