Welcome to Gugong Game Rules!

Hey there! So, you’ve heard of Gugong – that intriguing game set in ancient China where players showcase their skills in bribery and corruption. But how do you actually play it? Well, fear not! I’m here to guide you through the rules so you can dive right into the action.

Now, before we get started, let me emphasize the importance of understanding the rules. Trust me, it’s crucial! And don’t worry, I’m not going to bore you with a lengthy lecture. Instead, I’ll break it down for you in the simplest terms imaginable. Ready? Let’s go!

Objective:

First things first, let’s talk about the objective of Gugong. Your goal in this game is to earn the most victory points. How do you achieve that? By manipulating the power of the Chinese bureaucracy, of course! You’ll need to exchange gifts with officials, carry out a variety of actions, and complete missions to demonstrate your influence and cunning.

Gameplay:

Gugong is played over a series of rounds. And in each round, you have a limited number of actions at your disposal. Actions like exchanging gifts, playing cards, and completing missions. But here’s the kicker – you can only perform these actions if you have enough favor points. So, be sure to plan your moves wisely!

Now, let’s talk about these favor points. You earn them by exchanging gifts, and oh boy, the type of gift matters! After all, you can’t just hand out anything to these officials. You need to offer them something that appeals to their personal interests. Each official has their own preferences, so it’s crucial to know them if you want to gain their favor.

Gifts and Actions:

Gifts! Ah, the key to success in Gugong. They come in all shapes and sizes – exquisite treasures, rare artifacts, and even ordinary goods. But remember, variety is key! Offering a diverse range of gifts will earn you extra favor points. So, the more, the merrier!

Actions and missions! These are your bread and butter in Gugong. Whether it’s playing cards, earning mission rewards, or exchanging gifts, each action has its own set of rules. And trust me, there’s plenty to keep you engaged and on your toes throughout the game.

Strategy and Planning:

Now, let’s talk about strategy. The game of Gugong is not just about luck; it’s about carefully planning your moves and adapting to the ever-changing game board. Don’t be afraid to take risks, seize opportunities, and outwit your opponents. Remember, victory favors those who are not afraid to think outside the box!

And there you have it! The basics of Gugong laid out for you. Keep in mind, though, that this is just the tip of the iceberg. As you play, you’ll discover new layers of depth and complexity that will keep you coming back for more.

So, what are you waiting for? Dive into the world of Gugong and show off your bribery and corruption skills like a pro. Get ready for an exciting journey through ancient China!

When it comes to the game, you’ll find the following in the box:
• A gameboard
• 3 Destiny Dice
• A Day Tracker
• 32 Travel Tokens
• 5 Envoy Meeples
• 5 Traveler Tokens
• 15 Canal Ships
• A Next Start Player Medal
• 5 Intrigue Markers
• 5 VP Trackers
• A Start Player Token
• 38 Gift Cards
• 20 Jade Tokens
• 15 Decree Tiles
• 5 Player Boards
• 60 Servant Cubes
• 5 Forman Tokens
• A Rulebook

Let’s get set up!

Here’s what you need to do to get started:

#image.jpgFirst, put the Game Board in the middle of the table where you’re playing. You can choose the side based on how many players there are – one side is for 2 or 3 players, and the other side is for 4 or 5 players. This Game Board shows the Forbidden City and what you can do in the game. There are 7 actions you can take, and you’ll see them in 7 different spots on the Game Board.

Next, roll the 3 dice and put them in the spaces shown. These dice will determine what Gift Cards you get. Sometimes you might even get extra Servants or Victory Points at the end of each round.

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Let’s start by shuffling all the Travel Tokens and placing one face-up on each city for the Travel action. The remaining tokens should be stacked on two facedown draw piles, separated equally on the indicated spots. As you move your Travellers from city to city, you’ll receive the benefit indicated on each token.

Now, we need to place the Day Tracker on the first space of the Day track. This will show us which round we’re playing.

Next, we’ll place all players’ Envoy meeples at the starting location of the Palace of Heavenly Purity action. Remember, only if your Envoy reaches the Palace, will you have a chance to win the game.

Our Travellers will be placed next to the map. We’ll use them for the “Travel” action.

Lastly, we’ll place these items next to our Player Board. They’ll come in handy when we trade at Harbors along the Grand Canal.

When setting up the game, there are a few things you need to do. First, place the Medal tile on the Intrigue Track next to the card location. This token will be given to one player each round, making them the start player for the next round.

Next, put all players’ Intrigue markers on the starting location of the Intrigue track. The starting player’s marker goes at the bottom, and the last player’s goes on top. This marker shows how much influence you have in the Forbidden City and will be used to break any ties that come up during the game. It also gives you some special benefits.

