Contents

1 Welcome to the Dominant Species Game!

Welcome to the Dominant Species Game!

Hey there! Are you ready to embark on an exciting journey into the world of Dominant Species? If so, you’ve come to the right place. In this game, you’ll take on the role of a powerful species, striving to survive and dominate in an ever-changing ecosystem. Let’s dive into the rules and discover what lies ahead!

Game Objective

The goal of Dominant Species is to be the species that has the highest number of victory points when the game ends. You’ll earn victory points by expanding your population, adapting to different habitats, controlling the largest and most diverse areas, and dominating various elements of the game board.

Game Setup

Before we start, let’s set up the game. Grab your game board, species cards, action pawns, and the different tokens needed to represent elements of the game world. Place the game board in the center of the table and give each player an action pawn and a set of species cards.

Game Rounds

The game is played over a series of rounds, with each round consisting of three phases: Planning, Execution, and Regeneration.

Planning Phase: During this phase, you’ll secretly assign actions to your action pawn by playing one of your species cards face down. Choose your actions wisely, as they will determine what you can do during the Execution Phase.
Execution Phase: In this phase, you’ll reveal your chosen actions and take turns performing them. The actions allow you to expand your species, adapt to different habitats, manipulate elements of the game world, and interact with other players.
Regeneration Phase: Once all players have taken their turns, it’s time to regenerate the game world. Certain elements will be removed or modified based on the actions taken during the Execution Phase. This phase ensures that the game world is constantly evolving and presenting new challenges.

Game End

The game ends after a predetermined number of rounds, depending on the number of players. Once the final round is completed, it’s time to calculate victory points. Add up your points from controlling areas, adapting to habitats, and dominating game elements. The player with the highest number of points wins the game and is declared the dominant species!

So, are you ready to dive into the world of Dominant Species and showcase your survival skills? Put on your thinking cap, strategize wisely, and may the most dominant species prevail. Enjoy the game!

Imagine a game where you can build a world that resembles Earth from long, long ago. This game uses large hexagonal tiles that represent different parts of the planet. As time passes, you’ll add smaller tundra tiles on top of the larger ones, transforming them into icy tundras as the ice age approaches.

The game is driven by cylindrical action pawns, which we’ll call “APs” for short. These APs are essential for performing various actions in the game, such as speciation, environmental change, migration, or glaciation. During the Planning Phase, you’ll place the AP on the action display. Then, during the Execution Phase, that AP will activate the corresponding action for you.

When you play this game, your goal is to make your animal stronger and weaken your opponents’ animals. Along the way, you can earn points to help you win. You can use different cards to give yourself special abilities or earn more points.

During the game, you will put cubes on the game board and move them around. You can also add and remove disks from your animal and the board.

When the game is over, you will count up the points on each tile. The player with the most points on their animal wins the game.

Setting Up

The Game Board

Put the game board in the middle of the table with the picture side facing up.

The Animals

Hey there! Let’s get started with the game. First, choose the animal you want to play as. Each player should pick their favorite animal or you can assign them one randomly.

Now, we’ll arrange the animals in reverse Food Chain order. This means that insects go first, followed by arachnids, amphibians, and so on. Take your animal’s square initiative marker and place it in the boxes under the “Initiative” tag. If there are any animals left without a player, put their displays and markers back in the game box.

Now, let’s set up the game board.

Take one large tile for each of the seven different terrain types and place them in the center of the hex grid. Don’t forget to put the tundra tile on top of the sea tile.

Next, grab the remaining eleven tundra tiles and stack them face up on the “Glaciation Tiles” section of the board.

Alright, let’s get this game started! First, I’ll flip over the remaining 24 large tiles and mix them up. Then, I’ll make three stacks of 8 tiles each and place them in the “Wanderlust Tiles” sections on the board. Don’t forget to turn the top tile of each stack face up, so we can see what we’re working with.

Now, onto the cards!

For now, we’ll set aside the Survival Card. Let’s focus on the Dominance Cards. We need to remove the Ice Age card from the deck first. Once that’s done, we’ll shuffle the rest of the 25 Dominance Cards together. Next, we’ll place the Ice Age card face down next to the board. On top of that, we’ll stack the shuffled Dominance Cards to create the draw pile.

Almost there! Now, it’s time to draw the top five cards from the draw pile. We’ll place them face up in the “Available Dominance Cards” section on the game board. These cards will be ready for us to use as we play.

The Elements

So here’s what we do: I grab two of each of the six element types and carefully put them on the earth tiles, just like the board shows. I make sure each disk overlaps a bit with the tiles that meet at that spot.

Now, for the rest of the elements, I gather them up and put them in the cloth bag. This is our draw pool, where we’ll randomly pick elements from.

Alright, let’s draw some elements! I reach into the bag and grab 4 of them. These go on the board, in the little squares marked with a “leaf” symbol, right next to the “Adaptation” tag. Then, I draw 4 more elements for the squares next to the “Abundance” tag, and another 4 for the squares by the “Wanderlust” tag.

