Mice and Mystics

2012

Join the thrilling Mice and Mystics game. Play as field mice, explore a massive castle, face terrifying adversaries, and save an imperiled kingdom. A cooperative adventure game with a rich storyline you help create!

90
minutes

1 - 4
player(s)

Medium

About the game

In Mice and Mystics, players take on the roles of those still loyal to the king – but to escape the clutches of Vanestra, they have been turned into mice! Play as cunning field mice who must race through a castle now twenty times larger than before. The castle would be a dangerous place with Vanestra’s minions in control, but now countless other terrors also await heroes who are but the size of figs. Play as nimble Prince Collin and fence your way past your foes, or try Nez Bellows, the burly smith. Confound your foes as the wizened old mouse Maginos, or protect your companions as Tilda, the castle’s former healer. Every player will have a vital role in the quest to warn the king, and it will take careful planning to find Vanestra’s weakness and defeat her. Mice and Mystics is a cooperative adventure game in which the players work together to save an imperiled kingdom. They will face countless adversaries such as rats, cockroaches, and spiders, and of course the greatest of all horrors: the castle’s housecat, Brodie. Mice and Mystics is a boldly innovative game that thrusts players into an ever-changing, interactive environment, and features a rich storyline that the players help create as they play the game. The Cheese System allows players to hoard the crumbs of precious cheese they find on their journey, and use it to bolster their mice with grandiose new abilities and overcome seemingly insurmountable odds. Mice and Mystics will provide any group of friends with an unforgettable adventure they will be talking about for years to come – assuming they can all squeak by… Expansion advice: For those who have expansions for this game the recommended order by the game designer for playing them is as follows (see original post HERE): Sorrow and Remembrance (Base game) Cat's Cradle (Lost Chapter 1) Heart of Glorm The Ghost of Castle Andon (Lost Chapter 2) Downwood Tales Portents of Importance (Lost Chapter 3), connected to the story in Tail Feathers

Setup and rules summary

Game components Unboxing the fun!

Mice and Mystics is a richly detailed board game with immersive gameplay and high-quality components. Here’s a breakdown of each of these components:

1. Game Board: The game board is a double-sided, modular board that represents different locations within the castle. It serves as the playing field where characters move and interact with each other. Each location has a different layout and traps, providing diverse challenges for the players.

2. Mouse Figures: There are 6 beautifully crafted mouse figures that represent the player characters in the game. Each mouse figure corresponds to a specific character card, and the figure’s position on the game board represents that character’s location in the game.

3. Enemy Figures: These figures represent the various enemies that the mice will encounter during their adventure. They also move and interact on the game board, posing challenges to the players.

4. Character Cards: Each player has a character card that represents their mouse hero. These cards show the hero’s abilities, health points, and special skills. Players refer to their character card throughout the game to determine their actions and responses.

5. Cheese Tokens: These are used as currency in the game. Players can earn cheese tokens by defeating enemies or through specific game events. These tokens can be spent to activate special abilities or saved to level up a mouse hero.

6. Storybook: The Storybook provides the narrative for each game scenario. It sets up the storyline, defines the game objectives, and gives detailed instructions on setting up the game board for each chapter.

7. Dice: The game includes 6-sided dice used to resolve attacks, defense, searches, and other random game events. The dice are color-coded to represent different levels of success.

8. Ability Cards: These cards represent special abilities that the mice can learn as they level up. They provide the mice with new skills or enhancements to their existing skills, adding an extra level of strategy to the game.

9. Encounter Cards: These cards are drawn at the beginning of each player’s turn and determine what enemies appear on the game board and how they behave.

10. Search Cards: These cards are drawn when a mouse decides to search a location. They can reveal useful items, traps, or even new enemies.

11. Initiative Cards: These cards determine the turn order of the characters and enemies in each round of play. They are shuffled and drawn at the beginning of each round.

Each of these components plays an integral part in the gameplay of Mice and Mystics, combining to create a story-driven adventure filled with challenges, strategy, and cooperation.

