Althingi Core Game: One Will Rise

Creator: Josh Gillingham (Game Design), Ladda Shustova (Artist)
Category: Strategy Card Game
Age Range: 12+
Suggested Players: 2-4
Play Time: 30-40 min

Vibes: Strategy, Viking, Control, Historical

In Short: Althingi is a quick set-up, fast-play game of strength and influence for 2-4 players based in historical Viking-Age Iceland.

What's It About: Each player takes on the role of a powerful Chieftain and tries to take control of the annual gathering known as the Althingi through bribery, coercion, and intimidation.

The game takes place over a series of rounds representing times: Morning, Afternoon, and Evening over several days. In the morning, Chieftains gather Loot, which has value both in bribing Vikings and in equipping them for holmgang (a duel). In the afternoon phase, Chieftains strategically bribe the new Vikings that arrive that round to join their camp, using their Loot cards while retaining enough resources to defend themselves in the Evening phase. During the Evening, Chieftains can use Vikings in their camp to challenge holmgang (a duel) against Vikings from other camps. The aim of the game is to gain the most influence, which is acquired by having Vikings join your camp and by winning holmgangs (duels). The player with the most influence at the end of the game controls the Althingi and wins!

The aesthetic of this game is gritty and raw, with striking original illustrations by Lada Shustova. Special attention was paid to historical details such as clothing, weapons, and bartering goods, so rest assured that there are no horned helmets in this game! If you’ve visited Iceland, then you’ll recognize the landscape art as the fields of Thingvellir. And Viking history buffs might recognize the meaning of the two runes used in the game, symbols for Strength and for Influence.