Codex Naturalis

Description

--- **TLDR** CODEX Naturalis is a card-overlap game where players build a resource manuscript, play gold cards for points via visible symbols, and score objectives upon reaching 20 points. (24 words) Key mechanics include: - *Card placement* Players overlap cards from hand on existing play cards' corners to expand their manuscript. - *Resource management* Resource cards (free) provide symbols in corners; gold cards require matching visible resources to score immediate points. - *Flexible scoring* Gold cards yield fixed or variable points based on visible symbols or corners covered this turn. - *Face-down option* Play cards face down for four corners and one resource, but no points. - *Hand refill* Draw a face-up card or from deck tops after playing. - *Endgame triggers* Game ends after a player hits 20 points, with final round and objective scoring (two public, one secret). CODEX Naturalis is a strategic card game where players assemble a manuscript of living species from primary forests, continuing monk Tybor Kwelein's work by optimally ordering pages and potentially sacrificing species. Each starts with one table card displaying combinations of four resources (fungi, plants, animals, insects) in corners, middle, or both, plus two resource and one gold card in hand, with two of each type face-up centrally. On a turn, players place a hand card overlapping corners of one or more in-play cards—starting cards offer four corners, while resource and gold cards have three. Resource cards play freely, often adding corner symbols; gold cards score immediate points but demand specific visible resources in the manuscript (e.g., three fungi or two plants/one animal/one insect), with values fixed or variable by exposed symbols or corners covered. Players may optionally play face-down for four corners and one resource sans points. Post-play, refill hand by drawing a face-up card or deck top. Upon any player reaching 20 points, finish the round with each taking one final turn, then tally scores from two public and one secret objective; highest total wins. ---