Objective

The Ashes of Empire is a strategic board game where players take on the roles of leaders of a dying galaxy. The objective is to gain the most power and influence by the end of the game, either through expansion, diplomacy, or warfare.

Game Components

• A game board with a galaxy map
• Faction decks for each player (one deck each)
• Resource markers (credits, influence, military strength)
• 12-sided dice for battles
• Faction player boards with unique abilities
• Victory point markers

Setup

1. Each player selects a faction and receives the corresponding faction board, faction deck, and matching markers.
2. The game board is placed in the center of the table. Players place their starting bases on assigned starting positions.
3. Resource markers are placed next to the game board.
4. Each player draws five cards from their faction deck.

Gameplay

The game is played in rounds. Each round consists of several phases:

1. Income Phase

• Each player gathers resources based on controlled planets and special abilities of their faction.

2. Planning Phase

• Players may play cards from their deck to build units, develop technologies, or trigger special events. Cards cost resources.

3. Action Phase

• Players take turns performing actions. Possible actions include:
• Move: Move ships to adjacent systems.
• Attack: Initiate a combat round against another faction in a system.
• Colonize: Take over a neutral planet.
• Trade: Swap resources or cards with other players.

4. Combat Phase

• When players have hostile units in the same system, combat occurs:
• Each player rolls 12-sided dice reflecting their military strength.
• Special abilities and technologies may provide bonuses.
• The loser retreats or is destroyed.

5. End of Round

• Players draw cards until they have five in hand.
• Plundered systems recover.

Ending the Game

The game ends after a predetermined number of rounds or when one player clearly dominates all others. The player with the most victory points wins.

Strategic Tips

• Balance is key: Players must balance expansion, diplomacy, and warfare.
• Resource Management: Use resources efficiently to gain maximum advantage.
• Clever Use of Faction Abilities: Each faction has strengths and weaknesses that must be optimally utilized.
• Employ Diplomacy to form temporary alliances or to play players against each other.