The year is 1510, the height of the Renaissance. You start the game as a simple mercenary captain in service to one of the hundreds of lords spread between dozens of Kingdoms across Europe, Africa and the Middle East. As you build your camp of followers and recruit new mercenaries you will eventually capture and claim one of over 500 cities or hamlets populating the game world.

From there on you will take care of your economy, diplomatic relations, build up your city in real time or on the world map, aiming to expand your station and holdings in the game world – as a minor Lord. Eventually you will be ready to rebel against your monarch, and if successful be crowned King – which leads to the late game content – with focus switching from managing a town, to running a Kingdom, and eventually an Empire!