Wolves of Mercia (2019) Board Game

Wolves of Mercia is a card game released in 2019, designed by Katrina Turk and illustrated by Brybelly. It falls under the categories of deduction, fantasy, and medieval games, with a traitor game mechanism and variable player powers. The game is set in the fictional land of Mercia, where players take on the roles of werewolves and villagers in a battle for dominance.

Game Components of Wolves of Mercia

49 Jumbo Tarot Cards

Various role cards including werewolves, cultists, and other secret roles

Initiative number cards

Death tokens

How To Setup Wolves of Mercia

To set up the game, each player is randomly assigned a role card, which determines their secret identity and abilities. For a group of five players, the typical distribution includes one werewolf, two cultists, and two other secret roles. Players receive initiative number cards to determine the order of actions during the game phases.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Social Deduction: Players must figure out each other’s roles through discussion and deduction.

Day and Night Phases: The game alternates between day and night phases, with actions and interactions varying based on the phase.

Day Phase: Players discuss and vote to eliminate a player.

Night Phase: Players with nighttime actions take their turns based on their initiative numbers.

Role Abilities: Each role has unique abilities and goals, such as the assassin targeting players with high daytime initiative.

Objective: The primary goal is for the werewolves and cultists to eliminate the villagers, while the villagers aim to eliminate the werewolves and cultists.

Player Experience

Playing Wolves of Mercia is an engaging and intense experience, especially in larger groups. The game encourages strategic interaction and deception, as players must balance revealing information with protecting their own identities. The dynamic nature of the roles and the phases keeps players on their toes, making each game unique.

Pros

High Replayability: With many possible role combinations, the game remains fresh over multiple plays.

Engaging Social Interaction: Promotes discussion, negotiation, and deduction among players.

Complex Roles: Various roles add depth to the gameplay, making it challenging and exciting.

Cons

Complex Setup: Assigning roles and explaining the rules can be time-consuming.

Longer Games: Games can be lengthy, especially with larger player counts.

Learning Curve: New players may find it difficult to grasp all the role mechanics and strategies initially.

Personal Thoughts on Wolves of Mercia

Wolves of Mercia is ideal for those who enjoy social deduction games and are comfortable with complex role dynamics. It is a great addition to game nights with large groups, offering a thrilling and unpredictable experience. However, it may not be the best choice for smaller groups or those looking for a quick, simple game, as it shines best with more players and requires a significant amount of time to set up and play.

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