Description
The castle has squatted on its hilltop for generations. Stories of why it was built, who lived there, and what it stood for have simmered in the surrounding villages for a century. No one can be sure anymore which rumors are true, but everyone knows to avoid the castle at all costs.
The occasional irreverent teenagers or passing adventurers will brave the castle’s ruined ramparts, and the stories they return with — when they return at all — are sure to leave listeners with nightmares.
In Ruins is a three-phase solo+ game that begins as a collaborative castle generator and ends with a competitive points-grab as players angle for control.
In phase one, you’ll build the Castle. After all, dungeons don’t start out cursed, run-down battle sites. Draws from a standard deck of playing cards become the Castle’s floor plan as players take turns telling the story of the land, the location, and the Ruler who ordered the structure built. Everyone loves lore time!
In phase two, the Castle begins its long march through time. Playing card draws continue to shape its fate. Players tear down and rebuild, move important objects or store new ones. They can choose to let a room crumble and become dangerous or repair it and change its function. Thousands of years pass. Eventually, the Ruler and their family are gone and the once-pristine Castle is now an empty Dungeon.
Phase three – the final phase – finds players each controlling a faction of creatures. Each faction begins in a different place, each possesses a different power. They race through the Dungeon, claiming rooms as they go. Points are awarded based on what the room was originally, how it was damaged (or repaired) in phase two, and what kinds of items it contains. Most points wins the Throne!
Play how you want: solo, or with up to five pals. For the storytelling, or to create a location for larger campaigns in other systems. Game includes inspiration tables for every phase along with vibrant watercolor-and-ink fantasy illustrations throughout.
- Solo+ (for 1-6 players)
- 40-page full-color zine, 5.5″ x 8.5″
- Requires a deck of playing cards
