Earth Rulebook 9.9pdf
Earth Rulebook 9.9pdf
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  1. OBJECTIVEThe objective in Earth is to score as many Victory Points(VP) as possible. To do so, you will “plant” cards to create your own island—a 16-card tableau arranged as a grid 4 cards wide by 4 cards tall. The game ends at the end of a round after a player plants their 16th card, which completes their island. Players will score points for the value of Flora and Event cards, for Growth and Sprouts placed on their Flora, for cards in their Compost, and for Ecosystem, Fauna, and Terrain bonus points.Balancing these elements and creating an effective engine is key to maximizing your Victory Points!Earth, the soil that supports and sustains our beautiful planet, Earth. Over millions of years of evolution and adaptation, the Flora and Fauna of this unique planet have grown and developed into amazing life-forms, creating symbiotic ecosystems and habitats. It’s time to jump into these rich environments and create some amazing natural synergies that replicate and extrapolate on Earth’s amazing versatility and plethora of natural resources.Create a self-supporting engine of growth, expansion and supply where even your unused Flora become compost for future growth. Earth is an open-world engine builder for 1 to 5 players with simple rules but many strategic possibilities.With the enormous number of unique cards and combinations, every game will allow you to discover new synergies and connections, just as our vast and fascinating world allows us to do!The first player to fill their 4x4 tableau with 16 cards triggers the game end and earns a bonus of 7 VP.Beige boxes like these will indicate tips and options to make the game easier for new players. Like this one!Prefer to watch a video instead of reading the rules?Scan this QR code with your phone!insideupgames.com/earth-how-to-play-video/Throughout the rules gray boxes like these will indicate important details which should not be overlooked!CREDITS© Inside Up Games 2023Game Design: Maxime TardifDevelopment & Art Direction: Conor McGoeyGraphic Design:M81 Studio & Yulia SozonikEditing: Daniel MansfieldBox Design and Logo: Kenneth SpondFlavour Text: Jenna Muir & Katelyn SummersLead Play-testers: Isabelle Touchette, Renaud Guerin, Simon Bélanger, Philippe Groulx, François-Vincent Talbot, Carter Morash, Hudson Morash, Scotland Morrison, Trevor Waytowich,Dominique, Kilianne, Caleb and Dahlia McGoeyThe fruit body comes out of an egg and can reach up to 20 cm (7.8 in.) in height.Red Cage FungusClathrus ruber11-1: +313Earth_Cards.indd 1492022-04-14 5:36 PMIt grows at the bases of dead or decaying trees and it tastes similar to chicken.Chicken of the WoodsLaetiporus sulphureus35+355Earth_Cards.indd 382022-04-14 5:31 PMAlthough originally classified as a fungus, it is now identified as a myxomycete.Slime MoldLeocarpus fragilis+3on any of the 8 adjacent Flora11Earth_Cards.indd 1742022-04-14 5:37 PMAn ornamental evergreen tree with aromatic fruit that can be used to make candy.Chinese QuincePseudocydonia sinensis46-1: +364Earth_Cards.indd 572022-04-14 5:32 PMResembling a white bearded tooth, this edible fungus can be found growing on hardwood trees. Lion’s ManeHericium erinaceus23-1: +312Earth_Cards.indd 662022-04-14 5:33 PMWhile hot and arid during the summer months, scrublands are cool and moist during the winter. TerrainScrubland19%in this column+13/42Earth_Cards.indd 282022-04-14 5:41 PMThey have a symbiotic relationship with trees, exchanging nutrients via its root system.Panther CapAmanita pantherina+32687Earth_Cards.indd 762022-04-14 5:33 PMIt is heliotropic, meaning the flowers follow the sun as it moves throughout the day.SunflowerHelianthus annuus19%+1on each in this row3431Earth_Cards.indd 1012022-04-14 5:34 PMA lichen with many branches, it is the primary food source for reindeer.GreyReindeer LichenCladonia rangiferina+31263Earth_Cards.indd 1122022-04-14 5:35 PMCommonly found growing at the base of oak trees, it oozes a blood-like substance when cut.Beefsteak FungusFistulina hepatica-1: +22432Earth_Cards.indd 422022-04-14 5:32 PMThis plant is extremely long-lived, with some specimens in France surviving for 200 years.Pomegranate TreePunica granatum+23564Earth_Cards.indd 1672022-04-14 5:37 PMAdapted to cool climates, they represent a third of all natural forest cover worldwide.TerrainMountain Forest19%in this column+13/44Earth_Cards.indd 72022-04-14 5:41 PMThe flowers have a springlike mechanism that spread pollen when bees land on them.Mountain LaurelKalmia latifolia-1: +34754Earth_Cards.indd 482022-04-14 5:32 PMA hardy moss which stores or releases water based on the moisture content in its environment.Wall Screw-MossTortula muralis+1on each in this column19%2221Earth_Cards.indd 892022-04-14 5:34 PMThe sulfuric compounds present in onions are what cause you to get teary when you cut them.Common OnionAllium cepa+1-1: +21232Earth_Cards.indd 1272022-04-14 5:35 PMThis edible mushroom has an unattractive look but an incredibly desired black truffle flavour.Horn of PlentyCraterellus cornucopioidesYou may pay all/some of this Flora’s cost with instead of( 1 = -1)1233Earth_Cards.indd 1362022-04-14 5:36 PMEarth Rulebook.indd 12022-11-28 10:07 AM
  2. 2SHARED SETUPPlace the Fauna board in the center of the table within view of all players. For a simpler game, use the beginner side of the board, marked with a icon in the center.Hand out a player board to each player. Make sure all players are using the same side (front) of their player board. The back of some boards are used for other game variations, including solo and teams.Shuffle all Earth cards and place them in a face-down draw pile (or piles) within reach of all players. Leave space for a discard pile next to the draw pile(s). Shuffle the Fauna cards and then place one on each of the 4 spaces on the Fauna board, with either side faceup. The remaining Fauna cards will not be used for this game and should be returned to the box.Shuffle the Ecosystem cardsand then place one on each of the 2 spaces on the Fauna board, with either side faceup. Then deal 1 Ecosystem card to each player and continue to the INDIVIDUAL SETUP. The remaining Ecosystem cards will not be used for this game and