CHARIOT RACE AT CARTHAGE
CIRCLE RULES
NOTE: This is the way
the rules were written. I have no further clarification, sorry.
GETTING STARTED
If four players: Each player runs a chariot.
If three players: Remove the WHITE chariot, the FATUM (or Destiny) card (MALEDICTION TABLETS FOR THE WHITE ONES), and the CURRICULUM (or Resume) cards numbered 7, 8, 9, 16, 24 and 25.
If two players: Each player runs two chariots. Have the BLUE and the RED ones fight the GREEN and the WHITE, as was commonplace in ancient times.
Set up the circus arena (see
figure # 1). The spina (relief) is in the center with the four series of
wood cues placed according to their color. The arena is made up of four
tracks numbered I, II, III and IV at the start with a red line across showing
the arrival. The tracks are marked out with squares:
...The
squares marked C send you back to the CURRICULUM (or Resume) cards for
the race.
...The
squares marked F send you back to the FATUM (or Destiny) cards.
...The
symbol squares =
......MOVE
ONE SQUARE FORWARD -> (straight forward)
......MOVE
TWO SQUARES FORWARD --> (as you like)
......MOVE
THREE SQUARES BACKWARD ---< (as you like)
......MOVE
UP TO THE MILEAGE STONE -> ! (the next closest one)
...The
symbol squares corresponding to certain FATUM (or Destiny) cards are =
ATTENTION: Before playing for the first time, it is advisable to get acquainted with the game board and all the FATUM (or Destiny) cards.
Each player throws the dice. The one who gets the highest number selects their color and places the chariot on track number one at the start. Each succeeding player follows suit.
The player of track number one shuffles the CURRICULUM cards and puts them outside of the arena face down. They then shuffle the FATUM cards and deals them one by one to each player, starting at their left, until there are none left.
Each player displays their FATUM cards in front of them so they are visible to everyone.
The player on track one throws the dice and moves forward the same number of squares as points on the dice (see below). The other players will follow clockwise.
HOW TO MOVE CHARIOTS
When the number shown on the dice is an EVEN number, the chariot will run straight along the same track.
When the number shown on the dice is an ODD number, the chariot can either run straight forward, move sideways or a combination of straight forward and sideways. Chariots NEVER run diagonally.
OCCUPIED SQUARES
In the case of an EVEN number, your chariot MUST stop behind the other chariot blocking its way. Any additional moves are forfeited. The only exception to this is in a space marked WRECK (see below).
In the case of an ODD number, you MUST (if able) pass on either side through the sideways motion.
A chariot shall NEVER jump over another chariot.
THE SQUARES
CURRICULUM
SQUARES or "C" SQUARES (RESUME)
If
your chariot stops on a "C" square, pick up the top card of the CURRICULUM
deck, read the inscription aloud and carefully follow the instructions.
Afterwards, put it back under the deck. If the card concerns other players
or orders any to do something, to do something, they shall comply, too.
FATUM
or "F" SQUARES
If
your chariot stops on a "F" square, you must exchange one of your FATUM
cards with one FATUM card from your neighbor to your right. You may choose
the cards to be exchanged.
SYMBOL
SQUARES
If
your chariot stops on a SYMBOL square, follow the instructions.
If your chariot stops on a FATUM SYMBOL square, and you have that card in your hand, follow the instructions. If you do not have the card, stay where you are until your next turn.
WRECK
If
your chariot lands on a WRECK square and if you have the WRECK card in
your hand, your chariot is blocked. It can be saved by:
(a)
If you have the EPONE GODDESS, VICTORY or SWORD card in your hand, You
can resume the game on your next turn.
(b)
If another chariot liberates you by taking your place. This chariot will
then be in a WRECK position. That player then receives the WRECK card in
exchange for a FATUM card from their hand.
Are not concerned by the CURRICULUM cards all blocked chariots (TILTED OVER ON THE SIDEWAYS or WRECKED). But those chariots still participate in the exchange of the FATUM cards.
ARRIVAL LINE
Whenever a chariot crosses the Arrival Line, the player shall not forget to take a wood cue on the spina (central structure). The first player to have gathered their seven wood cues will be declared the winner of the race.
