Contents
Introduction
Hey there! Welcome to the wonderful world of Via Nebula. In this game, we’ll be embarking on an exciting journey together.
Objective
So, what’s the goal? Well, it’s pretty simple. We need to explore the mystical realm of Nebula, build structures, and earn victory points. The player with the most victory points at the end of the game wins!
Game Setup
Let’s get started, shall we? First, we’ll need to set up the game. Place the game board right in the center of the table. Take a moment to admire the beautiful artwork, it’s truly stunning.
Now, shuffle the building cards and place five of them face-up near the game board. These cards represent the structures that we can build during the game.
Oh, don’t forget to put the construction site markers nearby. We’ll be using them to indicate where our structures are being built.
Lastly, let’s place the resources, covered by their corresponding face-down tokens, next to the game board. These resources will be essential for constructing our buildings.
Gameplay
Alrighty, now that we’ve set up the game, let’s dive into the gameplay. To do that, we’ll be using some action cards. These cards will allow us to perform different actions, such as exploring, building, and delivering resources.
At the start of the game, each player will receive a hand of action cards. These cards will be our tools throughout the game. It’s important to strategize and use them wisely.
On your turn, you’ll simply choose an action card from your hand and carry out its corresponding action. Easy peasy, right?
Exploration
Exploration is the key to success in Via Nebula. We’ll be discovering new sites and exploiting their resources to build our structures.
When you explore a site, you simply take one of the face-up building cards near the game board and place it on an empty construction site. It’s like discovering hidden treasures!
Building
Now, let’s talk about building. Building structures is the heart of the game. It’s where we get to unleash our creativity and construct magnificent buildings.
To build a structure, you’ll need to deliver the required resources to its construction site. Each building card will tell you which resources are needed for its completion.
Once all the required resources are delivered, you can proudly place one of your building markers on the card, claiming it as your own. It’s a great feeling, trust me!
Earning Victory Points
Ah, victory points. They’re the ultimate goal. The more victory points we earn, the closer we get to victory.
There are several ways to earn victory points in Via Nebula. Building structures, delivering resources, and completing contracts are just a few examples.
Keep an eye on those victory points, my friend. They’re the key to triumph!
Conclusion
Well, my friend, that’s Via Nebula in a nutshell. It’s a thrilling adventure where we explore, build, and earn victory points.
So, are you ready to embark on this journey with me? Grab your tools and let’s dive into the world of Via Nebula!
Welcome to the nebula valley! I’m here to tell you the incredible story of this mystical place. For ages, terrifying creatures clouded the valley, keeping it in a state of darkness. But now, it’s time for a new chapter. Brave explorers like you have come to the valley to bring forth its revival.
In this exciting adventure, we’ll navigate through the foggy pathways, uncovering the valley’s hidden treasures. We’ll use these resources to construct magnificent buildings and flourishing towns, breathing new life into the ruins left behind by the monstrous creatures.
As we embark on our journey, we’ll need a few tools to aid us. Here’s what you’ll find in your kit:
– One main board to guide us through the nebulous valley.
– Each of us will have our own guild board, where we can strategize and plan our moves.
– A deck of 42 cards, filled with surprises and opportunities.
– Building sites, carefully marked with 24 different colors.
– 60 meadow tiles, waiting to be explored and utilized.
– 20 exploitation tokens, ready for us to make the most of the valley’s resources.
– Special exploitation tokens to unlock unique opportunities.
– 20 buildings, which we’ll construct to create our towns.
– 12 craftsmen at our disposal, to help us bring our vision to life.
– 90 resources, scattered across the valley, waiting to be collected.
Now, let me take you through the details of the boards – your guides on this incredible journey. These boards will be essential as we navigate the valleys and create our own destiny.
With the valley poised for transformation, it’s up to us to embrace our roles as the heroes the nebula valley deserves. Together, we’ll restore peace and prosperity to this once-tormented land. So grab your gear, and let’s embark on this epic adventure!
How to Set Up a Game with Four Players
Hey there! Are you ready to dive into an exciting game with your friends? Let me show you how to set everything up for an epic gaming experience!
First things first, we need to gather all the necessary materials. Grab a deck of cards and make sure everyone is seated comfortably around a table. Got everything? Great!
