Avalon: The Riven Veil news

If we’re being totally honest with ourselves, we can admit that living in a swords-and-sorcery era would be rough as heck. It wouldn’t be as elegant and cool as it is in the books and the movies. In fact, it would have more in common with how we run our day-to-day lives. Getting your mace wedged in the back of the carriage while your Other Half berates you about how they knew this would happen again. Wizards misplacing their rods (it happens), running around the house looking for it while panicking about being late for battle again. Sorcerers misfiring as they try to launch a fireball and taking out themselves and their pals in a screaming blaze of horror. The Queen quaffing a mystical potion before a skirmish, believing it’s the one that increases her defence stat but really it’s that dicey one that gave her terrible flatulence last time.

None of this, however, is how battles unfold in our imaginations. Our dreams takes us to a fantasy realm that is packed with adventure and endless possibilities. And so it is in Avalon: The Riven Veil, from Shadowbourne Games, creators of Oathsworn: Into The Deepwood, designed by Jamie Jolly and with artwork from Pedro Nuñez and Aitor Sebastián, and it’s on the way to crowdfunding soon.

Arthur and Mordred fell at Camlann field, Arthur's body has been taken to Avalon, and unknown to the fey, Mordred followed...for the shattered son of King Arthur is not dead. By way of forbidden lore, his body endured the wounds of Excalibur and followed along the hidden ways to Avalon. Now the veil between the magical and the mundane has been pierced, and the wound calls like a beacon. The way is open, and all those with the sight now see it, so they come — some to defile the land, some to defend it.

In Avalon: The Riven Veil, a 2-4 player Arthurian-based area-control and exploration game, you lead mighty factions through the misty veil to discover what awaits on the mystical isle of Avalon. Explore the mists, discover legendary items of power, bond mythic beasts, hunt for the grail, and prepare for war.

Wait until you see the miniatures for Avalon: they are outstanding. On one side you’ll have the majestic and brave band of warriors battling for Arthur’s legacy, and ranged against them are the blood-curdling undead of Mordred’s army. I’ve also heard murmurings of another two factions, but we’ll find out more as the launch approaches. Whoever you choose to battle as, this game should have fantastic table presence, and the minis should help transport you deep into the game’s setting.