Terminology

Here’s a comprehensive glossary of terms used in Shadows of Leão, designed to help players and Game Masters quickly reference key terms during gameplay:

🧠 Core Concepts

The Architect

The Game Master. Oversees the game, calls roles during the night, resolves abilities, and announces effects. The Architect does not play and remains neutral.

Isleborn Citizens

The "good team" trying to protect Leão. They win by eliminating the Ravager and all members of the Shadow Council.

Shadow Council

The main evil faction. Includes powerful roles with abilities. One of them is always the Ravager, the only one who kills.

Unbound

Neutral roles that can shift alignment based on ability, chance, or player choice. Includes characters like the Doppelgänger and Queen Bee.

Wanderers

Wildcard roles who arrive late or leave early. Publicly known from the start. Their alignment is assigned by the Architect.

Chaotic Influencers

Roles that significantly alter game dynamics. Often unpredictable.

Specialists

Citizen-aligned roles with powerful abilities. Each region may have different Specialists.

Informants

Citizen-aligned roles who gather or reveal information. Examples: Journalist, Truthsayer, Fogseer Elara.

Protectors

Citizen-aligned roles that prevent deaths or protect others. Includes nurses and roles like the Soulwarden.

🌒 Night Phase Terminology

Night Phase

Time when players close their eyes. Certain roles wake up to use abilities. All communication must be non-verbal.

Marked for Death

A status where a player is selected for elimination during the night by the Ravager or another effect.

Frozen

A status (often from Frostpeak roles) where the player cannot use abilities or vote.

Silenced

A player cannot speak or communicate in any form during the next day. They can still vote.

Delirious / Drunk / Stupefied / Influenced

Interchangeable status effects. The affected player’s ability does not function as intended. Can result in failed actions or misleading information.

🌞 Day Phase Terminology

Day Discussion Phase

Begins when the Architect says “Everyone open your eyes.” Players may speak, strategize, and accuse.

Nomination Phase

Players may nominate others for banishment. There are limits to how many nominations can occur based on player count.

Voting Phase

Players vote clockwise from the nominee’s left. If a nominee receives votes from more than 50% of living players, they are eligible for elimination.

Banishment

When a nominated player receives enough votes and is eliminated. Their role may or may not be revealed depending on game mode.

Role Reveal Mode / Mystery Mode

Modes chosen by the Architect:

  • Role Reveal Mode: Player roles are revealed upon death.

  • Mystery Mode (default): Roles are kept secret unless a specific ability requires revelation.

👻 Ghost Terminology

Ghost

An eliminated player.

Ghost Vote

Each ghost receives one final vote after death. Used strategically during critical moments.

🌀 Role Interaction & Game Effects

Passive Ability

An ability that is always active and does not require the player to choose or act.

Special Ability

A player’s main power. May be used nightly or under specific conditions.

Triggered Ability

An ability that activates automatically when a condition is met (e.g., being targeted, or another role dying).

Redirect

An ability that causes actions or effects to be transferred from one target to another.

🗺️ Regions of Leão

  • Iron Heart: High-tech central region. Known for cyber-enhanced roles and political power.

  • Frostpeak: Icy northern region. Features freezing mechanics and snowbound roles.

  • Verdant Vale: Lush western farmland. Roles often tied to nature and life/death cycles.

  • Amber Plains: Warm, arid southern region. Known for fiery, survival-focused roles.

  • Golden Coast: A luxurious and radiant region famed for opulence, illusion, and persuasion. Roles often involve manipulation, charm, or glamour-based influence.

  • Eastern Shores: Coastal region. Roles often revolve around secrecy, trade, or the unknown