House Rules: The Game Within the Game

[Monk]

It's something that gives a certain flavor to a game, victory conditions that we as players set for ourselves outside of what the game expects for us - as well as auto-lose scenarios where if an event takes place, it means you lose. Even if the game says otherwise.

I just ran a game with the Chokosabe on H/H with a simple one: Maste rof the Isles. I wanted to lockdown both Kyushu and Shikoku, doing so i'd consider the game won. I've been having real trouble making it out of the 50 turn range alive, so i thought if I could do this i'd be ready for one of the harder clans.

I can say proudly I've managed to not only secure my home isle, but I imposed a semblance of order upon the Chaos that was Kyushu. Otomo and Shoni both converted to Christianity and were waging bitter war for control when I landed in 1551. It was a rough battle but after 19 years of hard fighting, the Chokosabe reign surpreme in the outlying islands of Japan. Not only that, but my Naval power has grown to an impressive degree and i'm currently raking in 8k per turn (4k profit). Finally seeing those islands turned Chokosabe black was incredibly satisfying. I think i'll continue the game, but in my books I've already won.

What are some of your house rules that you enjoy experimenting with?