Templar: The Secret Treasures (2013) Board Game

Templar: The Secret Treasures is a board game released in 2013 by Queen Games. Designed by Jesús Torres Castro, the game allows 2 to 5 players to embark on an adventure set in medieval times, where they explore and uncover hidden treasures as Templar Knights.

Game Components of Templar: The Secret Treasures

Character Cards: Each player has a hand of ten character cards.

Treasures: Includes books, chalices, and signet rings of three types.

Abbey: A 13-room abbey where treasures are hidden.

Harbor: A harbor with six storehouses stocked with additional treasures.

Special Characters: Abbot Remigius, Vitus, and Prior Severus, each with unique abilities.

How To Setup Templar: The Secret Treasures

To set up the game, each player starts with a hand of ten character cards and an initial supply of treasure: one book, one chalice, and a handful of signet rings. The harbor is stocked with additional treasures, and the special characters are placed in the abbey. The game begins with each player secretly choosing a character card, which are then revealed simultaneously.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Character Card Actions: Players use character cards to move through the abbey, hide treasures, take treasures from the harbor, open locked doors, and move treasures already stashed by other players.

Abbot Remigius: Rewards players who have treasures in the room where he ends his movement.

Vitus and Prior Severus: Vitus prevents the Abbot from returning to his last room, while Prior Severus prevents the Abbot from rewarding treasures in his room.

The Bells Card: Allows a player to pick up all their played cards and restock the harbor.

Objective: Hide as many treasures as possible in the abbey and score points by having the Abbot recognize your efforts or by placing treasures in each room.

Player Experience

**Templar: The Secret Treasures** offers a engaging and strategic gameplay experience where players must carefully manage their character cards to outmaneuver their opponents. The game requires a mix of offensive and defensive strategies, as players need to hide their treasures effectively while preventing others from doing the same.

Pros

Strategic Depth: The game involves intricate planning and use of character abilities.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for players as young as 8, making it a great family game.

Interactive: Players interact with each other’s moves, adding a layer of social strategy.

Variable Setup: The abbey and harbor setup can vary, offering replayability.

Cons

Complexity: The rules and character abilities can be overwhelming for new players.

Length: The game can take up to 60 minutes, which might be too long for some younger players.

Luck Element: The draw of character cards and the movement of special characters can introduce an element of luck.

Personal Thoughts on Templar: The Secret Treasures

**Templar: The Secret Treasures** is ideal for families and casual gamers looking for a game that combines strategy with fun, interactive elements. It is particularly suited for those who enjoy games of hidden movement and strategic planning. However, it may not be the best fit for very young children due to its complexity, or for players seeking quick, short games.

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