WizKids Dungeons & Dragons: Builders of Baldur's Gate Board Game Instruction Manual

1. Introduction

This manual provides comprehensive instructions for setting up and playing the WizKids Dungeons & Dragons: Builders of Baldur's Gate board game. It covers game components, setup procedures, gameplay rules, and other essential information to ensure an enjoyable experience.

Dungeons & Dragons: Builders of Baldur's Gate is a city-building game where players assume the role of a powerful family head in the iconic city. The objective is to gain prestige by constructing businesses across nine districts, expanding influence with the city's three main factions (Council of Four, Flaming Fist, Thieves’ Guild), and defending against monster attacks.

Image 1.1: The game box for Dungeons & Dragons: Builders of Baldur's Gate, featuring artwork of the city and characters.

2. Game Components

Before starting, verify that all components listed below are present in your game box. If any components are missing or damaged, please refer to the "Support" section for assistance.

• 1 Game Board
• 16 Watchtower Miniatures
• 9 Keep Miniatures
• 9 Gate Miniatures
• 40+ Supply Tokens
• 70+ Gold Tokens
• 40+ Favor Tokens
• 100+ Cards (Building, Agenda, Gate, HQ, etc.)
• 60+ Building Tiles
• 36 Plot Tokens
• 100+ Player Cubes
• 4 Scoring Markers
• 4 Workers
• 1 Neutral Worker
• 8 Available Plot Markers
• 8 Damage Markers
• 8 Prohibited Markers
• 1 Attack Marker
• 1 Bag
• 1 Rulebook (this manual)

Image 2.1: A selection of game components, including various tokens, building tiles, and miniatures for keeps, gates, and watchtowers.

Image 2.2: Example Gate cards, showing district connections, one-time bonuses, and income phase actions.

Image 2.3: Advanced HQ cards, each providing unique starting advantages or income benefits for specific districts.

Image 2.4: Example Building cards, illustrating their gold cost and specific effects when built, such as gaining resources or influence.

Image 2.5: A selection of Agenda cards, which provide different scoring opportunities based on control of specific building types or districts.

3. Setup

Follow these steps to prepare the game for play:

1. Place the Game Board: Unfold the game board and place it in the center of your playing area.
2. Sort Components: Separate all tokens, tiles, and cards into their respective types. Place Gold, Supply, and Favor tokens in accessible piles near the board.
3. Prepare Building Tiles: Shuffle the Building Tiles and place them face down to form a draw pile.
4. Prepare Cards:
   • Shuffle Building Cards and place them face down.
   • Shuffle Agenda Cards and place them face down.
   • Shuffle Gate Cards and place them face down.
   • Shuffle HQ Cards and place them face down.
5. Player Setup: Each player chooses a color and takes the corresponding Player Cubes, Scoring Marker, and Workers.
6. Initial Influence: Players place their initial influence cubes according to the chosen scenario or starting rules.
7. Miniatures Placement: Place Watchtower, Keep, and Gate miniatures on their designated spots on the board as indicated by the scenario.
8. Neutral Worker: Place the Neutral Worker near the board.
9. Plot Markers: Place Available Plot Markers on the board as specified.

4. Operating (Gameplay)

Dungeons & Dragons: Builders of Baldur's Gate is played over a series of rounds, each consisting of several phases. Players take turns performing actions to build, gain influence, and manage resources.

4.1 Game Objective

The goal of the game is to accumulate the most prestige points by the end of the game. Prestige is primarily gained through building structures, controlling districts, influencing factions, and completing Agenda cards.

4.2 Game Turn Structure

A typical round proceeds through the following phases:

1. Event Phase: Resolve any event cards or monster attacks.
2. Action Phase: Players take turns performing actions such as:
   • Build: Construct a new building tile on an available plot.
   • Influence: Place influence cubes to gain control of districts or factions.
   • Gather Resources: Collect Gold, Supply, or Favor tokens.
   • Activate Abilities: Use special abilities of built structures or faction influence.
3. Income Phase: Players collect income based on their controlled buildings and faction influence.
4. Cleanup Phase: Prepare for the next round, refresh markets, and resolve end-of-round effects.

4.3 Factions and Influence

There are three main factions in Baldur's Gate: the Council of Four, the Flaming Fist, and the Thieves’ Guild. Gaining influence with these factions provides various benefits and contributes to end-game scoring.

• Council of Four: Represents the city's governing body. Influence here often grants political power or control over key city functions.
• Flaming Fist: The city's military force. Influence can provide defense bonuses or control over security operations.
• Thieves’ Guild: Operates in the shadows. Influence can grant access to illicit resources or strategic advantages.

5. Maintenance

Proper care and storage of your game components will ensure their longevity.

• Storage: Store all game components in the original box in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
• Cleaning: Use a soft, dry cloth to gently wipe dust from game boards, cards, and miniatures. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or liquids.
• Handling: Handle cards and tokens carefully to prevent bending, tearing, or excessive wear.

6. Troubleshooting Common Issues

This section addresses common questions and issues that may arise during gameplay.

Q: What if a rule is unclear?

A: Refer to the specific section in this manual. If still unclear, consult the official WizKids website or community forums for clarifications.

Q: What if components are missing?

A: Please contact WizKids customer support as detailed in the "Support" section of this manual.

Q: How do monster attacks work?

A: Monster attacks are typically resolved during the Event Phase. Details on specific monster types and their effects are provided in the full rulebook (this manual) under the "Event Phase" section.

7. Specifications

8. Warranty Information

WizKids products are manufactured to high-quality standards. For specific warranty details regarding manufacturing defects or missing components, please refer to the official WizKids website or contact customer support directly. Keep your proof of purchase for any warranty claims.

9. Customer Support

For further assistance, questions, or to report missing/damaged components, please contact WizKids customer support:

• WizKids Official Website: www.wizkids.com
• Support Page: Refer to the support section on the official website for contact forms or email addresses.