How to Play Root: Underworld Hirelings Pack

Goal of the Game

In Root: Underworld Henchmen Pack, players take on the roles of factions in a forest in conflict. The goal is to accumulate victory points to become the supreme leader. The Henchmen are mercenaries that change loyalty as the game progresses, offering strategic advantages to the players who control them. The game ends when a player reaches 30 points or when a dominion card is activated.

Setup

To set up the game with the Henchmen, follow the steps below:

1. Gather and Position Pieces: Gather the 12 control markers and the control die next to the map. Position the 3 henchmen markers (marked with “4”, “8”, and “12”) on the corresponding spaces on the scoring track.
2. Choose the Henchmen: Shuffle all the henchmen cards, reveal 3, and gather their pieces into a supply. Return the remaining henchmen cards and pieces to the box.
3. Demote the Henchmen: Randomly, flip the henchmen cards to the Promoted or Demoted side, based on the number of players:
   • 2 Players: 3 Promoted
   • 3 Players: 2 Promoted, 1 Demoted
   • 4 Players: 1 Promoted, 2 Demoted
   • 5 or more Players: 3 Demoted
4. Prepare the Henchmen: Starting with the last player in turn order and proceeding counter-clockwise, each player prepares one henchman, following the instructions on the henchman card.

Gameplay Flow

The game proceeds in turns, where each player performs their actions. At the end of each turn, players may receive Henchmen if they reach the required points on the scoring track. Henchmen start without any player's control and are acquired upon reaching 4, 8, or 12 points. At the end of the turn, the player must roll the control die to determine how many control markers they receive.

Actions and How to Play

The Henchmen offer various actions and abilities:

• Acquisition Action: Performed when taking control of the henchman.
• Ability: Always active, with specific effects described on the card.
• Dawn Action: Performed at the start of the dawn.
• Once Per Day Action: Can be performed once during the day.

Henchmen count toward ruling clearings, but their pieces are separate from the player's pieces. Consult the manual for details regarding this section.

End of Game and Scoring

The game ends when a player reaches 30 points or when a dominion card is activated. Points are counted according to the rules of the faction you are playing. Henchmen do not grant points directly by removing enemy pieces, but they can influence clearing control and other strategic actions.

Tips for Winning

• Control the Henchmen: Prioritize reaching the points necessary to acquire Henchmen, as they can offer significant advantages.
• Use Strategic Abilities: Take advantage of the Henchmen's unique abilities to influence clearing control and other players' actions.
• Manage Control Markers: Maintain control over the Henchmen's control markers to prevent them from changing loyalty.