Shadow of the Kraken is a hidden role deduction game with three asymmetrical factions. All players may be aboard the same ship, but their goals diverge! The loyal sailors must bring the ship safely back to the continent, while the pirates dream of secretly steering it into the Bermuda Triangle. Meanwhile, a fanatic tries to convince part of the crew to help summon their dark lord, the Kraken, from the depths of the ocean to save them all.
The goal of the game is to navigate the ship to its destination, which would be simple if the players were not divided into three factions. Each secret faction wants to reach a different area of the board. Each turn, the ship will sail in one of three possible directions, but which one will it choose? The captain and their lieutenant will study ancient sea charts and give their often conflicting orders to the designated navigator, who must make the final decision. Meanwhile, the rest of the crew drinks rum, plays, and tells stories of ancient sea monsters.
After each navigation, the lieutenant and navigator leave their posts, and the captain must find a replacement who is clear-headed enough. Everyone can then discuss the course of the last navigation, who is responsible for the chosen route, and who should take command next. Convince your enemies that it is in their interest to appoint you as the next lieutenant or navigator! You can even mutiny and take command! But how long will you manage to keep your crew’s trust? Another mutiny may already be waiting if your decisions displease your comrades.