You’ll also need to place the VIP disks on the “0” spot of the Victory Points (VP) track. These disks keep track of your score throughout the game.

Lastly, there’s the Start Player Token. This token shows which player is the start player for the current round. You can randomly determine the start player at the beginning of the game using your own method or by using the Game Brewer Start Player App.

• To set up the game, place the Gift Cards with the #image.jpg symbol face-up on the 7 Gift Card spots. Mix up the cards with the #image.jpg symbol and put them face down near the Game Board as a draw pile. Each player gets a set of four Gift Cards, based on how many segments of the fan icon are filled in. The starting player gets the cards with #image.jpg, the player on their left gets the cards with #image.jpg, and so on. Any extra Gift Cards go back in the game box. #image.jpg

Hi there! Let’s dive right into the exciting world of board games. Today, I want to talk to you about the fascinating game called “Jade”. Have you ever played it? If not, don’t worry, I’m here to guide you through the setup process and give you some tips and tricks to play like a pro!

So, first things first, let’s set up the game. Here’s what you need to do:

Place 1 Jade on each of the indicated spots and put the rest in a general Jade supply on the square of the Jade action. During the game, you’ll collect Jade to score Victory Points at the end.

Now, let’s sort the Decree tiles by their level, which is either 1, 2, or 3. After sorting, shuffle each stack and draw 2 tiles from each stack. Put these tiles face up on the appropriate spaces on the Game Board. Any tiles you don’t use can go back in the game box for now. These tiles are super cool because they represent special advantages and Victory Points that you can get during the game or at the end. How awesome is that?

Alright, now that we have everything set up and ready to go, it’s time to jump into the world of “Jade”! I hope you’re as excited as I am. Good luck and have a blast playing the game!

#image.jpgFirst, choose your color and put your Player Board in front of you. This is where you’ll keep your Gift Cards, Servants, and Foreman. It also has helpful information about the rounds, exchanging Travel Tokens, and earning rewards at the Harbor.

Put the Foreman token on your Player Board in the right spot. It’s like having 2 extra Servants, and you can get it by taking the Grand Canal action.

As a player, I begin the game with 6 Servants, represented by cubes, on my Player Board. In addition, there are 6 Servants placed next to my board as a general supply. The Servants on my Player Board are known as the Servant pool and they are the ones I can use to perform actions. Each round, at the start and end, I receive a certain number of Servants from the general supply back onto my Player Board.

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Let’s Play the Game

Hello there! I want to tell you about a fun game called “Gugong”. In this game, we will go on a journey through four rounds, representing four exciting Days. Each Day brings us three different Phases to enjoy. Are you ready? Let’s dive in!

1. The first phase of the game is called the Morning Phase. This is when I get everything ready for the exciting Day.
2. After the Morning Phase comes the Day Phase. This is when I can do lots of different things and have a great time!
3. Once the Day Phase is over, it’s time for the Evening Phase. This is when I check to see if I’ve made any matches with the Destiny Dice.

At the end of the 4th Day, I receive extra points for completing the Wall, level 3 Decrees, collecting Jade, and arriving early in the Palace.

If I have the most Victory Points at the end, I am declared the most influential Chinese Family and win the game. But I need to be careful! If I don’t get my Envoy into the Palace of Heavenly Purity by the end of the game, I won’t be able to win.

Phase 1: The Morning Phase

Note: We skip the Morning Phase in the first round. We’ve already done it during setup.

In the Morning Phase, we prepare the Board for the upcoming round. It’s a 5-step process:

Step 1: Determine Start Player

If you took the Start Player Medal in the previous round, you

Hey there, it’s time for a new round! I’ll tell you how to become the start player this time. So, the start player is the one who goes first, and they get a cool token. You see, in the previous round, someone might have taken the Start Player Medal. If that’s the case, you can step up and become the new start player. Just grab the Start Player token and put it on the Game Board where the Start Player Medal was. You’re in charge now!

But wait, if no one took the medal in the previous round, then the start player doesn’t change. It stays the same as before. Remember, it’s all about who takes that shiny Start Player Medal.

Step 2: Refill The Map

Hey there! I’ve got a fun game for you to play. It’s called Fill the Cities, and here’s how it works:

You see, there are some empty spaces in the city on the map. We want to fill those spaces with Travel Tokens, but only in the spots where there isn’t already a Travel Token or a Traveller. So keep your eyes open and look for those empty spaces!

Now, if you happen to run out of Travel Tokens to place, don’t worry. Just grab the discard pile, give it a good shuffle, and create two new piles to draw from. Then you can refill the empty spaces with fresh Travel Tokens. Easy peasy!

Are you ready for some city-filling fun? Let’s get started!