Now, let’s get started. Shuffle the deck of cards thoroughly, then deal them out evenly to each player. This means that each player will receive an equal number of cards. Keep the cards facing down so that no one knows what they have just yet.
Next, each player should take their pile of cards and hold them in their hands. It’s important not to show your cards to anyone else!
Are you with me so far? Perfect. Now comes the fun part. The goal of the game is to get rid of all your cards by playing them in a specific order. The first player to do so is declared the winner! Exciting, right?
To kick things off, the player with the lowest card value goes first. They will place one card face-up in the center of the table. The next player to their left will then play a card of equal or higher value on top of the previous card. This continues until someone cannot play a card, at which point they must pick up the entire pile. Ouch!
Remember, you can only play one card at a time, and it must be equal to or higher than the previous card. If you’re unable to play a card, you’re out of luck and have to pick up the pile. Pay close attention to what cards have been played so you can strategize your moves!
The game continues in this fashion, with players taking turns and playing cards until someone gets rid of all their cards. The winner gets to bask in the glory of victory while everyone else battles it out for second place.
Well, that’s all there is to it! Now it’s time to gather your friends, set up the game, and let the excitement begin. Remember, the key to success is paying attention, strategizing your moves, and having a blast!
When it comes to playing this game, it’s important to understand the setup process. Here’s what you need to do:
- First, place the board in the middle of the table. If you’re new to the game, start by using the beginner side.
- Next, gather all the resources and place them near the board to create a general reserve.
- Now, it’s time to choose a first player. You can do this by picking someone at random. The first player should shuffle the deck of private contracts and deal out two to each player.
- After that, the first player should shuffle the neutral contracts and place them face down on the board. Then, reveal the first four cards from the draw pile and place them face up on their designated spaces.
- Finally, make sure to place the end-of-game card on its dedicated space.
- Before you start playing, randomly remove one of the special exploitation tokens and put it back in the game box. It won’t be used during this game.
- First, I shuffle all the remaining exploitation tokens, both special and regular, and place one on each meadow space of the main board.
What’s the Point?
The goal is to collect points, which represent glory, prestige, and riches. To do this, I’ll primarily fulfill contracts and open exploitations. The player with the most points at the end of the game becomes the winner and is hailed as the hero of Nebula!
Your Move
The game begins with the first player, and then we take turns clockwise. When it’s your turn, you have 6 actions to choose from, and you need to perform 2 of them. Here are your options:
1. Place a craftsman.
2. Place a building site.
3. Explore a fog space.
4. Explore a petrified forest (this one takes two actions).
5. Transport a resource to one of your building sites.
6. Erect a building.
Note: You can do the same action multiple times on your turn, but keep in mind that action D takes up two of your actions.
Now let’s dive into the first action: Place a Craftsman.
Hey there! Let me explain how to start a new exploitation. It’s really simple, I promise!
So, first things first. You’ll need to place one of your craftsmen onto a space that has an exploitation token. Once you do that, you can take that token and put it face down next to your guild board. Cool, right? But wait, there’s more! You also get to place resources on the space, according to the type indicated by the token. Isn’t that fantastic?
Now, keep in mind that you can only choose this action if you have an available craftsman on your guild board. So, make sure you have one handy before you try to start a new exploitation.
Exploitation Token
Imagine this: I’m playing a game called Blue Places, and I decide to put one of my craftsmen on the spot with the “3 Wood” symbol. Excitedly, I grab the token and put it face down next to my guild board. As a reward for my move, I place three Wood resources right where I put my craftsman. How awesome is that?
B. Find the Perfect Spot
So, here’s what you need to do. Imagine you have a construction site, and there’s a part of it that’s not being used. Well, you can take that unused space and turn it into a new building site!
Now, the thing is, all the spaces where buildings used to be are called ruins, and they can actually have two building sites on them. These building sites can belong to one player or to different players at the same time.
- But before you get too excited, there are a couple of rules you need to follow. First, you can only do this if you have an available building site. So make sure you have one before you even think about it.
- And second, you can’t just keep adding building sites on the main board without any limits. You have to make sure you still have buildings left on your guild board. So it’s like a balancing act, you know?
Let me show you an example to make things clearer. Let’s say Black wants to place a building site. Option A is not possible because both halves of the space are taken, but options B, C, and D are all valid choices.
