Shadows of Brimstone: City of the Ancients

2014

Experience the thrill of the Old West in Shadows of Brimstone: City of the Ancients. This fully cooperative, fast-paced board game combines classic Western heroes, dungeon-crawling, and unspeakable horror for an unforgettable gaming experience.

120
minutes

1 - 4
player(s)

12+

Medium Heavy

About the game

Shadows of Brimstone: City of the Ancients is a fast-paced, fully cooperative, dungeon-crawl board game set in the Old West, with a heavy dose of unspeakable horror! Players create characters, taking on the role of a classic Western Hero Archetype, such as the Law Man, Gunslinger, or Saloon Girl. Forming an adventuring posse, they venture down into the dark mines, overrun with all manner of ancient demons and foul creatures from another world.

With tactical gameplay, lots of dice, and a robust card-driven exploration system, no two games are ever the same as the heroes explore the mines finding new enemies to fight, new loot to collect, and new dangers to overcome. Players can even find portals to other worlds, stepping through to continue their adventures on the other side!

Game components Unboxing the fun!

Shadows of Brimstone: City of the Ancients is a fast-paced, fully cooperative, dungeon-crawl board game set in the Old West, with a heavy dose of unspeakable horror. Here are all the components included in the game and a brief description of their uses:

1. Rulebook: This is the guide that provides the detailed instructions on how to play the game. It includes the game’s backstory, character development, the game’s setup, and the gameplay instructions.

2. Adventure Book: This book contains a variety of adventures and scenarios that the players can explore in the game. It also includes information about the enemies and challenges that players will face.

3. Game Cards: The game includes multiple decks of cards which serve different purposes:

Hero Cards: These cards represent the characters that players can choose to play in the game. Each hero card contains details about the character’s abilities, skills, and stats.
Enemy Cards: These cards represent the various enemies that the heroes will encounter during their adventures. Each card details the enemies’ abilities, stats, and special rules.
Gear Cards: These cards represent the equipment and items that heroes can acquire during their adventure. They include weapons, armor, and special items.
Encounter Cards: These cards are drawn when players explore new areas, triggering different events, battles, or discoveries.

4. Game Boards: These are the tiles that create the game map. Each tile represents a different location in the game, and they are laid out according to the adventure being played.

5. Miniatures: The game includes detailed miniatures that represent the heroes and enemies in the game. They are used to track movement and combat on the game boards.

6. Dice: Shadows of Brimstone uses a variety of dice to resolve combat, skill tests, and other game events. Each dice has a different purpose and is used at different points in the game.

7. Tokens: The game includes a variety of tokens that are used to track the health of heroes, status effects, and other game variables. Each token has a different design to distinguish its purpose.

The game’s components interact with each other to provide a dynamic and immersive gameplay experience. Players use the hero cards and miniatures to explore the game boards, fighting enemies represented by enemy cards and miniatures. Dice rolls determine the success or failure of their actions, while tokens track the ongoing state of the game. All of these elements come together to create a rich and engaging cooperative adventure in Shadows of Brimstone: City of the Ancients.

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

Step 1: Choose Your Hero

Each player should choose their hero. The choices include:

The Gunslinger: Known for their superior marksmanship.
The Marshal: They uphold the law and are experienced leaders.
The Saloon Girl: They are agile and persuasive.
The Rancher: They are tough and reliable, known for their physical strength.

Step 2: Prepare Your Hero Sheet

Each player should then prepare their hero sheet by:

Filling in their hero’s basic stats, such as Health, Sanity, and Grit.
Choosing their hero’s starting gear. The gear varies depending on the hero chosen.
Noting down any special abilities your hero has.

Step 3: Set Up The Game Board

To set up the game board:

Place the Town Board in the center of the table. This is the starting point for the game.
Shuffle the Mine Map Deck and place it next to the Town Board.
Place the Depth Track next to the Town Board with a marker on the ‘Start’ space. This track represents the depth of the mine the heroes are exploring.
Set aside the Darkness markers, Gate markers, and Scavenge tokens in a pile within reach of all players.

Step 4: Prepare The Decks

Shuffle the following decks and place them near the game board:

Encounter Deck: Represents the random events that the heroes may come across in the mines.
Artifact Deck: Contains powerful artifacts that the heroes can discover.
Monster Deck: Contains the various monsters that the heroes may encounter.

Step 5: Start The Game

The game begins with the heroes in the Town. During their turn, they can move around the Town, purchase items, and prepare for their journey into the mines. Once they enter the mines, the real adventure begins!

Game flow Round and round we go

Shadows of Brimstone: City of the Ancients is a cooperative strategy board game set in a horrific world of adventure, exploration, and discovery. Each game is played in rounds, with each round containing a series of phases that players must navigate through. The game continues until players achieve their mission’s goals or all players are defeated.