should be returned to the box.COMPONENTSLeave space next to each player board where a 4x4 tableau of cards can be created during game play.A tableau and player board create the player’s area.Create the central supply by placing all Sprouts , Soil tokens , and Growth (Trunk , Canopy ) next to the Fauna board.Fauna boardPlayer boardSproutsSoil tokensTrunks (Growth)Canopies (Growth)Earth cards (Flora, Terrain & Event)Fauna cardsEcosystem cardsIsland cardsClimate cardsFirst player tokenActive player tokenLeaf tokens (in 5 player colours)Score padIn a beginner game , Ecosystem cards are not used and can remain in the box.SetupGame ModeIsland cards dealt to each playerClimate cards dealt to each playerEcosystem cards dealt to each playerFauna boardBeginner11Not usedNo Ecosystem CardsStandard1112 Ecosystem CardsAdvanced2222 Ecosystem CardsRESOURCESEND GAME (4X4 GRID) SCORING REMINDER -3:+2+2+4/1+4+2+1and+1+2or+2VP from Event cardsVP from Terrain cards1VP per Composted cardVP from Ecosystems(1 personal & 2 shared)1VP per SproutVP from Fauna boardVP from GrowthBase VP on cards x(Tableau, Island & Climate)gainsproutsproutspacegrowthspacegaingrowthpersonalcompostcompost fromdeck / handdrawcardintohandplantcardintotableauspendcompostintodiscard-x+2or+2+5+2+2or+2+6+26 cards with a darker back and a icon are used only in the solo game. For information on solo play, see page 15.430 quintillion joules of energy hit Earth every hour—whereas humans use 410 quintillion each year.Solo modeGrow+1/ by you this turn+7,,activate ++2 or +2 Earth_Cards.indd 32022-04-13 3:07 PMx1Σx1x1/xThe largest part of the island is the Beerenberg, an active volcano 2,277m (4,740 ft.) high.IslandJan Mayen+2if you chose8552the Blue ActionEarth_Cards.indd 122022-04-14 5:58 PMAn oceanic climate is mostly cloudy year-round, with high levels of rainfall.OceanicClimate-1: +23Earth_Cards.indd 122022-04-14 5:59 PMPlants within savanna biomes must have long roots to reach the water deep under the ground.EcosystemYuanjiang Savanna69%4 cards have a differentnumber of (0-6)6/row in which each of theEarth_Cards.indd 352022-04-14 6:17 PMThey have a special bone called the hyoid, which wraps around their skull for shock protection.Pale-Billed WoodpeckerCampephilus guatemalensis69%7+ Flora, each with 1+Earth_Cards.indd 22022-04-14 8:26 PMA zebra’s natural skin pigment is black, meaning they are black with white stripes.Plains ZebraEquus quagga47%8+ cards with a habitat( / )Earth_Cards.indd 102022-04-14 8:26 PMOne of the world’s largest land carnivores, brown bears travel up to 80km (50 mi.) per day.Brown BearUrsus arctos25%5+ abilities(includes )Earth_Cards.indd 382022-04-14 8:27 PMDucks adapt to their environment by developing regional accents, adjusting their volume and tone.Wood DuckAix sponsa38%( / )7+ cards, each with 1-( , , , ) HabitatsEarth_Cards.indd 262022-04-14 8:27 PMEarth Rulebook.indd 22022-11-28 10:08 AM
  3. 3INDIVIDUAL SETUPShuffle the Island cards , and then deal one to each player.The remainder will not be used for this game and should be returned to the box. Repeat with the Climate cards.Once all players are ready, randomly choose a starting player, and give them the First player token and the Active player token .Each player must now select one side of their Island, Climate, and Ecosystem cards to use by placing it faceup on its corresponding space on their player board.Each player takes 5 Leaf tokens of one colour, placing 4 of them on the central leaf spaces on their player board and keeping the 5th to the side—it can be used to track their action selection each turn. Island, Climate, and Ecosystem cards grant different starting resources, abilities, and Victory Points—it is recommended to check the Fauna board and choose cards that will help you achieve these objectives.RESOURCESEND GAME (4X4 GRID) SCORING REMINDER -3:+2+2+4/1+4+2+1and+1+2or+2VP from Event cardsVP from Terrain cards1VP per Composted cardVP from Ecosystems(1 personal & 2 shared)1VP per SproutVP from Fauna boardVP from GrowthBase VP on cards x(Tableau, Island & Climate)gainsproutsproutspacegrowthspacegaingrowthpersonalcompostcompost fromdeck / handdrawcardintohandplantcardintotableauspendcompostintodiscard-x+2or+2+5+2+2or+2+6+2This sea-filled caldera boasts black sandy beaches and a variety of microclimates.IslandDeception1064147%cost-1(not less than 0)Earth_Cards.indd 52022-04-14 5:57 PMThe monthly temperature never exceeds 0°C (32°F), making them inhospitable to most life.Ice CapClimate-1: +23Earth_Cards.indd 102022-04-14 5:59 PMAt over 55 million years old, the Namib Desert is the oldest desert in the world.EcosystemNamib Desert47%3/2( / )Earth_Cards.indd 72022-04-14 6:16 PM97GETTING STARTEDEach player draws a number of Earth cards as indicated on their ISLANDcard.AAfter reviewing these cards, players simultaneously choose which ones they want to keep in their hand, and which they will Compost. They must Compost from their hand the number of cards as indicated on their ISLAND card. To Compost a card, the player simply removes it from their hand and places it facedown on the Compost icon on their player board—this creates their personal Compost.Each player takes the number of Soil indicated on their ISLAND card and places them on the central area of their player board—this creates their personal reserve. BCThere are 20 Islands, 20 Climates, and 64 Ecosystems, which means that there are 25,600 possible starting setups—welcome to nature’s diversity!For advanced players, deal out 2 Island, 2 Climate, and 2 Ecosystem cards for them to choose from. 10119END GAME (4X4 GRID) SCORING REMINDER RESOURCES+2:-3+2+41/+4+2+2or+2+1and+1VP from Terrain cardsVP from Event cards1VP per Composted cardVP from Ecosystems(1 personal & 2 shared)VP from Fauna board1VP per SproutVP from GrowthBase VP on cards (Tableau, Island & Climate)xgainsproutsproutspacegrowthspacegaingrowthpersonalcompostcompost fromdeck / handdrawcardintohandplantcardintotableauspendcompostintodiscard-x+2or+2+2+5+2or+2+2+614It was created via volcanic eruption in 2019 and is only 0.04km2 (0.015 mi.2) in area.IslandMetis Shoal744+2if you chosethe Red Action5Earth_Cards.indd 162022-04-14 5:58 PMABCWhen the soil thaws during the summer season, the trees, with their shallow roots, tilt and