Welcome to the World of Escape: The Curse of the Temple Game!

Introduction

Greetings, adventurer! Prepare yourself for an exhilarating journey filled with mystery and excitement. In Escape: The Curse of the Temple, you will explore hidden chambers, overcome treacherous obstacles, and unearth ancient relics. As you navigate through the temple, you must work together with your team to find a way out before time runs out! Are you ready to embark on this thrilling quest?

Objective

Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to escape from the temple before the curse overwhelms you. You and your fellow adventurers will have exactly 10 minutes to work together, overcoming challenges and collecting precious gems. Failure to escape in time will result in eternal confinement within the temple’s walls. So, make every second count!

Game Components

Before entering the temple, let’s familiarize ourselves with the game components:

• Tile Tokens: These square-shaped tokens represent the temple’s rooms. You will connect them to form the temple walls.
• Gem Tokens: These circular tokens represent valuable gems. Collect as many as you can!
• Curse Tokens: These hexagonal tokens are a reminder of the looming curse. Avoid them at all costs!
• Dice: Each player will roll their own set of dice. These special dice dictate your actions within the game.

Gameplay

Now that we know what we’re up against, let’s dive into the gameplay mechanics. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Rolling Dice: On your turn, roll all of your dice. Each die can show various symbols, which determine your actions.
2. Exploring: Use the Explore symbol to unlock new rooms within the temple. Connect the appropriate tiles and expand the temple.
3. Gem Collection: Collect gems by using the Gem symbol. Pay attention to the required symbol combinations.
4. Running: The Running symbol allows you to move quickly from room to room. Escape the curse while you can!
5. Curse Tokens: If you roll a Curse symbol, you must add a curse token to the central chamber. The curse spreads quickly, so be cautious!
6. Time Management: Keep an eye on the soundtrack timer. You must escape before the timer runs out, or you’ll be trapped forever.
7. Teamwork: Coordinate with your fellow adventurers. Communication and collaboration are the keys to success!
8. Escape: To escape, all players must reach the central chamber and unlock the exit using a combination of keys.

Conclusion

The Curse of the Temple is an immersive and action-packed game that will test your wits and teamwork skills. Remember: time is of the essence, so work together, communicate effectively, and make your escape before it’s too late. The fate of your team and the ancient temple itself rests in your hands. Good luck, brave adventurers!

Hey there! So, here’s the deal: if you want to get rid of the curse in the temple, you’ve gotta activate these special magic gems in the different chambers. But here’s the catch – you only have ten minutes to do it before the whole temple comes crashing down. So, don’t waste any time! Get moving right away and maybe, just maybe, you’ll be able to make it out alive!

What You Need

When it comes to Escape, there are several key components you should keep in mind:

• 6 main chamber tiles
• 25 dice – 5 for each adventurer
• 13 basic chamber tiles – without purple mask and/or treasure icon
• 5 adventurer figures – 1 of each player color
• 5 adventurer tokens – 1 of each player color
• 1 gem depot (for the magic gems)
• 1 CD containing soundtrack and audio introduction
• 25 magic gems
• 1 Rule book
• 1 Supplement for the 2 modules “Curses” and “Treasures”
• 1 Supplement for the expansion “The Sand of Fortune”

The Goal

Escape is all about speed! Instead of playing the game in turns, each player will roll their five dice as fast and frequently as possible – no waiting for teammates!

Hey, you’ve got just ten minutes to escape from this temple, so make sure you don’t waste any time. Every second you spend brings you closer to being trapped forever.

While you go looking for the way out, you’ll come across new rooms in the temple. But be careful – you’ll need to have the right combination of adventurer, key, and torch icons to enter and explore these rooms.

Some of these rooms have magic gems. To escape, you’ll need to use your dice to activate as many of these gems as possible and remove the curse blocking the exit. The sooner you find the exit room and activate the magic gems, the easier it will be for you to get out.

But watch out! Twice during the game, a gong will sound, signaling a countdown. When you hear it, rush back to the starting room, the only safe place in the temple. If you don’t make it back in time, you’ll lose one of your precious dice.

Hey there! Let’s work together and watch out for each other, because some tasks can only be completed if we all collaborate. And guess what? Even if just one person fails to make it out of the temple in time, we all lose the game!

Getting Started

1. First, we’ll need the 6 main chambers and the 13 basic chambers. Don’t worry about the chambers with the purple mask and treasure icon for now. Mix up the rest of the chamber tiles and stack them face down to create a draw pile.

