A game is played in 3 rounds , each divided into 4 main phases :
1. Arrival Phase
Adventurers are drawn from a bag (warriors, bards, wizards, nobles, etc.) and distributed among the six boats in the harbor. These boats will determine the customers available for the round. Some Thugs (unwanted characters) may also infiltrate, depending on the active Thug card.
2. Production Phase
This is the heart of the game: each player takes turns activating the actions in their shop to:
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Produce your own goods (related to your specialty).
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Recruit locals to strengthen your team.
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Gain patronage by attracting specific clans.
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Reorganize the boats to anticipate the sales phase.
Time management via a clock is central. Each action costs a certain number of hours (and sometimes corruption), represented by an hourglass that is advanced. Whoever has the hourglass furthest back plays first. This creates a dynamic and potentially unbalanced rhythm, which is very clever.
3. Market Phase
Customers are now at the dock: it’s time to sell!
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Large goods are sold at the Bazaar Quay .
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The little ones at the Quai de la Grand Place .
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And all (but with a risk of corruption) on the Black Market .
The price depends on the number of customers of the correct color on the platform. After sales, players also earn gold based on their patronage icons and the adventurers present in the Clan Halls.
4. Cleaning Phase
We put the boats back to sea, we update the Grand Place and we prepare for the next round.
🔚 End of Game
After 3 rounds, a final count is carried out.
➕ The Extensions – More variety, more asymmetry!
One of the great joys of Merchants’ Bay is its asymmetry. And what better way to enrich this diversity with new merchants, mechanics, and surprises than with expansions? Here are the main expansions available:
🏚️ The Secret Hideout
What it brings :
Interest : Perfect for those who want a little more depth without complicating the basic rules.
🍺 The Innkeeper
Type : New Merchant
Concept : Manage a tavern frequented by adventurers.
Gameplay :
🐉 The Dragon Breeder
Type : New Merchant
Concept : Grow dragons, feed them, and sell their eggs (or services).
Gameplay :
🔮 The Oracle
Type : New Merchant
Concept : Read the future to predict customer needs.
Gameplay :