Welcome to the Cloudspire Game Rules

Hello there! I’m thrilled to guide you through the amazing world of Cloudspire. Get ready for an adventure like no other! Today, I’ll be sharing with you the game rules. Let’s dive in!

Objective

The goal of this game is to master the art of strategic warfare. As a player, I will take control of one faction, working tirelessly to defend my fortress while attacking others. By cleverly managing resources, deploying units, and planning tactical maneuvers, victory can be mine!

Components

Now, let’s explore what you’ll find in your game box. Brace yourself! You’ll discover hexagonal tiles, representing different areas of the game’s world. These tiles are the key to building our fortresses and creating paths for our units to traverse.

Ah, now we stumble upon the faction boards. These are unique to each player and offer special abilities and strategies. They’re like our guides, advisors, and mentors throughout our battles.

Oh, and have I mentioned the units? Of course! These marvelous miniatures are the heart and soul of our armies. We’ll use them to defend our home while also plotting to attack our rivals’ fortresses.

Gameplay

Alright, let’s get to the exciting part! I’ll explain the basic structure of a game round. Each round consists of several phases, and trust me when I say things will get intense!

First, there’s the Event Phase. This is when we reveal new event cards that will shape the flow of the game. These events might help us, hinder our opponents, or introduce unexpected twists. It’s like a rollercoaster ride of surprises!

Next up is the Supply Phase. Here, we recharge and distribute valuable energy and resource cubes. It’s essential to manage these resources wisely, like a master tactician, to ensure a path to triumph!

The Action Phase is where the true magic happens. We will take turns activating our units, moving them across the battlefield, and strategically attacking enemy forces. Oh, and don’t forget to build and upgrade structures to fortify our position!

Finally, there’s the Cleanup Phase. We clean up the battlefield, perform necessary maintenance, and prepare for the next exhilarating round. Take a deep breath, because the excitement is far from over!

Victory

Ah, the ultimate goal! Victory can be achieved in different ways. Some players seek to conquer their opponents and destroy their fortresses. Others prefer a more peaceful approach, focusing on resource management and completing objectives.

Furthermore, the game offers scenarios with unique victory conditions. We might have to withstand enemy assaults for a set number of rounds or successfully complete specific tasks. The thrill of the chase truly knows no bounds!

Conclusion

There you have it, my friend! A glimpse into the thrilling world of Cloudspire and its game rules. Step into the shoes of a cunning commander, lead your army to glory, and crush your adversaries!

Remember, the path to victory is paved with careful planning and smart decision-making. Good luck, and may the Cloudspire winds carry you to triumph!

• 4 Neoprene Faction Fortresses
• 8 Neoprene Earthscapes
• 18 Attack Upgrade Chips
• 12 Fortification Upgrade Chips
• 14 Range Upgrade Chips
• 32 Faction Spire Chips
• 60 Faction Unit Chips
• 12 Faction Dice
• 4 Source Tracker Chips
• 69 Health Chips
• 4 Gate Health Tracker Chips
• 19 Landmark Chips
• 4 Faction Mark Chips
• 20 Market Chips
• 1 d6
• 29 Event Cards
• 15 Relic Cards
• 6 Spire Attack Dice
• 4 Chip Trays
• 50 Fortress Advancement Pegs and 1 Container
• 4 Barracks Chip Organizers
• 1 Dice Tray
• 1 Co-Op and 1 Solo Scenario Book
• 5 Reference Sheets

The Goal of the Game

Hey there! Let me start by giving you a little rundown of everything you’ll find in this awesome game pack. You ready? Here goes!

You’ll get 4 super cool Neoprene Faction Fortresses, 8 Neoprene Earthscapes to explore, and a truckload of upgrade chips to make your attacks stronger. We’ve got 18 Attack Upgrade Chips, 12 Fortification Upgrade Chips, and 14 Range Upgrade Chips for you to get your hands on – who doesn’t love a good upgrade?

