Philosopher

Townsfolk•Sects & Violets

The Philosopher is a versatile Townsfolk who can transform into any good character once per game, gaining their ability but making any existing player of that character drunk. They allow the good team to adapt to the setup, doubling up on powerful abilities or silencing suspected false information.

Wakes

Special

Causes Death

Selects

Alignment

Static

Ability

Once per game, at night, choose a good character: gain that ability. If this character is in play, they are drunkHas no ability but thinks they do. The Storyteller feeds them false information. They cannot affect the game state..

Night Ritual (Storyteller Instructions)

Each Night

"The Philosopher might pick a good character. If they chose a character: Give them that ability. If the character is in play, make them drunk."

Strategy Guide

Playing As

Assess what the town needs most; gaining information roles like Savant, Dreamer, or Oracle is often the strongest play.
You can choose to act early to guarantee value before dying, or wait to counter specific threats (e.g., picking Oracle if you suspect a Vigormortis).
Targeting an in-play character can be strategic if you distrust the player or suspect they are evil, effectively silencing them to take over the role.
Consider gaining 'once per game' abilities like Artist, Seamstress, or Juggler to give the good team a second usage of that power.
Bluffing as the character you turned into can draw fire or protect you, while secretly becoming a Sage can trap a Demon.

Playing Against

Be skeptical of players claiming Philosopher to explain away valid information from others by claiming to have made them drunk.
Watch for double claims; if two players claim the same character, one might be the Philosopher, meaning the other is drunk (or lying).
Evil players frequently bluff Philosopher to discredit strong Townsfolk or explain why they are claiming an in-play character.
Keep track of the Outsider count; a Philosopher choosing an Outsider or making one drunk can alter the perceived setup.
If a reliable source suddenly starts giving nonsense information, consider if a Philosopher has taken their ability.

Interactions