# Carcassonne: The Tollkeepers

## General Info
- **Year Published**: 2019
- **BGG Rating**: 7.0
- **BGG Rank**: —
- **Players**: 2-4 (Best with: 2)
- **Duration**: —
- **Weight**: 2.00 / 5
- **Designers**: Klaus-Jürgen Wrede
- **Artists**: Anne Pätzke, Christof Tisch, Marcel Gröber
- **Publishers**: Hans im Glück, MINDOK
- **Categories**: City Building, Expansion for Base-game, Medieval
- **Mechanics**: Tile Placement

## Verdict
A perfect strategic seasoning for Carcassonne lovers looking for extra layers of interaction.Adds strategic depthSeamless integration with baseImmersive medieval themeSimple and quick rulesRequires the base gameSmall and compact expansionRECOMMENDED

## Description
You know that classic tile-laying game, Carcassonne, that everyone loves? Well, 'The Tollkeepers' arrives to spice things up without breaking what already works so well. The idea here is to dive deep into medieval bureaucracy, but in a way that actually scores you points! Imagine you are a cunning landowner who has spotted a golden opportunity: charging tolls to anyone passing through your roads and cities.

In this expansion, the focus shifts slightly from simple territory occupation to tax management. You'll have the chance to impose duties on the travelers and goods circulating through your evolving map. The theme is rooted in medieval customs laws, where distinctions were made between small customs (for transport use) and large customs (based on the type and weight of goods). In-game, this translates into new ways to extract value from the tiles you place on the board.

If you're already a Carcassonne veteran and feel the base game can sometimes get a bit predictable, this expansion is exactly the seasoning you need. It doesn't change the core essence—you'll still be placing tiles and trying not to lose your meeples—but it adds a layer of interaction and strategy regarding the flow of resources and people. It is a compact expansion, easy to teach, and integrates perfectly into the original experience. It's like upgrading your feudal economy while building that imposing castle. Get your coins ready, because the travelers are coming, and they won't be passing through for free!

## FAQ
### Do I need the base game to play?
Absolutely! This is an expansion and won't work without the original Carcassonne base game.

### How long does a game take with this expansion?
The playtime remains very similar to the base game, usually between 30 to 45 minutes.

### Does it significantly increase the difficulty?
Not really. It adds an extra layer of decision-making, but the learning curve is very gentle.

### How many players can play?
The game supports 2 to 4 players, just like the base game.

### Is it a large or small expansion?
It's a 'minor' expansion, focused on adding a specific mechanic without overhaulng the whole game.

### Who do you recommend it to?
To Carcassonne fans who want to vary their strategy and add a bit more economic 'mischief' to the game.