Instructions Ehre der Samurai

Objective of the Game

Honor of the Samurai is a deductive card game set in the feudal era of Japan. The objective is to side either with the Shogun to maintain order or as a Ronin or Ninja to sow chaos. Each player has a secret identity and personal objectives to achieve victory.

Game Setup

1. Role Assignment: Depending on the number of players, each is randomly assigned a role at the start of the game: Shogun, Samurai, Ninja, or Ronin. The identities of the supporting troops (Samurai) are kept secret, while the Shogun's role is known to all.
2. 5-7 Players: 1 Shogun, 1-2 Samurai, 1 Ninja, 1-2 Ronin.
3. Character Selection: Players randomly pick a character that provides specific abilities and hit points.
4. Starting Equipment: Each player is dealt their starting cards, which can include weapons, actions, or defenses.
5. Hit Points and Honor: Ensure each player receives their hit points and honor tokens.

Gameplay

1. Round Start: Begin with the Shogun and proceed clockwise.
2. Draw Phase: The active player draws two cards from the deck.
3. Action Phase:
4. Play Cards: Depending on weapon, defense, or action cards, you can initiate attacks against other players or generate special effects.
5. Attack: With weapon or attack cards, you can target other players. Damage is deducted from the attacked player's hit points.
6. Card Limit Handling: At the end of the turn, a player may not have more cards in hand than their current hit points.
7. Earn Honor Points: Players earn honor points through attacks and defeating opponents, which are crucial for winning.

Winning Conditions

• Shogun/Samurai wins if all Ronin and the Ninja are defeated in a game with more than 5 players.
• The Ninja wins if the Shogun dies.
• The Ronin wins if they fulfill their secret mission cards, which often involves killing a specific character.

Strategic Tips

• Collaboration: If you're a Samurai, cooperating incognito with the Shogun is key, without revealing your identity too soon.
• Ninja & Ronin Strategy: Focus on creating chaos and confusing enemy troops while secretly pursuing your specific goals.
• Card Management: Play your cards wisely, as the rest of the game can depend on whether you save them for the optimal moment or use them for immediate advantages.

Honor of the Samurai is a gripping game with deductive elements, requiring players to guess their opponents' roles and cleverly conceal their own intentions.