Step 3: Roll The Destiny Dice

Alright, it’s time for the next step in our exciting journey. Now, buckle up and get ready to roll the destiny dice! This is where things really start to get interesting.

So, what exactly are these destiny dice? Well, they’re like little magical cubes that hold the key to your fate. Each side of the dice represents a different possibility or outcome, and when you roll them, they reveal your destiny. It’s a bit like playing a game, but with much bigger stakes.

Now, I know what you’re thinking. How on earth can a set of dice determine my destiny? It sounds a little bit crazy, right? But here’s the thing – sometimes, we need a little bit of randomness to guide us. Life is full of surprises, and these dice help us embrace the uncertainty and go with the flow.

When you roll the destiny dice, you might land on a side that tells you to try something new. Maybe it’s a hobby you’ve always wanted to pursue or a trip you’ve been dreaming of taking. Or maybe you’ll land on a side that encourages you to take a risk and step out of your comfort zone. Whatever you roll, it’s a chance to embrace the unknown and see where it takes you.

Of course, the destiny dice aren’t the only factors at play here. You still have your own desires, goals, and aspirations. The dice are just there to give you a little nudge in the right direction. They’re like a trusty sidekick, helping you navigate the twists and turns of life.

So, when it comes to rolling the destiny dice, embrace the unknown and let fate take the wheel. It might just lead you to something amazing. And remember, you always have the power to change your destiny. So let’s get rolling and see what the future holds!

Time to roll the 3 Destiny Dice! Grab them and place them on the designated spots at the top of the Game Board.

Step 4: Make the Most of Decree Bonuses

Hey there! I have some exciting news for you. If you’re playing a game and have a Servant next to Decrees with the Morning symbol, you’re in luck. From now on, you’ll get some awesome advantages in player order. How cool is that?

Step 5: Get New Servants

Hey there! Let’s talk about the Day Tracker in this game. So, what happens is that all players get to move some Servants from the general supply to their Servant pool. It’s pretty cool because it gives you a chance to strategize and plan your moves.

The Day Phase: Time to Get Things Done!

During the Day Phase, you can do a bunch of different actions by trading Gift Cards with the Officials in the Forbidden City. These Officials are like the big shots in the game, and they hang out at 7 different Card locations on the Game Board.

When we start playing, it’s your turn first, and then we go around the table in a clockwise direction. Each of us will take turns trading Gift Cards and doing the right things.

Every player can do one action per turn. If you don’t have any cards left in your hand, you have to stop and let the others continue. Once everyone stops, the Day Phase is over, and we move on to the Evening Phase.

If you still have at least one card in your hand, here’s what you do on each turn:

1. Trading Gifts

At the beginning of your turn, you HAVE to exchange one Gift Card from your hand with a Gift Card on the Game Board.

If your Gift Card is worth more than the amount on the card you want from the Game Board, you can swap them. It’s easy!

If your Gift Card is of equal or lower value than the card you pick on the Game Board, you can swap them out. Here’s how:

• #image.jpgFirst, take out 2 Servants from your Servant pool and put them back into the general supply;
• #image.jpgOr, you can discard any other Gift Card from your hand and send it to the discard pile on your Player Board;
• #image.jpgAlternatively, you have the option to exchange the Gift Card without taking any actions. In this case, you skip step 2 (Perform Actions). If you still have at least one Gift Card left in your hand, you will go back to step 1 (Exchanging Gifts) on your next turn.

Exception: You can freely exchange Gift Cards with a value of 1 for Gift Cards with a value of 9.

(Why is that? Well, even though the Gift Card with a value of 1, which is the fruit bowl, may seem like it has a low value, there are some exotic fruits that are extremely rare and difficult to find. Sometimes, officials are tempted to make an impulsive exchange for these rare fruits).

Once you have the Gift Card from the Game Board, you need to place it face-down on your discard pile. This pile is located on your Player Board.

When the new Day arrives, you’ll be able to use the cards from your discard pile as your new hand cards. Feel free to check out your face-down pile whenever you want. But remember, other players aren’t allowed to ask you about the cards in your discard pile.

2. Take Action

Once you’ve finished your Gift Exchange, you have the option to immediately take action based on your Gift Card:

• If your Gift Card has a Card action, you can choose to perform that action.
• Alternatively, you can choose to perform the action associated with the Location where you placed your Gift Card.
• If you want, you can even perform both actions. Just remember that if you choose this option, you must perform the Card action first.

Actions for Gift Cards

Once you’ve finished your Gift Exchange, you can go ahead and use the action shown on your Gift Card, if it has one.

Many of these actions involve going to a specific place:

Hey there! Let me tell you something cool about Card actions. They’re pretty awesome because they actually come with some extra perks. I mean, who doesn’t love a little something extra, right?

