Inis

Inis plunges you into the rich tapestry of Celtic mythology and history, where the goal is to be elected King of the Island. To get there, you can follow three different paths: dominate the territory with more clans than your opponents, spread your clans across at least six distinct territories, or have your clans in areas that collectively total six sanctuaries. Sounds simple, but the strategy here is deep!

Each round kicks off with an Assembly phase, where players draft four action cards. These cards are the heart of the game, allowing you to add and move clans, build structures, explore new territories, or execute special actions. But be warned: unused cards at the end of a round are lost, so hand management is crucial! Besides action cards, you might also gain access to territory leader cards, if you were elected leader in a region during the Assembly. These cards are redistributed each round, keeping the dynamic fresh.

And there's more! You'll collect 'Epic Tales' cards, which narrate the deeds of Celtic gods and heroes like Cuchulainn and Lugh. These cards are permanent and can be used to inspire your clans to perform extraordinary feats at just the right moments. Throughout the game, you can also earn 'deeds' that reduce the requirement for any victory condition by one, which can be a game-changer in the endgame.

While Inis features warrior miniatures on the map, don't be fooled: it's not a traditional elimination wargame. In fact, annihilating enemy clans might even hinder your chances of a Leadership victory. Peace and diplomacy among clans are often more advantageous. Battles do occur, of course, as the Celtic clans can be unruly, but a clever player knows when to fight and when to negotiate. Careful drafting, hand management, bluffing, and perfect timing are the keys to victory in this beautiful and strategic game. The miniatures, which include woodsmen, shepherds, and traders in addition to warriors, add incredible flavor to the theme, even without direct impact on the rules.