Now, to make things really interesting, we’ve included 32 Faction Spire Chips, 60 Faction Unit Chips, and even 12 Faction Dice! Plus, there are 4 Source Tracker Chips, 69 Health Chips, and 4 Gate Health Tracker Chips. With all these chips, you’ll be able to strategize your way to victory in no time.

But wait, there’s more! We’ve also thrown in 19 Landmark Chips, 4 Faction Mark Chips, and 20 Market Chips to add an extra layer of excitement to the game. And let’s not forget about the 1 d6 and the 29 Event Cards and 15 Relic Cards, which will keep things unpredictable and keep you on your toes.

That’s not all – you’ll also find 6 Spire Attack Dice, 4 Chip Trays, and 50 Fortress Advancement Pegs all neatly packed in a container. We didn’t forget about organization either – you’ll get 4 Barracks Chip Organizers to keep everything in order. Oh, and don’t worry, we’ve got a Dice Tray too.

Now, let’s talk scenarios. We’ve included a Co-Op Scenario Book and a Solo Scenario Book to give you different ways to play the game. And if you ever need a quick reference, we’ve got you covered with 5 Reference Sheets.

So there you have it – the complete set of everything you need to dive into this epic game. Get ready to strategize, conquer, and rise to the top!

So, What’s the Game About, Anyway?

In Cloudspire, you and I will take part in an exciting game where we have to protect our own fortress while trying to defeat our opponents. We’ll have the chance to build spires, hire mercenaries, and send our minions and heroes to attack the enemy fortresses.

The ultimate goal is to have the most powerful fortress by the end of the game, which means we need to strategize and make smart decisions. It’s a battle of wits!

To get started, we’ll need to set up the game. Here’s what we have to do:

1. Let’s randomly determine who goes first. We’ll take turns clockwise from there.

2. Each of us will choose the faction we want to play. Make sure to pick wisely!

3. Once we’ve chosen our factions, we’ll receive the corresponding reference sheet, fortress, dice, and chips in our faction’s color. We’ll also get a barracks, a health tracker chip, and a Source tracker chip.

Now that we’re all set up, it’s time to dive into the game and show our opponents what we’re made of!

First, let’s get ready for the game by organizing our barracks. To do this, I need to make sure that all of my matching chips are together in one place. This way, I can easily see what units and spires I have available. I also need to make sure that all of my units are on their basic side, without any stars.

Here’s a glimpse of the barracks arrangement, showing the different units and towers grouped by their names. There are three categories: Spires, Minions, and Heroes.

Now, let’s talk about the different factions in the game.

Creating an Island

Have you ever wondered how islands are formed? It’s such an intriguing process! Let me take you on a journey to explore the fascinating world of island creation.

The first thing to understand is that islands can be formed in many different ways. One common way is through volcanic activity. When a volcano erupts, it releases hot molten lava, ash, and gas. As these materials cool and harden, they create a new landmass. Over time, repeated volcanic eruptions can lead to the formation of a large volcanic island.

Another way islands are formed is through the movement of tectonic plates. The Earth’s crust is made up of several large pieces called tectonic plates. These plates constantly move and interact with each other. When two plates collide or separate, they can create cracks in the Earth’s surface. Magma from the mantle can then rise up through these cracks, eventually solidifying and forming an island.

But what about those beautiful tropical islands with sandy beaches? Well, they are usually formed through a process called coral reef building. Coral reefs are created by tiny animals called coral polyps. These polyps secrete a hard exoskeleton made of calcium carbonate, which forms the structure of the reef. Over time, the reef can grow and rise above the surface of the water, ultimately becoming an island.

It’s important to note that island formation is a slow and gradual process. It can take thousands, if not millions, of years for an island to fully form. The forces of nature, such as erosion and weathering, also play a role in shaping and changing the landscape of an island over time.

So, next time you see a beautiful island, remember the incredible journey it took to come into existence. From volcanic eruptions to tectonic plate movements, the process of island creation is a true marvel of nature.

Hey there! Let’s talk about the different parts of the game board, specifically the Center Isle, the 6 Facedown Isles, and the Source Well.

