Competitive adventure board game for fans of Dungeon Crawlers, Metal Music and High Fantasy.
Latest Updates from Our Project:
Book of Skulls App is live!
21 days ago
– Mon, Jan 06, 2025 at 02:31:58 PM
Slayers
Happy New Year! I hope you all had a fantastic holiday season and wish you the very best for 2025—both in life and in slaying those demons!
Here’s the latest update:
All games were dispatched in 2024. Depending on your location, and any local postal backlogs, you should have received your shipment by now or very soon. If it hasn’t arrived within the next few days, please let me know so I can look into it!
The Book of Skulls App is now live on the Apple Store! You can download it via the link below or use the QR code on your game’s box. The latest version is 1.2.
We’ll be providing ongoing support for the App, therefore, if you come across any bugs, please let us know via social media, the BGG forum, or email at [email protected].
In the rare case of a discrepancy between the App and the manuals, the manual should be considered correct until they are aligned.
While the App is optional, it enhances your experience, here is how the music works. 1 - Interactive Maps Under the “Maps” section, select the level which you are on. Each level features its unique overworld theme which will play automatically when entering. 2 - For non-boss battles, press the “Random Battle Theme” button to trigger a track. This will loop. 3 - For boss battles, when in their Landmark, press “Play” to activate the level’s unique boss theme. This will loop. 4- To return to the overworld theme after combat, simply reselect it.
For Android users: The approval process has been more complex. To move forward, we need 10 more Android users to sign up as "testers", if you’d like to help please email [email protected] or comment below.
A massive thank you and congratulations again to George Hilsdon, the App’s developer, for doing an incredible job bringing this to life!
The website has had a substantial update, including Slayer bios, additions to the resources tab and a general freshen up.
To finish, I wanted to spotlight the Status Emblems, these are the icons under an Art's text. These are a visual aid to quickly clarify on the overall effect of an Art.
Some Arts (moves) are straightforward. For example: - The Art Darkside deals 55 damage to one Slayer. Its icon represents “deal damage to one" (see 1).
However, with 300 Arts in the game, some are more complex. For instance: - Dream of Mirrors recovers HP (1), summons other Demons (2), and is single-use (3). This is indicated by its set of icons.
There’s a glossary in the rulebook explaining all the icons. While many are frequently used, always refer to the rulebook if in doubt.
That’s all for the January update! I’ll continue providing updates for the next couple of months before wrapping up with a “final thoughts” message. Support for the game will of course be ongoing.
There will also be information about where the series is going next both in board game and in other formats.
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out via social media, email, or the BGG forum
Fulfilment Underway!
about 1 month ago
– Sun, Dec 22, 2024 at 07:51:08 AM
Slayers!
Hope you’re all doing well—and to get the cliché out of the way early, can you believe we’re at the end of 2024 already?!
There’s a lot of good news to share this month, so let’s dive right in.
Fulfilment is well underway! It’s been fantastic to see so many of your photos and messages confirming that your games arrived safely and in good condition. I believe all of the UK is complete and some backers in Europe as well. Hopefully the Skeleton Witch's sleigh will make his way to North America, to Asia, and, all the way to the backer from Australia over Christmas.
Considering there were about two months of delays in the shipping process, having Book of Skulls delivered on time feels like a solid win for my first project!
Reminder: There are additional standee bases included in the outer box, these are provided in case the ones inside the game box are too loose, it seems to depend on where the standee is on the punchboard. They should be taped to the games' shrink wrap, however, please check your packaging before recycling it.
Website Updates: The Book of Skulls website now features a RESOURCES tab, where you can download PDFs of Character Sheets and the expanded Lore. This lore includes additional world-building on top of what is in the physical Walkthrough, concept art, and more—all compiled from the Book of Skulls App in a convenient book format.
Interested in Purchasing? I’ve received messages from new Slayers asking how they can get their hands on Book of Skulls. Great news: I have stock at GamesQuest's warehouse. I’m currently finalising the details for new orders—whether that will be managed through BackerKit still, my own site, or GamesQuest’s platform. I’ll share more news soon!
Both soundtracks are now available on Spotify, Apple Music, and other streaming platforms. The links are below or search for Bards of Fire!
Metal Soundtrack
Overworld Soundtrack
If you’re playing the game, remember that the Book of Skulls App integrates the looped versions of these tracks at specific points—no need to manually repeat songs during gameplay. These are triggered by using the interactive maps.
For those who prefer local files instead of Spotify streaming, you can download the soundtracks via Dropbox from the RESOURCES tab on the website.
The Book of Skulls App was submitted to both Apple and Android stores. While the approval process has been slower and, more cumbersome, than expected , we’re anticipating approval very very soon. Once the App is live, I’ll share an update.
The App is designed to enhance your gameplay, but it’s not essential—you can enjoy the physical game fully without it. In the meantime, scanning the QR code on the Book of Skulls box will take you to a placeholder page, this will be updated once the App link is ready.
Just to clarify again, there is no additional cost to downloading the App and it is optional in case you want to leave phones away from the gaming table.
