Contents
How to Play Shadow Hunters
Welcome to the world of Shadow Hunters, a thrilling game of deception and deduction. In this game, I will guide you through the rules and strategies necessary for an exhilarating adventure.
Game Objective
Your mission is to determine the identity of the other players and uncover the true intentions of each character. Will you stand with the Shadows, eager to seize control and spread darkness? Or will you align yourself with the Hunters, seeking to eliminate the nefarious creatures that lurk in the shadows? The path you choose will determine your fate.
Setting Up the Game
To begin, gather your friends and divide into two teams: the Shadows and the Hunters. Each player will receive a character card, which they must keep secret. Characters possess unique abilities and affiliations, and it is through the careful analysis of actions, interactions, and information that you will uncover the truth.
Gameplay
The game takes place over a series of rounds, during which players will move across the board, investigate and attack others, and utilize special abilities. You may choose to attack a player directly, aiming to deplete their health points and eliminate them from the game. Or, you can use investigation cards to gather information about the identities of other players.
Communication is Key
Engaging in conversations and carefully observing the actions of others is essential. By asking questions, making alliances, and sharing your suspicions, you can piece together clues and identify the true nature of your opponents. However, be mindful that not everyone may be truthful – deception is part of the game.
Winning the Game
To achieve victory, your team must fulfill their individual win condition. Hunters win by eliminating all the Shadows and vice versa. Some characters may have additional victory conditions, so pay attention to their abilities and objectives.
Conclusion
Shadow Hunters is an enthralling game that challenges your deduction skills and tests your ability to perceive the truth beneath the surface. It’s a game that keeps you on the edge of your seat, uncertain of who to trust and constantly questioning the motives of those around you. Embrace the darkness, embark on this adventure, and see if you have what it takes to uncover the secrets of the Shadow Hunters.
“Shadow Hunters” is an exciting board game where three unique groups, the “Shadow,” “Hunter,” and “Neutral” (civilians), compete against one another for survival.
The “Shadow” group consists of residents from the demon world, while the “Hunter” group aims to eliminate all the members of the “Shadow” group.
Civilians are innocent bystanders caught in the middle of this epic battle. Each player assumes the role of a character from one of these groups, but your true identity remains a secret to the other players.
Your mission is to uncover your allies and vanquish your enemies in a thrilling game of deception and strategy!
Now, let’s take a closer look at the components of this captivating game.
When it comes to playing this amazing game, it’s important to have all the necessary components. And if you’re wondering what those components are, then let me tell you. Here’s a list of everything you’ll find in the box:
- 1 Game board
- 6 Area cards
- 20 Character cards
- 16 Hermit cards
- 16 White cards
- 16 Black cards
- 8 Player boards
- 16 Wooden pieces
- 1 six-sided die and 1 four-sided die
- 1 Rule book
Let’s take a look at how you can set up the game for 4 players:
Getting Ready to Play
Before you can jump into the game, there are a few things that need to be set up. Don’t worry, I’ll walk you through it! Just keep in mind that in this game, “players” and “characters” mean the same thing.
- First, place the Game Board right in the middle of the table. Then, randomly put the 6 Area Cards in pairs on the board. Each pair of Area Cards should be close enough to attack each other (see the info above).
- Next, take the White Cards, Black Cards, and Hermit Cards and shuffle them separately. Put them face-down next to the appropriate marked edge of the board.
- When we start playing the game, we all get to pick our own color. You choose the color you like best and take two Wooden Pieces of that color. One of the Wooden Pieces goes in the “No Damage” circle on the Damage Track, and we call it the “Hit Points – HP piece.” The other Wooden Piece goes in front of you, and we call it the “Player Piece.” This piece is what you move around on the Area Cards. Now, you also get a Player Board in your chosen color. This Player Board helps us keep track of which color Wooden Pieces belong to each player.
First, let’s organize the Character Cards into decks based on their categories. We have the “Hunter,” “Shadow,” and “Neutral” decks. Shuffle each deck separately, making sure the cards are facing down. Next, consult the “Character Cards Allocation List” to determine how many cards to draw from each deck. Place the drawn cards together and shuffle them one more time. Finally, deal one card to each player, making sure they keep it hidden from others by placing it face down on top of their Player Board. Remember, you can check your character identity at any time during the game. Keep the unused Character Cards aside to maintain the element of surprise.