C. Discover the Enchanted World of Mist
Have you ever wandered into a hazy realm where reality becomes a mystical blur? A place where the ethereal mist dances and swirls around you, captivating your senses and igniting your imagination? Explore a fog space and embark on an enchanting journey through the veils of time and space.
Join me as I guide you through this wondrous phenomenon known as fog. Picture yourself surrounded by a veil of fog, gently wrapping its tendrils around you, obscuring your vision and heightening the sense of mystery. As you step further into this foggy realm, your perception begins to shift, and the familiar world transforms into a surreal dreamscape.
The opaqueness of the fog creates a sense of intrigue and wonder. It invites you to explore the unknown, to venture beyond the boundaries of what is seen and known. As you navigate through the mist, unexpected surprises await around every corner, unveiling hidden treasures and captivating secrets.
While the fog may obscure your view, it also invites you to engage your other senses. The moist air caresses your skin, the soft sound of droplets creates a soothing melody, and the earthy scent of damp foliage envelops you. Each sensory experience adds another layer of richness to your journey, immersing you further into this fantastical realm.
As you navigate through this fog space, you also navigate through time. The fog has the power to transport you to different eras, blurring the boundaries between past, present, and future. It offers a glimpse into history, allowing you to witness the stories of the past and the possibilities of the future.
Exploring a fog space is a transformative experience. It challenges your preconceptions, encourages you to take risks, and broadens your perspective. It teaches you to embrace uncertainty and find beauty within the unknown. With each step you take, you become more attuned to the world around you and develop a deeper understanding of yourself.
So, my dear adventurer, when you find yourself standing at the edge of a foggy landscape, take a deep breath, step forward, and let the mist guide you. Embrace the enchantment and allow yourself to be swept away by the magic. For within the fog, hidden wonders await those who dare to explore.
Let’s start by grabbing a meadow tile from the pile on the left side of the guild board. Now, we have to find a fog space to place it on.
But wait! There are some rules. We can only place the tile on a fog space if it meets certain conditions. First, it has to be next to a space where we already have something of our color. This can be a craftsman, a building site, or a building. Alternatively, the fog space can be next to an empty meadow space or tile, without any resources or exploitation tokens on it.
For example, let’s say I’m playing as the Black player. I want to explore a fog space, so I choose a meadow tile from my board. Now, I have to decide where to place it. As long as the space is marked with a tick, I can cover it with my tile. This is because all those spaces are either right next to a space I already occupy or next to an empty meadow space.
D. Explore A Petrified Forest
I’m thrilled to tell you about an incredible place to visit called A Petrified Forest. And let me assure you, it’s not just any ordinary forest! This is a place where nature’s beauty collides with an intriguing mystery, leaving you awestruck and wanting to learn more. You might be wondering, what exactly is a petrified forest? Well, let me break it down for you!
A petrified forest is a unique natural phenomenon where ancient trees have turned into stone over thousands of years. It’s like nature’s very own time capsule, preserving the history of the world within its branches. Walking through A Petrified Forest feels like stepping back in time, as you witness the remnants of these ancient trees, now transformed into beautiful, shimmering rocks.
But what makes A Petrified Forest truly special is the sense of wonder and curiosity it evokes. As you explore the forest, you can’t help but ask yourself questions like: How did this happen? What did these trees once look like? How long did it take for them to petrify? And even though science has provided some answers, there’s still an air of mystery and awe that lingers in the air.
Now, let’s talk about the experience itself. Imagine walking among towering stone giants, their majestic forms undulating like waves frozen in time. The colors that decorate these ancient trees come alive, painting a mesmerizing picture. The sun’s rays dance upon the rocks, creating a magical ambiance that takes your breath away. Every step you take reveals a new discovery, a new piece of the puzzle that leaves you craving more.
But it’s not just about the visual impact. A Petrified Forest engages all your senses. Can you imagine the sound of the wind whispering through the stillness? Or the sensation of touching the smooth, cool surface of the petrified wood? It’s an all-encompassing experience that transports you to a different world, a world where time truly stands still.
Exploring this petrified forest is an adventure like no other. It’s a journey that not only offers breathtaking sights but also feeds your curiosity, igniting a passion for history and the wonders of the natural world. Whether you’re a seasoned nature enthusiast or someone looking for a unique experience, A Petrified Forest won’t disappoint. So come and join me in unraveling the secrets of this captivating place – you won’t regret it!
