​Designer's note #2: Ideas

Since releasing Tavernees, I've had the chance to refine the core mechanics based on playtesting and feedback. One key improvement has been the introduction of bonus points — they not only add strategic depth but also reward clever plays focused on combos and positioning. With that in mind, even players who aren't dominating the table can still fight for victory through smart moves and character synergy.

Despite the interaction-heavy gameplay, Tavernees remains accessible to less experienced players. The rules are intuitive, and many of the character behaviors are based on well-known fantasy tropes — elves vs. dwarves, monsters scaring villagers, bards causing chaos, and so on — which helps new players "get" the logic right away.

Ideas for future improvements:

• Visual icons on character cards to make effects clearer (a crossed-out sun symbol for vampires etc.).

• Tavern expansions, each with its own twist. For example, the Three Harpies Inn could feature more monster types and a wilder setup.

• Solo challenges, like "Fill the tavern in ten turns" with a fixed hand of cards.

• The Royal Banquet, a party-themed expansion where players lose tokens of “good manners” whenever they commit social faux pas — a light parody of etiquette and classic fantasy cliché.