Here I Stand

2006

Dive into the political and religious turmoil of early 16th Century Europe in 'Here I Stand: Wars of the Reformation 1517-1555'. Engage in secret deal-making, form alliances, and outwit opponents in this thrilling card-driven game.

360
minutes

2 - 6
player(s)

14+

Heavy

About the game

Here I Stand is a deeply strategic and immersive board game that transports players back to the tumultuous times of the 16th century. The game’s vividly detailed setting allows you to experience the political, religious, and military battles that shaped Europe during the period of the Protestant Reformation and the Habsburg-Valois Wars.

The game sets itself apart with its unique blend of military, political, and religious affairs. Unlike other board games, Here I Stand allows players to assume the roles of the major powers of the 16th century, including the Habsburgs, the English, the French, the Ottomans, the Protestants, and the Papacy. Each faction has its own unique set of goals, capabilities, and strategies, providing a different experience every time you play.

Game setup Lay it out, line it up, let’s go

Here I Stand is an engaging and complex game that involves history, strategy, and diplomacy. The game recreates the political and religious conflicts of early 16th century Europe. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to set up the game:

Step 1: Unfolding the Map and Placing the Game Components

Unfold the game map and place it in the middle of the playing table. All players should have easy access to it. Then, sort the game components such as cards, counters, and dice, and place them within reach of all players.

Step 2: Determining Player Roles

Determine the roles of each player. There are six different powers that players can choose from:

The Ottoman Empire
The Hapsburgs
The English
The French
The Protestants
The Papacy

Each player should pick a power. In a fewer than six-player game, some players will need to play more than one power.

Step 3: Initial Setup of the Game Board

Each power has a home space, which is marked on the game board. All home spaces should be populated with the power’s units as indicated in the game rules. Take note that the units differ for each power.

Step 4: Drawing Starting Hands

Each player will draw a starting hand of cards from the deck. The number of cards drawn depends on the power being played. The cards represent different events that can affect the game’s progress.

Step 5: Setting up Initial Resources

Each power starts with a certain number of resources. These are represented by counters and are placed in the power’s home space. The type and number of resources differ for each power and are specified in the game rules.

Step 6: Random Elements

There are several random elements in ‘Here I Stand’. These include the drawing of cards, the roll of dice in combat, and the random events that are triggered by certain cards. These elements add unpredictability to the game and make each playthrough unique.

Now that the game is set up, players can start taking turns and strategizing to achieve their power’s objectives. Remember that diplomacy and negotiation are key aspects of ‘Here I Stand’, so keep communication open and be prepared to make and break alliances.

Game flow Round and round we go

‘Here I Stand’ is a thrilling board game designed for 2-6 players. The game is themed on the political and religious conflicts of early 16th Century Europe. In this game, players represent major factions or nations: The Ottoman Empire, New World, Papacy, Protestants, England, and Hapsburgs. The game progresses in a series of turns, each divided into seven phases. Below is a detailed breakdown of each phase:

1. Diplomacy Phase

During this phase, players negotiate alliances, marriages, support for wars, trade agreements, and other deals. The aim is to establish a diplomatic strategy that will advance their position in the game. Players can exchange cards, swap territories, offer support in war, and propose royal marriages.

2. Spring Deployment Phase

In this phase, players deploy their land and naval units on the game board. This typically involves placing units in spaces where they can support military operations or defend against potential attacks. Each faction has a fixed number of units that can be deployed during this phase.

3. Spring Phase

The Spring Phase is the first of two action phases. During this phase, players can perform a variety of actions depending on their cards’ command values. Actions can include moving units, initiating battles, constructing forts, initiating religious debates, or exploring the New World.

4. Mandatory Card Draw Phase

After the Spring Phase, a Mandatory Card Draw phase occurs. In this phase, each player draws two cards from the deck, adding them to their hand. These cards can be used for their event or for their command points in the next action phase.

5. Fall Deployment Phase

Similar to the Spring Deployment Phase, the Fall Deployment Phase allows players to deploy units on the game board. The strategy might change based on the outcomes of the Spring Phase.