So, when you use certain Card actions, you not only get the main benefit but also some additional goodies. It’s like a double treat! Let me break it down for you:

• Save time: Yep, Card actions can help you speed things up. They’re designed to make your life easier, so you can get things done faster and move on to the next task. Time is precious, after all!
• Boost productivity: With Card actions, you can supercharge your productivity. They provide you with tools and options that help you work more efficiently, so you can be a real productivity pro.
• Enhance creativity: Card actions can also ignite your creativity. They offer you new ways to express yourself and explore your ideas, so you can let your imagination run wild.

Pretty cool, huh? So, the next time you see a Card action, remember that it’s not just about the main benefit. There’s a whole world of extra awesomeness waiting for you!

When I hear the words “add 1 Servant from the general supply to your Servant pool,” I get excited. It’s like getting a surprise gift out of thin air! I mean, who doesn’t love adding a new Servant to their pool? It’s a simple but powerful action that can completely change the course of the game.

Just imagine: you’re strategizing for your next move, trying to anticipate your opponent’s moves and come up with the best plan. And then, out of nowhere, you get the opportunity to add a new Servant to your pool. Suddenly, your options expand, and new strategies become possible. It’s like unlocking a new level in a video game or stumbling upon a hidden treasure.

But, of course, it’s not just about the excitement and the element of surprise. Adding a new Servant to your pool is a strategic move. You need to think carefully about which Servant to add, considering their abilities, strengths, and weaknesses, and how they align with your overall game plan. It’s all about balance and making choices that will give you the best chance of victory.

So, next time you hear those magic words, “add 1 Servant from the general supply to your Servant pool,” take a moment to appreciate the significance of this simple action. It may just be the key to your success in the game.+

When you start playing the game, you should right away add 2 Servants from the general supply to your Servant pool.

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“Hey there! Let’s talk about a cool move you can make in this game. It’s called the Swap action, and it’s pretty neat. Here’s how it works:

You have the power to exchange one of your cards with a card on the Game Board. It can be a card from your hand or from your discard pile. If you swap a card from your hand, you’ll get the new card in your hand. And if you swap a discarded card, the new card will be added to your discard pile.

Now, things get interesting when the Gift Card action and the Location action are the same. In that case, you get to do the same action twice. How cool is that?

Location Actions

The Chinese State has 7 Officials who oversee its main functions. These Officials are represented by 7 Gift Card locations on the Game Board. If you decide to exchange a Gift Card with one of these 7 Officials, you’ll unlock a special action associated with that location. Pretty nifty, right?

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1. Travel

Hey there! Let’s talk about one of the coolest things you can do in this game – Travel! I’m a Revenue Official and I get to send my Traveller to different cities in China to collect taxes for the Longqing Emperor. And let me tell you, these taxes come in all sorts of shapes and sizes!

So, when it’s time to travel, you have a couple of options:

#image.jpg First, you can move your Traveller once, collect 1 Travel Token, and immediately enjoy the benefits that come with it. Boom! The world is your oyster! #image.jpg

Or, if you’re feeling a bit more adventurous (and don’t mind giving up a few Servants), you can go for option number two:

#image.jpg Sacrifice 2 Servants from your pool and get to move your Traveller not once, but twice! That’s right, you can take two steps forward. With each step, you collect 1 Travel Token and enjoy the benefits that come with it. It’s like double the fun! #image.jpg

When you first make a choice (A or B), put your Traveller on any spot on the map with a Travel Token.

After that, whenever you want to move your Traveller, it will go from the city it’s currently in to another city that still has a Travel Token. It will follow the roads on the map, but it won’t be affected by other Travellers or empty cities.

This means that your Traveller can go over empty cities and cities where other Travellers are.

When it comes to Travel Tokens, it’s important to understand their significance and how they can impact your gameplay. Travel Tokens are a key component in the game, helping you to navigate the map and reach your desired destinations. With these factors in mind, let’s take a closer look at the importance of Travel Tokens and how they can elevate your gaming experience.

First and foremost, Travel Tokens are known for their ability to regenerate response and provide you with a sense of progression. As you collect Travel Tokens and strategically place them on your Player Board, you’re able to keep track of your progress and see how far you’ve come. This can be incredibly satisfying and motivating, as it gives you a tangible representation of your accomplishments.

Additionally, Travel Tokens serve as a double-edged sword. While they can be a valuable asset and help you move closer to your goal, they can also present challenges. It’s important to carefully consider where you place your Travel Tokens, as they can limit your future moves and potentially impact your overall strategy. This adds an element of decision-making and risk-taking to the game, creating a sense of excitement and unpredictability.

