Strategy & Tactics #342: Carolingian Twilight – Decline of an Empire AD 814 is a two to six-player grand strategy wargame that captures the power struggles, civil wars, and dynastic rivalries that shattered the Carolingian Empire following the death of Charlemagne. Players take on the roles of his heirs and successors, each striving to reunite the Empire under their rule while contending with both internal rebellion and external invasion.

• Historical Background: When Charlemagne died in AD 814, his vast empire stretched across Western and Central Europe — a domain unmatched in the medieval world. Yet, under the Salic Law of the Franks, property was divided among all male heirs. As the Empire itself was considered property, this inheritance law ignited decades of fratricidal warfare, betrayals, and shifting alliances. The fragmentation that followed would lay the groundwork for the emergence of France, Germany, and Italy as distinct nations. Carolingian Twilight lets players navigate this volatile age of ambition and decline.
• Gameplay & Objectives: Each player assumes the role of one of Charlemagne’s descendants or rival powers, commanding armies, negotiating alliances, and vying for control of Europe. The goal is to reunite the empire through diplomacy, warfare, and political cunning — or to survive as a powerful independent realm. Players must also defend against external threats such as Vikings, Saracens, and Slavs, which exploit the empire’s internal chaos. The game’s balance of diplomatic intrigue and military conquest creates a richly dynamic experience.
• Game System & Scale: Each turn represents one year of history, allowing players to experience decades of political evolution. The map scale is one inch to 75 miles, covering the full breadth of Western and Central Europe. The map is divided into historical regions representing key territories of the Carolingian world. Military units represent 100 to 5,000 soldiers, along with their accompanying retinues and camp followers, reflecting the military realities of the early medieval period.
• Scenarios: Multiple scenarios allow players to begin at different turning points in the Carolingian decline, each defined by a particular division of the empire following Charlemagne’s death. From the Partition of Verdun (843) to the later Treaty of Mersen (870), each setup presents new alliances, opportunities, and rivalries. Players must adapt to ever-shifting power balances as borders, loyalties, and ambitions evolve.
• Strategic Challenges:
  • Manage rival claimants, rebellious nobles, and invading barbarians.
  • Balance warfare with diplomacy — alliances may turn to treachery in an instant.
  • Protect trade routes, fortify borders, and maintain legitimacy as Emperor.
  • Experience the unpredictable ebb and flow of empire-building in a divided Christendom.

Game Components:

• 1 x 22” x 34” full-colour map covering the Carolingian Empire and surrounding regions
• 280 die-cut ½-inch counters representing armies, nobles, invaders, and leaders
• Comprehensive rulebook with multiplayer scenarios and historical notes
• Player aids for diplomacy, succession, and victory tracking

Scale:
Players: 2–6
Level: Strategic
Turn: 1 Year
Map Scale: 1 Inch = 75 Miles
Units: 100–5,000 Soldiers

Gameplay Focus: Carolingian Twilight – Decline of an Empire AD 814 combines diplomatic negotiation, military strategy, and historical realism. It captures the turbulent struggle to rebuild or survive within a disintegrating empire where family loyalty and ambition clash at every turn.

Strategy & Tactics #342: Carolingian Twilight – Decline of an Empire AD 814 is perfect for fans of medieval history, grand strategy, and multi-player wargames.

Available now from Milsims Games — Australia’s trusted source for historical wargames and strategy titles for over 50 years. Price-match guarantee and fast local shipping from Mont Albert, VIC.

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