Family Games

Root is a game of adventure and war in which 2 to 4 players battle for control of a vast wilderness. The nefarious Marquise de Cat has seized the great woodland, intent on harvesting its riches. Under her rule, the many creatures of the forest have banded together. This Alliance will seek to strengthen its resources and subvert the rule of Cats. In this effort, the Alliance may enlist the help of the wandering Vagabonds who are able to move through the more dangerous woodland paths. Though some may sympathise with the Alliance’s hopes and dreams, these wanderers are old enough to remember the great birds of prey who once controlled the woods. Meanwhile, at the edge of the region, the proud, squabbling Eyrie have found a new commander who they hope will lead their faction to resume their ancient birthright. The stage is set for a contest that will decide the fate of the great woodland. It is up to the players to decide which group will ultimately take root. Root represents the next step in asymmetric design. Like Vast: The Crystal Caverns, each player in Root has unique capabilities and a different victory condition. Now, with the aid of gorgeous, multi-use cards, a truly asymmetric design has never been more accessible. The Cats play a game of engine building and logistics while attempting to police the vast wilderness. By collecting Wood they are able to produce workshops, lumber mills, and barracks. They win by building new buildings and crafts. The Eyrie musters their hawks to take back the Woods. They must capture as much territory as possible and build roosts before they collapse back into squabbling. The Alliance hides in the shadows, recruiting forces and hatching conspiracies. They begin slowly and build towards a dramatic late-game presence--but only if they can manage to keep the other players in check. Meanwhile, the Vagabond plays all sides of the conflict for their own gain, while hiding a mysterious quest. Explore the board, fight other factions, and work towards achieving your hidden goal. In Root, players drive the narrative, and the differences between each role create an unparalleled level of interaction and re-playability.

In Root: The Riverfolk Expansion, meet two new factions, three new Vagabond variants, and exciting new game modes! There are more screen-printed warriors and all the pieces needed to play with up to six players. Mixing in the new factions means there are dozens of new faction mixes, and the Mechanical Marquise faction offers new cooperative or competitive modes. Play as the Lizard Cult. Indoctrinate the dispossessed creatures of the woods, and spread your creed far and wide. Play as the Riverfolk Company. Capitalise on crisis. Offer services, and expand your trade operations to secure your status as a merchant king. Play as the Second Vagabond. Compete with a rival Vagabond to gain fame and fortune while the other factions attempt to secure their rule. (Three new Vagabond variants.) Play against the Mechanical Marquise. Wage war against the Mechanical Marquise in competitive or cooperative modes! This expansion now allows Root to be played with 1-6 players.