2. Next, we’ll place the starting chamber in the middle of the playing area. Then, we’ll randomly choose 2 chamber tiles and put them next to the starting chamber, just like the picture below shows. Finally, let’s take the top 4 tiles from the draw pile, mix them up with the exit tile, and put them at the bottom of the pile.

Exception: If you’re playing alone or with a friend, put the exit tile in the middle of the deck.

2. Look at the chart on the right to see how many magic gems go in the depot.

Then add 2 more magic gems next to the depot.

• If you’re playing with 1 or 2 players: you’ll need 7 gems.
• If you’re playing with 3 players: you’ll need 11 gems.
• If you’re playing with 4 players: you’ll need 14 gems.
• If you’re playing with 5 players: you’ll need 16 gems.

If you’re playing Cat’s Eye Kingdom, the number of players you have affects how many gems each player will need. It’s pretty simple, but let me break it down for you. For 1 or 2 players, you’ll need 7 gems in total. With 3 players, you’ll need 11 gems. If you have 4 players, you’ll need 14 gems. And if you’re playing with a full group of 5 players, you’ll need 16 gems. So, grab your gems and get ready to rule the kingdom!

3. So, here’s how we get started! First, each player picks their favorite color – you know, the one that really speaks to them. Then, we all grab 5 dice and our matching adventurer figure and token. Cool, right? Now, we pop our figure onto the starting chamber and keep our token right in front of us. This way, we can easily spot our fellow players.

But wait! If you’re flying solo, you get an extra boost. Just grab 7 dice instead of 5.

Now, let’s talk about what’s on that CD. You’ve got an audio introduction to the game in 3 different languages, and not one, but two ten-minute soundtracks. Oh yeah! The audio introduction is like a quick rundown of what Escape is all about. It’s super helpful, so make sure to give it a listen before you dive into your first game.

When it comes to the game itself, you’ve got some options. You can either randomly pick a soundtrack or choose the one that speaks to your soul. Either way, it won’t change how long the game lasts. Both soundtracks have the same playing time. For your very first game, we suggest starting with track 1. It sets the mood just right.

The Temple Chambers

Hey there! Have you ever wondered what makes each chamber of a temple unique? Well, let me tell you all about it!

The first chamber is known as the Hall of Reflection. It’s a fascinating space where you can take a moment to pause and look within yourself. Here, you can reflect on your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. It’s a peaceful sanctuary where you can find clarity and gain a deeper understanding of yourself.

Next up, we have the Chamber of Connections. This chamber is all about building relationships and fostering connections with others. It’s a place where you can meet new people, learn from their perspectives, and expand your network. You’ll be amazed at the bonds you can form and the opportunities that can arise from this wonderful chamber.

Now, let’s move on to the Chamber of Knowledge. This chamber is like a treasure trove of wisdom and information. You’ll find books, scrolls, and various learning materials all around. Here, you can quench your thirst for knowledge by delving into different subjects and expanding your understanding of the world. It’s truly a haven for curious minds!

The fourth chamber is called the Chamber of Creativity. In this vibrant space, you can let your imagination run wild. It’s a place where ideas flow freely, and you can explore your creativity through various art forms. Whether you enjoy painting, writing, or playing music, this chamber will inspire you to unleash your artistic side.

Lastly, we have the Chamber of Action. This chamber is all about putting your ideas into motion and taking decisive steps towards achieving your goals. It’s a space filled with energy and motivation, pushing you to take action and make things happen. Here, you’ll find the drive and determination to turn your dreams into reality.

So, whether you’re looking for self-reflection, meaningful connections, knowledge, creativity, or the courage to take action, a temple’s chambers have got you covered. Each chamber offers a unique experience and an opportunity for personal growth. So, go ahead, step into the temple, and venture into these extraordinary chambers!

Behold the Magic Gem

Get ready for a whirlwind of excitement as I introduce the incredible magic gem! This gem is no ordinary gem – it requires a specific number of die icons to activate its powers.

Ahh, chambers! They hold the key to unlocking the wonders of the magic gem. Not all chambers are created equal, you see. Some chambers don’t have any gem icons at all, while others boast the presence of either one or three magnificent gem icons.

Discover the Entrance

Picture this: a new chamber appears from the draw pile. It must be placed right next to an entrance on a face-up tile. The entrance is like a gateway, welcoming the new chamber with open arms.

The Die Icons with a Red Frame

Now, feast your eyes on the mighty die icons with a red frame. These icons hold the power to grant you access to a chamber. But wait, there’s a catch! To make your way into this chamber, you must roll the die icons with the red frames. It’s a challenge, but oh so worth it!