When we start the game, the board is set up a certain way. The Center Isle is in the middle and it’s pretty special. It’s the only group of hexes that has only one Source Well, which is marked with a blue circle. The Source Well is right in the middle hex and is surrounded by a path.

1. First, let’s set up the game board. Place the center isle in the middle of your play area.
2. Next, take the remaining 7 isles and shuffle them. Then, place 6 of them facedown around the center isle, as shown in the diagram. Put the unused isle back in the box.
3. Make sure the fortress gate hex is next to a path hex.
4. Also, ensure that the fortress gate hex is touching the isle on all three sides.
5. Lastly, the fortress should not overlap with any revealed or unrevealed isle.

Don’t forget about the Landmark Chip backs!

Nurturing the Market

When I think about how a market is created, I can’t help but feel a mix of confusion and excitement. You see, there’s an undeniable power in understanding what drives people to buy things. But at the same time, it’s a bit perplexing how a mere idea can manifest into a thriving marketplace.

Let’s explore this intriguing process together. The first step is to identify a need or desire within a group of people. This is like finding a spark of interest that has the potential to ignite a fire. Once that spark is found, it’s essential to cultivate it – to nurture it and help it grow.

One way to nurture a market is through effective marketing. By crafting persuasive and compelling messages, businesses can tap into the desires of potential customers. These messages can create a sense of urgency, making people feel like they can’t live without a certain product or service. As a result, they’re motivated to take action and make a purchase.

Another key aspect of nurturing a market is the quality of the product or service being offered. If the product or service fulfills a genuine need or desire, word-of-mouth will spread like wildfire. In today’s hyper-connected world, recommendations from friends, family, or online influencers carry significant weight. So, it’s crucial to ensure that the offering is of the highest standard, leaving customers satisfied and eager to share their positive experiences.

Furthermore, building trust is vital when it comes to nurturing a market. Trust is the foundation upon which customer relationships are built. By delivering on promises and consistently providing value, businesses can establish themselves as reliable and trustworthy. This paves the way for long-term customer loyalty and positive brand perception.

But the market creation process doesn’t stop there. It’s an ongoing endeavor that requires adaptability and innovation. Markets are constantly evolving, and businesses must stay attuned to shifting trends and customer preferences. By continuously seeking ways to improve and staying one step ahead, companies can solidify their position in the market and keep the momentum going.

So, my friends, creating a market is both perplexing and exciting. It’s like embarking on an adventure with unknown twists and turns. It requires astute observation, effective communication, and a commitment to meeting customer needs. But if you’re up for the challenge, the rewards can be extraordinary – a flourishing market and a successful business that stands the test of time.

1. First, I shuffle all the market chips and make a stack with them facedown. Then, I take a number of chips equal to the number of players plus one and flip them faceup next to the stack.
2. Next, I mix all the earthscapes and create a stack with them facedown. I flip over the top earthscape from the stack. Now, I have the faceup market chips and the topmost earthscape as my market options.

When setting up a game of Cloudspire, there are several important elements to consider and prepare. Let me walk you through the process!

First, you’ll need to gather all the necessary components. These include the Health Chip Supply, Market, Landmarks on Source Wells, Dice and Peg Supply, Event and Relic Decks, and Upgrade Chip Supply.

Now, let’s go through the rest of the setup:

The Rest

1. Start by shuffling the event and relic decks separately. Place each deck near the play area, leaving space for discard piles.
2. Next, use the provided chip trays to organize stacks of attack, range, and fortification upgrades, as well as health chips. Make sure all players can easily reach them.
3. Finally, place the supply of fortress advancement pegs, spire attack dice, and the D6 within reach of all players.

Game Play

A standard game of Cloudspire is played over 4 waves. Each wave consists of the following phases:

1. Event Phase
2. Income Phase

When playing a board game, there are different phases that you need to understand. These phases help you know what to do and how to play the game. So let’s go through each phase together.

First, there is the Market Phase. In this phase, you will find different items and resources that you can buy. These items can help you in later phases of the game, so it’s important to choose wisely.

Next, we have the Build Phase. This is where you can use the items and resources you bought in the Market Phase to build things like buildings or structures. Building these things can give you special abilities or advantages in the game.

