Braided Skies - How to Build an Airborne Empire in a World of Enchanted Skies

What Is Braided Skies, and What Makes Its World Special?

Braided Skies is a strategy board game for 1-5 players aged 14 and up. Players take on the roles of airship captains competing for the title of Commodore of the Clouds. Over 60-90 minutes, they will build a successful travel company, carry tourists to remarkable destinations, and chart routes across lands hidden beyond the clouds.

The game takes place in the Shallows, a region of the Northlands in the fantasy universe of Smoking Bones. Long ago, magical wonders shaped life across the Northlands. But when the kingdom of Withermark tried to exploit a dangerous magical discovery for its own gain, the Withering War erupted and devastated the region. Centuries later, the surviving kingdoms are still recovering, while ancient wonders have begun to mysteriously disappear.

The Smoking Bones universe was created and illustrated by Andrew Bosley, known for his work on Everdell and Tapestry. Designed by Dan Germain, Braided Skies launches a series of board games set in this world. Here, airships carry travelers to magical landmarks, while captains of travel companies seek to introduce visitors to the wonders of the Northlands. For these long journeys, they rely on tapstones, magical gems that power the region.

How Do You Chart Routes Across the Northlands in Braided Skies?

In Braided Skies, much of the map is hidden beneath clouds at the start of the game. Each captain commands three airships that can be sent to different ports for tourists, resources, and useful supplies. As the map gradually opens up, new regions become accessible, revealing more destinations and routes for future expeditions.

Beyond the clouds lie remarkable landmarks, while the ports offer everything a growing travel company needs. Some provide tapstones and tourists, while others allow captains to recruit crew members or prepare their ships for longer journeys.

However, the Northlands are not yours alone. Rival captains are searching for profitable routes and trying to claim the best locations. Sometimes, staying in port to gather essential supplies is the wiser choice. At other times, pressing onward is worth the risk, especially when a rival might reach a destination first. Every captain must decide when to prepare for the next voyage and when to venture farther in search of new opportunities.

How Do You Discover Wonders and Earn the Title of Commodore of the Clouds?

In Braided Skies, the wonders of the Northlands fall into three categories: cultural, scenic, and adventurous. Each offers rewards and helps captains build their reputation in a particular direction. Some discoveries continue to provide benefits after they are found, making them valuable assets for the company's future.

Tapstones and tourists help activate the equipment installed on ships when they return to port. Preparing the fleet carefully is therefore essential, as well-equipped ships can bring greater rewards from each expedition.

A captain's collection of Wonders also contributes to their final fame. You can focus on one type of destination or collect a variety of wonders, choosing your own path to victory. Outposts and encounter cards offer additional rewards and open up new opportunities as your company advances across the map.

Victory goes to the captain who turns the discoveries and riches of the Northlands into fame worthy of the Commodore of the Clouds.

Who Is Braided Skies For?

Braided Skies combines economic strategy with adventures in a fantasy world. Captains must grow their travel companies, plan their expeditions, and stay ahead of their rivals in the race for fame.

The call of the Northlands may appeal to players who enjoy:

• Economic strategy games, especially those involving resource management, business development, and improving efficiency.
• Long-term planning, including plotting airship routes and finding effective combinations of equipment.
• Competitive games, where players race for valuable locations and adapt their plans to their opponents' decisions.
• Fantasy and adventure, with mysterious lands, extraordinary landmarks, and the secrets of an enchanted world.
• Solo play, with the chance to test different approaches against Automa, an automated opponent.

Beyond the clouds of the Northlands lie places no tourist in your company has seen before. Braided Skies invites you to chart a course to these destinations and compete for the title of Commodore of the Clouds. Assemble your crew, prepare your airship fleet, and play Braided Skies on Tabletopia.