The Tea Dragon Society Card Game (2018) Board Game
The Tea Dragon Society Card Game is based on the graphic novel “The Tea Dragon Society” by Katie O’Neill. It was designed by Josh T. McDowell and Kay O’Neill, and published by Oni Games and Renegade Game Studios in in 2018. The game is set in a fantasy world where players take on the role of caretakers of adorable tea dragons.
## Game Components of The Tea Dragon Society Card Game
– 4 Tea Dragon cards
– 1 Mentor card
– 24 Memory cards (6 cards each for spring, fall, winter, and summer)
– 28 Market cards
– 48 Starter cards (12 cards each in 4 decks)
– 4 Player aid cards
– Rulebook
– Comic quick-start rules.
## How To Setup The Tea Dragon Society Card Game
To set up the game, each player chooses or is given one of the four Tea Dragons, each with its own special ability. The market cards and memory cards for the spring season are laid out on the table. Each player starts with a deck of 12 starter cards. The game is ready to begin once all players have their starting decks and the initial cards are laid out.
## Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective
– **Deck Building**: Players build their decks by drawing cards or buying market cards and memory cards.
– **Seasonal Progression**: The game progresses through four seasons, from spring to winter.
– **Card Effects**: Cards can trigger various effects, such as drawing additional cards or acquiring currency.
– **Memory Cards**: Buying memory cards allows players to reshuffle their discards and deck, but also requires significant currency.
– **Player Interaction**: Players compete for market and memory cards, but there is no direct player vs. player conflict.
– **Objective**: The goal is to increase the bond with your Tea Dragon and make memories to score points. The player with the most points at the end of the winter season wins.
## Player Experience
The Tea Dragon Society Card Game offers a light and family-friendly experience. Players appreciate the beautiful illustrations and the simple, yet strategic gameplay. However, some players find the game too light, especially for those familiar with more complex deck-building games. The game is praised for its lack of direct player conflict, making it suitable for families and new players. The gameplay can be quick, especially with two players, and may feel a bit lengthy with a full table of players.
### Pros
– **Beautiful Artwork**: The game features cute and beautifully illustrated Tea Dragons.
– **Easy to Learn**: It is a great introduction to deck-building games for new players.
– **Family-Friendly**: Suitable for families and children aged 10 and up.
– **No Direct Conflict**: Players do not attack each other, making the game more cooperative in feel.
– **Strategic Decisions**: Despite its simplicity, the game offers strategic choices in deck building and resource management.
### Cons
– **Too Light**: Some players find the game too simple and lacking in depth.
– **Uneventful Turns**: Turns can be uneventful, especially if players cannot afford to buy cards.
– **No Deck Filtering**: The inability to filter the deck can make the game longer as players have shorter turns.
– **Randomness**: The random availability of market cards can be frustrating, as desired cards may be bought by other players.
## Personal Thoughts on The Tea Dragon Society Card Game
This game is ideal for light gamers, families, and those new to deck-building games. It offers a relaxed and enjoyable experience with cute artwork and simple gameplay mechanics. While it may not satisfy seasoned gamers looking for more complex strategies, it is a great choice for those seeking a light, family-friendly game that can be played in about 30-60 minutes.
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