Game setup Lay it out, line it up, let’s go

Mice and Mystics is a cooperative adventure game where players take on the roles of those still loyal to the king – but to escape the clutches of Vanestra, they have been turned into mice! Here’s a step-by-step guide to setting up the game.

Step 1: Choose a Story

Begin by choosing a story from the included storybook. The story will guide your game, providing objectives, special rules, and a narrative for your characters to follow.

Step 2: Set Up the Game Board

Choose the starting tile as indicated by the story. Place it in the center of the table. As the game progresses and the mice explore, new tiles will be added to the board.

Step 3: Choose Player Roles

Each player selects a mouse character. These characters each have their own abilities and skills, so choose a character that fits your play style. Once a character is chosen, each player takes the stats card for their mouse and places it in front of them.

Step 4: Prepare the Tokens

Sort out the various tokens into piles: cheese tokens, wound tokens, and status effect tokens. Place these within easy reach of all players.

Step 5: Prepare the Encounter Deck

Shuffle the encounter cards and place them face down. These cards will determine what enemies the mice face as they explore.

Step 6: Prepare the Search Deck

Separately shuffle the search cards and place them face down. These cards represent items and equipment that the mice can find during their quest.

Step 7: Initial Resources

Each player starts with a weapon (as indicated on their character card), one cheese token, and no wounds. Place the cheese token and the weapon card next to your character card.

Step 8: Random Elements

Many aspects of Mice and Mystics are controlled by dice rolls, adding an element of luck and unpredictability to the game. These include combat, searching, and even some story events.

Once the above steps are complete, you’re ready to begin your adventure in the magical world of Mice and Mystics.

Game flow Round and round we go

Mice and Mystics is a cooperative adventure board game where players work together to overcome challenges and complete quests. The game is played in a series of rounds with each round divided into two phases: the Initiative Phase and the Action Phase. These phases dictate the order of play and the actions that can be performed during a player’s turn.

In the Initiative Phase, players determine the order of play for the upcoming round. This is done by drawing cards from the initiative deck and placing them in order on the initiative track. Each card represents a character or enemy type and the order of these cards determines the turn order for the round.

Initiative Cards: These are drawn from the initiative deck. Each player character has a corresponding card in this deck, as do the different types of enemies.
Initiative Track: This track controls the order of play. Cards drawn from the initiative deck are placed here.

Next comes the Action Phase. During this phase, players take their turns in the order determined by the initiative track. On their turn, a player can perform a variety of actions such as moving, attacking, searching, and using abilities. The specific actions a player can perform are dependent on their character and their current situation.

Moving: A player can move their character a number of spaces equal to their movement value.
Attacking: A player can attack an enemy within their attack range. The success of an attack is determined by a die roll.
Searching: A player can search their current tile for items and equipment. This is also determined by a die roll.
Using Abilities: Each character has unique abilities that they can use during their turn. The use of these abilities can greatly influence the outcome of the game.

Once all players have taken their turns, the round ends and a new round begins with a new Initiative Phase. This process repeats until the players either complete their objective or all player characters are defeated.

Mice and Mystics is a game of strategy and cooperation, with players needing to work together to overcome the game’s challenges. The order of play and the actions available to players can change dramatically from round to round, making every game a unique experience.

Players'turn One turn to rule them all

Mice and Mystics is a cooperative adventure board game that is rich in strategy and story. During a player’s turn, they will perform a number of actions that can influence the course of the game. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what happens during a player’s turn:

Phase 1: Refresh

The player’s turn begins with the Refresh phase. In this phase, the player removes any action markers from their mouse card. If the mouse is captured or in the same space as a minion, it skips this phase.

Phase 2: Draw Cards

During the draw phase, the player draws up to their mouse’s cheese wheel number in cards from the search deck. If the search deck is empty, it is reshuffled, and the player continues drawing. Captured mice or mice in the same space as a minion skip this phase.

