Polite Society: The Jane Austen Board Game (2018) Board Game

Polite Society: The Jane Austen Board Game is a novel-based board game released in 2018 by Veldi Games. The game is inspired by the works of Jane Austen, capturing the essence of social interactions and etiquette in the Regency era. Players take on the roles of characters from Austen’s novels, navigating through social gatherings, scandal, and romance.

Game Components of Polite Society: The Jane Austen Board Game

60 guest cards: Each featuring a character from Jane Austen’s works, including *Emma*, *Mansfield Park*, *Northanger Abbey*, *Persuasion*, *Pride and Prejudice*, *Lady Susan*, and *Sense and Sensibility*.

50 action cards: Used to influence gameplay and interactions.

96 asset cards: Representing wit, wealth, heart, and beauty, which are used to purchase guests.

10 social mission cards: Optional, adding an extra layer of challenge and strategy.

2 dice: Used for determining asset rewards and other game mechanics.

Rules booklet: Detailed instructions for setup and gameplay.

7 dining table boards: Each player’s board for arranging their guests.

8 indisposed tokens: Used to mark unavailable guests.

How To Setup Polite Society: The Jane Austen Board Game

To set up the game, each player places an empty dining table board in front of them. The asset cards are sorted into their respective types and placed face-up as the asset bank. The action cards and guest cards are shuffled and placed face-down. Each player picks a random social mission card if using them, and the top four guest cards are drawn to create the initial guest invite list.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Objective: The first player to fill their dining table board with eight guests wins.

Turn Structure: Roll the dice to determine if the guest invite list is replenished or if players receive asset rewards. Players can purchase guests, trade asset cards, or play action cards.

Asset Management: Players must manage their wit, wealth, heart, and beauty assets to purchase guests.

Social Missions: Optional social mission cards require specific guests to be on the player’s table to win, adding a strategic layer.

Trading: Players can trade asset cards with other players or with the asset bank.

Player Experience

Playing **Polite Society** is a fun and interactive experience that brings Jane Austen’s characters to life. The game requires strategic planning and asset management, making it engaging for both casual and experienced gamers. The inclusion of social mission cards adds a layer of complexity and challenge, especially for those familiar with Austen’s works.

Pros

Engaging Mechanics: The game combines resource management with strategic guest selection.

Literary Appeal: Perfect for Jane Austen fans, with unique quotes and character representations.

Custom Artwork: Beautiful illustrations by Lauren Jackson enhance the game’s aesthetic.

Accessible: No prior knowledge of Austen’s works is required to play and enjoy the game.

Cons

Complexity: The game may have a steep learning curve for new players due to the various mechanics and card interactions.

Luck Element: The dice rolls can introduce an element of luck, which may not appeal to all players.

Personal Thoughts on Polite Society: The Jane Austen Board Game

**Polite Society** is ideal for those who enjoy a blend of literature and strategy in their board games. It serves as a great gateway game for new players while offering depth for experienced gamers. The game is particularly delightful for Jane Austen fans, but its appeal extends to anyone looking for a fun and engaging tabletop experience. Whether you’re a literary nerd or just a fan of good company, **Polite Society** is a game that promises a pleasurable evening of friendly competition and social interaction.

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