After the Build Phase is the Prep Phase. In this phase, you can prepare for the next round by doing things like gathering resources or planning your strategy. It’s important to use this time wisely to set yourself up for success in the game.

Lastly, we have the Onslaught Phase. This is the most exciting phase of the game, where you and the other players will take turns attacking and defending. It’s a thrilling battle to see who can come out on top.

Remember, each phase starts with the first player and continues clockwise, so you’ll always know when it’s your turn.

Now that we’ve gone through the different phases, let’s move on to the next topic: the Event Phase. In this phase, something special happens that can change the game. It could be a random event or a specific action that triggers something unexpected. It adds a sense of excitement and uncertainty to the game.

Overall, understanding these phases is crucial for playing the game successfully. By following the rules and strategies for each phase, you can have a great time and improve your chances of winning. So get ready to dive into the world of board games and enjoy the adventure!

Note: In Wave 1, we skip the Event Phase.

First, let’s talk about the order of play. The designation for the first player passes clockwise. This way, everyone gets a turn to lead and make decisions.

When we start a new wave, we need to get rid of the previous wave’s event card. We also discard any relics that affect the entire wave, which were played in the previous round. Additionally, players should remove any pegs from the bottom of their fortress that indicated limited build options in the previous wave.

The first player now takes on the important task of drawing and reading the top card on the event deck. This card sets the tone and boundaries for the wave. It tells us what we need to do and what we should expect. Depending on the event card, its effect may trigger right away during the “Event Phase”.

After reading the event card, we set it faceup to the side of the play area. This way, we can refer back to it whenever we need to throughout the wave.

II. Income Phase

Hey there! Let’s talk about something really important – gaining Source in video games.

When I’m playing a game, one of the things I’m always looking for is a way to boost my Source. But what exactly is Source? Well, it’s a special resource that gives you extra powers and abilities in the game. Think of it like magic energy that you can tap into to perform incredible feats.

So why is it so important to gain Source? Well, the more Source you have, the more powerful you become. You’ll have access to stronger spells, better weapons, and more options to customize your character. It’s like having a secret weapon up your sleeve that can turn the tide of battle in your favor.

But gaining Source isn’t always easy. Sometimes you have to complete challenging quests or defeat tough enemies to earn it. And that’s what makes it so rewarding – the feeling of accomplishment when you finally unlock a new Source ability or upgrade.

But here’s the thing – not all games handle Source the same way. Some games have a limited amount of Source that you can collect, so you have to use it strategically. Others have an infinite amount of Source, allowing you to unleash your powers whenever you want.

So, how do you know which game is right for you? It all comes down to personal preference. Some players enjoy the challenge of managing a limited resource, while others prefer the freedom of having unlimited power. And hey, there’s no right or wrong answer – it’s all about finding what works best for you.

In conclusion, gaining Source in video games is a thrilling and rewarding experience. It adds an extra layer of depth and strategy to gameplay, and it’s a lot of fun to see your character become more powerful as you collect more Source. So next time you’re playing a game, keep an eye out for opportunities to gain Source – you won’t be disappointed!

Increase your Source tracker to show this. Note that normally, you can’t have more than 20 Source. If you have more than that, you lose the excess amount.

If you have a defeated fortress gate in a 3- or 4-player game, you must repair it now.

Phase III: Market Phase


Refill any market options that haven’t been fully refilled yet. There should be an earthscape option and market chip options equal to the number of players plus one.

When playing the game, I start by taking turns with the other players. During my turn, I have the option to buy something from the market. Earthscapes cost 2 Source, and the cost of market chips is shown on them. If I spend Source, I need to remember to update my Source tracker. After I make a purchase, the market is immediately refilled, but I can only buy one earthscape during the Market Phase. I should place my market purchases next to my barracks. And here’s an interesting thing – the things I buy from the market can be used in any wave, including the current one.

IV. Build Phase

Hey there! It’s time to talk about an exciting phase in the game. It’s called the build phase, and this is where things really start to get interesting. In this phase, I get to make choices about what I want to do next.

