Shadows of Malice is a cooperative game in which 2 - 8 players work to unseal hidden Wells of Light to prevent the shadow demon Xulthul from gaining substance and overrunning the Realm of Aethos. The Wells are located in strongholds scattered throughout the Realm and defended by powerful Guardians. Over the centuries, many of the Wells have lost their Light and fallen Dark. If the players find and unseal all the remaining Light Wells, they prevent Xulthul from gaining substance and win the game. If Xulthul’s Shadows, however, manage to defile a single Light Well, the demon gains substance and enters the Realm. If this happens, the players must defeat Xulthul in battle to save the Realm.
Players control avatars, heroic champions imbued with the power of Light and a unique mastery over Light. Each turn, the players move through the Realm, confronting their fate, battling creatures with deadly abilities, and engaging the services of cities and mystics in order to gather the potions, treasure and soulshards they will need to defeat the stronghold Guardians, now mindless and aggressive defenders of their Wells. The Light or Dark nature of each Well is revealed only when its Guardian is defeated. Meanwhile, Xulthul’s Shadows are thickening in the Shadow Realm… preparing their own malice…
Check out these instructional videos for more details:
