How to Play Cartographers: Map Pack Collection

Game Objective

The objective of the game is to explore and map the Plane of Knowledge by drawing shapes on connected islands. Although the manual does not detail the specific victory condition, the game involves scoring over several seasons, and the overall goal is to achieve the highest possible score through efficient mapping and resource management.

Preparation (Setup)

To set up the game, follow these steps:

1. Players must collectively decide which side of the Map Sheets (A1 or A2) will be used.
2. Each player receives a Map Sheet.
3. Use one of the specific Scoring Cards for these maps instead of the "patterns" type scoring card from the base game. The Heart of the Forest and Hillside Forest cards are incompatible with these maps.
4. Before starting the game, each player fills in any connection point between two islands on their Map Sheet.

Game Flow

Refer to the manual for details on this section.

Actions and How to Play

Drawing Shapes

Players can only draw shapes on connected islands. A connected island is an island that is linked to another island by a filled connection point.

Island Connections

A player can spend a coin at any time to fill a connection point between a connected island and a new island. If a player cannot legally draw any of the available shapes, they must spend a coin to fill a connection point before proceeding.

Spending Coins

To spend a coin, the player draws a line through a filled coin symbol on their coin track. Spent coins do not yield reputation stars at the end of each season.

If a player is forced to pay to fill a connection point and cannot do so, they gain a coin instead, but cannot draw the normal 1x1 square.

Trap Cards

• Multiplayer mode: Each player draws the indicated shape on any connected island on their neighbor's map. If not possible, they draw the shape on any island. If that is also not possible, they draw a 1x1 monster space on any island.
• Solo mode: Draw the shape represented on the island closest to the indicated corner of the map, using normal placement priority. If not possible, check the next island in the indicated direction. If it is not possible to draw the shape on any island, ignore the trap card.

End of Game and Scoring

Refer to the manual for details on this section.

Tips for Winning

1. Manage your coins: Spending coins to connect islands is crucial for expanding your drawing options, but remember that spent coins do not contribute to reputation stars. Weigh the cost-benefit of each expenditure.
2. Prioritize strategic connections: If you cannot legally draw any shapes, you will be forced to spend a coin to connect islands. Anticipate this need and try to make connections that open up more possibilities for future moves, rather than just reacting to a lack of options.