Cartographers

Setup

1

Everyone gets a map and a pencil

2

Start with the front side (A) of the map

3

Write your names in the top left corner of the map

You can also add funny titles and crests

4

Place the A-D cards side by side in the middle of the table

5

Split the scoring cards into 4 stacks

6

Shuffle each of the 4 stacks separately and draw one card from each

Place a card below each of A-D

7

Arrange the four seasons and set them as a stack next to A

8

Shuffle the four ambush cards and place them as a hidden stack next to the seasons

For the first game, you might skip these cards to ease into gameplay

9

Shuffle the 13 exploration cards and set them as a hidden stack below the seasons

Goal

1

Gather as many stars and coins as you can

2

Each season, follow 2 decrees (cards A-D)

Each decree comes with a card explaining how to score points in that round

3

At the end of each season, add up the points from the bottom

4

At the end of winter, total the points from all seasons

5

The player with the most points wins

Gameplay

1

Activate the 4 seasons one after another, each with different lengths

The number at the top left indicates the duration

2

During each season, reveal exploration cards one by one

Place these cards staggered to keep the top left numbers visible

When the total of the numbers meets or exceeds the season's length,

it's time for scoring, then the next season starts

3

The game is split into 3 phases. Here we go

4

Phase 1: Draw an exploration card

Reveal the top card from the exploration deck

Place it in the middle of the table, stagger others below it.

Ruins symbol

Set aside the ruins card and draw another one immediately

This symbol means the next exploration card is affected

If a symbol can't cover a ruins field on the map, draw a 1x1 terrain square of your choice anywhere

Monster cards - Ambush

The left symbol shows the direction to pass your card

Everyone draws monster boxes on their new map

The right symbol explains the monster boxes' layout

Try to have as many empty squares next to your monsters

Return the maps to their owners

Remove the monster card from the game

Continue with Phase 1 and draw the next exploration card

5

Phase 2: Drawing

All draw the shown shape on their map at the same time

If two shapes are next to each other, pick one

Land choice

Shape choice

If there's a coin next to a shape, you get it too

Color an additional coin on your coin track

Coins score points every round

Coins for encircling mountains

Completing the 4 fields around a mountain gets you a coin

Earn up to 5 coins for mountains

Mark the coin on your track

Drawing rules:

Rotate or flip the shape any way you like

Don't overlap any filled area

Don't go outside your map's edges

Mountains can't be covered

Circle them for coins

Aim to get as many stars from scoring cards, plan for upcoming seasons

If you can't fit any shape, draw a 1x1 land square wherever you want

6

Phase 3: Tally Time and Scoring

Sum the numbers and see if the season's days are complete

Keep revealing cards until the season's duration is reached or exceeded

Scoring, for example, Spring:

Scoring areas for each season are below the card

Enter 4 values and add them up

Points for Decree A

For instance, Spring with Schildwald

Points for Decree B

For instance, Spring with Tal der Magier

Points for Coins

Tally your colored coins

Write down the total

Count your entire track every season

Penalties for Monsters

Each empty square next to a monster loses one point

Total Score

Add up all the points and note the total on the right side in the large box.

Then, remove the current Season card from the game.

Now, you're ready for the next season, with new rules to follow.

Evaluation

1

At the end of each season, evaluate two specific decrees:

Spring evaluates decrees A & B.

Summer looks at B & C.

Autumn reviews C & D.

And Winter, D & A.

2

Remember, it's all about having fun and making the best choices to score high.

3

Keep an eye on the changing seasons and plan your strategy to collect as many stars and coins as you can. Good luck!