Fief: France

Get ready for a dose of dynastic ambition and intrigue in FIEF: France Edition! In this game, you step into the shoes of a 15th-century French noble, with one goal: to become the most powerful force in the kingdom. To achieve this, you'll vie for control of fiefs and bishoprics, aiming to accumulate royal and ecclesiastical titles that grant you influence in electing the next Pope and King. Things get serious when you start negotiating marriage alliances – after all, who wouldn't want an arranged marriage to strengthen the family's power, right? But beware, love can quickly turn into treachery and deception!

The new board depicts the medieval Kingdom of France, with villages connected by roads, ready for lords and troops to move. Each fief is an area with villages, and each village belongs to a bishopric. You manage up to four family members, seeking to rise through royal titles (Baron, Count, Duke) to control fiefs and earn Victory Points (VPs). Or, perhaps, pursue an ecclesiastical career to become a Bishop, Cardinal, and maybe even the Pope, securing VPs and special privileges. Victory comes with 3 VPs, but don't be fooled, it's a fierce race!

To win, you'll need sharp diplomacy and, of course, a good marriage. But if your spouse becomes a nuisance, perhaps an "accident" could solve it? Beyond human intrigue, the game throws random events at you: good harvests, extra taxes, but also the Plague, Famine, and Peasant Uprisings! You can increase your income through church tithes, taxing your fiefs, investing in mills, and fortifications. And if diplomacy fails, you can always try an invasion! Prepare your men-at-arms, knights, and siege engines for epic battles where a mistake can be costly, even costing a family member's life. FIEF is a game that blends strategy, negotiation, and a touch of luck, perfect for those who enjoy a medieval showdown full of twists and turns.