Tianxia: Walls, tracks… and overheating neurons

The game takes place over four rounds, each broken down into specific phases (Preparation, Income, Action, Nomad Attack and Cleanup).

The Phases of a Round

1️⃣ Preparation Phase: This initiates the round by placing Bonus tiles and, most importantly, by advancing the Nomad Leaders on their attack tracks, signaling the imminent threat and increasing the Nomad Force.

2️⃣ Income Phase: Players collect resources (Stone, Wood, Rice) and Coins, notably through Workers placed on Barges  and the effects of Income Buildings where they have installed a Governor.

3️⃣ Action Phase: This is the heart of the game. Players take turns using their 3 Action markers to perform a main action. Each action advances the player one space on one of the Palace tracks (symbolizing the favor of the royal houses).

Regional Action: Allows you to place a Governor near a Building (at a resource cost) to activate its immediate effect and, more importantly, secure future income. Players can also exchange Resources for Goods. Finally, in coastal regions, the Expedition  allows you to sell Goods to ships in exchange for Coins and Prestige points.

Military Action: Allows you to Fortify by building Walls or Towers, or to Train Soldiers . Each addition of defense increases the Defense marker of the Wall sections, preparing the area for attack.

Barge Action: A quick action that allows you to place a Worker on a barge to immediately gain a Resource and obtain income in the next phase.

4️⃣ Nomad Attack Phase: If a Nomad Leader has reached the “Battle” square of a wall section, the attack is triggered. 

5️⃣Cleaning Phase: It prepares the next round.

After the fourth round, we move on to the Final Countdown to determine the winner in the total Prestige.