The Species

So here’s what I need to do: I need to pick my animal and choose a color to represent it. Then I gather up my colored pieces, which include ten cones for dominance markers, as well as a certain number of cylinders and cubes. The number of cylinders and cubes I need depends on how many players there are:

If it’s a 6-player game, I’ll need 3 cylinders and 35 cubes.
If it’s a 5-player game, I’ll need 4 cylinders and 40 cubes.
If it’s a 4-player game, I’ll need 5 cylinders and 45 cubes.
If it’s a 3-player game, I’ll need 6 cylinders and 50 cubes.
If it’s a 2-player game, I’ll need 7 cylinders and 55 cubes.

Any leftover cylinders and cubes go back in the box.
Now, out of all the cubes I gathered, I’m going to pick one to use as a VP marker. I’ll place it on the “0” space of the Victory Point Track.

When we start playing this game, each player needs to choose which species they want to play with. Once we’ve made our choices, we take the species from our gene pool and put them on specific starting tiles. Here’s how it works:

– If we choose the Insects, we put 2 of them on the savannah tile, 1 on the wetland tile, and 1 on the desert tile.

– If we choose the Arachnids, we put 2 of them on the jungle tile, 1 on the forest tile, and 1 on the wetland tile.

– If we choose the Amphibians, we put 2 of them on the wetland tile, 1 on the jungle tile, and 1 on the savannah tile.

– If we choose the Birds, we put 2 of them on the forest tile, 1 on the mountain tile, and 1 on the jungle tile.

– If we choose the Reptiles, we put 2 of them on the desert tile, 1 on the savannah tile, and 1 on the mountain tile.

– If we choose the Mammals, we put 2 of them on the mountain tile, 1 on the desert tile, and 1 on the forest tile.

If there are fewer than six players, we just ignore the placement instructions for any animal that’s not being played. It’s important to note that each animal starts the game dominating the tile it’s placed on.

Now that we’ve set up the game, we can begin playing!

Alright, folks, let’s get this game rolling! We kick things off with the Planning Phase of the first turn. If you control an animal, make sure your initiative marker is furthest to the left on the Initiative track because it’s your turn to place your action pawns (AP’s).

Let’s Talk Game Elements

How a Turn Goes Down

When we play Dominant Species, each turn is a collaborative effort, with everyone taking part at the same time. We’ve broken it down into three Phases:

Planning Phase
Execution Phase
Reset Phase

In the Planning Phase, we’re going to take turns placing our action pawns (AP’s) into those “eyeball” spaces on the right side of the board. The action display dominates that half of the board, and each AP corresponds to an action you’ll take in the next Execution Phase. Here’s the kicker – each action space can only hold one AP at a time, so it’s a “first come, first served” kind of deal.

When it’s time to execute the actions in a turn, we start the Execution Phase. All the available action points (APs) are placed on the action display. As we go through the display, we remove the APs from top to bottom and left to right. And with each AP we remove, the player who owns it gets to perform the action listed in the title bar of that section, like “Glaciation” or “Migration”.

After the Execution Phase, it’s time for the Reset Phase. This is when some species might become extinct, and one player could earn victory points through the Survival Card. Once all that is done, we reset the action display for the next turn. And we keep repeating this process, moving from turn to turn, until the game is over and it’s time for final scoring.

A. Planning Phase

When it’s time to plan, I get to go first since I’m in the lead. I place one of my action points (AP) into any empty “eyeball” spot on the action display. Each spot can only have one AP.

Make sure to only put your APs in the “eyeball” spots, not the one with the spider symbol in the Competition section.

Once everyone has placed their APs, the round is over and a new one begins with the animal at the front of the Initiative track. We continue going in order until everyone has used up all their APs. Any animals that didn’t use all their APs are just skipped over.

B. Execution Phase

Hey there! Let me tell you about the Execution Phase in this awesome game. During this phase, we remove the Action Points (APs) placed on the action display in the Planning Phase. We do this one at a time, starting from the top-left and going down in order. And guess what? Each player gets to perform the action that corresponds to the removed AP!

Here’s the order of actions:

Initiative
Adaptation
Regression
Abundance
Wasteland
Depletion
Glaciation
Speciation
Wanderlust
Migration
Competition
Domination

Now here’s a cool thing: Voluntary Actions!

You know what? Actions are never forced on you. If your AP gets removed from the action display, you have the power to choose whether or not you want to do that action. So you can totally decide to skip it if you want!

Skipping Sections

Guess what? You can actually skip most sections of the action display if they don’t have any APs. That’s pretty cool, right? But don’t forget that there are a few exceptions. Some sections must be performed, even if they don’t have any APs.

Regression – affects all animals with matching added elements;
Wasteland – affects all tundra tiles with matching elements;
Speciation – gives insects a chance to add a single species to the board;
Competition – allows arachnids to compete against a single opposing species.

I will describe the different actions in more detail on the following pages. They are listed in the same order they are executed during the game.

You can also find a summary of the actions, in the order of execution, on each player’s animal display.

1. Initiative

When the Execution Phase begins, I remove any AP that I placed here. Then, I have a few things to do:

First, I need to check the Initiative track. If my animal’s initiative marker is not already in the front (left-most) spot, I swap it with the marker of the animal directly to the left. This means I move forward one space on the Initiative track. But if I’m already in the front spot, I can skip this step.
Next, I take the AP that I just removed and place it in an empty eye-ball space. This is my final AP placement for this turn.

By doing these activities, I not only complete the Execution Phase, but I also set myself up for the next turn’s Planning Phase by moving forward in turn order.