lean.EcosystemFinland Snow Forestall of the same type6/row with 4 cards,, , , orEarth_Cards.indd 442022-04-14 6:17 PMIt has five climate zones: cultivation, forest, heather-moorland, alpine desert, and summit.Mount KilimanjaroEcosystem2 abilities5/25%(includes )Earth_Cards.indd 632022-04-14 6:18 PMThey have a special bone called the hyoid, which wraps around their skull for shock protection.Pale-Billed WoodpeckerCampephilus guatemalensis69%7+ Flora, each with 1+Earth_Cards.indd 22022-04-14 8:26 PMA zebra’s natural skin pigment is black, meaning they are black with white stripes.Plains ZebraEquus quagga47%8+ cards with a habitat( / )Earth_Cards.indd 102022-04-14 8:26 PMThere is a very dense population of Canary Island pines found on this island.IslandLa Palma67if you chose+22the Blue Action52022-04-14 5:58 PMEarth_Cards.indd 15They are unable to retain groundwater due to their sandy surfaces, which cannot hold moisture.DesertClimate: +2-132022-04-14 5:59 PMEarth_Cards.indd 3The Twin Islands support thousands of geese, terns, sandpipers, and other bird species.EcosystemTwin Islands62%(0 counts as even)( / )xcards with an even3 /42022-04-14 6:18 PMEarth_Cards.indd 57Earth Rulebook.indd 32022-11-28 10:09 AM
  4. 4They offer in-game bonuses or end-game scoring opportunities (page 11).CLIMATEClimates give players another starting ability (page 10).Score VP at the end of the game for each time you complete its objective (page 8).Some plant life found within shrublands produce flammable oils, fueling wildfires.TerrainShrubland19%orthogonally adjacent to this Terrain+1203/Earth_Cards.indd 22022-04-14 5:40 PMThey can cause a narrow line of thunderstorms along the boundary of cold and warm air.EventCold Front+20Earth_Cards.indd 252022-04-14 5:39 PMIt was created via volcanic eruption in 2019 and is only 0.04km2 (0.015 mi.2) in area.IslandMetis Shoal744+2if you chosethe Red Action5Earth_Cards.indd 162022-04-14 5:58 PMHome to bristlecone pine trees, believed to be Earth’s oldest trees at around 4,000 years old.EcosystemGreat Basin Desert51%3/2 cards,each costing 3-Earth_Cards.indd 142022-04-14 6:16 PMOften napping for a minute or two at a time, they only need 5-30 minutes of sleep per day.Northern GiraffeGiraffa camelopardalisFill 2+ columns in your islandEarth_Cards.indd 212022-04-14 8:26 PMECOSYSTEMTERRAINEvent cards can be played at any time, even on another player’s turn (page 11).Earn VP at the end of the game for completing its objective during the game (page 9).FAUNAEVENTSoil cost to Plant card (p. 6)Base victory point valueCard type (pp. 8-11) Habitat elements (p. 11)Card nameScientific nameGrowth space (p. 8)Maximum Growth number (p. 8)Canopy completion VP (p. 8)Sprout spaces (p. 7)Ability colour(s) (p. 5) First ability effect (pp. 5-6)Second ability effect Flavour textObjective direction visual aid (p. 9) (row, column, orthogonal, diagonal) Percentage of cards (p. 9)There are seven different types of cards in the game:• FLORA, TERRAIN, and EVENT cards are found in the Earth deck. • ISLAND and CLIMATE cards are on player boards. • ECOSYSTEM cards are on both the Fauna board and player boards. • FAUNA cards are on the Fauna board. Every card is unique, so not all options are present on every card.FLORAOne of the fastest growing shade trees, it grows 1-2m (3-6 ft.) per year. American SycamorePlatanus occidentalis+134-1: +231Earth_Cards.indd 182022-04-14 5:31 PMISLANDIslands give players their initial resources and a starting ability (page 10).CARD INFORMATIONAn oceanic climate is mostly cloudy year-round, with high levels of rainfall.OceanicClimate-1: +23Earth_Cards.indd 122022-04-14 5:59 PMEarth Rulebook.indd 42022-11-28 10:09 AM
  5. 5RESOURCESEND GAME (4X4 GRID) SCORING REMINDER -3:+2+2+4/1+4+2+1and+1+2or+2VP from Event cardsVP from Terrain cards1VP per Composted cardVP from Ecosystems(1 personal & 2 shared)1VP per SproutVP from Fauna boardVP from GrowthBase VP on cards x(Tableau, Island & Climate)gainsproutsproutspacegrowthspacegaingrowthpersonalcompostcompost fromdeck / handdrawcardintohandplantcardintotableauspendcompostintodiscard-x+2or+2+5+2+2or+2+6+2Watering (see page 7): You may gain up to 6 Sprouts from the supply, immediately placing them on any of your Flora with empty Sprout spaces. Then you may gain 2 Soil from the supply, placing them on your player board.All other players may eithergain up to 2 Sproutsorthey may gain 2 Soil. Lastly, all players activate the blue and multicoloured abilities on their cards. You will score 1VP per Sprout on your tableau at the end of the game. Sprouts can also be converted to Soil anytime during the game (page 7).Growing (see page 8): You may draw 4 cards from the Earth stack, placing them in your hand. Then you may place up to 2 Growth on any of your Flora with room on their Growth space.All other players may either draw 2 cards orthey may place up to 2 Growth on their Flora. Lastly, all players activate the yellow and multicoloured abilities on their cards.You will score 1VP per Growth on your tableau at the end of the game. Any Flora that have reached their maximum growth number will instead earn their listed Canopy completion VP.Composting (see page 7): You may gain 5 Soil from the supply, placing them on your player board (your personal reserve). Then take 2 cards from the draw pile and place them onto your Compost without looking at them. All other players mayeither gain 2 Soil orthey may Compost 2 cards from the draw pile.Lastly, all players activate the red and multicoloured abilities on their cards.You will score 1VP per cardin your Compost at the end of the game.Planting (see page 6): You may plant up to 2 cards, one at a time, into your tableau by paying their Soil costs with Soil from your reserve. Then draw 4 cards, choosing 1 to keep, and discarding the rest facedown into the discard pile. Do not place these 3 cards in your Compost.All other players may plant 1 card in their tableau by paying its Soil cost from their reserve. They may also draw 1 card. Lastly, all players activate the green abilities on their cards.Players do not need to have planted a card to be able to draw a card.You will score the base VP value of each planted cardat the end of the game.TURN/ACTION OVERVIEWOn your turn, choose any 1 of the 4 action