Cartographers

Set Up the Map: Each player starts with a blank map sheet and a pencil. The goal is to draw specific shapes of terrain (like forests, rivers, and villages) onto your map, based on the terrain cards drawn each round. Draw Terrain: At the start of each round, a card is drawn that shows the shape of a terrain (e.g., a rectangle, L-shape, or line). Players will then draw that shape on their map, placing it in one of their available regions. The placement of these shapes is key to scoring points later in the game. Seasonal Events: Every few rounds, a new season begins, bringing with it special scoring rules or challenges. Some seasons might grant bonus points for certain regions or require you to avoid certain types of terrain. Keep an eye on these events, as they can greatly impact your strategy. Fill Your Regions: Your map is divided into various regions that score points based on how well you fill them with terrain. Some regions may require specific types of terrain to be placed in them, while others score based on their completeness or adjacency to other types of terrain. Avoid Negative Scoring: Be careful with the monsters! Every few rounds, a monster card is drawn, which forces players to draw a monster on their map. These monsters will reduce your score if they aren't surrounded by terrain by the end of the game. Endgame Scoring: Once all the terrain cards have been drawn and players have filled their maps, it’s time for final scoring. Points are awarded based on how well you’ve completed your map, with bonuses for larger regions and special terrain types. The player with the most points wins! Solo Mode: Cartographers also features a solo mode, where players can challenge themselves to create the best map under specific conditions. It’s a great way to enjoy the game at your own pace and improve your map-making skills.