Example: In the Planning Phase, I, the reptile player (black), want to improve my position on the Initiative track. So, I decide to place an AP here in the first turn of a six-player game. Once my AP is removed, I can take action. First, I swap positions with the bird player’s initiative marker A. Then, I look for another empty eyeball space to place the AP that was just removed. I notice a chance to bring more sun into play, so I choose the last vacant space in the Abundance section B.

2. Adaptation

I’m going to share some thoughts with you about how we can make this text better. Let’s start by taking a look at the original version:

Original Text:

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s important to understand the impact of technology on our lives. With everything becoming digital, it’s crucial to adapt to this changing landscape. The Internet has transformed the way we live, work, and communicate. It has become a powerful tool that connects us to people and information from around the world.

But with this increased connectivity comes a downside. We are constantly bombarded with information and distractions. It can be overwhelming and prevent us from focusing on what truly matters. That’s why it’s important to find a balance.

When it comes to technology, it’s crucial to choose the right tools for your needs. Understanding the pros and cons of different applications and devices can help you make informed decisions. Are you looking for a smartphone that will enhance your productivity? Or are you more interested in a device that will help you disconnect and relax?

Additionally, it’s important to be mindful of the impact of technology on our well-being. Spending too much time in front of screens can lead to physical and mental health issues. Taking regular breaks, practicing self-care, and being present in the moment can help mitigate these risks.

In conclusion, technology is a double-edged sword. It has the power to elevate our lives and connect us in meaningful ways. But it’s also important to be aware of its potential negative effects and take steps to use it responsibly.

Adapted Text:

Hey there! I want to talk about technology and how it affects us in our fast-paced world. You see, everything is going digital, so it’s important to keep up with the changes. The Internet, for example, has completely transformed the way we live, work, and communicate. It’s like this super powerful tool that connects us to people and information from all over the world.

But you know what? This connectedness can be a bit overwhelming sometimes. We’re constantly bombarded with information and distractions, and it’s like we can’t focus on what really matters. So, it’s really important to find a good balance.

When it comes to technology, it’s really crucial to choose the right tools for our needs. We need to understand the good and the bad sides of different applications and devices so we can make smart choices. Are you looking for a smartphone that will make you more productive? Or maybe you’d rather have a device that helps you relax and disconnect?

Oh, and we need to be mindful of how technology affects our well-being too. Spending too much time staring at screens can cause problems with our health, both physically and mentally. So, it’s good to take breaks, take care of ourselves, and try to be in the moment as much as possible.

So, here’s the thing about technology – it’s like a sword that cuts both ways. On one hand, it can make our lives better and help us connect with others. But on the other hand, we need to be aware of the negative effects and use technology responsibly.

Once I’ve taken any Initiative action, I’ll start by removing AP’s from this section- always from left to right. Each time I remove an AP, I get to select one of the elements that are currently here. This element will be taken from the action display and placed in an empty gray element space on my animal’s display.

It’s important to remember that my animal’s display can’t have more than six elements at a time, including both inherent and added elements. If I already have six elements, I won’t be able to take any more elements using this action.

Don’t worry, though! It’s totally fine for me to have multiple elements of the same type. So, if I really like a certain element, I can collect as many of them as I want!

Example: I, the bug player (in green), want to mix things up a little. First, I get to remove my AP, so I decide to put the available meat element on my animal display A. Now the white and red players have to choose between grub and grass. Instead of playing it safe and taking one of the available grubs C, the insects could have specialized by picking the grass element B and adding it to their existing grass. However, there’s a risk. If neither of the other players takes the other grub, it would end up in the Regression Box at the end of the turn D. This would force the insects to use up a precious AP next turn just to save it.

3. Regression

Regression is a powerful statistical technique that allows us to study the relationship between variables and make predictions. It helps us understand how changes in one variable are associated with changes in another.

You might be wondering, “How does regression work?” Well, let me break it down for you. In regression, we start with a set of data points. Each data point has two variables: an independent variable (or predictor variable) and a dependent variable (or response variable). The independent variable is the one we think influences the dependent variable.

The goal of regression is to find the line that best fits the data points. This line is called the regression line or the line of best fit. It represents the average relationship between the independent and dependent variables. The regression line allows us to predict the values of the dependent variable based on the values of the independent variable.

There are different types of regression, such as linear regression and logistic regression. Linear regression is used when the dependent variable is continuous, while logistic regression is used when the dependent variable is binary (yes/no).

Regression has many applications in various fields. For example, in finance, regression can be used to predict stock prices based on different economic factors. In medicine, regression can help us understand how various factors contribute to a certain disease. In marketing, regression can be used to analyze how advertising expenditure affects sales.

In conclusion, regression is a valuable tool for analyzing relationships between variables and making predictions. By understanding regression, you can unlock valuable insights and make informed decisions. So next time you come across a set of data, consider using regression to unravel its secrets.

So, let’s talk about what happens after we’ve done all those important Adaptation actions. We need to address something called Regression. Basically, here’s what happens: for every type of element we have in our Regression Box, each animal takes out one element disk of the same type from its animal display.

Action Pawn Benefit: Whenever you see an AP in this section, it means that I get to keep one of my special elements instead of having it taken away. See that empty space next to the reptile symbol? That means reptiles always get to keep at least one of their special elements, no matter what.

Even during the Planning Phase, I can still choose to put AP’s in this section if I want to.

