The King Is Dead: Second Edition

2020

Master the art of influence in 'The King is Dead: Second Edition', a deeply engaging strategy game where factions vie for control, and only the cunning will prevail.

45
minutes

2 - 4
player(s)

14+

Medium

About the game

The King Is Dead: Second Edition is a deeply strategic board game set in a detailed, immersive world. The game transports players back to the medieval times, an era of knights and kings, where political manoeuvring and power plays are the order of the day.

In this game, the king is dead and the kingdom is in turmoil. With no clear heir to the throne, the kingdom’s eight major factions are vying for control. As influential nobles, players will use their influence and cunning to manipulate these factions and secure the throne for their allies. The game is a delicate balance of strategy, diplomacy, and opportunism, making every decision crucial and every game unique.

Game components Unboxing the fun!

The King Is Dead: Second Edition is an engaging board game that is full of strategy and intrigue. Here’s a list of every component included in the game, along with a description of what each component does and how it interacts with the game:

1. Game Board:

The game board is a map of 8th century Britain. It’s divided into eight territories and serves as the main platform where the game is played. Players will be placing influence in these territories to try and gain control over them.

2. Game Cards:

The game includes 16 action cards in four different colors. Each player will receive a set of these cards, which they can use to perform various actions during their turn. These actions include adding influence, moving influence, or swapping influence between territories.

3. Influence Tokens:

There are 28 influence tokens in the game, seven each of four different colors. These tokens are placed on the game board in the territories. Players use these tokens to exert control over the territories on the board.

4. Follower Tokens:

These 18 tokens are divided into three factions (Scots, Welsh, and Romano-British). They are used to denote which faction currently has the majority influence in a territory. The faction with the most influence tokens in a territory at the end of a round becomes the controlling faction.

5. Power Cards:

There are eight power cards included in the game. These cards give players special abilities that they can use during their turn. These abilities can greatly change the course of the game, allowing players to perform powerful actions or disrupt the plans of their opponents.

6. Assembly Tokens:

The eight assembly tokens are used to mark territories where an assembly will take place. An assembly is a special event that happens when a territory is resolved, potentially changing the control of that territory.

7. Advantage Token:

This single token is awarded to the player who controls the most territories at the end of a round. It provides a tie-breaking advantage in the final scoring of the game.

8. Round Marker:

The round marker is used to keep track of the current round. The game lasts for eight rounds, and the round marker is moved forward at the end of each round.

9. Rulebook:

The rulebook provides all the necessary instructions for how to play the game. It includes details on setup, gameplay, and scoring, as well as explanations of all the game’s components and their uses.

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

The King Is Dead: Second Edition is an intense strategy board game for 2-4 players. The game is set in Britain just after the death of King Arthur, and players will be vying for control of the eight major kingdoms. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to set up the game:

1. Setting up the Game Board:

Place the game board in the center of the playing area. The board is a map of Britain, divided into eight regions. Each region corresponds to a different kingdom.

2. Distributing Faction Cubes:

Each kingdom is controlled by one of three factions: the Scots, the Welsh, and the Romans. In each region, place a number of faction cubes equal to the number of crowns depicted in that region. The color of the cube should match the color of the crown. The cubes represent the influence of each faction in the kingdom.

3. Placing the Power Cards:

Each player receives a set of eight power cards. These cards will be used to influence the factions and control the kingdoms. Players should keep their cards hidden from other players until they are played.

4. Distributing the Followers:

Each player starts the game with four follower tokens. These tokens are used to perform special actions and can be gained or lost during the game. Players should place their follower tokens in front of them.

5. Random Elements:

Each game of The King Is Dead: Second Edition includes some random elements to keep the gameplay fresh and unpredictable. These include the order of the power cards and the initial distribution of the faction cubes. These elements should be determined at the start of the game.

6. Setting up the Event Deck:

There are eight event cards, one for each region. Shuffle the event cards and place them in a face-down deck next to the game board. Draw the top card and place it face up next to the deck. This card indicates the first region to be contested in the game.

7. Determining the First Player:

Randomly determine the first player. This player takes the first turn when the game begins. Play will continue clockwise from the first player.

Once these steps are complete, you’re ready to start playing The King Is Dead: Second Edition. Good luck!

Game flow Round and round we go

The King Is Dead: Second Edition is a board game where players strive to gain control of Britain after the King’s death. The game lasts eight rounds, or until a player has used all eight of their action cards. The game is structured into rounds, and each round has a series of phases.

