Imagine yourself in China in 221 B.C., right at the moment when Qin Shi Huangdi decides that enough is enough and resolves to unify all the Warring States under a single command. He was a visionary (and somewhat ruthless), standardizing currency, script, and laws to create the foundation of what we know as the Chinese Empire. But his dream was larger than life: he sought immortality, searched for legendary elixirs, and ordered the construction of that colossal mausoleum with the famous terracotta army to protect him for eternity. This is where you come in. In Zhanguo: The First Empire, you aren't the emperor, but someone trying to ensure your family earns a place of honor in that stone army. To achieve this, you'll need plenty of cunning and strategy. Each round, you'll have six cards at your disposal, and the key is their versatility: some can provide permanent bonuses that last the entire game, while others are used to gain the Emperor's approval for your immediate actions. It's a game of influence and management, where you must balance the execution of ambitious plans with the need to please the ruler. The player who contributes most to the Emperor's cause and accumulates the highest score will be the ultimate winner. Get ready for a battle of wits where hand management is your primary weapon to climb the imperial hierarchy and leave your mark on the history of ancient China.