Wrath of Ashardalon

By Matt Staggs

Wrath of Ashardalon is the second in a new line of board games from Wizards of the Coast, publishers of Dungeons & Dragons. Like its predecessor, Castle Ravenloft, Ashardalon is powered by a simplified version of the D&D rules that will be familiar to anyone who has ever played the game.

Ashardalon is designed for one to five players. Each chooses one of five included Heroes, all represented by a plastic figurine and an associated card that explains his or her abilities and special powers. Included are figurines and cards for a Dragonborn Wizard, Human Cleric, Elf Paladin, Half-Orc Rogue, and Dwarf Fighter. Figures chosen, their quests are determined by way of the included Adventure Book, which features thirteen short scenarios of increasing complexity and danger. All of these are set in and around Firestorm Peak, a chain of mountains controlled by a fearsome red dragon and its monstrous allies. Like the adventurers, they’re represented by their own figurines and cards.

Ashardalon’s dungeon is created anew each game. Players draw interconnecting tiles randomly each turn, mapping out the dungeon as they go. The same goes for the various monsters, traps, and treasures within the dungeon: these are also chosen at random.

Players cast spells, fight monsters, and use magic items by rolling an included twenty-sided die. The player rolls the die, aiming to meet or exceed a stated target number in order to succeed at whatever action they’re attempting. Gameplay is fast and simple, but loads of fun, and the random assortment of monsters and traps means that no two games will ever be the same. Cooperation is essential if the adventurers want to complete their mission and leave Ashardalon’s lair alive, making this a good game for families and friends looking for a fun way to spend an evening.

If you enjoyed reading this, please consider subscribing to Realms of Fantasy.