Objective
Shadows over Camelot is a cooperative board game where players take on the roles of the Knights of the Round Table. Their goal is to protect the kingdom of Camelot by successfully completing quests. They must also determine if there is a traitor among them. The players win together by placing seven white swords on the Round Table before seven black swords are placed.
Game Components
- A game board with different locations: the Round Table, Brocéliande Forest, the Siege of Camelot, etc.
- White and black sword markers
- Hero cards for each knight
- Event cards (Black cards)
- Support and Action cards (White cards)
- Seven quests: The Dragon, Siege Engines, the Saxons, the Picts, the Quest for Excalibur, the Quest for the Holy Grail, the Quest for Lancelot and the Black Knight.
Setup
- Place the game board in the center of the table.
- Each player chooses a character and receives the corresponding hero cards.
- Form two draw piles with black and white cards.
- Place all knights' figures in Camelot.
- Decide the starting player by any method.
Gameplay
The game takes place over several rounds, with players taking turns. Each player's turn consists of two phases: Facing the Threat and Heroic Actions.
1. Facing the Threat
The player must perform one of the following actions: - Draw a Black Card and follow its instructions: This card often adds new threats to the game like siege engines or advancing evil quests. - Sacrifice a Loyalty Marker: This can only be done a limited number of times. - Add a Siege Engine to Camelot: Too many siege engines will also lead to defeat.
2. Heroic Actions
The player can perform one of the following actions: - Travel to engage in a quest. - Perform a Quest Action: This requires the use of action cards and varies by quest, such as placing combinations of cards or fighting threats. - Heal Life Points by offering white cards. - Support other Knights.
The Traitor
At the start of the game, each player receives a loyalty card. There is a chance one player is a traitor working against other knights. The loyalty of a knight can remain hidden or be revealed until the end of the game.
End of Game
The game ends if: - Seven black swords are placed on the Round Table - the knights lose. - Twelve siege engines surround Camelot - the knights lose. - Victory: Seven white swords are placed on the Round Table, with black swords not outnumbering the white ones.
Strategy Tips
- Communication is crucial to effectively responding to threats.
- Resource Management: Use your white cards and life points wisely.
- Traitor Suspicion: Watch players' behaviors carefully. Avoid trust in those who constantly dodge risky situations or act against the group's interest.
Good luck defending Camelot from the shadows!
