Lisboa: Queen Variant

About this expansion

Lisboa: Queen Variant is a historical board game variant for 1–4 players, with a playing time of approximately 120 minutes. Released in 2020, it replaces card number 57 whenever that card appears in the game, introducing a new twist to Lisboa.

This variant evokes the relationship between Mariana Vitória and the Marquis de Pombal. Its historical setting centers on the moment when the king can no longer reign and the queen becomes regent.

Mariana Vitória did not like the Marquis de Pombal because of how he handled the Távora affair. The Távora family, a noble and powerful family who were friends of the queen, were accused of attempting regicide.

According to the historical account behind the variant, the family was executed publicly by the marquis without a fair trial, solely to gain political power. This conflict gives the replacement card a distinct narrative focus rooted in royal authority, political influence, and personal opposition.

In 1777, immediately after the king’s death, Mariana Vitória dismissed the Marquis by royal decree. She then exiled him to his hometown, Pombal.

When playing Lisboa: Queen Variant, the replacement of card 57 brings this episode into the game. It is a focused addition for groups of 1–4 players looking to experience a different historical twist within a session lasting around two hours.