Vijayanagara: The Deccan Empires of Medieval India, 1290-1398

The year is 1290, and a shadow looms over the Indian subcontinent. The powerful Delhi Sultanate's dominion stretches from Punjab in the north to distant Madurai in the south. Wealthy kingdoms in the Deccan Plateau, beyond the Vindhya Range, have caught the eye of Delhi for generations, and governors have been sent out ot impose the Sultan's demands of tribute. But the threat of Mongol invasions from the northwestern frontier, and internal strife, will strain the Sultanate and leave it vulnerable. The Sultan must plan carefully and act decisively to prevent the Sultan's collapse.

By 1347, two new kingdoms in the Deccan will emerge. Wayward governors will conspire with local amirs to form the Bahmani Kingdom. Its wide-ranging trade network and access to cavalry might prove critical for its survival. Further south, the Sangama brothers will rally rajas across the land and found the Vijayanagara Empire. With a burgeoning population and potential allies in the Nayaka warrior kings, there may be hope to solidify its presence in the subcontinent. But the rising threats to the Delhi Sultanate will not be ignored, and the new powers in the south will find themselves vying to spread their influence throughout the land. Independence will not be achieved easily.

Vijayanagara depicts the epic, century-long rise and fall of medieval kingdoms in India over two dynastic periods. Players will take on the asymmetric roles of the Delhi Sultanate, the Bahmani Kingdom, and the Vijayanagara Empire, navigating event cards and unique action menus as they contest to write themselves into medieval Indian history. Periodic Mongol invasions will present dangers for some, and opportunities for others to spread influence throughout the subcontinent. Rally local amirs and rajas to your cause, construct epic temples, forts, and qasbahs, and negotiate and battle for supremacy over the Deccan Plateau!

Contents

• 1 Mounted Mapboard (17"x22")
• 66 Playing Cards
• 120 Wooden Pieces
• 1 Half-page Countersheet
• 7 Player Aids
• 1 Rulebook
• 1 Learn-to-Play Booklet
• 1 Playbook
• 1 Non-player Rulebook
• 6 Six-sided Dice

Mechanisms:• Area Movement• Campaign / Battle Card Driven• Variable Player Powers