Chain Mail: The Empty Cauldron – Adventure Kit

Button Shy · Board game · 2019
1–4 Solo 45 min
rating Ludopedia
6.5 rating BGG
Buy
rating Ludopedia
6.5 rating BGG
Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED

An extra dose of danger and fun for Chain Mail fans!

Highlights
  • Fresh tactical challenges
  • Compact and efficient expansion
  • New monsters and maps
Keep in mind
  • Requires base game
  • Moderate language dependency
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About the game

What you do in a play session

You know those missions that seem like a walk in the park but end with you sprinting away from an Orc Zombie? Well, 'The Empty Cauldron' is exactly that adventure kit for fans of Chain Mail: Adventures of Earthshine. The setup is classic: a mage (who might be generous or just desperate) is offering a decent reward for anyone who can gather four very specific ingredients for his cauldron. But don't think it's just a simple fetch quest! These ingredients are incredibly volatile and temperamental. If you don't plan your steps carefully and maintain a solid movement strategy, you might face a disastrous chemical reaction—and we're not talking about a pretty firework display, but something much more tragic for your hero.

This Adventure Kit brings immediate freshness to your table with new elements that expand the Earthshine universe. You'll encounter the new 'The Glass Mirror' map, which completely changes the exploration dynamics, along with new and challenging monsters like the Goblin Shaman and the Orc Zombie to test your reflexes and luck. To round out the loot, the Frostbite treasure is also waiting for brave adventurers. It is the perfect content for those looking to extend the life of the base game, adding layers of danger and new objectives without needing a massive table or hours of setup. If you enjoy that micro-tactical adventure vibe where every move counts and the risk of failure is always lurking, this kit is your mandatory next step. Just a friendly heads-up: be ready to handle ingredients that really don't like being handled carelessly!

Best player count

BGG community vote

1–4 players
1 OK
2 OK
3 OK
4 OK

Where to Buy

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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
Can I play this kit solo?
Yes! It is designed to work perfectly in both solo and cooperative modes.
Do I need the base game?
Absolutely. This is an Adventure Kit, meaning it's an expansion that requires the original Chain Mail to play.
How long does a session last with this expansion?
The playtime remains quite snappy, around 45 minutes.
Is the game very difficult?
It adds new challenges and monsters, so difficulty might increase, but tactical management helps you win.
Does it come with everything I need?
Yes, it includes the new map, monsters, and items to expand your Earthshine experience.