6. Fall Phase

The Fall Phase is the second action phase. Just like in the Spring Phase, players can use their cards to perform a variety of actions. This phase represents opportunities to adjust strategies based on prior phases and to prepare for the next turn.

7. Winter Phase

In the final phase of a turn, players check for victory conditions. If no player has met their victory conditions, the game continues with a new turn starting from the Diplomacy Phase. Additionally, certain administrative actions are performed during the Winter Phase, such as adjusting the turn marker and resolving any event cards that take effect during this phase.

‘Here I Stand’ offers a blend of diplomatic negotiation, strategic planning, and tactical execution. The game continues in this sequence of phases until one player meets their faction’s victory conditions or a negotiated end of the game is reached.

Players'turn One turn to rule them all

“Here I Stand” is a complex and strategic board game that offers a multitude of actions and choices for the players on their turns. Each turn is divided into seven phases, and each phase offers specific actions that a player can take.

The seven phases of a turn are:

Spring Deployment Phase
Diplomacy Phase
Spring Phase
Summer Deployment Phase
Summer Phase
Fall Deployment Phase
Fall Phase

In the Spring Deployment Phase, players can move units to forward positions. This sets the stage for conflicts and conquests in the upcoming phases. Strategic considerations during this phase include deciding which territories to strengthen and which to potentially leave vulnerable.

During the Diplomacy Phase, players can negotiate alliances, declare wars, and make other diplomatic agreements. The outcomes of these negotiations can greatly affect the balance of power on the board.

The Spring Phase is where the action happens. Players can launch attacks, lay sieges, explore the New World, or take other actions. The choices made in this phase will directly impact the conflicts and conquests of the game.

In the Summer Deployment Phase, players can again move their units. This time, however, they can see the outcomes of the Spring Phase and make adjustments accordingly.

During the Summer Phase, players can again launch attacks, lay sieges, explore, and so on. This is the second round of action, and it can often be more intense and decisive than the first.

The Fall Deployment Phase allows players one final chance to move their units before the end of the turn. This is a crucial phase for preparing for the next turn and securing any gains made during the current turn.

Finally, the Fall Phase is the last round of action for the turn. After this phase, the turn ends and a new turn begins.

Throughout all these phases, players must carefully manage their resources, make strategic decisions, and adapt to the changing situation on the board. The player who can best do this will likely emerge as the victor in “Here I Stand”.

End of the game All good games must come to an end

Here I Stand is a complex and strategic board game that revolves around political, religious, and military events of the Protestant Reformation. The game ends when a player meets certain victory conditions or when the game reaches the end of the ninth turn.

The victory conditions for each power are as follows:

The Hapsburgs: The Hapsburgs win immediately if they control all the key spaces in the Hapsburg home map areas of Spain, the Netherlands, and Italy. They also win if they control the electorates of the Holy Roman Empire.
The Ottomans: The Ottomans win if they control all key spaces in the Ottoman home map area, as well as all the key spaces in Hungary and the Balkans.
The English: The English win if they control all key spaces in the English home map area and if there are no Catholic spaces in England.
The Protestants: The Protestants win if they control all key spaces in the Protestant home map area and if there are no Catholic spaces in Germany.
The Papacy: The Papacy wins if they control all key spaces in the Papal home map area and if there are no Protestant spaces in Italy.
The French: The French win if they control all key spaces in the French home map area and if there are no Hapsburg spaces in France.

Additionally, a player can win by reaching a certain number of victory points. The number of victory points required depends on the number of players. For example, in a 3-player game, a player needs 25 victory points to win, while in a 6-player game, a player only needs 23 victory points.

Before final scoring, players must complete the following steps:

Calculate the number of victory points they have earned through key spaces, home spaces, and exploration.
Subtract points for any unrest in their territories.
Adjust their total for any victory points earned or lost during the game through card play, battles, piracy, or other events.

Remember that victory can be claimed at any time during a turn if a player meets the required conditions. If no player has claimed victory by the end of the ninth turn, then the player with the most victory points is declared the winner.

Scoring Did you outsmart your rivals?