If you take a meadow tile from the leftmost pile on your guild board, you can place it on a petrified forest. But there are a couple of rules you need to follow when choosing where to put it. The forest you choose must either be next to a spot where you have something of your own (like a craftsman, building site, or building), or it must be next to an empty meadow space or tile, which means there are no resources or exploitation tokens on it.
Now, here’s something to remember: this action uses up two of your actions. So, once you explore a petrified forest, your turn is done. Game over.
For example, let’s say I’m playing as Blue, and I decide to explore a petrified forest. I take a meadow tile from my board. In the picture below, I can cover any of the spaces with a tick mark because they all meet the requirements I mentioned earlier. Once I make my choice, my turn ends because exploring a petrified forest takes two actions.
Discoverers
One subject that has always fascinated me is the exploration of our world. It’s truly amazing to think about the brave individuals who set out on incredible journeys to discover new lands and expand our understanding of the planet we live on. I find myself in awe of their courage and determination.
Explorers have played a vital role throughout history and have contributed greatly to our knowledge and understanding of the world. They were driven by a desire to explore the unknown, to push boundaries, and to satisfy their curiosity. Without them, our understanding of geography, culture, and history would be far less advanced.
Exploration is an inherent part of human nature. It is in our DNA to explore and seek out new experiences. We are naturally curious beings, always seeking to expand our knowledge and understanding of the world around us. This curiosity and thirst for knowledge is what drives us forward and pushes us to explore new frontiers.
But exploration is not without its challenges. The unknown can be intimidating and uncertain. There are risks involved, and not all journeys end in success. However, it is through these challenges that we grow and learn. Explorers teach us that failure is not the end, but rather a stepping stone on the path to success.
Exploration also brings people together. When explorers set out on their journeys, they often encounter new cultures and peoples. This exposure to different ways of life helps to foster understanding and empathy. It opens our eyes to the vast diversity of the world and reminds us of our shared humanity.
So, the next time you find yourself yearning for adventure, remember the brave souls who paved the way for exploration. They were not content with the familiar, but instead, they sought out the unknown. Their discoveries have shaped our world and continue to inspire us to this day. Embrace your curiosity and embark on your own journey of exploration – who knows what you might discover?
Hey there! Let’s talk about exploring in the game. When I explore, I get to use the meadow tiles that are on my guild board. These tiles are really important because they help me discover new things. But here’s the catch – when I use a tile, it goes away and reveals an explorer. Pretty cool, right? And at the end of the game, each explorer gives me 2 points. It’s like finding hidden treasures!
Oh, and here’s a little tip for you: if I want to keep exploring but I’ve used up all my tiles, I can still use the tiles from the reserve, as long as there are some left. So I never have to stop exploring!
Now, let’s move on to something else…
When you’re playing the game, you have the opportunity to choose a resource from a spot that is being used by one of your craftsmen, one of your opponent’s craftsmen, or no one at all. We call these spots “exploitations.” After you pick a resource, you need to transport it to one of your building sites. To do this, you have to follow a path of empty meadow spaces without any interruptions.
These empty meadow spaces can be tiles that players have placed during the game or exploitations that have been depleted. It doesn’t matter which one you choose, as long as the path is clear.
Now, if the resource you picked is the last one in the exploitation, the owner of the craftsman who was working there takes it back and puts it on their guild board. This means that the exploitation is completely empty, and from now on, it’s considered an empty meadow space. You can move freely through this space just like you would in any other meadow space.
Let me tell you a story: Imagine there are two players, White and Blue, who are in a game. They each have their own resources, called Wheat, which they can use to build things. White decides to move a piece of Wheat from Blue’s resources to his own building site. He does this by following a straight path of empty spaces. But here’s the twist: since White took the last piece of Wheat from Blue, she now gets back one of her craftsmen. It’s a strategic move that benefits both players in different ways.
When it comes to transporting resources, there are a few important rules to remember. First, you can only transport resources over empty spaces. You can’t try to move a resource through a space that already has something in it. It’s like trying to squeeze through a crowded hallway – it just won’t work!
Second, you have to be mindful of where you deliver your resources. You can’t just drop them off at any old building site. It’s important to respect your opponents’ spaces and not deliver resources to their building sites. No stealing their construction thunder!
