2014 (Big Box 5 version) / Tile placement board game expansion / 2-6 players
****
My most desired expansion after Traders & Builders, I thought it'd have to stay that way, with the original edition being so rare and expensive and the affordable alternative being mismatched art. But then I noticed a misspelled Big Box listing under the radar on eBay and my indoor agricultural dreams came true.
Hills ***
Nicer in theory than practice, their tie-breaking function doesn't come up often, and if you're combining expansions, they're going to make your barns and castles wobbly. They're most interesting for taking some blind tiles out of play, assuming you were planning on playing to the bitter end anyway.
Shepherds and Sheep ****
Welcoming a new cast member for some low-stakes gambling that will hopefully amuse the younger player, helped out by a couple of perma-sheep grazing along the banks of the River III. Just try not to forget that they're there.
Vineyards ***
Finally giving cloisters their equivalent of the Inns & Cathedrals (if you manage to get them in there), this rounds out the original expansion series nicely. Some vineyards also feature on River III for good measure.
