After a wildly successful Kickstarter campaign in 2021 that was fully funded in just 17 minutes, achieving a whooping 3911% of its original goal, raising a total of €391,122, Sefirot is back again for a second edition!
For all those who are not familiar, the game of Sefirot combines the worlds of Tarot divination and board gaming into an activity that is both meditative and playful. It is played in numerous variations on different playing fields, using a deck of specially designed Tarot cards set on the mysterious island of Dioscoria.
The year is 1562. The ancient island of Dioscoria lies cloaked in mist off the Arabian coast. Founded by exiled priestesses and sages, it is a haven for mystics, misfits, and rebels—a sanctuary from the rigid orthodoxies and power-hungry emperors of the outside world. Here, society thrives on empathy, playfulness, and intellectual prowess. It’s in this unique setting that the game of Sefirot was born, a pastime as old as the island itself, and one that perfectly embodies the spirit of Dioscoria.
Sefirot is a captivating fusion of board game strategy and tarot divination, offering a unique experience that is both playful and meditative. The game features four distinct play modes, suitable for one or two players, all centered around a reversible game board and a specially designed tarot deck. With rules that are easy to grasp, Sefirot is designed to encourage exploration and communication rather than overwhelm with complexity.
This second edition, titled Silver Seals, builds upon the original’s success, enhancing the gameplay while maintaining its accessibility. The three classic game modes—Solitaire, Co-operative, and Competitive—have been refined for a lighter, faster, and more balanced play experience. New mechanics, such as the use of Sun and Moon spaces in Solitaire and Ouroboros connections in two-player mode, introduce deeper strategic elements. The co-operative mode now includes options for card trading, adding layers of interaction and teamwork.
Beyond the gameplay, Sefirot serves as a bridge to the mystical, offering expanded divination capabilities. Each game mode comes with bespoke tarot frameworks supported by detailed guides within the rulebook, allowing players to interpret the outcomes of their games in meaningful ways. After a Solitaire game, players can reflect on their inner selves, while a two-player game might offer insights into relationship dynamics. Each session concludes with a symbolic sigil, marking the experience as a memento of the insights gained.
For those seeking a deeper solo experience, Sefirot introduces a new mode: Dream Odyssey. In this one-player adventure, you journey through the Tree of Life to seek the blessings of gods or spirits, overcoming challenges and encountering a variety of tarot characters along the way. Whether traversing wastelands, forests, wetlands, or cities, the path is fraught with trials that test both your strategic and spiritual mettle. This mode also ties into the tabletop RPG The Hidden Isle, allowing for seamless integration between the two experiences.
Central to the Sefirot experience are its unique tarot decks, crafted with a vision that goes beyond traditional designs. Rejecting the familiar paths of the Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot, Sefirot offers decks that draw inspiration from esoteric tales, historical fragments, and the Jewish Kabbalah. Designed by game designer Georg Hobmeier and artists Eliot Baum and Viv Tanner, the cards feature a distinctive style that reflects the rich, imaginative world of Dioscoria.
The Kickstarter campaign offers several deck options:
- Original, gilded Sefirot deck: The tarot-sized deck from the first edition, featuring gilded edges and detailing, along with a short tarot guidebook. This deck includes three variations of The Lovers card and limited edition Tree and Abyss cards.
- The Traveler’s Deck: A compact, travel-friendly version designed specifically for playing Sefirot, complete with a longer tarot guidebook and three variations of The Lovers card.
- The Spheres of Heaven deck: Another tarot-sized option, ideal for use with the tabletop RPG The Hidden Isle. It comes with a comprehensive tarot guidebook and features three variations of The Lovers card.
Don’t miss out on this chance to immerse yourself in the mystical world of Sefirot. Join the Kickstarter campaign today and embark on a journey through ancient wisdom, strategic gameplay, and spiritual discovery. Whether you’re a seasoned tarot reader, a board game enthusiast, or a curious newcomer, Sefirot promises an adventure like no other.
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