Objective
In Mountains of Madness, players take on the roles of scientists leading a perilous expedition to a mysterious mountain range in the Arctic. This game is based on H.P. Lovecraft's short story of the same name. The objective is to reach the summit and then return to the base before madness overtakes everyone involved.
Components
- Board: Displays the ascent from the base camp to the summit and the various zones that must be traversed.
- Building tiles: The different zones to be explored.
- Equipment cards: Assist players in overcoming challenges.
- Penalty cards (Madness): Make communication and strategy more challenging.
- Relic cards and Matching cards: Offer bonuses or challenges.
- Dice: Used to perform actions.
Setup
- Place the game board in the center of the table.
- Shuffle all decks separately and distribute the initial equipment to the players.
- Each player draws a Madness card, which applies once the first madness occurs.
- Place the plane figure on the base camp.
Gameplay
- Movement Phase: Players collectively decide which zone to fly to next.
- Challenge: Each zone has specific requirements to meet, indicated on the building tiles. Players work together to play the required equipment cards representing the dice combination needs.
- Communication: During the challenge, players sometimes have only 30 seconds to strategize and must remember the restrictions of their Madness cards, which might complicate negotiations (e.g., speak only in questions, whisper, etc.).
- Madness and Injuries: Failing to meet a challenge results in players drawing penalty cards, escalating madness.
- Voting: After each challenge, the group collectively decides whether to proceed to the summit or alter the route.
- Summit Card: Upon reaching the summit, a special card is drawn, determining the game's finale. The return trip must also be planned.
Winning
Players collectively win if they manage to return safely to the base camp without too many players being rendered incapacitated by madness.
Strategic Tips
- Pay close attention to the madness restrictions affecting your teammates and plan communication carefully.
- Resource conservation is crucial, as specific equipment will be repeatedly needed.
- Risks and side effects: It may be necessary to allow one player to endure more madness to successfully complete important challenges.
This game is cooperative and dynamic, requiring continuous coordination among players to succeed. Enjoy your expedition!
