Allegiance: War of Factions (2004) Board Game

Allegiance: War of Factions is a card game released in 2004 by Lucid Raven Productions. It is a city-building and civilization game set in a fantasy world where players take on the roles of different factions vying for dominance. The game features collectible components and incorporates elements of dice rolling, memory, open drafting, role-playing, and team-based gameplay.

Game Components of Allegiance: War of Factions

Cards: Personalities (unique and generic), Events, Items, Invocations, and Structures.

Factions: Three playable factions – The Glory of Kalim (religious), House Mosfin (political), and The Veteran’s Guild (economic/military).

Wanderers: Randomly controlled elements, often monsters, that can attack players.

Influence Tokens: Used to track players’ influence and determine the Lead Player.

Dice: For resolving Aggression Checks for Wanderers.

Stronghold: A special structure each player starts with, crucial for staying in the game.

How To Setup Allegiance: War of Factions

Setup involves each player starting with a Stronghold and a set of basic cards. Players draw cards until they have seven in their hand. The game area is divided into various zones where players can place their cards. The Lead Player is determined by the player with the most influence tokens at the beginning of each round.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Objective

Gain the support of influential individuals to assume the throne, or mount armies to eliminate opponents militarily.

Ensure the number of Wanderers does not exceed three times the number of players, or all players lose.

Gameplay Mechanics

City Maintenance Phase: Check for victory, determine the Lead Player, and draw cards.

Action and Development Phase: Players take turns performing actions like playing cards or using abilities.

Military Phase: Declare military attacks against other players or Wanderers.

Wanderer Phase: Resolve Aggression Checks for Wanderers and add new Wanderers to the game.

Discard Phase: Optionally discard up to three cards.

Player Experience

Playing **Allegiance: War of Factions** involves a blend of strategic card play, resource management, and social interaction. Players must balance their influence and military strength while managing the unpredictable threat of Wanderers. The game’s phases ensure a structured yet dynamic gameplay experience, requiring players to adapt quickly to changing circumstances.

Pros

Deep Strategy: Multiple paths to victory, including influence and military might.

Variety: Three distinct factions with unique strengths and playstyles.

Social Interaction: Players must negotiate and strategize with each other to achieve their goals.

Replayability: Random elements like Wanderers add a layer of unpredictability.

Cons

Complexity: The game has a steep learning curve due to its complex rules and multiple phases.

Out of Print: The game is no longer in production, making it difficult to find and purchase.

Component Management: Managing the various types of cards and tokens can be cumbersome.

Personal Thoughts on Allegiance: War of Factions

**Allegiance: War of Factions** is ideal for players who enjoy complex, strategy-rich games with a social twist. It is particularly suited for those who appreciate the nuances of collectible card games and are looking for a challenging, immersive experience. However, due to its complexity and the fact that it is out of print, it may not be the best fit for casual players or those new to the genre.

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