Contents
Welcome to the World of Paper Tales
They say that stories have the power to transport us to new worlds and ignite our imagination. With Paper Tales, you have the chance to become the author of your own adventure. So grab a pencil and paper, because it’s time to create a tale that will captivate and inspire.
In this game, you will have the opportunity to craft a mighty kingdom, populated with legendary heroes and monstrous villains. Your kingdom’s fate is in your hands, and every decision you make will shape its destiny. Will you build a prosperous empire or fall victim to the schemes of your enemies?
To play Paper Tales, you’ll need a deck of cards and a group of fellow adventurers. Each player will take turns revealing cards and utilizing their abilities. These cards represent the characters and resources that make up your kingdom. You’ll need to strategically choose which cards to keep and which to let go, as each card has its own unique strengths and weaknesses.
As you progress through the game, you’ll face various challenges and opportunities. It’s up to you to navigate these obstacles and make the best choices for your kingdom. Will you send your heroes on daring quests to earn valuable rewards? Or will you focus on expanding your realm and fortifying your defenses? The choice is yours.
One of the most exciting aspects of Paper Tales is the ability to evolve your cards over time. As you progress, you’ll have the opportunity to upgrade your characters and unlock powerful new abilities. This adds a layer of strategy and depth to the game, as you carefully consider which cards to keep and which to transform.
No two games of Paper Tales are ever the same. With each playthrough, you’ll uncover new stories and experience different outcomes. The game is filled with surprises and twists, keeping you on the edge of your seat until the very end. So gather your friends, sit around the table, and let the tales unfold.
Paper Tales is more than just a game – it’s an experience. It has the power to bring people together, to spark creativity, and to transport you to fantastical realms. So dive in, embrace your inner storyteller, and let your imagination run wild. The kingdom awaits, and your epic tale is about to begin. Are you ready?

Once upon a time, there was an era filled with epic battles and mythical beings. Paper Tales is a precious artifact from that forgotten time. It’s time to open this enchanted book once more and immerse ourselves in the wonders of those legendary ages!
Paper Tales is a game designed for 2 to 5 players. Your goal is to gather Legend Points and shape the course of history in your favor.
During each turn, you must carefully select the perfect combination of Units. These Units represent the glory of your Kingdom, showcasing its triumphs and conquests. But be warned, time is relentless and space is limited. Eventually, your Units will be swept away by the unforgiving passage of time.
What’s Inside the Box

- 1 Score track
- 1 wooden Time token
- 40 Gold tokens
- 30 Age tokens
- 5 Player’s Aid cards
- 5 wooden Score tokens
- 25 Building cards (5 per player)
- 81 Unit cards
Resources
Some Buildings and Units produce resources, indicated by
,
and
icons.
These resources are never materialized by components: they are available for as long as the cards which produce them are in play.
Resources are required for constructing Buildings and are used for the resolution of some cards’ abilities.
Anatomy of a Unit Card

When it comes to building cards in Paper Tales, there are several important factors to consider. Let’s break it down:
1. Number of copies: Each card has a specific number of copies in the game. This affects how likely you are to draw that card during gameplay.
2. Deployment cost: Every building card has a deployment cost, which represents the resources you need to spend in order to play that card.
3. Unit’s strength: Building cards also have a strength value, which determines their effectiveness in battles and other interactions with other cards.
4. Card’s ability: Each building card has a special ability that can be activated during gameplay. These abilities can give you advantages, such as producing resources or boosting your unit’s strength.
5. Ability’s activation phase: It’s important to note that the ability of a building card can only be activated during specific phases of the game. Timing is key when using these abilities.
6. Resource(s) produced: Some building cards have the ability to produce resources. These resources can be used to play other cards or perform various actions in the game.
Anatomy of a Building Card
Buildings in Paper Tales have two levels: level
(front side) and level
(back side). Level 2 Buildings not only earn more Legend Points but also provide an additional ability for you to use.
1. Building’s name: Each building card has a unique name that represents its theme or purpose.
2. Building’s level: Buildings can be either at level
or level
. The level of a building determines its characteristics and abilities.
3. Legend Points earned: At the end of the game, buildings may earn you Legend Points. These points contribute to your final score and can help you win the game.

