This thread is my love letter to Mice and Mystics (specifically the original, Sorrow and Remembrance), designed by Jerry Hawthorne (thanks Jerry!!) and published by Plaid Hat Games in 2012. I am aware it objectively isn’t The Best Game, but it’s art, vibe and charm means that it is My Favourite Game, and I don’t see that changing really. Pictures of some painted minis at the end!
It is pretty simple compared to modern crawlers, the combat and some of the rules beginning to feel a little old fashioned. That it is straightforward isn’t a flaw though; I rather find it approachable and compelling rather than overwhelming.
I have played the campaign to completion solo multiple times, and have played a bunch with other people. I have the Downwood Tales Expansion, and actually find this a bit much - I think the original box is satisfyingly ‘achievable’. I had previously picked up Tail Feathers for an absolute song, mostly to get some more dice for the original game and for some ranged rat minis. I have even acquired a couple of promo cards - the Needle Rapier and the Tattered Threads of Reason. Heart of Glorm is still on my list…
I play with a couple of house rules: 1) retain a maximum of three of your items (any) between missions and 2) upon being captured, don’t lose your loadout when rescued. Whilst I am aware this makes the game significantly easier, I don’t mind! When soloing it is my time and therefore my fun. Additionally, no one else I have played with has ever been psyched to give up their cool bow and hat combo at the end of the level…
These alterations make more sense narratively to me too: why would my mouse 1) ever give up their cool gear or 2) transmogrify their equipment upon being rescued? It also gives me an improved sense of ownership - the mice really become MY mice, rather than vanilla each round.
Filch is my favourite; I try to get him totally OP as quickly as possible with the Needle Rapier, the Shifting Cloak and one of the bows…
There are some fun character breakdowns on BGG (the original Plaid Hat articles seem to be lost/missing images): Nez, Filch, Maginos, Lily.
I would love to hear about other folks’ experiences of the game, hear about cool item/ability combos you have found, and see some painted minis. As promised, here are some of mine (from the base set, with the crossbow rats from Tail Feathers used as Veteran Rats).
