Castle Combo

To set up Castle Combo, mix the castle cards (gray backs) and village cards (ochre backs) into two separate decks. Place the top three cards of each deck face up in a row in the center of the table. Set the wooden herald figure next to the village cards, and distribute 15 gold coins and two keys to each player, keeping remaining components in supply.

The main objective is to construct a 3x3 character grid over nine rounds. Players aim to strategically combine characters, immediate effects, and end-game scoring conditions to accumulate the highest possible number of victory points.

A round consists of five sequential steps per player: first, optionally spend a key to shift the herald or refresh a card row; second, purchase a card from the column where the herald currently stands by paying its gold cost and factoring in any discounts; third, place that card into your 3x3 grid following adjacency rules; fourth, execute the card's immediate effect; and fifth, advance the herald to another row and refresh the market.

End-game scoring evaluates each card in your 3x3 grid individually. Points are awarded based on symbols, neighbors, sets, missing elements, and remaining keys. Gold placed on money bags is worth 2 points each, subject to card limits.

The game concludes automatically after the ninth round, once every player has completely filled their 3x3 character grid and all cards have been scored.