Hoplomachus: Origins
Hoplomachus: Origins Rulebook
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Board Glossary
Arena Hexes (El Dorado): These hexes are unique to each arena. See corresponding arena section.
Arena Hex (Atlantis): See corresponding arena section.
Arena Hexes (Xanadu): See corresponding arena section.
Deployment Hexes: Gladiators are placed on one of these "bloody" hexes when being deployed. Each player has 3-4 Deployment hexes available to them depending on the arena being used.
Deployment Hexes (El Dorado): El Dorado has 4 Deployment hexes that are brown instead of red in color. These are Player 2's deployment hexes.
Chip Types
Unit Chip: Units are used to do battle in the arena. Units include Champions and Gladiators.
Tactic Chip: Tactics are used to support or hinder units in the arena.
Arena Chip: These start on the arena. Use these to complete your objective.
Health Chip: Each player is assigned Red or Blue as their health color. These chips are placed underneath a unit entering the arena. The amount is based on each unit's starting health stat. When a unit no longer has any health chips, it is defeated and cannot return to this Arena.
Unit Chip Glossary
Health: Shown by Health chips under unit.
Attack Range: Unit may attack target up to this many hexes away (an attack range of 1 can only attack adjacent units).
Move Range: Unit may move up to this number of hexes on their turn.
Tactical Range: Unit may play a tactic on target up to this many hexes away. Tactics can always be played on yourself.
Basic Attack Dice: Use these dice when rolling for a Basic Attack.
Alternate Attack: Use this attack in place of this unit's Basic Attack.
Ability: This can be used once per turn and as soon as the unit is deployed.
Innate: This is always active as soon as the unit is deployed.
Unit Types: Champion, Special Gladiator, Archer, Attacker, Defender, Tactician, and Spearman.
Note: As we move through this rulebook, we will be doing it from a PvP (Player vs Player) perspective. Solo mode is covered in gross detail within its own section after PvP.
Gameplay Basics
A player's turn has 3 phases: 1) Deploy a Gladiator, a Tactic, or one of each. 2) Move (with all eligible Gladiators). 3) Attack (with all eligible Gladiators).
1 Deploy → 2 Move → 3 Attack
Each phase must be completed one at a time and in order. Once you move to a new phase, you cannot go back to an earlier one. After all 3 phases are complete, a player has finished his/her turn. Gameplay is conducted with players taking consecutive turns (a "round" is both players completing a single turn), and is over when a Challenge is completed or all opposing Gladiators are eliminated.
How do my Gladiators work?
Phase 1: Unit & Tactic Deployment
Gladiators must come into play on any one of your available Deployment Zone Hexes. When deploying a Gladiator, place red/blue chips underneath the unit equal to the Health number shown on the chip. There are 3-4 Deployment Hexes available to each player depending on the arena you are playing in.
Gladiators are not able to move or attack the same turn they are deployed (certain abilities may provide exceptions). Gladiator Abilities and Innates are active immediately upon deployment. Abilities are usable once per turn and Innates are always active. Pay attention to what phase each Ability can be used in.
Tactics can be played on your own deployed units or your opponents. To play a tactic on a friendly unit, simply follow the instructions on the Tactic chip and place it under that unit. To play a Tactic on an opponent, the unit must be within the Tactical Range of one of your own units. A unit with 'Tactical Range 3' must be within three hexes of the target unit during your Deployment Phase. A gladiator's Tactical Range is immediately available upon deployment.
Note: Single turn tactics (e.g., Stun) are placed on top of the affected unit. Permanent effects (e.g., Hamstring and Adrenaline) are placed between the unit chip and its health chips. Hamstring removes any Adrenaline effects because it drops movement to zero (remove the Adrenaline chip). If Hamstring is played first, Adrenaline will increase that unit's move range from 0 to 1 (in this case, keep both Adrenaline and Hamstring chips under unit).