Phase 3: Perform Actions

The main part of a player’s turn is the action phase. The player can perform one of the following actions:

Move: The player rolls a die and moves their mouse up to the number of spaces rolled. If a mouse moves into a space with a minion, it must stop.
Search: The player rolls a die. If they roll a cheese symbol, they can draw a card from the search deck.
Scamper: The player can move their mouse one space without rolling a die.
Battle: The player can attack a minion in the same space. They roll a number of dice equal to their attack value and compare the results to the minion’s defense value.
Share: The player can give an item card to another mouse in the same space.
Explore: If the player’s mouse is on a space with an exit area, they can attempt to explore a new tile. They roll a die and if they roll a cheese symbol, they can draw a new tile from the tile deck and place it adjacent to the existing tile.

Phase 4: Cheese Wheel

At the end of their turn, the player adds a cheese token to the cheese wheel for each cheese symbol rolled during their turn. If the cheese wheel is full, a surge occurs and new minions are placed on the tile.

These are all the actions a player can take during their turn in Mice and Mystics. Each choice can drastically affect the course of the game, making every turn a strategic decision.

End of the game All good games must come to an end

‘Mice and Mystics’ is a unique, cooperative adventure board game where players work together to overcome challenges and progress through an engaging story. The game ends when certain victory conditions are met, and it is important to understand these conditions to play the game effectively. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

Firstly, the game of ‘Mice and Mystics’ is divided into a series of chapters, each with its own specific victory conditions. These conditions are outlined in the chapter’s story in the rulebook, and players must complete them successfully to win the chapter and progress in the game. The victory conditions vary from chapter to chapter. They might involve reaching a certain location on the board, defeating a specific enemy, or protecting a particular character for a set number of turns.

The game ends immediately once the victory conditions for the final chapter are met. However, the game can also end prematurely if all players are captured by the enemy or if the hourglass marker on the chapter track reaches the end before the victory conditions are achieved. In either case, the players lose the game.

Before final scoring, players must complete a few actions. These include:

Resolving any remaining encounters: If there are any unresolved encounters on the board, players must complete them before the game ends.
Adding up individual scores: Players add up their own scores based on the number of enemies they defeated, the items they collected, and any other achievements they earned during the game.
Comparing scores: Although ‘Mice and Mystics’ is a cooperative game, players can compare their individual scores for a bit of friendly competition.

After these actions are completed, the game of ‘Mice and Mystics’ officially ends. The players who have successfully met the victory conditions celebrate their shared success, and the story of their brave mice continues in the next chapter or game.

Scoring Did you outsmart your rivals?

Mice and Mystics is a cooperative adventure board game where players work together to achieve the objectives as outlined in each chapter of the game’s storybook. Therefore, traditional scoring and points are not typically an aspect of the game. However, to add a competitive element, players can create a scoring system based on the following elements:

1. Cheese Tokens: These are a valuable resource in the game, and can be used as a scoring metric. Players can be awarded points equal to the number of cheese tokens they have collected by the end of the game.

2. Achievements: Points can be awarded for each achievement a mouse completes. Achievements can be defined as completing a chapter, successfully using a special ability, or overcoming a particular challenge.

3. Captured Pieces: In the event that a player successfully captures an enemy piece, points can be awarded equivalent to the strength of the captured piece.

4. Health: Remaining health points can also be turned into score points at the end of the game. Each remaining health point could be considered one score point.

Tie-Breaking Rules: In the event of a tie, the following methods can be used:

Number of Achievements: The player with the most achievements can be considered the winner.
Cheese Tokens: If the tie persists, the player with the most cheese tokens can be declared the winner.
Health Points: If there is still a tie, then the player with the most remaining health points wins.

It’s important to note that these scoring rules are not official and can be altered based on the preference of the players to add an additional layer of competition to this cooperative game.

Particular Cases and Exceptions Wait… is that legal?

