Broom Service is a strategic board game that takes players on a magical journey through the world of witches, druids, and potions. In this game, players take on the roles of brave witches and druids who must deliver potions to various locations across the enchanted land.
The goal of Broom Service is to score the most points by successfully delivering potions and completing special tasks. The game is played over a series of rounds, with each round consisting of three phases: the weather phase, the action phase, and the delivery phase.
During the weather phase, players secretly choose whether to be brave or cowardly for the round. Being brave allows players to perform more powerful actions, but it also carries a higher risk. Being cowardly, on the other hand, provides a safer but less rewarding gameplay.
Once the weather phase is resolved, players take turns performing actions. Each action allows players to move their witches and druids across the board, collect ingredients, deliver potions, or play special cards. The decision of which action to take and when to take it requires careful planning and strategy.
In the delivery phase, players have the opportunity to deliver their collected potions to specific castles on the board. The more potions delivered to a castle, the higher the score. Additionally, players can complete special task cards to earn even more points.
Broom Service offers a unique blend of strategy, bluffing, and risk-taking. It requires players to make bold decisions, adapt to changing circumstances, and outsmart their opponents. With its engaging gameplay and captivating theme, this game is sure to cast a spell on both casual players and seasoned gamers alike.
Basic rules and objectives
In Broom Service, players take on the role of witches and druids who are trying to gather and deliver potions to different locations across the magical realm. The game is played over seven rounds, with each player taking turns performing actions and trying to score the most points.
At the beginning of each round, players are dealt a hand of cards that represent the different actions they can take. These cards are divided into four categories: gather, deliver, wild, and brave.
During their turn, players must choose one of their action cards to play. Each card has a primary and a secondary action, and players can choose to perform either action. The primary action allows players to gather or deliver potions, while the secondary action allows players to activate special abilities or move their witch or druid to a new location.
The main objective of the game is to gather and deliver potions to the locations that will score the most points. Each location has different requirements for the number and types of potions that need to be delivered. Players must carefully plan their actions to ensure they can meet these requirements and score the most points.
In addition to gathering and delivering potions, players can also use the brave action to play weather cards. These cards can have various effects, such as changing the weather conditions for certain locations or blocking other players’ actions. Wise use of weather cards can greatly affect the outcome of the game.
At the end of each round, players earn points based on the number and types of potions they have delivered. Bonus points are also awarded for delivering potions to certain locations or meeting specific conditions. The player with the most points at the end of the game is declared the winner.
Broom Service is a game that requires strategic planning, resource management, and decision-making. It offers a unique and immersive gaming experience for players who enjoy competitive and tactical gameplay.
Components and Setup
Before you can start playing Broom Service, you need to set up the game and familiarize yourself with its components. Here’s what you’ll find in the game box:
Components
The game box includes the following components:
| Component | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Game board | 1 |
| Clouds | 5 |
| Resource tokens | 24 |
| Broom cards | 60 |
| Scoring tokens | 60 |
| Weather fairy cards | 15 |
| Witch pawns | 15 |
| Witch meeples | 15 |
| Game overview cards | 2 |
| Forecast cards | 30 |
Setup
Once you’ve familiarized yourself with the components, it’s time to set up the game:
- Unfold the game board and place it in the center of the playing area.
- Shuffle the weather fairy cards and place them face down as a draw pile near the game board.
- Shuffle the broom cards and place them face down as a draw pile near the game board.
- Place the resource tokens within reach of all players.
- Give each player a witch pawn and a witch meeple of the same color.
- Place the scoring tokens next to the game board, within reach of all players.
- Deal each player a game overview card.
- Randomly determine the starting player and give them the first player token.
Now that you’re all set up, it’s time to start playing Broom Service!
Actions and Roles
In the board game Broom Service, players take on the roles of witches and druids who are competing to collect valuable ingredients and deliver them to magic towers. To accomplish these tasks, players have access to a variety of actions and roles that they can take on during the game.
There are four basic actions that players can choose from during their turn: collect, deliver, play weather card, and pass. When a player chooses to collect, they take one of the ingredient cards from the board and add it to their hand. This is an important action as ingredients are needed for delivering potions later in the game. When a player chooses to deliver, they play a set of matching ingredient cards from their hand and score points based on the value of the ingredients. Playing weather cards allows players to manipulate the game board by affecting the movement of witches and clouds. Finally, the pass action allows a player to skip their turn if they don’t want to take any of the other actions.
In addition to these basic actions, players also have the option to take on different roles during the game. Each role provides a special ability that can give the player an advantage. There are five roles in the game: gatherer, witch, druid, planner, and potion maker. The gatherer role allows players to collect two ingredient cards instead of one. The witch role allows players to deliver potions without needing matching ingredient cards. The druid role allows players to play weather cards without discarding a card from their hand. The planner role allows players to play two weather cards instead of one. Lastly, the potion maker role allows players to score extra points when delivering potions.