Phase 2: Movement
To move a Gladiator, check its Move Range, and then simply slide it along with all of its health chips. All of your eligible Gladiators may move during this phase. You do not have to move the full range of the unit. Once you choose to move a unit, you cannot 'save' part of the its movement for later during this phase (e.g., you cannot move a Tactician out of the way for another unit, move that unit, and then continue to move the Tactician).
In order to move to another hex, that hex must not be occupied. It's not possible to move "through" another unit unless a specific ability allows for this. Be sure to check for movement modifiers (e.g., Adrenaline, Hamstring) under units before moving them.
Move and Attack example: Attackers can move a distance of 2 hexes but cannot move through other units.
Phase 3: Attacking
To Attack, select which Gladiator you will attack with and then announce if you are using its Basic Attack, or its Alternate Attack (if it has one). All of your eligible Gladiators may attack during this phase!
When making a Basic Attack, refer to your unit's Attack Range to determine if the target is within range. Line of sight is not needed for ranged attacks. There are 4 attack dice colors, each with its own odds of landing a HIT. Each 'H' that is rolled is a HIT of 1 damage, and each blank is a MISS.
Attack Dice: Black die (5/6 Hit), Green die (4/6 Hit), Blue die (3/6 Hit), Yellow die (2/6 Hit).
Move and Attack example: Attacker must choose only one target when performing a Basic Attack. Or the Attacker may choose to try its Alt Attack to hit both units.
Attack Sequence:
- Choose one of your units to perform an attack and declare if it's a Basic or Alt Attack.
- Declare the target opposing unit.
- Select the Basic Attack Dice pictured on your unit. Make sure to include all Attack modifications that apply to this unit. Or choose an Alt Attack and refer to description given for that attack.
- Roll all dice and add up the total number of "HITS".
- Your opponent now has a chance to use an ability such as Intercept Blow or Retaliate.
- For each "HIT" suffered, your opponent must remove a health chip from under the unit receiving the hit. When the last health chip is removed, the unit is defeated and removed from play (cannot be used again this game).
- Repeat this sequence for each unit you intend to attack with during this phase.
Once your Attack Phase is complete, your turn is over.
NOTE!! It is considered proper etiquette to state your attacks loud and clear, along with pointing out the attacking unit followed by the unit being attacked. Also, should you roll a successful attack, allow your opponent to remove his/her own health and unit chips. It is the responsibility of your opponent to make any ability declarations during this time.
Playing the Game
Setup
Place all 20 Gladiators and 8 Tactics (Green, Blue, Yellow, Orange, and Purple chips) face-up between both players.
Note: We recommend a starting lineup that consists of: 4-6 Gladiators, 1-2 Special Gladiators, 1-2 Tactics.
The Draft
Each player will be drafting a lineup of 8 Gladiators and Tactics. After rolling all Attack Dice to see who starts the draft, the first Player will draft one Gladiator or Tactic. Players will take subsequent turns selecting a chip to add to their lineup until each player has 8 chips.
While drafting, it is important to keep a few rules in mind.
- You will only be using six of your eight chips for each of the three challenges.
- Each team may only deploy one Special Gladiator (as represented by a STAR icon for a unit's type) for each challenge.
- Three challenges make up a game of Origins. After each challenge, the loser will eliminate one of the winners chips from their lineup for the remaining challenges.
- House Reputation restrictions must be considered when drafting (see House Rep Card).
Gameplay
After the draft takes place, clear all undrafted chips. Players will randomly select one of the three Origins' arenas (we suggest 3 chips in a bag to be drawn). Later on, the second arena will be drawn randomly as well. For the third and final challenge, the arena will already be known as each is played only once. The arena mat, along with health chips and attack dice, are placed in front of both players. Drafted Gladiators and Tactics remain in front of each player (face up or down - your choice). These chips are set aside after they are used/eliminated. Keep these all together as you will be using them in your remaining challenges! The player that did NOT start the draft will take the first turn in the first challenge! After that, the loser of the last challenge starts the next.
