The recently reviewed Arena: the Contest will have yet another kickstarter campaign end of this month, August 31. Unlike Tanares Adventure expansion, completed campaign last year and planned delivery early next year, this game does not appear to be a direct expansion of Arena: the Contest series. Instead, this looked a whole new game in different genre using Arena’s world setting i.e. Tanares. Specifically, RPG for 5E means this is essentially a home-brew (Dragori Games created) version of Dungeons and Dragons (DnD). Honestly, my first take about this game was “I do not care” because I do not have a group of players to do DnD. However, this game may be viewed entirely differently. Although there still many unknowns, I am more intrigued by this game than ever from a “board gamer” stand point of view. Let’s take a closer look.
Solo Mode Add-On
Before going any further, we need to make one thing clear. There is a huge surprise to Tanares RPG for 5E that is “Solo Mode Add-On).
Normally, DnD is not playable without a person taking a Dungeon Master role. It automatically makes DnD not a solo playable game. However, Tanares RPG supporting Solo mode, this game now can be seen as a potential next generation tabletop adventure game.
Now, this is not entirely new attempt. Googling DM less DnD will give us many results such as this reddit post and The Blood Queen’s Defiance, actual funded kickstarter campaign. The latter is DM-less game but still requiring team of players.
So should we care about 5E system on tabletop adventure board game? Let’s take a closer look at 5th edition RPG.
What’s 5E RPG?
It means they are using the open game license for 5th edition.
This license does not allow the use of the name “dungeons & dragons” in the product, but it does allow use of most of the rules for D&D 5th edition.
So they tend to tag “5e” on it instead, since this is not restricted.
https://forum.rpg.net/index.php?threads/5e-compatibility.806842/
In fact, you can download full detail rule of Dungeon and Dragons (DnD) 5th edition for free here. Normally, DnD uses one’s imagination and players “role play” characters with one person taking a role of a dungeon master who tells the story, thinks response to players choice, and also control enemies etc. The YouTube video on the official DnD site below shows the overall game experience/appeal well.
DnD attraction to a (solo) tabletop adventure board gamers
I have essentially zero experience playing DnD; other than a long time ago brief one hour session of DnD with one of my friend. As for Tabletop Adventure games, I am also new to it. Having said this, I believe there are certainly appeal to the DnD from tabletop adventure gamer point of view. The main appeal to me is the established, highly flexible game system of DnD. This applies to both combat system and outside of combat. In fact, analogous to most PvP strategy card game has some influence from Magic the Gathering, most adventure board game must have some influence from the DnD.
DnD playable characters have multiple stats and each of them may be used to check/test if certain event outside of combat succeed or fail.
DC stands “difficulty class” in 5th Edition rule. This is conducted by comparing the value of the specific parameter of character plus a 20 face die roll and the DC value. For above case, it states if character’s perception skill stat + roll of a dice is 12 or over, your characters can prepare for the upcoming combat. The sample book does not specifically say what if you fail the check, but I assume here your character fails to notice enemies; therefore, it result in a surprise attack by them i.e. you lose first turn. Another sample case below.
Perception is just one of many skill parameter in 5th Edition system. As you can see below there are 18 skills, 6 abilities. There are so much things you can do here outside of combat using these stats and roll of die.
DnD combat also offers much more option than any other tabletop adventure games. In fact, one can think as game like ATC to be simplified/streamlined version of DnD combat system. I was able to think several Arena: the Contest reference in many places as I watch DnD basic tutorial e.g. 1 for complete miss, 20 for critical hit, reaction attack mechanics etc. If you wonder what about the grid system? You do not need to worry. DnD combat system also (optionally) uses grid system.
Speed parameter indicates movement point. Each square are 5ft. So 30ft means the above character can move up to 30/5 = 6 spaces each movement action.
One example of how much design space the DnD combat system has is damage type.
Let’s also take a look at what each hero/character look like using 5E system.
Besides the amazing art, there are so many stats, details of a character. Adding to the above, characters have different attacks/actions that will of course change as you level up.
Above are in form of printable cards so we know in Tanares RPG, they will come in form of handy card just like Attack cards in Arena: the Contest.
Basically, to me this just looks like far more advanced (= complex) version of Arena the Contest, Gloomhaven or name any other tabletop adventure board game of your choice here.
The complexity of the 5th edition system in provides nearly limitless game design and play potential. Now it is important to note that this does not mean ATC, Tanares Adventure or other adventure board game are necessary inferior to Tanares RPG. Those are more streamlined, and many may consider just having required amount of complexity without being overlying complicated. However, there are also many perhaps looking for more deeper experience but just not have enough group for actual DND.
If Tanares RPG really is a Solo playable version/form of DnD, I think Dragori might have done something amazing here for board gamers. They might be setting a new standard tabletop adventure board games.
One benefit Dragori Games has as a company is their track record with original ATC being relatively easy to learn adventure board game. In fact, they made sure it is so easy for starter and the game has step-wise adding complexity game rules. The first game can be played without any l advanced rule like reaction attack. Then one can add reaction attack/side step rules. Later, one can add artifacts and scrolls to get full experience.
Tanares Adventure will add even more complexity to the solo campaign with more game system.
Perhaps one can start with ATC, then play Tanares adventure and finally step up to Tanares RPG solo mod. Then even someone like myself who have never played DnD may be ready to learn the 5th Edition complex rule.
