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Dragon Masters (1991) Board Game

ByMichail

Dragon Masters is a fantasy wargame that was released in in 1991. Designed by Christos Achilleos and featuring artwork by Games Workshop Ltd., this game allows 2-4 players to take on the roles of powerful dragon masters in the Warhammer Fantasy setting.

Game Components of Dragon Masters

  • 1 Game board
  • 54 Counters
  • 14 Sea Exploration counters
  • 40 Land Exploration counters
  • 55 Event cards
  • 1 Year End card
  • 8 Purchase cards
  • 4 Horse cards
  • 4 Wizard cards
  • 64 Plastic gold pieces (in various denominations)
  • 4 Sets of banners (4 colors)
  • 24 Villages
  • 4 Cities
  • 4 Castles
  • 36 Armies
  • 4 Ships
  • 32 flagpoles
  • 24 Dragons
    – 16 Small Battle Dragons
    – 8 Large Emperor Dragons

  • 1 Six sided die
  • Rules.

    How To Setup Dragon Masters

    Setting up Dragon Masters involves arranging the game board, distributing the various counters, cards, and other components according to the rules. Each player selects a set of banners and places their initial villages, cities, and castles on the board. The event cards, purchase cards, and other specialty cards are shuffled and prepared for draw. The game also requires each player to have a set amount of gold pieces and other starting resources.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Player Count:** 2 to 4 players
  • Playing Time:** Approximately 120 minutes
  • Age:** 12 and up
  • Objective:** Manage an economy, recruit dragons, and defeat enemies to emerge victorious.
  • Mechanics:**
    – Resource Management: Players manage gold pieces and other resources.
    – Area Control: Controlling villages, cities, and castles.
    – Exploration: Using sea and land exploration counters.
    – Card Draw: Drawing event and purchase cards.
    – Combat: Engaging in battles with dragons and armies.

    Player Experience

    Playing Dragon Masters is an immersive experience that combines strategic planning with a touch of fantasy. Players must balance their economic management with military conquest, all while navigating the unpredictable nature of event cards. The game demands attention to detail and long-term strategy, making it appealing to fans of complex board games.

    Pros

  • Deep Strategy:** Requires careful planning and resource management.
  • Variety of Components:** Includes a wide range of counters, cards, and other elements.
  • Thematic Engagement:** The fantasy setting and dragon recruitment add a layer of excitement.
  • Replayability:** The random draw of event cards ensures different experiences each game.

    Cons

  • Complex Setup:** The extensive number of components can make setup time-consuming.
  • Long Playing Time:** Games can last up to 120 minutes, which may not be suitable for all players.
  • Availability:** The game is rare and can be difficult to find.

    Personal Thoughts on Dragon Masters

    Dragon Masters is a game tailored for enthusiasts of strategy and fantasy. It is ideal for players who enjoy complex, long-form games that require meticulous planning and resource management. Given its rarity and the specific appeal to a niche audience, it is not a game for casual players but rather for those who appreciate the depth and complexity that Ian Livingstone’s design offers. If you are a fan of Games Workshop’s style and the Mighty Empires series, Dragon Masters is definitely worth the hunt.

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    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl

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