Objective of the Game:
"A Column of Fire" is a strategic board game based on the novel of the same name by Ken Follett. The goal of the game is to become the most influential trader in Europe during the religious conflicts of the 16th century. Players aim to gain influence in various countries, form alliances, and ultimately collect the most victory points.
Game Setup:
- Set up the game board: Place the board in the center of the table.
- Distribute components: Each player receives all components in their color (influence markers, agents, player cards).
- Prepare the decks:
- Shuffle the religious conflict cards and place them face down.
- Shuffle privilege cards into the goods cards deck.
- Include event cards into the random event deck.
- Starting Position: Each player selects a starting location and places their first agent there.
- Starting Resources: Each player receives an initial amount of gold and influence markers.
Game Play:
- Round 1: Introduce Character Cards
- Each player draws a certain number of character cards.
- Character cards offer special abilities or direct bonuses and should be carefully selected to complement the playing style.
- Round 2: Place Agents
- Players place agents on the board to gain influence.
- Following Rounds: Execute Actions
- Gain Influence: By placing agents in key countries.
- Convert and Form Alliances: Converting areas can shift religious majorities.
- Trade: By completing trade agreements with other nations or drawing trade cards.
- Use Privilege Cards: These provide special advantages and should be used strategically.
- Manage Events: Each time an event card is drawn, an event takes effect, influencing the game.
End Phase & Victory Points:
The game ends when the event deck is exhausted for the third time. Players then tally their victory points gained through influence markers, gold, and completed trade contracts. The player with the most victory points wins.
Strategic Tips:
- Maintain Religious Balance: Ensure you have influence in both Catholic and Protestant regions.
- Flexibility is Key: Adjust your strategy based on the drawn event cards.
- Resource Management: Manage your influence and gold carefully to succeed over the long term.
