# Ausonia: Masters of Shadow

## General Info
- **Year Published**: 2021
- **BGG Rating**: 8.1
- **BGG Rank**: —
- **Players**: 1-4 (Best with: 2)
- **Duration**: 30 min
- **Weight**: 2.00 / 5
- **Designers**: Zoltán Simon
- **Artists**: Balázs Bodnár, Gergely Nagy
- **Publishers**: Lycan Studio
- **Categories**: Card Game, Expansion for Base-game, Fantasy, Renaissance
- **Mechanics**: Deck, Bag, and Pool Building, Hand Management, Variable Player Powers

## Verdict
If you love card games with a fantasy twist and a bit more depth to your deck, Ausonia will surprise you.Leadership varietyArtifact mechanicsHand management challengeLight expansionRequires base game30‑minute playtimeRECOMMENDED

## Description
Ausonia: Masters of Shadow is an expansion that lifts the base game to a new level of strategy and customization. By introducing six leaders from great houses, each with unique abilities, the expansion invites players to abandon everyday nobility and take on roles of influence in the shadows. Each leader comes with a unique starter deck, composed of three favor cards that combine with the base game's Gem Cards, creating unexpected synergies. Additionally, the expansion brings 40 artifact cards representing the powerful objects of six guilds and 10 mission cards that require players to complete specific objectives to acquire these artifacts. The deck, bag, and pool building system remains intact, but players now need to manage not only their hand but also favor cards and missions that arise. The variable player powers mechanic adds a layer of depth, as each leader brings a distinct set of strategies that can be explored. Playtime stays around 30 minutes, making the expansion ideal for quick sessions while offering the opportunity to explore different approaches for each leader. If you already master the base game and want to explore new deck building possibilities, combining leadership abilities and artifacts, Ausonia is the perfect choice to add variety and challenge to your table.

## FAQ
### How many players can play?
1 to 4 players.

### How long does a game last?
Approximately 30 minutes.

### What is the game’s complexity?
Medium, with simple rules but strategic depth.

### What components are included in the expansion?
9 leader cards, 27 leader starter cards, 40 artifact cards, 10 mission cards, 1 rulebook.

### Who benefits most from this expansion?
Players who enjoy character customization and exploring new deck‑building strategies.

### Can the expansion be played without the base game?
No, the base game Ausonia is required.

### How do favor cards work?
Each leader has three favor cards that combine with the base game’s Gem Cards, adding new action possibilities.