The Foreign King

About this board game

The Foreign King is a board game for 2–4 players, with games lasting about 60 minutes, set in Belgium after its independence in 1830.

In 1831, Leopold I of Belgium became the first king of the new kingdom. This fragile country faced industrialization as well as divisions between different political and religious groups. Players take the roles of influential members of the Belgian bourgeoisie, each pursuing greater economic and political power.

Players work to industrialize Belgian provinces and build metallurgical and textile factories. These developments help increase economic influence while shaping the provinces under their control. Political influence is pursued through the National Congress, where players vote in an effort to strengthen their position.

• Industrialize Belgian provinces.
• Build metallurgical and textile factories.
• Vote in the National Congress to increase political influence.
• Expand your social mass.
• Send King Leopold I to provinces under your dominion to revise them in pursuit of your interests.

The foreign king stands at the center of this struggle. As the highest authority, King Leopold I can be sent to provinces under a player’s control, connecting the new monarchy with the ambitions of the influential groups competing across Belgium.

At the end of the game, the player with the most victory points wins. With its focus on industrial development, parliamentary influence, social reach, and the authority of the crown, The Foreign King presents Belgium’s early monarchy as a contest for power among the forces shaping the young nation.