Contents

1 Ys Game Rules

Ys Game Rules

Hey there! Let’s dive into the exciting world of Ys game rules. I’m here to explain everything you need to know in a simple and fun way.

Now, you might be wondering, what’s so special about the Ys game? Well, let me tell you! Ys is a remarkable game that captures your imagination and keeps you on your toes. It’s an action-packed adventure that guarantees hours of entertainment and thrill.

In Ys, you take on the role of a brave hero who embarks on a daring quest. Your goal is to explore the vast and mysterious world, defeat fearsome enemies, and uncover fascinating secrets. But be prepared, my friend, for the challenges that await you!

The first thing you need to master in Ys is combat. It’s crucial to understand the different attacks and techniques that you can utilize. Whether it’s a powerful sword strike or a lightning-fast dodge, your skills will be put to the test. So, sharpen your weapon and get ready to face off against formidable foes!

As you progress in the game, you’ll also encounter various puzzles and obstacles. These brain-teasers will require your problem-solving skills to shine. Don’t worry, though – with a little wit and perseverance, you’ll conquer them all and unlock hidden treasures.

And let’s not forget about the captivating storyline of Ys. You’ll immerse yourself in a rich narrative filled with intriguing characters and gripping plot twists. Every decision you make will shape the outcome of your adventure, so choose wisely!

Now, you might be wondering, “How do I get started with Ys?” Well, it’s quite simple. Just follow these steps:

1. Choose your difficulty level: Are you a beginner seeking a casual experience? Or are you a seasoned gamer looking for a real challenge? Ys offers different difficulty options to cater to your skills and preferences.

2. Familiarize yourself with the controls: Take a moment to learn the game’s controls. It’s essential to know which buttons to press for attacking, dodging, and interacting with objects. Practice makes perfect!

3. Explore and interact: Ys is all about exploration and interaction. Talk to NPCs (non-player characters), visit different locations, and collect useful items along the way. Who knows what secrets you might uncover?

4. Upgrade your equipment: As you defeat enemies and complete quests, you’ll earn valuable rewards. Use these to upgrade your weapons, armor, and other gear. A well-equipped hero is a formidable force!

5. Enjoy the journey: Most importantly, have fun! Ys is an incredible adventure that will transport you to a world like no other. Lose yourself in its enchanting landscapes and enjoy the thrill of the game.

So, my friend, are you ready to embark on an unforgettable journey with Ys? I promise you won’t be disappointed. Get your gear ready, brace yourself for action, and let the adventure begin!

Once upon a time, King Gradion created a grand city called Ys for his daughter, Dahut. Massive walls were built to shield the city from the raging sea. Dahut, wanting to make Ys the strongest city in Brittany, sent dragons to capture merchant ships filled with precious jewels.

What Makes Ys Special?

In today’s world, there are so many options to choose from when it comes to board games. With technology advancing rapidly, it’s easy to get lost in the sea of choices. That’s why I’m here to help you navigate through the bustling board game market and explore the fantastic world of “Gemstone”.

When someone mentions the game “Gemstone,” you might think it’s just another game on the shelf. But let me tell you, it’s so much more. Gemstone is a double-edged sword of strategy and excitement, designed to keep you on your toes and elevate your gaming experience to new heights.

Understanding the Game Components

Now, let’s dive into the heart of “Gemstone” – the game components. To fully immerse yourself in the gem-collecting adventure, you’ll need the following:

1 board
4 screens
56 cylinders / brokers
24 Character cards
5 markers
24 Ship cards
145 gems (cubes)
6 Order cards
1 board of 56 stickers
Rulebook

These components work together harmoniously, creating a world where gems are not just precious stones but a precious resource to be collected, traded, and strategically managed.

Exploring the Board

Now, let’s take a closer look at the game board. It’s not just a static piece, but a living and breathing entity that sets the stage for your gemstone adventures. The board is beautifully designed, featuring intricate details that transport you into a world of gem-collecting excitement.

On the board, you’ll find various locations where you can buy and sell gems, interact with other players, and make strategic decisions. It’s a dynamic playground where every move you make can affect the course of the game.

Unveiling the Game Mechanics

Gemstone is not just about collecting gems; it’s about mastering the game mechanics. Each player takes on the role of a gem merchant, striving to outshine their rivals and dominate the gem market.

