Medieval/Middle Ages History

Join us as we continue to explore the history of the Middle Ages in table top gaming looking at how China and Europe are represented during this period. We’ll start by playing Architects of the West Kingdom and Gugong. We’ll begin play at 5:00 p.m. and play through as many of the games as we can until 8:00 p.m. Meet in FO2-209 “The Center for the History of Video Games and Critical Play.”

“Architects of the West Kingdom is set at the end of the Carolingian Empire, circa 850 AD. As royal architects, players compete to impress their King and maintain their noble status by constructing various landmarks throughout his newly appointed domain. Players need to collect raw materials, hire apprentices, and keep a watchful eye on their workforce. These are treacherous times, and rival architects will stop at nothing to slow your progress. Will you remain virtuous, or be found in the company of thieves and black marketeers?”

In Gùgōng “players take on the role of powerful Chinese families trying to gain influence and power by exchanging gifts with Officials. The gift cards you offer as a player have to be of a higher value than the one you receive, forcing you to make strategic choices regarding which actions you want to take each turn. You will travel around China, sail down the Grand Canal, purchase precious jade, help construct the Great Wall, secure advantages through decrees, influence the game through intrigue, and ultimately, receive an audience with the emperor. If only 1 player succeeds in doing so, he wins. If several players succeed, the player with the most VPs among those players wins the game.”