Now, let’s talk about building sites. These special tiles don’t have a set orientation within a space. This means you can deliver resources to a building site from any side of the space it’s on. It’s like a revolving door – you can enter and exit from any direction you choose!
But once a resource is on a building site, it can never be moved again. It’s like a bird building its nest – once it’s in place, it’s there to stay. So make sure you choose your delivery spots wisely and plan ahead!
Now that we’ve covered the rules for transporting and delivering resources, let’s move on to the next step – erecting a building. Get ready to put those resources to good use!
When building on one of my sites, I must have all the necessary resources for a contract. The contract can come from either my hand or one of the four contracts displayed on the main board. Let me explain how it works.
Here’s What You Need to Do:
- Swap out your construction site and all the supplies on it with one of your own buildings. The supplies go back to the general reserve and your construction site goes back to your guild board.
- If you want, you can use the special ability of the card right away.
- Put the completed contract card face down next to your board. If the contract was from the main board, immediately replace it with a card from the draw pile.
Remember: You can build a building even if you have more supplies on your construction site than the contract requires. But any extra supplies are placed in your storage area and each one will cost you 1 point during the final scoring.
Here’s an example: Let’s say Black has Stone, Wood, and Wheat on one of his building sites. He wants to build a new building, but first, he needs to fulfill a contract from the main board that requires “Wood + Stone”.
To do this, Black replaces the resources on his building site with one of his existing buildings. The building site goes back on his guild board, and both the Wood and the Stone used for the contract return to the general reserve.
But what about the unused Wheat? Black must place it on the storage area of his guild board. Then, he decides to use the power of his card to turn his Clay into Food. After using his card’s power, he places the card face down next to his guild board. Finally, a new card is drawn from the pile to fill the empty space.
Game Over
The game comes to an end once a player has completed their fifth and final building. Once this happens, that player receives the end-of-game card and their turn comes to an immediate halt.
According to the instructions on the end-of-game card, all other players then get one last turn, and once that is done, everyone must gather any leftover resources from their building sites or exploitations and place them in the storage area of their guild board.
Afterwards, the final scoring round commences.
Time to Add Up:
The points on your exploitation tokens;
The points on your completed contracts. Please note: Any remaining cards in your hand are not counted.
Here’s what you’ll get as a reward:
1. For each explorer you reveal, you’ll receive a reward of 2, 4, 6, or 8 points, depending on how many explorers you were able to reveal.
2. You’ll earn 2 points from the end-of-game card if you’re the one who triggers the end of the game.
However, there’s one catch:
You need to deduct 1 point for each resource present in your storage area.
The player with the highest score will be the winner. In case of a tie, the player with the least resources in storage will be declared the winner. If there is still a tie, the tied players will share the win and shake hands.
Now, let’s talk about playing Via Nebula with 3 players:
The game remains the same, but there are a few minor adjustments to note.
When you’re setting up the game, remember to add one extra meadow tile to each pile on your guild board. As you play, exploitation tokens will produce one less resource than usual. Instead of receiving 5, you’ll only get 4 for each token. And for the private contract cards, each player will receive 2 instead of 4.
If you’re playing with just two players, there are a few adjustments to make. First, use the back of the guild boards that are marked specifically for 2 players. During setup, make sure to add 2 extra meadow tiles to each pile on your guild board. And instead of starting with 2 craftsmen, you’ll have 3 at your disposal.
When playing the game with only two players, there are some important differences to keep in mind. First, the ruins on the main board can only be occupied by one building site or building at a time. This means that you have to use the hexagonal building site tiles instead of the half-hexagons used in the game with three or four players. Once you’ve placed one of your building sites on a ruin, your opponent is not allowed to use that space.
Another difference is that the exploitation tokens produce fewer resources. Instead of producing the usual amount (five resources for three players, four for four, and three for five), they will now produce one less. This means you’ll have to strategize and plan accordingly to make the most out of your resources.
Lastly, each player receives two private contract cards at the start of the game. The remaining four cards are not used and should be put back into the game box.
These changes adapt the game for two players, adding a new layer of challenge and competition. So, if you enjoy playing with a smaller group, these adjustments will definitely keep the game interesting and exciting for you and your opponent. Adapt and conquer!