The setup phase: The game begins by setting up the board, which represents different regions of Britain. Each region is populated with colored cubes representing the Scottish, Welsh, and English factions. The eight action cards are dealt to each player.

The claim phase: This phase begins by revealing the top card of the power struggle deck. The region indicated on the card is the one where the power struggle will occur this round.

The action phase: During this phase, players take turns playing one of their action cards and performing the action indicated. These actions can allow a player to manipulate the cubes in the regions, influence the factions, or even pass their turn to potentially take two actions in a row later. This phase continues until all players have passed consecutively.

Manipulation: The player can add, move, or swap faction cubes between regions.
Influence: The player can add a faction cube to their personal supply, showing their influence over that faction.
Pass: The player can choose to not play an action card, potentially allowing them to take two actions in a row later.

The resolution phase: After all players have passed, the region where the power struggle is taking place is resolved. The faction with the most cubes in that region wins, and the player with the most influence over that faction gains control of the region. If there’s a tie in the number of cubes, the region remains in contention and will be resolved in the next round. If there’s a tie for influence, no one gains control of the region.

The end of the game: The game ends after eight rounds, or when a player has used all their action cards. The player who controls the most regions wins. If there’s a tie, the player with the most faction cubes in their personal supply wins.

Players'turn One turn to rule them all

The King Is Dead: Second Edition is a strategic board game where each player takes a turn to perform actions with the aim of controlling regions of Britain. The game continues until all the eight regions are resolved or the deck of cards is exhausted. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what happens during a player’s turn:

A player can take one of the following two actions during their turn:

Play a Card: Each player starts the game with a set of 8 identical cards. A player can choose to play one of these cards, which will allow them to perform a special action. The card is placed face up in front of the player to show it has been used. The used cards form the player’s court, which can affect end-game scoring.
Pass: If a player does not wish to or cannot play a card, they may choose to pass their turn. If all players pass consecutively, the current unresolved region with the lowest-numbered location will be resolved.

After taking their action, play passes to the next player clockwise.

When playing a card, the player can choose from one of the following eight actions:

Place Influence: Place one of your faction cubes in the faction pool into an unresolved region of your choice.
Move Influence: Move a faction cube from one region to another. The regions do not have to be adjacent.
Remove Influence: Remove a faction cube from an unresolved region. This can be used strategically to weaken an opponent’s control of a region.
Swap Influence: Swap a faction cube in an unresolved region with one from the faction pool. This can be used to change the dominant faction in a region.
Draw Cards: Draw two cards from the deck into your hand. This can give you more options for future turns.
Discard Cards: Discard any number of cards from your hand. This can be used to cycle through your deck more quickly.
Play Another Card: Play another card from your hand. This allows you to take two actions in one turn.
Resolve a Region: Immediately resolve an unresolved region. This can be used to secure control of a region before other players can react.

Each of these actions can have a significant impact on the game, and choosing the right one requires careful strategy. For example, using the ‘Remove Influence’ action can help you to secure control of a region, while the ‘Swap Influence’ action can be used to undermine an opponent’s position. Similarly, the ‘Draw Cards’ action can give you more options for future turns, while the ‘Discard Cards’ action can help you to cycle through your deck more quickly.

It’s also important to consider the potential end-game scoring implications of your actions. For example, the cards in your court at the end of the game can earn you additional points, so you might want to think carefully about which cards you play and when.

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

The game of ‘The King Is Dead: Second Edition’ ends in two possible scenarios. The first scenario is at the end of the eighth round if there are no more rounds to play. The second scenario is when all regions on the game board have been resolved and are controlled by factions.

Victory Conditions:

There are two victory conditions in ‘The King Is Dead: Second Edition’. The victory conditions are as follows:

Faction Majority: If at the end of the game, one player has more influence with the faction that controls the most regions (has the most cubes on the board), that player is declared the winner.
Tie-Breaker: If there is a tie for the faction that controls the most regions, or if players have equal influence with that faction, the player with the most total influence across all factions is the winner. If there is still a tie, the player with the most unused power cards wins. If there is still a tie, the winner is the player who is first in the turn order.

It is important to note that if no player has any influence with the faction that controls the most regions, the game results in a Saxon Victory, and all players lose.

Actions to take before final scoring:

Before the final scoring, players should make sure that they have resolved all the regions on the game board. This involves playing power cards, placing influence, and resolving conflicts to determine which faction controls each region. Players should also count their influence with each faction and their total influence across all factions.

Players should also check that they have no unplayed power cards, as these can affect the outcome in the case of a tie. Finally, players should confirm their position in the turn order, as this can also affect the outcome in the case of a tie.