spaces shown at the top of your player board. To mark your choice, place the active player token above the corresponding action. Other players may choose to place their 5th Leaf token on their matching action space as a way to remember their action options. Players may choose the same action as a previous player, or repeat the same action from their last turn.THE GOLDEN RULE: If a card ability does something that goes against the rules, the card has priority and its abilities can be applied (if desired). Play continues with the Active player token moving clockwise until one player has completed their 4x4 tableau (see End Game, p.14).ACTIVATING ABILITIESAt the end of each action all players may activate any abilities in their tableau and on their player board that match the colour of the currently selected action (GREEN, RED, BLUE, or YELLOW). For multicoloured abilities, see page 6. Each card’s ability can only be activated one time per turn, and each tableau must be activated in order from the left column to the right and from the top row to the bottom.For an example of a turn, including the activation of abilities, see page 12. You can activate your ISLANDand then your CLIMATE either before or after your tableau’s activation, but not during. Some abilities require an extra step prior to receiving the benefit. To activate abilities with a negative number (-X), it is mandatory to pay the cost in full to get its benefit (Ex.1). For any abilities that have a numbered resource before a colon (:), it is mandatory to pay the resource requirement on the left of the colon to gain the benefit on the right (Ex.2).+1: +1Ex.2 - Compost 1 card from your hand, then draw 1 card.ContinuedACTIVEPLAYEROTHERPLAYERS-1: +3Ex.1 - Discard 1 card from your Compost, then gain 3 Soil.Earth Rulebook.indd 52022-11-28 10:09 AM
  6. 6ACTIVATING ABILITIES - CONTINUEDAbilities are activated after taking their matching action (GREEN activates GREEN, REDactivates RED... etc.). In addition, multicoloured abilities (which are made up of BLUE, YELLOW, and RED) are also triggered after the BLUE, YELLOW, and RED actions. Cards with 2 ability colours, or with multicoloured abilities, count as each of those colours when scoring, so if a player had a card with a RED and a YELLOW ability, they could choose to count it as RED for one objective and YELLOW for another.BLACKabilities are triggered automatically as soon as they are played. BROWN abilities give the opportunity for extra end game scoring options or ongoing advantages. Neither BLACK nor BROWN abilities will trigger during the game due to action selection or engine abilities, but they do count as ability colours. You are never forced to activate a card—you may skip the activations of as many cards as desired.* Only your Island, Climate, and cards planted in your tableau can activate their abilities—cards in your hand cannot.After placing your first card, there are only 2 placement rules:Card placement could be important for many reasons, such as the order in which their abilities are activated, the way Ecosystems score at end game (page 8), or if they help you reach a Fauna objective (page 9).1 Cards must be planted adjacent to previously placed cards (either orthogonally or diagonally).2 Your tableau may never have more than 4 columns or more than 4 rows.The active player then draws 4 cards, chooses 1 to keep, and discards the rest facedown into the central discard pile. All other players may plant 1 card in their tableau by paying its Soil cost from their reserve. They may also draw 1 card.For a more strategic game, players may plant cards in their tableau facedown until all players have chosen their card(s)— at which point all cards are turned faceup. PLANTING: PLACE, DRAW, AND DRAFT CARDS Lastly, all players activate green abilities on their player board and in their tableau (see “Activating Abilities” p.5). Cards on a player board may be activated before or after the tableau, but the tableau must be activated in order—from left column to right, then top row to bottom If the Earth deck runs out, shuffle the discard pile to create a new draw pile. Do not shuffle in any players’ Compost—those are worth VP at the end of the game! Planting is the most important action in the game—it will score you VP and allow you to activate more abilities.Players do not need to have planted a card to be able to draw a card, and they cannot draw before planting. At the end of the game, you will score the base VP value of each card you have planted.These 3 cards are not placed in their personal Compost.The active player may plant up to 2 cards, one at a time, into their tableau by paying the Soil costs. (Only Flora and Terrain cards may be planted into a tableau.) The required amount of Soil is returned from their reserve to the central supply. When planting your first card, you may place it anywhere within your tableau. Each subsequent card must be placed in one of the 8 spaces adjacent to an existing card. Players are not limited in which direction they may expand their tableau, but they are limited to a 4x4 tableau (16 cards).In the unlikely event that no cards remain in the draw or discard piles, players may no longer draw or compost cards from the deck. To keep the game moving and to keep players engaged, all players may activate their abilities at the same time.*If a card is activated, all costs must be paid in full; however, benefits may be collected as desired (partially or in full).For example, to activate this multicoloured ability you must discard the top card from your Compost, and return 1 Growth from your tableau to the supply. Then you may gain 1 Sprout and up to 2 Soil from the supply. For each objective and scoring card, a multicoloured card can count as a blue, a yellow, and a red card. However, individual blue, yellow, and red cards do not count as multicoloured cards.-1-1: +1+2Cards with green abilities may activate their green ability the same turn they are planted!Ram’s head is a fan-shaped parasitic fungus that grows near the base of oak trees.Ram’s HeadGrifola frondosa-1: +2+12232Earth_Cards.indd 202022-04-14 5:31 PMA channel of flowing water, often formed by the erosion of rock and sediment in its path.TerrainStream047%9orthogonally adjacent cards, including2/in one continuous line throughthis Terrain (line may turn but not backtrack)Earth_Cards.indd 332022-04-14 5:41 PMEarth Rulebook.indd 62022-11-28 10:09 AM