4 Level construction cost. That’s what we’ll delve into in this article. It’s fascinating to think about how much effort and expense goes into constructing something. Just think about all the materials, equipment, and skilled labor that are required. The intricacies of construction can be mind-boggling, but it’s also a testament to human ingenuity and determination.
So, let’s break it down. First of all, there are four levels of construction cost that you should know about. Level One is the basic cost, which includes all the essential materials and labor needed to complete the project. This is the foundation, the starting point. It’s what you need to get the job done, but it doesn’t include any fancy extras or special features.
Level Two is where you start to see some upgrades. This is when you add in those little details that make a big difference. Maybe it’s a higher quality material, or a unique design feature. Level Two allows you to elevate your project from basic to something a bit more special. It’s about adding that extra touch to make your construction stand out.
But why stop at Level Two? If you want to take your construction project to the next level, there’s always Level Three. This is where you can really go all out. Think gourmet kitchen appliances, luxurious bathroom fixtures, and high-end finishes. Level Three is about creating a space that is truly exceptional, with all the bells and whistles.
Now, before you get too carried away, there’s one more level to consider. Level Four is the pinnacle of construction. It’s where dreams become reality. This is the level for those who want nothing but the best. Level Four is all about customizing every aspect of your project, from the flooring to the lighting to the landscaping. It’s about creating a space that is uniquely yours.
So, which level is right for you? Well, that depends on a number of factors. It’s important to consider your budget, your timeline, and your overall vision for the project. And don’t forget about the long-term costs and maintenance that come with each level. It’s a big decision, but with the right information and guidance, you can make the choice that’s best for you.
In conclusion, construction is a complex and fascinating process. Whether you’re starting from scratch or renovating an existing space, there are so many factors to consider. But no matter which level of construction cost you choose, one thing is for sure – it’s an investment in your future.

Hey there! Let’s talk about construction costs for buildings. It’s a super important topic to cover, so I’m here to explain it all to you. Sound good? Great! Let’s dive in.
So, when it comes to building something, like a house or a skyscraper, there are a few things you need to consider. One of the key factors is the construction cost. This is how much money it will take to actually build the thing.
Now, the construction cost can vary a lot depending on what you’re building and where you’re building it. Different materials and labor costs all play a part in the final price. It’s a lot to think about, but don’t worry, I’ll break it down for you.
First off, let’s talk about the level of construction. This refers to how complex and high-quality the building is. Think of it like a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the basicest basic and 10 being super fancy. The higher the level, the more expensive it will be to build.
Next up, we have the building’s abilities. This is all about what the building can do and what features it has. For example, a building with a pool or a gym will cost more to construct than a plain old building with nothing special.
So, as you can see, there’s a lot to think about when it comes to construction costs. You have to take into account the level of construction and the building’s abilities. It can be a bit overwhelming, but don’t worry, I’m here to help!

Setting Up
First, put the Score track in the middle of the table. Then, place the Time token on the first spot of the Turn track.
Next, make 2 separate groups with the Gold and Age tokens. Each player takes 3 Gold from the Gold group. Remember, your Gold is always visible to everyone.
Choose a color and get the corresponding Player’s Aid card and Score token. Put your Score token on square 1 of the Score Track.
Lastly, each player picks a set of 5 different Building cards (Town, Tavern, Mine, Temple, and Barracks). These are the Buildings you can construct throughout the game.
Shuffle all the Unit cards and stack them face down. Leave space for a separate pile where discarded cards will go.
Goal of the Game
When you play the game, you get to build up your Kingdom by unleashing your Units and constructing cool Buildings. The more you play and strategize, the more Legend Points you earn. And guess what? The player who ends up with the most Legend Points after 4 game turns is the ultimate winner!
Your Kingdom
Your Kingdom is basically made up of all the Units and Buildings that you’ve got in play right in front of you. It’s like creating your own little world!