No animal can ever lose its default elements (the ones that are printed in the upper left corner of the animal cards). If an animal only has its default elements, it can’t be affected by Regression at all.

After any and all Regression happens, I give back any AP’s that are in this section to their owners.

Example: Imagine this: inside the Regression Box, there are two grub elements. The clever insect player strategically placed an AP here, which acts as a shield for his valuable grub element, preventing it from being snatched away. The reptile player also decided to use his free AP in this area, protecting his own grub. It’s a battle of wits! But wait, there’s more. The insect player’s sun element, sitting idly in Adaptation, is at risk of being taken away next turn. How? Well, when the sun eventually moves down into Regression, it will put the insect player’s sun element in grave danger.

4. Overflowing with Plenty

When it comes to an abundance of something, it’s like being surrounded by a never-ending supply. It’s like being in a room filled to the brim with an assortment of delightful treats, where you can have as much as you want, whenever you want it. The feeling of having an abundance is like having a magical power that allows you to have everything you desire and more.

It’s important to understand that abundance can come in many different forms. It can be a surplus of wealth, where you have more than enough money to meet your needs and desires. It can be an abundance of opportunities, where there are endless possibilities and paths that you can take. It can also be an abundance of love and relationships, where your life is filled with meaningful connections and deep connections with others.

When someone has an abundance mindset, they see the world as a place of unlimited possibilities and opportunities. They believe that there is always enough to go around and that there is plenty for everyone. This mindset allows them to approach life with a sense of optimism and positivity, knowing that they have the power to attract and create abundance in their own lives.

If you’re looking to cultivate an abundance mindset, there are a few things you can do. Firstly, practice gratitude and appreciate what you already have. By focusing on the abundance that is already present in your life, you begin to attract more of it. Secondly, adopt a mindset of abundance and abundance in all areas of your life, not just in one specific area. Finally, take inspired action and actively seek out and pursue opportunities that align with your goals and desires.

By following these steps, you can open yourself up to a world of abundance and plenty. Remember, abundance is not just about having more, but about living a life of fulfillment and satisfaction. With an abundance mindset, you can create a life that is overflowing with joy, love, and all that you desire. So why wait? Embrace abundance today and watch as your life transforms into something truly extraordinary.

Once Regression occurs, I remove APs from this section, one by one, starting from the left. Whenever an animal’s AP is removed, I get to choose one of the elements currently in this section. I take that chosen element, remove it from the action display, and place it on any empty corner of an earth tile.

These elements can be placed on any vacant corner of a tile, including corners that are shared by only one or no other tiles. Basically, these are the corners on the “edge” of earth.

For example: The amphibians have the first pick, so they choose one of the available water elements and place it accordingly. This gives them control over the Savannah tile with 6 matching elements, while the insects only have 4.

When it’s my turn to choose a tile, I have to strategize carefully. Today, I’m playing as the reptiles, and I’ve got my eye on that mountain tile. But if I place it right away, some of my species might not survive. I need a plan.

I decide to go with option C and place the sun tile first. It’s a strategic move that will open up the mountain tile for me later on. Plus, it ensures the survival of all my species. Smart, right?

Now I can expand into that mountain tile without worrying about any of my reptiles going extinct. It’s all about thinking ahead and making the right moves.

5. Wasteland

Standing before the vast desert wasteland, I am filled with a sense of wonder and awe. The earth stretches out before me, devoid of life and teeming with mystery. There is a certain beauty in its desolation, a haunting allure that captivates the senses.

The emptiness is overwhelming, the silence deafening. The wind howls through the sands, whispering secrets of the past. It is as if the land itself is speaking, telling tales of forgotten civilizations and lost dreams.

As I step cautiously onto the shifting ground, I am reminded of the delicate balance of life. The desert, with its scorching heat and scarce resources, is an unforgiving environment. Survival depends on adaptability and resilience.

But amidst the harshness, there is a hidden resilience that lies within these barren sands. Life finds a way to thrive, even in the harshest of conditions. The desert is a testament to the power of nature, the ability to endure and overcome.

Each grain of sand tells a story, a history of what once was and what may yet be. The wasteland is a blank canvas, waiting to be painted with the colors of life and possibility. It is a reminder that even in the face of adversity, there is always hope.

So I embrace the emptiness, the vast expanse of nothingness that stretches out before me. I am humbled by its beauty and inspired by its resilience. And as I stand here, in the heart of the wasteland, I am reminded of the boundless potential that lies within us all.

Once Abundance actions are all done, you should remove any AP placed here. You can take out any one element that currently resides in the Wasteland Box and put it back in the draw bag.

After that, whether or not an AP was placed in this section, the Wasteland action automatically happens: all elements that match the element type(s) still in the Wasteland Box must be removed from the tundra tiles. These removed elements are then returned to the draw bag.

Keep in mind that the Wasteland Box is going to be empty during the first turn, so the action will be skipped.

For example: The arachnids decide to remove their AP and choose to put the grub element from the Wasteland Box back in the draw bag. As a result, the two grubs near the tundra are saved.

In the Wasteland Box, there’s still a water element. This means that any water elements on Earth that are next to a tundra will be taken away and put back in the draw bag B.

The amphibians no longer dominate the desert tile. Their species there are now at risk of extinction.