  7. 7WATERING: PLACE SPROUTS AND GAIN SOILThe active player may place up to a total of 6 Sprouts on any number of Flora cards in their tableau as long as they have empty Sprout spaces 1. Sprouts can only be placed on Sprout spaces, they cannot be saved in your personal reserve. There is no limit to the number of Sprouts in the supply; in the unlikely event that no Sprouts remain, use a substitute, such as the supplementary Sprouts from the punch board. If a player is ever in need of more Soil, they can convert Sprouts from their tableau into Soil 2. If a player does not have room for some Sprouts when they are gained during the Watering action, those extra Sprouts are immediately lost—you cannot convert Sprouts that are not already on your tableau. The active player then gains 2 Soil from the supply and places them in their reserve. All other players may either place up to 2 Sprouts on their available Sprout spaces or they may gain 2 Soil.The fruit body comes out of an egg and can reach up to 20 cm (7.8 in.) in height.Red Cage FungusClathrus ruber11-1: +313Earth_Cards.indd 1492022-04-14 5:36 PMReaching up to 10 m (33 ft.) in height, trees begin producing cherries after three to four years.Cherry TreePrunus avium+1on each in this column19%3540Earth_Cards.indd 812022-04-14 5:33 PMAlso known as the “forest flame” due to its bright red leaves, the shrub is highly poisonous. Japanese AndromedaPieris japonica11+201Earth_Cards.indd 252022-04-14 8:37 PMEarly in the game it can be helpful to convert your Sprouts into Soil for the Planting action. However, late in the game it may be unwise to convert too much, since each Sprout is worth 1 VP!The active player may gain 5 Soil from the supply, placing them in their reserve 1. There is no limit to the number of Soil allowed in a reserve. In the very unlikely event that no Soil tokens remain in the supply, use a substitute. The active player then takes 2 cards from the draw pileand places them facedown (without looking at the front) on the Compost space of their player board 2 .Often nurtured as bonsai, the Japanese boxwood is an ornamental shrub.Japanese BoxwoodBuxus microphylla11+221Earth_Cards.indd 372022-04-14 5:31 PM All other players may either gain 2 Soil from the supply or they may draw 2 cards from the draw pile and place them in their personal Compost. Players may agree to Compost from the discard pile instead of the draw pile to avoid depleting it. Lastly, all players activate red and multicoloured abilities on their player board and in their tableau 3 (see “Activating Abilities” p.5). The majority of Compost actions require players to Compost cards from their hand , while this action allows players to Compost from the draw pile instead. There is no limit to the number of cards in a Compost, and once composted, players may not look through their pile. In the unlikely event that no cards remain in the draw or discard piles, players may no longer Compost cards from the deck.You will score 1VP per card in your Compost at the end of the game—regardless of its type or VP value.COMPOSTING: GAIN SOIL AND COMPOST FROM THE DRAW PILE3Also called “water birch” as it grows in mountainous areas along streams and rivers. Red BirchBetula occidentalis+2-1: +22221Earth_Cards.indd 292022-04-14 5:31 PM= Lastly, all players activate blue and multicoloured abilities on their player board and in their tableau 3 (see “Activating Abilities” p.5).231To convert Sprouts to Soil, simply remove 3 Sprouts from any number of your Flora cards and return them to the supply, then take 2 Soil from the supply and place them in your reserve. Sprouts can be converted to Soil anytime during the game, except while gaining them during the Watering action, or in the middle of a card’s ability being resolved.You may repeat this conversion as many times as you’d like.Soil, however, cannot be converted to Sprouts.-3:+22Large bowl-shaped depressions, often caused by the impact of an object such as a meteorite. TerrainCrateradjacent to this Terrain5/diagonally19%910Earth_Cards.indd 52022-04-14 5:41 PMJasmine flowers release their fragrance at night, hence the nickname “queen of the night.” White JasmineJasminum polyanthum45+1+141Earth_Cards.indd 332022-04-14 5:31 PMRESOURCESEND GAME (4X4 GRID) SCORING REMINDER -3:+2+2+4/1+4+2+1and+1+2or+2VP from Event cardsVP from Terrain cards1VP per Composted cardVP from Ecosystems(1 personal & 2 shared)1VP per SproutVP from Fauna boardVP from GrowthBase VP on cards x(Tableau, Island & Climate)gainsproutsproutspacegrowthspacegaingrowthpersonalcompostcompost fromdeck / handdrawcardintohandplantcardintotableauspendcompostintodiscard-x+2or+2+5+2+2or+2+6+212Comprised of decomposed plant and animal materials, it is rich in nutrients and minerals. TerrainOrganic Soil19%02(cannot cost less than 0)Allcost-2Earth_Cards.indd 122022-04-14 5:41 PMThe largest part of the island is the Beerenberg, an active volcano 2,277m (4,740 ft.) high.IslandJan Mayen+2if you chose8552the Blue ActionEarth_Cards.indd 122022-04-14 5:58 PMAn oceanic climate is mostly cloudy year-round, with high levels of rainfall.OceanicClimate-1: +23Earth_Cards.indd 122022-04-14 5:59 PMPlants within savanna biomes must have long roots to reach the water deep under the ground.EcosystemYuanjiang Savanna69%4 cards have a differentnumber of (0-6)6/row in which each of theEarth_Cards.indd 352022-04-14 6:17 PMEarth Rulebook.indd 72022-11-28 10:09 AM