Another key aspect of Travel Tokens is their ability to unlock new opportunities and expand your options. By strategically placing your Travel Tokens on your Player Board, you can unlock special abilities, bonuses, or shortcuts that can give you an advantage over your opponents. This adds depth and complexity to the game, as you must carefully consider which Travel Tokens to collect and where to place them for maximum benefit.

In conclusion, Travel Tokens play a crucial role in the game, offering both opportunities and challenges. They provide a sense of progression, add decision-making and risk-taking elements, and unlock new opportunities for strategic advancement. So, when it comes to Travel Tokens, remember to carefully consider their placement and use them wisely to maximize your chances of success. Good luck!

If you ever need some extra help while playing the game, you can exchange your Travel Tokens for special advantages. This way, you’ll have a better chance of winning and progressing further. Think of it as a way to level up and get ahead in the game.

When you exchange 2 Travel Tokens, you get 1 Servant from the general supply. The Servant is then placed in your Servant pool on your Player Board.

If you give me 4 Travel Tokens, I’ll give you 2 Victory Points right away.

If you give up 6 Travel Tokens, you’ll get 1 Jade right away. It’s a pretty good deal, right?

Here’s a tip: if you end up with more than 6 Travel Tokens, you gotta give some away. You can swap them for Servants, Victory Points, or more Jade. Just make sure you only keep 6 tokens in total, ok?

Oh, and when you trade in those Travel Tokens, don’t forget to put them in the discard pile next to the Game Board. We don’t want them mixed up with the ones you can draw, now do we?

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The Incredible Great Wall

Hey there! Are you ready to embark on a fascinating adventure at the legendary Great Wall of China? Well, get excited because I’ve got a thrilling opportunity for you! Join me in the renovation project of this colossal piece of history and discover the amazing benefits waiting for you.

When it comes to this incredible task, you have two options:

#image.jpgOption 1: Place one of your Servants from your Servant pool onto the Wall. #image.jpg

To start, remove one of your Servants and replace it with two other Servants from your pool on the Wall.

Once the Wall is finished, you will receive both the Great Wall Scoring and Intrigue Benefits. The Wall is considered complete when there are at least 4/5/6/7 Servants on the Wall track, depending on the number of players. Note that with 2/3/4/5 players, the Wall is complete.

Evaluating the Great Wall

When I have the MOST Servants on the Great Wall, I get 3 VP and move my Envoy 1 step on the Palace track. If there’s a tie, we use the Intrigue track to break it.

After that, I return all my Servants from the Wall to the general supply. If there are empty spaces, I move any remaining Servants to the left. Then, we all get Intrigue Benefits.

Everyone who was present on the completed Wall before it was scored can choose to take 1 of the Intrigue benefits. We do this one by one, following the order of the Intrigue markers on the track. We start with the player whose marker is lowest on the track. If there’s a tie, the bottom marker is considered the lowest.

To take a benefit, I lower my Intrigue marker as many steps on the track as indicated. Here are the available benefits:

Hey there! I’ve got something intriguing for you. Let me break it down for you in a simpler way.

So, here’s the deal – if you lower your Intrigue marker by one, you’ll get yourself a shiny new servant! Yep, just like that. They’ll join your pool of loyal servants, ready to assist you in whatever way you need. How cool is that?

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If you want to gain 2 Servants in your Servant pool, I have a suggestion for you. All you need to do is lower your Intrigue marker by 3 steps. That’s it!

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Hey there! Let me break it down for you in simpler terms.

So, I have this marker of intrigue and it starts at a certain level. What I can do is lower that marker by 5 steps. When I do that, I get to choose one destiny die. And you know what’s cool? I can turn that die to whatever side I want!

Now, here’s a twist. Sometimes, more than one player can turn the same die. How? Well, it’s all because of these intrigue benefits. When they happen, multiple players can have a say in turning the destiny die. Talk about teamwork, right?

If you want to get a Jade stone, all you have to do is lower your Intrigue marker by 7 steps. It’s as simple as that! Once you’ve done that, you’ll be rewarded with a shiny Jade stone from the general supply. This is a great opportunity for you to add a beautiful and valuable gemstone to your collection.

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3. Discover the World of Jade

Join me on an exciting adventure as we explore the fascinating world of jade. Step into the enchanting realm of the Jade Official, where you can exchange your Gift for a unique opportunity.

Once inside, take a moment to immerse yourself in the vibrant ambiance and soak in the rich history and cultural significance of jade. This mesmerizing gemstone has captivated people for centuries, serving as a symbol of power, beauty, and spiritual connection.

As you stroll through the bustling Jade market, you’ll encounter an array of talented vendors ready to showcase their finest jade creations. From delicate jewelry pieces to intricate figurines, there’s something for everyone’s taste and style.

