The Voyages of Marco Polo

Objective of the Game

The objective of The Voyages of Marco Polo is to score the most victory points by completing contracts, traveling, and collecting trade goods and bonuses. This involves placing dice and managing resources strategically.

Components

• 1 game board featuring a map of Asia during Marco Polo's time
• Dice for each player
• Resource markers for camels, silk, gold, and pepper
• Coins made from metal or cardboard
• Contract cards
• Player figures
• Character cards
• City cards and bonus tiles
• Objective cards

Game Setup

1. Each player selects a color and receives the corresponding dice, 1 figure, 5 starting coins, and 1 character card.
2. Character cards provide special abilities to players.
3. The game board is placed in the center, with cities and nodes stocked with appropriate cards and tiles.
4. Each player gets 2 objective cards, one of which is kept secret.
5. Determine the starting player.

Gameplay

The game lasts for 5 rounds, each round consisting of the following phases:

1. Roll Dice

All players roll their dice simultaneously. These dice determine available actions for the round.

2. Perform Actions

Players take turns performing actions by placing their dice on the game board. Possible actions include: - Gather resources: Place dice in appropriate spaces to collect camels, gold, silk, or pepper. - Travel: Move a figure on the map by paying the required amount of camels and coins. - Complete contracts: Use gathered resources to fulfill the requirements of a contract and earn victory points. - Marketplace: Obtain additional coins or trading posts. - Visit a city: Place dice in an unoccupied space within a city to utilize that city's special function.

3. End of Round

• Collect bonus income from cities if applicable.
• Retrieve all dice and pass the starting player marker to the next player clockwise.

End of Game and Scoring

After 5 rounds, the final scoring takes place: - Victory points for completed contracts. - Points for achieved objectives. - Presence in certain cities on the map scores points as well. - Remaining resources and camels are converted into points.

The player with the most victory points wins the game.

Strategic Tips

• Planning: Good planning and aiming for objective cards early can make a crucial difference.
• Flexibility: Be open to spontaneous opportunities and unexpected routes for contracts.
• Utilize Characters: Make full use of your character's special abilities for situational advantages.

Enjoy playing "The Voyages of Marco Polo" and exploring the challenges of medieval Asian travel!