Up & Away Games | Strategy board games by Rick Heli

See also Merchants of Culture by our friend Frank Branson.

Imperial Glory: Han Dynasty China With this expansion you can at last move beyond solo mode and invite a fellow player to a seat at the table. Now the two greatest Asian dynasties of the period, the Han and the Kushan, can compete to see which can cover themselves in the most glory. One is tiny, but has great potential. The other is quite large, but has so many problems that need fixing. Who will triumph? The kit adds rules for Corruption and Authoritative Emperors, plus more Ares (now with flavor text), Fate and Science cards. Shop page \| Home \| Rules
Birth of the Roman Republic A small, unofficial prequel expansion for The Republic of Rome™ consisting of just 36 cards and 16 square tiles, by Roberto A. Ullfig. There are 8 pages of rules, much of it historical background. Now you can make the starting situation for the Republic different every time. You can also play this prequel alongside the Early Republic period in The Republic of Carthage grand scenario in which the two Republics square off. Now you can relive the period from the expulsion of Tarquinius Superbus, the last Roman king, and the establishment of the Roman Republic through all the politics, conflicts and intrigue that made Rome what it was when it first faced Hamilcar in the First Punic War. Shop page \| Home \| Rules
Admiral Zheng He: Sailing Alone A small, solitaire expansion consisting of just 18 cards and 4 pages of rules, much of it historical background. You as a Trader must contend against three other Traders who play effectively, but using simple rules. You must also contend, for the first time with Pirates and Ambushes, that can arise at particular ports without notice. Voyager beware! You can even add these events to the multi-player game if you wish. Shop page \| Home \| Rules
Imperial Glory The Imperial Glory period (50-220 CE) was entirely new for Eurasia. For the first time, most of the civilized world was dominated by one of four massive empires that bestrode the earth. This first installment of a three-part game depicts Central Asia and India, where the Kushans had consolidated power and were set to drive south to build their empire. In a deckbuilding system, the player has a deck of advisors including generals, diplomats, architects, agents, and more, each allowing distinct actions. Player can accept the initial draw, or spend influence to push their luck for a card they prefer. In the case of invasion, an elaborate sequence plays out on the Battle Board using a brand new combat system. Features named emperors with historical stats, many army types, unrest, rebellion, civil wars, heresy, pandemic, trade, temples, monuments, aqueducts, roads, and more. Solitaire-only now, with multi-player options to come. Shop page \| Home \| Rules
Admiral Zheng He In the years 1405-1433 sail with the Admiral as a Chief Trader in a fleet that carries the empire's finest silks, porcelains, and other valuables and exchange them for gems, incense, medicine, pearls, resin, spices, textiles, fine woods and fauna. Decide what to trade with foreign ports, and using the knowledge that you alone possess, which ports to visit. Can you be the Trader who brings home the treasure that most impresses the Emperor and Court and thereby win the game? Prices change every turn, not just prices of the items to be purchased, but also the very commodities used to make purchases, that is, the money itself. As in real life, prices don't change wildly, but move slightly and every once in a while make a big jump. Are you ready?! Shop page \| Home \| Rules
Founding Fathers: Civil War & the Gilded Age Expansion for Founding Fathers The Civil War and the three amendments that followed have been called the Second Founding. With this expansion kit you no longer need to stop at the Civil War. Instead, continue on to face the tough challenges of the War Between the States and beyond, including Reconstruction, Transcontinental Railroad, rampant corruption, industrial action, Spanish-American and Great War. In addition, this set adds the Variable Outcome cards that provide more random outcomes for major war events, including several in the base game. Shop page \| Green Edition \| Home \| Rules
Athens: The Birth of Politics Politics and negotiation in Ancient Athens! Struggle with Persians, Spartans and your own people on the way to a great empire! You can even change the form of government, changing the rules of the game! Reflects the most glorious, critical century in the life of ancient Athens, from the birth of Democracy to the titanic struggle with Sparta. Players cooperate and compete to manage its fortunes, especially its politics, wars and government. Each player represents a specific class – Aristocrats, Merchants or Farmers – with its own Statesmen, (dis)advantages and goals. Which will you play? Shop page \| Home \| Rules
Inventing the Future Draft dice to fund, recruit and advance on the technologies of teleportation, time travel and faster-than-light travel. In a future world of high tech two dice in each of 5 colors represent Research Test Production Funding Time Shop page \| Home \| Rules
