The Quacks of Quedlinburg Game Guide

Welcome to the world of The Quacks of Quedlinburg! In this game, I will take you on an exciting journey filled with potions, luck, and strategy. Together, we will navigate the mystical town of Quedlinburg, experimenting with different ingredients, and brewing potions to become the most powerful quack in town!

As we delve into the rules of this game, you’ll discover the thrill of brewing potions and the challenges that come with it. Each player will take on the role of a quack, a cunning potion maker, trying to create the most potent concoctions to impress the villagers of Quedlinburg.

Setting Up the Game

Before we dive into the magical world of potions, let’s make sure we set up the game correctly. You’ll find a game board that represents the town of Quedlinburg. Place it in the center of the playing area so that everyone can reach it easily. Each player should have their own player board, which shows your ingredients, your cauldron, and your score track.

Next, we need to prepare the ingredient books and the fortune teller’s display. Shuffle the ingredient books and place them face-down next to the game board. Then, reveal the first three ingredient books and place them face-up in a row. These books will determine the available ingredients for the round.

Now it’s time to gather the ingredient chips. Each ingredient book has a corresponding number of chips. Shuffle each set of chips face-down, and then reveal one chip from each set, placing them on their respective spaces on the ingredient books. These chips represent the actual ingredients you can use for your potions.

Playing the Game

The Quacks of Quedlinburg is played over several rounds, with each round consisting of several turns. On your turn, you’ll select one of the available ingredients and add it to your cauldron. Each ingredient has a specific value, and you’ll increase your score track accordingly. However, be careful! If the total value of your ingredients exceeds a certain limit, your potion will explode, and you’ll have to stop adding ingredients for the round.

As you play, you’ll have the opportunity to purchase new ingredient books from the fortune teller’s display. These new books will give you access to more powerful and valuable ingredients, allowing you to brew even stronger potions.

At the end of each round, you’ll score points based on the value of the ingredients in your cauldron. The player with the most points at the end of the game will be declared the winner and earn the title of the greatest quack of Quedlinburg!

Conclusion

Now that you have a basic understanding of The Quacks of Quedlinburg, it’s time to dive into the magical world of potion brewing. Remember, as a quack, you must carefully balance the risks and rewards of adding ingredients to your cauldron. Choose wisely, strategize, and may luck be on your side as you aim to become the most renowned quack in all of Quedlinburg!

I put together a list of the things you’ll find in the game:

– 4 Pots (player boards)

– 4 Flasks

– 4 Bags

– 8 Droplets

– 4 Rat stones

– 1 Scoring Track

– 4 Scoring Markers

– 1 Flame (round marker)

– 24 Fortuneteller Cards

– 20 Rubies

– 12 Ingredient Books

– 215 Ingredient Chips

– 4x 0/50 Seals

– Bonus Dice

Now let’s talk about how to set it all up.

When it’s time to start the game, the person who cooked most recently gets to go first. If you’re the start player, grab the Fortune Teller cards and mix them up. Place them face down in a pile in front of you. Next, take the Scoring Track and put it in the center of the table.

I put the Flame 1 token on the 1-space of the turn tracker. Then, I placed the 4 seal tiles on the 4 seal spaces, making sure that the “0” is facing up.

I laid out the orange book and the black book. These books are essential for every game. Inside the black book, there is a page for a 2-player game and another page for a 3- and 4-player game. The number of pots shown at the bottom tells you how many players can join.

Did you know that the ingredient books come in sets? There are 4 sets in total, and each set contains 5 different ingredients. These ingredients are color-coded as green, blue, red, yellow, and purple. You can identify the sets by the number of bookmarks displayed on the bottom edge of the book.

Make sure to flip through both the front and back sides of the books. To start, you should use Set 1, which consists of books with only 1 bookmark. Once you get the hang of it, you can move on to Set 2, then Set 3, and finally Set 4.

Let’s start by grabbing the green, blue, and red books from one of the sets. We’ll set aside the yellow and purple books for now, as we’ll use them in Turns 2 and 3, respectively. Next, we need to organize the ingredient chips based on their colors and place them next to their corresponding ingredient books.

