Tribune: Primus Inter Pares (2007) Board Game

Tribune: Primus Inter Pares is a board game that was released in 2007, designed by Karl-Heinz Schmiel. The game is set in ancient Rome, where players take on the role of leading families competing for power and influence in the city. With a mix of auction/bidding, hand management, open drafting, set collection, and worker placement mechanics, Tribune offers a rich and strategic gaming experience for 2 to 5 players.

Game Components of Tribune: Primus Inter Pares

Game board depicting ancient Rome divided into eight regions

100 Faction Cards, which are the primary playing cards

26 Victory Condition Cards, outlining individual objectives

1 Proconsul Piece, neutral at the game’s start

1 Starting Player Coin

2 Chariots, used for faction control

Followers of different colors, depending on the number of players (6 followers for 2-3 players, 5 followers for 4 players, 4 followers for 5 players)

Eternal favor of the gods tiles and temporary favor of the gods tile

How To Setup Tribune: Primus Inter Pares

To set up the game, lay out the game board showing the city of Rome. Place the eternal favor of the gods tiles, temporary favor of the gods tile, chariot, and proconsul piece in their designated areas. Each player chooses a set of followers based on the number of players and places them on the board. Players then draw a set of Faction Cards to form the draw pile and select a Victory Condition Card compatible with the number of players. The game board is divided into regions such as the Thermae, Forum Romanum, Latrine, Curia, Atrium Auctionorum, Catacombs, Pantheon, and Field of Mars, each with its own rules for card placement.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Card-driven mechanics: Players use Faction Cards to exert influence.

Area control: Players place followers in various regions of Rome to gain control.

Auction mechanics: Players bid with denarii in certain regions to secure advantages.

Victory points: Players aim to fulfill victory conditions listed on the Victory Condition Cards.

Game objective: The goal is to win over the legions, gain the favor of the gods, and be crowned tribune.

Player Experience

Playing Tribune: Primus Inter Pares is an immersive experience that requires strategic thinking and resource management. Players must navigate the complex environments of ancient Rome, balancing their efforts between different regions and objectives. The game’s depth and complexity make it appealing to fans of strategic board games.

Pros

Deep strategy: The game offers multiple layers of strategy, making it engaging for experienced players.

Historical setting: The game’s ancient Roman setting adds a rich thematic element.

Replayability: With various Victory Condition Cards and randomized setup, each game can be different.

Player interaction: The auction mechanics and area control aspects promote player interaction and competition.

Cons

Complexity: The game has a steep learning curve, which can be daunting for new players.

Length: Games can be long, especially with the “Alea Iacta Est” victory condition that allows for a long game option.

Component management: Managing the numerous cards and followers can be overwhelming.

Personal Thoughts on Tribune: Primus Inter Pares

Tribune: Primus Inter Pares is ideal for players who enjoy complex, strategic games with deep mechanics. It is particularly suited for those who appreciate historical themes and are willing to invest time in learning the rules. While it may not be the best choice for casual gamers or those new to board games, it offers a rich and rewarding experience for seasoned players looking for a challenge.

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