The game’s structure is divided into four main phases:

The Initiative Phase

In this phase, players determine the order in which they will take their turns during the round. Each player rolls a d6 (six-sided die) and adds their Initiative value. The player with the highest total goes first, followed by the player with the next highest total, and so on. In the case of a tie, the player with the highest natural roll (without adding the Initiative value) goes first.

The Hero Turn Phase

This is where the bulk of the gameplay takes place. During their turn, each player can perform a variety of actions such as move, explore, attack, or use an item. They can perform up to two different actions per turn, but cannot perform the same action twice in a row. If a player chooses to explore, they draw a card from the Exploration deck and follow the instructions, often leading to battles with enemies or discoveries of important items.

The Darkness Phase

Once all players have taken their turns, the game transitions to the Darkness phase. This phase represents the ever-present threat of the unknown. A card is drawn from the Darkness deck and its effects are immediately resolved. These effects can vary greatly, from spawning new enemies to causing environmental hazards or presenting new challenges for the heroes to overcome.

The Cleanup Phase

This is the final phase of the round where players prepare for the next round. Any temporary effects end at this point, and any ongoing effects are checked. Players can also trade items or gear during this phase. Once the Cleanup phase is complete, a new round begins starting with the Initiative phase.

It is important to note that the game’s depth comes from the decisions players make during their turns and how they respond to the challenges presented during the Darkness phase. The game continues in this manner, alternating between these four phases, until the mission is completed or all players are defeated.

Players'turn One turn to rule them all

Shadows of Brimstone: City of the Ancients is a fast-paced, fully cooperative, dungeon-crawl board game set in the Old West, with a heavy dose of unspeakable horror! During a player’s turn in this game, they have the opportunity to perform a variety of actions. These actions, and the strategic choices they present, are detailed below:

1. Move: One of the primary actions a player can take during their turn is to move. Each character has a specific number of movement points listed on their character sheet. By strategically choosing paths and managing movement points, players can evade enemies, explore new areas, or reach objectives more quickly.

2. Explore: A player can choose to explore a new area during their turn. This involves drawing an exploration card and resolving its effects. By exploring, players can discover new resources, encounter enemies, or trigger special events. The choice to explore is strategic, as it can have both positive and negative outcomes.

3. Fight: If a player’s character is in the same space as an enemy, they can choose to engage in combat. This involves rolling dice to attempt to hit the enemy and deal damage. The choice to fight is often strategic, as it can eliminate threats but also put the player’s character at risk of injury.

4. Scavenge: If a player’s character is in a space with a scavenge icon, they can choose to scavenge for resources. This involves drawing a scavenge card and resolving its effects. The choice to scavenge can be strategic, as it can yield valuable resources but also potentially attract unwanted attention.

5. Use an Item or Ability: A player can choose to use an item or ability during their turn. The effects of these depend on the specific item or ability used. The strategic use of items and abilities can greatly impact gameplay, as they can provide a variety of benefits or effects.

6. Rest: A player can choose to have their character rest during their turn. This allows the character to regain some health, but leaves them vulnerable to attacks. The choice to rest is strategic, as it must be balanced against the potential risks.

Each of these actions, and the strategic choices they present, play a crucial role in the gameplay of Shadows of Brimstone: City of the Ancients. By carefully considering their options and making wise decisions, players can work together to overcome the challenges presented by the game and achieve their objectives.

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

Shadows of Brimstone: City of the Ancients is a fast-paced, fully cooperative, dungeon-crawl board game set in the Old West, with a heavy dose of unspeakable horror! In order for the game to end, certain conditions must be met, which can lead to either a victory or defeat for the players.

Victory Conditions:

Completing the Mission Objective: Every game of Shadows of Brimstone has a specific Mission. Missions have an objective that must be completed in order to achieve victory. This could be anything from finding a certain item, defeating a specific enemy, or reaching a particular location on the game board.
All Heroes Survive: If all player-controlled characters (or ‘Heroes’) survive to the end of the game and complete the mission objective, this is considered a victory.

Defeat Conditions:

Failing the Mission Objective: If the players fail to complete the mission objective, they lose the game.
All Heroes Perish: If all the Heroes are knocked out and can’t continue the game, the players lose.

Before the final scoring, players must perform the following actions:

Count Experience Points (XP): Each player should add up the total XP they earned during the game. XP can be earned by defeating enemies, finding treasure, and completing objectives.
Calculate Gold: Each player should add up all the gold they have collected during the game.
Assess Artifacts: Any artifacts found during the game have their own unique values, and these should be added to the player’s final score.
Evaluate Damage: Any damage to the Heroes can affect the final score. Each point of damage reduces the final score by a corresponding amount.
Check for Bonus Points: Certain scenarios, character abilities, or game variants may provide opportunities for bonus points. These should be added to the final score if they apply.

Scoring Did you outsmart your rivals?