Now that we have the cards sorted out, let’s determine who goes first by selecting a starting player randomly.
Here is the “Character Cards Allocation List”:
– For 4 players: 2 Hunter cards and 2 Shadow cards.
– For 5 players: 2 Hunter cards, 2 Shadow cards, and 1 Neutral card.
Character Cards
When you play the game known as “Shadow Hunters,” it’s important to understand the different character cards and their roles. There are three types of characters: Hunters, Shadows, and Neutrals. Each character belongs to one of these groups and has unique abilities that can help or hinder you in your quest.
Lets take a closer look at each group:
Hunters:
Hunters are the protagonists of the game. They work together to uncover the Shadows and eliminate them. Hunters can heal themselves or others, revealing their true nature and helping their fellow Hunters stay alive.
Shadows:
Shadows are the antagonists of the game. Their goal is to eliminate the Hunters and the Neutrals. Shadows have various abilities, such as attacking or cursing other players. They can disguise themselves as Neutrals, making it harder for the Hunters to identify them.
Neutrals:
Neutrals are the wildcard characters of the game. They have their own objectives and can win the game by fulfilling their specific win condition. Neutrals can choose to side with the Hunters or the Shadows, or they can remain neutral and work independently.
It’s important to note that each game will have a different number of players, which affects the number and composition of each character group. Here are the recommended compositions based on the number of players:
- 6 players: 2 Hunter, 2 Shadow, 2 Neutral
- 7 players: 2 Hunter, 2 Shadow, 3 Neutral
- 8 players: 3 Hunter, 3 Shadow, 2 Neutral
Understanding the character cards is crucial to strategize and navigate the game effectively. By knowing the strengths and weaknesses of each character group, you can make informed decisions and increase your chances of victory. So, pick your character wisely and may the shadows be ever in your favor!
When you look at each Character Card, you’ll find some important information that can help you play the game effectively.
Firstly, you will see the character’s Name. This is simply the name of the character you are playing as.
The next piece of information is HP, which stands for Hit Points. This tells you how much damage your character can take before they are eliminated from the game.
Next, you will see the Group Affiliation of your character. This represents the group they belong to, which could be “Shadow,” “Hunter,” or “Neutral” (civilians).
The Win Condition is a crucial piece of information. It tells you what your character needs to do in order to win the game.
Lastly, each character has a Special Ability. This is a unique power that sets them apart from others. Feel free to ignore this ability if you prefer a simpler game.
Let’s Get Started
The game is played in turns, going clockwise from player to player. When it’s your turn, you have a number of actions to perform. These actions are repeated until the game ends.
- You must start by moving your character. This is a mandatory action that you must take.
- You also have the option to follow the instruction on the Area Card. This action is not mandatory, but it can be beneficial.
- If you wish, you can choose to attack other player(s). Again, this action is optional. It’s up to you whether you want to engage in combat.
Moving Your Character (mandatory)
When it’s my turn, I roll both dice together. I add the numbers and move my Player Piece to the Area Card with the matching number. (On the 4-sided die, I always look at the top number to see what I rolled).
If I roll a total of 7, I can move to any Area Card I want. But remember, I can’t stay on the same Area Card. I have to move every time I roll the dice. If I roll the same number as the Area Card I’m already on, I have to roll again.
For example: If I roll a 6 and it puts me on the Church, I have to roll again if I’m already on the Church.
Action on the Area Card (Optional)
After I move, I can choose to follow the instructions on the Area Card I’m on. There are different actions available on each Area Card.
Welcome to the world of Hermit’s Cabin – Grab a card from the top of the stack of Hermit Cards and read it privately. Then pass it on to another player that you choose.
Step into the Church – Take a card from the top of the stack of White Cards and carry out the instruction on it.
Visit the Cemetery – Take a card from the top of the stack of Black Cards and follow the instruction on it.
Discover the Underworld Gate – Select one of the three stacks of cards (White, Black, or Hermit) and draw a card from the top of that stack. Then, simply follow the instruction on the card.