Mice and Mystics is a cooperative adventure board game that is rich in storytelling and strategy. However, like many games of its kind, there are certain special rules and exceptions that players need to understand to fully enjoy the experience. Here are some of them:

1. Cheese Tokens:

The use of cheese tokens in the game is multifaceted. Apart from being a resource for leveling up your mouse character, it also triggers the spawning of minions when the cheese wheel on the initiative track is filled. It’s important to note that cheese tokens are removed from the cheese wheel at the end of each encounter.

2. Encounter Difficulty:

The ‘page’ of the storybook you are on determines the difficulty of the encounters. The number in the lower right corner of the page indicates how many minions to place on the board. The type of minion is determined by the current tile.

3. Searching:

When a mouse uses the search action, they have the chance of finding useful items. However, a mouse can only search once per room unless a special ability or item allows otherwise.

4. Special Abilities and Items:

Many mice and minions have special abilities that can significantly impact the game. Equally, some of the items that can be found or bought may have game-changing effects. Players need to read their mice and item cards carefully and strategize accordingly.

5. Captured Mice:

Mice are not killed in this game; they are captured. When a mouse loses all of its health, it is captured and loses all of its cheese. Captured mice may be rescued by their fellow adventurers.

6. Surrounded Rule:

In the event a mouse is surrounded by minions, it cannot move from its spot until the minions are defeated, or the mouse successfully rolls for evasion.

7. Wound Limit:

Each mouse character has a wound limit. If a mouse takes wounds equal to their wound limit, they are captured. If all mice are captured, the game is over.

8. Turn Order:

Unlike many board games where players take turns in a set order, in Mice and Mystics, the turn order is determined by the cards on the initiative track. This order can change throughout the game as different things happen.

These are just a few of the unique rules and exceptions in Mice and Mystics. There are many more intricacies that make this game a thrilling and strategic adventure.

Tips and tricks Play smarter, not harder!

Mice and Mystics is a cooperative adventure board game that requires strategic thinking and teamwork. Here are some advanced strategies, beginner tips, common mistakes to avoid, and ways to optimize gameplay in ‘Mice and Mystics’.

Advanced Strategies:

Use your special abilities wisely. Each character has unique abilities that can turn the tide of the game. For example, Tilda’s healing ability is invaluable in keeping your team alive, and Nez’s ability to repair items can save you in a pinch.
Plan your moves. Mice and Mystics is a game of limited actions. Each turn, you need to decide whether to move, search, fight, or use an ability. Planning your moves can ensure you make the most of each turn.
Coordinate with your team. Working together is key in Mice and Mystics. Coordinate your actions to maximize your impact on the game. For example, have one player distract enemies while another searches for items.

Beginner Tips:

Learn the rules before you play. Mice and Mystics has a lot of rules, and it can be overwhelming for new players. Take the time to learn the rules before you start playing to avoid confusion later on.
Start with a simple character. Each character in Mice and Mystics has different abilities and strengths. If you’re new to the game, start with a simpler character like Prince Collin or Maginos.
Don’t be afraid to use your cheese. Cheese is a valuable resource in Mice and Mystics, but don’t be afraid to use it. It can be used to buy new abilities, heal, and more.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

Don’t forget about the cheese wheel. The cheese wheel is a mechanic that can easily be forgotten, but it can have a big impact on the game. If the wheel fills up with cheese, a surge occurs and more enemies appear.
Avoid getting separated from your team. Mice and Mystics is a cooperative game, and splitting up can be dangerous. Try to stay together as much as possible.
Don’t ignore the objective. It can be easy to get caught up in fighting enemies, but remember that the goal is to complete the objective. Always keep an eye on the objective and make sure you’re working towards it.

Ways to Optimize Gameplay:

Use your items wisely. Items can be very powerful in Mice and Mystics. Make sure to use them at the right time to maximize their effect.
Communicate with your team. Good communication is key in a cooperative game like Mice and Mystics. Make sure to discuss your plans and strategies with your team.
Take advantage of opportunities. Sometimes, opportunities will present themselves in the game. Be ready to take advantage of these opportunities when they come up.