The short How-To videos are done, these can in part act as an alternative to the rule book
While the Book of Skulls website hasn’t been updated as frequently as I’d like, I’m working on a comprehensive refresh. As we transition from a Kickstarter pre-order phase to a “real game” (for lack of a better term), I’m excited to give it a fresh update soon.
And with that, I’d say we’re almost mission accomplished! I’ll post another update soon to announce the App’s launch.
If not before then I wish you a wonderful Christmas and holiday season!
Best wishes, Andy
Book of Skulls Shipping Update
about 2 months ago
– Sun, Dec 01, 2024 at 05:13:22 AM
Slayers!!
I hope this message finds you well! Today marks 1 year (+1 day) since the Kickstarter concluded!
Great news: the shipment has officially arrived in the UK! It was delayed 3 times at the port so it is a relief to have it now on dry land.
The next step is to lock the addresses in the Pledge Manager, after which they will be re-confirmed with GamesQuest. Once the shipment is processed through Customs, it will be sent to GamesQuest for final distribution. I’ll provide another update later this month to share an estimated delivery timeline—rest assured, it won’t be long now!
During a post-production quality check on my couriered copy, I noticed the standee base didn’t securely grip all standees. To resolve this, I arranged for an additional, tighter, standee base to be included as well. So you’ll receive the game with the adjusted bases (and a T-shirt if you ordered one) in your shipment.
I’m thrilled to announce that all 33 pieces of music are now complete! This includes 11 boss themes, 10 battle themes, and 12 tracks for Overworld, Town, and Dungeon settings. I’m incredibly happy with how the soundtrack turned out and look forward to summarising this creative process in a post-fulfilment update. Additionally, I’ve submitted the soundtrack to Spotify and other platforms, so it will be available very soon!
As part of our tradition, each update introduces a new Slayer. This time, meet Morytha, a Demon turned Slayer.
Morytha, a defector of the Blackened Kingdom, was created as a vanity project by Baalmorgue, who fused the soul of a heavenly angel with the essence of a witch. For centuries, she served as Baalmorgue’s slave, becoming one of his key conjurers. Her existence blurred into a timeless void until her angelic soul was reawakened.
Struggling with the turmoil of her split personalities, Morytha continued to execute Baalmorgue’s plans while secretly seeking a way to escape. Using an advanced cloaking spell, she passed through the Demorgate undetected and entered the Mortal Realms. There, she sought aid from the Etheon Priests to purge the witch’s essence, but none would help her.
Over time, Morytha found support from witch doctors and sages, who taught her to suppress the darkness within. As her angelic soul resurfaces, she is haunted by the horrors she committed under Baalmorgue's influence. Now, seeking absolution, she is determined to bring about the downfall of the Skeleton Witch—and ultimately, Baalmorgue himself.
In combat, Morytha wields a formidable mastery over the elementals, making her an invaluable ally when facing Demons that restrict all Arts except elemental abilities. In such scenarios, Morytha ensures consistent and effective damage output, even under pressure.
Her Power Art, Kiss of Doom, leaves a lingering effect that has the potential to inflict substantial damage within a short timeframe, turning the tide in critical moments.
Thank you for your continued support, the end is in sight!
Best Wishes
Andy
Book of Skulls October Update
3 months ago
– Thu, Oct 31, 2024 at 02:30:49 PM
Happy Halloween, Slayers!
I hope you’re all doing well! Can you believe it’s been exactly 12 months since I launched the Kickstarter? Time has flown by!
In my last update, I mentioned that the shipment was due to arrive in the UK in early November. Unfortunately, I’ve been informed that it’s delayed and won’t reach port until mid-November now, which means it’s still out at sea. As many of you may know from supporting other projects, delays with sea shipments are fairly common, so there’s no cause for concern.
Once the games are safely on dry land, I’ll post an update here to keep you all informed.
As the games approach the UK shores, the addresses will be locked shortly, please ensure your latest address is stated or please let me know and I will change it.
Nearly all backers have been successfully charged for shipping and taxes, however, afew cards have bounced, you will have received an email about this. If you are affected, can you please update your card info at your earliest opportunity.
On my end, the late nights continue as I finish up the soundtrack. I’m thrilled for everyone to hear it! Just recently, I tallied up the total runtime—it’s over three hours of music! Across the 21 intense metal battle tracks, I’ve made sure they’re structured to stay fresh in combat scenes, with plenty of content before any loops begin.
Next week, I’ll start the mastering stage, and from there, it’s on to wrapping up the ambient tracks to complete the musical part of this project. This is all on schedule.
I also wanted to share some screenshots from the app, which is nearly complete—it is pretty much just waiting on the soundtrack! George, the developer, has done an incredible job, and I’m thrilled with how it’s all coming together.
We’re planning to prepare a short tech demo in the coming weeks, but here are a few preview screenshots for you now.
And as always, we’re introducing new Slayers with each update. This time, please meet the two fairies, Sharyn and Meadow! First up is Sharyn.
Fairies originate from the Spirit Islands, which lie within the Eversea. Over the Ages, they spread across all corners of Eragoth, however, due to conflicts and the threat of capture by so-called “Magic-Hunters,” they eventually consolidated their numbers in a region of Havenwatch known as Losfer Woods. This return was seen as a kind of homecoming, as it’s widely believed that Dahlia, the goddess of nature and patron of Havenwatch, originally created the Fairies.
