Conquest of Paradise with Crumble

Conquest of Paradise again, this time with Nic, Jack and Ruby. And again I experienced a completely different game (don’t worry Ara, you’re still the potato master). This was probably due to new players or players trying out different tactics (including myself when I was presented with a lucky opportunity).

Nic (red playing pieces) was Tonga, Jack (yellow) Samoa, Ruby (green) Hiva (the Marquesas islands),  and I (white) Raiatea (the West Society Islands) as our home islands.

We all explored away from our opponents, and a few turns in I had discovered Aotearoa (New Zealand). I had kept the other two islands (Hawaiki and Tuamotu) hidden away from prying eyes (call me Doctor No). Ruby kept picking open ocean chits, and so was surely eyeing my islands.

Ara (who couldn't make it) asked if there much conflict this time or if passengers hoyed out of the transport wakas and left to fend for themselves in shark-infested waters. There were only two battles, both between Nic “The Hammer” and “Money Bags” Jack. This occurred just before Jack was set up to take on the Mosquito Islands (the western part of the map), but Nic put stop to that. Though unfortunately Nic brought a canoe to a stick fight. And an amazing shaman. The battles were largely inconclusive (though they did drag Jack back from his lead).

Some of us tried (unsuccessfully) to get to South America and find the kumaras (sweet potatos) while Charlie deftly navigated the board. Ruby created a fleet of canoes (easy to bluff your opponents with a what appears to be a huge forces when canoes only cost 1 Build Point). Near the end of the game she was too nice and decided not to place the Typhoon event card in our midst. Big mistake, as her canoes were over a heap of atolls and she was close to winning (in the end I won as I held a small region of high yield islands, including Aotearoa far away from the others). I had also gained the Wood Carving card that was worth 2 Victory Points as I also held a Mythical Island (Hawaiki), giving me 24 (of the 22) Victory Points needed.

What was sweeter though was Nic's delicious apple and pear crumble with walnuts and almonds. I'm sure to be playing this game again.

Lazy Sunday Session - Conquest of Paradise and Bloodborne

Nic R had the house to himself (well Charlie did, he allowed Nic to stay), so a lazy Sunday session was organised.

I was keen to play Conquest of Paradise, particularly as it had been around 18 months since I last played. While Nic would be GMing of sorts and hosting, the other players (Wes, Jack G and Ara H) would be exploring the big blue. As a four player game I (as Samoa) was stuck right next to Jack (as Tonga), while Wes and Ara were further away to the east.

We played a lot more cordially than last time (not a single round of combat!), which I put down to Ara not wanting to attack as he sheepishly didn't want to ask on what the rules/mechanics were. Instead he tried to sail to South America (as you do).

Ara did successfully get there and bring back kumara (sweet potatoes), we were all cheering when he made it. That non-confrontational strategy put him in front and ultimately won him the game.

It was interesting to see the game with different players play out completely different to last time. A lot of fun. I then had a little time left before dinner plans, so I took part in a short game of Bloodborne.

Definitely a game of easily being able to stab your team in the back, but we were all still too friendly - cooperating and sending players to regenerate that were on low health when needed.