As a card gamer, this scenario seems analogous to someone who starts their first strategy card game experience with Magic the Gathering often feel overwhelmed. However, one who have played more streamlined/simpler games like Pokemon TCG, Yu-Gi-Oh etc. may have easier introduction to Magic.
Overhype?
Despite their intrinsic differences, you will experience thrilling adventures and a unique gaming experience in both, RPG and board game sessions. Why choose one if we can create the best tabletops experiences in both universes? We know many players and fans have been waiting, with interest and curiosity, to “experiment the other side.” We´re committed to bridging the gap with high-level games, while helping and welcoming players from both bases.
Why an RPG? (Dragori Games)
At this point, the details of the actual game implementation is still unknown. I may be overhyped about the game and dreaming for impossible. There are a few points of my concern right now.
Number of classes
They keep mentioning four new classes. Is there possibility that solo mode may not support anything more than those 4 classes? Will we allow to use any of standard classes from 5th Edition rule?
As we can see there is sheet of standard (original 5th edition) class. So I feel it is relatively safe to assume, they are part of the game as well though obviously we won’t get these miniatures, but perhaps as a stretch add-on? Maybe, original Arena: the Contest, Tanares Adventure Heroes as RPG playable character. In which case, the miniatures will be covered for those who have board game version of Arena series, and also give RPG people to consider purchasing those minis.
My guess here is Solo mode will have pre-created characters and you use them through the adventure though I can’t think any reason why one cannot use own character so long as following the 5th Edition Rule.
Story branching
It is unavoidable that solo mode will lose flexibility that is only possible between the impromptu conversation between the player(s) and the dungeon master. However, will the core story choices/branches paths be all retained with solo mode? The campaign book says Game Master can decide whole different scenarios (I assume world) setting. Will all these be playable in solo mode? Or will the story rather become linear in solo mode?
Non-D&D Player Friendliness
5th edition rule is rather very complicated as illustrated by DnD rulebook, which is 180 pages long. I hope the full version of the Tanares RPG rule book will be a complete standalone and only needing D&D rulebook reference in an event for those who wants to take it beyond.
However, the current sample book is limited to new content of Tanares RPG and assumes player knows all the basic rule of D&D. Given total 700 pages (all 3 books together), I am not sure if 180 pages basic rule content have place to fit here.
So my guess is we most likely need to read the standard rulebook from the Wizard of the Coast, and perhaps may even need to watch a few YouTube lesson videos to even get started with Tanares RPG. I hope I am wrong here and they have a surprise for me here.
One hope here is Dragori games currently plans to have a free app. Perhaps, the app could aid solo play to the point many of complex rule/stat check etc. be checked digitally? (One can only dream).
Solo Playable vs. Solo player game?
Teams truly are critical in Tanares. Not only your PC but your Team may have its own sheet, name, background, emblem, alignment, specialization, even a separate level—and new levels come with new features, like that much-coveted headquarters.
Tanares RPG for 5E Campaign Source Book Sample
Perhaps, the major concern is how friendly the solo mode add on be. There is a difference between solo playable vs. a game designed for solo player. Obviously, 5th edition rule is not built for Solo player but there are a lot of Dragori Games can potentially do to make it Solo player friendly to the point player could feel as DND as possible without Dungeon Master.
For example, the team is core element of this game as emphasized in the sample source book. However, considering the amount of information each hero has, it is simply not possible for one player to control full team characters in the 5th edition rule. I believe Dragori most likely have some solution here, but will that be by means of losing team system?
Let’s say you learned/know the DnD rule. You still have to read above and do “Difficulty check with value of 12 using Wisdom stat”, know light and climate setting etc. If you have a dedicated reader i.e. Dungeon Master, it may be reasonable to assume he/she would be reading all above and provide necessary detail to players. However, solo player or team of players that are hoping to play without dungeon master, I do not think majority of players would like to read all of the above as such reading will take away the immersion sense.
Let’s take an example where another game that have done a good job here. Below is the screen capture from the game Stormsunder. Even within the campaign book, it has an obvious format that a reader/player immediately knows that there is difficulty check using charisma stat of a character.
Here I have a strong hope that “solo mode add-on” will have all the elements need to make stream-line play for solo player. Dragori Games know how to make tabletop adventure game e.g. benefit of having villain/enemy card/pad on table, quick highlight reading option etc. The key here is “add-on” with booklet. The booklet must do the magic.
For Arena: the Contest/Tanares Adventure Players
Let’s say if you are still not convinced, the upcoming campaign will have a components that are directly usable in Arena: the contest and Tanares Adventure expansions.
But for those who already know our past history and would like to focus exclusively on the board game universe, we have prepared things with you in mind. Some of the content will be adjusted to games you already own, like the Tanares Adventures version of the heroes from the four iconic classes in the book, as well as miniatures of villains and NPCs that appear in Arena: the Contest and Tanares Adventures, and much more.
https://dragorigames.com/news/tanares-rpg/why_an_rpg/
Kor’dal and Gazini are quest boss/warlord villains on ATC campaign.
Conclusion
This upcoming campaign is something to watch for as a board gamer. This game may be more groundbreaking than to the DnD players. To the huge surprise, Tanares RPG will be solo playable. If this game is able to pull off the previously thought impossible solo play of Dungeon and Dragons 5th edition, we may be seeing a birth of new standard/generation of tabletop adventure boardgame. Am I being overhyped? We will see the answer soon (August 30th).