The starter set for a game is never enough, so I selected an extra box for each included faction. As usual, I completely ignored every game factor and went purely on what models looked fun to paint. For the Guild, it’s this House of Virtue.
The Dancer might be lithe, but be careful, she’s a dagger.
The Escort is ready to mess anyone up who gets out of line.
Next up is this pair of Harlots, with quite distinct approached to their craft.
And keeping tabs on everybody, the Madame.
In addition to the starter crews, cardboard board tiles and buildings, the Carnevale starter also comes with this resin terrain. The gondola especially really helps sell the canals of Venice as an integral part of the game.
I say terrain, though really you can take the gondolas as part of your list and row it around.
There are also these mooring posts. As usual, terrain provides a fun opportunity to make things messy.
Fish monsters need somebody to fight. The other half of the Carnevale starter is this group of Guild.
The crew is led by this Capodecina. His outfit has some nice details.
The set comes with this large block of Citizens. They come from all walks of life but will each be happy to stab and/or bludgeon you in the face.
This pair of Fishermen bring a bit more muscle to the crew, including the ability to attack in the water. Look out fishie friends.
Finally, the Gondolier will cut you with his bladed oar.
I can’t quite seem to help myself with new games. Carnevale has periodically caught my eye a couple of times. I finally took the plunge.
The 2-player starter is a pretty good value, with a big pile of cardboard buildings, 1×1 foot tiles for a board, and a decent size start for each faction.
The models in the starter are all one-piece, which is great for ease of use. But some, like the Raadru in the middle here, suffer pretty badly in the limitations of one piece. It would be great to get him as more than just a big ol lump of resin.
And then there are the slaves, which can feed themselves to the monsters for some extra health.