6. Depletion

The notion of “depletion” refers to the process of using up or exhausting something. In the context of the environment, it means the overconsumption or excessive use of natural resources. This issue has become increasingly significant as our society continues to grow and our demand for resources continues to increase.

You may be wondering why depletion is a problem. Well, when we deplete natural resources at an unsustainable rate, it can have severe consequences for both the environment and for us. For instance, depleting forests can lead to habitat loss for countless species and contribute to climate change. Similarly, depleting water sources can lead to droughts and water scarcity, which can have devastating effects on communities and ecosystems.

In addition to the environmental impacts, depletion also has economic implications. When we deplete resources, it often leads to price increases as they become more scarce. This can result in economic instability and inequalities, as those who can afford the higher prices may be better able to access the resources while others struggle to meet their basic needs.

Addressing the issue of depletion requires a multifaceted approach. It involves finding ways to conserve resources, reduce waste, and promote sustainable practices. This can include things like implementing renewable energy sources, practicing responsible consumption, and supporting conservation efforts.

So, when it comes to depletion, it’s important to recognize the role we each play in the problem and the solutions. By making conscious choices and taking action to reduce our own resource consumption, we can help alleviate the pressures on our environment and work towards a more sustainable future.

When I take any action in the Wasteland, I have to remove any Action Points (AP) that I placed there. Then, I get to choose an element on earth that matches an element type in the Depletion Box. I remove that chosen element from earth and put it back in the draw bag.

However, if none of the elements in the Depletion Box match any elements on earth, this action won’t have any effect. It’s important to note that the Depletion Box will be empty, and thus the action will be useless, during the first and second game turns.

Let me give you an example to make it clearer. As the mammal player, if I remove my AP from this section, and there is a lone seed element in the Depletion Box, I can remove any one seed element from earth. For example, I can choose the one that’s on the border between the desert and savannah A.

When you look at each tile, you’ll see the birds going from matching 4 elements to matching 2. They used to have control over the desert, but now they’re on equal footing with the reptiles. On the other hand, the mammals will take charge of the savannah, where there used to be an even split.

7. Glaciation

Have you ever wondered how massive, slowly moving blocks of ice can shape the landscape around them? If so, you’re in for a treat as I dive into the fascinating world of glaciation. Glaciation, a process driven by the slow flow of ice over land, has had a profound impact on the Earth’s surface. From carving deep valleys to depositing vast amounts of sediment, glaciers have left their mark all over the planet.

Glaciers form in regions where snow accumulates faster than it melts. Through the gradual process of compaction, the snow turns into ice and begins to flow under its own weight. This movement, albeit slow, can have significant consequences for the areas it covers.

One of the most impressive features created by glaciers is U-shaped valleys. As the ice flows downhill, it carves out a deep and wide channel with steep sides. These valleys often exhibit a characteristic shape that resembles the letter “U.” The sheer power exerted by glaciers results in the erosion of rocks and other materials, leaving behind a unique landscape that is a testament to the force of nature.

In addition to shaping valleys, glaciers are also responsible for forming various landforms such as cirques, aretes, and moraines. Cirques are bowl-shaped depressions found at the head of valleys, while aretes are narrow ridges formed by the erosion of adjacent cirques. Moraines, on the other hand, are piles of debris left behind by retreating glaciers. These landforms serve as evidence of the ever-changing nature of glaciers and their impact on the environment.

But it’s not just the visible changes on the surface that make glaciation so intriguing. The movement of glaciers and the melting of ice also contribute to changes in sea level. As glaciers flow towards the sea, chunks of ice break off, creating icebergs. When these icebergs melt, the resulting water adds to the total volume of the oceans, causing sea levels to rise. This phenomenon has long-term implications for coastal areas and is a subject of great concern as our planet continues to warm.

Glaciation is a fascinating natural process that has played a crucial role in shaping our planet. From altering landscapes to influencing sea levels, glaciers have left an indelible mark on Earth’s history. Understanding the mechanics of glaciation and its impact on the environment is vital for us to comprehend the changes we observe today and prepare for the challenges of the future.

When I perform any Depletion action, I have to remove the left-most AP from this section. Then, I get to conduct a Glaciation action, which involves a series of steps:

I choose a non-tundra tile that is next to at least one other tundra tile.
I remove and temporarily set aside all species from the chosen tile.
I place a new tundra tile from the face-up stack on top of the chosen tile. This changes the tile into a tundra tile for the rest of the game.
I remove any elements from the earth that are surrounded by exactly three tundra tiles. However, elements on the corners of only one or two tundra tiles are not affected.
Get bonus VP’s: Earn extra Victor Points based on how many tundra tiles are next to the new tile you just played.
Bring back some species: Take one animal of each species (from the ones set aside) and put them back on the tile.
Return other species: If there are any species left on the tile that you removed, they go back to their owners’ gene pools instead of being eliminated.

If there are no tundra tiles left in the stack (all 12 are already on Earth), you can’t take this action.

Remember, if there are any Action Points in the second, third, or fourth eyeball spaces, you don’t remove them now. They’ll move forward during the Reset Phase. Sometimes it’s worth saving an Action Point for later, even if it means not using it for a turn or two.

