Too Many Bones

2017

Join the thrilling journey in Too Many Bones, a dice-builder RPG loaded with strategy. Team up or go solo, face off enemies, make crucial decisions, and weave your story with dice!

120
minutes

1 - 4
player(s)

12+

Medium Heavy

About the game

‘Too Many Bones’ is a unique, dice-driven, cooperative board game set in a richly designed fantasy world populated with a variety of strange and mythical creatures. As you delve deeper into the game, you will find yourself immersed in its intricate and challenging mechanics, constantly learning new strategies and tactics to overcome the challenges thrown at you.

The game’s theme revolves around an epic adventure in the land of Daelore, where players take on the roles of unique Gearlocs – small, intelligent creatures known for their skills in battle and survival. Tasked by their elders to bring peace to their disturbed land, the Gearlocs set off to defeat a variety of tyrants causing chaos and unrest.

Game components Unboxing the fun!

Too Many Bones is a complex, highly interactive game. Each of its many components plays a unique role in the game’s mechanics. Here’s a list of every component and its purpose:

Neoprene Mats:
Each player gets their own mat to represent their Gearloc (character). These mats track character progression, abilities, and health. Each character’s mat is unique, providing different abilities and strategies.
Plastic Chips:
These are the primary playing pieces. The larger ones represent characters and enemies, while the smaller ones represent health and status effects. They are placed on the mat to keep track of the game’s progress.
Custom Dice:
Each character has a unique set of dice that are used for combat, skill checks, and other game actions. The dice are color-coded to match the character mats, and each face has a different symbol to represent various game effects.
Encounter Cards:
These cards create the narrative and challenges of the game. They are drawn at the beginning of each day and provide options for the players to choose from. Each card can result in combat, a challenge, or an event that will affect the rest of the game.
Loot Cards:
These are rewards for completing encounters. They provide new abilities, equipment, or resources that can be used to enhance characters and improve their chances of success.
Enemy Stat Sheets:
These sheets provide detailed information about each enemy type in the game, including their health, attack power, and special abilities. The sheets are used to set up combat encounters and determine enemy behavior during combat.
Adventure Map:
This is a small board that tracks the progress of the game. It shows the current day, the location of the party, and the impending arrival of the final boss.
Reference Cards:
These cards provide quick information about game rules, symbols, and effect definitions. They are a handy resource for players to refer to during the game.

Each of these components interacts with each other to create a dynamic, strategic game. The players use their character mats and dice to navigate the challenges presented by the encounter cards, while managing their resources and planning their strategies based on the information provided by the enemy stat sheets and the adventure map. The loot cards provide additional options and opportunities, adding another layer of complexity to the game.

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

Too Many Bones is a cooperative dice-building RPG game where you step into the role of a unique creature called a ‘Gearloc’. The game setup can seem complex at first glance, but once you get the hang of it, it’s quite straightforward. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to set up the game:

Step 1: Assigning Player Roles

Each player chooses a unique Gearloc character mat. Each Gearloc has its own unique abilities and play style, represented by their character mat and dice set.
Take the corresponding Gearloc chips and dice. Place the chip on the ‘6’ health spot of your character mat and take all the dice that match your character’s color.

Step 2: Setting Up the Board

Place the Battle Mat in the center of the playing area. This is where most of the game’s combat will take place.
Position the Day Counter and Adventure Progress Tracker. Set the day counter to ‘1’ and place the Adventure Progress Tracker on the first spot of the Adventure Map.
Organize the dice. Sort the dice by type and color and place them within easy reach of all players.

Step 3: Preparing Initial Resources

Distribute starting Gearlocs. Give each player their Gearloc’s reference sheet, health chips, and starting skill dice.
Set up starting Loot. Shuffle the Loot cards and create a deck. Each player draws one Loot card.
Prepare the Encounter deck. Shuffle the Encounter cards and place them face down next to the Battle Mat.

Step 4: Incorporating Random Elements

Choose a Tyrant. Tyrants are the bosses of Too Many Bones. Randomly select a Tyrant card and place it next to the Encounter deck.
Set up the Baddie stacks. There are three stacks of Baddie chips, sorted by their point values (1, 5, and 20). Shuffle each stack separately and place them face down.
Determine the first player. Randomly determine the first player. This player will take the first turn when the game begins.

With these steps, you should be ready to start your adventure in the world of ‘Too Many Bones’. Remember to keep the rulebook handy to resolve any questions about gameplay or rules during the game.

Game flow Round and round we go

Too Many Bones is a cooperative, dice-building RPG adventure game that requires strategic planning and skillful decision-making. The game is divided into several key stages: the Adventure Phase, the Encounter Phase and the Battle Phase.

Adventure Phase:

The adventure phase is where the narrative of the game unfolds. Here, players will make decisions and take actions that will determine the path of their adventure. This phase includes:

Day Progression: Here, players move the day counter forward, marking the passing of time in the game.
Encounter Selection: Players draw an encounter card from the encounter deck and read the scenario aloud.
Decision Making: The group makes decisions based on the encounter card. These decisions can lead to battles, new quests, or other game-changing events.