  8. 8GROWING: DRAW CARDS AND PLACE GROWTHAn herb that was once used to treat venomous snakebites.Florence FennelFoeniculum vulgare-1: +32475Earth_Cards.indd 472022-04-14 5:32 PM The active player may draw 4 cards from the Earth pile, placing them in their hand. There is no limit to the number of cards a player may have in their hand. Growth can only be stored on Growth spaces, up to their maximum growth number. If a player gains more pieces than they can immediately place, extras are returned to the supply. The order in which you gain or spend Growth can be very important, so be sure to watch for these abilities as you plant your cards. All other players may either draw 2 cards or they may place up to 2 Growth on their Flora with available space. There is no limit to the number of Growth in the supply; in the unlikely event that no Growth remain, use a substitute. Lastly, all players activate yellow and multicoloured abilities 4 on their player board and in their tableau (see “Activating Abilities” p.5).You will score 1VP per Trunk in your tableau at the end of the game. However, any Flora with a Canopy will instead earn their listed Canopy completion VP 5. If the draw pile is ever depleted, simply shuffle the discard pile to create a new draw pile. Do not shuffle in any Compost from player boards; these are VP at the end of the game! In the unlikely event that no cards remain in the draw or discard piles, players may no longer draw cards or Compost cards from the deck. Then the active player may place up to 2 Growth total on any of their Flora with room on their Growth space.Take Trunks 1 from the supply and place them onto any Flora in your tableau. A Growth space can have as many Growth as shown by their maximum growth number 2. The last Growth piece on each space is a Canopy, not a Trunk. To complete Flora, place a Canopy 3on top of any/all Trunks.Although the Canopies are different colours, they are all treated the same for gameplay and end game scoring. Flora with a maximum Growth space of 1 will only have a Canopy, no Trunk pieces. It can be helpful to place cards you do not want upside down at the back of your hand. This makes it easier to see which cards you might want to Compost in the future.1ECOSYSTEM CARDS - ECOSYSTEM OBJECTIVESFirst-time players can use the beginner side of the Fauna board, which does not have Ecosystem cards. This allows players to focus on learning how to play without the extra end-game scoring options.Ecosystem cards do not have “abilities” and therefore are never activated by any player.Some cards like “Everglades” have white lines around the edges of the objective; these visual aids are reminders for objectives with directional/placement scoring. These two-sided cards give end-game scoring bonuses—described by the text on each card, with each side being different. In a standard game, there will be 3 Ecosystem cards in play:• 2 on the Fauna board—available for any and all players to score• 1 on each player board—available only for that player to score At the beginning of the game, when given your ISLAND, CLIMATE, and ECOSYSTEM cards, you will choose which side of each card you want to use. Once selected, you will keep those sides for the rest of the game. Players may score Ecosystem cards multiple times if they meet the requirements multiple times with different cards/components. Once a card or component has been used to score for an Ecosystem objective, it cannot be used again to score for the same Ecosystem objective. Try to optimize the Flora, Terrain, and Event cards you choose in an effort to reach various Ecosystem and Fauna objectives.4523The Everglades is the only place on Earth where alligators and crocodiles coexist.EcosystemEverglades (1-7. Line may turn, not backtrack)through diagonally adjacent cards4/in one continuous line19%Earth_Cards.indd 302022-04-14 6:17 PMEarth Rulebook.indd 82022-11-28 10:09 AM
  9. 9First-time players can use the beginner side of the Fauna board, where all tiers score 10 VP regardless of when a Leaf token is added. This allows players to focus on learning the basics of the game without trying to race for these points.If you look at the “Ladybugs” card, you will notice the + and - symbols after each number; a player would score the Ladybugs objective when they had “11 OR MORE cards, each with a base VP value of 3 OR LESS.”The percentage (xx%) on some cards informs players what percentage of cards in the game can meet that card’s listed requirements.FAUNA CARDS - FAUNA OBJECTIVESFROM THIS POINT, YOU ARE 90% READY TO PLAY.Take a look at the scoring reminder and the iconography index on the bottom of your player board and you’ll be 95% ready to play. The rest of the rules represent the other 5%; they include clarifications, examples and a Solo mode, and cover exceptions and specific details. These two-sided cards give in-game scoring objectives—described by the text on each card, with each side being different. In every game there will be 4 random Fauna cards placed on the Fauna board. At the end of a turn in which a player fulfills the listed objective on one (or more) Fauna cards, they may claim the highest available VP tier next to that card. They simply remove one of the Leaf tokens from their player board and place it next to the VP value of that tier. If two or more players fulfill an objective on the same turn, Leaf tokens are placed in a clockwise turn order, starting with the active player—only players that fulfilled the objective may place their Leaf token. The first player to fulfill each Fauna card’s objective will score the most points, with each subsequent tier dropping in value. For this reason it is important to factor in the needs of Fauna cards when building your tableau. Once you claim a Fauna card objective, it cannot be lost, even if you no longer meet the requirements on a future turn. (For example, if you needed 20+ Soil in your reserve, and after claiming that objective you spent Soil and dropped below 20, you would not lose the VP.) When calculating points at the end of the game, you will add the points earned by each Leaf token you’ve placed on the Fauna board. Remember to include the 7 VP bonus for the player who completed their tableau first! (See End Game p.14.)Fauna cards do not have “abilities” and therefore are never activated by any player.This icon has been added to some Fauna and Ecosystem cards as a reminder to check your Island and Climate cards for that goal!( / )Feeding mostly on aphids, a single ladybug can consume 5,000 plant pests in its lifetime.Seven-Spotted LadybugHarmonia axyridisx72%11+ cards, each with a of 3-( / )Earth_Cards.indd 282022-04-14 8:27 PMTheir wings are so large that they provide enough lift to fly as slow as 3km/h (1.8 mph).Barn OwlTyto alba14%3+ Flora with an animal in their name (underlined)Earth_Cards.indd 352022-04-14 8:27 PM1010101010101010101010101010101010101010Their wings are so large that they provide enough lift to fly as slow as 3km/h (1.8 mph).Barn OwlTyto alba14%3+ Flora with an animal in their name (underlined)Earth_Cards.indd 352022-04-14 8:27 PMEarth Rulebook.indd 92022-11-28 10:09 AM