But the allure of jade extends beyond its aesthetic appeal. It is believed to possess various mystical properties and bring luck, harmony, and prosperity to those who wear it. So why not embrace the magic and find a piece that resonates with your heart and soul?

Remember, the world of jade is vast and diverse, with countless shades, textures, and qualities to explore. Each piece tells a unique story, waiting to be discovered and cherished. So allow yourself to be drawn to a particular jade artifact, and let it become a cherished companion on your journey.

So, my friend, are you ready to embark on this marvelous journey into the world of jade? Step forward and exchange your Gift with the Jade Official, for it may just be the beginning of a lifelong fascination with this precious gemstone.

When you do this, pick a house and take out some Servants from your Servant pool to get 1 Jade from that house.

Jade earns you VPs at the end of the game. Once all the Jade stones in the houses are gone, you can always get 1 Jade from the Jade square for 5 Servants. You can always get more Jade; use replacement pieces if you run out.

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4. Intrigue

Hey there! Let’s talk about the Intrigue track in the game. It’s all about the hidden influence of your family in the Forbidden City.

This track is important because it helps break ties when you’re comparing yourself to other players. It’s like a secret weapon that gives you an advantage. Plus, if you help complete the Great Wall, you can also get some pretty awesome benefits.

Now, when you take action on this track, you have a couple of choices:

#image.jpgYou can move your Intrigue marker one step forward on the track. But wait, there’s more! The first player to choose this option also gets the Start Player Medal and becomes the start player in the next round. #image.jpg

Here’s what you need to do: Remove 1 Servant from your Servant pool. Doing this will make your Intrigue marker move 3 steps forward on the Intrigue track. Pretty simple, right?

Now, if your Intrigue marker ends up on the same space as one or more of your opponents’ markers, you get to stack your Intrigue marker on top of theirs. It’s like building a tower of intrigue!

Just keep in mind that the Intrigue track only has 14 steps. Once you reach the end, your marker can’t go any further. So make each move count!

Oh, and one more thing:

When there’s a tie in the game, the player with the highest marker on the Intrigue track is the winner. If two markers are on the same space, the top one is considered the highest.

There can be ties in different situations, like when scoring the Great Wall, deciding the Destiny Dice Bonus, or determining the order for taking Intrigue Benefits.

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The Palace of Heavenly Purity

To continue forward in the Palace of Heavenly Purity and have a chance to meet the Emperor before the 4th day ends, you need to exchange your Gift with the Censorate Official.

When you do this, you have two options:

#image.jpgMove your Envoy 1 step forward on the Palace track. #image.jpg

#image.jpgGive up 2 Servants from your Servant pool to move your Envoy 2 steps forward on the Palace track AND move your Intrigue marker forward 1 step on the Intrigue track. #image.jpg

When you reach the eighth and final step of the Palace track, you’ll find yourself in the Palace of Heavenly Purity. This is where things get really exciting! Put your Envoy on the location with the most Victory Points (VPs), and don’t worry, you’ll get to add those to your score at the end of the game.

Once you have arrived at the Palace, any action that would normally move you up on the Palace track will now earn you 1 VP for each step you would have moved. So, the higher you climb, the more points you’ll accumulate.

When the game is over, only those who have made it to the Palace of Heavenly Purity can win. If you don’t manage to get your Envoy meeple inside the Palace by the end of the 4th Day, you won’t get any points.

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Exchange and Gain Special Advantages with Decrees

Hey there! Want to enhance your game experience and earn some victory points? Well, you’re in luck! At the Decrees Official, you can exchange your Gift for special Decree advantages that will last throughout the game.

Imagine having powerful abilities that can help you make strategic moves and outwit your opponents. With Decrees, you can do just that!

When you exchange your Gift for Decrees, you unlock a whole new level of gameplay. These Decrees give you an edge by providing unique and game-changing benefits that can tip the balance in your favor.

The best part is that Decrees stay with you for the entire game. That means you can enjoy their advantages and reap the rewards round after round. It’s like having a secret weapon that only you possess.

By utilizing Decrees, you can double your efforts and elevate your gameplay to new heights. Imagine the satisfaction of executing strategies that no one saw coming, all because of your Decrees. It’s a feeling like no other!

So, the next time you’re at the Decrees Official, don’t hesitate to exchange your Gift for these powerful advantages. Trust me, you won’t regret it. Your opponents won’t know what hit them!

When you want to get the benefit of a Decree, you have to give back some of your Servants. The number of Servants you have to return is shown on the Decree card, plus one more for each of your opponent’s Servants already on that Decree. After you return the Servants, you also put one more Servant onto the Decree.

When you score the Decree’s VPs, you should do it right away.

If you choose a Level 3 Decree, you won’t immediately earn any victory points. Instead, you’ll gain them at the end of the game.