House Reputation
You are representing a royal house of gladiators that is trying to establish itself as the one and only house to represent your civilization in Rome. To be considered, you must build up your reputation by fighting other houses in PvP combat. Anytime you fight another house, you are being watched. An arena win grants you 10 House Rep points and a loss, loses you 5. This means any time you play someone in a game of Origins, you have the chance to earn 30 House Rep (since a game of Origins is 3 battles). Even if you win the first 2, the 3rd game is important to play for House Rep purposes.
House Reputation is an integral part of the Origins storyline. Feel free to get a few games under your belt before tackling this part of Origins, but when you are ready, we recommend ALWAYS tracking and utilizing the House Rep rules every time you play Origins PvP!
Your reputation is tracked on the House Rep card provided and is only tallied at the start/end of a game of 3 challenges. Therefore, if you win your first battle, it does not affect your House Rep until after all 3 challenges have been played. Before you begin your next battle, be sure to check your existing level and adhere to any draft restrictions. This is an important rule as it will help balance your PvP games!
Origins Arenas
Xanadu: Summit of Glory
Deep in the heart of Asia lies the hidden city of Xanadu. While no one can seem to pinpoint its exact location, many insist this legendary place is real. It is said there is only one path in and out of Xanadu. Shrouded in mist and dense foliage, the path has been sought by many adventurers yet remains undiscovered. Xanadian warriors have been training for generations, unseen and protected by this natural camouflage. Brute strength is what these warriors know best. They have perfected their fighting style and have built an arena perfect for showing it off! Behold, the Summit of Glory!
Xanadu Objective: Play this challenge to six Arena Points, or eliminate your opponent to win. Use the red and white D6 dice provided in the game to track your points. Each player only uses the four deployment hexes nearest to them. Any unit occupying an Arena Hex gains the Skill: Elevated. Any unit occupying an Arena Hex at the start of its turn gains +1 Arena Point (more units means more points). Once a player reaches six points or more, the challenge is immediately won.
Solo Note: Ariq Boke & Kublai Khan are Champions, take note as some tactics may not work on them. The Champions will also gain Skill: Elevated as long as they remain on an Arena Hex. Eliminating Ariq Boke or Kublai Khan, does NOT end this challenge.
El Dorado: Anvil of the Sun
The city of gold. A place that appears in poor and rich men's dreams alike. Ruled by the golden king, this city is more than a dream to those that inhabit it. Within a temple arena erected in the king's honor, warriors from the nomadic tribes traveling the trade routes nearby, gather here for an unusual challenge. Two golden chests, filled with gems and coin, sit at the ends of the arena. A game of speed and strategy ensues as the challengers attempt to deliver and place their tribute atop a pillar while protecting their own. Bloodshed is inevitable. If the king is entertained, the winning side is awarded the tribute they carried, while those on the losing side face a much less...desirable outcome.
El Dorado Objective: In this challenge, deliver the Tribute (chip) to the opposing Arena Hex, or eliminate all your opponents to win. Please note, each player's deployment hexes, and Tributes, are assigned by color (bright red/brown). Any unit may occupy either Arena Hex or cover either Tribute chip (you may only pick up your own Tribute).
At the end of the movement phase, any gladiator standing on its own Tribute chip may pick it up (place it between unit chip and health chips to show possession). A Tribute 'Holder' gains Skill: Elevated. Tribute Holder may also forgo its Atk option (during attack phase) to drop the Tribute chip onto an adjacent hex, even if that hex is occupied (another unit may acquire this at the end of their next movement phase). If Tribute Holder is eliminated, Tribute chip drops onto hex it was currently on (always remains in play). Once the Tribute Holder reaches opposing Arena Hex, the challenge is immediately won.
Solo note: The Zipa & The Zaque are Champions, take note as some tactics may not work on them. The Champions will also gain Skill: Elevated as long as the Tribute is in their possession. Eliminating The Zipa or The Zaque, does NOT end this challenge.
