Affaire Des Poisons 2.2.0

Many of our fears of witchcraft can be traced back to the infamous Affair of the Poisons that occurred between 1677 and 1682. This scandal revolved around two notorious French Fortune Tellers, Catherine Monvoisin (La Voisin) and Marie Bosse (La Bosse). The activities of these witches included the sale of various potions such as love elixirs, good luck charms, and a deadly concoction cynically named "inheritance potions." La Bosse would provide these potions along with instructions on how to utilize them for personal gain. Through these means, individuals sought to manipulate relationships, secure inheritances, or eliminate their romantic rivals.

Woodcuts depicting witches crafting potions, carrying out sacrificial rituals, and consorting with demons found inspiration in the 17th-century crimes of La Voisin and La Bosse. La Voisin conducted Satanic ceremonies in collaboration with members of the French aristocracy, including Madam de Montespan, who was a favorite mistress of King Louis XIV. Desperate to maintain her position, Madam de Montespan was even willing to resort to demonic pacts and poisoning her competitors.

Following a series of poisoning incidents and mysterious deaths, the scandal reached the highest echelons of the court, causing King Louis XIV himself to fear for his safety. Many noble deaths were linked to the clandestine trade in poisons. This led to a five-year investigation culminating in the torture and execution by burning at the stake of 36 individuals.

Originally a midwife, La Voisin also engaged in illegal activities such as performing secret abortions and hosting Satanic rituals using the remains of fetuses as part of her services to affluent clients. Madam de Montespan confessed to paying La Voisin a substantial sum for a black mass that included child sacrifice. Shockingly, during the inquiry, approximately 2,500 infant remains were discovered buried in La Voisin's garden, spreading horror across Europe.

The widespread panic and fear around witches depicted in woodcuts during that era prompted global hysteria. Reflecting on these historical depictions of witches, I was inspired to create a video game based on the imagery from the 17th century, featuring witches, demons, devils, and imps. The game retains an eerie charm while capturing the essence of horror inherent in those representations. Players take on the role of the sinister witch La Voisin during her malevolent exploits!

Objective:

In the game's narrative, you embody La Voisin scouring the countryside alongside Madam de Montespan to gather babies for Satanic rituals. Your mission involves evading mobs of outraged churchgoers while making your way to Marie Bosse's Potion Shop to acquire various imps and familiars for nefarious purposes. Upon payment for unlocking a creature of choice at Marie Bosse’s shop, players can replay the game with newfound abilities such as controlling a flying demon, riding a broomstick as a witch, commanding a dashing goat, and more. The game offers wicked amusement with just a touch of diabolical consequences!

Mini-Games:

• Collect all 13 tarot cards in one playthrough for a reading from the Heretic's Oracle. Beware: Losing cards occurs if you descend into the underworld or enter the potion shop!
• Engage your memory with the Make-a-Potion Challenge within Marie Bosse’s Potion Shop for a chance to win 100 babies.

Indulge in your malevolent rampage—you know you've earned it.