Chain Mail: A Problematic Pest – Adventure Kit

Button Shy · Board game · 2019
1–4 Solo 45 min
rating Ludopedia
6.3 rating BGG
Buy
rating Ludopedia
6.3 rating BGG
Our Verdict
FOR GENRE FANS

Perfect for those who love tactical micro-RPGs and don't mind getting frustrated by stubborn NPCs.

Highlights
  • Fast and easy setup
  • Entertaining escort challenge
  • Great for solo play
  • Agile tactical combat
Keep in mind
  • Moderate language dependency
  • High reliance on dice luck
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About the game

What you do in a play session

You know those missions that look simple on paper but turn into a total nightmare in practice? Welcome to 'A Problematic Pest'. In this Adventure Kit for the Chain Mail: Adventures of Earthshine system, you and your companions (or just you, if playing solo) are tasked with the thankless job of escorting a very peculiar creature. The goal is straightforward: return the creature to its owner. The catch? The creature has an almost suicidal obsession with throwing itself headfirst into danger, turning a simple stroll into an exercise in patience and strategy.

To survive, you'll need to navigate the 'Heart of the Chasm', a modular map where every step can reveal new threats. You'll deal with dice luck, tactical grid movement, and, of course, combat against foes like Temporal Spiders and the Silver Robot. It's not just about smashing monsters; it's about managing this 'pest's' behavior while trying to avoid fatal pitfalls.

The game blends the simplicity of Button Shy's micro-games with the depth of a tactical RPG. You'll need strategy to keep the creature safe while exploring the environment and searching for the Cavern Map, the treasure of this adventure. It's the perfect experience for those who enjoy short but intense challenges where luck can save you or screw you over with a single die roll. If you enjoy the 'monster babysitter' vibe in a fantasy setting, this kit provides the exact amount of chaos your gaming table needs.

Best player count

BGG community vote

1–4 players
1 OK
2 OK
3 OK
4 OK

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Families

Game: Chain Mail – Adventures of Earthshine Setting: Earthshine (Button Shy)
Publisher Button Shy
Designer Jason Greeno, Jason Tagmire
Artist Marty Cobb

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

5 questions
Do I need the base game to play?
Yes, this is an Adventure Kit, so you need the core rules and components of Chain Mail: Adventures of Earthshine.
Can I play it solo?
Absolutely! The game supports 1 to 4 players, making it great for quick solo sessions.
How long does a game take?
Games are very dynamic, averaging around 45 minutes.
Is it very complex?
Not really; the complexity is low to medium. If you're familiar with the Chain Mail system, the learning curve is instant.
What components are included?
The kit includes the 'A Problematic Pest' quest, the Heart of the Chasm map, new monsters, and the Cavern Map treasure.