Example: I’m the reptile player, and this turn I want to use the Glaciation action. I’ve got my eye on the Savannah because it offers some great advantages. First, placing a tundra tile next to two existing ones will get me 3 bonus victory points. Second, it will give me control of the Survival Card, as I’ll have 3 reptiles in the tundra compared to the 2 arachnids and 1 insect. All seems good, but there’s one problem. I don’t want the lone sun element to get surrounded by three tundra tiles and be removed during step 4.

So, I chose the desert tile for Glaciation (step 1) instead. I got rid of all the animals that were there (step 2) and put a new tundra tile in its place (step 3). Step 4 didn’t do anything. Then, in step 5, I earned 1 bonus VP because there was already a tundra tile next to the new one. After that, I took one insect, two birds, and four amphibians (the ones I removed in step 2) and put one of each back on the new tundra (step 6). The other bird and three amphibians went back to their own groups (step 7).

8. Speciation

Speciation is a fascinating process that has intrigued scientists for centuries. It is the scientific way of describing how new species arise. So, what exactly is speciation and how does it happen?

Well, speciation occurs when a single species splits into two or more distinct species over time. This can happen in a variety of ways, but the most common is through a process called reproductive isolation. Reproductive isolation occurs when two groups of a species become unable to mate with each other successfully. This can be due to geographical barriers, like mountains or rivers, that physically separate the groups, or it can be due to genetic changes that make them incompatible.

For example, imagine a population of birds that live on an island. Over time, some of the birds begin to prefer eating insects while others prefer eating seeds. This difference in diet leads to genetic changes that make the two groups less likely to mate with each other. Eventually, they become so genetically different that they are considered separate species.

Speciation is an important process because it contributes to biodiversity. Biodiversity refers to the variety of species that exist in a particular area or on Earth as a whole. Having a diverse range of species is beneficial for several reasons. First, it ensures that ecosystems are stable and resilient. Different species have different roles and interactions within an ecosystem, so if one species were to disappear, it could have a negative impact on the entire system.

Second, biodiversity allows for the adaptation and survival of species. As environments change, different species may have different traits or abilities that allow them to thrive in new conditions. This is especially important in the face of ongoing climate change, as species with narrow environmental requirements may be at risk.

Overall, speciation plays a crucial role in the natural world. It is the process by which new species arise, contributing to the amazing diversity of life on Earth. By understanding and studying speciation, scientists can gain valuable insights into how life has evolved and continues to adapt. So, next time you see a unique and fascinating species, take a moment to appreciate the wonders of speciation.

When I perform any Glaciation action, I remove AP’s from this section one by one, starting from the left and moving to the right. If an animal’s AP is removed, I get to choose an element on earth that matches the element type on the space where the AP was taken. Then, I can add new species from my gene pool to the adjacent tiles according to the following rules:

I can add up to 4 species if the tile is sea or wetland.
I can add up to 3 species if the tile is savannah, jungle, or forest.
I can add up to 2 species if the tile is desert or mountain.
I can add up to 1 species if the tile is tundra.

It’s important to note that I can only populate one, two, or three tiles at a time. These tiles must have a corner that is occupied by the element I choose.

So, here’s what happens: Once I’ve completed all of my Speciation actions, I can take one of the species from my gene pool and put it on any tile of earth. Cool, right?

But wait, there’s more! During the Planning Phase, I still have the option to put Action Points (APs) in other spaces if I want to. Gotta keep my options open!

Let me give you an example to make things clearer. The arachnids, those creepy crawlies, decide to remove an AP from the “grass” eyeball space. They pick this grass element right here (A) and guess what? This little move allows them to place 3 more species in the savannah (B), 2 in the desert (C), and 1 more in the tundra (D). Talk about strategy!

Now, here’s where it gets interesting. The amphibians, the water-loving creatures, lose their dominance over the desert because they’re tied with the arachnids in terms of matching elements (E). Sneaky insects then swoop in and take advantage of the situation by placing their free species in the savannah to keep their quantitative edge (F). Smart move, right?

9. Wanderlust

Once I’ve finished all the Speciation actions, it’s time to remove the AP’s from this section. I’ll do that one at a time, starting from the left and going right. As I remove an animal’s AP, I get to choose one of the large tiles from the face-up stack of Wanderlust Tiles. Once I’ve chosen a tile, I’ll do the following things in order:

I’ll pick an empty white hex on the game board and place the new tile there. The hex I choose has to be next to at least one existing tile of earth.
If I want to, I can take one of the element disks from the Wanderlust section in the action display and put it on any empty corner of the newly-placed tile.
I’ll earn extra VP’s based on how many existing tiles are next to the new tile I just placed.

Finally, it’s time to consider the order of the food chain. You have the option to move all, some, or none of your species that are currently next to the newly-placed tile.

If any of the three tile stacks run out, the number of possible Wanderlust actions will be reduced.

For example: Let’s say the birds go first. They choose a wetland tile and place one of their species, along with a seed element. There are two tiles adjacent to the new wetland tile. According to the Bonus Points Table, the birds gain 3 victory points.

Next, the birds decide to move one of their adjacent species onto the new wetland tile, establishing dominance. However, the arachnids choose not to move any of their species there (it would pose a danger to them). Lastly, the insects move two of their species onto the new wetland tile.

10. Moving to a New Home

Have you ever thought about moving to a new home? It might seem like a big decision, but it’s something many people go through in their lives. Moving can be an exciting adventure, but it can also be a bit overwhelming.

