School of Sorcery (2020) Board Game

School of Sorcery is a board game released in 2020 by Dr. Finn’s Games. Designed by Steve Finn and illustrated by Lawrence van der Merwe, this game is set in a magical school where players compete to become the most powerful sorcerer. With a runtime of 40 minutes, School of Sorcery is designed for 2 players aged 14 and above.

Game Components of School of Sorcery

Dice: Used for determining player actions.

Cast Cards: Indicate how many crystals to send to different locations.

Crystals: Used to compete for Sorcery Cards.

Player Boards: For tracking scores and resources.

Sorcery Cards: Red-bordered cards for player powers and non-Portal cards for winning locations.

Location Tiles: Define the areas where crystals are placed.

Reroll Tokens: Allow players to reroll their dice.

Wizard Token: Determines the starting player.

Portal Card: A special card that allows crystals to be moved to any location.

How To Setup School of Sorcery

To set up the game, assign each player a color and give them the corresponding Cast Cards, player board, scoring marker, and dice. Each player receives three reroll tokens and a general supply of crystals in their color. Set down the Location Tiles, shuffle the Sorcery Cards, and deal two red-bordered cards to each player. Shuffle the non-Portal Sorcery Cards and place one face-up next to each Location except for the sixth, where the Portal card is placed. Choose a starting player who receives the wizard token.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Objective

The goal is to score 13 points by winning Sorcery Cards.

Gameplay Phases

1. **Take Crystals: Each player takes 5 crystals from the general supply.
2. **Cast Crystals: Players roll dice, use reroll tokens if needed, and assign Cast Cards to indicate crystal placement.
3. **Use Portal: Move crystals cast to the Portal to any chosen location.
4. **Player Powers: Use red-bordered Sorcery Cards for special powers.
5. **Evaluate Locations: Check locations for card wins based on crystal counts and return or redistribute crystals accordingly.

Player Experience

In **School of Sorcery**, players engage in a strategic battle of magical prowess, using dice rolls to maneuver crystals and win powerful Sorcery Cards. The game combines elements of randomness with strategic planning, making each round exciting and unpredictable. With a playtime of about 40 minutes, it offers a quick yet engaging experience tailored for two players.

Pros

Unique Mechanics: Combines dice rolling with area control in a novel way.

Strategic Depth: Balances luck with strategic decision-making.

Quick Playtime: Ideal for a short, intense gaming session.

Interactive: Players constantly interact through competitive crystal placement.

Cons

Limited Player Count: Exclusively designed for two players.

Some Cards May Be Unbalanced: Certain cards can negatively impact gameplay experience.

Personal Thoughts on School of Sorcery

**School of Sorcery** is perfect for players who enjoy strategic games with a touch of luck and magical themes. It’s a great fit for couples or friends looking for a competitive, yet concise, gaming experience. While some cards may be less appealing, the game’s overall design makes it a compelling addition to any board game collection, especially for those who appreciate the intersection of strategy and dice rolling mechanics.

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