Enter the Stairway Entrance

Ah, behold the majestic stairway entrance! It serves as the grand entryway to a chamber. When this incredible tile graces the temple, it’s only fitting that the stairway connects it to the temple. It’s an elegant and enchanting sight to behold!

The Marvels of Die Icons

Prepare to be captivated by the remarkable die icons! Each die presents you with a mesmerizing array of five different icons. They hold the secrets to uncovering the temple’s wonders. Keep your eyes peeled for these dazzling icons!

Adventurer (x2):

If you want to go from room to room or find new rooms, you’ll need this.

About Keys and Torches:

If you want to access specific chambers or activate magic gems, there’s a secret way – using keys or torches. These special items open doors that are otherwise closed to you.

Black Mask:

When you roll a black mask, it means you’re under a spell and the die is cursed. Set this die aside; you can only use it again once the spell has been broken.

Example: When I play the game, I just rolled a special golden mask. This means I can keep it and include it in my next roll. Along with the golden mask, I also have two dice with black masks on them, so I’ll add those to my next roll as well.

Breaking the Spell: The Power of the Golden Mask

Picture this: you have two black masks that have lost their magic, leaving you feeling stuck and unable to move forward. But fear not, because there’s a solution – the golden mask! This magical item has the incredible ability to break the spell on those two black masks, freeing them from their dormant state.

Now, you might be wondering, what does this mean for me? Well, let me tell you. Once the spell is broken, you regain access to those two masks, and they become fully functional once again. No more limitations, no more feeling trapped – you are now free to use those dice however you please.

Isn’t it fascinating how something as simple as a golden mask can have such a profound impact? It’s like a burst of fresh air, breathing new life into those once dormant masks. Suddenly, your options expand, and you can approach your next move with renewed vigor and excitement.

So, the next time you find yourself with a couple of black masks, feeling stuck and uncertain, remember the power of the golden mask. It’s the key to unlocking your full potential and regaining control over your destiny. Don’t let those black masks hold you back any longer – break the spell and set yourself free!

Example: I found two black masks and I need to set them aside. Right now, I only have three dice left to roll.

If we’re both in the same room, we can help each other out. Let’s say I roll a golden mask and I don’t need it. You can use it to break the spell on up to two of your cursed dice.

Example: Let’s say I, Ani (red), have just rolled a golden mask and a black mask. And it turns out that Frank (blue) is also in this chamber, but he’s worse off than me. So, I decide to be kind and let him use the golden mask. Now, on his next roll, Frank can roll all five of his dice, while I can only roll four.

Note: Keep in mind, when you use a golden mask to help someone, it doesn’t mean they own your dice. You’re just lending a helping hand!

The Actions

Now let’s talk about what you can do with your dice:

1. Enter a chamber
2. Discover a new chamber
3. Activate magic gems
4. Escape
5. Provoke a turn of fate

After you’ve taken an action, you need to roll all the dice you used for that action. Don’t worry, though! You can save any unused dice for later use.

Whenever you want, you can roll any dice that you previously set aside (except for black masks, which can only be used again with the assistance of a golden mask).

Here’s a breakdown of the actions:

1. Step into a chamber

You can enter a chamber if its entrance is not blocked.

For example: I can only enter the chamber at the top because there’s a wall blocking the left entrance and no chamber connected to the right entrance yet.

To enter a chamber, you have to roll the icons inside the red frame in the new chamber.

Example: So, here’s what happened: I rolled my dice and got two adventurer icons. That means I can move to the next chamber and see what’s in store for me!

2. Time to Explore!

Now, imagine you’re inside a chamber with some doorways that haven’t been blocked off yet. Those doorways don’t lead to any other chambers. Well, guess what? You have the chance to discover a whole new chamber!

Imagine this: I’m inside a chamber that has two entrances, but there are no other chambers connected to it. So, I have the potential to discover two new chambers!

To make this happen, I need to roll two adventurer icons. If I do, I can draw a new chamber from the pile and add it to my current chamber. The new chamber’s entrance must connect to the entrance of my current chamber.

Example: So, here’s the deal: I’m playing as Frank, and I’ve got these two awesome adventurer icons. What I’m doing is connecting the stairway entrance of the top chamber from the draw pile to one of the entrances of my current chamber. It’s all part of the game, you know?

3. Get those magic gems going

Now, let’s talk about these cool magic gems and how to activate them. There are two types of chambers where you can make them work:

When you’re inside a chamber and you see magic gem icons, your goal is to roll enough torch or key icons to activate the gems. The number of gems you need to activate is shown. Once you activate a gem, you can take one from the gem depot and put it on the matching gem icon.

