A Study in Emerald (2013) Board Game

A Study in Emerald is a board game designed by Martin Wallace and published by Treefrog Games in in 2013. The game is based on the short story of the same name by Neil Gaiman, which combines the worlds of Sherlock Holmes and H.P. Lovecraft. In this game, players take on the roles of secret agents working for either the restorationist or loyalist factions in an alternate history where Lovecraftian monsters roam the Earth.

Game Components of A Study in Emerald

Game board

Cards (including agent cards, location cards, and event cards)

Bidding cubes

Secret agent markers

Three types of progression tracks

New artwork by Ian O’Toole and Tatiana Kuzilova in the second edition

How To Setup A Study in Emerald

Setting up *A Study in Emerald* involves preparing the game board, shuffling and distributing the various card decks, and assigning each player their secret allegiance (either with or against the Lovecraftian horrors). Players also receive a starting hand of cards and a set of bidding cubes. The board is populated with location cards, agent cards, and other components necessary for gameplay.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Area control

Deck building

Bidding system

Hidden roles

Game Objective

Each player must deduce which other players are allies or enemies.

Players must work together to rescue or assassinate Lovecraftian horrors while defending against rival agents.

To win, a player must not be on the same side as the agent with the least victory points and must have more victory points than other members of their team.

Gameplay uses a simple two-action system: placing cubes to bid on cards or locations, moving agents, assassinating or saving alien royalty, or restocking cube supply.

Player Experience

*A Study in Emerald* offers a deeply strategic experience with a simple yet engaging rule set. The game is filled with tense moments as players vie for control of key cities and attempt to block opponents from recruiting powerful agents. The atmosphere is rich in panic and paranoia, aligning well with the premise of Neil Gaiman’s short story. However, the game’s theme integration is somewhat abstract, prioritizing gameplay clarity over narrative depth.

Pros

Deeply strategic gameplay

Simple yet engaging rule set

High replayability due to hidden roles and variable player objectives

Encourages social interaction and deduction

Excellent balancing mechanics to prevent single-player dominance

Cons

Not suitable for newcomers to complex board games

Theme integration could be more thorough

Board can feel cramped with many components

Personal Thoughts on A Study in Emerald

*A Study in Emerald* is for experienced board game enthusiasts who enjoy complex, strategic games with a strong social deduction element. It rewards players who invest time in understanding its mechanics and navigating the intricate web of alliances and rivalries. While it may not be the best fit for those seeking a strongly thematic experience, it excels in delivering a challenging and engaging game night.

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