When you’re thinking about moving, there are a few important things to consider. First, you need to think about why you want to move. Are you looking for a change of scenery or a fresh start? Maybe you want to be closer to family or have a shorter commute to work. Understanding your reasons for moving can help you make a decision that feels right for you.

Another important factor to consider is where you want to move to. Do you want to stay in the same city or explore a new one? Maybe you dream of living in a small town or near the beach. The possibilities are endless. By thinking about what you value in a location, you can narrow down your choices and find the place that’s perfect for you.

Once you have an idea of where you want to move, it’s time to start looking for a new home. This can be an exciting process, but it can also be a bit overwhelming. There are so many different factors to consider, like the size of the house, the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and the price. It’s important to take your time and really think about what you want and need in a home.

Choosing the right home is a big decision, so it’s important to take your time and consider all of your options. Make a list of what’s important to you, and use that as a guide when you’re looking at different homes. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from a real estate agent or a trusted friend or family member.

Once you find the perfect home, it’s time to start planning your move. This can be a lot of work, but with a little organization and help from friends or family, it can also be a fun and exciting process. Make a checklist of all the things you need to do before, during, and after your move, and try to tackle a few tasks each day.

When it comes to moving, there’s a lot to think about and plan for. But with a little preparation, it can also be a smooth and successful transition. So if you’re thinking about moving to a new home, take the time to consider your options, ask for help when you need it, and enjoy the adventure of starting fresh in a new place.

Once I’ve completed all my Wanderlust actions, it’s time to deal with the AP’s in this section. I’ll remove them one by one, starting from the left and moving to the right. When I remove an animal’s AP, I get to choose a number of that species, up to X, where X is the number indicated on the space I took the AP from. I can choose any of my animal species, and they can be located anywhere on Earth. Once I’ve made my selection, I’ll move each chosen species onto a neighboring tile.

I can tell you all about bird migration. It’s pretty fascinating! Did you know that each bird species is able to migrate to a tile up to two tiles away? Yeah, they can move through an adjacent tile and onto a second one.

But here’s the catch – birds can’t migrate over blank hexes. Those are the ones that don’t have any terrain tiles yet.

Now, when different species of birds start their migration action on the same tile, they have some choices. They can either move together onto the same tile, or they can split up and move onto separate tiles. It’s all up to the player who owns the birds.

For example, let me give you a scenario. Imagine there are some insects and they remove an AP from the “7” eyeball space. They decide to move one insect from the desert to the adjacent savannah and claim dominance there (let’s call it dominance A). Now, these insects are endangered in the tundra, so they use their remaining 6 migrates to move their species out of there. They send 4 insects to the desert (dominance B) and 2 insects to the mountain (dominance C). Quite the journey, huh?

I have some great news! The birds I’ve been observing have a special ability called Migration AP. This turn, I saw them using it to move one of their species from the sea to the tundra D. It all started when I noticed what the insects were up to.

Competition and its Role in Our Lives

Competition is a fascinating part of our lives. It’s everywhere you look: in school, sports, work, and even in relationships. It’s a fundamental aspect of human nature that drives us to achieve more and reach our goals. Without competition, our lives would be dull and lacking in motivation.

Competition can be both exciting and challenging. It pushes us out of our comfort zones and forces us to grow and improve. When we compete, we strive to be the best version of ourselves. We work harder, study longer, and push through obstacles. We become resilient and persistent.

Competition fosters a spirit of innovation and creativity. It sparks our imagination and prompts us to think outside the box. When we compete, we come up with new ideas and find unique solutions to problems. We constantly challenge the status quo and seek to improve upon what has already been done.

Competition also teaches us important life lessons. It teaches us how to handle both victory and defeat with grace and humility. It teaches us how to deal with pressure and overcome obstacles. It teaches us the value of hard work and dedication. It prepares us for the real world, where competition is a fact of life.

Despite the many benefits of competition, it’s important to remember that it’s not always healthy. It can sometimes become too intense and all-consuming. It can lead to stress, anxiety, and a constant need for validation. It’s important to find a balance and not let competition overshadow other aspects of our lives.

In conclusion, competition plays a vital role in our lives. It pushes us to reach our full potential, fosters innovation, and teaches important life lessons. However, we must also be mindful of its potential negative effects and strive for a healthy balance. So embrace competition, embrace growth, and may the best version of yourself emerge victorious!

Once all the Migration actions are done, I start removing AP’s from this section, one by one, from left to right. When I remove an AP for an animal, I make a note of the three types of terrain associated with the space the AP came from. Then, I can choose up to 1 tile of each of those terrain types that currently exist on earth. To choose a tile, it needs to have:

At least one of the species of that animal
At least one species from another player

Once I’ve chosen the tiles, I remove one opposing species on each of them. These eliminated species go back in the box, and they’re out of the game. They don’t go back to their owners’ gene pools.

In this part, the arachnids are special because they start with one “free” AP. They always go first and can compete on any type of terrain, but only on one tile.

During the Planning Phase, the arachnid player can still choose to place APs on other spaces in this section if they want to.

For example, let’s say the reptiles have an AP in the “tundra-desert-forest” eyeball space A. They decide to eliminate one mammal in the left-most forest B and one insect in the tundra C. Since they don’t have a presence in the desert, they forfeit their third competition D. They also can’t compete in the second forest or in the sea this turn, even with presence E.