Atlantis: Poseidon's Folly
The stories of Atlantis reach to all corners of the world. Said to be ruled by Atlas and his twin brother Gadir, the tales of city paint a picture of an advanced civilization much ahead of its time. If only those that told those tales knew the truth! Far across the ocean, tucked within a chain of islands surrounded by reefs, and built within a vast network of water caverns, Atlantis thrives! With spear warriors unmatched in skill, they train on a fierce island arena that doubles as a feeding ground for the ocean's most deadly beasts. These Atlantean gladiators fight for leadership and control of Poseidon's Spear - the one thing that has power over the creatures from the depths.
Atlantis Objective: There is only one way to win this challenge, defeat your opponent's assigned Leader! The first gladiator deployed from each team will be designated its Leader, this may be any gladiator. The Leader will get a bonus of double its starting health (i.e. Korykos starts with 4 health, Defender starts with 10 health). Feel free to use a black chip to help identify and track which is the team's Leader. Each player only uses the three deployment hexes nearest them.
At the end of the movement phase, any gladiator standing on the Spear chip may pick it up (place it between unit chip and health chips to show possession). Spear 'Holder' gains Skill: Elevated, Ability: Trident's Call, and Alt Atk: Trident Spear. If Spear Holder is eliminated, Spear chip drops onto hex it was currently on (always remains in play). Once the opposing Leader is defeated, the challenge is immediately won.
Solo note: Gadir & Atlas are Champions, take note as some tactics may not work on them. The Champions will be 'acting Leader' as well, however they will not have the double starting health bonus. Eliminating Gadir or Atlas WILL win the challenge!
Crowd Favor Gladiator Battle Royale
Have you acquired a few Crowd Favor Gladiators? If you have at least 2 for each player (we recommend teams of 4-6 CF Gladiators), you are welcome to put your CF Gladiators to the test! Simply follow the same rules for each Challenge but only draft from your CF Gladiators. Want more strategy? Try this with the CF Tactics from Hoplo: TLC!
Hoplomachus games are backwards and forwards compatible! Do you also own The Lost Cities or Rise of Rome? Mix it up a little bit by adding these gladiators (non-Champions) to the Origins draft! Additionally, if you feel like taking on a Titan with the all-new Origins Gladiators and Tactics, go ahead and boost your favorite City with a new custom build of 14 chips!
The Solo Trials
"If you are reading this decree, it means you must be considering submitting your house to The Solo Trials. While most houses compete against other houses of equal strength and number, you have chosen to stand out from the rest. By completing the Trials successfully, you ensure the best chance of your house being selected for the journey to Rome."
The Trials are a set of 20 challenges that will test your ability to maximize the use of your gladiators against opponents of increasing difficulty. Your draft parameters will be altered in numerous ways, forcing you to adapt and revamp your strategies to fit each challenge. You will work your way through all 3 arenas and face 4 different challengers within each (see your Trials card for specifics). If a Trial is passed, you may move to the next. Each Trial may be attempted twice, but if neither attempt is successful, you must go back to the previous Trial.
Every challenger you face will have its own AI that ranges from a base set of directives for himself and his team (determined and altered by your deployment and move choices), to a 4-die roll that determines skill activation, movement, and attack.
Your standard drafting rules for solo play are as follows: Draft 6 Units/Tactics to be used against your challenger. Refer to your Trial card to see how that rule will be altered for your first Trial. Remember to track your progress on a separate score sheet with the name of your gladiator House on top! Let the games begin!
Credits
A Game By Adam Carlson Josh Carlson
Graphic Design/Artwork Anthony LeTourneau Josh Carlson
Publisher Chip Theory Games
Chief Testing & Support Kirk Dyreson
Rulebook Editor Adam Carlson
Box Cover Art Anthony LeTourneau
Are you stumped on a specific rule or an odd situation in the game? Send us your questions at [email protected]
Skills Reference List: Abilities, Alt Attacks, Innates
Abilities are usable once/turn. Alt Attacks are used in place of a unit's Basic Attack. Innates are always active.
