Here I Stand 500th Anniversary 2nd Printing

Categories: Negotiation, Pike and Shot, Political, Religious, Renaissance, Wargame

Mechanics: Campaign/Battle Card Driven, Dice Rolling, Hand Management, Point to Point Movement, Simulation, Variable Player Powers

Players: 2–6

Ages: 14+

Playtime: 180–360 Min

Here I Stand: Wars of the Reformation 1517-1555 is a groundbreaking game that delves into the political and religious conflicts of early 16th-century Europe, the first of its kind in over 25 years. Set during a crucial 40-year period, the game brings to life the historical feats of iconic figures such as Martin Luther, Jean Calvin, Ignatius Loyola, Henry VIII, Charles V, and Suleiman the Magnificent. Using a unique card-driven game system, Here I Stand models both the political and religious struggles on a single point-to-point map.

The game features six main powers, each with its own unique path to victory:

The Ottoman Empire: Focused on bringing Christian Europe to its knees through military dominance or naval conquests and piracy. Their corsairs can steal resources from other players, adding a strategic layer of economic warfare.

The Hapsburgs: Starting from a dominant position with Charles V’s vast inheritance, the Hapsburgs must defend Europe from the Ottomans, protect Italy from French ambitions, and suppress the Lutheran heresy in Germany. Diplomatic skill and New World expansion are key to maintaining their power.

England: As Henry VIII, the English player must secure a dynasty and elevate England's stature in European politics. With the fewest starting resources, England relies on strategic alliances and the king’s personal life, including securing a male heir, to thrive.

France: Led by Francis I, the French player can gain victory points through New World exploration, chateaux-building, and European conquest. French strategies are diverse, making them a versatile and unpredictable power.

The Papacy and The Protestant: These two powers are locked in a religious struggle. The Protestant player starts with Martin Luther’s 95 Theses, aiming to spread the Reformation across Europe, while the Papacy fights to maintain Catholic control. Religious conversion, theological debates, and landmark events like the Diet of Worms are critical in this tug-of-war for spiritual dominance.

Here I Stand introduces the first card-driven game system with prominent secret deal-making. The game emphasizes alliance-building and diplomatic negotiations, reflecting the era's Machiavellian politics. Players must navigate a complex web of alliances and betrayals, with a deck full of event and response cards that can disrupt even the most carefully laid plans.

Enhancements in this edition include:

• 6 new cards added to the deck, including notable figures like Thomas More and Thomas Cromwell.
• Revisions to over 15 existing cards, such as Copernicus and Machiavelli, to enrich gameplay and diplomatic possibilities.
• A new Chateau construction table for resolving France's Patron of the Arts actions.
• Incorporation of updates from Virgin Queen, refining rules on minor power activation, piracy, space trading, and foreign wars.

Here I Stand is a deeply strategic game that offers players a rich and immersive experience, blending historical events with complex gameplay. Whether you’re a fan of history or strategy games, this epic six-sided diplomatic struggle promises countless hours of engaging play.