Overview

Circus Imperium is a science-fiction chariot racing board game published by FASA in 1988, set in the Renegade Legion universe. Players race anti-gravity chariots pulled by carnivorous alien beasts around a track, attempting to complete three laps. The game is played for laughs as much as for strategy, with players whipping beasts, throwing tridents, ramming opponents, and generally creating chaos. A player can win by crossing the finish line first on their chariot, on someone else’s chariot, riding a beast, or even on foot.

Components

• 2 double-sided racing track maps
• Chariot and beast counters/miniatures
• Maneuvering cards
• Whip result cards
• Combat cards
• Player dashboards (tracking beast health, chariot damage)
• Dice
• Rules booklet

Setup

1. Choose a racing track (the game includes two double-sided tracks).
2. Each player selects a chariot and team of beasts.
3. Record starting beast health and chariot condition on player dashboards.
4. Shuffle maneuvering cards and deal to players.
5. Place all chariots at the starting line.
6. Determine starting order.

Turn Structure

Each turn follows these phases:

1. Movement Phase: Players move their chariots based on the health of their beasts. Healthier beasts allow greater movement distance. Players play maneuvering cards to navigate turns and obstacles.
2. Whip Phase: After movement, players may whip their beasts to gain extra movement. Draw a whip result card which may: move you 1-2 extra spaces, injure your beasts, damage the front of your chariot (as beasts lash out), or trigger a frenzy.
3. Combat Phase: Simultaneous combat where players may whip other players’ beasts, throw tridents at opponents, ram adjacent chariots, or perform other attacks.
4. Recovery/Status Phase: Update beast health, chariot damage, and resolve any ongoing effects.

Actions

Movement: Base movement is determined by beast health. Healthier beasts move farther. Maneuvering cards are used to navigate curves; failing to play the right card on a turn can result in crashes or wall collisions.

Whipping Your Beasts: Optional action to gain extra speed. Results are random and can backfire: beasts may be injured, attack your chariot, or go into a frenzy (uncontrolled movement).

Beast Frenzy: A frenzied beast team ignores the driver’s commands and charges forward unpredictably. The driver must regain control or risk crashing.

Trident Throw: Attack an adjacent opponent’s driver or beasts with a trident.

Ramming: Intentionally steer your chariot into an adjacent opponent to cause damage.

Whipping Other Beasts: Target an opponent’s beasts to injure them or induce frenzy.

Dismounting: If your chariot is destroyed, you may continue the race on foot or attempt to board another chariot or ride a loose beast.

Scoring / Victory Conditions

The first player to complete 3 laps around the track wins. A player can cross the finish line:

• On their own chariot
• On another player’s chariot (if they boarded it)
• Riding a beast
• On foot

The game also awards points for entertainment value, with players earning bonus points for eliciting laughs or cheers from other players, making it as much a social experience as a competitive one.

Special Rules & Edge Cases

• Beasts are carnivorous alien creatures and can attack their own drivers if mistreated (too much whipping).
• A driver thrown from their chariot may attempt to board another or ride a loose beast.
• Crashes into the arena wall cause damage to both chariot and beasts.
• Frenzied beasts move according to special rules and may leave the track.
• The game is set in the Renegade Legion sci-fi universe but plays as a standalone game.
• Two different track layouts provide variety.
• Games are typically chaotic and rarely see all chariots complete the race intact.

Player Reference

Phase	Actions Available
Movement	Move based on beast health, play maneuvering cards
Whip	Whip your beasts for extra movement (risk of injury/frenzy)
Combat	Throw tridents, ram, whip opponent beasts
Recovery	Update damage, resolve status effects

Win Condition: First to complete 3 laps (by any means of conveyance).