After you’ve chosen a Level 3 Decree, you’ll benefit from its advantage throughout the rest of the game. To remind you of this, you’ll keep a Servant on the Decree.

Remember, you can only enjoy each Decree’s advantage once. So choose wisely!

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7. Embarking on the Grand Canal

Hey there! Ready to embark on an exciting journey along the Grand Canal? By trading with people outside of Beijing, you can unlock some amazing permanent rewards. Let me show you how!

When you decide to embark on this adventure, you have a couple of options:

1. #image.jpgYou can choose to place one of your Servants on one of your Ships and, if you want, move that Ship one step to the next available Harbor space. How cool is that?#image.jpg

#image.jpgOr, you can take things up a notch. Remove one Servant from your loyal pool, and in return, you get to place two other Servants from your pool on either one or two of your Ships. Whoa!#image.jpg

I’ll tell you something interesting about the game – the Ships on the Grand Canal! You can add servants to the free spaces on your Ships or to one or two new Ships. Here’s the catch – each Ship must have at least one Servant on it. You have three Ships to use, and you can use them as many times as you want. But wait, there’s more! Placing a new Ship on the Canal doesn’t count as a movement.

Now, when you want to place a new Ship on the Grand Canal, you have to put it on a free Harbour that’s as close to the starting Harbor of the Canal (Beijing) as possible. Can you guess why?

Well, in a game with four or five players, there are two Grand Canal routes. These routes have two starting Harbors. So, when it’s time to place a new Ship, you get to pick which route you want to use. You place your Ship on the first free Harbor space of that route. Pretty cool, right? Just remember, Ships can never be moved from one route to another.

If there’s a free space on this Canal, you can move your Ship. Remember, you can only move your Ship if there’s a free Harbor space left. Skip the occupied Harbors and move to the next free one. It’s important to note that the Ship you move doesn’t have to be the same one you placed a Servant on. Give it a try!

If your Ship has 3 Servants on board and you reach a Harbor with a reward you want, you have the option to claim it. Here’s how:

First, take 1 Servant from your Ship and place it next to an available Harbor reward on your Player Board. Then, immediately take that reward. Make sure to also take the indicated reward.

Next, return your Ship next to your Player Board and put the remaining 2 Servants back into the general supply.

Here are the rewards you can choose from:

• Harbor 1 (Beijing): This is a starting Harbor and has no reward.
• #image.jpgHarbor 2 (Cangzhou): Immediately receive 4 Victory Points (VP).
• #image.jpgHarbor 3 (Jininga): Right away, grab the topmost Gift Card from the draw pile and add it to your hand. Your hand will now have an extra card.
• #image.jpgHarbor 4 (Huai’an): Immediately put your Foreman in the Servant pool on your Player Board. This unique Servant is now part of your Servant pool and can be used in different ways.
• Harbor 5 (Hangzhou): Right away, choose your rewards from harbor 2, 3, or 4. You can get 4 VPs, an extra Gift Card, or your Foreman. To claim a reward, make sure there’s an empty space next to it on your Player Board. You can only get your Foreman once, an extra Gift Card twice, and 4 VPs three times.

Foreman

Being a foreman is one of the most challenging yet rewarding jobs I’ve ever had. It’s a role that requires a unique blend of skills and qualities, ensuring the smooth running of a construction site and the successful completion of projects. But what exactly does it take to be a great foreman?

First and foremost, communication is vital. As a foreman, I need to be able to effectively communicate with the entire team, including the workers, contractors, and project managers. Clear and consistent communication keeps everyone on the same page, prevents misunderstandings, and ensures that everyone knows what is expected of them.

Another important aspect of being a foreman is being able to lead by example. I firmly believe that actions speak louder than words. By demonstrating a strong work ethic and a commitment to quality, I set the standard for the team. I’m out there on the site, working alongside the crew, and showing them that I’m not afraid to get my hands dirty. This builds trust and respect, and it also motivates the team to do their best.

Organization is also crucial. A construction site can be a busy and chaotic place, with many different tasks and deadlines to manage. As a foreman, I need to be able to prioritize and delegate tasks effectively, ensuring that everything runs smoothly and efficiently. This involves creating schedules, coordinating with suppliers and subcontractors, and keeping track of materials and equipment.

Being adaptable is another key trait of a great foreman. Construction projects are rarely straightforward, and unexpected challenges can arise at any moment. It’s important to be able to quickly assess the situation, make decisions on the spot, and adjust the plan as necessary. This requires problem-solving skills, creativity, and the ability to think on your feet.

Lastly, safety is of utmost importance. Construction sites can be dangerous places, and it is my responsibility to ensure that every worker goes home safe at the end of the day. This involves conducting regular safety inspections, enforcing safety protocols, and providing training and support to the team. Safety should always be the top priority.