Explore the Strange Woods – Choose a player and do one of the two actions:
- Inflict 2 points of damage on him/her.
- Recover 1 point of damage for him/her. (You can even choose yourself)
Unearth the Erstwhile Altar – Steal an Equipment Card from a player of your choice. If there are no players with Equipment Cards, nothing happens.
Hermit Cards
What are Hermit cards?
Hermit cards are a special type of tarot card. They belong to the major arcana, which is a group of cards that hold significant meaning and often represent important life lessons or major events. The Hermit card is typically depicted as an old man holding a lantern and standing alone. It is a card that symbolizes introspection, solitude, and wisdom.
What do Hermit cards mean?
When you draw a Hermit card, it signifies a time for self-reflection and introspection. It suggests that you may need to withdraw from the world and spend some time alone to gain clarity and understanding. The Hermit card urges you to take a step back from your busy life and tune into your inner self.
The Hermit card is a reminder that sometimes, the answers we seek can only be found within ourselves. It encourages you to trust your inner wisdom and listen to your intuition. By embracing solitude and quiet contemplation, you can discover valuable insights and gain a deeper understanding of yourself and the world around you.
How to interpret Hermit cards
When interpreting Hermit cards, it’s important to consider their context within the reading. The Hermit card can have various meanings depending on the other cards present and the specific question or situation being explored.
In general, the Hermit card suggests that taking a break from the noise and distractions of the external world is necessary. It may indicate a need for introspection, self-reflection, and soul-searching. It can also suggest a time of withdrawal or retreat from social interactions.
The Hermit card can symbolize the need for solitude and inner exploration. It encourages you to turn inward and listen to your own inner voice, rather than being influenced by external opinions or expectations. It invites you to trust your own judgment and seek answers from within.
When the Hermit card appears in a reading, it may be a sign that you need to take a step back from a situation or relationship and evaluate it from a more detached perspective. It can indicate a need for self-care and self-discovery.
Overall, the Hermit card is a reminder of the value of taking time for oneself and engaging in introspection. By embracing solitude and seeking wisdom within, you can navigate the challenges of life with greater clarity and understanding.
Hey there! Let’s talk about Hermit Cards and how they can spice up your game. These cards are super useful for identifying the other players in the game. When you draw a Hermit Card, you become the “current player.” Cool, right?
So, here’s how it goes. When you get a Hermit Card, take a peek and read what it says. Then, it’s your job to choose a player and pass them the card, but make sure to keep the card’s back facing up. It’s a secret, so no one else should see it!
Now, here’s the thing to remember: it’s not you, the current player, who has to follow the instructions on the Hermit Card. Nope, it’s actually the player who received the card. Interesting, huh?
If you’re the lucky player who receives a Hermit Card, check out what’s written on it. If your character’s name or character affiliation matches the card, go ahead and follow the instructions. But if they don’t match up, simply declare “Nothing happens.” No biggie!
Check out this example:
Hey, guess what? I’ve got a special card for you called the Hermit Card. And it says, “I bet you’re a Shadow! If so, you’ll take 1 point of damage!”
If you’re really a Shadow, you’ll indeed take that 1 point of damage and move your HP Piece up by 1 space on the Damage Track.
But if you’re not a Shadow, don’t worry, nothing happens. Simply say, “Nothing happens.”
Now here’s the twist: the player who drew the Hermit Card and the player who was given the card can’t spill the beans to the other players about what’s written on it. So, keep it to yourself. The player who received the Hermit Card should place it face down in the discard pile next to the Game Board.
Just a couple of rules to keep in mind if you happen to get a Hermit Card:
- First, no fibbing! You can’t tell a lie and you must honestly follow the instruction on the card, unless you happen to be the character “Unknown”.
- Second, if you run out of Hermit Cards, just reshuffle the ones you’ve already discarded to make a fresh stack.
White and Black Cards
Let’s talk about a fascinating and fun game called Cards Against Humanity. It’s a game where players take turns matching white cards with black cards to create hilarious and often outrageous combinations.
