In Ruins: A Dungeon Building Game coming to Kickstarter
Build a castle, let it fall into ruins, and then compete to control the dungeon.
The castle has squatted on its hilltop for generations. Stories of why it was built, who lived there, and what it stood for have simmered in the surrounding villages for a century.
No one can be sure anymore which rumors are true, but everyone knows to avoid the castle at all costs. The occasional irreverent teenagers or passing adventurers will brave the castle’s ruined ramparts, and the stories they return with — when they return at all — are sure to leave listeners with nightmares.
In Ruins is a GM-less game for 1-6 players in which you will build a castle, let it fall into ruin, and then establish it as a lair for creatures of questionable intentions but unquestionable power.
Part worldbuilding storygame, part tactical network-building game, In Ruins takes inspiration from The Ground Itself, Ex Umbra, and Beak, Feather, & Bone. Using a standard deck of playing cards, players build a castle one room at a time while telling the story of the castle’s creation.
Once it is built, time passes, and players take turns ruining the castle’s rooms, explaining how the castle was changed over the centuries after its construction.
Finally, each player takes control of a classic fantasy faction (such as the Kobolds, the Cultists, or the Undead). The factions pour into the castle, claiming rooms for their lairs, and competing for the most valuable rooms.
When the game is finished, the table will have created a dungeon, fully stocked with competing factions, NPCs, monsters, and hazards, and ready to be brought to the table and explored using your fantasy TTRPG of choice.
In Ruins will be crowdfunding on Kickstarter in March, 2025. You can follow the campaign page at the link below to be notified when it goes live.
Writing and Layout by M. Allen Hall. Art by Jamie Douglas.
