RISE: A Game of Spreading Evil

R.I.S.E. (Rise: A Game of Spreading Evil) turns you into a dungeon master with a twist of improvisation: the map of your fortress is drawn on paper as you explore, recruit minions, and try to climb to the surface. The game uses a deck of cards to generate encounters, monsters, and resources, and each card dictates what you find when you move forward – it could be an empty corridor, a trap, or an unexpected hero. Turn‑based combat is simple: you resolve the hero’s action against your minion, then swap cards or build new rooms. Dungeon construction is done by drawing from prompts, creating rooms, traps, and barricades that affect resource flow and minion morale. If they get upset, they can rebel, so you must balance recruitment and rewards. The ultimate goal is to reach the surface, requiring strategic planning, resource management, and patience to handle the random challenges that arise with each card. It’s 100% paper‑and‑pen, no physical components, so all you need is a pencil, paper (ideally 2.5 cm), and a deck of cards. It’s a solo, quick (about 10 min per game) game with a gentle learning curve, but it offers depth if you want to explore rule variations, optional challenges, or build larger campaigns. R.I.S.E. captures the vibe of titles like Dungeon Keeper and Dwarf Fortress, but in a lighter, more accessible experience for those who love designing and ruling a dungeon without a board or miniatures.