The Golden Compass - Objective

In The Golden Compass, based on the film and novel by Philip Pullman, you take on the role of a character exploring the Northern realms. The aim of the game is to be the first to complete certain tasks and gather the most knowledge to win.

Components

• Game Board: Displays various locations and paths players can travel.
• Character Cards: Each player selects a character, each with special abilities.
• Missions: These represent the tasks you need to complete to proceed.
• Knowledge Markers and Action Dice: Used to track progress and execute actions.

Setup

1. Place the game board in the center of the table.
2. Each player selects a character and receives the corresponding character card.
3. Shuffle the mission cards and distribute them according to the game instructions.
4. Place the knowledge markers and action dice near the board for later use.

Gameplay

The Golden Compass is played in rounds, each divided into several phases:

1. Movement Phase

• Each player rolls the action dice to determine how many spaces they can move on the board.
• You can move in any direction along the paths, but only if you meet the path's requirements (e.g., paying a knowledge marker).

2. Action Phase

• At certain locations, you can perform actions, such as drawing new mission cards or collecting knowledge markers.
• Some board spaces require solving puzzles or completing tasks to progress further.

3. Task Completion

• If you land on a special task space, you can attempt to complete a task from your mission.
• Use your knowledge markers to support these tasks.
• Tasks involve solving puzzles or reaching specific goals outlined in your mission.

Knowledge Management

• Knowledge markers are valuable as they act as currency for special abilities and task completion.
• Manage them carefully, as they greatly influence your chances of winning.

Winning Conditions

• The game ends when a player has successfully completed a certain number of missions.
• That player is then declared the winner.

Strategic Tips

• Resource Planning: Effectively plan your use of knowledge markers to ensure you're prepared for more difficult missions later on.
• Movement Strategy: Consider which routes to take to efficiently reach mission objectives.
• Interaction with Others: Players can either cooperate or be adversarial, so be mindful of your surroundings.

The Golden Compass is an adventurous game requiring both strategic thinking and a bit of luck. Enjoy discovering and experiencing the mystical world!