When you first start playing Cards Against Humanity, you might be unsure of what to expect. The rules are simple, but the possibilities are endless. You’ll quickly find yourself laughing and surprised by the clever and unexpected combinations that arise.
One of the unique features of Cards Against Humanity is the contrast between the white and black cards. The white cards contain various phrases, words, or short sentences that serve as responses or answers. On the other hand, the black cards provide prompts or questions that the players must respond to using their white cards.
The white cards act as the backbone of the game, offering a wide variety of options for players to choose from. They are filled with absurd, silly, and often offensive ideas. This is what makes Cards Against Humanity so different from other party games – no topic is off-limits.
As you play, you’ll notice how the black cards set the stage for creativity and witty responses. They introduce a topic or situation that calls for a clever or outrageous answer. It’s up to you and your fellow players to come up with the most shocking, funny, or absurd response using your white cards.
Cards Against Humanity thrives on the surprise factor. You never know what combination of cards you’ll end up with, and that’s part of the joy of the game. With each round, you’ll discover new and unexpected connections between the white and black cards.
In conclusion, playing Cards Against Humanity is an exhilarating experience filled with laughter and surprises. The combination of white and black cards creates a dynamic and unpredictable game that will keep you entertained for hours. So gather your friends, unleash your creativity, and get ready for a game that will leave you laughing and questioning your own sense of humor.
I want to explain the two different types of White/Black cards to you. It’s important to understand the difference between them. So let’s dive in!
The first type is called a “Single-use” card. When you draw one of these cards, you read the instructions to the other players, follow those instructions, and then discard the card. You put the discarded cards face up outside the opposite edge of the board where it’s marked.
The second type is an “Equipment” card. With these cards, you place them in front of you face up when you draw them. Once you do that, the card is “activated” and stays in effect. You can have as many activated Equipment Cards as you want.
If we ever run out of Black or White Cards, don’t worry! We can just shuffle the discarded cards to make a new stack of cards. Easy peasy!
Attack Other Player(s) (optional)
Here’s something you can do at the end of your turn if you feel like it: you can attack a player who’s on one of the 2 Area Cards that are in your range.
Range
When you move to an Area Card, you have the option to attack a player on that card or on the card next to it.
If you decide to attack, choose your target and roll both dice simultaneously. Your attack will cause damage equal to the difference between the two numbers that appear after the roll. In other words, subtract the smaller number from the larger number. However, if both dice show the same number, your attack fails, and no damage is dealt.
For example: Let’s say you roll a 2 on the 6-sided die and a 4 on the 4-sided die. This means you deal 2 points of damage (4 – 2 = 2).
If you need to attack multiple players at the same time because of certain card effects, you only need to roll the dice once. The result of the roll will apply to all the players you are targeting.
Character’s Death
When I get hit by other players or their card effects, my HP Piece on the Damage Track moves to show how much damage I’ve taken or healed. If the total damage equals or exceeds the HP amount on my Character Card, I’m out of the game.
When I’m out of the game, I have to reveal my identity by turning my Character Card face up. Then, I have to remove my Character Piece and HP Pieces from the Game Board.
If I manage to kill another character, I get to choose an Equipment Card from them and discard the rest.
End of the Game
If I meet the Win Condition of my character, I have to immediately reveal my identity (if I haven’t already) and declare that the game is over. Usually, this happens when a character dies.
Don’t wait for your turn to say the game is over. If another player’s action fulfills your character’s Win Condition, go ahead and declare that the game is over right away.
If your character’s Win Condition is met, you’re a winner!
Even if “Shadow” and “Hunter” players are killed during the game, they can still end up as winners, depending on how the game unfolds.
Tips for Playing
Save Time with These Rules
Once the game is ready to go, the starting player draws a Hermit Card. They follow the instructions on the card or say “Nothing happens” before passing it to the player on their left, who does the same thing.
For Beginners
Hey there! When it comes to the first game, you have the option to make things easier by not allowing Special Abilities. If you choose this, just remove the character Bob from the game.
Did you know you can identify other players’ characters?
One of the coolest things about this game is figuring out who the other players are. Attacking without knowing their identity can backfire on you, potentially hurting your allies instead!
So, keeping a close eye on what the other players are up to can help you figure out their true identities.