Ruthenia (2010)

Ruthenia: The Boardgame

The Hunnic empire has fallen and old empires are returning to power in the Mediterranean. Hordes of Nomads continue to invade Europe through the eastern steppe. They cross the rivers Rha, Tanais and Danapris to enter the lands of the Eastern Roman Empire, known as Byzantium. The settlers of the Slavic tribes are moving south from the northern forests and swamps. They will soon inhabit Eastern Europe and the Balkans.

Three young states have emerged: the Bulgarian Khanate, the Khazar Khaganate and Kievan Rus. They will struggle against each other and against the powerful Eastern Roman Empire for the right to exist and dominate the region.

Ruthenia is a classic two-level historical strategy game set in Eastern Europe in the 8th to 10th centuries.

You lead one of four states building fortresses, markets and temples, using fleets to trade, rob and transport troops, conquering new territories, commanding armies and conducting high politics.

In each battle, you lead your army personally. Cards are used to represent the soldiers lined up in medieval combat. Your army has four basic troop types – line infantry, heavy infantry, light cavalry and heavy cavalry – as well as support troops such as archers, garrisons and sailors. You can enhance the performance of your forces through the play of military action cards.

Rules govern the movement of non-player factions, including tribes and hordes as well as the states not taken by players.

Ruthenia includes: 1 Game Board (46.5 x 52.5 cm), 20 Army Counters, 228 Round Cardboard Tokens, 296 Cards, 4 Dice, 5 Summary Sheets, a Strategy Book and a Battle Book.