Italian Rails Draw your tracks and run your trains to satisfy demand cards. Use your profits to upgrade your train – make it faster or make it bigger? First to 250 million Lira wins! Innovations include Special contract locking rules enable competition/races. Extensive ferry possibilities, with staggered pricing Demand cards ordered by value Cash as tiles -- no paper money Design eliminates fiddly commodity chips. Shop page \| Home \| Testimonials \| Rules \| Loads List \| FAQ
The Republic of Carthage The Republic of Carthage reflects approximately 350 years in the life of the ancient Carthaginian Republic. Players cooperate and compete to manage its fortunes, especially its politics, wars and trade in this simulation of political and mercantile life in Rome's ancient and most deadly enemy. In this game you must constantly balance personal advancement against the security of the state. Trade and fight to build up the empire. Vie for power in the Senate and on the battlefield. But to grow in size and power only attracts the unwelcome attention of rivals, not just your opponents, but also foreign powers like Syracuse, Pyrrhus and, most deadly of all, Rome. Are you smart and savvy enough to survive and thrive where Hannibal couldn't? Special rules even allow you to play this in conjunction with The Republic of Rome™ in a grand scenario that can support up to twelve players! Shop page *\| Home \| Rules \| Compared with The Republic of Rome™* \| Time Line**
LA BISTRO As the sun spreads its last rays over the Pacific and prepares to disappear for another night, people prepare to leave the sandy beaches, the scenic mountains, their swanky offices, in search of what? Dinner, of course! And you are eagerly awaiting the chance to serve them at your restaurant! But will they come? Do you have what it takes to attract the most and best clientele to come and dine and have a good time at your establishment? If they do, you can invest the profits to open another place or spruce up the one you have and attract even more business. If they don't, you will need to scramble and come up with a new plan to catch up with your competitors. It's a dog-eat-dog world in the eatery business. Shop page \| Home \| Rules \| Restaurant Sheet in color
Founding Fathers: Ladies & Orators This bite-sized expansion to Founding Fathers remembers Abigail Adams' letter to her husband requesting that he "remember the ladies" by adding the possibility of lady "Statesmen". In addition eight Statesmen receive a new Orator ability that enhances their ability to make speeches. Three Statesmen have increased ability when acting in the General role. Presidential candidates who lose twice may no longer run. Finally there are more opportunities for subterfuge, including the ability to put your fellow Statesmen on trial should you pass the Sedition Act. Fully compatible with Founding Fathers and it all fits into the original packaging. For 3-6 (1-6 if you have the first expansion). (Requires the base game to play.) Shop page \| Home \| News \| Reviews \| Testimonials \| Vignettes
Dwarven Rails The northern wastes, unrelieved in their monotony by nought but the occasional promontory, rift or settlement. Yet hidden below the snow and ice are fabled wealth for any hardy enough to seek them out. Only the tough and sturdy dwarves respond to the challenge, delving into frozen mines and building their railroads to carry away precious gems and metals. Players build tracks between cities and mines. Each mine corresponds to a single mine card that produces a single type of good, e.g. diamonds, rubies, emeralds. Players build track using their surveyors, claim mines using their agents and operate the mines to produce goods. When their track connects the mine to their base they may ship goods home via transports to earn income. They may also construct passenger routes to gain income. Along the way they hire additional surveyors, agents and transports to increase efficiency. Shop page \| Home \| Reviews \| Rules \| Accounts Chart
The Course of Honor Who will be First Man in Rome? In Ancient Rome attract clients, secure funds and employ specialists to promote your team of candidates up through the historic course of honor. Via a combination of dice drafting and risk management see if you can become the most glorious and successful family in Rome. "Alea iacta est!" LET THE DICE FLY HIGH! Shop page \| Home
The First War An empire-building game. Players must utilize discovered terrain on a 91-tile hex map, four types of pieces and technology cards to their utmost efficiencies. Diceless conflict is entirely deterministic, depending on position and availability of forces, but technology, terrain and reinforcements are determined by varying levels of randomness. In particular, players have some control over which technologies they decide to pursue and some control over the types of reinforcements that appear. For 2. Shop page \| Home \| Rules
