Instructions Die Säulen der Erde

Objective of the Game

The Pillars of the Earth, based on Ken Follett's novel of the same name, is a strategy game where players are builders constructing the famous cathedral of Kingsbridge. The goal is to collect the most victory points by efficiently using workers and resources. The player with the most victory points after six game rounds is the winner.

Game Components

The game includes a board, builder cards, craftsman cards, various resource tokens (wood, stone, sand), money, and victory point markers. There are also event cards and privilege cards.

Setup

1. Place the board in the center and prepare the resource tokens.
2. Each player receives a certain number of builder figures and worker figures (varying by player count).
3. Each player is also given a fixed amount of starting money.
4. Shuffle and lay out the craftsman cards, prepare the builder cards.
5. Sort the event and privilege cards according to instructions.

Gameplay

The game is played over six rounds, divided into several phases:

1. Event Phase

An event card is revealed, influencing the round's play. These can have positive or negative effects on the players.

2. Worker Phase

• Players alternately place their workers to collect resources like wood, stone, or sand.
• Workers can also be used to acquire craftsman cards, providing special abilities and the capability to convert resources into victory points.

3. Builder Phase

• In this phase, players place their builders to utilize special actions on the board.
• The assignment of builders is determined by a random draw, making the order strategically important.
• Builders can be used for privilege cards to secure long-term advantages.

4. Production Phase

• Players utilize their craftsman cards to convert collected resources into victory points.
• The combination of craftsmen and resources is crucial to one's strategy.

5. Round End

• All used figures are taken back, and a new round begins.

Special Rules

• Taxes: At the end of each round, players must pay taxes. Those unable to pay lose victory points.
• Strategic Decisions: Skillfully using privileges and craftsmen as well as managing resources greatly impacts success in the game.

Winning the Game

After the sixth round, the game ends, and the player with the most victory points wins.

Tips and Strategies

1. Resource Management: Try not to hoard resources but convert them efficiently into victory points.
2. Flexibility: Be ready to react and adjust your strategy to events.
3. Use Craftsman Synergies: Cleverly combine craftsmen to maximize your scores.

This game requires strategic planning and foresight to outmaneuver competitors and become the most successful builder.