Example: So, I just had this crazy moment, you know? My buddy Frank, he rolls these 4 torch icons and BAM! He activates the magic gem in his chamber. It was like a magic show or something!

Hey, did you know that if there are any adventurers in a chamber and it has some magic gem icons, they can team up to get the right number of key or torch icons they need? Talk about teamwork, right?

Note: Oh, and check this out: you can cooperate with others to activate 1 gem, but if you want to activate 2 or 3 gems, you gotta rally the whole gang. It’s like a gem activation party!

Example: Let’s say I, Ani (the red one), and my friend Frank (the blue one), have just rolled a total of 7 keys. We’re so excited that we decide to activate 2 magic gems. We take 2 gems from the depot and place them on the gem icons inside our chamber.

If at least one of the gems in a chamber has been activated, you cannot activate any more gems in that chamber.

Here’s an example: Let’s say two gems in this chamber have already been activated. That means you can’t activate any more gems here.

4. Time to Get Out

You can only escape if you’re inside the exit chamber.

To escape, you need to roll the same number of keys as the total number of gems in the gem depot, plus one. Each player has to roll the required number of key icons themselves!

Example: I managed to roll all three keys, and now I can finally escape from the temple.

But here’s the thing – once you’ve made your great escape, you don’t really need all of your tools anymore. So, you have the option to give one of your dice to another adventurer who’s still stuck in the temple. They can use the die right away!

Example: So, here’s what happened: Frank managed to escape and decided to give one of his dice to Ani (red). Ani could use the dice right away, which was really lucky.

5. Change the course of destiny

Okay, so if there are way too many cursed dice floating around, we can do something about it. We can move one of the two gems that are next to the depot back into the depot. And guess what? All adventurers get to roll their cursed dice again! Yep, those pesky black masks.

Now, we have to make this call as a team. We all need to agree on whether we want to change our destiny. But remember, we can only do this twice throughout the whole game.

Note: Oh, and don’t take changing our destiny too lightly. Every time we add another gem to the depot, escaping becomes even tougher.

Imagine a daring group of adventurers trapped in a treacherous dungeon. They wear eerie black masks that not only hinder their progress but also pose a grave threat to their lives. The adventurers must decide whether to gamble with fate and try to free their masks from the curse, despite the increased danger. As if that weren’t challenging enough, they must also remember to place an additional gem on the depot. However, there is a silver lining – all players are given a chance to re-roll their black masks.

Let the Adventure Begin

When you and your fellow players are ready to embark on this perilous journey, insert the CD into your CD player. As soon as you press play, a captivating soundtrack will transport you into the heart of the game.

After a brief introduction, the game officially commences with the ominous command “Escape!” as the dice hit the table. It’s crucial to keep in mind that you only have 10 minutes to make a daring escape. Every second counts as you navigate through the labyrinthine challenges set before you.

Pro tip: If you’re new to the game, we recommend playing without the soundtrack for a few minutes first. This will help you get familiar with the game’s mechanisms before immersing yourself completely.

The Heart-Pounding Soundtrack

Hey there! Let me break it down for you. In the soundtrack, you’ll hear 3 countdowns. The first countdown begins with a loud gong and ends with a door being slammed. The second countdown starts with two bangs of a gong and also ends with a door slamming shut.

Here’s the deal, when you hear these two countdowns, it’s a sign for you to rush back to the starting chamber. If you don’t make it back in time before the door closes, unfortunately, you’ll lose one of your dice for the rest of the game. Don’t worry, though. Just put any lost dice back in the game box.

Once that door slams shut, you can keep exploring the temple and move on from the chamber you’re in. Now, listen up! The third countdown starts with three bangs of a gong and ends with the sound of the temple collapsing. When you hear this, it means the game is over – exactly 10 minutes from the start.

Example: I raced towards the starting chamber, but the door crashed shut just before I could get in. This means I’ll have to play the game with one less die from now on. (If I don’t make it back to the starting chamber during the second countdown, I’ll lose another die).

The Game’s End

The game comes to a close after 10 minutes – that’s when the third countdown ends. If any of us adventurers are still inside the temple when it crumbles, we’ve all lost the game!

A More Challenging Option

Before we begin, we can decide to ramp up the adventure by adding more gems to the depot. If all of us manage to escape the temple before it collapses, we’re victorious as a team! There are two ways to make it more challenging:

• Experts: Add 3 extra magic gems.
• Professionals: You’ll get 6 extra magic gems. You won’t be able to use the “Provoke a turn of fate” move anymore.