The Game of the Month series highlights one of the many games in our libraries at Ravenwood Castle and The Malted Meeple. We will briefly describe the game, how to play it, and why we like it. This month’s Game of the Month is written by The Malted Meeple’s Head Game Master – and former Ravenwood Innkeeper – Karington Hess.

The Game of the Month series highlights one of the many games in our libraries at Ravenwood Castle and The Malted Meeple. We will briefly describe the game, how to play it, and why we like it.

Game: Shadows Over Camelot

December’s Game of the Month takes us to the fabled kingdom of Camelot. The Knights of the Round Table, led by King Arthur, must defend Camelot from the encroaching shadow.

In Shadows over Camelot, players take on the role of knights who must work together to complete quests and defend Camelot from attack. Shadows over Camelot is mostly cooperative, as the knights win or lose together; however, one of the knights may secretly be a traitor! The traitor is working against his fellow knights to see the kingdom of Camelot come crashing down!

At the beginning of the game, the players chose which knight they wish to play and take his corresponding miniature, coat of arms sheet, and life die. Then the players set up the main game board and all of the quest boards. Loyalty cards are distributed randomly – and secretly. Everyone is given one Merlin special card and 5 random white cards. Players place their miniature at the round table in Camelot and place one of their cards in the middle to share with their fellow knights. The game is now ready to begin.

Turns consist of two phases, the Progression of Evil and Heroic Action. In the Progression of Evil phase, players choose from three unappealing options. Players can choose to lose a life point, bringing them closer to death; to place a siege engine around Camelot, bringing the kingdom closer to destruction; or to play a black card from the top of the black draw pile. These black cards negatively affect the quests the knights need to complete, and some cause particularly devastating effects.

In the Heroic Action phase, players must choose an action that is beneficial to the knight’s cause. Players can choose to move to a quest location, perform an action at the quest, play a special white card, heal themselves, or accuse a fellow knight of treason. There are a variety of quests for the knights to undertake and many of them allow knights to assist each other. Players may challenge the Black Knight, search for the Holy Grail, and recover Excalibur.

Shadows over Camelot is a classic game of knightly honor, noble quests, and nefarious betrayal! It is one of the many games that is frequently played at the Malted Meeple and Ravenwood Castle. Take your seat in King Arthur’s Court and battle against the forces of evil! But be warned, as one of your fellow knights may secretly be a traitor!

So the next time you visit Ravenwood Castle, grab a glass of mead and Shadows over Camelot and let the questing begin!

Jim Reed

Jim Reed is a lifelong gamer who started with the original red box Dungeons & Dragons. After spending 20 years in the corporate world, he decided it was high time that work be fun and struck out on his own. Jim now owns and operates Ravenwood Castle, and spends his days ensuring his guests have as much fun as he does.