In Shadows of Brimstone: City of the Ancients, the scoring system is primarily based on the collection of experience points (XP) and gold. These points are earned through various in-game actions such as defeating enemies, discovering new areas, and completing missions. The player with the highest combined total of XP and gold at the end of the game is the winner.

Earning Experience Points

Defeating Enemies: Players earn XP for each enemy they defeat. The amount of XP earned depends on the type of enemy. For example, a basic enemy might award 1 XP, while a boss enemy might award 5 XP.
Discovering New Areas: Players also earn XP for discovering new areas in the game. The first player to enter an unexplored area typically earns 1 XP.
Completing Missions: Players can earn additional XP by completing missions. These missions vary in difficulty and the amount of XP they award.

Earning Gold

Defeating Enemies: In addition to earning XP, players can also earn gold by defeating enemies. The amount of gold earned depends on the type of enemy defeated.
Exploring Areas: Gold can also be found by exploring areas in the game. Certain areas may contain treasure chests or other sources of gold.
Trading: Players can earn gold by trading with other players or with non-player characters (NPCs) in the game.

Tie-Breaking Rules

In the event of a tie, the game has a specific set of tie-breaking rules. The first tie-breaker is the player with the most XP. If there is still a tie, the player with the most gold is the winner. If there is still a tie after considering both XP and gold, the player who has the most items in their inventory is the winner. If a tie still remains, the player who completed the most missions is the winner. Finally, if all of these factors are equal, the winner is determined by a roll of the dice.

Particular Cases and Exceptions Wait… is that legal?

Shadows of Brimstone: City of the Ancients is a cooperative, dungeon-crawl board game with a mix of western and horror themes. There are a few rare or special rules and exceptions that players should be aware of:

1. Double Critical Hit:

In the event of a double critical hit (rolling two sixes), the player deals double damage to the enemy. This is an exception to the standard rule where a six on a die roll results in a Critical Hit which deals an extra damage.

2. Scavenging:

After a fight, adventurers can choose to scavenge. This is done by rolling a die. On a result of 4, 5 or 6, the player finds an item. However, on a roll of 1, the player has an encounter instead. This is an exception to the normal exploration rules.

3. Darkness Cards:

Darkness cards are drawn each turn when a player ends their movement in a tile without any other characters. This is an exception to the usual rule that players draw cards only when they enter new tiles.

4. Overlapping Map Tiles:

If a new Map Tile would overlap an existing Map Tile, it is instead placed as close as possible to its original location, in a way that does not overlap. This may result in the creation of ‘impassable’ areas where the Map Tiles do not connect.

5. Grit:

Players earn Grit points for various actions, like killing enemies or drawing certain cards. Grit can be spent to re-roll dice, but only one re-roll is allowed per action. This clarifies the standard rule of re-rolls in the game.

6. Final Room Exception:

Once the Final room of the mine is found, no new rooms can be explored. This is an exception to the standard exploration rules.

Having these rules in mind will ensure a smooth game play and allow players to fully enjoy Shadows of Brimstone: City of the Ancients.

Tips and tricks Play smarter, not harder!

Shadows of Brimstone: City of the Ancients is a fast-paced, fully cooperative, dungeon-crawl board game set in the Old West, with a heavy dose of unspeakable horror! Players create characters, taking on the role of a classic Western Hero Archetype, such as the Law Man, Gunslinger, or Saloon Girl. This board game requires strategic thinking and careful planning for successful gameplay. Here are some advanced strategies, beginner tips, common mistakes to avoid, and ways to optimize gameplay.

Advanced Strategies:

Character Upgrade: Invest in character attributes and skills tactfully. Don’t focus on only one attribute. A good balance between combat skills, sanity, and health can go a long way.
Teamwork: Focus on teamwork. The game is designed for cooperative play so plan your moves with other players for the best results.
Explore More: The more you explore, the more darkness cards you draw and the more chances you have to find loot and artifacts.

Beginner Tips:

Learn the Rules: The game has many components and rules. Make sure to read and understand the rulebook thoroughly before starting.
Start Small: Start with smaller scenarios to get the hang of gameplay mechanics.
Use Gear Wisely: Make good use of your starting gear. It can greatly help in the initial stages of the game.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

Ignoring Sanity: Don’t ignore your sanity level. If it gets too low, your character can go insane and become a liability to the team.
Rushing: Avoid rushing into rooms without a plan. This can lead to unnecessary fights and loss of resources.
Forgetting Special Abilities: Each character has special abilities. Forgetting to use them can make your gameplay harder.

Ways to Optimize Gameplay:

Plan Your Moves: Plan your moves in advance considering the possible outcomes.
Effective Communication: Communicate effectively with your teammates. Sharing information can help in making better decisions.
Manage Resources: Be mindful of your resources. Use them when necessary and save them for critical situations.