Twilight of Empires

Twilight of Empires is a role-playing game set in one of history’s most fascinating periods, the Spanish Golden Age of the 17th century. Drawing heavily from Arturo Pérez-Reverte’s masterful Captain Alatriste novels and – to a lesser extent – his acerbic historical chronicles Una Historia de España, our game invites you to explore an era when Spain was one of the world’s largest empires, even as the seeds of its decline were already sprouting.

The 17th century dawned with Spain at its zenith. From the Americas to the Philippines, Spanish power stretched across a domain where the sun never set. The streets of Madrid teemed with soldiers, poets, and rogues, while Spanish galleons carried silver from Potosí and spices from the East. Yet beneath this golden surface, cracks were beginning to show. While Spain dominates the era’s political landscape, Twilight of Empires also explores the story of Portugal during (and after) the Iberian Union. From 1580 to 1640, Portugal and its vast overseas empire were united with Spain under Habsburg rule. However, the Portuguese were allowed a degree of autonomy, retaining their legal systems, local administrations, and even coinage.

Twilight of Empires is a 304-page book which includes cover art by Jae Tanaka, a 4-page introductory comic by Ibai Canales and plenty of public domain art.