Ancient Colonies Modular board game of ancient Greek exploration, colonization and achievement. Each player controls a different faction with its own special ability and strategy. Players discover the board as they play, making the game different every time. The deck of achievements and diasters includes 81 cards, only some of which are used each time, also providing stark differences from match to match. Players discover the coastline, decide where to settle, how to develop their colonies and if and when to make war on their neighbors. For 2-5. Shop page \| Home \| Rules \| Improvements \| Testimonials \| Time Line \| Pronunciation Guide \| Background
Rome in Crisis A card game of the Ancient Roman Empire in a turbulent period period when Rome was beset by invaders from several sides. Each player controls a number of imperial candidates whom they try to push to the top position to gain honor and prestige by solving some of Rome's many crises before quickly yielding to the next emperor. For 2-4. Shop page \| Home \| Time Line \| FAQ \| Brief Rules \| Rules with Play Example
Founding Fathers: Offices & Statesmen This expansion to Founding Fathers adds more Statesmen and Offices. There are also rules for High Tension elections that reflect the torrid situation in 1860, a Historical Factions variants for all existing scenarios plus two-player and even solitaire rules. New, more powerful Action cards offer even more scope for intrigue. Plus there are extra cubes in case you're always running out. For 1-6. (Requires the Founding Fathers base game to play.) Shop page \| Home \| News \| Reviews \| Testimonials \| Vignettes
Founding Fathers Politics in the early American Republic starting with George Washington in the executive mansion and continuing to the possible outbreak of the Civil War. Includes every statesman who ever ran for president, all the vice presidents, several more besides and every major issue of the period including wars, tariffs and every state admitted as you build the map of a new nation. For 3-6. Shop page \| Home \| News \| Reviews \| Testimonials \| Vignettes \| Playback \| Rules
Balmy Balloonists The strategy game in which players compete to be the first to fly their hot air balloons completely 'round the world can be played by any number from 2-6 players and special rules even permit challenging solitaire games. Balmy Balloonists is designed for players aged 10 to adult and lasts between 15 and 90 minutes, depending on the number of players. Each game contains rules printed in both English and German. Rules translations in several other languages are available. Out of print. Home \| Reviews \| Testimonials \| News \| Translations

Imperial Glory: Han Dynasty China With this expansion you can at last move beyond solo mode and invite a fellow player to a seat at the table. Now the two greatest Asian dynasties of the period, the Han and the Kushan, can compete to see which can cover themselves in the most glory. One is tiny, but has great potential. The other is quite large, but has so many problems that need fixing. Who will triumph? The kit adds rules for Corruption and Authoritative Emperors, plus more Ares (now with flavor text), Fate and Science cards. Shop page \| Home \| Rules
Birth of the Roman Republic A small, unofficial prequel expansion for The Republic of Rome™ consisting of just 36 cards and 16 square tiles, by Roberto A. Ullfig. There are 8 pages of rules, much of it historical background. Now you can make the starting situation for the Republic different every time. You can also play this prequel alongside the Early Republic period in The Republic of Carthage grand scenario in which the two Republics square off. Now you can relive the period from the expulsion of Tarquinius Superbus, the last Roman king, and the establishment of the Roman Republic through all the politics, conflicts and intrigue that made Rome what it was when it first faced Hamilcar in the First Punic War. Shop page \| Home \| Rules
Admiral Zheng He: Sailing Alone A small, solitaire expansion consisting of just 18 cards and 4 pages of rules, much of it historical background. You as a Trader must contend against three other Traders who play effectively, but using simple rules. You must also contend, for the first time with Pirates and Ambushes, that can arise at particular ports without notice. Voyager beware! You can even add these events to the multi-player game if you wish. Shop page \| Home \| Rules
Imperial Glory The Imperial Glory period (50-220 CE) was entirely new for Eurasia. For the first time, most of the civilized world was dominated by one of four massive empires that bestrode the earth. This first installment of a three-part game depicts Central Asia and India, where the Kushans had consolidated power and were set to drive south to build their empire. In a deckbuilding system, the player has a deck of advisors including generals, diplomats, architects, agents, and more, each allowing distinct actions. Player can accept the initial draw, or spend influence to push their luck for a card they prefer. In the case of invasion, an elaborate sequence plays out on the Battle Board using a brand new combat system. Features named emperors with historical stats, many army types, unrest, rebellion, civil wars, heresy, pandemic, trade, temples, monuments, aqueducts, roads, and more. Solitaire-only now, with multi-player options to come. Shop page \| Home \| Rules