Encounter Phase:

The Encounter Phase is determined by the choices made in the Adventure Phase. Here, players can gain valuable loot and experience, or face dangerous battles. This phase includes:

Map Setup: If a battle is triggered, players set up the battle map as indicated on the encounter card.
Baddy Selection: Players draw Baddy chips from the Baddy stack according to the encounter card instructions.
Round Order: The initiative order for the round is determined by comparing the initiative values of the players and the Baddies.

Battle Phase:

In the Battle Phase, players and Baddies take turns performing actions based on their initiative order. This phase includes:

Player Actions: On a player’s turn, they can perform various actions such as attack, defend, use special abilities, or heal.
Baddy Actions: On a Baddy’s turn, they perform actions according to their Baddy chip.
Round End: The round ends when all players and Baddies have taken their turns. If there are still Baddies left on the battle map, a new round begins.
Battle End: The battle ends when all Baddies are defeated, or all players are knocked out. Players then proceed to the Recovery Phase.

These phases repeat in a cycle until players either achieve their quest goal, or fail the quest. The game of Too Many Bones offers a rich, immersive experience with abundant strategic possibilities at every turn.

Players'turn One turn to rule them all

‘Too Many Bones’ is a complex and engaging board game that requires careful strategy and planning. During each player’s turn, a variety of actions can be taken, each offering unique strategic choices and affecting the gameplay in different ways. Here are the main actions a player can take during their turn:

Action 1: Selecting and Playing Dice

During their turn, a player will select dice from their available pool and roll them. The player can choose to play these dice in a number of ways, including:

Attack Dice: These can be used to inflict damage on enemies.
Defense Dice: These provide protection against enemy attacks.
Skill Dice: These enable the player to use special abilities.

Strategically choosing which dice to roll and how to play them is a key part of the game. Players must balance offense and defense, while also making use of their unique skills.

Action 2: Moving on the Battle Mat

Players can also choose to move their Gearloc on the battle mat. This can be used to avoid enemy attacks, get closer to enemies for attack, or to position themselves strategically for future turns. The player may also choose not to move, which could be a strategic choice if they are in a desirable position or want to conserve their action points.

Action 3: Using Skills or Consumable Items

Each Gearloc has a unique set of skills, which can be used during a player’s turn. These skills can provide a range of benefits, such as healing, strengthening attacks, or providing other strategic advantages. Additionally, players may have consumable items that they can use during their turn for various effects.

Action 4: Targeting Enemies

During their turn, a player will choose which enemy or enemies to target with their attacks. This choice can have significant strategic implications, as different enemies have different strengths and weaknesses, and eliminating certain enemies first can change the dynamics of the battle.

Action 5: Advancing on the Adventure Map

At the end of their turn, players have the option to advance on the Adventure Map. This can lead to new encounters, challenges, and rewards. However, it can also lead to more difficult battles, so players must decide when the best time to advance is.

Through these actions, players must work together to defeat enemies, overcome challenges, and ultimately win the game. The strategic choices made during each turn can have far-reaching effects on the outcome of the game, making ‘Too Many Bones’ a deeply engaging and tactical game.

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

Too Many Bones is a complex and strategic dice-building RPG board game that requires players to use their skills and tactics to defeat tyrants. The game ends based on two main conditions: the completion of a specific number of days or the defeat of the tyrant. Let’s look at these conditions in detail:

Completion of Specific Number of Days: In ‘Too Many Bones’, the number of days is predetermined based on the selected tyrant. Each day represents a round of the game and consists of different phases, such as the recovery phase, encounter phase, and battle phase. Once all the days are completed, the game ends, and the players will face off against the tyrant.

Defeat of the Tyrant: The ultimate victory condition in ‘Too Many Bones’ is the defeat of the tyrant. Each tyrant has a specific number of hit points, and the players need to reduce these points to zero to beat the tyrant. If the players manage to defeat the tyrant, the game ends immediately.

Before the final scoring, there are certain actions that players must take:

Resolve Final Encounter: Players must resolve the final encounter if the game ends due to the completion of a specific number of days. This usually involves a battle against the tyrant.
Heal Gearlocs: Players have the option to heal their Gearlocs, the playable characters in the game, fully or partially before the final scoring. This is especially beneficial if they still have healing skills or items left.
Use Loot: Players should use any valuable loot they have collected throughout the game. These can give them additional advantages during the final scoring, such as bonus points or special abilities.
Count Points: Finally, the players count their points. Points are awarded based on various factors, including the number of tyrants defeated, the number of days survived, and the amount of loot collected. The player with the highest score wins the game.

It’s important to note that ‘Too Many Bones’ is a cooperative game, so the players win or lose together. If they manage to defeat the tyrant, they all share the victory. If they fail, they all lose together.

Scoring Did you outsmart your rivals?

In Too Many Bones, a challenging and strategy-intensive board game, the primary objective isn’t about scoring points but defeating the tyrant. However, understanding the scoring system can help players make strategic decisions throughout the game. The scoring system is based on the game’s duration, the number of tyrant encounters, the character’s skill levels, and special abilities.