When I play this game, I have 4 spaces where I can put my Units into play. I can put 2 Units in the Front 1 and 2 Units in the Back 2.
Whenever I build a Building during the game, I place it close to my Units. Any Buildings that I don’t use right away, I can keep on the side and check them whenever I want.
Let’s Play!
This game is made up of 4 turns, and each turn has 6 phases that we go through one after another. We all play at the same time during each phase. The 6 turn phases are:
- Recruitment
- Deployment
- Wars
- Income
- Construction
- Aging
After the Aging phase, the turn is over.
1. Recruitment

In this game, you get to choose which Units you want to use. It’s really cool because it lets you decide what kind of cards you will have later.
When we start playing, each of us gets 5 Unit cards from this big pile. That’s a lot of cards! I get to pick one of the cards for myself, and then I give the other 4 cards to my friend sitting next to me.
My friend does the same thing – they pick one card for themselves, and then they give the rest of the cards to their neighbor. We do this over and over again until everyone has 5 cards of their own.
![]() Look at Marie! She has 5 cards in front of her. She decided to keep the card called Relic for herself. Then, she passed the other 4 cards to the person sitting next to her. |
Let me walk you through how to play Paper Tales. When the game starts, you will receive four cards from the player on your right. Take a look at those cards and choose one to keep. Add that card to your hand, and pass the remaining three to the player on your left. This process continues, with each player choosing one card to keep and passing the rest to their neighbor.
It’s important to note that the direction in which the cards are passed changes depending on the game turn. On turns 1 and 3, cards are passed to the left, while on turns 2 and 4, cards are passed to the right.
Once this phase is over, each player adds any cards they kept from previous turns back into their hand.
One thing to remember is that if the draw pile runs out of cards, you need to shuffle the discard pile to form a new draw pile.
And that’s how you play Paper Tales! Enjoy the game and have fun exploring its many possibilities.

I’m going to share some information about how players put Units into play in their Kingdoms. It’s pretty cool stuff! So, each player has these 4 spots in front of them for deploying Units: 2 in the Front and 2 in the Back. This is the most Units they can have in their Kingdom when the game starts, and it’s super exciting!
But wait, there’s more! Later on in the game, players can unlock a 5th spot in the Front. How cool is that? It gives them even more options to strategize and win the game.
Now let’s talk about selecting Units. Players get to choose which Units from their hand they want to put into play in their Kingdom. But here’s the thing, they can only keep one Unit that they don’t want to play, and they have to discard the rest. That’s a tricky decision to make, but it keeps the game interesting.
Here’s how it works. Players place the Units they want to put into play face down on the available spots in their Kingdom. And guess what? They do this at the same time, so there’s no guessing what the other players are up to. It adds an extra layer of excitement to the game!
So there you have it, now you know how players put Units from their hand into play in their Kingdoms. Have fun strategizing and may the best player win!
If you don’t have enough space in your Kingdom, you have the option to discard Units that are already in play or move them around to different spots.
When everyone is finished playing, we all reveal the Units we just played and pay their cost in Gold at the same time.
If you don’t have enough Gold, you’ll need to discard any Units that you can’t afford. However, you don’t have to repay for Units that were brought into play on previous turns.

So, here I am, Fred. I have this burning desire to add 2 new Units to my glorious Kingdom. The only problem is that I already have 3 Units in play, and my Kingdom can’t handle the influx. What’s a King to do?
I’ve considered my options, and after careful contemplation, I’ve come up with a plan. First, I need to make some space, so I’ve decided to discard the Time Master. Although it pains me to say goodbye to such a powerful Unit, sacrifices must be made for the greater good.
Next, I need to rearrange my troops strategically. I’m moving my trusty Hunter from the Front to the Back. This way, I can optimize my defensive positions and prepare for any incoming attacks.
With these calculated moves, my Kingdom is now ready to embrace the arrival of the new Units. I can almost taste the excitement and anticipation in the air. Oh, the joys of expanding and strengthening my dominion!

