RULES OF ENGAGEMENT

• 1 HARD CACHE CASE
• 40 ASSETS CARDS
• 140 ASSASSINS CARDS
• RULE BOOK

OPERATION RIVER BOTTOM is the core campaign mode, designed for extended, strategic gameplay. In this mode, the number of ASSETS each player receives varies by the number of players:

• 1-2 players: 10 ASSETS each

• 3-4 players: 7 ASSETS each

• 5-6 players: 5 ASSETS each

QUICK STRIKE is an alternative, faster-paced campaign mode. In this mode: All players receive 5 ASSETS

1. Distribute ASSETS according to the chosen campaign mode.

2. Create the ASSETS ROW by having each player place their ASSETS face-down (concealed) in front of them.

3. Reserve space for the following four piles: ASSASSINS DECK for replenishing players’ hands, ASSASSINS DISCARD PILE, ASSETS DECK for enlisting additional ASSETS during gameplay, and DECOMMISSIONED ASSETS for eliminated ASSETS.

4. Establish the FRONTLINE, where players place strategic cards, such as LOCATIONS, GARAGES, & WAREHOUSES, in a horizontal row in front of their ASSETS ROW.

5. Separate the BREAKING NEWS cards and set them aside.

6. Shuffle the ASSASSINS DECK to create the draw pile.

7. Deal 5 ASSASSIN cards to each player.

8. Insert the BREAKING NEWS cards face-up back into the ASSASSINS DECK at random points.

The ASSETS ROW is where each player’s concealed ASSETS are placed. Protecting these ASSETS is crucial for survival. If all a player’s ASSETS are eliminated, they are removed from the game. ASSETS remain concealed unless exposed by an opponent’s SURVEILLANCE card or other game effects. When exposed, the ASSET’s EXPOSURE TRIGGER is activated. Once an ASSET is exposed, it becomes vulnerable to elimination through a FATALITY card that matches its vulnerabilities. After elimination, the ASSET’s ELIMINATION TRIGGER is resolved.

The FRONTLINE lies directly in front of the ASSETS ROW. Players place strategic cards here to support both offensive and defensive gameplay. Players may place up to five base cards in the FRONTLINE, which can include LOCATIONS, CACHES, GARAGES, WAREHOUSES, and other key structures. 

CACHES are used to store WEAPONS/TECH for future use, and VEHICLES are used to move exposed ASSETS to SAFEHOUSES or other secured locations. VEHICLES may be stored in GARAGES or WAREHOUSES for additional protection.

ASSETS can be transferred from the ASSETS ROW to the FRONTLINE for additional protection, but this requires a VEHICLE and a vacant LOCATION (such as a SAFEHOUSE or WAREHOUSE).

If an ASSET is already EXPOSED when transferred to the FRONTLINE and secured in a LOCATION, it gains 1 layer of protection. In this state:

• 1 SURVEILLANCE card is required to bypass the protection and proceed with a FATALITY attempt.

If an ASSET is concealed when transferred to the FRONTLINE and secured in a LOCATION, it gains an additional layer of protection. In this state:

• 2 SURVEILLANCE cards are required before a FATALITY attempt can be made.

• The 2 SURVEILLANCE cards do not need to be played during the same turn or by the same opponent. Once the first successful SURVEILLANCE card is played, the ASSET is turned over and becomes EXPOSED, but still retains 1 layer of protection by being secured in the LOCATION.

• After the necessary SURVEILLANCE cards have been played, a FATALITY attempt can be made if the conditions match the ASSET’s vulnerabilities.

• Once the FATALITY is successfully executed, the ASSET is eliminated and placed in  the discard pile of DECOMMISSIONED ASSETS.

SURVEILLANCE cards are used by players to attempt to expose an opponent’s ASSET. If successful, the ASSET is revealed, triggering its EXPOSURE TRIGGER and revealing vulnerabilities.

Players may set up an AMBUSH by benching a FATALITY card face-down behind a SURVEILLANCE card. The FATALITY card is revealed only if the SURVEILLANCE succeeds. If the FATALITY matches the ASSET’s vulnerabilities, the ASSET is eliminated, and the ASSASSIN may immediately draw one extra card per ASSET eliminated.

Note: If a player exposes an ASSET but does not immediately follow with a benched AMBUSH (FATALITY), the ASSET cannot be attacked again during that same turn. Additionally, if the benched FATALITY is not successful, that ASSET may not be attacked again that turn, and the unused FATALITY card may return to the player’s hand or available CACHE.

FATALITY cards are used to eliminate exposed ASSETS. The vulnerabilities on the ASSET card must match the FATALITY card used (e.g., POISON, SNIPER RIFLE, CAR BOMB). Once an ASSET is exposed, players may attempt to eliminate it with a matching FATALITY card.

COUNTERSTRIKE cards allow the defending player to retaliate after an ASSET is exposed, using stored WEAPONS or other resources to destabilize the attacker’s strategy.

Players may play as many cards as possible during their turn. 

1. During the attack phase, perform actions such as playing SURVEILLANCE, FATALITY, or setting up an AMBUSH.

2. During the fortify phase, adjust the FRONTLINE by placing LOCATIONS, CACHES, or relocating ASSETS using VEHICLES.

3. In the trade-in phase (optional), a player may discard and redraw cards from the ASSASSINS DECK in lieu of a regular turn.

4. During the replenish/discard phase, replenish your hand to five cards unless special cards allow for more. If you have more than five cards, discard excess cards. 

> At the end of each turn, the player must declare their actions complete with “DONE-ZO!”, “OVER AND OUT!”, or another creative phrase.

TRIGGERS can cause a CASCADE EFFECT, revealing or affecting other ASSETS, players’ hands, or other cards in play. When an ASSET is exposed or eliminated, its TRIGGER may activate, causing a chain reaction. All TRIGGERS must be resolved in counter-clockwise order before gameplay continues.

The objective of ASSASSINS & ASSETS is to eliminate all opponents by exposing and eliminating their ASSETS while protecting your own. The game ends when only one player has ASSETS remaining. That player is declared the winner.