Root: The Squires and Disciples Deck

Leder Games, Fox in the Box, MS Edizioni · Board game · 2026
— Ludopedia 8.7 BGG 2–4 · best 4 — Weight 3.2/5
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— rating Ludopedia
8.7 rating BGG
Our Verdict
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

An essential expansion for those who have mastered the base deck and crave a tactical refresh. The deck introduces hand-management-dependent abilities and allows for altered victory conditions, making Root games even more unpredictable. It is the perfect upgrade to breathe new life into the game without adding rule complexity.

Highlights
  • Boosts base game replayability
  • Dynamic hand management mechanics
  • Allows for altered victory conditions
  • Seamless integration into gameplay
Keep in mind
  • Requires prior game knowledge
  • May disrupt conservative strategies
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About the game

What you do in a play session

If you are already a veteran of the Root woodlands and feel the standard deck holds no more secrets, 'The Squires and Disciples Deck' is here to shake things up. Think of it as a natural evolution of the experience we had with the 'Exiles and Partisans' deck. The concept is simple yet brilliant: you swap out the base game deck for this new set of cards, opening up a whole new range of strategic possibilities.

What makes this deck special? It draws direct inspiration from the Marauder and Homeland factions, injecting abilities that rely heavily on how you manage your hand. You know that card that seemed useless before? Here, your hand composition can be the game-changer. Plus, there is a dash of mischief and fun, with cards that allow you to alter the end-game conditions or even mess with how Dominance cards work. It is the kind of expansion that does not add unnecessary complexity but forces every player to rethink their woodland war tactics.

It is worth noting that while the deck brings new dynamics, the heart of Root remains: the brutal asymmetry and the constant need to monitor your opponents' moves. If you enjoy testing new combos and want to see how factions react to altered victory conditions, this deck is a treat. It is an excellent choice for anyone looking to breathe new life into a modern classic without having to learn a whole new rulebook from scratch. Get ready to see alliances shift and conservative strategies thrown out the window. After all, in the Root woods, the only constant is change, and this deck ensures no one stays in their comfort zone for long.

Expansion for

Published additional content

1 items

Best player count

BGG community vote

2–4 players
2 REC
3 REC
4 BEST

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Families

Crowdfunding: Kickstarter Game: Root Theme: Animal Battles Theme: Anthropomorphic Animals
Publisher Leder Games, Fox in the Box, MS Edizioni
Designer Joshua Yearsley
Artist Kyle Ferrin

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

2,867owners
445wishlist
40want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

5 questions
Do I need other expansions to use this deck?
No, it is a standalone deck that replaces the base game deck, but you still need the Root base game to play.
Does it change the rules significantly?
It does not change the core rules, but it adds new strategic possibilities and allows you to modify end-game conditions.
Is it suitable for beginners?
We recommend mastering the standard deck first, as this one requires a bit more strategic cunning.
Does the playtime increase with this deck?
No, the playtime remains mostly the same, just more intense due to the new abilities.
How many players can use this deck?
The deck supports the same player count as the base game (2 to 4 players).