Game Play

The Cones of Dunshire is a turn-based strategy game for 2–12 players where participants assume unique roles in a medieval-fantasy setting. The ultimate goal is to collect enough points to ascend to the “Cone of Light” and claim victory. But beware…this isn’t a straightforward path. The game involves resource management, area control, alliances, betrayal, and the titular cones.

Setup

1. Game Board: A modular hex-based map representing the Kingdom of Dunshire, including:
   • Resource tiles (land, water, and mountain regions)
   • Settlements, monasteries, and forests
   • A central space for the Cones

2. Player Roles: Each player is assigned one of the following roles:
   • The Arbiter: Rule-enforcer who adjudicates disputes (optional with fewer than six players).
   • The Wizard: Uses spells to influence gameplay.
   • The Warrior: Focuses on combat and territory expansion.
   • The Farmer: Generates food and resources for trading.
   • The Shadow: A wildcard player who can sabotage others.
   • The Alchemist: Uses resource combinations to create powerful items.

3. The Cones:
   • Place seven Cones of Power on the board, one in the central “Cone of Light” area and others in key regions.

4. Resources:
   • Players start with gold, mana, food, and wood for building and sustenance.

5. Dice:
   • Uses eight-sided dice (d8) for movement, combat outcomes, and special events.

Phases of Play

Each round consists of three phases: Resource Collection, Action Phase, and Resolution Phase.

1. Resource Collection

At the start of each round, players gather resources based on their occupied hexes:

• Farmers: Collect extra food.
• Warriors: Collect weapons from occupied strongholds.
• Wizards: Generate mana from mystical sites.

Players may trade resources during this phase.

2. Action Phase

Each player takes a turn, performing up to three actions:

• Movement: Roll a d8 to move across the hexes. Some hexes require specific roles to enter.
• Building: Use resources to construct villages, towers, or monasteries.
• Combat: Engage in combat to claim territory. Combat involves dice rolls modified by player stats.
• Magic: Wizards cast spells using mana.
• Sabotage: Shadows sabotage another player’s resources or buildings.
• Activate Cones: Players interact with Cones they control to gain points or unleash game-changing effects.

3. Resolution Phase

Resolve disputes (Arbiter mediates) and check victory conditions:

• Players need 15 points to activate the Cone of Light and win.
• Points are earned by controlling Cones, completing quests, or building structures.

Key Mechanics

• The Cones: Each Cone has unique powers (e.g., summoning storms, doubling resources, or stealing from others).
• Role Synergy: Players benefit by forming temporary alliances based on complementary abilities.
• Quests: Random quest cards provide objectives, such as delivering resources or defeating rivals.
• Chaos Cards: Introduce wild, unpredictable effects at the start of each round.

Winning the Game

To win, a player must:

1. Reach 15 points.
2. Journey to the central Cone of Light and perform the Ritual of Ascension:

• Spend 5 mana, 5 gold, and 3 food.
• Roll a d8. A roll of 6 or higher secures victory; lower rolls result in penalties, requiring another attempt in the next round.

Conclusion

The Cones of Dunshire combines resource management, area control, role-playing, and cooperative backstabbing. Its over-the-top mechanics make it both a parody of complex board games and an entertaining adventure for players who enjoy a challenge.