Admiral Zheng He In the years 1405-1433 sail with the Admiral as a Chief Trader in a fleet that carries the empire's finest silks, porcelains, and other valuables and exchange them for gems, incense, medicine, pearls, resin, spices, textiles, fine woods and fauna. Decide what to trade with foreign ports, and using the knowledge that you alone possess, which ports to visit. Can you be the Trader who brings home the treasure that most impresses the Emperor and Court and thereby win the game? Prices change every turn, not just prices of the items to be purchased, but also the very commodities used to make purchases, that is, the money itself. As in real life, prices don't change wildly, but move slightly and every once in a while make a big jump. Are you ready?! Shop page \| Home \| Rules
Founding Fathers: Civil War & the Gilded Age Expansion for Founding Fathers The Civil War and the three amendments that followed have been called the Second Founding. With this expansion kit you no longer need to stop at the Civil War. Instead, continue on to face the tough challenges of the War Between the States and beyond, including Reconstruction, Transcontinental Railroad, rampant corruption, industrial action, Spanish-American and Great War. In addition, this set adds the Variable Outcome cards that provide more random outcomes for major war events, including several in the base game. Shop page \| Green Edition \| Home \| Rules
Athens: The Birth of Politics Politics and negotiation in Ancient Athens! Struggle with Persians, Spartans and your own people on the way to a great empire! You can even change the form of government, changing the rules of the game! Reflects the most glorious, critical century in the life of ancient Athens, from the birth of Democracy to the titanic struggle with Sparta. Players cooperate and compete to manage its fortunes, especially its politics, wars and government. Each player represents a specific class – Aristocrats, Merchants or Farmers – with its own Statesmen, (dis)advantages and goals. Which will you play? Shop page \| Home \| Rules
Inventing the Future Draft dice to fund, recruit and advance on the technologies of teleportation, time travel and faster-than-light travel. In a future world of high tech two dice in each of 5 colors represent Research Test Production Funding Time Shop page \| Home \| Rules
Italian Rails Draw your tracks and run your trains to satisfy demand cards. Use your profits to upgrade your train – make it faster or make it bigger? First to 250 million Lira wins! Innovations include Special contract locking rules enable competition/races. Extensive ferry possibilities, with staggered pricing Demand cards ordered by value Cash as tiles -- no paper money Design eliminates fiddly commodity chips. Shop page \| Home \| Testimonials \| Rules \| Loads List \| FAQ
The Republic of Carthage The Republic of Carthage reflects approximately 350 years in the life of the ancient Carthaginian Republic. Players cooperate and compete to manage its fortunes, especially its politics, wars and trade in this simulation of political and mercantile life in Rome's ancient and most deadly enemy. In this game you must constantly balance personal advancement against the security of the state. Trade and fight to build up the empire. Vie for power in the Senate and on the battlefield. But to grow in size and power only attracts the unwelcome attention of rivals, not just your opponents, but also foreign powers like Syracuse, Pyrrhus and, most deadly of all, Rome. Are you smart and savvy enough to survive and thrive where Hannibal couldn't? Special rules even allow you to play this in conjunction with The Republic of Rome™ in a grand scenario that can support up to twelve players! Shop page *\| Home \| Rules \| Compared with The Republic of Rome™* \| Time Line**
LA BISTRO As the sun spreads its last rays over the Pacific and prepares to disappear for another night, people prepare to leave the sandy beaches, the scenic mountains, their swanky offices, in search of what? Dinner, of course! And you are eagerly awaiting the chance to serve them at your restaurant! But will they come? Do you have what it takes to attract the most and best clientele to come and dine and have a good time at your establishment? If they do, you can invest the profits to open another place or spruce up the one you have and attract even more business. If they don't, you will need to scramble and come up with a new plan to catch up with your competitors. It's a dog-eat-dog world in the eatery business. Shop page \| Home \| Rules \| Restaurant Sheet in color
