Pericle: Gathering Darkness (2023) Board Game

Pericle: Gathering Darkness is a cooperative adventure board game set in a fantasy world where players take on the role of heroes trying to save their kingdom from an ancient evil. Designed by Nicolas Arnold, Wojtek Depczynski, and Eric Henson, the game offers a mix of exploration, fighting, and strategy to keep players engaged.

Game Components of Pericle: Gathering Darkness

Access to Loremaster: The app that guides the campaign and controls monster turns.

Hero Handbook: Facilitates classless hero creation.

Pericle Rulebook: The guide to the game mechanics.

Pericle Dice Set: A set of dice for skill and attack rolls.

25 Double-Sided Combat Maps: Full-color maps for combat scenarios.

75 Hero and Enemy Standees: Standees for heroes and enemies.

Hero Sheets: Blank sheets for character creation and 6 pre-generated heroes.

Combat Cheat Sheets: Quick reference sheets for combat rules.

How To Setup Pericle: Gathering Darkness

To set up the game, players follow the instructions provided by the Loremaster app. The app indicates which map to use, where to place enemies and heroes, and explains any hazards on the map. Players then roll initiative, move through movement and action rounds, and enter the results into the Loremaster app to continue the adventure.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

D10 Based Mechanic: Skill and attack rolls use a D10 system with automatic failure, critical success, and normal successes.

Classless Character Creation: Players build unique characters without classes, choosing abilities, races, and skills as desired.

Embattled Condition: Limits movement when a character is in the forward arc of an enemy, adding tactical depth to combat.

Magic System: Casting spells causes damage and exhaustion, which are healed during rest.

Branching Storylines: Player decisions alter the story, impacting the world of Pericle.

Player Experience

Players experience a mix of tactical combat and a choose-your-own-adventure story. The game is praised for its fun and challenging combat, deep character building, and the flexibility to play solo or with friends. However, the enemy AI is not highly sophisticated, and some rules may not be entirely clear, requiring group decisions.

Pros

No Game Master Required: Loremaster app handles the GM duties, perfect for solo or small group play.

Deep Character Creation: Classless system allows for highly customizable characters.

Immersive Story: Rich narratives, animated cutscenes, and an original soundtrack enhance the game experience.

Tactical Combat: Strategic mechanics and the embattled condition add depth to combat.

Cons

Limited AI: Enemy logic is basic, often relying on “move towards enemy and attack”.

No Single Character Play: Designed for 3-4 characters, limiting single-player character options.

Some Rule Ambiguities: Players may need to make executive decisions due to unclear rules.

Personal Thoughts on Pericle: Gathering Darkness

**Pericle: Gathering Darkness** is ideal for players looking for a game that combines tactical combat with a dynamic, choose-your-own-adventure story. It’s perfect for those who want to play solo or with a small group without the need for a Game Master. The game suits fans of strategic combat and deep character customization. However, it may not be the best fit for those seeking highly sophisticated enemy AI or the ability to play with a single character in a solo setting. Overall, it offers a unique and engaging RPG experience with a lot of replay value due to its branching storylines and multiple character build options.

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