Orleans: Stories is based on the well-known Orleans bag-building mechanism. This has developed into a narrative experience in which players move through different eras and face different challenges. In Orléans: Stories, players no longer focus solely on the city of Orléans and trade with the surrounding villages, but now settle in the Loire Valley. Players will have to farm and produce, found villages and build fortresses and churches. They will experience periods of prosperity and success, but also periods of deprivation. They will have to defy hunger and plague, fight for their land and perhaps conquer foreign lands to protect the lives of their settlers.
Different rules for each story. The game includes two stories: The First Empire, This epic story spans eight eras. Each era presents a different situation. For example, conquer foreign lands with the help of powerful knights or develop medicine to fight the plague that threatens to decimate the colonists. The King's Favour, Shorter, this story is simpler and more appropriate as an introduction to the game. Spanning five eras, you will have to complete a number of tasks, some of which must be completed before the end of each era. Those who fail to do so will be left behind. This threat of having to finish the game prematurely provides a constant thrill. Tasks will also be compared in the king's castle, where victory points will be awarded to players based on their achievements.
The different eras affect the parameters and rules of the game, creating new strategic possibilities. This forces players to constantly adapt to new game conditions. Changing eras require a new way of looking at things. The game experience is facilitated by the history booklet, in which players will find not only all relevant information and rule specifics, but also tips on how to prepare for the next game in the form of a narrated story.
