Il Podestà

In 13th-century Tuscany, torn apart by the bloody conflict between Guelphs and Ghibellines, four great Communes battle for absolute dominance over the region: Florence and Lucca representing the Papal faction, Pisa and Arezzo representing the Imperial one. Each player assumes the role of Podestà leading one of these powerful city-states, navigating a complex political, economic, and military simulation spanning twenty historical bienniums from 1250 to 1289, up to the epic final battle of Campaldino. Between managing public approval, constructing imposing public works, taking risks in the goods market, and dodging the deceptive schemes of other players, every choice will determine the Podestà's Prestige. The game integrates a fully automated BOT system managed through the Annales booklet and the Fortune Table, providing a deep experience both in solo play and in multiplayer for up to 4 players.

Players: 1 – 4 Duration: 3-6 hours Setting: Medieval Tuscany (1250–1289) Bot System: Emulus (integrated for solo play or table completion)

Main Features

City Management and Approval: Govern the city's six Sestieri, manage tax revenues, and build citizens' loyalty through the construction of defensive, logistical, and monumental infrastructure. Dynamic Economy and Market: Buy and sell goods, influencing and exploiting market fluctuations, speculate on monopolies, and make bank investments and loans. Warfare, Sieges, and Tactics: Strengthen the communal militia, hire mercenary bands, and conduct raids, grueling sieges, or bloody pitched battles. Historical Events: Each biennium is driven by drawn historical events that determine political, economic, and military actions and opportunities. Political Upheavals: Manage street riots, assaults on city walls, and factional shifts that can force the Podestà into exile, from where they will continue to pull strings and manage business affairs.

—description from the publisher