Osprey Brian Boru: High King of Ireland by Peer Sylvester

Keynote A tense political game of marriage, religion, and viking invaders in eleventh century Ireland. Description 11th Century Ireland is awash with would-be Kings, and self-professed rulers. Real power in this land has never been more illusive. In Brian Boru, players must marry the right bride, secure influence in the flourishing Christian Church, and repel viking invaders, all the while stealing the support of local communities away from bitter rivals. To become the King of all Ireland, youll need to navigate a web of shifting allegiances, manage changing priorities, and ensure your many enemies do not unite against you until its too late. The success of the historical Brian Boru rested on three pillars: his victories against the Vikings, the favor he managed to garner with the Church, and the alliances he forged through political marriages. This became the foundation of the game, with each pillar becoming a suit in the trick-taking that forms the core of the mechanisms. Win a trick and you gain influence in a town, which, in turn, gains you majorities in the regions; if you lose the trick, however (deliberately or otherwise), you instead take an action corresponding to the suit of the card.