From: "Jason D. Matthews" Subject: Re: Beyond 1776 Bob Rodgers requested a more complete description of We the People, so here it goes: We the People (WTP), uses an area based movement sytem similar to that of House Divided. Each state is divided into several circles (except Rougue Island & Deleware which are one space apiece), and the object of the game is to control 7 states as the American player or retain 6 states as the English player. Canada is included in the game, but control of Canada only counts for American victory - i.e. retaining Canada does not count toward the English VC of 6 states. The game components are a real pleasure to look at. It includes a mounted map, with many handy charts/ holding spaces included on it. The counters are full color representations of the generals for both sides, and American, French, and English troops. Generals are the next most important item in the game, as troops can only move via the good offices of a general. The troops themselves are really "strength factors" and can be broken down any way a player likes ala War&Peace. Here, however, a general can only move 5 strength factors at a time, which means you will not see a general with more than that amount very often. The game's pace is controlled by "Strategy Cards" which come in two varieties: Operations cards, and Event cards. At the start of each turn, the players are dealt 7 cards each, and the America player - with some minor exceptions, decides who will play the first card. The game turn ends when both players have played or discarded all the cards they have. An operation card has two functions: it allows his generals to move, and it allows the player to place a number of politcal control markers (PCs), thus moving him closer to his goal of controlling a state. Operations cards have a rating of 1,2,3. A 3 card is the best, because ti gives you the broadest options. You could play 3 political markers or you can move a general with a 1,2, or3 strategic rating. Each general has two ratings a strategic rating (used formovement) and a combat rating (obviously used as a bonus to combat). An operation card allows you to move a general with that strategic rating or higher - so an operation card of 2 allows you to move a 1 or 2 general, but not a 3. There are also major and minor campaign cards which allow you to move more than one army at a time. The event cards add a lot of period flavor to the game. They include the Declaration of Independence, indian raids, the Treaty With France, War in Europe, Tory rebels, and many other items of interest. Combat is another interesting card dependent system. Basically, you go down the handy chart: Each side gets 1 card for each army strength point involved. Then they get a number of cards equivalent to to each general's combat rating (British generals usually have lower Stratgic Ratings, but higher Combat Ratings than the Amercan Generals). This is followed by cards for control of the militia, which goes to whomever has more PCs in the state, the British regular bonus, a bonus to the English if the battle occurs in a port, and a few other minor determinants. Basically, the attacker plays the first combat card. It will be something like Flank Left, or Flank Right, or Double Envelope. The other side must meet this card with the same card (Actually, the card is printed with the offensive move on the top side, and the corresponding defensive move on the bottom side). If the defender does not have a matching card, he loses. If he does have a matching card, he may roll a die and attempt to roll < or = to his combat rating. If the defender succeeds, he "counterattacks" and the attacker must then match his card. Of course, if he does - he gets to roll a die etc. etc. I have seen this go back and forth a number of times during the same combat, and it can be really nerve racking in a large battle. The loser of a combat must retreat to a friendly controlled or uncontrolled (no PC maker) area. the defender may move to any adjacent space. The attacker must move back to the space from whence he came. If you can't retreat your troops are eliminated, and general captured (all generals except Washington who are captured are "exchanged" next turn). If Washington is ever captured, the American player loses. If the defender can retreat, he rolls a die - on a 1-3 he loses 1 unit, a 4-5, he loses 2 units, a 6 he loses 3 units. The British get a 1 card advantage in combat until the Americans force them to lose 3 units in a combat, or until the General Von Steuben(Sp?) event. Though, I have stressed movement/combat. The PC marker wars is really where the game is won or lost. PC markers can be cut off if surrounded, and so the game has a GO - like feel to it. Strong play on this PC level is the surestway to victory in WTP. There are also rules for Washington's Winter Offensive, American Evasion/Interception, Winter Quarters, Benedict Arnold & Canadian routes, and some other gloss. However, I hope the above summary is enough to give you a feel for the game system. I love it, and everybody I've introduced it to loves it. I highly recommend it! Jason Matthews@siucvmb.siu.edu From: Jason Matthews Subject: Re: We the People From: Jason Matthews Torry Asks: " I was wondering if you could tell me roughly how many cards there are . . . and I Wonder how often certain cards 're-circulate.'" Torry, There are 96 strategy cards, and 64 combat cards. After a combat, all used combat cards are shuffled back in the deck. Strategy cards are different. After being used a strategy card is put in the "discard" area. Some cards are removed forever once played (like Declaration of Independence, Benedict Arnold's Treason etc.) However, whenever a card comes out, that relies on another card to come before it, and the card has yet to be played, you reshuffle the discards back into the deck instead. For instance, there is a card that gives the American a bonus, but only if the French Alliance card has already been played.If the Americans have played the Alliance card, they get the bonus, if not, all the cards in the discard pile are shuffled back into the drawing deck. I hope this clears up your questions, Jason Matthews@siucvmb.siu.edu