A Column of Fire (2017) Board Game

A Column of Fire is a board game based on Ken Follett’s historical novel of the same name. Set in 16th century Europe, players take on the roles of influential families vying for power and influence during a tumultuous period of religious and political strife. Designed by Michael Rieneck and published by Devir in 2017, the game combines elements of area control, worker placement, and dice rolling to create a strategic and engaging gameplay experience.

Game Components of A Column of Fire

Game board

28 Country tiles

120 Character cards

24 Shop tiles

16 Action tiles

4 Player boards

4 Religion dice

4 Worker dice

28 Religion stones (14 Protestant, 14 Catholic)

120 Goods tokens

50 Victory points tokens

Rulebook

How To Setup A Column of Fire

To set up the game, players start by placing the game board in the middle of the table. Each player selects a player board and places it within reach. The country tiles are arranged randomly on the board, and each player receives a set of worker dice and a religion die. The shop tiles, character cards, action tiles, and goods tokens are placed within reach of all players. Each player starts with a few goods tokens and a specific number of victory points.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Player Representation: Players take on the roles of merchants who aim to sell goods in four different countries.

Worker Management: Players hire characters from these countries using dice, which have values that decrease each round.

Religion Management: Players must manage their religious affiliation (Protestant or Catholic) to align with the dominant religion in the countries where they have shops.

Shop Establishment: Players establish shops in different countries to sell goods.

Action Selection: Players choose actions from a rotating track, including adding or removing religion stones, taking victory points, or drafting characters.

Revolts and Consequences: Revolts occur based on the balance of religion stones in each country; players who are not on the dominant side lose their shops and points.

Victory Points: The game ends when one player reaches 50 victory points; the player with the most points wins.

Player Experience

In **A Column of Fire**, players are immersed in a historical setting where strategic planning and adaptability are crucial. The game requires players to balance their workforce, manage their religious alignment, and make tactical decisions about which actions to take. The dynamic nature of the game, with revolts and shifting religious landscapes, keeps players engaged and cautious, as being on the wrong side of history can lead to significant losses.

Pros

Historical Theme: The game is set in a fascinating historical period, offering a unique blend of history and strategy.

Deep Strategy: Players must manage multiple aspects, such as workforce, religion, and actions, making the game challenging and engaging.

Dynamic Gameplay: The game’s mechanics ensure that no two games are the same, with revolts and character hires adding unpredictability.

Thematic Accuracy: The game accurately reflects the religious and political tensions of the time period.

Cons

Predictable Endgame: The game can end somewhat predictably, with the winner often being clear before the final round.

Limited Replayability: Some players may find the game less replayable due to its straightforward victory conditions.

No Climactic Ending: The game does not have a dramatic or climactic conclusion, which might be a letdown for some players.

Personal Thoughts on A Column of Fire

**A Column of Fire** is ideal for players who enjoy Euro-style games with deep strategic elements and historical themes. It is particularly suited for those interested in managing resources, predicting outcomes, and navigating complex social and religious dynamics. While it may not offer the most replayable experience, it provides a unique and engaging game session for fans of strategic and thematic games. If you appreciate historical accuracy and are looking for a game that sparks interesting conversations about belief structures and historical events, **A Column of Fire** could be an excellent addition to your game collection.

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