12. Ruling Over Others

Have you ever wondered what it feels like to wield power and have complete control over everything around you? To be the king or queen of your own kingdom? It’s a fascinating concept, but the road to domination is not as straightforward as it may seem.

When I think about dominating others, I can’t help but reflect on the lessons of history. Dominance has been a prevalent force throughout the ages, with powerful individuals and nations asserting their authority over others. It’s a complex and multifaceted phenomenon, both intriguing and confounding.

As I delve into the subject, I am faced with the question of why some people crave power and domination. Is it for the thrill of control? The desire to exert influence? Or perhaps the yearning for self-validation?

While there may be various motivations behind the pursuit of dominance, it’s important to recognize that power is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it can elevate an individual or a society, enabling them to shape the world according to their vision. On the other hand, it presents the risk of corruption and abuse, leading to the degradation and suffering of those under its dominion.

It is crucial to understand that true domination comes not from dominating others, but from mastering oneself. To become a true ruler, one must first conquer their own weaknesses, fears, and biases. Only then can they lead with wisdom, compassion, and fairness.

Furthermore, it is essential to recognize the delicate balance between power and responsibility. With great power comes great responsibility, as the saying goes. A true ruler must use their power to uplift and empower, rather than suppress and exploit. They must strive to create a harmonious society where the well-being of all is prioritized.

When someone seeks to dominate and control others without regard for their welfare, it is a sign of insecurity and a lack of confidence in oneself. True strength and authority come from within, from a deep sense of self-assurance and inner peace.

If you’re someone who aspires to be a leader, I encourage you to ponder these thoughts. Reflect on the true meaning of dominance and the responsibility that comes with it. By following the path of self-mastery and leading with empathy, you can create a legacy of positive change that transcends mere domination.

When I finish all of my actions in the Competition phase, I have to remove my APs from this section. I start by removing them one at a time, starting from the left and moving to the right. Each time I remove an AP, I get to choose one tile on the earth that hasn’t been claimed for Domination yet. Once I choose a tile, I score it by following these steps:

When a tile is scored, the animal with the most species on that tile earns X VP’s, where X is the first number listed for that type of terrain on the Tile Scoring table on the game board.
If the tile being scored is any terrain except tundra, the animal with the second highest number of species earns VP’s equal to the second number listed for that terrain on the Tile Scoring table.

To claim the VP’s, there must be at least one other animal present on the tile. An animal that is alone on a tile cannot earn both first and second place.

Additionally, a third animal must be present on the tile in order for an animal to claim third place. Similarly, a fourth animal must be present on the tile for an animal to claim fourth place. An animal that has already claimed first, second, or third place cannot also claim fourth place.

Keep in mind that if you choose the Ice Age card, the game will end when the current turn is finished. Also, the dominant animal may not be the same one that chose to score the tile, and it may not be the animal with the most points. Additionally, the first player in each turn will have five effects to choose from when selecting a Dominance Card. After that, the choices will become progressively more limited as face-up Dominance Cards are chosen and their effects are applied.

Once all Dominance actions are completed, the Execution Phase ends and the game moves on to the Reset Phase.

For example: I’m playing a game where I get to control different animals. Right now, there is a wetland tile on the board and I decide to score it. The top spot goes to the amphibians because they have the most species with 4. The reptiles and birds each have 2 species, but the reptiles are higher on the food chain, so they get second place. The birds come in third and no animal gets fourth place.

Since I’m the dominant player on the tile, I now have to choose and use one of my Dominance Cards.

C. Reset Phase

Hey there! Now let’s talk about the Reset Phase. During this time, some animals might disappear forever, which we call extinction. It’s sad, I know. But don’t worry, because there’s also a chance for you to earn some Victory Points (VP) through the Survival Card. After all that, we reset the action display to get ready for the next turn’s Planning Phase.

Extinction

Let me break it down for you. First, extinction is when all endangered species are eliminated. They’re taken out of the game and put back in the box.

But here’s the catch: The mammal player can save one of their endangered species each turn (if they have more than one).

Survival

Now, let’s talk survival. The player who has the most species on tundra tiles gets the Survival Card. If there’s a tie, no one gets the card. But if someone does have it, they score extra points based on the number of tundra tiles their species occupy (it doesn’t matter how many species are on each tile).

Reseed

I want to start by saying that I rewrote the given text by maintaining the original meaning, using simpler language suitable for a 5th-grade reading level, while also infusing it with a distinct voice and style.

To begin the game, draw enough new Domination Cards from the top of the draw pile. These cards will fill up the empty spaces of the Available Dominance Cards section on the game board. If there are already cards in this section, leave them where they are. If there aren’t enough cards in the draw pile to fill every card slot, fill up as many as you can, and the rest will be empty.

When the game ends because of the Ice Age card, finish any remaining Domination actions and then do the Extinction phase. Score the Survival Card as you normally would.

After that, remove all Domination markers from the earth and score each tile one final time. During the final scoring, ignore Domination and only give animals Victory Points, without considering any Dominance Cards that might still be left.

When the game ends, I win if I have the animal with the most victory points.

If there is a tie for the highest VP total, the animal closest to the top of the food chain among the tied players wins the game.

How to play Dominant Species Official Rules