Ecliptic is a 2-player tactical game where one has to manage simultaneously astrological cards and polyhedral dice.
The game includes 72 playing cards representing the 12 zodiacal signs, each one in 6 different colors and astronomical symbols (sun, moon, star, galaxy, planet, comet).
Each player has a set of polyhedral dice: D4, D6, D8, D10, D12, D20.
There are also 12 neutral bicolor cards that have to be set in-line to form the Zodiac line. This line separates the two sides, white against blue.
The goal of the game is to obtain the largest number possible of consecutive signs or of a same symbol. The principle is to put down a pair of cards of same sign in order to be allowed to place a third card on his side of the Zodiac.
It is permitted to place a sign on the line only if it is different from the ones which are already on its side. If the opponent has already placed a card there, then a battle is engaged to determine which player will keep that sign.
For the battle, both players secretly choose a die among their available dice. The dice are thrown and the winner is the player obtaining the highest score. The used dice are then put away.
—description from the designer