One of the key aspects of the game is trading. You’ll navigate the board, strategically buying and selling gems, always keeping an eye on the fluctuating market prices. Will you wait for the perfect opportunity to sell your gems at a high price, or will you take a risk and invest in future market trends?

Additionally, you’ll need to manage your resources wisely. Gems are not unlimited, and you’ll have to carefully balance your inventory to meet the ever-changing demands of the market. It’s a delicate dance of supply and demand, where one wrong move can send your gem empire crumbling.

The Journey Begins

Now that you have a taste of what “Gemstone” has to offer, it’s time to embark on your gem-collecting journey. Gather your friends, set up the game board, and let the adventure unfold. Remember, in the world of “Gemstone,” fortunes can be made or lost in the blink of an eye.

By following the rules, making strategic decisions, and mastering the art of gem trading, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a gemstone legend. So, are you ready to dive into the world of “Gemstone” and claim your place among the gem merchant elite?

1 – The enchanting city of Ys.
2 – The neighborhoods.
3 – The bustling port area.
4 – The vibrant commercial area.
5 – The grand palace area.
6 – The busy port.
7 – ‘Character cards places.
8 – Neighborhood numbers.
9 – The lively marketplace.
10 – The scale for quoting gem prices.
11 – The starting point for the quotations.
12 – The majestic throne room.
13 – The turn counter.
14 – The score track.
15 – The starting point for the score.

Welcome to the Enchanting City of Ys

As a merchant-prince in the magical city of Ys, I have a thrilling opportunity to amass gold. How? By skillfully utilizing my network of brokers, I can engage in speculation, specifically purchasing precious stones to accumulate victory points.

Ultimately, the player with the most gold at the end of the game emerges as the triumphant winner.

Game Setup

The board is right in the middle of the table. I put the turn marker on the first square of the turn counter. The ship cards lie face down on the board’s side.

You get to choose a color and take a screen plus 11 brokers. There will be three brokers left in the box, and they will be worth 2 each. You also grab the score marker, which is a pawn with no value, in your chosen color.

Now, let’s talk about the game’s principles. Each team has 11 brokers, and each broker has a value from 0 to 4. This value shows how good they are at their job. A broker with a value of 0 isn’t that great (but they still have uses), while a broker with a value of 4 is a really clever negotiator.

Every time a new round begins, ships carrying valuable gems arrive at the ports of the city. To collect these gems, increase market prices, and gain the opportunity to draw cards, I need to strategically place brokers in specific locations on the board to gain control of the majority.

I have the option to reveal my brokers face up or keep them hidden, allowing me to play mind games and deceive my opponents.

The board consists of two parts, the City and the Market, where you can place your brokers.

Let’s talk about the City of Ys. It’s divided into four neighborhoods. To win the gems from the ships, you need to be in the top three of a neighborhood. Your rank is determined by adding up your broker points. Each neighborhood has three areas with special characteristics. When you place a broker in a neighborhood, you can get bonuses based on the area they’re in.

The Port Area:

Imagine the misty docks, where brokers search for hidden treasures. If I can gather the most brokers in the port area and add up their values, I’ll win a precious black gem. These gems, sold secretly most of the time, can bring a fortune at the end of the game.

The Commercial Area:

Now picture the bustling shops of the commercial area, where great deals can be found. It’s a gold mine for brokers like me. If I gather the most brokers here and add up their values, I’ll instantly earn a small fortune.
Palace Area: The city’s palaces are home to enigmatic and powerful individuals. When I have the most points in this area, I get a ‘Character’ card that allows me to use their special abilities and benefit from them.

The Market

When it comes to gems, their prices are determined by the market. You and I, as players, have the power to influence those prices by strategically placing brokers on the board. Think of it like a game of chess, where we’re both trying to outsmart each other.

Every turn, the brokers we place in the columns will cause the prices of each type of gem to fluctuate. It’s like a seesaw, going up and down based on our moves and the moves of our opponent. The columns hold the key to understanding these price changes.

Now, let’s talk about the gems themselves. There are six colors to choose from: blue, green, yellow, red, black, and white. White gems are quite special. They start off as neutral, not belonging to any specific color. However, once a player wins a white gem, they gain the power to choose its color. It’s like finding a blank canvas and being able to paint it with any color you want.

So, as we navigate through this gem-filled world, keep in mind that the brokers we place will have a direct impact on the prices of the gems. It’s up to us to strategize and make the best moves possible. Are you ready?