Here’s how it works: I’ll start, and then everyone else will take their turns in order. Each player has the choice to either perform a build option or pass. Once I pass, I can’t take another turn, so I have to think carefully about what I want to do.

The build phase only ends when everyone has passed. This means that there are many different possibilities and strategies that I can explore. It’s like a puzzle that I have to solve, and I can’t wait to see what surprises await me.

Now, let’s talk about the build options that I have. There are a few different choices that I can make:

• I can choose to build a new structure or upgrade an existing one. This allows me to grow and expand my influence in the game.
• I can also choose to gain resources. Resources are valuable because they help me perform more powerful actions later on.
• If I really want to shake things up, I can choose to take a risky action. This comes with its own set of challenges and rewards.

As you can see, there are plenty of exciting choices to make during the build phase. It’s up to me to decide what strategy I want to pursue and how I can best use my turn. So, let’s dive in and start building!

• I can build a tall tower: I can construct a tall tower by using my barracks and selecting a Source Well that I have control over. Of course, I have to pay the Source Cost, but if I purchase a spire from the market, I won’t have to pay any extra.
• I can make my tower even better: I can enhance my tower by paying the appropriate upgrade cost. This allows me to add upgrades to the tower, up to its upgrade capacity. But remember, I can only upgrade a tower that I already control and that is already in play.
• I can create an earthscape: I can place an earthscape where I have influence. If I purchase an earthscape from the market, I can immediately build a tower on one of its Source Wells. I just need to make sure I have control over the hex and can afford the Source cost of the tower.

In the world of Cloudspire, one of the most crucial aspects of the game is advancing your fortress. This can be achieved by paying the designated Source cost outlined in your faction reference sheet. By doing so, you are able to utilize the fortress advancement pegs to keep track of the advancements you have obtained.

Now, it’s worth mentioning that certain relics, events, or fortress advancements might even provide you with additional options for building.

V. Prep Phase

1. To kick off the Prep Phase, players must declare, in turn order, their mark. This mark determines which faction’s fortress gate all of their minions will focus on progressing towards. As a visual reminder of this, players give their faction mark chip to the corresponding player, who will place it beside their fortress.

Note: Keep in mind that in a 2-player game, you skip this step since there’s only one mark option available.

When it comes to playing this game, we all have to make some important decisions. One of the most crucial choices is how to use our command points (CP) to select units for deployment. It’s like a puzzle, trying to figure out the best strategy!

First of all, let’s talk about command points. These are what we use to select our units from the barracks. Each player has a certain number of CP available to them during each wave. You don’t have to use all of your CP if you don’t want to, but keep in mind that any unused CP will be lost. It’s a use it or lose it situation!

Now, let’s talk about the units themselves. In addition to the units in your barracks, you might also have some units or spires outside of the barracks. These could be units you purchased from the market or heroes that you’ve previously selected and returned to the fortress. You can select these units for deployment without using any CP. They’re like a bonus – extra firepower without any extra cost!

But what about selecting minions?

• When it comes to selecting minions, you have a lot of freedom. There’s no limit to how many minions you can select for deployment each wave. You just need to make sure you have enough CP and enough units in your barracks to choose from.

When it comes to preparing minions for battle, there are two options: grouped or ungrouped. You have the freedom to choose how many minions you want to group together.

Now, let’s talk about selecting heroes. Each faction has a default hero that does not require any CP. This hero is the only one you can choose for the first wave. Starting from the second wave, you can select one of the two additional heroes of your faction, but they will have a CP cost.

Lastly, it’s important to note that the units will be deployed from top to bottom. So, your deployment stack could look something like this:

– Minions (grouped or ungrouped)

– Default hero (Wave 1)

– Additional heroes (Wave 2 and onwards)

By following these guidelines, you’ll be better prepared for battle and increase your chances of success.

Hey there! Let’s talk about how to choose and deploy minions in a game. It’s actually pretty simple, but it can get a little tricky. Don’t worry, though, I’ve got your back!

