Tyson HeckertWelcome Lightbringers! Behold, an adventure rules variant that bridges the gap between two great board games, Massive Darkness and Warhammer Quest. The classic board game takes players on a long form journey across a random set of quests with many possible events to help, and hinder them. This variant of Massive Darkness aims to reproduce that feeling while still keeping the best of the core game alive.
Requirements: One of the best things about this variant is that you will not need to print any additional components. All you’ll need is a d6 and the rules.
Download the variant here!
BGG
Originally unveiled on Board Game Geek, see what others are saying about the conversion:
BGG Link — BGG Post
Quests
In Legend of the Lightbringers, embark on approximately ten quests (or as many as you want, really), chosen randomly from a pool of 11. Each has a unique objective, setup, modifier and prize waiting at the end. What will you find when you find when you explore mysterious pits that have opened up across town? Perhaps a rumor leads you to the Lair of the Mad Mage. If you survive his tower, will he be friend, or foe? When a persecuted creature of darkness wants to switch sides, you need to rescue it! Maybe the creatures of darkness aren’t so bad after all. And I’m not just posing questions, there are actually multiple endings for these quests!
Adding even flavor to dungeons are new room and tile exploration events. While door and event cards have been preserved, experience the flair of the unknown when each step adds a new mystery. Dodge traps, gamble with mysterious creatures, decipher ancient runes, uncover lost treasure troves and more!
Most quests do not feature static tile set ups. Similar to it’s inspiration, Warhammer Quest, players build the dungeon from the stack of available tiles and may place them any way they like. Maybe you’ll discover an optimal path, shortcutting the worst of the danger and leading your party to victory.
Progression
Experience more balanced character progression than Massive Darkness. The game has been modified so players level purposely, earning each milestone by fighting through the hordes of darkness. By using the Micro XP, players should gain approximately one level every two dungeon runs. If that’s not enough, however, perhaps training with experts at the town’s practice field will provide the needed boost.
Loot / Gold / Artifacts
Transmutation has been removed, and players gain more gold than loot. Yes, gold has been added, and the currency is used primarily outside the dungeon in the all new town event phase. Buy, sell and gamble to preparedness for the next delve.
Luck
Finally, gold has been added, but also a new mechanic, luck. Use the resource to re-roll dice, and convert your unnecessary diamond die results to gain more, or find it on your adventures!
Danger and Permadeath
Legend of the Lightbringers is tough. Combat is unchanged from Massive Darkness, but since the quests can be longer and grinding, as well as full of additional dangers, there’s a good chance players may die. As if that wasn’t enough, there’s even dangers lurking outside the dungeons! Anything can happen when visiting the game’s town, so you never know what destiny awaits.
Thankfully, and a welcome relief to the punishment of death in Warhammer Quest, Massive Darkness, and Legend of the Lightbringers, includes the Lifebringer. The mystical pixie is always ready to revive dead players, both in and out of the dungeons. Her power is not infinite however, and since it’s persistently banked, it’s entirely possible she’ll run out, leaving a Lightbringer lifeless until players can find her more power. If that’s not possible, players are welcome to create new Lightbringers, braving new dungeons with the sole purpose of earning the life bringing power necessary to revive their predecessors!
The open form of Legend of the Lightbringers makes it a really fun experience to enjoy over time. Play as much or as little as the call of adventure provides as you forge your own legend!
Download the variant here!