Here I Stand is a complex game with multiple paths to victory. Each player earns victory points based on their performance in various aspects of the game. The following details the full scoring system in ‘Here I Stand’:

Victory Points

Victory points are primarily earned in three ways:

Territory Control: Players earn points based on the territories they control. Each territory has a specific number of victory points associated with it.
Religious Conversions: The Protestant and Papal players earn points by converting territories to their respective religions.
Exploration and Conquest: The Hapsburg and English players can earn points through exploration and conquest scenarios.

Tie-breaking Rules

In the event of a tie at the end of the game, the following tie-breaking rules are applied in order:

The player who would have the next turn (if the game continued) wins the tie.
If the tie remains, the player who had fewer cards in their hand at the end of the last round wins.
If there is still a tie, then the player with the most controlled territories wins.

It’s important to note that the strategic decisions players make throughout the game will strongly influence their ability to earn victory points and ultimately win the game.

Particular Cases and Exceptions Wait… is that legal?

‘Here I Stand’ is a complex historical board game with many unique rules and interesting exceptions. Understanding these can greatly enhance your gaming experience. Let’s take a look at some of the most important ones:

Victory Conditions

The game’s victory conditions are influenced by the player’s faction. For instance, the Ottoman player wins immediately upon capturing Vienna, a rule that doesn’t apply to other players.

Card Play

Most cards in ‘Here I Stand’ are versatile and can be used for multiple purposes. However, the ‘Diet of Worms’ card can only be played by the Protestant player and only during the Diplomacy phase. Also, some response cards can only be played under specific conditions or in response to certain events.

Military Movement

Each unit has a specific movement rate, but there are exceptions. For instance, English sea units can move through sea spaces without counting them towards their movement limit, reflecting the historical naval dominance of England.

Combat

In combat, if a player rolls a ‘6’, it’s an automatic hit, regardless of the unit’s combat value. However, the Hapsburg player’s units in the Vienna space have an exception. They hit on a roll of ‘5’ or ‘6’, making Vienna a very tough city to capture.

Reformation

The game’s Reformation mechanic is unique and has a few specific rules. For example, the Protestant player can only attempt to reform a city if they have at least one debater present.

Special Units

Some factions have special units with unique rules. For example, the Hapsburg faction’s Landsknechts have a higher combat value than regular infantry, but they can’t be used to besiege cities.

Card Deck

The deck is reshuffled when the ‘Turn 5’ card is drawn, but any discarded cards are not included. This rule can sometimes result in a player not drawing a card they were expecting.

These are just a few examples of the unique rules and exceptions in ‘Here I Stand’. Always consult the rulebook for a full understanding of the game’s mechanics and strategies.

Tips and tricks Play smarter, not harder!

Advanced Strategies:

Savvy Diplomacy: Use diplomacy to your advantage. Try to trade cards and negotiate with other players as much as possible to get ahead.
Strategic Warfare: Plan your wars strategically. Don’t rush into battles you can’t win, even if it means letting your opponents have a temporary advantage.
Balance of Power: Maintain a balance of power. Don’t focus too much on one aspect of the game and neglect the others. You need to keep a good balance between military, economy, and religion.

Beginner Tips:

Learn the Rules: Spend some time learning the rules and mechanics of the game. It’s a complex game, but understanding the rules can give you a significant advantage.
Plan Ahead: Always think ahead about your next moves. Don’t just react to what other players are doing, but have a plan of your own.
Use Your Cards Wisely: Don’t waste your cards. Use them wisely and strategically to maximize their benefits.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

Ignoring Diplomacy: Ignoring diplomacy is a common mistake. Diplomacy plays a crucial role in the game, and neglecting it can cost you the game.
Over-committing to War: Over-committing to war without a proper strategy is another common mistake. It can lead to heavy losses and put you at a disadvantage.
Neglecting Balance of Power: Neglecting to maintain a balance of power can be a fatal mistake. It’s important to balance your military, economy, and religion to succeed in the game.

Ways to Optimize Gameplay:

Master the Rules: Mastering the rules is the first step to optimizing your gameplay. The more you understand the game, the better you can strategize.
Practice: Practice makes perfect. Play the game as much as possible to learn its ins and outs and improve your strategies.
Learn from Others: Learn from other players. Watch how they play and learn from their strategies and mistakes.