Age of Ulysses 2019

Beyond the horizon to the West. Find the golden fruit. A port of peace and happiness.

This is not the dawn of the mythical age.

Our stage is the 13th century. Europe’s marine navigation technology was developing. The East Indian route was still outside reach, nevermind the route through the Gibralter Straight in the direction of England-France.

The pioneering development of this route came by the fleet of Genoa, a rapidly evolving city. The merchant vessels that sailed from the Republic did not head west immediately, but rather swung left from the Straight of Messina, striking the Aegean Sea, the Black Sea, and the Eastern Mediterranean. They buy spices and dying agents from Islamic merchants, and then bring them to the Flanders to make a profit: beautiful Flemish textiles.

There are no dazzling golden sheep and no exciting battles with monsters, but in search of “the wealth that is right there,” the traders pursued their dream of adventure through grueling voyages.

You are responsible for either the prestigious Spinola family or the Doria family, and aim for economic development of the family through maritime trade. There are 10 harbors beyond Naples, Antioch and Barcelona. Keep your fleet intact, rich in cargo to gain rights of trade at ports of call.

The opponent is not only the enemy. Local merchants are also rivals. Align your ship’s progress with the shifting importance of the regions and deliver trade goods and victory to Bruges.

Using a regular deck of cards, some cubes, and a couple simple boards, players will use hand management and fortunate draws to outpace their opponent's trade.