Players: 2-4

Time: 60-90min

A Column of Fireis an adaptation of the third novel in Ken Follett’s “Kingsbridge” series followingThe Pillars of the EarthandWorld Without End. (The novel is titledA Column of Firein English, andDas Fundament der Ewigkeit(“The Foundation of Eternity”) in German.)

In the game, set in Europe during the time of Elizabeth I, Catholics and Protestants compete for power and influence in England, France, Spain, and the Netherlands. In this politically unstable environment, resourceful operatives and courageous secret agents plot to secure power for their rulers. The balance of power shifts back and forth amidst foiled assassinations, successful rebellions, and futile invasions and not infrequently, those who sympathize with the weak are expelled from the country.

The real enemies, then as now, are not the rival religions. The true battle pits those who believe in tolerance and compromise against the tyrants who would impose their ideas on everyone else no matter what the cost. Who will best exploit the changing power conditions in Europe to win the game?