Scythe: The Rise of Fenris — How to Play

Goal of the Game

Scythe: The Rise of the Fenris is a modular campaign expansion for 1-7 players that concludes the Scythe trilogy. Players experience 8 interconnected episodes, where each game rewards adaptation to the specific objectives of the episode, rather than following traditional strategies. The campaign winner is determined by performance in the final episode, adding bonuses accumulated throughout the journey.

Setup

Campaign

• Each player maintains the same faction throughout the campaign (unless the manual indicates a change).
• Draw new player boards for each episode.
• Use a Campaign Log to record victories, wealth, modifiers, and rewards.

Specific Components

• Boxes and detachable cards: Do not open before the time indicated in the manual.
• Custom dice: Used as instructed in each episode.
• Mech/Infrastructure Modifiers: Will be unlocked during the campaign.

Gameplay Flow

Each episode follows the basic Scythe structure, with variations according to the episode's Special Rules:

1. Setup: Specific initial configuration (e.g., adding workers, structures, or Influence markers).
2. Turns: Players perform actions alternately until the end-of-game trigger.
3. End of Episode: Scoring, recording rewards, and voting for the next episode (when applicable).

The game ends when a player places their 6th star on the episode's Triumph Track.

Actions and How to Play

Specific Campaign Mechanics

• Advantages: Can be purchased during setup (1 per episode, cost of $15 from Wealth). Benefits include extra resources or additional workers.
• Modifiers: Permanent upgrades purchased with Wealth at the end of episodes:
  • Mech Modifiers: Replace abilities on the faction board.
  • Infrastructure Modifiers: Single-use abilities per game.

Example Rules per Episode

Episode 1: Influence markers are obtained by being the first to place stars in Triumph Track categories.

Episode 2A (War): Rival system - stars placed on enemy bases generate rewards upon winning combat.

Episode 2B (Peace): Alliances between players grant temporary abilities and coin bonuses.

End of Game and Scoring

• Campaign Victory: Determined by the winner of the final episode, with additional bonuses based on the Triumph Log (accumulated stars) and remaining Wealth.
• Scoring per Episode: Coins earned at the end of each game are added to Wealth, used to purchase modifiers and advantages.

Tips for Winning

1. Adapt to the episode objectives: Each game has specific goals (e.g., combat in War, construction in Peace). Focus on the rewards offered.
2. Invest in Modifiers: They strengthen your faction permanently. Prioritize purchases that complement your strategy.
3. Manage Wealth: Spend it strategically on Advantages and Modifiers, as only the coins from the final episode count toward victory.

Consult the manual for details on sections not covered here.