Above and Below

Above and Below is a unique blend of town-building and storytelling, designed for 2 to 4 players aged 13 and above. In this immersive game, players take on the roles of villagers striving to establish a prosperous settlement both above and below ground. The game masterfully combines strategic construction with narrative exploration, offering a rich and engaging experience.

Game Components:

• Reputation Board: Central to the game, tracking players' progress and reputation.
• Player Boards: Individual boards where players manage their villagers and resources.
• Villager Tokens: Represent the workers available for various tasks.
• House Cards: Buildings that players can construct to enhance their village.
• Cave Cards: Used during exploration phases to introduce encounters and challenges.
• Goods Tokens: Resources such as fish, ore, and rope, essential for building and exploration.
• Encounter Book: Contains narrative passages that unfold during exploration, adding depth to the story.
• Dice: Used to resolve exploration outcomes and other game events.

Gameplay Overview:

Players begin with a modest village and a handful of villagers. The game progresses over seven rounds, each consisting of several phases:

• Assigning Villagers: Players allocate their villagers to various tasks, including:
• Exploring Caves: Sending villagers to delve into underground caverns in search of resources and opportunities.
• Building Houses: Constructing new structures to expand and improve the village.
• Harvesting Goods: Collecting essential resources to support village growth.
• Training Villagers: Enhancing the skills of villagers to improve their effectiveness.
• Exploration Encounters: When exploring caves, players draw Cave Cards and roll dice to determine the outcome, which is then narrated from the Encounter Book. These encounters can lead to rewards, challenges, or new opportunities.
• Building Phase: Players can construct houses or outposts, each providing specific benefits and contributing to the village's development.
• End of Round: After all players have passed, the round concludes. Villagers rest, and the game advances to the next round.

The game concludes after seven rounds. Players tally their Village Points, considering the structures they've built, the resources they've collected, and their reputation. The player with the highest total wins, having established the most prosperous village.

Key Features:

• Narrative Depth: The integration of storytelling through the Encounter Book adds a rich, immersive layer to the gameplay.
• Strategic Planning: Balancing exploration, construction, and resource management is crucial for success.
• Replayability: The combination of random encounters and diverse building options ensures a unique experience in every game.
• Artistic Design: The game features distinctive artwork that enhances the thematic experience.

Above and Below offers a compelling mix of strategic gameplay and immersive storytelling. Its unique mechanics and engaging narrative make it a standout choice for players seeking a rich and rewarding board game experience.