Inis

Step into the vibrant world of Inis, a captivating board game inspired by the rich tapestry of Celtic history and lore. Here, players compete for the ultimate title of King of the Island, known as Inis, through a dynamic blend of strategy and cunning.

In this thrilling quest, you can pursue one of three unique victory conditions:

• Leadership: Establish dominance by controlling territories that contain at least six of your opponents' clans.
• Land: Ensure your clans are present in a minimum of six different territories.
• Religion: Place your clans in territories that collectively hold at least six sanctuaries.

Throughout the game, players earn prestigious deeds, often sung by bards or inscribed by master artisans, which can reduce the magic total required for victory by one. While achieving a single victory condition can crown you King, seasoned players will find themselves navigating a complex balance of power, particularly around the capital of the island.

At the beginning of each round, players engage in a strategic drafting session, selecting a hand of four action cards (there are 13 action cards for three players and 17 for four players) during the Assembly. Remember, any action cards not played at the end of a season are discarded, keeping the gameplay fresh and exciting.

Players can also utilize leader cards for territories where they have been elected during the Assembly, allowing for fluid strategy changes as the game unfolds. Additionally, 'epic tales' cards featuring the legendary deeds of ancient Irish gods and heroes, such as Cuchulainn, the Dagda, and Lugh, are collected to inspire clans and enable extraordinary feats—under the right circumstances!

The diverse range of actions on these cards includes adding clans, moving them, building and exploring, plus special actions that can turn the tide of play. To secure victory, players must master careful drafting, hand management, and bluffing—especially when it comes to the significance of passing on turns. Timing and understanding the delicate balance of power are crucial in this game.

Once familiar with the game mechanics, players are ready to dive into an epic showdown where true merit and wisdom will determine who reigns supreme by the end of the Assembly.

While it may feature miniatures of 'dudes on a map', it's a common misconception to treat Inis as merely a battle game. Eliminating clans could jeopardize your chances of scoring a Leadership victory. A more typical outcome is a peaceful coexistence among clans, regardless of territorial leadership. Of course, skirmishes can happen—Celtic clans are known for their unruly nature—and attentive players will heed their clans’ desires illustrated by their hand of cards.

Adding to the game’s charm, the twelve miniatures representing warriors, alongside woodsmen, shepherds, and traders, don’t affect gameplay directly but infuse the experience with delightful flavor. Immerse yourself in Inis today, and let the journey to kingship begin!