Scholars of the South Tigris
- Designer S J Macdonald , Shem Phillips
- Publisher Garphill Games , Fever Games , Mosaico Jogos , Pixie Games , Portal Games
- Illustration Mihajlo Dimitrievski
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Start for freeWhat to Expect
Set during the height of the Abbasid Caliphate around 830 AD, players collect scientific manuscripts worldwide, increase influence in the House of Wisdom, and hire linguists to translate scrolls into Arabic. Balancing knowledge growth with guild influence, players aim to score the most victory points before all four Caliph cards are revealed, ending the game.
Who Is This Game For?
Designed for experienced players, this 90-minute game suits those aged 12 and up who enjoy complex engine-building with deck and pool management. A solo mode is included, appealing to solo gamers as well.
How It Works
The game combines Action Retrieval with Deck, Bag, and Pool Building plus Hand Management. Players select actions to gain influence, manage cards and dice that enhance abilities, and generate income to deploy translators effectively. Area Majority mechanics govern influence over three guilds, adding strategic depth.
What Makes It Special
Designed by S J Macdonald and Shem Phillips, Scholars of the South Tigris was nominated for the 2023 Golden Geek Heavy Game of the Year. Part of Garphill Games' Medieval Trilogies series, it stands out for blending a scholarly medieval Arabian theme with intricate mechanics like Action Retrieval and Deck-Building.
Awards
2023
Pro
- Complex combination of Action Retrieval and Deck/Pool Building
- Deeply thematic medieval Arabian setting
- Includes solo mode
- Nominated for Golden Geek Heavy Game of the Year 2023
Contra
- Relatively long playtime around 90 minutes
- Requires experience with complex mechanics
- Not suitable for players under 12
Setting & Atmosphäre
Set during the golden age of the Abbasid Caliphate around 830 AD, the game takes place in the House of Wisdom, a center for scientific research and knowledge exchange in medieval Arabia.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Focus early on building your resources and learn the synergy between deck management and influence actions.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
Yes, Scholars of the South Tigris includes a solo mode.
How long does a game really take?
A typical game lasts about 90 minutes, plus setup time.
What prior experience do I need?
The game is aimed at experienced players familiar with deck-building and hand management mechanics.
How does this compare to similar games?
Its unique blend of Action Retrieval and Deck/Pool Building in a medieval Arabian theme sets it apart.
Is this suitable for families?
Due to its complexity and minimum age of 12, it is better suited for experienced gamers rather than younger family members.
What mechanic makes it special?
The core mechanic is Action Retrieval combined with Deck, Bag, and Pool Building.
Fazit
Scholars of the South Tigris is recommended for players who appreciate strategic depth and thematic integration in a medieval Arabian setting. It offers a rewarding challenge for fans of complex deck and resource management games.