So, here’s what happened. I was all set to play my two Units. I had my strategy all worked out and was ready to go. But then, out of nowhere, my opponent played a card that completely disrupted my plans. I mean, talk about bad luck!
It’s moments like these that really make me appreciate the complexity of this game. You can have everything all lined up just the way you want it, and then one little move can throw everything off balance.
But you know what? That’s also what makes it so exciting. The unpredictability, the strategic maneuvering, the constant need to be alert and adapt to changing circumstances – it all adds up to a truly exhilarating experience.
And that’s why I love this game. Sure, it can be frustrating at times, but it’s also incredibly rewarding when things go your way. It’s a game that challenges your mind, tests your decision-making skills, and keeps you on your toes.
So, if you’re looking for a game that will really put your brain to the test, then this is the one for you. Just be prepared for a few surprises along the way!

So, picture this: we’re all gathered around, getting ready to play a game. We’ve all got our cards, ready to go. And then, just when we think we know what we’re doing, Fred pulls out some unexpected moves.
When everyone is ready, Fred reveals these newly played cards and pays 3 Gold: 2 for Demon and 1 for Miner.
It’s like a surprise twist in the game, something that throws us all off guard. But hey, that’s what makes it exciting, right?

When you see an icon, it means that an ability is triggered only once, right after the Unit is revealed.

I want to remind you about something important: during this phase of the game, you need to use all the abilities shown by symbols on your Units and Buildings in your Kingdom. Now let’s talk about the third phase: Wars.

When kingdoms go to war, their goal is to earn Legend Points. It’s a battle for supremacy, where every player must assess the strength of their own kingdom.
To determine the might of a kingdom, players add up the strengths of their units in the front line. Some cards have special abilities, marked with a * symbol, that can modify their strength.
Marie’s kingdom has Demon and Woodcutter in the front line, giving her a total strength of 9. |
Once the strength of each player’s kingdom is determined, the next step is to compare it with the strength of their two neighboring kingdoms – one on the left and one on the right. If a player’s kingdom is stronger or equal to one of their neighbors, they emerge victorious in a war.
Winning a war earns the player 3 Legend Points (LP). In the event of a tie, both players win the war and earn 3 Legend Points.

Hey there! Just a quick reminder, in this phase, we get to use all the fancy abilities displayed on Units and Buildings in our Kingdom. Pretty cool, right?
4. Cash Flow

In the world of Paper Tales, kingdoms have a neat way of making money – they use Gold. It’s a simple concept but an important one. Let me break it down for you:
Every player starts with a base income of 2 Gold. That’s the Gold they get from the pool. But here’s where it gets interesting – some Units and Buildings in your Kingdom can bring in additional Gold. You’ll know which ones because they have a special symbol.
Now, let me introduce you to Julian. Julian knows his way around his Kingdom, and he’s got a knack for making money. With his abilities and buildings, Julian can earn a whopping 5 Gold! Here’s how: He starts with his base income of 2 Gold. But wait, there’s more! He also gets 1 extra Gold from his Blacksmith and a generous 2 extra Gold from his Temple. That adds up to a total of 5 Gold!
So, remember, in Paper Tales, Gold is the name of the game. It’s what keeps the kingdoms thriving and the players strategizing. Keep an eye out for those special abilities and symbols that can bring you some extra Gold.
![]() Here’s a visual representation of Julian’s Kingdom and his ability to earn 5 Gold. |

Don’t forget: In this phase, we use all the abilities shown by the symbols on Units and Buildings in our Kingdom.
5. Building

