MAPPING the CATACOMBS

Mapping the Catacombs is a single-player text-based adventure game that can also be incorporated into group play by a Game Master. In this game, players create and lead a party of adventurers through a dangerous and labyrinthine catacomb, with the ultimate goal of finding treasure and successfully exiting the catacombs.

To play the game, you'll need paper, pencil, at least one six-sided die (d6), and a coin. The game progresses in turns, with each turn having three general steps: draw a circle to represent a chamber, roll for encounter and resolve it, and roll for chamber connections and choose a path.

Create an adventuring party by choosing or rolling for a character type and rolling for their hit points (HP). You also need to determine the characters' sources of light and track fuel usage. Fear plays an important role, as characters can become lost in the catacombs if their fear reaches a certain threshold.

Encounters are resolved by rolling 2d6 and referring to the 2d6 Chamber Contents table. Some encounters may require a coin toss to determine advantage or disadvantage. Attacking and defending mechanics are based on rolling d6, with successful hits subtracting HP from the target.

Throughout the game, you must keep track of your party's health, light, and fear levels, as well as any potential catacomb confusion. Diligent mapping is crucial to retracing the path for a safe exit.