Dearest Player, you have been invited, at the behest of your titled host, to make your debut during the 1851 social season of Victorian London.

Apistocracy is a 2-4 player game featuring worker placement, as well as a trick-taking game based on Whist. Each player has a season host with a unique ability. The hosts provide influence to open the first doors of the season, but players must make connections, thus building influence, to gain invitations to the most coveted events. Over the course of four weeks, players climb to the top of the social beehive to become Queen Victoria’s favorite, commission painting sets in the gallery to become the artist’s muse, make valuable connections in the ballroom to become the favored guest, learn secrets in the tea room, and curate their hand for the final whist game in the parlor. The player with the most Victoria points at the end of the season is named the “season’s favorite” and wins.

The game offers players nuanced action selection, with opportunities for strategic decision making. Do you spend your resources to move up the beehive? Do you dance in the ballroom to gain a valuable card for your player mat? Do you commission your portrait and complete your painting set? Regardless of your choice, the main goal is to have fun! If you happen to create a buzz and become the season’s favorite in the process, then bravo! If you do not achieve the coveted title, you need not give up there’s always next season!

description from the designer

Step into the glamour of Victorian London with Apistocracy, a 2-4 player board game featuring worker placement and trick-taking elements inspired by Whist. Each player embodies a season host with a special ability, aiming to rise to the top of the social hierarchy. Gain influence, make connections, and secure invitations to exclusive events to earn Victoria points and be named the “season’s favorite.” Strategic decision-making is key as you navigate through the social scene, from the ballroom to the tea room, aiming to become Queen Victoria’s favorite. Embrace the challenge and enjoy the thrill of the game – will you be crowned the ultimate victor this season? Experience the opulence and intrigue of Victorian high society with Apistocracy.