Septima (2023) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Septima is a fantasy board game that was released in in 2023. Designed by Barbara Bernát and Villő Farkas, the game takes players on a journey through mythology as they navigate hand management, simultaneous action selection, and variable player powers to achieve victory. The artwork, provided by Mindclash Games, immerses players in a rich and vibrant world filled with fantastical creatures and epic battles.

Game Components of Septima

Main board (2-sided)

Ritual board

Potion board

Trial & Scoring Aid sheet

Season marker

Turn Step marker

Starting Player token

Patient Tokens (Blind, Infected, Paralyzed)

Spell markers

Angry Citizen meeples

Hunter die

Hunter pawns

Witch tiles

Building tiles

Spell cards (Scoring and Regular) in three colors (Earth, Air, Fire)

Book of Divinations cards

Prologue cards

Septima Action markers

Crystals

Good Luck Charm tokens

Lunar Ingredient markers

Ingredient tokens

Potion tokens

Wisdom tokens

Trial bag

Scoring pad.

How To Setup Septima

Setting up Septima involves preparing the main board, placing the Ritual and Potion boards, and distributing the necessary components to each player. Each player starts with two witches and a set of nine action cards. The game also includes setting up the trial bag and the suspicion track. The detailed setup is outlined in the game’s rulebook, which is noted for being clear but extensive.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Simultaneous Action Selection: Players plan their actions simultaneously each round using nine action cards (Move, Collect, Brew, Heal, Recruit, Plea, Chant, Rite, and Remember).

Semi-Cooperative Elements: Players can choose to match their actions with other players or the Septima character for powerful bonus effects, but this raises suspicion and attracts Hunters.

Manage Suspicion: Players must balance powerful actions with the risk of increasing suspicion, which can lead to negative consequences.

Game Objective: The goal is to gain the most Wisdom over four seasons by brewing potions, healing townsfolk, recruiting supporters, and mastering charms. The player with the most Wisdom becomes the new Septima.

Player Experience

Playing Septima is a complex and engaging experience. The game is divided into four seasons, each with five rounds, and includes trials that determine the fate of the townsfolk and the players’ covens. Players must negotiate with each other to match actions, manage their suspicion levels, and use magic to influence the trials. The game features a unique blend of competitive and semi-cooperative mechanics, making it a challenging and rewarding experience.

Pros

Interactive Gameplay: Simultaneous action selection with positive player interaction adds a fresh and engaging twist.

Thematic Immersion: The game’s witchcraft theme and artwork are highly praised for their quality and thematic coherence.

Strategic Depth: The game offers multiple paths to victory and requires careful planning and risk management.

Cons

Complexity: The game has a steep learning curve and extensive rulebook, making it less accessible to new gamers.

Long Playtime: Games can take 2.5 to 3.5 hours, which may be daunting for some players.

Iconography and Clarity: Some players find the iconography and small print on the board and cards challenging to navigate.

Personal Thoughts on Septima

Septima is ideal for seasoned gamers who enjoy complex strategy games with deep mechanics. The game’s unique blend of competitive and semi-cooperative elements makes it a standout in the strategy genre. However, it may not be the best choice for new gamers due to its complexity and lengthy playtime. For those who enjoy games like Anachrony and Trickerion from Mindclash Games, Septima will likely be a great addition to their gaming collection.

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