Now it’s time to get started. We’ll begin by laying out the green, blue, and red books from one set. The yellow and purple books will be set aside for later.

Each player will receive a pot (player board), a bag, and a scoring marker in their chosen color. Place the scoring marker on the seal tile of the same color. Position the pot in front of you with the side without the test tubes facing up and place your droplet on the “0” space in the middle of the pot.

To set the stage for this adventure, you need a few key items. First, grab a flask, but make sure it matches your color. Putting it on the large trivet, with the full side facing up, is the way to go. And don’t forget about the rat stone! Place it on the small trivet, to the left of your flask.

Alright, let’s get started! First, we need to gather our chips. Each player will receive 4 white 1-chips, 2 white 2-chips, 1 white 3-chip, 1 orange 1-chip, and 1 green 1-chip. Remember, you can find a helpful illustration at the bottom left of the pots. Make sure to put all these chips into your bag!

How to Play the Game

Let me explain how the game works in simple terms. The game is divided into 9 turns, which are marked by the Flame piece. Each turn has a different outcome and presents new challenges for you to overcome.

Understanding Fortune Teller Cards

When each turn begins, I, the player with the Fortune Teller cards, will read the first card aloud. Then, I will place it face up next to the Scoring Track, creating the discard pile.

The action described on the card applies to all players. If the action allows us to take a yellow or purple chip, we can only do so if the corresponding ingredient book is already uncovered.

If the Fortune Teller card is purple, it is carried out right before the turn starts. If it is blue, it applies to the entire turn or at the end of the turn.

The Rats

When I start the game (on the 2nd round), the first thing that happens is the Fortune Teller card is read aloud. After that, the rats come into play. These little critters help fill up my pot before I can make my potion. It’s pretty neat! The only person who doesn’t get to throw rat-tails in their pot is the player who’s in first place. They must be jealous!

To figure out how far my rat stones can move forward, I count the rat-tails between me and the player in the lead on the Scoring Track. Then, I place my rat stone that many spaces past my droplet. It’s like a little race to see who can get their rat stone the farthest!

For instance: The player who is currently in the lead is the green player. Coming in second place is the blue player. There is no gap between the blue and green players. Consequently, the blue player cannot utilize their rat stone during this turn.

On the other hand, there is a single gap between the green player and the yellow player. Thus, the yellow player has the ability to position their rat stone 1 space ahead of their droplet. In contrast, there are 2 gaps between the green player and the red player. As a result, the red player can move their rat stone 2 spaces ahead of their droplet.

After tallying the number of rat tails and adjusting the rat stones accordingly, it’s time to move on to the next phase of the game – the Potions Phase. This is when we all simultaneously concoct our potions, so get ready!

Preparing Potions

To prepare our potions, we each take turns drawing chips from our bags and placing them in the numbered spaces in our pots. The exciting part is that we all do this at the same time! No waiting for your turn here. However, it’s important to note that we don’t have to draw our chips at the exact same moment.

Once you draw a chip, place it in the space right after the droplet in your pot. If you have a rat in your pot, place the chip after that. The chips have values of 1, 2, 3, and 4, so choose wisely.

When it comes to playing the game of droplet or rat, it’s important to understand how the chips are placed on the board. Let me explain it to you.

Imagine we have a row of spaces on the board, and we want to place chips on them. The first chip, called a 1-chip, goes on the first space after the droplet or rat. Then, the second chip, called a 2-chip, goes on the second space. And this pattern continues for each subsequently drawn chip.

So, if we draw a 3-chip, it goes on the third space, and if we draw a 4-chip, it goes on the fourth space. We keep placing the chips after the previously laid chip, according to their value.

If there are any empty spaces in between, we leave them empty. This means that if we draw a 6-chip but there’s an empty space after the 4-chip, we don’t skip the empty space. Instead, we place the 6-chip right after the 4-chip.

This is how the chips are placed on the board in the game of droplet or rat. Now that you know the rules, you can play the game with confidence. Have fun!

Example: I start by taking out the first chip from my bag, which happens to be an orange 1-chip. I place it on the space right after the droplet, which is called space-1. Then I draw a yellow 2-chip from my bag and put it on space-3, two spaces away from the orange chip. If my next draw is a 1-chip, I’ll place it on space-4.

