Aeon's End: The New Age

To set up an expedition, first separate all randomizer cards into distinct piles for gems, relics, spells, mages, and nemeses. Divide the gem randomizers into two stacks: one for gems costing 3 or less, and another for all other gems. For the expedition deck itself, place a 'Stop End Back' card face down at the bottom. Then, deal one gem, one relic, and one spell card face down on top of it. Next, place one mage randomizer card face down. Following this, add one Treasure Level 3, one Treasure Level 2, and one Treasure Level 1 card face down. Repeat this sequence for each of the four battles, placing the Nemesis Battle 4 card on top of the Treasure Level 3, 2, and 1 cards, then the Nemesis Battle 3 card, and so on, until Nemesis Battle 1 is at the very top. Finally, place the nine market cards on top of the Nemesis Battle 1 card, and cap the entire deck with a 'Stop End Front' card face up.

The primary objective of an expedition in Aeon's End is to successfully complete a series of four consecutive battles against different nemeses. Each battle presents an escalating challenge, with nemeses becoming harder to defeat. Throughout the expedition, players will acquire new market cards and treasures, which can be used to strengthen their decks and aid them in subsequent battles. The ultimate goal is to defeat all four nemeses and emerge victorious from the entire expedition.

Each battle within an expedition is played according to the standard rules of Aeon's End. However, the expedition format introduces unique elements between battles. If players lose a battle, they can choose to add a player card (mage, gem, relic, or spell) from a designated pool to their barracks, helping them prepare for the next encounter. If players win a battle, they gain new market cards and treasures, which are then shuffled into their supply for future use. The expedition deck is constructed in a way that ensures a progression of challenges and rewards.

At the conclusion of the four battles, players calculate their final score. Points are awarded for each battle won, with additional points for the remaining health of Gravehold (the players' base) and any surviving mages. The total score reflects the overall success of the expedition, allowing players to track their performance across multiple playthroughs and compare their achievements.

An expedition concludes after all four battles have been fought. If players successfully defeat all four nemeses, they proceed to calculate their score. If at any point Gravehold's health drops to zero or all mages are incapacitated, the expedition ends immediately, and players record a loss. The expedition deck is designed to be reset and replayed, offering continuous challenges.