Playtest 2 (Oct 18th, 2021):

Notes:

• Played 5 rounds
• Implemented changes from last playtest
  • Dramatic improvement of gameplay, felt far more balanced
• New map not finished yet, played on previous one
• 5g per round made gold feel more substantial, and everything more balanced
• Nick created many of the cards, the repercussions were targeted against specific factions which added a luck element
• Started off on collaborative note, tensions got higher between factions as game progressed
• Each rolled for a character early in the game, the characters made for interesting dynamics in the game
  • Might want to see how it feels starting earlier with characters
  • Idea to put some optional character outlines in book (if players aren’t sure what sort of character to make)

Reflection:

• The storyline got more ridiculous as the game went on, which made the game really fun
• Luck element meant that there was less of a stress on verbal/debate/creative skills, which we all liked
• The more severe card repercussions made the events feel more significant
• Overall big improvement since last playtest
• The gold feels more balanced, but we will need another playtest to know for sure

Changes to Make:

 Game needs a name

• Finish map
• Finishing all event cards
• Creating gameplay rulebook
• Experiment with each player receiving a character at beginning of game