Rules:Elemental

Elemental is a strategy game for two to four players. Each player represents one of the four basic elements: earth, water, air or fire. As is commonly known, all things are created by various combinations of these elements in the appropriate proportions. In this game, each players uses their counters with the goal of making the pattern called The Rose. If no player is able to complete a Rose, then the player with the most counters on the board wins.

Mountain

A Mountain consists of four identical counters arranged in a square. A counter may be part of more than one Mountain (i.e., the Mountains overlap forming a Mountain range). A Mountain may never be altered or destroyed by any of the other patterns (but see optional rule "Erosion" below).

Tidal Wave

A Tidal Wave consists of at least four identical counters arranged in an "S" Shape, either horizontally or vertically. As soon as a Tidal Wave is formed, all of the counters in the Wave must move one square in the direction chosen by the maker (a "Step"). A Tidal Wave may move up, down, right or left. Once a direction has been chosen, the Tidal Wave continues moving in that direction, one Step per turn at the beginning of its creator's turn, immediately prior to the placement of a new counter. In addition, Tidal Waves will grow if they encounter identical counters that continue the "S" pattern. A Tidal Wave will immediately stop if (1) the pattern is destroyed, (2) the Tidal Wave encounters an edge of the board or (3) the Tidal Wave encounters a Mountain. Note that adding a new counter that continues the pattern of a stopped Tidal Wave will form a new Tidal Wave that can move any direction!

Winds of Change

Winds of Change consists of four identical counters in sets of two, arranged in a line. Immediately upon creation, any counters between the two sets of two are instantly changed into the creator's element.

Although Mountains are not changed by this effect, counters on either side of the Mountain are still affected. The Winds of Change is a one time effect and will not occur again for the same exact set of four counters.

Fireball

A Fireball consists of four identical counters in a triangular shape. The apex of a Fireball may not also be part of a Mountain. Immediately upon its creation, any counters in line with the apex of the triangle (including the creator's) are removed from the board, obliterated by the Fireball. A Fireball does not affect or pass through a Mountain. Fireball is a one time effect and will not occur again for the same exact set of four counters.

Combinations

Except as noted for Fireball, the elemental patterns may be combined for multiple effects. For example, a Volcano is a Fireball that contains a Mountain. Volcanoes often have Side Vents (i.e. a second Fireball). A Death Star is a 4- directional Fireball (5 counters in a + shape).