During the uprising in the Age of Darkness, the Losfer Woods were destroyed as a horde of Dreger, led by Dragon Witches, laid waste to the forest. While most Fairies have since fled back to the Spirit Islands, Sharyn has chosen to stay and aid the warriors of Eragoth in lifting the curse over Havenwatch Forest.
In combat, Sharyn is an essential pick if you want to frustrate your foes by trapping within a void of flames. Although their primary use is as a shackler, Sharyn can also deal a good amount of damage each round and contributes as a healer.
Many believe that Dahlia created the Fairies, which would explain their unique connection to the goddess of nature. Dahlia is said to have been with Noah when he planted the seed that grew into the Great Tree of Havenwatch, whose roots stretched to the farthest corners of the forest.
In battle, Meadow can call upon the goddess for aid. When needed, Dahlia casts a Spell of Restoration over the Slayers. Meadow also carries a leather pouch filled with healing waters from a spring once found in the Losfer Woods. As long as even a single drop remains, the water regenerates endlessly, refilling the pouch.
While Fairies aren’t known for their physical strength, Meadow is determined to show the other races of Eragoth that what they lack in stature, they more than make up for in courage and skill.
In combat, Meadow is a dedicated healer, however, they can also deal a solid amount of damage each round by summoning a swam of Glasswings, their razor-sharp wings slash their target.
That is it for October's update, hope you enjoy Halloween whatever you are doing!
Best Wishes
Andy
Book of Skulls is on its way!
4 months ago
– Tue, Oct 01, 2024 at 04:07:04 PM
Slayers!!
Hope you are doing well, can you believe that autumn is here already! Now to the update!
Starting with some very good news, the Book of Skulls shipment departed in late September, I am advised that the vessel will be in the UK in early November. Hopefully we will have a better idea of a date in the next update!
The invoice with the manufacturer has also been settled.
In case you missed it, the money for your shipping and taxes was charged following the last update.
A few cards have bounced, you will have received an email about this. If you are affected, can you please update your card info at your earliest opportunity.
Pre-orders can remain open for anyone else who wants to pick up a copy, therefore, if you know someone who likes board games and metal music, send them to Book of Skulls!
I have been working on the soundtrack nearly every day over the past month. Following recording the songs, I have spent the past couple of weeks editing and arranging the files, it is quite tedious but really enhances the sound.
I will need to add it all up but it feels that there is somewhere between 2-3 hours of music across the soundtrack.
There are a few guests appearing on the soundtrack whether by the Bards of Fire tier or through collaboration/hire. I am really excited to share some clips when available as not only could this be the first board game to have a full original metal soundtrack it may also be the first to have saxophone and flute solos, yes!, we go full mario kart jazz metal on one of the songs!
Here is the updated progression chart. Note that red is to do, however, many of the songs will not have orchestration or effects, I will update as complete/green when I start this stage this week.
Now that the song editing is very nearly finished, I will work on the orchestration/effects this week with a plan to start the mixing process at the weekend.
Mixing requires listening at a decent volume which is not always possible at night so this will be the time I work on the ambient overworld soundtrack, another 10 themes.
Work is ongoing on the App, I am planning to dedicate some of the next update to the App with an updated overview.
Lastly will be the “How To” videos once the soundtrack is complete.
A lot of work to do but the end is (almost) on the horizon.
This month, we are meeting the Slayer named Lydia
Magic takes many forms across Eragoth, some beings are able to conjure forces out of thin air and some require a form of conduit. Lydia’s conduit is one born of vengeance.
Dragged behind her in chains are the reanimated corpse of a Kvltist Priest of the Infernal Flame. One night when Lydia was young, her town was attacked by Kvltists.
The townsfolk were either burnt where they slept or taken hostage for later sacrifice. Lydia, who was around 8 at the time, was able to escape into the surrounding overgrowth and was eventually taken in by travellers. She vowed that day that she would learn the skills to take revenge on the Kvlt.
When she was old enough to leave her adopted family, Lydia would spend time with beings from all over Eragoth. In her travels, she learned how to conjure and to command the elements. She also spent a great deal of time in darkness, learning possession spells and curses. Lydia would hunt the priests that burned her childhood town to the ground, slaughtering them all. Kvltist Crimsonus was identified as the one who led the attack on that day. She sought that Crimsonus would have no eternal rest, therefore, she has reanimated his corpse to be her vessel. By combining her powers with that of Crimsonus, Lydia has been able to learn much of the magic of the Infernal Flame.
Over time, Lydia has become adept in necromancy and has defeated three further Kvltist Leaders. She has learned how to store their vessels in a pocket dimension, summoning them almost at will. After joining the Slayers, she is on her true quest, to destroy the Shepherd of Fire and the Infernal Flame for good.
In Combat, Lydia’s primary purpose is to summon one of her three Kvltists, each of which is specialised in a core class, either attack, defence or healing. Whilst without her conjurations, Lydia is proficient in magic with maximum elemental damage when fusing with the Element of Sands.