Scoring System

Days Passed: Players will score points based on the number of days that have passed in the game. The faster you manage to defeat the tyrant, the more points you will earn. Each day is worth a certain number of points, so finishing the game in fewer days results in a higher score.
Tyrant Encounters: Players can earn points by encountering and defeating the tyrant. Each encounter with a tyrant is worth a certain number of points. The more tyrants you defeat, the higher your score. Moreover, the first player to defeat the tyrant gets extra points.
Skill Levels: Points are also awarded for the skill levels of your character. Each level your character gains during the game is worth a certain number of points.
Special Abilities: Using special abilities can also earn you points. The more you use these abilities, the more points you get. However, some abilities have a limit on how many times they can be used in a game, limiting the number of points you can earn from them.

The player with the highest total score at the end of the game is declared the winner.

Tie-Breaking Rules

If two or more players have the same total score at the end of the game, the following tie-breaking rules are applied:

The player who reached the final score first is the winner.
If the players reached the final score at the same time, then the player who defeated the most tyrants is the winner.
If the players defeated the same number of tyrants, then the player with the highest skill level is the winner.
If the players have the same skill level, then the player who used special abilities more often is the winner.
If there’s still a tie, the winner is determined by a roll of dice with the highest roll winning.

Particular Cases and Exceptions Wait… is that legal?

‘Too Many Bones’ is a complex and strategic board game that offers a unique blend of dice building, tactical combat, and role-playing. While the game’s standard rules are relatively straightforward, there are several special rules, exceptions, and clarifications that can greatly impact gameplay. Here are some of those:

1. Special Encounters: Encounters in ‘Too Many Bones’ are usually combat-based, but there are certain special encounters that do not involve fighting. Instead, these special encounters require players to make choices or accomplish specific tasks, with each choice leading to different outcomes. These outcomes can range from gaining valuable loot to suffering severe penalties.

Non-combat Encounters: These encounters typically involve puzzles or riddles that players must solve to progress. The solutions to these challenges often require players to think outside the box, as traditional combat strategies may not be effective.
Choice-based Encounters: These encounters present players with a series of choices, each leading to a different outcome. Players must weigh the potential rewards and drawbacks of each option before making their decision.

2. Dice Building and Skill Acquisition: ‘Too Many Bones’ uses an innovative dice building mechanic that allows players to develop their characters’ abilities over time. However, there are some special rules and exceptions regarding how players can gain and use these skills.

Training Points: Players earn Training Points (TP) after each encounter, which they can use to upgrade their characters’ abilities. However, players cannot spend more TP than they have available, nor can they save TP for later use. Once TP are spent, they are gone for good.
Skill Acquisition: Each character has a unique set of skills that they can learn. However, some skills have prerequisites or limitations. For example, a character might need to learn a specific skill before they can learn another, or they might be limited to learning a certain number of skills per level. These prerequisites and limitations are clearly marked on each character’s skill sheet.

3. Combat Exceptions: While combat in ‘Too Many Bones’ is generally straightforward, there are a few exceptions and special rules that players should be aware of.

Targeting Priority: In general, players can choose which enemy to attack during their turn. However, some enemies have a “Targeting Priority” rule that forces players to attack them first.
Defense Dice: When a player rolls defense dice, they can choose to either use them immediately or save them for later. However, if a player chooses to save their defense dice, they cannot use them until their next turn.

Tips and tricks Play smarter, not harder!

Too Many Bones is a complex, dice-building, tactical RPG board game. Mastering it requires understanding the game mechanics, developing strategic thinking, and effectively managing your gearlocs. Here are some tips and strategies to help you improve your gameplay:

Advanced Strategies:

Understand your gearloc: Each gearloc has its own unique abilities and playstyle. Make sure to understand your gearloc’s strengths and weaknesses and strategize accordingly.
Plan ahead: Too Many Bones is a game that rewards strategic planning. Always try to plan your moves ahead, taking into consideration the abilities of the enemies.
Manage your dice effectively: Dice management is crucial in Too Many Bones. Make sure to use your dice effectively to gain tactical advantages.

Beginner Tips:

Start with easier gearlocs: Some gearlocs are more complex than others. If you’re new to the game, start with easier gearlocs like Picket or Boomer.
Use the reference guide: The game comes with a detailed reference guide. Make sure to use it if you’re unsure about any rules or mechanics.
Practice: Like any complex game, practice makes perfect. Keep playing and you’ll get better over time.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

Ignoring enemy abilities: Each enemy in Too Many Bones has unique abilities. Ignoring these abilities can lead to disastrous outcomes.
Rushing through the game: Too Many Bones is not a game to be rushed. Take your time to plan your moves and think about your strategies.
Not balancing your team: It’s important to have a balanced team in Too Many Bones. Make sure your team has a good mix of offensive and defensive gearlocs.

Optimizing Gameplay:

Coordinate with your teammates: Too Many Bones is a cooperative game. Make sure to communicate and coordinate with your teammates for best results.
Manage your resources wisely: Resources are limited in Too Many Bones. Be sure to manage them wisely to maximize your gameplay efficiency.
Adapt to the game: Too Many Bones is a dynamic game and no two games are the same. Be ready to adapt your strategies based on the situation.