Endeavor: Deep Sea · Board game rules
When can I use a Level 5 specialist?
Quick answer
You can recruit a Level 5 Specialist when your Reputation track meets or exceeds tier 5 (displayed as 5 symbols on the lower row of the Reputation track).
Details
To use a Level 5 Specialist, you must first recruit it during Phase 1a: Recruitment of a round. Your Reputation track determines your recruitment capability: the number of symbols (☑ or ☐) on the lower row of the track indicates the highest tier you can recruit. For a Level 5 Specialist, you need at least 5 symbols [p.7 — PHASE 1a: RECRUITMENT].
- Level 5 Specialists are placed in the rightmost column of the Specialist tray, shuffled and face-up (Junior side) at setup [p.5 — 6 PREPARING THE SPECIALIST TRAY].
- When recruiting, choose any Specialist from a tier your Reputation allows. Level 5 Specialists are always recruited as Juniors, and duplicates are allowed [p.7 — PHASE 1a: RECRUITMENT].
- If recruiting a Level 5 Specialist empties its tray pocket, move a tile from another pocket to maintain three available options [p.7 — PHASE 1a: RECRUITMENT].
Once recruited, the Specialist can be activated in subsequent Activation Phases like any other Specialist, provided it has an empty activation circle and you have discs to spend. Promoting it to Senior (if desired) requires separate actions, such as through Journal effects or other rewards [p.13 — PROMOTION].
Watch out: Ensure your Reputation track is advanced enough before attempting to recruit a Level 5 Specialist. If your Reputation drops below 5 later (e.g., due to track interactions), this does not remove the Specialist from your team—it only affects future recruitment.