Board game
Shovelbum: The Official Boardgame of Dunedinville
Gameplay: Build your own gnome and take a whimsical spin through Dunedinville. Along the way, Shovelbum (the gamemaster) will challenge you with trivia, theatrical performances, physical feats, enchantments and the occasional sugar rush. Meander around slowly or do laps. Warm-up by the fire. Shred the backyard sled track. It is up to you. There is no end destination. To win: have the most fun!
Number and Age of Players/Teams and Gamemaster
You need at least one player/team (Gnome) and at least one gamemaster (Shovelbum) (technically speaking, Shovelbum is also a gnome --- see the story of Little Sweater-beard). Two to four players/teams recommended.
This is an all-ages game. The very young and the very old and the very chatty/distractible may have the most fun as a teammate or gamemaster assistant.
Set-Up
Either print or create your own drawing of the Shovelbum playing board (see below). If you are lucky, you may find someone with their limited edition, gnome-crafted, and official Shovelbum playing board that dropped at Dunedinville '23.
All players/teams find, borrow, build, or draw your gnome game piece. Hot tip: the Gingerbread Folk in Candyland like to dress up as gnomes. Be sure to name your gnome.
Find two dice. Over-sized red and green foam dice are spectacular, but any dice will do!
Pull up the instructions and gamemaster’s grimoire (included with the official Shovelbum playing board).
Decide who will be Shovelbum (the gamemaster) and who will be Gnomes (players/teams).
As there is no end destination, choose a tour length and set a timer. The Sub-Zero Tour: 20 minutes. The Classic Tour: 40 minutes. The Best Night Ever Tour: 60+ minutes.
Candyland Figures Double as Gnomes!
The First Play & Podcast of Shovelbum Prototype