When the game is over, we calculate the value of each stone on the market and the number of stones owned by each player. This information determines how much gold (also known as victory points) each player receives and ultimately determines the winner. While black gems do not have a specific value, they still provide a fixed amount of gold. The player with the most gold at the end of the game is declared the winner.

The Game

The game is divided into four turns, with each turn consisting of four phases.

Phase 1 – Setup

Characters

In this phase, the top card from each of the four decks is revealed, and players have the opportunity to examine them. To acquire these cards, players must have the majority control in the corresponding palace area (see the example on the right). The powers of these cards and how to use them are detailed at the end of the rule booklet.

In the end, after all the yellow-edged cards are used up, it’s time to bring out the four blue-edged “character” cards. These cards come with a white gem on each of them. If you manage to have the most influence in any of the four palaces, you get to take one of these character cards and exchange it straight away for a blue, red, green, or yellow gem from the bank.

Take a look at the example image below. It shows the cards drawn from the deck being distributed to the player who holds the majority in the corresponding palace.

[Image: Example of cards being distributed to players]

Let’s talk about ships now. Draw the top four “Ship” cards from the deck and place them in the four ports, following the order shown on the board. These ship cards determine which colors will be available in each neighborhood for this round.

When I look at each ‘Ship’ card, I see two small gems and one larger gem. In the neighborhood, there are two gems of the same color. This means that if I play my cards right, I can win four gems!

Keep in mind: You’ll never find two white gems on the same card.

#image.jpg

Here’s an example: in this neighborhood, the players who have made the highest bets can share two blue gems, one white gem, and one red gem between them.

Market

To start, I draw a fifth ‘Ship’ card and take the three colors shown on the card from the bank. Then, I place the corresponding gems on squares 1, 2, and 3 of the market.

If there’s a white gem on the card, I’ll put it on line 1. The order of the other gems doesn’t matter, and neither does their size.

Hey there! Let me break it down for you.

#image.jpg

Check this out: the card has a white gem on it.

You gotta place one gem on line 1, and the other two go on lines 2 and 3.

Step 2 – Turn Order

Time To Bet.

Now it’s time to bet and decide who goes first. We don’t always follow clockwise, you know. Each player gets to pick their turn order. But here’s the catch: you gotta pay for it. You use two of your brokers for the bet, and those guys won’t be available for the rest of the turn. So, if you go all in and place a huge bet, you’ll play first, but you won’t have your best brokers by your side!

Here’s what I found: when we were setting up, we randomly got the order cards you see above.

What I need to do: I have to choose two brokers without telling anyone. Once we’re all set, we’ll put our brokers in front of our screen at the same time. I’ll add up the values of my two brokers, and the person with the highest total wins.

Here’s how it goes: Both players pick two brokers and show them at the same time. Blue’s brokers add up to 1 (1+0). Orange’s add up to 5 (4+1). Purple’s add up to 6 (4+2), and Yellow’s add up to 5 (3+2).

Purple, having the highest total, gets to make the first choice. He decides to take the fourth place (to keep an eye on his opponents). Orange and Yellow are tied, but Orange wins because his ‘Order’ card has a lower value (you can see this on the table).

Orange has card 2, while Yellow has card 4. So Orange chooses the first place, and Yellow takes the third place. That leaves only one place for Blue: the second place.

Breaking a tie: We can break a tie by looking at the players’ ‘Order’ cards. Whoever has the card with the lowest value gets to choose first.

When it’s time to determine the order of play, the winner of the auction gets to choose their position – first, second, third, or fourth. The rest of us then pick our spots based on the order established during the auction. If there’s a tie, the ‘order’ cards come into play to break it.

After the auction, the ‘Order’ cards get updated. The player who picked first place gets card 1, and so on.

During this turn, the two brokers involved in the auction stay put in front of the screen. They can’t be used.

What’s the best spot?

Normally, winning players opt to go fourth. That way, they can watch their opponents and make a strategic move at the last minute. But going fourth also means you’ll have a lousy ‘Order’ card if there’s a tie.

It’s a great position to be in, but victory won’t come easy!

Example (end) : Now it’s time for us to update our ‘Order’ cards. I’ll start by taking card 1, followed by Blue who will take card 2. After that, Yellow takes card 3, and finally, Purple takes card 4.