  10. 10An oceanic climate is mostly cloudy year-round, with high levels of rainfall.OceanicClimate-1: +23Earth_Cards.indd 122022-04-14 5:59 PMOnce called Y del Fogo, meaning Isle of Fire, possibly due to the high number of forest fires.IslandFogo756347%cost-1(not less than 0)Earth_Cards.indd 182022-04-14 5:58 PMISLAND CARDSCLIMATE CARDS123456123 You can activate your Island and then your Climate either before or after you’ve activated your tableau—and you can switch each time depending on what is best for your current turn. However, you cannot activate one card before your tableau and the other after. You are never forced to activate your Island/Climate’s ability—you may use it or skip it any time it is able to activate.Remember, all costs must be paid in full, however benefits may be collected as desired (partially or in full). These two-sided cards give players their starting resources (cards, Compost, and Soil) as well as an ability to help with their strategy—described by the text on each card, with each side being different. Each Island is unique, with different combinations of base VP 1, Habitats 2, number of cards you draw at the beginning 3, number of cards to Compost from your hand 4, and Soil 5, as well as an ability 6. At the beginning of the game, choose which side of the card you would like to use. Once chosen, this side will be placed faceup on your player board—it will remain for the entire game and cannot ever be switched. Players will then draw a number of cards as indicated next to the icon. From these cards, they will need to Compost a number of cards, as indicated next to the icon. Compost is an important in-game resource as well as end-game VP. Lastly, players collect a number of Soil as indicated next to the icon. Soil is the currency for the game and is needed to plant Flora and Terrain into your tableau (see p.6). These two-sided cards give players another ability, which they can use to focus or to diversify their abilities—described by the text on each card, with each side being different. Each Climate is unique, with different combinations of base VP 1, Habitats 2, and an ability 3. At the beginning of the game, choose which side of the card you would like to use. Once chosen, this side will be placed faceup on your player board—it will remain for the entire game and cannot ever be switched. Island and Climate cards can count for Ecosystem and Fauna objectives— depending on what those objectives are. This can be overlooked by new players, so please be kind and remind them throughout the game.Climate cards give players another ability that can contribute to their strategy, so try to choose one that complements your Island and helps towards Fauna and Ecosystem objectives.Earth Rulebook.indd 102022-11-28 10:09 AM
  11. 11The Japanese maple’s scientific name, Acer palmatum, describes its hand-shaped leaves. Japanese MapleAcer palmatum3234+1+1Earth_Cards.indd 12022-04-14 5:30 PMPrairie plants can withstand fires due to most of their structure being below the surface.TerrainPrairie19%in this row3/42+1Earth_Cards.indd 12022-04-14 5:40 PMThe tallest to ever occur was in Lituya Bay, Alaska, reaching a max height of 524 m (1,719 ft.). EventTsunami-5: +6-4Earth_Cards.indd 22022-04-14 5:39 PMFLORA CARDSThe majority of the cards in the game are Earth cards (283/364)—of which 179 are FLORA, 66 are TERRAINS, and 38 are EVENTS. Collectively, all cards in the game are referred to as cards, whereas only the Flora cards are referred to as Flora—this is especially important for Fauna and Ecosystem objectives. Objectives that require “Flora” do not involve Terrain, Event, Island, or Climate cards. Whereas objectives that require “cards” include all cards in a player’s tableau as well as their Island and Climate cards. Flora is further classified by type 1, of which there are an equal amount of each: Mushrooms are not technically flora but are classified here for gameplay and balance. Since lichens are plural organisms that include algae, mushrooms, and cianobacterias, we’ve added them to Herbs. For this, we apologize to our botanist players. Habitats 2 are used for scoring objectives. Flora, Terrain, Island, and Climate cards have their Habitats listed on the top right of the card:TERRAIN CARDSTerrain cards, like Flora, are planted into your tableau during the Plant action. They often do not gain resources, but instead they offer in-game passive effects or end-game scoring bonuses.EVENT CARDSEvent cards are unlike other Earth cards in that they can be played at any time, even on another player’s turn, or between the activation of two abilities. They give the player an instant benefit and they don’t directly affect other players. Event cards are the only cards that can be played without the Plant action. Events are not part of your tableau and therefore do not count towards its 16-card limit. Some Terrain (and Ecosystem) cards have visual aids (small white lines) around their ability colours to help players quickly remember important placement directions for scoring.For example, the “Prairie” Terrain will score a player 3VP per Herb it shares a row with.EARTH CARDSEvent cards never count for Terrain, Ecosystem or Fauna objectives unless specifically stated on a card.122 Although cards contain a lot of information, players won’t need to keep track of it all. Instead, players should check Ecosystem and Fauna objectives, as well as individual Terrains, to focus on the details that are important to them. When you play an Event card, place it faceup in the Event space ( ) on your player board. At the end of the game, Event cards may earn (or lose) you VP depending on their base VP. Events, once played, cannot be taken, exchanged, activated or composted.TreeHerbMushroomBushSunnyWetRockyColdEarth Rulebook.indd 112022-11-28 10:09 AM
