The Draugr (2014) Board Game

The Draugr is a card game inspired by Norse mythology, specifically focusing on the undead creatures known as draugr. The game was released in 2014 by designers Harry Clarke and Todd Sanders, and features a combination of card drafting, dice rolling, and area control mechanics.

Game Components of The Draugr

Game board: A 3×5 grid representing locations and townsfolk.

Location cards: Randomly dealt to represent various buildings and villagers in Stjørdal.

Resource tokens: Iron and holy water.

Corruption markers: To track the spread of the draugr’s influence.

Character cards: Representing townsfolk who can aid in the quest.

Draugr chits or die: For determining which locations are corrupted.

How To Setup The Draugr

To set up The Draugr, you start by laying out the 3×5 grid of location cards, which are dealt randomly. Each location card represents a different building or villager in the town of Stjørdal. You then prepare the resource tokens, corruption markers, and character cards according to the rules. The objective is to cleanse the town of the draugr’s corruption, and the setup ensures a unique challenge each time.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Solo play: The game is designed exclusively for single-player.

Resource management: Gather iron and holy water to combat the draugr.

Location traversal: Move between locations to protect villagers, gather resources, or remove corruption.

Corruption system: Draugr chits or a die determine which locations are corrupted each turn.

Game objective: Prevent the draugr from corrupting too many locations in Stjørdal.

Player Experience

Playing The Draugr involves a straightforward yet engaging process. Each turn, you travel between locations, managing resources and protecting the town from corruption. The game’s simplicity belies its strategic depth, as players must make efficient decisions to maximize their resources and minimize the spread of corruption. The tension builds as the draugr’s influence grows, making each decision crucial to the town’s survival.

Pros

Simple yet strategic gameplay: Easy to learn but challenging to master.

High replayability: Random location card placement ensures a different game each time.

Tense and engaging: The corruption system creates a sense of urgency and tension.

Compact and portable: A microgame that fits in a small space.

Cons

Limited player agency: The random corruption system can feel beyond the player’s control.

Repitive actions: Locations and actions can become repetitive, lacking creative solutions.

Microgame limitations: The game’s small format restricts the depth and complexity of the mechanics.

Personal Thoughts on The Draugr

The Draugr is ideal for fans of solo board games and those who enjoy a challenge with minimal setup. It offers a unique blend of resource management and strategic planning, making it a great fit for players looking for a quick, intense gaming experience. However, it may not appeal to those seeking more complex or dynamic gameplay mechanics due to its microgame format and limitations in player agency.

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