2018 · American Civil War

This Guilty Land

Players represent opposing political forces debating the future of slavery in the decades before the American Civil War, while a third non-player faction, Compromise, seeks to preserve the existing order. A public Events Display shows cards available to both sides; playing cards from the Display triggers effects or can be moved into a player's Reserve for ongoing use. Reserve size equals a player's Organizational Capacity, which can be increased and affects action strength, Display draw minimums, and scoring opportunities. Deck composition and asymmetrical card mixes create distinct strengths and weaknesses. Gameplay emphasizes tempo, momentum, and incremental advantages as players pass laws, form parties, and grow or erode political support; the higher score wins when victory points or the deck run out, or an instant victory condition occurs.

groupPlayers

2

schedulePlaying time

45 min

psychologyComplexity

3.5 / 5