In the next phase, which is called ‘Placing the Brokers,’ we will follow the same order we established earlier.

Phase 3 – Placing The Brokers

Now, it’s time for us to place our brokers on the board. We will take turns, following the predetermined order. Each player will place two brokers. One of them should be placed face up, showing the figure on top, while the other one should be placed face down, hiding the figure underneath.

Note: Before we start playing, let’s make a decision about whether we should be allowed to check the number on our own hidden broker (which we recommend for your first few games).

During my turn, I place a broker, which is a type of card, face up in the lower left-hand corner of the market. I also place a pawn, which is another type of card, face down in the city. Now it’s Orange’s turn. They want to put a pawn in the market, but there are some rules they have to follow. For example, they can’t place it on a square of line 0, and they also can’t place it in the lower left-hand corner because I already have a card there.

In this game, you can place the brokers either in the market or in the city. You can have both of them in the city, both in the market, or one in each place. It’s up to you to decide where they go!

Now, let’s talk about some rules specific to the market and the city. In the market, there can only be one broker per area. Also, you can’t place a broker on one of the four squares of line 0 (these squares are only used in 5-player games). On the other hand, in the city, there is no limit to the number of brokers per area. So, you can have as many brokers as you want in any given area.

Get ready for some market bonuses! When a broker is put up for sale, it creates a golden opportunity. If you’re the one who puts the broker up, you instantly earn a victory point. This point stays with you, even if the broker is later removed due to a card effect.

Now let’s talk about how the game unfolds. Each player takes their turn four times, following a set order. It goes like this: player 1, player 2, player 3, and player 4, then back to player 1. This means that by the end of this phase, each player will have placed a total of eight brokers on the board – four face down and four face up.

And now, all players have just one broker left. This final broker needs to be placed in front of your screen, together with the other two pawns. These three brokers will come into play later, as they will help break a tie if needed in the fourth phase.

Example: We’ve all put down eight brokers on the board, and now it’s time to place our final broker along with the two pawns from the previous phase.

Phase 4 – Counting Up

Alright, let’s tally up our points. First, we’re going to count the points in the city, and then we’ll move on to the market.

Counting points in the city: Let’s talk about how we calculate points in the city. In each neighborhood, we have hidden brokers who hold valuable gems. Now, the excitement begins! The player who has the highest total score gets to choose not just one, but two shiny gems from the bank. There are four gems available in each neighborhood, so you have some options. But don’t worry if you’re not the highest scorer. The player with the second-highest score gets to pick one of the two remaining gems. And finally, the third player gets the last gem. But what happens if there are only one or two players in the neighborhood? Well, in that case, the bank keeps the leftover gems. It’s a real competition for these precious jewels. Once a player has won some gems, they proudly display them in front of their screen for everyone to see. Now, let’s move on to the next step – counting points in each specific area:

Port area: Ahoy, matey! This is where things get even more exciting. The player with the highest total score in the port area gets a special reward – a beautiful black gem. This gem is so valuable that it must be placed in front of the player’s screen. But here’s the catch – if no broker was placed in the port area, sadly, the gem is discarded. So make sure to claim your spot in the port and compete for that precious black gem!

In the game, there are different areas where players can earn rewards. Let’s take a look at two of these areas.

First, we have the commercial area. This is where you can compete to get the best total score. If you have the highest score in this area, you will win three golden coins. Plus, your marker will move three squares ahead on the score track. It’s a great way to boost your chances of winning!

Next, we have the palace area. Here, you’ll need to have the best total score as well. But this time, the reward is a neighborhood card. At the beginning of phase 1, a card is flipped over, and if you have the highest total in the palace area, you get to seize that card. However, if no broker was placed in this area, the card will be discarded.

Now, what happens if there is a tie between players? Well, to settle a draw, you’ll need to use the three brokers in front of your screen. Each player will count up their total score using these brokers, and whoever has the highest total will be the winner. But if there is still a tie and players have the same total, you’ll need to use the ‘order’ cards. The player with the lowest card value will come out on top.

So, as you embark on your journey through the game, remember to strategize and aim for the best scores in the commercial and palace areas. And if luck isn’t on your side, don’t worry! There are always ways to break a tie and come out victorious. Good luck!

