Who goes first?
From the publisher’s rulebook

Who goes first in Res Arcana?

Sand Castle Games English base game

Res Arcana game cover, Sand Castle Games / Asmodee edition

Choose a First Player and give them the First Player token. After collecting essences, that player takes the first action.

Rule details

During setup, players choose magic items counterclockwise starting with the player to the First Player’s right; the First Player chooses last.

Essences are normally collected simultaneously. Any player may request clockwise collection starting with the First Player.

Action turns proceed clockwise. The first player to pass takes the First Player token for the next round.

Source & edition

Image: © Sand Castle Games · Sand Castle Games / Asmodee

If your rules call for a random choice, use the player picker.

If there’s a tie

The rulebook doesn’t say. If you need a tie-break, pick a player at random.

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