In Upon a Fable, players assume the role of a grand ruler in the fairy tale lands and start the game with one Small Realm (the Home Realm) overseen by a loyal Fable subject. During the nine game rounds, each ruler seeks to expand their fortunes through a variety of methods, including: adding more Small Realms to gain the support of more Fables (which in turn, grant additional game actions each round); expanding the size and influence of their realms, from Small to Large to Epic; playing Ever After cards that influence the flow of the game; and gathering the valuable fairy tale Wonders of Magic, Love, Honor, Followers, and Castles. None of these paths to greatness can be ignored, for only the most well-rounded ruler without weakness in any domain shall be granted victory over the others and awarded the title of High Emperor or Empress.
