Groo the Game

If you like the comic, you'll love the game. Groo the game is a card game for 2-4 players. It is not a collectible card game like Magic, meaning that each game has the same set of cards. There is also an Expansion set, which has 55 new cards and allows you to play with two more players.

Where do you get Groo the Game? Well, it's out of print as of early 2000. Maybe ebay?

Faq

What groo cards exist for this game?
There is a basic set, which includes a deck, rules, and 7 do-it-yourself dice, meaning that they are blank dice and you put stickers on the dice. The deck is complete for a 2-4 player game and it has 60 cards.
There is also an expansion set with 55 cards. This allows adding two more players.
Note that there is no "rarity" to these cards, this is not like Magic.
The instruction book has an example Dragon card, but it's not in my deck?
The dragon is in the expansion. Remember, Groo is NOT a CCG like Magic, so you are not missing any essential or rare cards in your game.
What's the deal with the "do-it-yourself" dice?
Main reason is cost. There is also an interesting tax implication in the UK - books are VAT free, games are not, and dice is one key distinction between games and books. But the main reason is cost.

Groo-les questions

Here are some rule questions and comments. Please let me know if you have any questions or clarifications.

There are some duplicates of cards, where one says "removed from game after played" and the other does not. Is this a typo?
Nope. I believe Rufferto is an example of such card. One version of the card is removed from the game and the other is not.
What does "discard" mean?
We have been playing as it means removing a card from your hard OR from play. I am starting to learn toward meaning in play for buildings and army cards though.
Note that if you have a Shipyard in your hand and Groo comes to your town, you don't need to discard it. This is an example where discard from play applies only and helps the argument that says it is only from play.
Can I creatively apply building damage to save my buildings?
No. For example, if you have a pair of buildings, each with VP=2, and one Bowman gets through for 2 damage, you must destroy one building, you cannot distribute the damage points.
What's the exact timing on being able to change the dice (i.e., from Bank and Pawnshop and Marketplace)?
For example, the Bank allows you to change one die result into another each turn. This means each turn, not just your turn. We rule that you can only change the dice, when they have been passed to you in the leftover phase. The Marketplace is restricted to being usable only on your turn. Note: you cannot use this ability the turn you play a building.
What happens if I have to play a wild card during draw phase? Do I get to replace the card?
This is not obviously clear. We are currently playing that you do NOT replace the card.
Are buildings destroyed if A Fray is played?
A Fray will save your buildings. For example, supposed your opponent attacks you with a Dragon (Power 3 with a +2 modifier). You'll need to defend with many troops to save your buildings. Instead just play A Fray with no defenders and the Dragon basically is wasted (as a side effect Groo goes to the town with the most buildings).
Now I have been playing the above way forever.
However, I contacted the Archangel group a while ago and they told me that if you play the Fray card it not only destroys all the army cards at the attacked town's location but also at the attacker's village (unless it is a card that is immune to Wild Cards) so you have to be careful when you play it. I never liked that ruling but it's how we play it now.
This actually seems a little fairer to me, basically Groo kills all army cards at both locations, which is definitely in spirit with Groo!
How many victory points do I have with two Residences? How many if I have three?
If you have one Residence in play, you get 1 VP. If you have two in play, you get 4 VP (2 for each Residence). If you have three in play, you get 6 (2 for each Residence).
What happens if I have a Broken Drawbridge in play and roll no Supplies?
Broken Drawbridge says that you remove one supply during your turn. If you don't have any, then you don't lose any. Note that if you do change another die into a supply (via Bank for example), then you will lose it - this could be an advantage if you need to pass on resources. Note that there are equivalent cards for losing Kopins (Customs/Permits House) and Laborers (Witch Doctor) ...
What's the deal with The Minstrel?
Well, if you choose to play this fairly powerful army card (doubles attack or defense of one of your troops), you have to speak in rhymes while he is in play. It will really be up to the group to decide how strict this is.
Are cards exchanged due to Auction House random or chosen?
Exchange a card of your choice.
Do I have to attack if I have the Tavern?
Indeed. Even if your opponents have no buildings. Of course, if you have no army cards, you cannot attack.
Can I use the Inn ability during my opponents turn?
No you cannot. The card reads "usable immediately after you roll your dice.