How to play Kakure: Cross of Kyushu

The story

In 1614 the Shogun banned Christianity and sent the priests away. In the villages of Kyushu, families kept praying in secret for more than two centuries. They were the Kakure Kirishitan, the hidden Christians. Their Maria wore the face of Kannon, and their prayers, the Orasho, were passed down by memory.

In Kakure you lead one of those villages. Grandmother Ine tells the story as you play.

How a game goes

• Roll and gather. Each turn the dice decide which lands pay out rice, wood, silk, clay and iron.
• Trade. Swap cards with the other players or with the bank.
• Build. Lay Paths, raise Missions, and turn Missions into Churches.
• Hide or stay in the open. Sites in daylight earn points but draw the Magistrate's attention. Hidden sites gather prayers in secret, and prayers become points too.
• Watch the Magistrate. Too much attention and he inspects you. Pay to endure, or go underground.
• Three Acts. Spring, autumn and winter. Each Act the Magistrate watches more closely.

The first player to reach the winning score on their own turn wins.

Ways to play

• With friends online. Host a table and send the link. Friends join from any phone or computer.
• Pass and play. Pass one phone around the table, with bots in any empty seats.
• Against bots. You and three villagers, on Easy, Normal or Hard.
• Tutorial. A short first game where Grandmother Ine shows you every move.

Questions

Is Kakure free?

Yes. It's free to play in your browser, with no download.

How many players?

2 to 4. Bots can fill any empty seat.

What do I need?

Any phone, tablet or computer with a modern browser. On a phone you can add it to your Home Screen like an app.

Is it based on real history?

Yes. The Kakure Kirishitan of Kyushu are real, and some of their communities survive today. The game is a story inspired by them, painted in the style of Edo woodblock prints.

Do I need to know the rules first?

No. The tutorial teaches you as you play, and Guide me gives tips during any game.