After each chip is drawn and placed, we all decide if we want to keep going or stop and not draw another chip from our bags. We might want to stop because we’re afraid that our pot might explode. If I run out of chips in my bag, I have to stop drawing. Those who have stopped place their bags on the table in front of them, so it’s clear who’s still playing. And remember, we can never peek into our bags.

Being Stopped by an Explosion

If you draw a bunch of white chips and the total value is more than 7, your potion is going to explode! It means you have too many cherry bombs in there. When that happens, you have to stop drawing more chips. But don’t worry, the last chip you drew still goes into the pot.

Important!

When we check for an explosion, we only add up the values on the white chips. We don’t count the values on the other colored chips. Also, explosions don’t affect the Fortune Teller cards or the actions of the chips (see below).

Example: Let’s say I have some white chips in my pot. They have a value of six altogether. I decide to take out another white chip from my bag. This chip has a value of two. Now the total value is eight and my pot explodes. I can’t take out any more chips from my bag.

Chip Actions

Most chips in the game have additional actions, except for the white and orange chips. When you draw blue, red, or yellow chips, you can activate their special actions right away. And here’s the fun part – you can choose whether or not to use these actions.

Example: I’m Lucas, and I just got a blue 2-chip! I’m excited to add it to my pot. Oh, but there’s more! I get to draw 2 more chips from my bag, but here’s the twist – I can only keep 1 of them. Let’s see what I get. A white 3-chip and a red 1-chip. Hmmm, decisions, decisions. After careful consideration, I’ve decided to put the red 1-chip in my pot. As for the white chip, back into the bag it goes. I could have chosen not to put either chip in, but I thought the red one would be a good addition. It’s all about strategy!

Now, let’s talk about the green, purple, and black chips. They have some special actions, but you can only use them at the end of the Potions Phase. Make sure to check out The Almanac of Ingredients for all the juicy details on these special actions. Happy brewing!

Flasks

Got a white chip? No problem! Just use your trusty flask to put it back in your bag.

But beware: If the pot explodes because of that last chip, you can’t use the flask!

After you use the flask, flip it over to show that it’s empty. Don’t worry, though – you can still take more chips from the bag. Just remember, you can only use the flask again once it’s been refilled (see Evaluation Phase F). So, you only get one flask per turn.

End Of Phase

When we all decide to stop drawing chips, or if there’s an explosion (too many white chips), it’s time for the Evaluation Phase.

Evaluation Phase

When it comes to playing the game, one important thing to keep in mind is the scoring space. This is the space right after the last chip you put in your pot. It doesn’t matter if the last chip you drew made the potion explode or not – that doesn’t affect the scoring space.

For example: The spot where Nina’s pot exploded in the above example is called space-10 (marked in yellow).

The steps for evaluating the game are located in the center of the scoring banner. If your pot exploded, you won’t be involved in Evaluation Phase A.

Special Bonus

First, let’s check if anyone’s potion blew up. If not, we’ll see who made it the furthest on the board. There may be multiple spaces with the same score, but the one farthest from the starting space is the highest scoring. Whoever got there first gets a special bonus and gets to roll the Bonus Die. And if there’s a tie, everyone who tied gets to roll the die!

Imagine this: You and I are playing a game together. We’ve both reached a special scoring space on the board that has a value of 23. We’re relieved that our pots haven’t exploded! But here’s the twist: my scoring space is higher than yours. So, I get a bonus and get to roll the Bonus Die!

B. Let’s Talk About the Chips

Now, let’s talk about the chips in our pots. Starting with the player who goes first and going around in a circle, we each need to see if we have any black, green, or purple chips in our pots. If we do, we get to take advantage of any actions or benefits associated with these chips. If you have any questions about how the chips work, just take a look at the ingredient book cards for more information.

For example: In the book we’re using, everyone gets 1 ruby for each green chip they have placed on the last or next-to-last space in their pots.

C. Rubies

What Are Rubies?

