Objective of the Game: "Herr des Schwertes", or "Lord of the Sword," is a strategic board game where players assume the role of rival knights. The main objective is to gain control over the medieval kingdom through resource management, diplomacy, and tactical battles.
Components: - A game board representing a kingdom with various regions. - Knight and soldier figures for each player. - Resource markers for wood, stone, and food. - Cards for events and special abilities. - Dice to determine battles and random events. - Score and victory markers.
Setup: 1. Each player selects a color and receives the corresponding knight and soldier figures. 2. The game board is placed in the center of the table. 3. Resource markers are shuffled and placed in a resource pool. 4. Each player receives a player reference card with the rules and point values for the regions. 5. Each player draws three event cards.
Game Play: The game is played in rounds, each consisting of several phases:
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Resource Phase: Each player collects resources based on the regions they control. These are marked on the player’s board.
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Construction Phase: Players can use resources to complete building projects, such as upgrading castles, increasing troop numbers, or constructing siege engines.
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Diplomacy Phase: Players can form alliances, enter trade agreements, or plan attacks.
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Event Phase: Each player draws a new event card and plays one. These cards can bring advantages or surprises, such as sudden attacks or environmental changes.
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Combat Phase: If players attempt to conquer regions, battles occur. Each battle is resolved with a dice roll, influenced by modifiers from event cards, terrain, and troop strength.
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End of Round: If a player controls a specific combination of regions or reaches a predetermined score, the game nears its end.
Game End and Scoring: The game ends once a player reaches a certain number of victory points. Points are awarded for controlled regions, completed constructions, and won battles. The player with the most points is proclaimed the "Lord of the Sword" and wins.
Strategic Tips: - Manage your resources wisely to prioritize larger constructions later in the game. - Use diplomacy to forge powerful alliances but be wary of betrayals. - Pay attention to the terrain, as it can significantly influence battle outcomes. - Plan event card-based actions ahead to trap your opponents or bolster defenses.
