The game includes a total of 54 game cards of different types, including a two-sided direction card, three sets of action cards, a full set of saint cards, and a scoring card. An additional 16 saint cards for an optional expansion pack are also included with the Limited Edition version of the game. All cards are thick and sturdy, made with linen paper and a laminated finish. Most cards feature spot UV coating in certain areas, and the saint cards have beautiful gold foil stamping to highlight their premium quality.
The Direction Card
The Direction Card is a two-sided card that serves a single, crucial purpose: to indicate the direction of movement on the game board. At the start of the game, the card is placed on the board with its blue arrow facing up, pointing in the clockwise direction. Throughout the game, special action cards can change the direction of play. When this happens, the Direction Card is flipped over to its other side, revealing a red arrow that points in the opposite, or counterclockwise, direction. This innovative addition adds a challenging layer of strategy, as a change in direction can either help or hinder a player's progress. For a simpler game, players may agree at the beginning to lock the direction; in this case, the direction card remains in a fixed state for the entire game, and the directional change cards are removed from the deck.
The Scoring Card
The two-sided Scoring Card is not used during gameplay but serves a crucial purpose at the end of the game when a score is kept. Each side of the card provides a visual guide for calculating your final score, with one side dedicated to the Easy play mode and the other to the Competition play mode. For a more detailed description of how to calculate your score, players can refer to the rules booklet.
Action Cards
The game includes 36 Action Cards, consisting of three identical sets of 12. Each card has the game logo on the back and is placed on a designated area on the board once shuffled. When a saint pawn lands on an Action Card Tile, the player must draw the top card and perform the action described. The actions can work for or against the player, adding an element of surprise to the game. Once the action is completed, the card is placed face down at the bottom of the deck.
Saint Cards
The Saint cards serve a dual role as both a premium game component and an educational tool. Each card features a beautiful stained-glass image of a saint on the front, while the back provides important information, including their birth and death dates, patronage, feast day, and a brief biography. These special cards are the only cards in the game with gold foil stamping. During gameplay, these cards can be read aloud for educational purposes, or a question can be asked based on the information to provide a chance to advance. Answering correctly moves your pawn forward, while an incorrect answer incurs a penalty. In game modes that keep score, players acquire these cards to increase their final score.
The Franciscans
There are four saints in the Franciscan order. St. Francis of Assisi is the Captain of the Franciscans. The St. Francis saint pawn is marked with a "C".
The Carmelites
There are four saints in the Carmelite order. St. Albert of Jerusalem is the Captain of the Carmelites. The St. Albert saint pawn is marked with a "C".
The Jesuits
There are four saints in the Jesuit order. St. Ignatius is the Captain of the Jesuits. The St. Ignatius saint pawn is marked with a "C".