  12. 12RESOURCESEND GAME (4X4 GRID) SCORING REMINDER -3:+2+2+4/1+4+2+1and+1+2or+2VP from Event cardsVP from Terrain cards1VP per Composted cardVP from Ecosystems(1 personal & 2 shared)1VP per SproutVP from Fauna boardVP from GrowthBase VP on cards x(Tableau, Island & Climate)gainsproutsproutspacegrowthspacegaingrowthpersonalcompostcompost fromdeck / handdrawcardintohandplantcardintotableauspendcompostintodiscard-x+2or+2+5+2+2or+2+6+2145EXAMPLE OF A TURNFor this example, let’s say that this is the player board and tableau of the active player. They are running low on cards in their hand, so they announce that they will be taking the Grow action (yellow). As the active player, they will gain the major benefit at the top of the chosen action . Note these icons are in line with the “active player” icon. For the Grow action, the player receives 4 cards from the draw pile and 2 Growth from the supply . The player may choose any combination of Trunk and/or Canopy pieces, depending on which Flora they place them on. Meanwhile, all the other players will gain the minor benefit shown at the bottom of the chosen action —in line with the “other players” icon .In this case, that means each other player may gain either 2 cards from the draw pile, or 2 Growth of their choice. Then all players will simultaneously activate their yellow and multicoloured abilities on their player board and in their tableau . Each player may choose which area to activate first, their player board or their tableau.In this example, the player does not have any yellow or multicoloured abilities on their player board, so they will only activate cards in their tableau. Remember that tableaus are always activated from top left to bottom right.Stiptic Fungus will activate first, allowing the player to place the top card from their Compost into the discard pile, and then gain 3 Soil from the supply.Hairawn muhly activates second, which is good, as the player had no Soil remaining in their reserve. Fortunately, they just gained 3 Soil, so they can return one of those to the supply and gain 2 Sprouts.This sea-filled caldera boasts black sandy beaches and a variety of microclimates.IslandDeception1064147%cost-1(not less than 0)Earth_Cards.indd 52022-04-14 5:57 PMA single white oak can produce up to 10,000 acorns during an abundant or “mast” year.White OakQuercus alba44+242Earth_Cards.indd 102022-04-14 5:30 PMWhen lava vents erupt into a preexisting crater, a lava lake is formed.EventLava Lake-1: +3-2Earth_Cards.indd 132022-04-14 5:39 PMThey cover about a third of the planet and consist of only two seasons, summer and winter.ClimateArid+2if you chose the Red Action1Earth_Cards.indd 12022-04-14 5:59 PMBlossoming allows pollinators to cross-pollinate, which is needed to produce fruit.TerrainBlossoming Lands28%3/card with a of4+x154Earth_Cards.indd 472022-04-14 5:42 PMThe orange-bellied parrot migrates from Australia to Tasmania every year to breed in this rain forest.EcosystemTasmanian Temperate Rain Forest14%geographic term in their name9/2 Flora, each with a(terms are in bold)Earth_Cards.indd 492022-04-14 6:17 PMOne of the most widely recognizable flower varieties, tulips signal the arrival of spring. Pink TulipTulipa gabriella34-1: +311Earth_Cards.indd 642022-04-14 5:33 PMDue to their drought and wildfire resistance, they absorb carbon more effectively than forests.TerrainGrassland19%in this column+23/42Earth_Cards.indd 292022-04-14 5:41 PMOleanders are sought after for their pink flowers, but are poisonous to the touch. OleanderNerium oleander+1+12311Earth_Cards.indd 222022-04-14 5:31 PMThe yellow morel has a hollow, honeycombed cap and grows under hardwood trees. Yellow MorelMorchella esculenta13-2: +467Earth_Cards.indd 132022-04-14 5:30 PMOne of the most widely consumed mushrooms, it is cultivated in over 70 countries worldwide.RomanBrownAgaricus bisporus-1: +322Earth_Cards.indd 72022-04-14 5:30 PMA fragrant lichen often used in perfume that has been found in ancient Egyptian royal tombs. OakmossEvernia prunastri-1: +2-1: +22220Earth_Cards.indd 1232022-04-14 5:35 PMAlso known as the “forest flame” due to its bright red leaves, the shrub is highly poisonous. Japanese AndromedaPieris japonica11+201Earth_Cards.indd 252022-04-14 5:31 PMSimilar in appearance to a parasol, this mushroom has a scaled cap and grows in woodland clearings.Parasol MushroomMacrolepiota procera-1: +33430Earth_Cards.indd 692022-04-14 5:33 PMAlso called the bitter oyster, stiptic fungi grow in dense clusters on logs and tree stumps.Stiptic FungusPanellus stipticus11-1: +300Earth_Cards.indd 82022-04-14 5:30 PMA bioluminescent fungus that releases a strong ammonia odor; as it matures its luminescence fades.Mycena ChlorophosMycena chlorophos-1: +31132Earth_Cards.indd 1162022-04-14 5:35 PMThe rocks and soil have been carved by water erosion, forming steep slopes and ravines.TerrainBadlands19%in this row+13/42Earth_Cards.indd 262022-04-14 5:41 PMThis plant is listed as endangered in several American states.Hairawn MuhlyMuhlenbergia capillaris24-1: +254Earth_Cards.indd 1532022-04-14 5:36 PMAlso referred to as cock’s-foot due to the clusters of flowers that resemble a bird’s foot. Cat GrassDactylis glomerata11+200Earth_Cards.indd 32022-04-14 5:30 PMMysterious and full of potential; which plant will these sprouts become?Yellow Sprouts80Copy one yellow ability from your island(may change each use)Counts as all Flora types when scoring( , , and )23Earth_Cards.indd 1792022-04-14 5:37 PMLand which hosts few plant and animal species, generally low in life-sustaining resources.TerrainImpoverished Land72%1/card with a of3-x51Earth_Cards.indd 482022-04-14 5:42 PMThis is the most cultivated species of oyster mushroom in Europe and North America.Indian OysterPleurotus pulmonariusYou may pay all/some of this Flora’s cost with instead of( 1 = -1)45Earth_Cards.indd 1372022-04-14 5:36 PMOne of the most widely consumed mushrooms, it is cultivated in over 70 countries worldwide.RomanBrownAgaricus bisporus-1: +322Earth_Cards.indd 72022-04-14 5:30 PMOften nurtured as bonsai, the Japanese boxwood is an ornamental shrub.Japanese BoxwoodBuxus microphylla11+221Earth_Cards.indd 372022-04-14 5:31 PMClassified by the size of its grain (0.0625-2mm).Any larger and it’s gravel, smaller and it’s silt.TerrainBeachto this Terrain (outside of island counts)4/empty orthogonal space adjacent79Earth_Cards.indd 42022-04-14 5:41 PM6810791114Earth Rulebook.indd 122022-11-28 10:10 AM
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