Objective

Waldschattenspiel is a cooperative board game where the group of dwarves must work together to avoid being caught by the shadows of the forest. The objective is for the dwarves to gather without getting caught by the moving shadow of a candle. The game emphasizes teamwork and strategy.

Components

• A game board depicting a forest.
• Dwarf figures controlled by players.
• A light source, typically a small candle, representing the shadow.

Setup

1. Place the game board on a table.
2. Position the candle at the center of the board.
3. Each player selects a dwarf figure and places it on any area of the board that is not already in the shadow cast by the candle.
4. Dim the room lights to enhance the shadow effects on the board.

Gameplay

The game consists of rounds with two phases: the dwarf movement phase and the shadow movement phase.

Dwarf Movement

• Players take turns to move their dwarf, aiming to congregate at a predetermined location.
• A dwarf can move to an adjacent space not under the shadow.
• Dwarves can move between trees that act as obstacles and should avoid the shadow paths.

Shadow Movement

• The player acting as the shadow moves the candle.
• The candle can be moved in any direction, shifting the shadows around. The candle should not be lifted.
• The aim is to catch the dwarves by placing them in the shadow.

Winning Conditions

• Dwarves win if they successfully gather without any getting trapped in the shadows.
• The shadow wins if it manages to place all dwarves in the shadow.

Strategy Tips

• Communication is key. Players must discuss and coordinate their moves to avoid being caught in the shadow.
• Players need to plan ahead to navigate around the candle's light effectively.
• Make sure environmental conditions support clear shadow casting, considering factors like carpets or uneven surfaces that can distort the shadow.

Special Features

• Play in a darkened environment for the best experience.
• The game typically ends gently, focusing more on the experience than the competitiveness.
• Safety notice: Ensure the candle is placed on a non-flammable surface and is monitored to prevent accidents.