Game

Badge Brawlers (our version of Button Men)

Developer

Cheapass Games (Button Men)

Release Date

1999 (v1); 2018 (v2)

Description

Button Men is a game designed for fan conventions and other public venues. It can be played almost anywhere on short notice (provided the dice are at hand), and games are quick to complete. Buttons are meant to be worn on clothing, bags, or other accessories, advertising that the wearer has a button to play with and is open to challenges.

Mod

Simple rules to be used with Dragon's Tear Tavern buttons and name badges

Players

2

Playing Time

5-10 minutes

Equipment

One Button Men "fighter" per player and dice indicated on the button or badge

Summary

Players fight three rounds of combat, rolling dice and capturing each others dice

The Dice

Each player uses several dice of different sizes, as specified by the numbers on that button. As a general theme, small dice = speed, and large dice = strength

To Begin

Take all of your fighter's dice (as indicated in circles on the button; X means your choice) and roll them. Arrange the dice in numeric order. Which ever fighter rolled the single lowest number will go first. If the lowest dice are tied, compare the next lowest dice, etc

Each Turn

You must make either a Power Attack or Skill Attack (if you can). If you cannot make a legal attack, you must pass

Power Attack: Use one of your dice to capture one of your opponent's dice and remove it from the play area (don't worry, you'll give it back after scoring). The number showing on your die must be greater than or equal to the number showing on the die you want to capture. Re-roll your capturing die

Skill Attack: Use several of your dice to capture one of your opponent's dice. Any combination of your dice must add up exactly to the value showing on the die you capture. Re-roll all your capturing dice

Passing

You may not pass unless you cannot make any legal attack

Scoring

When a fighter captures the last of his opponents dice, or when both players must pass, the round is over and you calculate your score for the round.  For each die you captured, you score its size in points (a captured 12-sided die is worth 12 points, no matter the value on it when it was captured). For each die of your own which was not captured by your opponent, you score half its size (a 4 sider is worth 2 points, etc). The highest score wins the round, return your opponent's captured dice and begin again.  The first player to win three rounds wins the game.  If any round results in a tie, re-play it

Ember The Dragon

Ember, a mature red Dragon, fought valiantly against the invading adventuring party, but had to flee after nearly losing her life. One of the adventurers, Sartag Stone-eye, looted what he thought was a giant red gem and built the Dragon’s Tear Tavern around it as a theme. But what Sartag didn’t know, is the gem he looted was Ember’s unhatched egg. Ember still searches for her lost egg to this day!

The D20 of the Abyssal Flame

Have you ever try to make a pact with your d20? Have you ever begged it to roll crits? Maybe your player character's life is on the line. Just one... more... 20! What if the pact came true and you sold your soul to a immolated piece of plastic?

Sudsy, The Mug Monster

When Silas, the drunken wizard, is alone at the bar he sometimes wants to spark up a conversation. What is an intoxicated spell caster to do? Create a mimic in the shape of an ale mug! The conversation with Sudsy is mostly small talk... well... more like bubbly growls. Sudsy is ill tempered and will snap at anyone's fingers that get too close.

Griselda, The Cursed Tavern Wench

Griselda was once a kind hearted tavern wench until one day, she accidently spilled a drink on an evil wizard. Enraged by the loss of his draught, he cast a powerful curse on her that turned her into the now beloved canine companion of many a tavern patron. One day the tavern owner, Sartag Stone-eye, hopes to break the curse. Until then, tip well!

Binkey and Mittens, Pseudo-Demonic Cellar Rats

Even the Dragon's Tear Tavern has rats in it's cellar. Trying to rid his tavern of this pest infestation, Sartag Stone-eye called upon an exterminator, who also was warlock of diminutive skill. While setting traps for the vermin, he opened a portal to the Abyss, and while most of the rodents were incinerated, two rats were instead possessed with demons. They are now cute and fluffy, with glowing red eyes and a possessive personality.

Magic Barstool of Returning

Sometimes fights erupt in the tavern. Chairs and stools get thrown about and are left where they land. What is a sauced spellbinder like Silas supposed to sit upon? How about an enchanted stool that returns to where you are seated after being thrown. At least Silas thought it was a good idea...