The Staufer Dynasty (2014) Board Game

The Staufer Dynasty board game, designed by Andreas Steding and published by Arclight Games in 2014, takes players back to medieval times in Germany. The game is named after the legendary House of Hohenstaufen, also known as the Staufer Dynasty, which ruled the Holy Roman Empire during the 12th and 13th centuries.

Game Components of The Staufer Dynasty

Modular board composed of 6 wedge-shaped regions and a central turn track

Scoring tiles randomly drawn for each region

Worker pieces (4 regular Envoys and 1 super Noble per player)

Treasure chest chits placed under worker spaces and supply spaces

Supply board with spaces for workers and treasure chests

Job (bonus scoring) cards

Privilege cards (16 different types, 6 chosen per game)

King Pawn

Turn order chart and markers

How To Setup The Staufer Dynasty

Setting up The Staufer Dynasty involves several steps. First, construct a table that determines which regions will be scored each turn and where the King Pawn will be placed. Randomly draw scoring tiles for each of the 6 regions. Each player starts with 5 workers (4 Envoys and 1 Noble) and selects 3 Job cards and 6 Privilege cards from a pool of 16. The rest of the workers are kept in a general supply. The turn order for the first round is set based on a fixed pattern, which varies depending on the number of players.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Turn Order: Determined by a central player order chart, with each player taking three actions per turn.

Supply Action: Move turn order marker to the left, choose a space on the supply board, and take workers and any treasure chest chit.

Deployment Action: Place workers in regions, considering restrictions like worker numbers and Noble-only spaces.

Scoring: At most two regions are scored each round; one region is predetermined, and the second is based on random criteria like the King’s location or the most workers in a region.

Objective: The player with the most points wins, with a tiebreaker being more pieces in the personal supply.

Player Experience

The Staufer Dynasty offers a rich and complex gaming experience despite its relatively short playtime. The setup, while fiddly and finicky, sets the stage for a smooth and quick game flow. Players must strategically manage their workers, treasure chests, and Privilege cards to optimize their scoring opportunities.

Pros

Complex yet Efficient Gameplay: Intertwined mechanisms that work together seamlessly.

Strategic Depth: Multiple layers of strategy, including worker placement, supply management, and scoring optimization.

Variability: Random scoring tiles and Privilege cards ensure each game is unique.

Beautiful Components: High-quality wooden pieces and a well-crafted board.

Cons

Complex Setup: Initial setup can be time-consuming and requires careful attention to detail.

Rule Complexity: Many rules and mechanisms to learn, which can be overwhelming for new players.

Worker Management: Managing workers and their restrictions can be challenging.

Personal Thoughts on The Staufer Dynasty

The Staufer Dynasty is ideal for experienced board game enthusiasts who appreciate complex strategies and multiple layers of gameplay. It is not a game for beginners due to its intricate setup and numerous rules. However, for those who enjoy deep strategic games that can be completed in a relatively short time, The Staufer Dynasty offers a highly satisfying and challenging experience.

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