Deus lo Vult

About this board game

Deus lo Vult is a board game for 2–4 players, played in about 120 minutes, in which crusader armies seek treasure in the Holy Land.

Inspired by opulent European manuscripts from the 12th to 15th centuries, the game draws on military games associated with medieval aristocracy around the world. Its influences include shogi, xiangqi, chaturanga, and backgammon.

Each player controls an army of crusaders and aims to loot as much treasure as possible. However, the struggle is not limited to advancing your own forces: players can hinder their opponents by using the mutually shared army of the Saracens.

• Crusader command: Direct an army while pursuing treasure in the Holy Land.
• Shared opposition: Use the common Saracen army to interfere with rival players.
• Divine Will: Respond to events through which God intervenes in the Crusades, using them to your advantage.
• Camp amenities: Maintain your camp carefully, or your troops may become too distracted by diarrhea to fight.

Divine Will events add an unpredictable intervention to the campaign, creating opportunities as well as complications. Deciding when to take advantage of them can matter as you balance your own progress against the actions of the other players.

At the same time, your camp cannot be ignored. If its amenities fall into neglect, your troops may be unable to focus on battle when the decisive moment arrives. In Deus lo Vult, greed, treachery, military maneuvering, and divine intervention all shape the contest for the greatest haul of treasure.