De Vulgari Eloquentia
- Designer Mario Papini
- Publisher Giochix.it , HomoLudicus , Lookout Games , Matagot , Z-Man Games
- Illustration Lamberto Azzariti , Guido Favaro , Eva Villa
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Start for freeWhat to Expect
Set in late medieval Italy, players compete to gain influence in trade, church, and culture. You collect manuscripts in various dialects, use action points to move across the map, and aim to earn victory points by advancing socially and uncovering important documents. Choices include remaining a merchant or climbing the church hierarchy. The gameplay balances resource management with tactical movement.
Who Is This Game For?
Designed for experienced hobby and expert gamers, this 120-minute game requires patience and strategic planning. Suitable for ages 14 and up, it demands prior experience with complex board games and is not recommended for beginners.
How It Works
Players spend limited Action Points to move on the game map (Area Movement) and collect sets of manuscripts (Set Collection). Strategic planning allows social advancement and discovery of key documents. The core mechanics combine action point economy with area control and set collection for scoring.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Mario Papini, the game was nominated for the 2011 JoTa Best Heavy Board Game. It uniquely blends historical themes with a complex mix of Action Points, Area Movement, and Set Collection mechanics, set in the Italian city-states of the Middle Ages.
Awards
- 2011 JoTa Best Heavy Board Game — Nominated
Pro
- Historically rich setting in Italian city-states
- Combination of Action Points, Area Movement, and Set Collection
- Flexible player count from 2 to 5
- Nominated for JoTa Best Heavy Board Game 2011
Contra
- Relatively long playtime of about 120 minutes
- High complexity requires prior gaming experience
- Minimum age of 14 limits younger family players
Setting & Atmosphäre
The game takes place in late medieval Italy, focusing on the rise of the common language Volgare and the social, religious, and economic structures of the time, involving merchants, monks, and nobles.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Focus first on collecting sets and managing your action points before exploring more complex strategies.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
No, De Vulgari Eloquentia supports 2 to 5 players and does not include a solo mode.
How long does a game really take?
Playtime is approximately 120 minutes, with additional time needed for setup.
What prior experience do I need?
This is an advanced strategy game suitable for players experienced with complex board games.
How does this compare to similar games?
It uniquely combines Action Points, Area Movement, and Set Collection mechanics in a medieval Italian setting.
Is this suitable for families?
Due to its complexity and age restriction of 14+, it is better suited for families with older children or experienced players.
What mechanic makes it special?
The mix of Action Points and Area Movement with Set Collection creates a strategically rich gameplay experience.
Fazit
De Vulgari Eloquentia is a rewarding strategy game for players who appreciate historical depth and are willing to invest time in longer sessions. It suits those seeking interaction and thematic complexity.
