Unpub 3View: Here There Be Dragons

As we approach Unpub 3 we’re featuring many of the games being presented at the big event.

It wouldn't the annual Unpub if there wasn't a big dragon game. Last year we had Clever Mojo's Princes of the Dragon Throne exhibited. This year it's Here There Be Dragons by Nat McLaughlin.

 Here There Be Dragons is a modular exploration and conquest board game featuring tactical combat between six up-gradable unit types. The game includes equal parts exploration and worker placement, as well as a heavy war-game component.

Let's find out what else designer Nat McLaughlin has to say about the development of his game as he prepares to bring it to Unpub 3!

What was your inspiration for  Here There Be Dragons? I've been inspired by Euro games like Catan, Classic computer strategy/wargames and old GW games like HeroQuest, Blood Bowl and Space Hulk.

What is your favorite part of Here There Be Dragons? My favorite part is the feeling of playing on a constantly changing and completely open game board where anything can happen.

To your knowledge, What do other people find most interesting about Here There Be Dragons? People seem to enjoy the exploration aspects as well as working out new combat strategies.

What has been the most challenging part of designing Here There Be Dragons? The most challenging aspect has been figuring out what to sacrifice to keeping things streamlined.

What advice would you give to players attempting Here There Be Dragons for the first time? My advice would be to learn each unit's abilities and keep one eye on the victory conditions at all times.

What has surprised you most in play-tests of Here There Be Dragons? I've been surprised at how quickly people pick up the rules and how many non-combat strategies can be used to win.

People who like_______will like Here There Be Dragons. Why?   Catan, the various dungeon crawlers, Risk-style games.

What do you hope to accomplish at Unpub 3? I'd really just like to get some fresh opinions, perspectives and ideas on play mechanics and rules.

Tell us anything else you want to say about Here There Be Dragons that I haven't asked or you haven't said already.  This game is a prototype. It is fully conceptualized but rules/art/layout details are still being tweeked after almost every play-test.

Check out the Here There Be Dragons page on Unpub.net!

 Find out about the 64 other Games coming to Unpub 3!