“Guardians of the Four Winds” is a strategic card game created by Steven Warren for the fantasy style world he has created around his social media account; “Quincy’s Tavern.” Not only is the game fun and engaging, Warren has created lore, poetry and alcohol-free drink recipes to go along with it.
The game is played a bit like dominoes, using similar rules to create patterns detailed on each player’s game mat. The goal is to create four specific patterns, each of a different color; orange, green, blue or grey. Each color, in turn, matches to a different faction.
As stated above, the factions are attached to lore within the world of “Quincy’s Tavern.” The rule packet has a spread for each faction in which players can delve deeper into the story:
“The Dragon Synod” is represented by a green seal with a dragon pictured. The faction is known for killing monsters, each member being strong enough to solo almost any quest. Warren chose to pair a drink he calls the “Potion of Relics,” which is a black tea-based beverage featuring oranges, maraschino cherries and cinnamon.
More studious players who like a little mystery might choose to align themselves with “The Kitsune Conclave,” the blue seal with a kitsune mascot. The faction is known for the secrets they keep, an entire archival library filled to the brim with hidden knowledge. They don’t go around spreading secrets, but rather hold them close to their chests, treasuring the act of simply knowing.
Warren paired “The Kitsune Conclave” with the “Potion of Hope,” a purple lemonade. This drink may be a little more familiar thanks to its use of butterfly pea flower. The blue flower turns purple when mixed with lemon juice, an edible chemical experiment that went viral on TikTok a few years ago. For a little extra magic, Warren recommends adding food-grade luster dust.
The most inclusive of the four factions comes in the form of “The Phoenix Menage,” the orange seal with a phoenix in flight. The faction is the biggest within the lore and likely the most highly sought after for players as people seem to be drawn to the idea of rebirth and found family.
Coffee lovers rejoice, Warren paired this faction with the “Potion of Moxie,” a lovely blend of coffee, cocoa powder and spices. Fitting for the busy nature and inviting of “The Phoenix Menage.”
“The Gryphon Watch” is the newest faction within the lore and is represented by a gray seal picturing a gryphon. Defensive and entrepreneurial players will want to ally themselves with this faction. This faction is paired with a drink similar to glögg called “Quincy’s Healing Potion.” The drink is an excellent non-alcoholic substitute for its spicier cousin.
The lore is only a fun way to engage with the fantastical elements of the world. Players can choose any token simply because they like the color or animal or for any reason; the chosen faction does not affect gameplay.
“Guardian’s of the Four Winds” is a fun, ever-evolving game that can be played for fun or to solve a debate as it is used within the lore. Players can choose how much they want to engage with the story: playing a light-hearted match, a serious one or a thoroughly thought-out endeavor.
“May the Four Winds be at your back. Be safe out there,” Warren signs off at the end of the rule packet, reciting Quincy’s usual catchphrase.
