Bardwood Grove is a tableau-composition euro game in which each player takes on the role of a fantastic bard. Set in the universe of The Five Realms (Merchants Cove, Rise to Nobility, Cavern Tavern), players will adventure into the Halfling Realm, home to the best, highly talented and most legendary bards in the entire land.

As Bards, players will manage a unique tempo-turning mechanic to build temporary Song tableaus from their deck as they explore and activate locations around the lush forest city. Each bard starts with asymmetrical skill decks that suit their style, such as the Bardbarian, Sword Dancer, and Wardrummer. Learn new Bardic skills, tell stories and perform, pacify the dissonant creatures invading the Grove, and compete with other bards for the most Glory and Fame. Once all the glory is collected, the bard with the most combined glory and fame wins!

Each turn, players draw two cards from their unique ability deck and play one to their Story (discard pile) for immediate benefits, while the other is added to their Song (tableau). Bardwood Grove challenges players to carefully compose their Song tableaus and coordinate them with their composition cycle that determines how often they sing. As players strategically use resources to upgrade their decks, Songs will unlock powerful combos and allow players to interact with multiple locations. This creates a unique ebb and flow to the game, as players build their songs and then decide where and when to sing them.

Rumor has it that Bardwood Grove is full of hidden secrets. As the game is played and decisions are made, players will unlock content and develop the game naturally. An achievement system tied to each game's choices and achievements guides players through a series of unlockable content. As new content emerges during each playthrough, the game offers players new things based on unique outcomes and player decisions. Grove locations will change, additional Bardic abilities can be unlocked, Bard decks become more powerful, new Bards arrive in town, and a variety of characters (both good and evil) can enter the game.

Unravel the mysteries of Bardwood Grove!