Founding Fathers: Ladies & Orators This bite-sized expansion to Founding Fathers remembers Abigail Adams' letter to her husband requesting that he "remember the ladies" by adding the possibility of lady "Statesmen". In addition eight Statesmen receive a new Orator ability that enhances their ability to make speeches. Three Statesmen have increased ability when acting in the General role. Presidential candidates who lose twice may no longer run. Finally there are more opportunities for subterfuge, including the ability to put your fellow Statesmen on trial should you pass the Sedition Act. Fully compatible with Founding Fathers and it all fits into the original packaging. For 3-6 (1-6 if you have the first expansion). (Requires the base game to play.) Shop page \| Home \| News \| Reviews \| Testimonials \| Vignettes
Dwarven Rails The northern wastes, unrelieved in their monotony by nought but the occasional promontory, rift or settlement. Yet hidden below the snow and ice are fabled wealth for any hardy enough to seek them out. Only the tough and sturdy dwarves respond to the challenge, delving into frozen mines and building their railroads to carry away precious gems and metals. Players build tracks between cities and mines. Each mine corresponds to a single mine card that produces a single type of good, e.g. diamonds, rubies, emeralds. Players build track using their surveyors, claim mines using their agents and operate the mines to produce goods. When their track connects the mine to their base they may ship goods home via transports to earn income. They may also construct passenger routes to gain income. Along the way they hire additional surveyors, agents and transports to increase efficiency. Shop page \| Home \| Reviews \| Rules \| Accounts Chart
The Course of Honor Who will be First Man in Rome? In Ancient Rome attract clients, secure funds and employ specialists to promote your team of candidates up through the historic course of honor. Via a combination of dice drafting and risk management see if you can become the most glorious and successful family in Rome. "Alea iacta est!" LET THE DICE FLY HIGH! Shop page \| Home
The First War An empire-building game. Players must utilize discovered terrain on a 91-tile hex map, four types of pieces and technology cards to their utmost efficiencies. Diceless conflict is entirely deterministic, depending on position and availability of forces, but technology, terrain and reinforcements are determined by varying levels of randomness. In particular, players have some control over which technologies they decide to pursue and some control over the types of reinforcements that appear. For 2. Shop page \| Home \| Rules
Ancient Colonies Modular board game of ancient Greek exploration, colonization and achievement. Each player controls a different faction with its own special ability and strategy. Players discover the board as they play, making the game different every time. The deck of achievements and diasters includes 81 cards, only some of which are used each time, also providing stark differences from match to match. Players discover the coastline, decide where to settle, how to develop their colonies and if and when to make war on their neighbors. For 2-5. Shop page \| Home \| Rules \| Improvements \| Testimonials \| Time Line \| Pronunciation Guide \| Background
Rome in Crisis A card game of the Ancient Roman Empire in a turbulent period period when Rome was beset by invaders from several sides. Each player controls a number of imperial candidates whom they try to push to the top position to gain honor and prestige by solving some of Rome's many crises before quickly yielding to the next emperor. For 2-4. Shop page \| Home \| Time Line \| FAQ \| Brief Rules \| Rules with Play Example
Founding Fathers: Offices & Statesmen This expansion to Founding Fathers adds more Statesmen and Offices. There are also rules for High Tension elections that reflect the torrid situation in 1860, a Historical Factions variants for all existing scenarios plus two-player and even solitaire rules. New, more powerful Action cards offer even more scope for intrigue. Plus there are extra cubes in case you're always running out. For 1-6. (Requires the Founding Fathers base game to play.) Shop page \| Home \| News \| Reviews \| Testimonials \| Vignettes
Founding Fathers Politics in the early American Republic starting with George Washington in the executive mansion and continuing to the possible outbreak of the Civil War. Includes every statesman who ever ran for president, all the vice presidents, several more besides and every major issue of the period including wars, tariffs and every state admitted as you build the map of a new nation. For 3-6. Shop page \| Home \| News \| Reviews \| Testimonials \| Vignettes \| Playback \| Rules
Balmy Balloonists The strategy game in which players compete to be the first to fly their hot air balloons completely 'round the world can be played by any number from 2-6 players and special rules even permit challenging solitaire games. Balmy Balloonists is designed for players aged 10 to adult and lasts between 15 and 90 minutes, depending on the number of players. Each game contains rules printed in both English and German. Rules translations in several other languages are available. Out of print. Home \| Reviews \| Testimonials \| News \| Translations