Hey there! I’m here to help you understand how to play Paper Tales. It’s a game where you get to use your resources to build and upgrade buildings in your kingdom. Let me break it down for you.
First things first, the resources you need to construct or upgrade a building are never actually spent. You just have to produce them with your unit or building cards in your kingdom.
Now, let’s talk about the construction actions you can take:
- Construct a new building
- Upgrade an existing building
1. Construct a New Building
If you haven’t already, you can choose one of the five buildings you received at the start of the game and put it into play in your kingdom. Simple, right?
You can place the Building in two ways: on its side or directly on the level side. Either way, you have to pay for both the Land cost and Resources cost of the Building.
Land cost: When you build a new Building, you have to pay 2 Gold for each Building you already have in your Kingdom.
Resources cost: To construct the Building, you need to produce all the Resources required for its construction. You can do this with the Buildings and Units already in your Kingdom.
If you choose to construct it on the level side, you need to produce the Resources indicated by the icon.
Hey there! Let’s talk about how to make a cool thing called a level. You’ll want to use two important resources, shown as
and
. These resources are used to directly construct the level, which is pretty neat!

2. Building Upgrades
When you want to improve a building that has already been constructed, you can upgrade it to a higher level. To do this, you’ll need to pay the resources cost shown by the
icon. Unlike when you initially built the building, there is no land cost involved in upgrading. All you have to do is flip the building over to its higher level
side. It’s a straightforward process that will enhance the effectiveness and capabilities of your building.


So, I want to upgrade my Town. And to do that, I’m going to use the Forest elemental. It’s an amazing creature that generates enough gold to cover the cost shown by
Extra Spot for Units
If you have at least one Level Building in play, you get an extra spot on the Front for adding another Unit. It’s like a bonus spot, and it’s the most spots you can have. You can see how many bonus spots you have by looking at the icon next to the name of each of your level Buildings.



I’m excited to share some great news with you! Jean-Baptiste has just built the Level Tavern in his Kingdom, which means he can now have up to 5 Units deployed. This is a big achievement and an important milestone for him.

Just a heads up: In this phase, you get to use all the cool powers and skills shown on Units and Buildings in your Kingdom.
6. The Passage of Time

Units age over time, just like we do. This means that as time passes, some Units will die while others will simply get older. Let me explain.
First, let’s talk about the Units that die. These are the Units that already have one or more Age tokens on them. When a Unit has an Age token, it means that it has reached a certain point in its lifecycle and can no longer continue. So, when a Unit has one or more Age tokens on it, it is discarded from the game.
Now, let’s move on to the Units that get older. These are the Units that are still in play and do not have any Age tokens on them yet. As time goes by, one Age token is added to each of these Units, representing the passing of time and their growing age.
So you see, the aging process in the game affects different Units in different ways. Some Units will die as they reach a certain point in their lifecycle, while others will continue to get older as time goes on. It’s an interesting mechanic that adds depth and strategy to the game.

Imagine this: Colossus and Farmer. Both of them have this thing called an Age token. It’s like a special marker that represents their life. But here’s the twist – when their age is up, they die, and their token gets discarded. It’s a bit sad, I know.


Hey there! Guess what? I’ve got some exciting news for you. Brace yourself because Denis is down to only 2 Units in his Kingdom. Can you believe it? He really needs your help to add an Age token on each of them. Now, I know what you’re thinking. What’s an Age token, right?

Just a heads up: During this part, we activate all the symbols on Units and Buildings in our Kingdom.
End of the Turn
After the Aging phase, we move the Time token forward. Then, we start a new game turn.
End of the Game
The game ends after turn 4. We add the Legend Points shown on the Buildings we constructed to our score.
Whoever has the highest total of Legend Points is the winner.
If some players have the same number of points, the one with the most Gold left wins. If it’s still a tie, we share victory.
Rules For 2 Players
If you’re playing with 2 players, here are some adjustments to make. We recommend playing a game with the normal rules first to understand the game before trying the 2 player variant.
Recruiting
When we play Paper Tales, you and I will get 9 Unit cards each. That’s more cards to work with than usual! But here’s the catch: whenever you decide to keep a card, you’ll have to discard one card of your choice before passing the remaining ones to your opponent. It’s all about making tough choices!
Wars
During our battles in Paper Tales, the player with the higher or equal strength to their opponent will win a War, just like the normal rules say. But here’s something interesting: if your strength is twice as great as your opponent’s, you’ll win not one, but two Wars! That’s an impressive victory!

