# Res Arcana: Lux et Tenebrae

## General Info
- **Year Published**: 2019
- **BGG Rating**: 8.2
- **BGG Rank**: —
- **Players**: 2-5 (Best with: 2)
- **Duration**: 30-60 min
- **Weight**: 2.73 / 5
- **Designers**: Thomas Lehmann
- **Artists**: Julien Delval
- **Publishers**: Sand Castle Games, 17wanzy (Yihu BG), ADC Blackfire Entertainment, GaGa Games, Galápagos Jogos, Rebel Sp. z o.o., sternenschimmermeer
- **Categories**: Card Game, Expansion for Base-game, Fantasy
- **Mechanics**: Hand Management, Open Drafting, Variable Player Powers

## Verdict
A must-have for those who have mastered the base game and want more depth and combo variety. The bump to 5 players is the highlight!More mages and varied combosSupport for up to 5 playersNew demon and scroll mechanicsHigh-quality componentsRequires base game to playIncreases analysis complexityHIGHLY RECOMMENDED

## Description
If you already enjoy the optimization loop of Res Arcana, the Lux et Tenebrae expansion is here to give your mystical library a much-needed upgrade. Picture this: while one mage harnesses the dark energy of demons in a gothic cathedral to boost their spells, another is tucked away in an alchemical lab inscribing scrolls of massive destruction. To balance the scales, bards and beastmasters summon legendary creatures, like the golden lion and the prismatic dragon, to keep the darkness at bay. It's essentially more power, more options, and more tension at the table.

In terms of content, this expansion is quite generous. It introduces 4 new Places of Power (shifting the dynamics of how you acquire resources), 12 artifacts for creating insane combos, 4 new mages with unique abilities, and 4 monuments for those who aim for grand objectives. On top of that, there are 2 magic items that add an extra spice to your tactical plays.

But the real game-changer isn't just the cards. Lux et Tenebrae solves a common issue: player count. Now the group can play with up to 5 people, and the expansion includes scaling rules to ensure the experience remains fluid even with fewer players. For those craving new mechanics, the introduction of scrolls and demons adds strategic layers that force you to rethink how you manage your hand and your turns. It's the perfect choice for players who feel they've 'solved' the base game and are looking for fresh ways to win the mystical race.

## How to Play
Objective of the Game
In Lux et Tenebrae, players take on the roles of powerful mages seeking to harness the forces of light and darkness. You aim to master spells, manipulate demons, and scribe powerful scrolls to gain the most victory points. The player who best navigates the shifting tides of magic and darkness to achieve the highest score wins the game.

Setup
To set up the game, follow these steps:

    Combine Components: Mix all expansion components with the base game components.
    Monuments: Shuffle all monuments together. Deal the number of monuments required for the current player count (see table below) to form the initial deck. Return any unused monuments to the box without looking at them. Draw 2 monuments and place them face up in the center.
    Places of Power: Shuffle the Places of Power together (unseen) and set out the required number, randomly choosing which side of each one to use. Return any unused Places of Power to the box.
    Scrolls: Place the 8 scrolls out in the center.
    Mages and Items: Perform the rest of the setup normally according to the base game rules.


Setup Reference Table

    
        
            Players
            Monuments
            Places of Power
        
    
    
        
            2
            7
            4
        
        
            3
            10
            5
        
        
            4
            12
            6
        
        
            5
            14
            7
        
    


Game Flow
Play proceeds normally as in the base game, with the following additions and modifications:

    Scrolls: These are special one-use powers. They are claimed from the center using the Inscription magic item's power. Once claimed, a scroll can be saved until its owner uses it (via the use a power action or, for Shield, its React power). After a scroll's power is used, return it to the center where it can be claimed again.
    Demon Mechanics: The expansion introduces a new artifact type: demons. Note that certain places of power, like the Temple of the Abyss, can straighten all turned demons in play (yours and others').


Actions and How to Play
Players perform actions as usual, but with new possibilities introduced by the expansion:

    Use a Power: You may use a power even if it produces no effect, provided you fully pay the cost. If a power's cost involves turning a different artifact, you do not activate that artifact's power.
    Claiming Scrolls: Use the Inscription magic item to claim a scroll from the center.
    Retrieving Cards: Certain powers, such as the Revivify scroll or the Demonologist's first power, allow you to retrieve 1 card from your discard pile and place it in your hand. If you have no discards, these powers produce no effect.
    Projection: A player may spend any number of one essence at a rate of 3:1 (round down) for Gold (e.g., spend 15 Calm to gain 5 Gold).
    Reacting: Some items, like Illusion, have React powers that can be used when you are using one of your own powers. Note that you cannot React to another player's Check Victory power or an end-of-round victory check.


End of Game and Scoring
Consulte el manual para detalles sobre esta sección.

Tips for Winning

    Manage your Scrolls: Remember that scrolls can be saved for future rounds once claimed, allowing you to plan your power usage strategically.
    Utilize the Inscription: Use the Inscription magic item to secure scrolls from the center to expand your tactical options.
    Watch the Demons: Be aware of places of power like the Temple of the Abyss that can straighten all demons in play, potentially disrupting your strategy or helping your opponents.

## FAQ
### Do I need the base game to play?
Yes, this is an expansion. You cannot play it without the original Res Arcana base game.

### Does the game slow down significantly with 5 players?
Not necessarily, as the expansion includes scaling rules to keep the pace, though player interaction increases.

### Is it hard to learn if I already know the base game?
Very easy! The new scroll and demon mechanics are intuitive for anyone already familiar with the game's logic.

### What actually changed in the gameplay?
Besides new characters and locations, the introduction of demons and scrolls creates new ways to generate resources and score.

### Is it worth it for casual players?
Yes, the new cards bring a fresh feel to the game, even if you don't want to dive deep into 'hardcore' strategy.

## Price Comparison
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