From FFG:
A Warp rift has erupted near the Antian Sector, and under its baleful influence Chaos infestations and other abhorrent phenomena have surfaced. To face this threat, agents of the Imperium have come forth: Space Marine, Inquisitor, Commissar, Rogue Trader, and more. To succeed, such heroes will need skill and weaponry, courage and faith, and even the assistance of ancient and powerful relics.
Relic is a board game in which two to four players each assume the role of a powerful hero from the Warhammer 40,000 universe and bravely venture forth to shield the Antian Sector from certain doom. By completing missions and defeating enemies, characters compete to gain rewards and experience, furthering their chance of being the first to defeat whatever evil lies beyond the Warp rift.
Building on the foundations of the Talisman system, Relic is a standalone adventure game in which seemingly straightforward choices mask scores of possibilities. For those who haven’t played the classic fantasy adventure game Talisman, this means that on each turn, a player rolls a single six-sided die before moving his playing piece that number of spaces clockwise or counter-clockwise around the region (outer, middle, or inner) of the board it currently occupies. That player then draws a card or cards to see what he’s encountered, pitting his heroic persona against foul enemies, dangerous locations, and fantastic strangers. And all the while, these intrepid heroes rise in power, as they work their way toward the ultimate goal at the center of the board.
Those who have played Talisman, however, will find a number of noteworthy differences in Relic. First, rather than one deck of Adventure cards that determines the allies and obstacles to found on each space, Relic has three distinct Threat decks, each of which focuses on a different foe in the Antian Sector. After landing on a space with a red icon, for instance, a player draws from the red Threat deck, which features tests of strength and an abundance of Ork-related events, enemies, and locations. Similarly, the blue Threat deck tends to challenge a character’s willpower attribute and features the vile Tyranids, while the gold Threat deck includes tests of cunning and a focus on the clever Eldar.
This, along with a sophisticated and varied system for “leveling up,” corruption cards that bestow both benefits and disadvantages, and secret missions that reward players with powerful equipment (among much more!), ensures that Relic is its own unique game experience while still staying true to its familiar Talisman roots.
Stunning Components Draw You into the Grim Future
A beautifully detailed game board depicts the major areas of the Antian Sector, immersing players in the grim darkness of the far future. The Outer Region is where all characters begin, taking their first steps toward epic success or ignominious failure, and its thirty-four spaces circle the edge of the board. Beyond lies the Middle Region, separated by the perilous Webway Portal and beckoning all true heroes to face its many challenges. Finally, in the deadly Inner Region, where only the Imperium’s mightiest dare travel, the final test can be found. Dare you face it?
Each region consists of areas, adjacent spaces distinguished by a title and unified by a single panoramic art piece. In addition to the various game effects that interact with them, these areas add to the sense of a living, breathing sector of space. Will you face the mutant warlord of the Hive World Vaulgast? Try your luck against the cunning Vexigar on Morgaryth, the burning Death World? The galaxy is full of both dangers and riches, and it’s up to you to explore both.
In addition, ten plastic playing pieces represent your characters with striking detail. Each character is represented by a small plastic bust that attaches to a colored base. These detailed playing pieces representing characters like the Ratling Sniper, Ogryn, and Callidus Assassin with style.
Take Control of One of Ten Unique Personas
In Relic, ten unique and powerful characters allow players to explore a range of game experiences. Each boasting his or her own special abilities, these ten personas represent the greatest archetypes of the Warhammer 40,000 universe.
Will you take on the role of the influential Rogue Trader, who can muster his considerable wealth to outfit himself with the latest equipment? Perhaps you’ll be the mighty Ultramarines Captain, with a martial mastery unparalleled in the Imperium, or the formidable Sanctioned Psyker, with his versatile command of the Warp. Whichever path you take, ten characters means ten ways to enjoy Relic.
Adding to their distinctiveness, characters earn unique bonuses with each new level they gain, increasing their stats, resources, and abilities. An intuitive Character Board, which consists of four dials, lays along the top of each Character card, tracking Strength, Willpower, Cunning, and Life. Meanwhile, beneath these dials, a peg board with removable plastic markers conveniently tracks each character’s level. With these tools at your disposal, you’ll quickly be immersed in the role of your futuristic alter ego.
Five Scenarios, Infinite Adventure
At the start of each game of Relic, a randomly drawn Scenario card is placed in the center of the board, bringing with it game-changing effects. The basic game, entitled “The Mystery Beyond,” is a race for the Inner Region and the unimaginable power contained therein. Other scenarios pit characters against a powerful Daemon Prince, an infernal Chaos Manufactorum, and more.
For example, while Relic is always a competitive game, the scenario “Lost Flagship of St. Antias” ratchets up the rivalry. This brutal death match requires that all players duel each other at every opportunity. What’s more, the final confrontation is a all-out king-of-the-hill style brawl for control of a mighty ship that promises dominance of the sector! Relic offers an entirely new take on a classic, beloved adventure game. Will you save humanity, or fall to the powers of Chaos? Venture into the depths of the Antian Sector, and prepare to face its mysteries!
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