# Road to Enlightenment

## General Info
- **Year Published**: 2012
- **BGG Rating**: 5.7
- **BGG Rank**: #23116
- **Players**: 2-7 (Best with: 6)
- **Duration**: 150 min
- **Weight**: 3.15 / 5
- **Designers**: Dirk Knemeyer
- **Artists**: Heiko Günther, Sigrid Knemeyer
- **Publishers**: Conquistador Games, Inc.
- **Categories**: Age of Reason, Bluffing, Card Game, Civilization, Economic, Educational, Negotiation
- **Mechanics**: Auction / Bidding, Hand Management, Open Drafting

## Verdict
If you enjoy civilization games with a historical twist, featuring auction and hand management mechanics, "Road to Enlightenment" might win you over. It's an ambitious game that attempts to capture the complexity of the Age of Enlightenment in a very engaging way.Unique historical figure managementAuction and draft mechanicsStrategic and historical depthRich and engaging themeCan be a bit complexRequires good resource managementLanguage dependency can be highFOR GENRE FANS

## Description
In "Road to Enlightenment," you step into the shoes of a 17th or 18th-century European monarch, leading one of the era's seven great powers: Austria, England, France, Poland, Russia, Spain, or Sweden. The ultimate goal is to become the most prestigious leader on the continent, which means excelling across various domains. To achieve this, you'll recruit and manage iconic historical figures – the "luminaries" – ranging from scientists and artists to religious and military leaders. Each of these characters possesses stats in areas like science, art, politics, and warfare, along with a unique ability inspired by their real-life accomplishments. The game mechanics blend auctions and open drafting for acquiring these luminaries, and managing the cards in your hand is crucial for executing your actions. The game also tackles the complexity of military expansion, featuring a map that reflects the historical and religious challenges of invading certain territories. Religion, in particular, plays a significant role, with consequences for conquering regions of differing faiths. "Road to Enlightenment" aims to simulate the struggle for prestige among nations, encompassing war, politics, religion, science, and art. It combines elements from wargames, civilization games, and even sports simulations, crafting an epic yet accessible experience, despite its strategic depth. It's an invitation to rewrite European history, focusing on both grand military campaigns and the cultural and scientific innovations that shaped the world.

## FAQ
### What is the average playtime for Road to Enlightenment?
A full game of "Road to Enlightenment" typically lasts around 150 minutes, perfect for those who enjoy longer, strategic games.

### How many players can participate?
The game is designed for 2 to 7 players, offering flexibility for different groups. The pocket version is for 2-4 players.

### Is the game very difficult to learn?
With a BGG weight of 3.15, "Road to Enlightenment" is considered a moderately complex game. It blends several mechanics, which might require some dedication to master.

### Does the game have significant language dependency?
Yes, the game has considerable language dependency, especially on the "luminary" cards and the board text describing abilities and events.

### What type of player is "Road to Enlightenment" recommended for?
It's recommended for players who appreciate civilization games with strong historical themes and don't mind a slightly steeper learning curve and longer playtimes.

### What are the main mechanics used in the game?
The core mechanics include auction/bidding, hand management, and open drafting, combined with elements of negotiation and strategy in a civilization setting.