Martial Laws: Civilizations and Conflicts in Tigris and Euphrates

Fantasy Flight Games' upcoming reprint of the classic title Tigris & Euphrates (Reiner Knizia) is a board game in which players compete to develop the most extensive and well-balanced civilization.  In the beginning of the game, there is plenty of room for expansion of your empire on the Fertile Crescent, but as yours and your neighbors' kingdoms expand, conflict is inevitable.  In a recent article by Fantasy Flight Games, the process of growing one's civilization and the conflict that occur in the game are explained in more detail. Players begin by taking control of treasure-filled temples dotting the landscape by placing one of their leaders (kings) near one of them.  Each player will be expanding their civilization by placing buildings of four different colors: blue, green, red, and black, representing agricultre, commerce, housing, and religion.  Players score points by placing tiles connecting to a connected civilization.  Treasures grant victory points in any color.  The winner is the player who has the highest amount of points in their weakest color. Revolts can occur in a kingdom when a player places a leader token in a kingdom that already has a leader of that type.  The player with more temples (therefore more favored by the gods) wins the revolt.  Placed tiles can also connect two kingdoms, which can also lead to a revolt. Catastrophes are a way to permanently protect your civilization, or buy time to place more tiles.  They can also be used to sabotage another player due to their ability to "transform a square of land that could have become disputed into a permanently blighted disaster zone where nothing can be built."

In the early days of urban civilization, countless leaders fought for control over Mesopotamia’s rich land and swelling population. Only one leader had the foresight, the support, and the ruthlessness necessary to overcome the competition, and found a dynasty that would last far into the future. Can you create an enduring civilization and a powerful dynasty, or will you be defeated in the brutal battles fought over the fertile crescent?

To read this article about the details of gameplay in Tigris & Euphrates, visit the web page here.