Objective of the Game
In The Market of Alturien, players take on the role of traders in a medieval fantasy world. The objective is to accumulate the most wealth through clever buying and selling of goods. The player with the most gold at the end of the game wins.
Setup
- Place the game board in the center of the table with various market stalls.
- Each player receives a player board with space for their personal storage and gold.
- Each player starts with 50 gold and a random selection of goods cards drawn from the deck.
- Event and market cards are shuffled and placed face down in their designated areas.
Game Play
The game is played over several rounds, each consisting of the following phases:
- Market Phase:
- Players draw cards from the market deck to place goods on the market. These indicate which goods are currently expensive or cheap.
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Players can buy or sell goods during this phase. Prices vary depending on market supply and demand.
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Event Phase:
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Draw an event card and follow its instructions. These cards can change the market, impose special taxes, or cause other unforeseen events.
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Trading Phase:
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Negotiate and trade: Players are free to trade with each other to optimize their stock and ensure maximum profits.
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Settlement Phase:
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Players count their gold. During this phase, storage costs are calculated, and fees are paid for excess goods.
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End of Round:
- New market and event cards are drawn for the next round.
Special Rules
- Specialists: Each round, players can choose to hire a specialist who offers special advantages, such as extra storage space or best prices.
- Contract Cards: Players can draw additional contract cards, offering specific objectives to earn extra gold. However, these contracts often have strict requirements.
Strategic Tips
- Pay close attention to demand trends and plan your storage accordingly. Spotting trends early can dramatically increase your wealth.
- Use event cards wisely to gain advantages in future rounds or to disrupt other players' businesses.
- Optimize your trading phase by negotiating smart deals to secure the best offers and stay ahead of your opponents.
The game concludes once all market stands have been cycled through. The player with the most gold wins the game.
