Gugong

In 1570, Emperor Longqing of the Ming dynasty takes the throne in China. He inherits a country in decline after years of mismanagement and rampant corruption. He resides in the Forbidden City, the seat of power for his dynasty. This massive complex (built between 1406 and 1420) consists of 980 buildings and covers 72 hectares. During this period, the Great Wall of China is being rebuilt and reinforced as the country faces constant Mongol attacks. We owe much of what remains of this monumental structure to the Ming dynasty.

Even then, China was known for its complex bureaucracy, which led to pervasive corruption. Although punishments for corruption were severe, high-ranking officials in the Forbidden City accepted expensive gifts, returning nearly worthless items in exchange. This allowed them to technically comply with the anti-corruption ban and avoid prosecution.

The board game Gugong is based on these corrupt customs. You take on the role of a powerful Chinese family, trying to gain influence and power through the "exchange of gifts" with officials.

The gift card you offer must have a higher value than the one you take in return. This forces you to make strategic decisions about which action to perform each round and at what cost.

In Gugong, you will travel across China, sail the Grand Canal, buy rare jade, participate in the construction of the Great Wall, and gain advantages from decrees you push through. You will influence the game with intrigue until you finally secure an audience with the Emperor himself. If only one player succeeds, they win. If multiple players succeed, the one with the most points wins.

The game includes Czech and English rules.

Box contents:

• game board
• 1 starting player token and 1 next starting player medal
• 38 gift cards
• 3 destiny tiles
• 1 time of day marker
• Czech and English rules
• in each of the 5 player colors: 1 player board, 12 servants, 1 foreman, 1 traveler, 1 envoy, 1 intrigue marker, 3 Grand Canal ships, and 1 victory point disc

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