The Code of Nine Game: Unraveling the Rules

Hey there! Let’s dive into the fascinating world of the Code of Nine game and uncover its secrets. I’m here to guide you through the rules, so buckle up and get ready for an adventure!

First things first, in the Code of Nine game, you are a seeker. Your mission? To unlock the mysteries hidden within the nine mysterious cards. These cards hold immense power and knowledge, waiting to be unraveled.

Now, let’s talk about the game setup. To begin, arrange the nine cards in a 3 by 3 grid formation. Each card represents a different character, and they all have unique abilities. Take some time to familiarize yourself with the special powers each character possesses.

Once you’ve arranged the cards, it’s time to delve into the gameplay. The objective is to strategically move the cards in order to align three characters of the same affiliation. If you manage to do this, a grand battle will take place, and the power of the aligned cards will be unleashed in a spectacular display.

During your turn, you have the option to perform one of three actions: Move, Align, or Manipulate. These actions allow you to navigate the board, create alignments, or disrupt your opponents’ plans. Remember, each action has its own set of rules and limitations, so think carefully before making your move.

Now let’s talk about characters and their affiliations. The nine characters in the game belong to three different affiliations: the ‘Order’, the ‘Chaos’, and the ‘Neutral’. Each affiliation has its own unique set of goals and strategies, so choose your allies wisely.

Character abilities also play a crucial role in the game. From the cunning ‘Assassin’ to the versatile ‘Druid’, each character brings a different skill set to the table. Mastering these abilities and understanding how they interact with each other is key to achieving victory.

As you progress through the game, you’ll encounter spells and artifacts that can turn the tide in your favor. These powerful tools can be used strategically to manipulate the cards, unravel secrets, and secure your path to triumph.

Remember, the Code of Nine game is not only about strategy and tactics. It’s also about adapting to the ever-changing dynamics of the board and anticipating your opponents’ moves. Keep your wits about you and seize every opportunity that comes your way.

So, my fellow seeker, are you ready to unlock the secrets within the Code of Nine? Grab your cards, summon your allies, and embark on an epic quest that will test your cunning and intellect. Let the game begin!

Deep within your hearts, there lies a persistent longing that has endured for centuries.

However, over time, this longing has gradually diminished, leaving behind mere fragments of its once powerful essence. Now, you find yourself compelled to follow the faint echoes of your true desires, determined to honor them above all else.

The Inner Workings

• 1 Game Board
• 28 Memory Cards
• 31 Item Tokens
• 4 Will Markers
• Start Player Marker
• 12 Action Pawns
• 1 Round Marker
• 4 Player Sheets
• 4 Memory Lists
• Score sheets
• Instructions

Game Elements

Memory Cards

Item Tokens

When you open up the game box, you’ll find a number of items that make up the game. Here’s a list of what’s inside:

1. A game board, where all the action takes place.

2. 28 memory cards that you’ll use to test your memory and make decisions.

3. 31 item tokens that represent different objects in the game.

4. 4 will markers to track your willpower throughout the game.

5. A start player marker to determine who goes first.

6. 12 action pawns that you’ll use to take actions on the board.

7. A round marker to keep track of which round you’re on.

8. 4 player sheets to help you keep track of your progress.

9. 4 memory lists to record the items you remember.

10. Score sheets to keep track of your score.

11. And of course, instructions to guide you through the game.

These game elements are essential for playing the game and will help create an immersive and challenging experience. The memory cards and item tokens, in particular, will put your memory skills to the test as you try to remember and match items on the board. So, get ready to dive into this exciting game and see if you have what it takes to become the ultimate master of memory!

When you first start playing the game, you’ll notice these special items in the Ruins. As you progress, you’ll acquire them, but not all of them are valuable. Some items are worth VP (Victory Points), while others are not. The VP value of items can even change depending on Memory cards.

The Game Board

Player Sheets

The Goal of the Game

The player who has the most VP at the end of the game will be the winner. However, the way you earn VP can vary from game to game.

At the beginning of the game, each player receives two Memory cards that explain how you can earn VP. Some Memory cards also mention potential penalty points or even circumstances that prevent you from winning.

Each player has two of these cards, making a total of eight cards in each game.

What’s interesting is that all eight Memory cards are valid for every player.

In this game, you have 15 actions to use in order to earn points. You’ll collect items and build up your skills to perform powerful actions. Along the way, you may even get a glimpse at what other players are up to. It’s all about finding the right balance for success.

Once all players have used up their actions, it’s time to reveal the 8 Memory cards. These cards will determine your final score. The player or players with the most points will be the winners.

Getting Started

1. First, decide which side of the board you want to play on. The side with the Yellow 1 is for the Normal Game, while the side with the Red 1 is for the Expert Game. The Expert side offers a greater challenge.

To set up the game, follow these steps:

1. Place the Item tokens in the Ruins on the board. Make sure to arrange the 8 statues, 16 coins, and 4 books in the center of the board. If you’re playing the Expert Game, put the Medal under the “Cult of Honeybook” action; otherwise, keep it in the box.