The neighborhood 1 account is complete. I get my brokers back and hide them behind my screen. Now, I’ll go through the same counting process for neighborhoods 2, 3, and 4. After that, it’s time to tally the points in the market.

Counting the points in the market is next. First, we reveal the hidden value of all face-down brokers.

For each line (1, 2, and 3), I add up my brokers. The player with the highest total in each line wins the corresponding gem. If there’s a tie, we settle it the same way we do in the city, by adding up the brokers in front of our screens and using ‘order’ cards if needed.

For each column, I add up the brokers. The gem in the column with the highest total moves up two steps on the quotation table. The gem with the second-highest total moves up one step. The gem with the third-highest total goes down one step, and the last gem goes down two steps.

Let’s talk about how we settle draws in this game. When there’s a draw, we need a way to determine who wins. Here’s how we do it: we look at the columns on our screens and see which one has the most pawns. For example, if one column has three brokers and another column has only two brokers, the column with three brokers wins.

But what if we still have a draw after looking at the columns? Well, in that case, we need to look at the total number of pawns each player has before their screen. The player with the highest total wins. We settle draws in the same way we do in the city, using ‘Order’ cards if necessary.

So, that’s how we handle draws in this game. We compare the columns and the total number of pawns to determine the winner. It’s all about finding the edge and using the right strategy. Good luck!

The highest bidder in the market has a special power. I can change the price of one gem. I get to choose a gem and either make its price go up or go down. If there are multiple players with the same number of brokers in the market, we settle it with a draw, just like in the city.

After that, I get all my brokers back. The ones on the market and in front of my screen, I put them behind my screen.

Now, let’s talk about brokers with a ‘0’ value. If I have a ‘0’ broker all by itself in an area of the city or on a line at the market, I win that area or line. A column with a ‘0’ broker is even stronger than a column with no broker at all.

At the end of my turn, I set aside the cards I used in the port. The turn marker moves forward one square, and then the next turn begins.

Game Over!

When the game reaches its final turn, it’s time to tally up your gems and see who’s the victor. Count up the number of blue, green, yellow, and red gems you’ve collected throughout the game. But don’t stop there. You’ll need to consult the quotation scale to determine your final score. This handy table will guide you:

Gem 1	Gem 2	Gem 3	Gem 4
Pts for 1st	24	20	16	12
Pts for 2nd	18	15	12	9
Pts for 3rd	12	10	8	6
Pts for 4th	6	5	4	3

Hey there! Let me explain how you can win a game. The player who has the most of the highest-valued gemstones will earn a whopping 24 victory points. Pretty cool, right? But don’t worry, even if you’re not the top dog, you can still score points. The player with the second-most of the same gem will get 18 points, the third player will get 12 points, and the last player standing will earn 6 points.

Now, what if you don’t have any gems? Well, unfortunately, that means no points for you. But don’t give up hope just yet! We still have some tricks up our sleeves.

When it comes to gems with equal values, things can get a bit tricky. If multiple gems are tied on the quotation scale, the gem on the left will come out on top. It’s like a gem showdown! So, if blue and green gems are tied, blue wins. And if green and yellow are tied, green wins. Finally, if yellow and red are tied, yellow takes the crown.

For example: The scale of gem values is ranked with blue gems and red gems at the top, followed by yellow gems and then green gems. Blue gems, which are on the left side, have the highest value. The player who has the most blue gems receives 24 points. The player with the second highest number of blue gems gets 18 points, the third gets 12 points, and the player with the fewest blue gems gets 6 points. The player who has the most red gems receives 20 points. The player with the second most red gems gets 15 points, the third gets 10 points, and the player with the fewest red gems gets 5 points. Yellow gems are worth 16, 12, 8, and 4 points, respectively. Green gems are worth 12, 9, 6, and 3 points, respectively.

Tied players: If there are multiple players who have the same number of gems, they all receive the lowest number of points associated with their place in the ranking.

Here’s the deal: Blue gems are the most valuable. I have six of them, while both B and C have five, and D only has three. I score 24 points, while B and C get 12 points each (the same as the third-place points). D gets 6 points.

Next, we tally up our black gems and see how many victory points we get. Check out the table below to see how the points are awarded. If you have more than seven black gems, you automatically score 24 points.

Black gems

The player with the most victory points, taking into account both colored and black gems, wins the game. If there’s a tie, the player with the most total gems comes out on top.

How to play Ys Official Rules