Maria: setting up the game

Step 1: Cut up the army sheets

The army sheets contain the set-up instructions for each of the three players in the game. To start, cut one of the sheets into four pieces, and give each player the piece for his countries. The fourth piece is used for scoring. Extra army sheets can be photo-copied from those supplied with the game, or downloaded here and printed.

Step 2: Set up the generals and supply trains

The game comes with 20 general pieces (cylinders) and 10 supply trains (blocks). The pieces are colored according to the country to which they belong. The generals are individually identified by stickers containing the general’s name and rank. The starting locations of the pieces are printed on the army sheets and on the game board

Step 3: Assign troops to the generals

All players secretly assign troops to their general pieces by writing a number next to the general’s name on their army sheet. The total number of troops available for a country is indicated on the army sheet for that country. The number of troops assigned to a general can change during the game and any change is written on the same sheet.

Step 4: Distribute victory markers

The game comes with 130 die-cut markers, most of which are victory markers. When a fortress is conquered by a general, the change of control is marked with a victory marker. When a power has conquered as many fortresses as it has markers (or achieves other military and political objectves that merit a conquest marker) it wins the game.

Step 5: Deal the Tactical Cards

There are four decks of tactical cards that come with the game. Each card has a value from 2 to 10. Each country gets dealt a hand at start, and gets to draw more cards in their turn. Tactical cards are used to add to the strengths of armies in battles between opposing generals. As a touch of artistry, the face cards are decorated with portraits of personages from the era.

Step 6: Set up the Political Display

In addition to the decks of tactical cards, there is also a deck of Political Cards, which are used in conjunction with the Political Display. Markers on this display track the allegiance of the states of Saxony, Russia, and Italy. Political cards can be used to move these markers and alter allegiances. Players secretly bid for political cards using tactical cards played from their hand and vy for the states’ political allegiance.