Choosing the right actions and roles at the right time is crucial for success in Broom Service. Players must strategize and make decisions based on the current game state, their hand of cards, and their opponents’ moves. It is important to plan ahead and anticipate the moves of other players in order to maximize their own scores and hinder their opponents’ progress.
Using weather cards
In Broom Service, weather cards play a crucial role in determining the outcome of your actions. Weather cards depict the current weather conditions: misty, cloudy, or stormy. Each weather condition has a different effect on your gameplay strategy. By understanding how to use weather cards effectively, you can maximize your chances of success.
Misty Weather
During misty weather, it is difficult for other players to anticipate your moves. This gives you an advantage by allowing you to surprise your opponents. You can take risks and attempt more daring actions, knowing that other players may not be able to react effectively. Use this weather condition to your advantage by taking routes or delivering goods that you might not normally attempt.
Cloudy Weather
Cloudy weather provides a balanced playing field for all players. It allows for more strategic planning and calculated decision-making. During cloudy weather, you should consider your opponents’ possible actions and plan your moves accordingly. Align your strategy with the current weather conditions to maximize your efficiency.
Remember that timing is crucial during cloudy weather. You may want to consider playing your role card earlier in the round to secure your desired action and avoid being blocked by other players. Pay attention to the weather cards played by other players as well, as they can influence your decisions.
Additionally, during cloudy weather, it is important to keep an eye on the cards in the forecast. This will help you plan your future actions and adapt your strategy accordingly. Keep track of the cards that have been played and those that are still available to optimize your gameplay.
Mastering the art of playing during cloudy weather is vital to your success in Broom Service. Use your knowledge of the game mechanics and the current weather conditions to outwit and outplay your opponents.
It’s worth noting that misty weather cards cannot be used during a cloud or storm, and vice versa. The use of weather cards is exclusive to the current weather condition, so plan your moves accordingly.
In conclusion, weather cards have a significant impact on your gameplay strategy in Broom Service. By analyzing the current weather conditions and adapting your moves accordingly, you can increase your chances of success. Whether it’s taking risks during misty weather or strategic planning during cloudy weather, make the most of each weather condition to dominate the game.
Scoring and Winning
The objective of Broom Service is to accumulate the most victory points by the end of the game. Victory points can be earned through various means, such as delivering potions, collecting resources, and utilizing special abilities.
Delivering Potions
One of the main ways to earn victory points is by delivering potions. Players can deliver potions by using their witches to move to corresponding locations on the game board and deliver the required resources to fulfill the potions’ recipes. Each delivered potion is worth a certain number of victory points, as stated on the card.
Collecting Resources
Players can also earn victory points by collecting resources. Resources can be collected by using the gather action of the corresponding weather fairy card. Each resource collected is worth a certain number of victory points, as stated on the card.
Additionally, players can earn victory points by moving their witches to the castle locations on the game board. Each witch in the castle at the end of a round is worth a certain number of victory points, as stated on the board.
At the end of the game, the player with the most victory points is declared the winner. In case of a tie, the player with the most resources in their supply wins. If there is still a tie, the player with the fewest witches in their supply wins. If there is still a tie, the player with the first player marker wins.
Tips and strategies
Playing Brood Service effectively requires careful planning and strategic thinking. Here are some tips and strategies to help you improve your gameplay:
1. Evaluate the weather cards
Weather cards have a significant impact on the gameplay. Before making your move, evaluate the weather cards in play and consider their effects on your actions. For example, if the weather card allows you to fly over mountains, plan your moves accordingly to take advantage of this ability.
2. Make use of the witches and druids
Witches and druids are the key to scoring points in the game. Be sure to use them wisely and strategically. Consider which roles will grant you the most valuable actions and plan your moves accordingly. Additionally, try to keep track of which roles your opponents have already played to anticipate their actions.
3. Take advantage of the brave action
The brave action allows you to earn extra points by delivering potions to distant locations. Look for opportunities to use this action when you have a potion that matches the required cards and when the weather conditions are favorable.
4. Balance risks and rewards
In Brood Service, taking risks can lead to greater rewards. However, it’s important to balance these risks with the potential consequences. Evaluate the risks involved in each action and consider the possible rewards before making your move. Sometimes it’s better to play it safe and earn a steady stream of points rather than taking a big risk with uncertain outcomes.
5. Pay attention to other players’ moves
Keep a close eye on the moves of other players to anticipate their actions and adjust your strategy accordingly. Observe which roles they are playing, which potions they are delivering, and how they are utilizing the weather cards. This information can give you valuable insights and help you plan your moves more effectively.
By following these tips and strategies, you can enhance your gameplay and increase your chances of success in Brood Service. Good luck and enjoy the game!