First things first, everyone gets to choose and prepare their minions at the same time. But here’s the thing: you can ask the player before you what units they’re using and the order they’re deploying them. This can help you make your own choices, but be careful not to give everything away!

Once everyone has made their decisions, it’s time to lock in your deployment stack. Just put it on your fortress gate and you’re good to go!

VI. Onslaught Phase

Now, let’s move on to the Onslaught Phase. Each round of this phase is made up of every player taking a turn. The first player goes first, of course. When it’s your turn, you’ll need to complete a few stages in order. Here they are:

Start of your Turn

• First, resolve any talents, events, or relics that happen at the start of your turn.

Use the limited build option to create or upgrade a spire, but remember that you can only do this twice during each Onslaught Phase. Keep track of how many times you’ve used this option by placing a peg in one of the holes at the bottom of your fortress.

Now let’s talk about movement. First, your minions need to move without any interruptions. Start with your leading minion and make sure everyone completes their movement.

Next, your heroes can also move. They can go before or after your minions. During this stage, some units may have talents that activate. These talents can activate either before or after everyone has moved.

After movement, it’s time for the spires to fire. Keep an eye on them and make sure they’re ready to unleash their power.

And lastly, let’s talk about exploration. This is an important part of the game. Make sure you take the time to explore and discover new things. It’s always exciting to uncover hidden treasures and secrets.

Remember, the key to success is strategy. Plan your moves wisely and use your resources strategically. Good luck!

When you play the game, you have the option to uncover different landmarks near your units. This is an exciting part of the game because you get to see what’s under those facedown cards. You can choose to reveal the landmarks by flipping them up or leave them facedown.

If you decide to reveal a landmark, you may find that it has a health stat. If it does, you need to place the correct number of health chips under the landmark’s chip. This adds an extra element of strategy to the game, as you consider the health of the landmark when deciding whether to reveal it or not.

The best part is that you can keep exploring landmarks as long as you want, or until there are no more new landmarks to uncover. So go ahead and dive into the game, discover new places, and unleash the excitement of exploring!

When it’s my turn, I get to choose which of my units will attack first. My minions have to attack if there’s someone to attack, but my heroes can choose whether or not to attack. I can target opposing units, landmark minions, opposing spires, and opposing fortress gates as long as they’re within range. And remember, each of my units can only attack once every turn.

When one of my units attacks, it deals damage to the unit it targeted. The amount of damage is equal to the attack stat of my unit. The target loses a health chip for every damage it receives. If it loses its last health chip, it’s defeated. Oh, and here’s something to keep in mind: when a target gets attacked for the first time each turn, it gets a chance to retaliate. Retaliation means it deals damage back to the attacker, using its own attack stat.

Once a faction’s fortress gate loses its final bit of health, the game comes to an end right away. If there’s only one faction left standing with an intact fortress gate, that player is declared the winner.

But what happens if more than one fortress gate remains intact? In that case, the gameplay continues even after a fortress gate has been brought down to zero health. For a more in-depth look at how the game progresses after a fortress gate has been defeated, turn to page 16. It’s important to note that this particular scenario only applies to games with three or four players. In a two-player game, the match concludes immediately upon the defeat of a single faction’s fortress gate.

If, after the four waves, there are still multiple standing fortress gates, the game comes to an end. In this situation, players will compare their fortress power to determine the winner. Just remember, if your fortress gate was defeated during the current wave, your fortress power will be considered zero.

When it comes to determining which faction has the strongest fortress, it’s all about the fortress gate health and the number of fortress advancements they have. The faction with the highest fortress power will be the winner.

Let’s take an example to understand this better. In Wave 4, both fortress gates are undamaged. The heirs have 5 health left on their fortress gate and 5 fortress advancements. So their fortress power is 10.

On the other hand, the brawnen have 6 health on their fortress gate and 5 fortress advancements, giving them a fortress power of 11. Since the brawnen have a more powerful fortress, they win the game!

In the event of a tie in fortress power, the faction with the highest gate health will be declared the winner. And if there’s still a tie, the faction with the most remaining Source will come out on top.