Citadel of Blood (1980) – Board Game Guys

Citadel of Blood

“Citadel of Blood” is a cooperative fantasy dungeon crawl board game published by Simulations Publications, Inc. (SPI) in 1980. The game was designed by Greg Costikyan and Redmond A. Simonsen, with modifications by Eric Smith, who added variations of races and magic. The game was initially published as a pullout game in Ares Magazine #5 (November 1980) and later released as a boxed set.

Why is Citadel of Blood Popular?

“Citadel of Blood” is a popular and significant game for several reasons:
– It is a dungeon-crawl board game, which has gained popularity among fantasy gamers.
– The game is recommended for fans of “Deathmaze” and other fantasy role-playing games.
– It has been praised for its redesign, which lifts it above its simpler predecessor and challenges even the most advanced fantasy role-playing gamers.
– The game has a rich historical background, with its origins in the early 1980s.

Game Components of Citadel of Blood

Dungeon tiles: Representing rooms and corridors, drawn randomly to build the dungeon.

Character cards: Featuring different character races and abilities.

Magic system: Based on three colors of magic (blue, red, yellow) linked to the phases of the moon.

Weapon and equipment lists: For each character.

Monster cards: For encounters within the dungeon.

Treasure tokens: To be collected by players.

Rulebook: Outlining game setup, mechanics, and objectives.

How To Setup Citadel of Blood

To set up **Citadel of Blood**, players start by creating their characters, choosing primary and secondary weapons, and determining their magic potential. The dungeon is built incrementally as players draw tiles, revealing new rooms and corridors as they progress. Each player controls a main character and an apprentice, with unique abilities and spell-casting capabilities.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Random Dungeon Generation: Players draw tiles to build the dungeon one room at a time.

Character Progression: Characters gain experience and treasure by overcoming challenges.

Magic System: Magic power varies based on the phase of the moon (blue, red, yellow suns).

Combat Mechanics: Simple combat system with damage points for casting spells.

Objective: The goal is to navigate the dungeon, defeat monsters, and collect treasure while surviving the increasing difficulty as they delve deeper.

Player Experience

Playing **Citadel of Blood** is a fun and challenging experience, especially for fans of dungeon-crawl games. The game is designed for 1-6 players and does not require a gamemaster, making it accessible for casual game nights. The random generation of the dungeon keeps each playthrough unique, and the simple yet engaging combat system makes it easy to pick up but hard to master.

Pros

Easy to Learn: Simple rules and mechanics make it a great entry-level RPG.

High Replayability: Random dungeon generation ensures each game is different.

Cooperative Play: Encourages teamwork and strategy among players.

Portable: Originally designed as a pullout game, it can be easily transported and set up.

Cons

Limited Role-Playing: The game has a rudimentary role-playing system compared to other RPGs.

Magic Fatigue: Casting spells can result in damage to the character, limiting magic use.

Dependence on Luck: Random tile draws and combat outcomes can be heavily influenced by luck.

Personal Thoughts on Citadel of Blood

**Citadel of Blood** is ideal for fans of fantasy dungeon-crawl games who are looking for a quick, fun, and cooperative experience. It’s perfect for beginners due to its simple mechanics and does not require the time commitment of more complex RPGs. For those who enjoy retro games and the nostalgia of early RPGs, **Citadel of Blood** offers a charming and engaging experience that still holds up today.

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