Shadows&Syndicates
The Duel Card Game
Separates gameplay from collecting – with all consequences!
A new dimension of gameplay experience...
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The Core Concept Shadows & Syndicates caters equally to casual players at the kitchen table and strategists in competitive tournament environments. Each player needs their own copy of the Player's Edition to play.
Shadows & Syndicates strictly separates players from collectors and is organized into seasons of 4 self-contained, ready-to-play card sets each. Each season takes place in a fictionalized version of a real-world country, while each set represents a region within that country. Example: Season 1 (USA) / Set 1 (Florida/Miami). -
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Execution There is no overarching ongoing narrative or lore, but rather a framing plot: Specialist John Silver and his daughter Amy travel from country to country to confront criminal adversaries. Country, region, climate, and technological development are reflected directly in each set—ensuring true variety.
The actual story and lore shimmer through the characters and their relationships across sets, especially since there are also sets set in the characters' past. -
Depth & Replay Value Whether casual or tournament-tested: Both sides experience an exceptionally easy entry point into the world of Shadows & Syndicates thanks to its streamlined core rule set. Depth arises, much like in chess or poker, from recognizing situational opportunities and managing probabilities.
Unlike traditional trading card games, there is no single dominant card pool (meta) and no pay-to-win mechanics, as every player competes using the exact same card pool. -
Flashback Sets From time to time, a set is set in the past—somewhere between 1968 and the 1990s. John Silver's age serves as a compass: the people he knew, emerging friendships, perhaps even the first appearance of his wife. Each flashback set reveals hidden origin stories—explaining rivalries, bonds, and decisions that shape the present, allowing you to dive deeper into the S&S universe.
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Your Turn! Do you have questions about gameplay or want to share feedback?
Write to:
support@shadowsandsyndicates.com
feedback@shadowsandsyndicates.com
The Player's Edition – Jump straight into the match
Forget deck building
Forget meta
The Collector’s Edition – Collecting without frustration
Forget bulk
Forget reprints