In conclusion, being a foreman is a challenging role that requires a unique set of skills and qualities. Effective communication, leading by example, organization, adaptability, and a commitment to safety are all essential for success in this position. It’s a demanding job, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. If you have what it takes, being a foreman can be an incredibly fulfilling career choice.

At the start of the game, each player has one Foreman on their Player Board. You can bring the Foreman into play by using the Grand Canal action. Once you’ve unlocked the Foreman, it becomes just like any other Servant.

When unlocked, the Foreman can be placed upright or lying down. If you place it upright, it counts as one Servant. If you place it lying down, it counts as two Servants.

To gain your Foreman, whenever you would normally gain one Servant from the general supply to your Servant pool, you can choose to take your Foreman instead.

If you need to remove two Servants from your Servant pool, instead of removing two Servants, you can choose to remove your Foreman.

When it comes to the Great Wall or Grand Canal, you can use your Foreman just like any other Servant. The choice is yours.

Hey there! Did you know that when you put a Servant on the Great Wall or a Ship, you can also put your Foreman there? The cool thing is, instead of just taking up one spot, your Foreman takes up two! That means it counts as two Servants. Pretty neat, huh?

But wait, it gets even better! If you can place two Servants on the Great Wall or a Ship, you can actually put one regular Servant and your Foreman there. That means you’ll have a total of three Servants! How awesome is that?

Hey there! So, let me break it down for you. Although you can totally use your Foreman to put it on a Decree or get a Harbor reward, it may not be the smartest move. Here’s the thing – if you do that, your Foreman can only be used in a vertical position, and it’ll take up one space as one Servant. The catch is, once you do that, you won’t be able to use it for the rest of the game. So, you might want to think twice about that.

Phase 3: The Evening Phase

Alright, when everyone is out of Gift Cards during the Day Phase, we move on to the Evening Phase. It’s a two-step process:

Step 1: Check Destiny Dice Values

When I’m playing the game, I make sure to check if the value of any Gift Cards in my discard pile matches the values of the Destiny Dice. I do this at the same time as all the other players. If I find any matching values, I have the option to gain Servants from the general supply and add them to my Servant pool. Normally, I would get 1 Servant for each matching card, but if 2 Destiny Dice have the same number, I get 2 Servants for each matching card. It’s always exciting to see if luck is on my side and if I’ll be able to add more Servants to my pool!

After everyone has revealed their Gift Cards, it’s time to determine the player who has collected the most matching values. If you’re the lucky one, congratulations! You’ll receive an extra 3 Victory Points and get to move your Envoy one step closer to the majestic Palace of Heavenly Purity. But what happens if there’s a tie? Well, then we turn to the order of the Intrigue markers for the final decision.

Step 2: Sail All Ships

Alright, here’s the deal: I gotta move all the ships on the Grand Canal forward by one step. We start with the ships that are already ahead on the canal, and we take turns moving them.

But here’s the catch: if your ship happened to be docked at Hangzhou Harbor (the very last step on the canal), tough luck! Your ship is lost at sea. You gotta return it to your player board, along with the servants, which go back to the general supply.

Now, let’s talk about the players who still have ships on the Grand Canal after all that chaos. They get to decide if they want to claim a Harbor reward from their ship’s new location. Just keep in mind that the order in which we do this is the same order as the unfinished day we’re playing. And if you’re curious about how to claim those rewards, flip to page 12 for the full scoop!

Now, if this was the fourth day, we’re done here. We move on to the final scoring of the game. But don’t worry, if it’s any other day, guess what? Tomorrow’s a new morning, my friend!

Time to Score

Once you have completed 4 days of the game, it’s time to move on to the final scoring stage. Here’s what you need to do:

First, let’s take a look at the Great Wall. If there are still Servants on the Great Wall, score it as you normally would. The player who has the most Servants on the Great Wall will receive 3 Victory Points (VP) and move their Envoy 1 step forward on the Palace track.

Note: This is an important step because it could actually help a player reach the Palace of Heavenly Purity, which means they could win the game!

When I reach the Palace of Heavenly Purity, my position determines the number of VPs I receive. The higher my placement, the more VPs I earn.

When playing the game, you earn VPs for the level 3 Decrees that you own. You can find detailed descriptions of all the Decrees on page 11.

If you didn’t manage to get your Envoy into the Palace of Heavenly Purity during the final scoring, unfortunately, you can’t win the game. Your VP disks will be taken off the Scoring track.

Out of the remaining players on the Scoring track, the player with the most Victory Points will be declared the most influential Chinese Family and will win the game.

In the event of a tie, the order of the Intrigue markers will be the deciding factor (we like to keep things consistent).

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