Goal of the Game

In Root: Henchmen Box, players compete for control of the forest, using factions and recruiting henchmen to strengthen their positions. Henchmen are mercenaries that change loyalty as the game progresses, adding a strategic layer of temporary alliances and betrayals.

The objective is to be the first to reach 30 victory points (or another agreed-upon value) through territory control, combat, and the use of henchmen's unique abilities.

Setup

1. Gather and Position Pieces: Place the 12 control markers and the control die next to the map. Position the 3 henchmen markers ("4", "8", and "12") on the corresponding spaces on the scoring track.
2. Choose the Henchmen: Shuffle the henchmen cards, reveal 3, and place their pieces in a supply. Discard the rest.
3. Demote the Henchmen: Turn the cards randomly to the Promoted or Demoted side depending on the number of players:
   • 2 players: 3 Promoted
   • 3 players: 2 Promoted, 1 Demoted
   • 4 players: 1 Promoted, 2 Demoted
   • 5+ players: 3 Demoted
4. Prepare the Henchmen: Starting with the last player in turn order, each player prepares one henchman following the instructions on the card (if any).

Gameplay Flow

The game follows the basic structure of Root, with turns divided into Day and Dusk. During the game:

• Henchmen start in the supply and are acquired upon reaching 4, 8, or 12 points first.
• At the end of the turn, the player who took a henchmen marker must:
  1. Take a henchmen card from the supply.
  2. Roll the control die to determine starting markers.
  3. Turn the henchmen marker as a reminder.
• Henchmen lose control markers at the end of each turn and can change owners when they run out of control.

Actions and How to Play

Henchmen offer special abilities:

• Acquisition Action (⚡): Performed immediately upon obtaining the henchman.
• Ability (★): Passive effects active while controlled.
• Dawn Start Action (🌄): Performed at the start of Dawn.
• Once Per Day Action (☀️): Can be used once during the Day.

Key Rules:

• Henchmen pieces do not mix with yours (movement/combat).
• They count toward ruling as if they were yours.
• They do not grant points for removing enemy pieces.

End of Game and Scoring

The game ends when a player reaches the point limit (e.g., 30). Henchmen do not grant points directly, but they help control territories and disrupt opponents. Consult the manual for details on tie-breaking criteria.

Tips for Winning

1. Prioritize henchmen with control abilities: They can secure key territories early in the game.
2. Monitor control markers: Henchmen with few markers may change owners soon – use them while you have them.
3. Combine henchmen with your faction: Some have synergy with specific abilities (e.g., Forest Patrol for defense).