In the Shadow of the Emperor

Place family members in the Empire's electorates, steal influence from rivals and plot toward an imperial election.

Designer: Ralf Burkert
Published by: 999 Games
Editions by: Rio Grande Games, Hans im Glück

Intrigue at the court of the Holy Roman Emperor. In In the Shadow of the Emperor, from 2004, you lead an aristocratic family and try to get your members into influential positions in the Empire's electorships. Each Elector State has its own special ability and voting power, and the votes you collect move you closer to making your candidate Emperor. You choose actions for your family members, wrest control of states and displace rivals, but your people age and die and your action cards are limited, so every turn is a trade-off. Victory points decide the winner. A tactical, take-that-flavored game of political scheming for two to four players, around ninety minutes.

Family members in Elector StatesVotes for electing the EmperorMembers age, die and limit your actions

Who it's for

You like political, take-that-heavy strategy with limited actions, and you enjoy squeezing a rival out. Four players makes the table tightest.

Not for you if…

You want a peaceful or cooperative game. Displacing opponents is central, and the planning is fairly heavy.

Vibe's take

Calculating and sharp-elbowed. You always have a better move than you have actions, family members slowly age out, and the last round is a scramble for votes.