Let me tell you about rubies, which are fascinating gemstones that have captivated humans for centuries. Rubies are a type of mineral called corundum. They are known for their intense red color, which can vary from deep crimson to a lighter pinkish hue. The vibrant hue of rubies made them a highly prized gemstone throughout history.

When people think of rubies, they often associate them with luxury and wealth. This is because rubies have long been associated with royalty and power. For example, ancient cultures believed that rubies could protect warriors in battle and bring good fortune to their wearers. As a result, rubies were often incorporated into crowns, armor, and other regal adornments.

Today, rubies are still highly valued and admired. They continue to be sought-after gemstones for jewelry, with their vibrant red color symbolizing love, passion, and vitality.

The Importance of Rubies

Rubies are more than just beautiful gemstones – they also hold significant cultural and historical meaning. Let’s explore some of the reasons why rubies are so important.

One of the key aspects of rubies is their symbolism. Rubies are often associated with love, passion, and power. In many cultures, they are believed to attract love, enhance relationships, and increase one’s zest for life. The deep red color of rubies is thought to represent the intensity of emotions and the fire within us.

Add to that their rich history and their association with royalty, and you have a gemstone with a powerful presence. Rubies have been revered and admired for centuries, gracing the fingers, necks, and ears of monarchs and nobles. Their value and significance have stood the test of time.

Additionally, rubies have practical uses beyond their aesthetic appeal. They are incredibly hard and durable, second only to diamonds in terms of hardness. This makes them suitable for everyday wear and ensures their longevity. With proper care, a ruby can be passed down through generations, becoming a cherished heirloom.

Choosing the Right Ruby

Understanding the characteristics and qualities of rubies is essential when selecting the right one. Here are some factors you should take into account:

• Color: Rubies come in various shades of red, and the color is a crucial aspect of their value. The most desirable rubies have a rich, intense red color without any hints of orange or pink.
• Clarity: Like other gemstones, rubies can have internal inclusions. Exceptionally clear rubies without visible flaws are highly sought after.
• Size: Rubies are available in different sizes, and larger rubies are generally more valuable.
• Origin: The origin of a ruby can impact its value. Rubies from certain regions, such as Myanmar (formerly Burma), are highly prized.

It’s important to note that these factors are not mutually exclusive – the ideal ruby will exhibit a combination of desirable attributes. Ultimately, the choice of ruby will depend on your personal preferences and budget.

In Conclusion

Rubies are truly remarkable gemstones with a rich history and symbolic meaning. Their intense red color, association with love and power, and practical durability make them highly sought after for jewelry. When choosing a ruby, consider factors such as color, clarity, size, and origin to find the one that speaks to you. With a ruby by your side, you can add a touch of elegance, passion, and timeless beauty to any outfit or occasion.

If you have a ruby depicted on your scoring space, you will receive 1 ruby, regardless of whether your pot exploded or not. It’s a little something to keep things interesting!

Just a heads up, if your pot did explode, you have an important choice to make. You must decide between either Evaluation Phase D or E. Choose wisely!

D. Scoring Points

Now it’s time to talk about scoring points. This is where things get really interesting! Each of us will receive victory points based on the number shown on our scoring space. Let’s take a closer look at how this works.

Let’s imagine Lucas, who is playing as the yellow player. Lucas’s scoring space is labeled as space-23 and has 7 victory points. So, he will move his scoring marker 7 spaces forward along the Scoring Track.

It’s as simple as that! Each of us will do the same, taking turns and moving our scoring markers according to the number of victory points on our scoring spaces.

Scoring points is a crucial part of the game. It’s the way we keep track of our progress and determine who is in the lead. So, make sure to pay attention to your victory points and strategize accordingly!

Note: Hey there! Just a quick heads up! If you find yourself landing on the very last space, number 33, or even moving past it, don’t worry. Just place your chip on space 33 and take a look at what’s on the spoon. Exciting, right? You’ll score 15 victory points and get 35 coins to go shopping with during the Evaluation Phase E. But here’s the catch: only players who reach the last and highest scoring space get to roll the Bonus Die. Oh, and if your pot blows up, sorry, no roll for you! Tough luck!

