Tekhenu: Obelisk of the Sun*

Tekhenu: Obelisk of the Sun is a strategic board game set in ancient Egypt, where players contribute to building the Temple of Amun-Ra. The game is deeply thematic, involving Egyptian gods and the management of resources and actions influenced by the positioning of an obelisk and its shadow.

Gameplay Overview

1. Board Structure: The game board is divided into six sections, each associated with a different Egyptian god (Horus, Ra, Hathor, Bastet, Thoth, and Osiris). The centerpiece is the obelisk ('Tekhenu'), which casts a shadow across the board, creating sunny, shaded, and dark sections.

2. Dice Drafting: Players draft dice of various colors from the board. The position of the obelisk’s shadow affects the purity status of these dice (Pure, Tainted, Forbidden), influencing the player’s choices and strategy.

3. Action Mechanism: The drafted dice allow players to perform actions related to the Egyptian gods or produce resources. The actions and resource production depend on the dice's color, value, and the section from which it was drafted.

4. Balancing Purity: Players must carefully balance their actions between Pure and Tainted to maintain a favorable position in the game, affecting turn order and strategic advantages.

5. Resource Management: Production of resources is key, but players must avoid excess, which represents Greed and can add Taint to their balance.

6. Scoring Phases: The game includes two scoring phases where players earn points for their contributions to the temple's construction and the welfare of their population. This includes workshops, quarries, buildings, statues, pillars, happiness, and resource production.

Unique Aspects

• Dynamic Board: The shifting shadow of the obelisk dynamically changes gameplay, making each round unique.
• God-Specific Actions: Each Egyptian god offers different actions, adding depth and variety to the gameplay.
• Resource and Taint Balance: Balancing the production of resources and managing the purity of actions adds a challenging strategic layer.

Gameplay Experience

Tekhenu: Obelisk of the Sun offers a rich thematic experience combined with strategic depth. Players must plan their actions while adapting to the changing conditions of the board. The unique mechanism of the obelisk’s shadow and the need to balance Pure and Tainted actions provide a fresh and engaging challenge in each game.

Conclusion

Tekhenu: Obelisk of the Sun is ideal for players who enjoy strategic resource management, thematic gameplay, and dynamic game mechanics. Its innovative use of the obelisk’s shadow as a game-changing element sets it apart in the genre of civilization-building games.