Sanctuary: Thieves World (1982) Board Game

Sanctuary: Thieves World is a board game released in 1982, based on the popular Thieves World series of fantasy novels. Designed by Gerald O’Malley and Walter Velez, the game immerses players in the dark and dangerous city of Sanctuary, known for its thieves, assassins, and other unsavory characters.

Game Components of Sanctuary: Thieves World

A 4-piece board depicting a map of Sanctuary

Ten plastic tokens

Cardboard pieces representing silver coins

Two decks of cards

A rulebook

A ten-sided die and two six-sided dice

A box with cover art by Walter Velex

How To Setup Sanctuary: Thieves World

To set up the game, players assemble the 4-piece jigsaw-style board, which ensures a wrinkle-free and easy-to-pack map. Each player chooses their tokens and receives the necessary components. The rulebook provides a short introductory tale to set the scene.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Modes:
– 2-5 players: Each player takes the role of a thief, traveling through the city to steal goods while avoiding guards. The first to collect 300 silver pieces and hide them in their secret cache wins.
– 6 players: Five players are thieves, and the sixth player is Kadakithis, directing the Hell Hounds to prevent robberies.
– Solitaire: The player is Kadakithis, enforcing the city’s laws against thieves.

Advanced Rules:
– Hiring thugs
– Conducting reconnaissance (“casing the joint”)
– Different types of thefts (burglaries, muggings, picking pockets)

Player Experience

**Sanctuary: Thieves World** offers a dynamic and engaging experience with its simple yet entertaining gameplay. Players appreciate the bright and colorful components, including the silvery coins that add a playful touch. The game is praised for its family-friendly nature, with easy-to-understand rules suitable for players aged 12 and above.

Pros

Easy to set up and play

Family-friendly

Multiple game modes for variety

Innovative jigsaw-style board design

Engaging theme and components

Cons

Some players might find the gameplay too simple

Limited complexity for experienced gamers

Component artwork, while good, has plain card backs

Personal Thoughts on Sanctuary: Thieves World

**Sanctuary: Thieves World** is ideal for families and casual gamers looking for an uncomplicated yet fun experience. It’s a great introduction to board games for younger players and can be enjoyed by a wide age range. However, seasoned gamers might find it lacks the depth and complexity they prefer. Overall, it’s a good buy for those seeking a light-hearted, easy-to-play game with a unique and intriguing setting.

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