Caylus*

Caylus is a deeply strategic board game that transports players to the year 1289, where they become master builders tasked with constructing a castle for King Philip the Fair of France and developing the surrounding city.

Gameplay Overview

• Setting: 1289, the Kingdom of France, in the village of Caylus.
• Objective: Build the King's castle and develop the city to earn prestige points and the King's favor.
• Player Roles: Players are master builders competing to gain the most prestige.
• Gameplay Mechanics:
  • Worker Placement: Players pay to place workers in various village buildings.
  • Resource Management: Gather resources and money through buildings.
  • Building and Upgrading: Use resources to construct and upgrade buildings or contribute to the castle's construction.
  • Earning Points and Favor: Gain points and favors from the King for contributing to the castle, with favors offering significant bonuses.
  • Income and Bonuses: Earn immediate points and potential income by building structures that others may use.
• Building Activation: Not all buildings are active each turn. The active buildings are determined by their placement along a road from the castle and the position of the Provost marker.
• Control Over Game Flow: Players influence the game's pace and available actions by adjusting the Provost marker, affecting which buildings are active and the movement of the Bailiff marker, which signifies game end.

Conclusion

Caylus presents a rich blend of strategic depth and historical theme, appealing to players who enjoy complex decision-making and resource management. The game's unique mechanisms, such as the movement of the Provost and the dynamic building activation, offer a challenging and engaging experience. Players must carefully plan their moves, balancing the development of their own buildings with contributions to the castle, all while anticipating their opponents' strategies. The game's pace and tension build as the castle nears completion, leading to a climactic finish where only the most prestigious builder claims victory. Caylus is a highly regarded game in the strategy genre, known for its deep and rewarding gameplay.