E. Buy Chips

Time to go shopping, folks! In this phase, each player takes turns buying chips. You have two options: you can buy 1 chip or, if you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, go for 2 chips. But hey, if you decide to get 2, just remember that they can’t be the same color. Variety is the spice of life, after all!

Hey there! So, let me break it down for you. In this game, the scoring space you land on determines how many coins you get for that round. Those coins can be used to buy more ingredients. The cost of the chips is written in the ingredient books. Now, pay attention to the numbers. See, the one on the left is for a 1-chip, the middle one is for a 2-chip, and the one on the right is for a 4-chip. Simple, right? Happy gaming!

If you see just one number, it means there’s only one chip for that ingredient. The higher the value of the chip, the more spaces you can move ahead in your pot.

But the chips also come into play with the green and blue books. The actions you can take with those books depend on the value of the chip. If you have any leftover coins that you didn’t use, you lose them. There are a limited number of chips available.

Once an ingredient has no more chips, you can’t buy any more of that ingredient.

When everyone is done shopping, each player puts the chips they bought into their bags along with all the other chips they drew.

For example: My pot (red) exploded after I drew the white 3-chip. My scoring space is the number 19. Luckily, Lucas (yellow) managed to stop in time. His scoring space is the number 15. Because of this, Lucas earns a special reward. He receives a shiny ruby, 3 victory points, and 15 coins to spend.

As for me, I need to think carefully about my options. I have the choice between 5 victory points or 19 coins. After giving it some thought, I decide to go with the coins. With my newfound wealth, I decide to purchase a green 2-chip for 8 coins and a blue 2-chip for 10 coins. Unfortunately, Lucas also spends his coins on a green 4-chip. It turns out we both had 1 extra coin left, and we lose them.

F. End Of Turn

Once the turn is over, we have the opportunity to do the following actions multiple times by using rubies:

Move our droplet forward

Hey there! To fill up your pot faster, you can swap in 2 rubies and nudge your droplet 1 space ahead. This nifty trick will give you the upper hand in the upcoming rounds, allowing you to place your first chip from the bag onto a higher space. Pretty cool, right?

Time to refill the flask

Now, it’s time for everyone to grab their rat stone from their pot and put it back on the little trivet. Pass the stack of Fortune Teller cards to the next player, going around in a circle. That lucky player becomes the start player for the next turn. Oh, and don’t forget to move the Flame forward to the next space on the Turn Indicator – it’s time to get the next turn started!

Keep an eye on the Turn Indicator

Hey there! Let’s talk about the Turn Indicator. It’s this cool little thing that shows us what turn it is and if we need to do something to start the turn. Basically, it keeps us on track and helps us know what’s going on.

So, on turn 9, it’s extra special because it shows us some cool extra actions we can take at the end of the turn. It’s like a little bonus round!

Alright, let’s get ready for turn 2. You’ll need to bring out the yellow ingredient book first. And before turn 3, make sure you have the purple ingredient book ready. Once you’ve placed an ingredient book on the table, you can start buying chips of that color during the buy chips phase, also known as the Evaluation Phase E.

Hey there! Before we start turn 6, I want to remind you of an important rule. Both you and I need to add another white 1-chip to our bags. It’s a little extra something to keep in mind as we proceed.

When it’s time for the Potion Phase of the last turn, we all wait for the start player to shout “Stir!” then quickly reach into our bags to grab a chip. If I want to stop adding ingredients to my pot, I simply take my hand out of the bag without a chip. This happens at the same time for all of us, until everyone has either decided to stop or their pots have exploded.

Another option is to take turns drawing chips during rounds 1 to 8. This way, nobody can have an unfair advantage by watching what others do before deciding if they want to pull a chip from their bag.

When you reach the end of the last turn, you have a choice. You can use 5 coins or 2 rubies to buy a victory point. And the great thing is, you can do this as many times as you want!

The Game’s End

The player who has their scoring marker furthest along the Scoring Track is the winner. It’s that simple!

If two or more players are tied for first place, the winner is determined by who was able to fill up their pot the most in the final turn. And if there’s still a tie, well, they can all claim to be the biggest quack of Quedlinburg!