# Sylvion: Below Ground

## General Info
- **Year Published**: 2015
- **BGG Rating**: 7.6
- **BGG Rank**: —
- **Players**: 1-2 (Best with: 1)
- **Duration**: 15 min
- **Weight**: 1.67 / 5
- **Designers**: Shadi Torbey
- **Artists**: Élise Plessis
- **Publishers**: Z-Man Games
- **Categories**: Expansion for Base-game

## Verdict
If you already enjoy Sylvion and are looking for something to spice up your solo or two-player games, 'Below Ground' is the answer! This small expansion adds a layer of uncertainty and strategy that will make you think twice before every move. It's the kind of addition that, with just a few cards, significantly changes the game's dynamic and tension, ideal for those seeking more replayability and unexpected challenges.Adds surprise and riskIncreases replayabilityCompact and effectiveNew strategic challengesRequires the Sylvion base gameCan be frustrating with the 'swallower'RECOMMENDED

## Description
Get ready for a fresh challenge in Sylvion with the 'Below Ground' expansion, a compact 16-card pack that plunges you even deeper into the forest's defense. This expansion introduces an unprecedented strategic layer, transforming the battlefield in a very interesting way. The 'Below Ground' cards are shuffled and arranged in a 4x4 grid, face down, waiting for the right moment to reveal their secrets – or dangers! When you decide to place a tree or fountain on a terrain card, the dynamic changes. First, you need to pay the usual cost, and only then is the terrain card revealed, adding an element of surprise and risk to each move. If the terrain card is empty, great! It's removed and your tree or fountain occupies the space, without further ado. But the underground forest holds more than just empty spaces. If you reveal an owl, the card is removed, your piece is placed, and as an unexpected bonus, you draw two cards from the defender deck, gaining a crucial advantage. However, beware of the 'swallower'! If this creature appears, both the terrain card and your own tree or fountain that you were about to place are removed from the game, with no compensation whatsoever. The only exception is if the removed card was a fountain, you still draw one card from the defender deck, as if it had been defeated in battle. 'Below Ground' escalates the tension and the need for adaptation, forcing you to rethink your tactics with every play.

## FAQ
### Is Sylvion: Below Ground a standalone game?
No, 'Below Ground' is an expansion and requires the Sylvion base game to be played. It adds new mechanics and challenges to your existing experience.

### How many players can play with this expansion?
Like the Sylvion base game, 'Below Ground' is designed for 1 to 2 players, maintaining a focused and strategic experience.

### What is the average game duration with the expansion?
The expansion does not significantly alter the game time, keeping matches around 15-20 minutes, perfect for quick and engaging sessions.

### Does the expansion add much complexity to the rules?
No, the expansion consists of only 16 cards and introduces a simple terrain revelation mechanic, which is easy to learn but adds considerable strategic depth.

### What are the main components of this expansion?
The 'Below Ground' expansion consists of 16 unique terrain cards, which are shuffled and added to the base game's battlefield.

### Who is this expansion best suited for?
It's ideal for Sylvion players looking for more challenges, variability, and an element of surprise in their games. If you enjoy good risk and reward, you'll love it!

### Is there any language dependency to play?
No, the expansion cards have no text, only icons and symbols, making it completely language independent.