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Charterstone (2017) Board Game

ByMichail

Charterstone is a legacy board game designed by Jamey Stegmaier and published by Stonemaier Games in in 2017. It is a city-building game set in a medieval world where players compete to develop their own unique charter. As a legacy game, Charterstone evolves over multiple play sessions, with players making permanent changes to the board and components as they progress through the campaign.

Game Components of Charterstone

  • 75 “crates” to unlock**
  • 36 metal coins**
  • 350+ unique cards**
  • A secret component found in only one other board game**
  • 230+ wooden tokens (12 of each resource: wood, coal, grain, brick, iron, and pumpkin)**
  • Streamlined starting rulebook**
  • Building stickers and cards**
  • Guidepost cards for each game**
  • Automata for solo or lower-player-count games**

    How To Setup Charterstone

    To set up Charterstone, players begin with a simplified rulebook and a bare board. The initial game introduces basic rules, and as players progress through the 12-game campaign, new rules, buildings, and components are added. The board evolves with each game, as building stickers are permanently placed on the board, creating new action spaces. Players also receive guidepost cards that provide objectives and special rules for each game, guiding the development of the village.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Worker Placement: Players place their workers on action spaces to generate effects.
  • Legacy: The game changes with each playthrough, incorporating new rules and components.
  • Engine-Building: Players build up their charters and the village over the course of the campaign.
  • Branching Storyline: Short-term decisions have long-term impacts on the game.
  • Game Objective: Earn the most victory points by placing workers on action spaces, constructing buildings, and achieving objectives.

    Player Experience

    Charterstone offers a dynamic and evolving gameplay experience. Players start with simple choices and gradually face increased complexity as the village grows. The guidepost cards provide variety and direction, encouraging players to try new strategies. The game requires commitment, as it spans 12 games, but the journey is rewarding as players see their village flourish.

    Pros

  • High-quality components: Metal coins, wooden tokens, and beautifully illustrated cards.
  • Replay value: Each campaign creates a unique board and gameplay experience.
  • Engaging storyline: The game’s narrative evolves with player decisions.
  • Guidepost cards: Help players navigate the game and provide clear objectives.
  • Dynamic gameplay: The game grows in complexity and options as players progress.

    Cons

  • Rule complexity: New rules are added incrementally, which can slow gameplay and require frequent rule checks.
  • Sticker placement: Permanent stickers can be frustrating if placed incorrectly.
  • Time commitment: The game requires 12 play sessions, each lasting around 1.5 to 2 hours.

    Personal Thoughts on Charterstone

    Charterstone is ideal for experienced and committed board game enthusiasts who enjoy legacy games and worker placement mechanics. It is perfect for groups that can reliably meet to play through the entire 12-game campaign. The game’s high quality, engaging storyline, and dynamic gameplay make it a gem for those who appreciate the evolution of a game over multiple sessions. However, it may not be the best fit for casual players or those looking for a quick, one-time game experience.

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    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl

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