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Defenders of the Realm

Defenders of the Realm

Eagle-Gryphon Games · 2010
1–490 min13+ yrs2.7/5 complexity7.3 BGG#927 BGG7 KCo-op
short answer

How do you play Defenders of the Realm?

The overarching objective for the players is to collectively defeat all four Demon Generals (Varkolak, Balazarg, Gorgutt, and Sapphire) and their respective minions. This must be achieved before any Demon General successfully corrupts Monarch City, which is a central location on the board. Each Demon General has a unique path they follow towards Monarch City, and players must intercept and defeat them.

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Defenders of the Realm box art
official art · Eagle-Gryphon Games
the rules in 60 seconds▶ auto · 1/6
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01

Setup

The game board is set up with various locations, hero cards, and minion figures. The Druid, Barbarian, and Dwarf heroes are placed on specific starting locations.

The rules, step by step

Setup
The game begins with the 'Defenders of the Realm' board laid out, featuring various interconnected locations. Hero cards are distributed to players, and minion figures (green, blue, black, and red) are placed on designated locations across the map. The Druid hero starts at Raven Forest, the Barbarian is positioned in the northern regions, and the Dwarf is located in the south at Mermaid Harbor. Demon General figures are also placed on their starting locations, and a Darkness Spreads deck is prepared.
Objective
The overarching objective for the players is to collectively defeat all four Demon Generals (Varkolak, Balazarg, Gorgutt, and Sapphire) and their respective minions. This must be achieved before any Demon General successfully corrupts Monarch City, which is a central location on the board. Each Demon General has a unique path they follow towards Monarch City, and players must intercept and defeat them.
On your turn
Each player's turn consists of a set number of actions (typically five). Actions can include moving their hero across the board, attacking minions or Demon Generals, or utilizing special abilities granted by their hero or hero cards. For example, the Druid's quest requires them to defeat three minions of the same color in a single turn at a specific location to earn a reward. Movement costs one action per connected location, and combat involves rolling dice against minions or generals, with specific hit requirements.
Scoring
Scoring in 'Defenders of the Realm' is primarily tied to completing quests and defeating enemies. For instance, the Druid's 'Heroic Test of Valor' quest awards the 'Shield of McCorm' upon defeating three minions of the same color in one turn at a location, which provides ongoing benefits like blocking wounds. Defeating minions also contributes to clearing corruption from the board and preventing overruns, which are crucial for the heroes' success.
Game end
The game concludes in one of two ways: either the heroes achieve victory by successfully defeating all four Demon Generals, or the forces of darkness prevail if any Demon General reaches and corrupts Monarch City. Corruption spreads through Darkness Spreads cards, which introduce new minions and advance Demon Generals on their paths. Overruns in locations can also lead to corruption, making strategic defense vital.
Tips
Players should coordinate their hero movements and attacks to efficiently clear minions and target Demon Generals. Utilizing hero cards, such as the Barbarian's 'Dark Vision' to manipulate the Darkness Spreads deck or 'Militia Secures Area' to prevent minion placement, can be highly advantageous. The Dwarf's ability to collect treasure tokens and cash them in for hero cards, or reroll dice against generals, is also a key strategic element. Understanding each hero's unique abilities and quests is essential for a successful defense of the realm.
game anatomy
Complexity2.7 / 5
BGG rating7.3 / 10
Vibe
Co-op
Language dependence
Moderate text — a crib sheet helps
Play time
90 min
Players
1–4
Recommended age
13+ yrs
BGG rank
#927
from Trișache · verified

Frequently asked questions

Q1What is the goal of the game?
The overarching objective for the players is to collectively defeat all four Demon Generals (Varkolak, Balazarg, Gorgutt, and Sapphire) and their respective minions. This must be achieved before any Demon General successfully corrupts Monarch City, which is a central location on the board. Each Demon General has a unique path they follow towards Monarch City, and players must intercept and defeat them.
Q2How do you set up the game?
The game begins with the 'Defenders of the Realm' board laid out, featuring various interconnected locations. Hero cards are distributed to players, and minion figures (green, blue, black, and red) are placed on designated locations across the map. The Druid hero starts at Raven Forest, the Barbarian is positioned in the northern regions, and the Dwarf is located in the south at Mermaid Harbor. Demon General figures are also placed on their starting locations, and a Darkness Spreads deck is prepared.
Q3How does a turn work?
Each player's turn consists of a set number of actions (typically five). Actions can include moving their hero across the board, attacking minions or Demon Generals, or utilizing special abilities granted by their hero or hero cards. For example, the Druid's quest requires them to defeat three minions of the same color in a single turn at a specific location to earn a reward. Movement costs one action per connected location, and combat involves rolling dice against minions or generals, with specific hit requirements.
Q4How is scoring calculated?
Scoring in 'Defenders of the Realm' is primarily tied to completing quests and defeating enemies. For instance, the Druid's 'Heroic Test of Valor' quest awards the 'Shield of McCorm' upon defeating three minions of the same color in one turn at a location, which provides ongoing benefits like blocking wounds. Defeating minions also contributes to clearing corruption from the board and preventing overruns, which are crucial for the heroes' success.
Q5When and how does the game end?
The game concludes in one of two ways: either the heroes achieve victory by successfully defeating all four Demon Generals, or the forces of darkness prevail if any Demon General reaches and corrupts Monarch City. Corruption spreads through Darkness Spreads cards, which introduce new minions and advance Demon Generals on their paths. Overruns in locations can also lead to corruption, making strategic defense vital.
Q6What tips are there for beginners?
Players should coordinate their hero movements and attacks to efficiently clear minions and target Demon Generals. Utilizing hero cards, such as the Barbarian's 'Dark Vision' to manipulate the Darkness Spreads deck or 'Militia Secures Area' to prevent minion placement, can be highly advantageous. The Dwarf's ability to collect treasure tokens and cash them in for hero cards, or reroll dice against generals, is also a key strategic element. Understanding each hero's unique abilities and quests is essential for a successful defense of the realm.
Q7How much does Defenders of the Realm cost?
No store is currently tracking Defenders of the Realm. Check the Prices tab — you can set a price alert to be notified when it appears.
Q8Where can I buy Defenders of the Realm cheapest?
Check the Prices tab — howtoplay.ro aggregates offers from 7+ Romanian board-game stores and tracks price history.
Q9How do you play Defenders of the Realm?
Defenders of the Realm is a adventure game, for 1–4 players, taking ~90 minutes, featuring action points. Check the Rules tab for setup, gameplay, and scoring, or ask Trișache anything about Defenders of the Realm — our AI assistant built by howtoplay.ro and trained specifically on board game rulebooks.
Q10How many players does Defenders of the Realm support?
Defenders of the Realm is played by 1–4 players.
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1 shop · sorted by priceupdated today
Regatul JocurilorENeasybox
Defenders of the Realm (English Edition)
last known price
RON 359
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