Hidden immunity idol
In the most recent of the US versions, hidden immunity idols have been made available. These idols, typically a small object that fits with the theme of the
Survivor location, are hidden near camp or located on Exile Island, with cumulative clues given to a select player (in
Guatemala) or to
exiled or kidnapped players (otherwise) as to its location. Once found, the player that possesses an idol may keep it or transfer it to another player prior to the start of Tribal Council, and it may not be stolen from that player.
[4] The player is not required to show this idol to other players, though may use it as a bargaining chip for alliance and voting purposes. Other players may discover the ownership of the idol via any means within the rules of the game, including peeking into other player's personal possessions. In the first few seasons of the twist, only one idol was ever in play, but in
Survivor: Fiji,
Survivor: China,
Survivor: Tocantins and
Survivor: Samoa, two hidden immunity idols were made available to the players (one located at each camp). The hidden immunity idol can only be used up until and including the Tribal Council of the final four or five players, depending on the season.
The use of the idol by a player to become immune has changed through the seasons:
- In Guatemala, the player with the idol was required to show the idol prior to the vote in order to become immune. The other members of the tribe were then not allowed to vote for this player.
- In both Panama and Cook Islands, the player with the idol was required to show the idol after the votes were read to become immune. If the idol holder had received the most number of votes, the player with the next largest number of votes was then immediately voted out. If the idol holder was tied with the most votes with another player, that player was also immediately voted out.
- From Fiji onwards, the player with the idol was required to show it after the votes were cast, but before they were read. The idol could be given to another player at this time, allowing that player to use the idol if they so desired. The resolution remained the same as with Panama and Cook Islands. According to an interview with host Jeff Probst, this change achieved a "happy medium" of the previous idol/immunity mechanisms.[5] This has resulted in players being voted out of the game without playing the idol (in China, Micronesia, Tocantins and Samoa)
During
Guatemala, the hidden immunity idol was not returned to the game after its use. Since then, if the idol is played, or the player with the idol leaves the game without playing it, the idol is replaced at a new location to be found, as long as the means by which clues to the idol's location are still given out and that the idol can still be played at following Tribal Councils. During
Gabon, the contestants unanimously decided to throw a hidden immunity idol into the sea. In this case it was not replaced at a new location. In some seasons, false hidden immunity idols have been fashioned by contestants; these have no value at Tribal Council. Probst has stated that the production team indirectly encourage contestants to create these fakes by means of supplying the camp with many materials that could be used to fashion the idol.
[6]
If she can keep that up then it might really benefit the old Foa Foa people.