Absorb: When attacked and hit with a Basic Atk, unit takes 1 less dmg.
Bloodlust: If this unit is not at full health, add 1 black die to its Basic Atk.
Combat Lock: Opposing units may no longer move for as long as they are adjacent to this unit. Opposing units attempting to pass by this unit must stop the instant they are adjacent. Skills that can displace units may have a way of breaking Combat Lock.
Cover: Roll 1 yellow die anytime an opposing unit passes over and/or ends its move on a hex within this unit's attack range. Each hex within atk range grants this roll.
Distract (Innate): All dice used by adjacent opposing units for Basic Atks and Skills are changed to yellow.
Elevated: Unit does +1 dmg, with a successful Basic Atk, to another unit that is not elevated. Elevated is an Arena activated Skill.
Embolden: Friendly units within 2 hexes of this unit, gain Skill: Retaliate.
First Strike: Unit can attack the same turn it is deployed.
Gold Runner: Opposing units within this unit's Tactical Range cannot use Basic or Alt Atks when attacking this unit.
Hardened: When attacked and hit with a Basic or Alt Attack, unit takes 1 less dmg.
Initiative: Unit can move the same turn it is deployed.
Inspire: Friendly units within 2 hexes of this unit gain +1 dmg on a successful Basic Atk.
Intercept Blow: When a Basic Atk damages an adjacent friendly unit, this unit can intercept that entire damage. Damage cannot be split up.
Intimidate: Opposing units within this unit's Tactical Range cannot use Basic Attacks when attacking this unit.
Long Shot: Roll 1 yellow die to attempt a 1 dmg ranged attack up to 4 hexes away.
Lunge: If this unit does not use its own move, increase its atk range by 1 for this turn and change attack to 2 green dice.
Parry: Unit ignores first successful Basic Atk against him each turn.
Pervasive Absorb: Friendly adjacent units gain Skill: Absorb.
Power Throw: Unit may make an attack using 1 Yellow per adjacent friendly unit.
Propel: Launch an adjacent friendly unit 2 hexes away from this unit; launched unit cannot move or attack this turn. Usable during move phase.
Ready: Unit may move and attack the turn it is deployed.
Reposition: Instead of attacking, unit may move 1 hex.
Retaliate: When attacked and hit with a Basic Atk by an adjacent unit, do 1 damage back to the attacking unit (even if this unit is defeated).
Shove: Move this unit 1 hex into opposing unit, that unit also moves back 1 hex. If opposing unit cannot move directly back one hex, Shove cannot be used. Usable during move phase.
Skewer: Unit may attack both an adjacent unit and the unit directly behind it (straight line).
Strategic Attack: All friendly adjacent units gain an additional yellow die to use with their Basic Atk this turn.
Stun: Roll 1 blue die to attempt to Stun an adjacent unit. A stunned unit must be flipped over and ignores all stats and effects but its health. Stun lasts one full round until the start of that phase. Stunned beasts cannot lock players in place. Champions CAN be stunned by a gladiator (not a tactic).
Swap: Unit may switch places with another adjacent unit. Usable during move phase.
Toss: Unit may move adjacent unit one hex left or right, remaining adjacent. Usable during move phase.
Trident's Call: Throw Spear to an open hex within 3 range and summon a Sea Monster (flip to see which Sea Monster is used) on top of that hex. The Sea Monster is friendly to the player who 'called' him (place appropriate color health chips underneath Sea Monster). Spear is placed on hex, beneath Sea Monster. Call is an Arena granted Ability.
Trident Spear: Unit makes up to a 3 range attack using a green, blue, and yellow die. Spear is placed beneath target unit. Spear is an Arena granted Alt Atk.
True Strike: Basic Atks by this unit can be used as Alt Atks.
Whirlwind: Roll (x) yellow dice equal to total adjacent opposing units - total damage is applied to all adjacent opposing units. Origins' Attackers use yellow die for Alt Atk instead of blue.