Magnolia

About this board game

Magnolia is a kingdom-building strategy game for 2–5 players that plays in about 20 minutes. Lead a wide variety of creatures as you develop your country, compete with neighboring kingdoms, and aim to finish with the most points.

Each player builds a personal 3×3 grid by placing cards from their hand. You may play up to two cards during your turn, but every placement matters: cards can generate different abilities depending on where they are added and how they work with the cards already in your kingdom.

Position your units carefully to pursue bonuses and strengthen your kingdom. If creatures share a race or occupation in a row, you may receive a placement bonus. The layout also affects conflict, since only units in the front line of each row can participate in war.

• Place up to two cards per turn in your 3×3 kingdom.
• Play two cards and receive no money, play one card and receive one coin, or play no cards and receive two coins.
• Develop your country while gaining fortune, improving skills and faith, and competing with neighboring countries.

The balance between expansion and income is central to each turn. Playing more cards can develop your grid quickly, while holding back provides additional coins for future opportunities.

The game ends when a player places their ninth card or reaches 40 points. The player with the highest score wins, making Magnolia a compact contest of card placement, timing, and kingdom development.