DELVE: A Solo Map Drawing Game

There is a print error on page 8 where the monster skull cuts off much of the rules about Special Combat abilities. The PDF has been updated to fix this issue.

The current print run will be discounted in light of this printing error.

DELVE: A Solo Map Drawing Game is a map drawing game that puts you in control of a dwarven hold as you discover the horrors that lurk below. This 44 page zine has everything you need to generate natural formations, forgotten ruins, enemies, wyrd magics, and ancient monstrosities. It has a simple turn-based combat system, rules for building your hold and optional challenges for a harder experience.

Inspired by games like Dwarf Fortress and Dungeon Keeper, DELVE aims to capture that feeling of building and protecting a fortress in an unforgiving subterranean world.

All you need to play is, a pencil, paper (preferably 1" grid), and a deck of playing cards.

Bundle DELVE & RISE & UMBRA for £24

The Under-King has put out a bounty to all the holds demanding a Void Crystal, a rare and powerful gem found only in the deepest caverns.

Each round your dwarves will mine another square of the grid, you draw a card from your deck of playing cards and see what they found. Hearts ♥ and Diamonds ♦ are resources and trade goods that you'll use for building and hiring units while Clubs ♣ and Spades ♠ are natural formations and forgotten ruins. From ancient libraries to goblin lairs, these subterranean locales will become part of your hold's unique layout and may provide unexpected benefits. Or you might just unleash a horde of ravenous insects in which case, you'll need to fight.

Combat in DELVE is designed to allow for forward planning and strategic thinking without weighing you down with book-keeping. Enemies follow a tower-defense style path towards your hold's entrance while you move your units in simple turn-based tactical combat. Utilise traps, ranged attacks, and special units to face deadly foes or record your hold's epic demise.

FAQs

Q) What are the ♥ and ♦ capped at to begin with?
A) You can have a max of 50♥ and 50♦ until you build Treasuries and Stockpiles

Q) Do I need stairs to explore downwards?
A) No. Stairs are mostly for flavour. Any Room can be connected to any Room beneath it by drawing some stairs in for free during the turn you build the Room.

Q) What values are Jacks, Queens, and Kings?
A) 11, 12, and 13 respectively.