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Vault of Dragons (2018) Board Game

ByMichail

Vault of Dragons is a board game released in 2018 that is set in the Dungeons & Dragons universe. It is designed by Nathan Anderson, Katie Dillon, and Charles Woods, with artwork by Gale Force Nine, LLC. The game is inspired by the popular Sons of Anarchy: Men of Mayhem board game.

Game Components of Vault of Dragons

  • 20-page Rulebook**
  • 6 Dungeons**
  • 12 Location tiles**
  • 50 Treasure cards**
  • 50 Magic Item cards**
  • 4 Faction cards**
  • 40 plastic Figures**
  • 17 dice**
  • 157 tokens**
  • Welcome to Waterdeep Visitor’s Guide**

    How To Setup Vault of Dragons

    To set up the game, players start by placing the 4×3 grid of location tiles, which represent different areas of Waterdeep. Each player chooses one of the four factions: the Zhentarim, the Xanathar, the Cult of Asmodeus, and the Bregan D’aerthe Company of drow mercenaries. Each faction has its own special abilities and starting resources. The Yawning Portal, the entry to the Undermountain, is placed above the locations. Players distribute their followers (fighters, rogues, and wizards) and other components according to the faction they chose.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

    Mechanics

  • Resource Management: Players manage gold, rumors, treasures, and magic items.
  • Area Control: Controlling locations on the board to gain resources.
  • Dice Rolling: Using dice to resolve conflicts and dungeon expeditions.
  • Card Play: Using treasure and magic item cards to enhance rolls and actions.

    Game Objective

  • Goal: The first player to gather three secrets and defeat the Vault of Dragons wins.
  • Actions: Players take five actions per turn, including hiring followers, moving followers, fighting at contested locations, and using location actions.
  • Rumors and Secrets: Players gather rumors and secrets by controlling locations and completing dungeon expeditions.
  • Dungeon Expeditions: Players delve into dungeons, making dice rolls and using resources to overcome challenges.

    Player Experience

    Playing **Vault of Dragons** involves a mix of strategic planning and tactical execution. Players must balance resource gathering, follower recruitment, and dungeon exploration while competing against other factions. The game requires careful management of gold, rumors, and magic items to increase the chances of defeating the Vault of Dragons. However, the game can become repetitive, with players cycling through resource gathering and dungeon expeditions, which may lead to frustration due to the complex and sometimes poorly explained rules.

    Pros

  • Immersive Setting: Set in the rich world of Dungeons & Dragons, providing a familiar and engaging environment for fans.
  • Strategic Depth: Requires careful planning and resource management.
  • Competitive: Encourages competition among players as they vie for control of locations and secrets.
  • Variety of Factions: Each faction has unique abilities, offering different playstyles.

    Cons

  • Complex Rules: The rules can be confusing and scattered across multiple sections.
  • Repetitive Gameplay: The cycle of resource gathering and dungeon expeditions can become tedious.
  • High Luck Factor: Success often depends on dice rolls and card draws, which can be unpredictable.

    Personal Thoughts on Vault of Dragons

    **Vault of Dragons** is best suited for fans of the Dungeons & Dragons universe and those who enjoy strategic board games with a competitive edge. While it offers a rich and immersive setting, the game’s complexity and sometimes frustrating rules may deter new players. It is ideal for players who enjoy resource management, area control, and dice rolling mechanics, but may not be the best fit for those looking for a quick or straightforward gaming experience.

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    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl

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