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Recently, I had the chance to attend PAX Unplugged, one of my favorite gaming conventions. While the event itself is always a highlight, this year brought something truly special: a chance to meet Ted from TNT Laserworks and check out his new board game, Sage Stones. This deceptively simple game caught my eye with its beautiful craftsmanship, but it was the strategic depth and potential for RPG storytelling that really stuck with me.

Let’s dive into what makes Sage Stones so compelling, how it can inspire your D&D campaigns, and an enchanted item you can bring to your next adventure: the Sage Stone of Strategy.

What is Sage Stones?

At first glance, Sage Stones looks like a more elegant version of Mancala. The wooden gameboard is stunningly crafted, and the glass stones add an appealing tactile element. But beneath its polished exterior lies a competitive game of wits and strategy.

The rules are deceptively simple:

• Players roll three specialized six-sided dice numbered 1–3 (repeating twice).
• Based on the roll, players place one of their stones in the corresponding column on the board.
• The goal? Get all your stones on the board before your opponents.

The twist comes with the “sandwiching” mechanic. If you trap an opponent’s stones between two of your own, you force their stones off the board, slowing their progress. A lucky roll of triples lets you take an extra turn, and if fate smiles upon you, it’s even possible to win in a single move—just like I did when I rolled triples with two stones left!

Two Editions: Portable and Decorative

One of the standout features of Sage Stones is the craftsmanship. TNT Laserworks offers two editions:

• Scroll Case Edition: A compact version that fits neatly into a gaming bag, perfect for game nights or conventions.
• Wooden Board Edition: A luxurious piece of art, crafted from unique high-quality woods. These boards are so beautiful they can double as wall art when not in use.

No matter which version you choose, Sage Stones is a must-have for game enthusiasts who appreciate quality and elegance in their tabletop experiences.

Incorporating Sage Stones into Your D&D Campaign

Sage Stones isn’t just a great board game—it’s also a perfect addition to your D&D campaign. The game can easily be introduced as a unique gaming set in your world, offering players a chance to engage in something fun and thematic during downtime. But why stop there? Here are some ways to take it further:

Challenging Spaces and Random Rolls

• Add enchanted spaces to the board that trigger unique effects when landed on, such as:
  • The Riddle Rune: Solve a puzzle to place a stone.
  • The Curse Stone: Lose a turn or remove a placed stone.
  • The Arcane Blessing: Place an extra stone immediately.

Boons and Banes for Winners and Losers

• Winning Benefits: A small but helpful boon like a +1 to the next initiative roll, a temporary spell slot, or a bonus die to use in a skill check.
• Losing Consequences: A minor inconvenience such as disadvantage on the next perception check or the temporary inability to use a specific item.

Plot Hooks Involving Sage Stones

1. The Sage Stone Tournament: An ancient festival involves a tournament of Sage Stones, and the prize is a legendary magical item. But some players are cheating, and the party must uncover the plot.
2. The Cursed Board: A mysterious Sage Stones board found in a dungeon compels anyone who touches it to play. The stakes? Their very souls.
3. The Gambler’s Gambit: A mischievous fey challenges the party to a game of Sage Stones. Winning grants a powerful boon, but losing comes with a high price.

The Enchanted Sage Stone Magic Item

Introduce the Sage Stone of Strategy as a magical item to enhance your game:

Sage Stone of Strategy
Wondrous Item, Rare

This polished glass stone hums with subtle energy. Once per long rest, the bearer can channel the stone’s magic to enhance their decision-making in moments of crisis.

• Strategic Insight: As a bonus action, you can use the Sage Stone to gain advantage on your next Intelligence (Investigation) or Wisdom (Insight) check.
• Tactical Boost: When rolling for initiative, you can use the Sage Stone to add a +2 bonus to your roll.
• Sage’s Wisdom: If you play a game involving strategy (such as Sage Stones), you can reroll one die of your choice during the game.

The Sage Stone glows faintly when activated, and a faint echo of dice clattering can be heard if the room is silent.

 Strategy, Storytelling, and Fun

Sage Stones is more than just a game—it’s a bridge between worlds. Its simple yet strategic gameplay offers an engaging experience on its own, but its potential as a storytelling tool in RPGs takes it to the next level. Whether your party plays it during downtime, competes in a high-stakes tournament, or encounters an enchanted board in a dungeon, Sage Stones can add a layer of fun and creativity to your campaigns.

So roll those dice, place your stones, and let the game—and your imagination—begin!

Thanks for Reading, until Next Time, Stay Nerdy!!