Inis: 3rd Edition (English)

Inis is a game deeply rooted in Celtic history and traditions in which players win by being elected king of the island (Inis). Players can try to achieve one of three different victory conditions:

• Leadership: Be the leader—that is, have more clan figures than any other player—of territories containing at least six opposing clans.
• Land: Have your clans present in at least six different territories.
• Religion: Your clans are present in territories that collectively contain at least six shrines.

Over the course of the game, players also gain deeds, usually sung by bards or engraved by master craftsmen, which reduce the magical total of six for any condition by one. Although a victory condition is sufficient to claim the title of king, a game of experienced players usually has a tight balance of power, emphasizing leadership of the island capital.

At the start of each round, players draft a hand of four action cards (with 13 action cards for three players and 17 for four players) during the Assembly. Action cards not played at the end of a season are not kept for the next one. Players also have access to leader cards for territories that allow it and where they were elected leader during the assembly. Each Assembly reallocates these cards. Finally, they collect "epic tales" cards which depict the deeds of ancient Irish gods and heroes, such as Cuchulainn, the Dagda, Lugh and many others. These will be preserved and used to inspire clans and achieve extraordinary feats... under the right circumstances. Maps provide a variety of actions: adding clans, moving clans, building/exploring, and special actions.

Careful drawing, manual management, bluffing (especially when players understand the importance of passing their turn), good timing and a precise understanding of the balance of forces are the keys to victory. After a discovery game, you will be ready for a complete and epic game, where one undisputed player will be king by the Assembly for his merit and wisdom.