2. Each player should take a player sheet, a Will marker, and the 3 Action pawns in their chosen color. If you’re playing with 3 players, place the fourth player sheet beside the board to represent the ghost player.

3. Select a start player and give them the Start Player marker. The start player doesn’t start with any Will, but the second and third players receive 1 Will each. If there’s a fourth player, they get 2 Will. If you’re playing with 3 players, the ghost player doesn’t receive any Will.

Once you’ve completed these steps, you’re ready to begin the game!

To start the game, shuffle the Memory cards. If you’re playing the Expert Game, make sure to include the Expert cards. Each player will receive 2 cards facedown.

At this point, you have the option to change your Memory cards, but it will cost you 1 Action pawn. This means you will have fewer actions available to you in the first round. If you want to make a change, return both of your cards to the deck and pay the 1 Action pawn. Once everyone who wants to change has done so, the Memory cards are shuffled again and redealt to those who made a change.

In this game, every player gets to decide where they want to place their two Memory cards: one in their Abyss and one in their Shoal. The Abyss is a bit trickier to access compared to the Shoal. While players can always take a peek at their own Memories, they cannot reveal them to others unless specifically allowed by the rules. It’s important to note that players cannot switch cards between the Shoal and the Abyss. If you’re playing with three players, the ghost player also receives two Memory cards – one goes in the Abyss and the other in the Shoal.

If you’re playing with the Expert rules, once you’ve dealt the cards, take one of the remaining Memory cards and put it faceup on the designated spot on the board. We call this the Ninth Memory. It won’t affect the scoring, but throughout the game, there are actions that let you swap one of your Memory cards with the Ninth Memory! The rest of the Memory cards go back in the box and no one can peek at them.

Put the Round marker on the spot that says “1 only” to show which round you’re on. Now you’re all set to start playing.

Game On!

Hey there! Let’s talk about how the game works. It’s divided into five rounds, and in each round, we all take turns making moves. We do this by placing our Action pawns on the board to show which action we want to take.

Here’s how it goes: the Start player goes first, and then we take turns clockwise until everyone has used up all their Action pawns. You can’t choose to pass if you still have Action pawns left.

If you run out of Action pawns, don’t worry! Your turn is automatically skipped. When it’s your turn, all you have to do is pick a spot on the board to place your Action pawn and perform the action associated with that spot.

You can place an Action pawn on any spot that’s connected to the current round or any of the previous rounds. Just remember, you can’t place it on spots that belong to future rounds. Oh, and make sure you don’t put your Action pawn where another one is already placed, or if you can’t afford the cost.

After you’ve taken your turn and done what you needed to do, it’s time for the next player to take their turn. This goes on until all players have used up their turns, and then the round is over.

When the round is over, we activate any effects that happen at the end of the round, return all the turns to their owners, move the Round marker to the next round, and start the next round. We keep going until both Legacies are available, or until we finish the fifth round, and then the game is finished.

What You Need to Know About the Locations

Did you know that the spots on the board each have different symbols? These symbols tell you what you can do when you land on them. Let me give you a breakdown of each location:

– The Broken Heart: This spot will force you to discard one card from your hand. It can be tough losing a card, but it might also clear the way for something better. I don’t know about you, but the Broken Heart spot always makes me nervous. Losing a card is never fun, but who knows what exciting opportunities lie ahead?

– The Empty Gas Tank: When you land here, you have to discard one of your energy tokens. It’s like running out of gas in real life! But hey, sometimes we have to sacrifice a little to keep moving forward. Whenever I see the Empty Gas Tank, I can’t help but feel a pang of disappointment. Losing an energy token is no joke, but it’s all part of the adventure, right?

– The Question Mark: This is a wild card. When you land on it, you can choose any location effect to activate. It’s like having a blank canvas and being able to paint whatever you want. Ah, the Question Mark! It’s like a mystery waiting to be solved. You never know what you’re going to get when you land on it, but that’s what makes it so exciting.

– The Crossed Fingers: Landing here gives you the chance to draw a card from the deck. It’s like wishing for good luck and then having it granted. When I see the Crossed Fingers spot, a sense of anticipation washes over me. It’s like a little boost of hope, knowing that I might get a lucky break.

– The Lightning Bolt: This spot allows you to draw an energy token from the supply. It’s like getting a burst of energy when you need it most. When I see the Lightning Bolt, I can almost feel the surge of electricity. It’s like a sudden jolt of power that can really turn the game around.

Now that you know what each location does, you can strategize your moves accordingly. Good luck on your journey!

Hey there! Let’s dive into the exciting world of location cards in our game. Each of these special cards is like a little spot you can visit, and they each have their own unique features. Check it out:

1. Name: Each location has its own catchy name, which makes it easy to remember and adds flavor to the game. It’s fun to see where you’ll end up!

2. Cost: Now, don’t worry about breaking the bank. Most of the locations are free to visit. But hey, some might require a little investment. Just keep an eye on where you’re placing your Action pawn.

