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The Maiden in the Forest (2015) Board Game

ByMichail

The Maiden in the Forest is a solo board game released in 2015 by designers Todd Sanders and Fabrice Weiss. The game falls under the categories of Abstract Strategy, Card Game, and Fantasy. It is a Print & Play game, meaning players can download and print the game components themselves.

Game Components of The Maiden in the Forest

  • 18 cards, including 12 Tree Cards and 4 Object Cards, along with 1 Maiden Card.

    How To Setup The Maiden in the Forest

    To set up the game, shuffle the 12 Tree Cards and arrange them in a ring like a clock face, ensuring all cards show their blooming side and their trunks point towards the center. Place the Maiden Card at the 12 o’clock position and set the 4 Object Cards aside.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

    Mechanics

  • Area Majority / Influence
  • Pattern Recognition
  • Set Collection

    Game Objective

    The objective is to rotate and then turn over each of the 12 Tree Cards from their blooming to dormant side before the end of 12 clock cycles of day and night. Here’s a breakdown of the actions:

  • Day:** Shuffle the 4 Object Cards, draw the top card, and prevent the player from touching Tree Cards with the drawn object. Use the remaining 3 Object Cards to swap Tree Card positions.
  • Night:** Rotate blossoming Tree Cards with matching colors or objects, then turn them over to their dormant side. Move the Maiden Card one position clockwise to signal the end of the cycle.

    Player Experience

    The Maiden in the Forest is a compact, yet deeply strategic game that challenges solo players to think critically and make efficient use of the limited actions available. The game requires careful planning and pattern recognition to succeed within the 12-day and night cycles.

    Pros

  • Portable and Simple:** The game consists of just 18 cards, making it highly portable.
  • Deep Strategy:** Despite its simplicity, the game offers complex decision-making.
  • Quick Games:** Typical gameplay lasts about 15 minutes.

    Cons

  • Limited Replayability:** The game’s mechanisms, though challenging, can become repetitive.
  • Steep Learning Curve:** Understanding the rules and patterns can be daunting for new players.

    Personal Thoughts on The Maiden in the Forest

    This game is ideal for fans of abstract strategy and solitaire games who enjoy puzzles and pattern recognition. It’s perfect for those who appreciate a challenge that can be played in short intervals. However, it may not be the best fit for players seeking high replayability or a more social gaming experience.

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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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