ILLUSTRATION: (Note that these images are playtest samples, NOT final game art.)
On both island chains, we don't know what is stacked under the top
counters- more warriors, or helpless colonists? Blue is wondering
how well these islands are defended. Meanwhile, Red has moved a
transport canoe to Midway Island. This gives Red some control over
the place, but Blue could send a war canoe to chase away the Red
transport at any time. Although Midway can not support any villages,
it is of some value if controlled at the end of the game.
After his explorer had found it, Blue has just revealed Rapa Nui. He
sent a colonist on the transport canoe (that is still there). The
colonist has just converted to Rapa Nui's first village. Blue's
transport feels rather lonely by himself next to Red's war canoe. But
Blue is also holding several Arts & Culture cards. Some cards help
their owner in combat, and one card can even stop an attack cold in its
tracks. But could one of those cards be the giant Moai statues, which
are even more valuable when you control Rapa Nui? Maybe Red should
attack...
Red and Blue are expanding their empires, and have touched at the
close-up of four hexes pictured here. Red has built a village on
Rarotonga, and has built the intensive agriculture necessary to build
another village there. He has moved a warrior to the island group to
help defend it. Hawaii has also been recently colonized, with only two
villages built there- so far. Red has moved a war canoe into place
to help defend Hawaii.