In the 16th century Jakob Fugger built an impressive trading empire centered in Augsburg. He earned so much money, that he was able to loan large amounts to royals in need of cash. As the royals were often unable to repay the loans, Jakob was more than willing to accept the special privileges the could offer instead - privileges that allowed him to become even richer and more powerful!

Players take on the role of Jakob and compete to earn the most prestige by loaning money for privilege.

As a royal petitioner attending court, the players must parlay their powers of persuasion to gain the support of court officials and sway the King to their cause.

The players' persuasive powers, in a constantly shifting court, are represented by dice. Each starts with three dice. Each turn, a player rolls the dice, sets aside at least one die, and re-rolls the rest until he has set all his dice aside. With these dice, if they form an appropriate pattern, a player may obtain a character card, giving him another die or a special power. The first player to roll seven of a kind gains the King's support and, possibly, victory!

The support of the King (and Queen) is often the difference in the final roll-off, which determines the winner!