Objective
In Nobilis, the goal is to become the most influential noble by managing resources, placing influence markers strategically on the game board, and completing specific quests or missions for additional prestige points.
Game Components
- Game Board with various regions and areas of influence
- Influence Markers in the players' colors
- Resource Cards for gold, influence, and allies
- Quest Cards offering special tasks for extra points
- Prestige Point Markers to track players' current rankings
Setup
- Each player chooses a color and takes all the influence markers of that color.
- The card decks are shuffled and placed on the board.
- Each player draws five resource cards from each deck at the start.
- Influence areas and regions on the board are set, and the conditions for ending the game are explained.
Gameplay
Turn Structure
The game proceeds in several rounds, divided into the following phases:
- Resource Phase: Each player draws two resource cards from the three decks and uses these cards for subsequent actions.
- Influence Phase: Players take turns placing one of their influence markers in a region of their choice. To control a region successfully, a player must meet its resource requirements.
- Quest Phase: Each player may draw a quest card and try to fulfill its requirements. Completing a quest gives additional prestige points.
- End Phase: Players update their prestige points based on their influence and completed quests.
Special Rules
- Regional Majorities: Control over a region is averaged among players with the most influence markers in that area, granting additional points at the end of the round.
- Ally Cards: These provide special abilities or one-time advantages that can be strategically pivotal.
End of the Game
The game ends when a player reaches the predetermined number of prestige points or after a set number of rounds. The player with the most prestige points wins.
Strategic Tips
- Efficient Resource Management is crucial. Allocate your resources wisely to gain influence in key regions.
- Quest Fulfillment: Completing quests can generate significant prestige and often tips the balance.
- Use Allies wisely to gain short-term advantages and surprise your opponents.
With this explanation, new players should be able to jump into Nobilis and start feeling comfortable after a few rounds.