3. Effect: This is where the magic happens. Each location has its own set of symbols that represent its effect. Think of these symbols as little hints at what you can expect when you visit that location. But watch out! Some locations with red text can be a bit nasty to your opponents. It’s all part of the fun and strategy!

So, get ready to explore these amazing locations and make your moves wisely. Remember, each location has its own name, cost, and effect, making them an essential part of our game. Enjoy and have a blast!

Locations List

Location
Cost
Effect

Her Library	1 Will	You get 1 Book from the Ruins (if any left).
Mechanism of Fortune	Free	You get 3 Coins from the Ruins (if the Ruins have less than 3 Coins, you get whatever remains).
Cash Cow Shed	Free	You get 2 Coins from the Ruins (if the Ruins have less than 2 Coins, you get whatever remains).
Where the Lights Sink	Free	You get 1 Coin (if any left) from the Ruins and 1 Gauge. Adjust your Gauge.
An Old Cross	Free	You get 1 Book from the Ruins (if any left).
Clocktower	Free	First, you get the (unless you already have it). Then you may return a Coin, Book, or to the Ruins.
Allure Show (attack)	Free	First you look at another player’s Shoal card. Then, you may choose a player other than yourself who gains a Coin, Book, or from the Ruins.
Quarry of Wills	Free	You gain 1 Gauge (adjust your gauge). This action is available even if there already are Action pawns here.
Beyond the Tunnel	Free	You gain 2 Gauge (adjust your gauge).
Hearth of Thoughts	Free	You gain 3 Gauge (adjust your gauge).
Sooty Watchtower	Free	Look at another player’s Shoal card. For the remainder of the round, all Memory card-looking effects targeted at you have no effect.
Cult of Honeybook (attack)	1 Will	Expert game only. Choose any player (including yourself) who must take the , either from the board, or from the player who currently has the . If the is taken from the board, that player also gains 4 Gauge (Adjust his gauge).
Venerable Cathedral	Free	First, look at another player’s Shoal card. Then you must gain either 1 or 2 Gauge. If there are no , you must gain the 2 Gauge.
The Place Where They Looked at the Old World	3 Will	You gain one of the two from the Ruins (if any left).
Commune System	3 Will	Expert game only. This action varies according to the number of players. At the end of the round, if 2 players have placed here, they look at each other’s Abyss card. In a 4-player game, if only one player has placed here, that person gains 2 Gauge (adjust gauge). In a 3-player game, the player who placed here gets to look at the ghost player’s Abyss card.
The Hidden Village	3 Will	Nothing happens when you place here. For the remainder of the round, all attack actions (those with a sword) targeted at you have no effect.
Underground Library	Free	You must either gain 1 Book or 2 Gauge. If there are no Book, you must gain the 2 Gauge.
Soul Recorder (attack)	2 Will	Look at another player’s Abyss card.
The Creeping Main Street (attack)	1 Will	Take a Coin, or from the player with the highest total number of (in case of a tie, you choose).
Forgotten Alley (attack)	4 Will	Take any 1 Item from another player.
Tivoli of the Pranksters (attack)	2/3 Will	Expert game only. This action varies according to the number of players. (2 (4 players) / 3 (3 players)).You may give up to 2 of your to any other player.
The Place Where They Ended the Old World	0/2 Will	This location has 2 places. Hence up to 2 players may place here. One player may not place twice here during the same round. If a player who doesn’t have any Legacies places a marker here, he must pay 2 . Nothing happens when you place here. At the end of the round, if 2 players have placed here and they both have one each, the are released and the game ends immediately.
Crossroads of Phenomena	3 Will	Expert game only. Exchange your Shoal or Abyss card with the 9th Memory. (As an effect, your former Memory card will be faceup as the new 9th Memory, and the former 9th Memory will now be facedown as your Memory card, and will be valid for score calculation).
City of Devils (attack)	3 Will	Choose a player who must give a ), or (you choose) to another player. You may choose yourself as giver or receiver.
Tree of Heaven	6/7 Will	Expert game only. This action varies according to the number of players. (6 (4 players) / 7 (3 players)). You may gain up to 2 , 2 and 1 from the Ruins. If the Ruins run out, you may take the missing items from other players.

The Game’s End

When the game comes to a close, all Memory cards – including those owned by the ghost player – are revealed. It’s now time to calculate the score. First and foremost, players earn Victory Points (VP) based on the items they acquired throughout the game.

However, be aware that the Memory cards can impact the value of each item. Therefore, hold off on tallying your score until after you’ve taken the Memory cards into account. It’s even possible for your final score to dip below zero.

Each Memory card has a specific order number in the bottom right corner. Apply the cards in ascending order, starting with the lowest number, and keep a running total of each player’s score as you go.

Cards with the same number relate to VP for the same item and can be used simultaneously. Just remember, Statues, Books, and Legacies always have inherent VP, even if no Memory card explicitly mentions them.

If you want, you can use the score calculation sheet. It’s a helpful tool for keeping track of your points and understanding how different cards affect them.

Just remember, on the score sheet, if nobody has the “There were the words” card, you should always put a 1 in column 8, no matter how many books people have.