Elven Castle
Elven Castle Rulebook
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Object of the Game
Each player is an experienced architect. Together they will build a majestic castle.
Depending on the height of the arches each of them manages to build, victory points are scored. The one who earns the most points receives the title "most talented" and wins the game.
Components
- Architect figure (one per player)
- 13 bridges
- 2 windows
- 1 portal
- 1 balcony
Setup
Place the game board on a flat surface (for example in the centre of the table). During the game it can be freely moved and turned to face different players. Place the scoring board — the talent board — next to it. It is better not to move it during the game.
Each player takes one set of single-coloured pieces.
Place the architect figures on the scoring board, on the "Start" space. Each player must keep his other pieces so that everyone can see how many are left.
TIP. If there are only two players and playing space is limited (for example, you are travelling), you can use the track running along the edge of the game board for scoring.
Put the scenario book and the grey pieces back in the box. You will need them for the game when you have gained a little experience.
Play
The game is started by the player who lives in the house with the most floors. Players take turns.
On his turn a player must place one of his pieces on the board.
- It can be placed directly on the board ("on the ground").
- It can be placed on top of two pieces that have already been placed.
It is not allowed to:
- place a piece leaving a "hanging" column;
- place a piece on only one already placed piece.
Immediately after this, check the height of the columns of the resulting arch. The height of the columns is the number of spans from the placed piece down to the piece directly beneath it (variant A), or down to the ground (variant B). The player receives as many points as there are spans in the resulting arch. That is, if the arch has 3 spans, he receives 3 points.
If a piece is placed on the ground with both columns, it scores 0 points.
Diagram: Variant A — the arch is placed on pieces stacked three spans high, scoring 3 points. Variant B — the arch is placed on columns four spans high from the ground, scoring 4 points.
The player must move his architect figure forward by the number of points received. Then he passes the turn to the neighbour on his left.
TIP. Do not use windows, portals and balconies at the beginning of the game. At the end they can be much more useful to you.
End of the Game
If on his turn a player cannot place any piece (there is no free space, or the pieces have simply run out), the game ends.
The player who has scored the most points by that moment becomes the winner. If two players have the same number of points, the winner is the one whose piece is higher in the built castle.
For Experienced Players
Staircase
A player who on his turn reaches 8, 16, 24, 32 or 40 points may make a "staircase". To do so, he must take two "bridge" pieces and join them as shown in the picture (the diagram shows the two bridges joined as a staircase, with spans marked 1, 1 and 2).
IMPORTANT. To get a "staircase", the player must reach exactly the required number of points. That is, if at the start of his turn he had 15 points and as a result of the move he received 2, he will have 17 points and will not be able to make a "staircase". But if he makes a move so as to receive 1 point and reaches 16 points — then he will be able to make a "staircase".
The "staircase" must be placed next to the game board. After the "staircase" has been placed, every arch it forms will bring victory points.
Each player may have only one "staircase". He can create a new one only if he again reaches the required result.
Scenarios
Dear players! Instead of task cards, the game uses a scenario book.
When preparing for the game you can choose one of the scenarios. Each scenario is designed for a different number of players: for 2, and for 3-4 players.
Besides the rules, each scenario has an explanatory picture. It shows how the neutral (grey) pieces must be arranged before the game begins.
The conditions given in the scenario apply until the end of that game. When it ends, special rules for counting victory points come into effect.
Remaining Pieces
After the game ends, penalty points may be awarded.
Each "window", "portal", "balcony" or "staircase" piece that remains in a player's hand brings him 2 penalty points.
Each piece that remains standing on the ground by itself (not connected to other pieces) brings its owner 2 penalty points.
The total number of points scored by a player is reduced by the number of penalty points he received. Only after that is the winner determined.
Scenarios for 3-4 Players (as printed on the scenario-book cover, page 2)
The text on the cover is small; the accompanying set-up pictures (grey piece layouts) are in the scenario book and are not reproduced.
Altar (3-4 players)
Pieces may not be placed on the grey piece marked with a red frame. The player whose piece is the topmost AT THE END OF THE GAME receives an additional 6 points.
Catacombs (3-4 players)
Pieces may not be placed on the ground so that they occupy the points marked in red.
Legacy of the Ancients (3-4 players)
"Window", "portal", "balcony" or "staircase" pieces may not be placed on grey pieces. Pieces may not be placed on the ground so that they occupy the points marked in red.
Library (3-4 players)
Pieces may not be placed on the ground so that they occupy the points marked in red. The player who completes the first connection between two blocks of grey pieces receives 3 additional points. The player who completes the second connection between two blocks of grey pieces receives 6 additional points.
Royal Gates (3-4 players)
"Window", "portal" or "balcony" pieces may not be placed on grey pieces.