Four Humours (2022) Board Game

Four Humours is a board game that takes players back to the medieval times where the concept of the four humours (blood, phlegm, yellow bile, and black bile) was believed to govern a person’s health and temperament. Designed by Charlie McCarron and illustrated by Shirley Gong, this game combines elements of bluffing, deduction, and humor in a unique medical-themed setting.

Game Components of Four Humours

Player Boards: Each player has a feudal board in feudal mode.

Kingdom Map: Composed of six map pieces with different locations.

Scene Cards: Feature citizens with different personalities.

Personality Elixirs: Tokens representing the four humours: Choleric, Sanguine, Melancholic, and Phlegmatic.

Goal Cards: Randomly selected goals for each round.

Custom Insert: For easy storage and quick setup.

Modular Map: Variable setup for each game.

How To Setup Four Humours

Setup involves creating the kingdom map by combining the six map pieces. Each player selects their starting equipment and receives a set of personality elixirs. In the shared kingdom mode, all players use the same kingdom board, while in feudal mode, each player has their own feudal board. The scene cards and goal cards are shuffled and prepared for the game.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Personality Elixirs: Players secretly play elixirs on citizens to determine their personalities.

Resolution Order: Elixirs are resolved in a specific order (Choleric, Sanguine, Melancholic, Phlegmatic) with specific winning conditions for each.

Goal Fulfillment: Players aim to fulfill randomly selected goals by placing winning elixirs on the kingdom map or their feudal boards.

Multiple Game Modes: Shared kingdom mode and feudal mode offer different gameplay experiences.

Deduction and Bluffing: Players must deduce other players’ moves and bluff to achieve their goals.

Player Experience

In Four Humours, players take on the roles of medieval doctors, navigating the intricacies of the four humours to help citizens fulfill their life ambitions. The game combines social interaction, bluffing, and logical deduction, creating a dynamic and engaging experience. Players must balance cooperation and competition, making it a challenging yet enjoyable game for those who love strategy and social experiments.

Pros

Engaging Gameplay Mechanics: Combines bluffing, deduction, and strategy.

Variable Setup: Modular map and variable goals ensure high replayability.

Social Interaction: Encourages cooperation, backstabbing, and bluffing.

Easy Storage: Custom insert for quick setup and storage.

Cons

Complex Rules: Initial setup and understanding of the rules can be daunting.

Length of Gameplay: While rounds are snappy, the overall game can take around 45 minutes to play.

Personal Thoughts on Four Humours

Four Humours is ideal for players who enjoy strategy, deduction, and social interaction. It is a great fit for groups looking for a game that combines logical puzzles with social dynamics. While it may be more complex for younger players, it is recommended for ages 10 and up, making it accessible to a wide range of gamers. The game’s unique mechanics and variable setup ensure that it remains interesting and challenging even after multiple playthroughs.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.