# Mare Nostrum: Empires – Mythical Beasts Expansion Tiles

## General Info
- **Year Published**: 2016
- **BGG Rating**: 7.3
- **BGG Rank**: —
- **Players**: 3-5
- **Duration**: 90-120 min
- **Weight**: 4.00 / 5
- **Publishers**: Academy Games, Inc.
- **Categories**: Ancient, Civilization, Economic, Wargame
- **Mechanics**: Area Majority / Influence, Dice Rolling, Set Collection, Trading, Variable Player Powers

## Verdict
If you already love Mare Nostrum: Empires and want to add an epic, surprise-filled touch, this expansion with mythical creatures is for you! It injects new strategies and powers that will make games even more intense.Adds unique, thematic powersIncreases base game replayabilityEnhances player interactionBrings a welcome fantasy elementRequires the base game Mare Nostrum: EmpiresMight slightly unbalance the gameAdds extra complexityFOR GENRE FANS

## Description
Supercharge your naval battles and territorial expansion in Mare Nostrum: Empires with these new mythical creature tiles! This expansion introduces legendary beasts to shake up the Mediterranean, adding strategic layers and a touch of fantasy to the already intense area control and trading game. Get ready to summon the Kraken, which defends your ships with floating sea fortresses, or rely on the Sphinx's wisdom during the trade phase, allowing you to choose your resources after seeing your opponents' moves. The Hydra enters the fray to cause chaos, attacking indiscriminately, while the Manticore weakens enemy legions while bolstering your own. And don't forget the Mermaid, who will guide your triremes for bolder and faster movements across the seas. Each creature offers a unique ability that can change the tide of the game, requiring players to adapt their tactics and explore new synergies. If you already enjoy the power struggles and resource management of Mare Nostrum: Empires, this expansion brings more spice and variety, ensuring each game is a new epic saga. It's the perfect addition for those looking to boost their strategies and add an element of surprise and divine power to their conquests.

## FAQ
### Do I need the base game Mare Nostrum: Empires to play with this expansion?
Absolutely! This expansion adds new components and rules that directly interact with the base game, so you need it to enjoy the mythical creatures.

### What are the main additions in this expansion?
The expansion brings tiles for creatures like the Kraken, Sphinx, Hydra, Manticore, and Mermaid, each with special abilities affecting combat, trade, or movement phases.

### Does this expansion make the game longer?
Game time might increase slightly due to the new strategic decisions and interactions the creatures introduce, but the core gameplay remains the same.

### Are the creatures too powerful? Do they unbalance the game?
The creatures are intentionally powerful to add impact, but their strategic use and how players react to them tend to maintain balance. It's something to observe in each game.

### Does the expansion add a lot of complexity to the game?
It adds an extra layer of complexity and strategy, but the rules for each creature are relatively straightforward. The complexity arises from their interaction with the existing mechanics.

### Who is this expansion recommended for?
It's ideal for players who have already mastered Mare Nostrum: Empires and are looking for more variety, new tactics, and a touch of fantasy to spice up their games.