Virgin Queen: Wars of Religion 1559-1598 invites you into a dramatic world of military, political, and religious turmoil in Europe during the reigns of Elizabeth I of England and Philip II of Spain. This grand strategy game accommodates two to six players, each taking on the role of one or more major powers that shaped the political landscape of the era. Step into the shoes of powerful nations like Spain, a formidable giant harnessing the wealth of its vast global empire. But be wary—dominance comes with its fair share of adversaries. The Ottoman Empire is eyeing Spain’s Mediterranean territories, while Elizabeth’s English sea dogs threaten to plunder Spanish colonies worldwide. With the specter of eighty years of rebellion looming in the Netherlands, Spain needs to navigate through a web of alliances and conflicts, while its once-reliable Catholic allies raise eyebrows. Will alliances with France, embroiled in the treacherous French Wars of Religion, offer support? Can even Philip’s relatives in the Holy Roman Empire be trusted, or will they flirt with the Protestant cause? The game features six distinct powers: Ottoman Spain England France Holy Roman Empire Protestants (Dutch & Huguenots) Virgin Queen is the highly anticipated sequel to Here I Stand, another engaging card-driven strategy game set during the tumultuous preceding years. Players familiar with Here I Stand will appreciate many familiar mechanics, as over half of the rulebook remains unchanged. However, new systems have been introduced to reflect the shifting conflicts of the late 16th century: Religion: The religious conversion and rebellion mechanics have been streamlined, allowing for faster resolution in areas already steeped in both Catholic and Protestant factions. World Map: Your oceanic expeditions are now directly under your control as you navigate towards the Caribbean to seize treasures, establish colonies, and even seek to circumnavigate the globe. Diplomatic Influence: Forge alliances with both major and minor powers using a unified system, making your influence felt across foreign courts. Weddings: The secret negotiation phase from Here I Stand makes a return, but with a twist! Arrange royal marriages for your dynasty's princes and princesses. Will even the Virgin Queen find love, or will she continue to jilt her suitors? Patronage: Encounter artists, writers, scientists, and architects visiting your royal court seeking sponsorship. Will you invest in the next Galileo, Cervantes, or Shakespeare, or waste resources hunting for the elusive Philosopher's Stone? Espionage: The shadowy world of spies awaits! Dispatch ambassadors to foreign courts, employ assassins, delve into cryptology, and recruit Jesuit priests for covert missions of conversion. With several scenarios available, your play experiences are customizable based on the number of players and time constraints: Two-Player Tutorial: Ideal for newcomers, this 90-minute game pits the Ottomans against Spain during the notable Siege of Malta and Battle of Lepanto using a subset of the rules for a quick dive into gameplay. Campaign Scenario: Immerse yourself in the full Virgin Queen experience with this eight-hour game, playable over seven turns, typically suited for 4 to 6 players. Variant rules accommodate 2 or 3 players for a tailored experience. Armada Scenario: Experience a shorter game focused on Turns 3 to 6 of the full campaign—a quick, competitive option lasting 4 to 5 hours, perfect for tournaments with 4 to 6 players. Dive into the tumultuous world of Virgin Queen: Wars of Religion 1559-1598 and shape the course of history!