Scoring Did you outsmart your rivals?

‘The King Is Dead: Second Edition’ is a board game of strategy and intrigue. The game’s scoring system is built around the simple goal of having the most influence over the eight regions of Britain. The game ends when all eight regions have been resolved, and the player with the most followers in a region will claim it.

Scoring Points:

Each player gains one point for each region they control at the end of the game.
If a player controls a region where the King’s Court is located, they gain an additional point.
Finally, the player with the most followers of the faction that controls the most regions gains two points.

Tie-Breaking Rules:

If two or more players have the same number of points, the player with the most followers of the faction that controls the most regions wins the game.
If there is still a tie, the player with the most total followers wins.
If there is still a tie, the player who is closest in clockwise order to the player who triggered the end of the game wins.

In ‘The King Is Dead: Second Edition’, every move matters and every decision can swing the balance of power. Strategic planning and careful consideration of when to act are key to victory.

Particular Cases and Exceptions Wait… is that legal?

The King Is Dead: Second Edition is a strategy board game that comes with a set of core rules. However, there are some rare or special rules, exceptions, and clarifications that can impact the gameplay significantly.

1. Faction Majority:

Contrary to typical games, in The King Is Dead, players don’t represent a specific faction. Instead, they manipulate all eight factions to their advantage. The player with the majority of a faction’s cards in hand at the end of the game only gets the support of that faction if there is a tie for control of the kingdom.

2. Use of Power Cards:

Power cards can be used to manipulate the game in various ways. However, once a power card is used, it is removed from the game completely and can’t be used again. Also, it’s worth noting that the ‘Negotiate’ card is the only card that can be played out of turn.

3. Power Struggles:

When all regions are resolved or all action cards have been played, power struggles are resolved. The faction with the majority of followers in a region takes control of that region. In the event of a tie, the region becomes disputed and is left unresolved.

4. Final Scoring:

At the end of the game, the player with the most influence over the kingdom wins. This is determined by the number of regions controlled by the factions they have the majority of cards for. In the event of a tie, the player with the most follower cubes in their court wins. If there is still a tie, the victory goes to the player with the Saxon card.

5. Two-Player Game:

In a two-player game, the rule for gaining followers changes. Instead of the usual rule, each player can choose one follower from any two different factions during setup.

6. Clarification on ‘Muster’ Action:

When performing a ‘Muster’ action, a player can choose any faction cube from the supply, not just the ones present in the region where the action is being performed.

7. ‘Pass’ Action:

A player can always choose to ‘Pass’ on their turn, even if they have actions or power cards that they could play. Passing is also not considered an action, so it doesn’t trigger the end of the round.

Tips and tricks Play smarter, not harder!

The game ‘The King Is Dead: Second Edition’ is a strategic board game that requires careful planning and execution. Here are some advanced strategies, beginner tips, common mistakes to avoid, and ways to optimize gameplay.

Advanced Strategies:

Control the Court: It’s crucial to control the court cards. They can give you a powerful edge, especially in the end game. Look for opportunities to snatch up court cards whenever possible.
Plan Ahead: Don’t just focus on the current round, but also anticipate the upcoming rounds. This will allow you to position your pieces effectively and take advantage of the changing dynamics of the game.
Balance Power: Avoid letting one faction become too powerful. If one faction gains too much power, it could jeopardize your position in the game.

Beginner Tips:

Understand the Factions: Each faction has its own unique abilities and strengths. Make sure you understand the intricacies of each faction to maximize your play.
Use Your Actions Wisely: You have a limited number of actions each turn. Be selective and purposeful with each action you take.
Stay Flexible: The game can shift quickly, and it’s important to adapt your strategy accordingly. Don’t get too attached to one plan.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

Ignoring the Power Balance: It’s easy to get caught up in your own plans and forget about the balance of power amongst the factions. Always keep an eye on the power balance.
Overlooking Court Cards: Court cards can provide significant advantages. Ignoring them can be a costly mistake.
Wasting Actions: Every action counts in ‘The King Is Dead: Second Edition’. Wasting actions can put you at a significant disadvantage.

Optimizing Gameplay:

Practice: Like any game, practice makes perfect. The more you play, the more familiar you’ll become with the game’s mechanics and strategies.
Study the Board: Take the time to study the board and understand the implications of each move. This will help you make more informed decisions.
Play with Different Factions: Each faction offers a different play style. Playing with different factions can help you understand the game better and develop more versatile strategies.