How To Play: Tekhenu: Obelisk of the Sun – Setup, rule summary and strategy

Overview

Mastering ‘Tekhenu: Obelisk of the Sun’ is a delightful yet nuanced challenge. Newcomers and veterans alike will find value in this strategic vade mecum. We’re not just skim-reading rules; we’re delving into winning strategies. From understanding the ever-shifting landscape of shade and light cast by the imposing obelisk to efficiently managing an array of precious resources. Embedding the imminent consequences of Maat’s Judgment into your tactics will be elucidated to elevate your gameplay. Prepare to navigate through the guidelines effortlessly and conquer with finesse as this guide illuminates the path to victory in the land of Tekhenu.

What’s in the box

• 1 Obelisk (the Sun)
• 1 Game board
• 4 Individual player boards
• 48 Dice (12 in each of the 4 colors)
• 4 Player markers
• 16 Wooden action markers (4 in each player color)
• 4 Scoring markers (1 in each player color)
• 41 Cards
• 15 Statue figures
• 15 Pillar figures
• 30 Building tiles
• 13 Ankh tokens
• 18 Bread tokens
• 4 Sets of player components in 4 colors
• 6 God tiles
• 30 Production tiles
• 10 Decree cards
• 6 Happy (God) deco cards
• 5 End-game scoring tiles
• 9 Prosperity markers
• 18 Pure dice tokens
• 12 Tainted dice tokens
• 1 Notepad (scorepad)
• 12 Special order tiles/cards
• 1 First player marker
• 10 Raw material tokens
• 10 Papyrus tokens
• 10 Limestone tokens
• 30 Scribe figures
• Linen bag for dice
• Rulebook

How To Play Tekhenu: Obelisk of the Sun: Rules Summary

Initial Setup

1. Place the central obelisk on the game board.
2. Distribute the player boards and markers to each player.
3. Shuffle and place the cards, dice, and tokens as indicated in the game manual.
4. Select starting resources and positions using the prosperity cards.

Gameplay Mechanics

1. Draft dice from the sundial shadows to perform actions.
2. Choose actions based on the six available zones influenced by the obelisk’s shadow.
3. Perform actions immediately and in any order on your turn.
4. Harvest resources, construct buildings, worship gods or contribute to the construction of the obelisk.

Winning the Game

1. Accumulate victory points through building, contributing to the obelisk, achieving Maat’s balance, and fulfilling Decrees.
2. Monitor the scoring phases as indicated by the obelisk’s movement.
3. End the game after the scoring phase of the second eclipse, followed by final scoring.
4. The player with the most victory points after final scoring is declared the winner.

Special Rules & Conditions

1. Understand the primary significance of the shadow and light mechanics which dictate dice usability.
2. Adhere to the Ankh’s diamond rule, which manages the allocation and effectiveness of dice.
3. Develop strategies around Tainted and Pure actions, and their consequences on Maat’s judgment.

Best Tekhenu Obelisk Of The Sun Strategies

Mastering the Dance of Shadows: Key to Triumph in Tekhenu

Grasping the Shadow and Light mechanic in ‘How To Play Tekhenu: Obelisk of the Sun’ is like learning a nuanced dance—it’s pivotal for predicting the game flow and planning your strategy. This brilliant design simulates the movement of the sun, constantly altering the game’s landscape, keeping you on your toes.

Understanding the Movement of the Obelisk

Initially, tackle the movement pattern of the Obelisk. As it rotates, pieces are cast in shadow or light. This dynamism is the soul of strategy in Tekhenu; it demands flexibility and foresight.

Optimizing Actions with Appropriate Timing

Next, perfect your timing. Analyze which pieces transition between light and shadow and plan your actions accordingly to maximize benefits and mitigate unfavorable consequences. Timing is everything.

Leveraging the Duality for Scoring Opportunities

Thirdly, utilize the duality to seize opportunities. The penalty of taking tainted actions can actually position you for future plays. Embrace the complexity rather than resisting it.

Strategizing Effectively

1. Monitor upcoming shifts to forecast piece availability and adjust actions proactively.
2. Balance pure and tainted resources thoughtfully to avoid penalties and sustain momentum.
3. Capitalize on unexpected shifts by readiness to pivot — versatility herein is king.

The Art of Amassing Assets: Mastering Resource Management in Tekhenu

A crucial aspect of triumphing in Tekhenu: Obelisk of the Sun lies in adept resource management. During one of my playthroughs, I discovered that even the most strategic long-term plan could crumble without a strong resource foundation. Here are some strategic nuances I found advantageous:

Craft a Balanced Resource Pool

1. Allocate resources to maintain flexibility for both immediate actions and future turns.
2. Invest in resource-generating buildings early to secure a steady stream of options.

Anticipate Resource Demands

1. Predict upcoming actions and their resource needs, reserving surpluses for critical turns.
2. Mind the game phases, ensuring you have what’s needed before scoring periods.

Exploit Synergies

1. Identify action sequences that compound resource gains efficiently.
2. Utilize decreed abilities or god powers that amplify resource management.

Recall the session where misjudging the resource flow almost cost me the game, but a cleverly timed pair of grain-fed constructions saved the day. Balancing and forecasting resources can shift the sands of victory in your favor in Tekhenu.

Unlocking the Secrets to Victory: Scoring in Tekhenu

When playing Tekhenu: Obelisk of the Sun, understanding how to maximize points through Maat’s Judgement and pursuing Decrees can be the difference between winning and losing. Let’s delve deep into these scoring strategies.

Focusing on Balance for Maat’s Judgement

1. Keep a keen eye on the Scales of Maat. It’s not just about collecting resources and points; balance is crucial. Tip the scale in your favor to avoid negative points during each scoring phase, and harness excess to gain a scoring edge.

2. Assess the scoring potential of your actions continually. Prioritize actions that contribute positively to the balance of Maat as much as the fruitful output they promise.

Making the Most of Decrees

1. Select Decrees that complement your strategy. Consider the end-game bonuses and align them with your resources and building placements for a winning synergy.

2. Do not underestimate the power of diversity. Collecting different Decrees will offer a safety net by giving more scoring opportunities.

3. Watch your opponents’ decree choices closely. Sometimes, it’s worth taking a decree just to deny them the chance of having it, especially if it fits into their obvious strategies.

Strategically Timing your Moves

1. Timing is everything. Decipher the game’s tempo and plan to achieve tight scoring checks right before Maat’s Judgement, while preparing for a strong decree pay-off at game’s end.

Forge Your Own Path to Victory

Mastering Tekhenu: Obelisk of the Sun not only requires attentiveness to the detailed mechanics we’ve discussed, but also a sense of creativity and adaptability. Whether it’s your first time establishing dominance over the lands of Kemet or you’re returning as a seasoned governor, each playthrough will challenge your decision-making skills. Remember that strategic fluidity often overpowers a rigid game plan due to the dynamic shadow and light mechanic. Use the strategies outlined here as a foundation and build on them with each roll of the die and placement of a worker. May your name echo throughout the halls of the ancient gods!

Want to know what we think of Tekhenu: Obelisk of the Sun? Read our detailed review of Tekhenu: Obelisk of the Sun here