Merchant Princes

It is a time of chaos in the ancient empire of 14th century Byzantium. Political, social and economic upheavals are pushing the old empire to breaking point. For clever merchants it is a time of great potential. Attempt to accumulate, trade, bribe, trick and manipulate your way to becoming the richest and most influential Merchant Prince in Byzantium. Summary: Players assume the role of an inspired merchant in ancient Byzantium, determined to develop a trading empire across the region of Anatolia during the upheavals of the time. Each player has a different character and special power taken from a range of different neighbouring cultures. Players buy trade goods in far off markets to sell in the bazaars of Byzantium, while doing their utmost to undermine and obstruct their rivals and avoid the various historical hazards of the time. Players use Trader markers to purchase and move goods appearing across the board, avoiding dangerous local events and rival player skulduggery. Later in the game players can attempt to secure influential government roles worth bonus victory points but require each role to be voted upon by all players so bribery and deal making is a must! The player with the largest and most influential merchant empire at game end is given the title of Merchant Prince of Byzantium.