Skulls of Sedlec (2020) Board Game

Skulls of Sedlec is a card game released in 2020, designed by Dustin Dobson and published by Button Shy. The game is set in the Renaissance period and revolves around the Sedlec Ossuary, a real-life chapel in the Czech Republic decorated with the bones of thousands of people. Players take on the role of monks competing to create the most impressive displays of skulls and bones in the ossuary.

Game Components of Skulls of Sedlec

18 cards: Each card features different types of skulls with unique scoring conditions.

Expansions: Various expansions such as Monstrance, Executioners, Castle Guards, Poets, and others that add new skull types and gameplay mechanics.

Rulebook: Includes instructions for setup and gameplay.

Box: A compact wallet-sized packaging, characteristic of Button Shy Games.

How To Setup Skulls of Sedlec

To set up **Skulls of Sedlec**, shuffle the 18 cards and create six stacks of three cards each. Randomly flip the top card of one of the stacks face-up. The first player is determined by who was the last to visit a cemetery. This quirky start adds to the game’s thematic charm.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Dig: Flip one or two face-down cards from the stacks to reveal them.

Collect: Take a face-up card into your hand, limited to a maximum of two cards.

Stack: Place a card from your hand into your pyramid, following the rule that each card must be supported by two cards below it.

Objective: Build a pyramid of skulls (9 cards for 2 players, 6 cards for 3 players) and maximize your score based on the different types of skulls and their placement rules.

Player Experience

In **Skulls of Sedlec**, players take on the roles of novice monks competing to create the best arrangement of skulls in the Sedlec Ossuary. The game is quick, lasting about 15-20 minutes, making it an excellent filler game. The decision-making process is nerve-racking, with players often facing tough choices between digging for more cards, collecting available cards, or stacking to build their pyramid.

Pros

Quick Gameplay: The game is short and to the point, making it a great filler.

Engaging Mechanics: The simple mechanics belie a game that requires strategic thinking.

Thematic Ties: The game has solid thematic ties to the real-life Sedlec Ossuary, adding an educational element.

Expansions: Various expansions offer additional gameplay options, including solo and 4-player variants.

Art and Design: The simple, yet artsy design of the cards is aesthetically pleasing.

Cons

Luck of the Draw: The game can be slightly frustrating due to the luck element in drawing cards.

Hand Limit: The two-card hand limit can sometimes feel restrictive.

Short at Three Players: The game can feel a bit short when played with three players.

Personal Thoughts on Skulls of Sedlec

**Skulls of Sedlec** is an excellent choice for those looking for a light, strategic game that doesn’t overstay its welcome. It’s suitable for ages 8+, although the theme might be more appealing to older children and adults. The game’s ability to teach about the Sedlec Ossuary adds an educational layer, making it a fun and informative experience. If you’re a fan of spatial reasoning games with a unique twist, **Skulls of Sedlec** is well worth checking out.

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