Islam has taken the world by storm, and the newly built metropolis of Baghdad has become the center of the world. For the next two hundred years, the Caliphate is home to the Golden Age of Islam, where science, theology, poetry and philosophy flourish and vast quantities of texts are imported, translated and studied, in what some have called ‘the first Renaissance’.

But the vast empire contains contradictions galore – an ethnic melting pot of peoples from all over Eurasia and a religion that has yet to establish its orthodoxy. Coupled with the enormous wealth that can be achieved, it is no wonder that peace and stability are difficult to achieve.

In Asabiyyah (~Solidarity of Kinship), players take on the role of ambitious family heads who must navigate all the delicate alliances and interests, all the while ensuring the family’s legacy as a patron of the translation and study of scholarly texts from around the world.

But what good is it if your own position in the Caliphate and history is secured if the Caliphate falls? Players must therefore also work together to ensure that rebellions and invasions do not take over, and overthrow the dynasty that ensures your existence.

Unless of course it is you who can overthrow the power and become amir al-umara – Emir of Emirs?

Asabiyyah is a game where you have to think strategically, but act tactically. The main objective is to establish a legacy through the development of faith and science – but the political and religious winds can change in an instant and erode the foundation you thought you were standing on. Fortunately, it is never too late to switch to the right faith and alliance.

The game centers on a collective deck-building element with a ‘follower’ mechanic, where played cards can be ‘copied’ by other players, but with an advantage only to the active player. But all actions have consequences – political or religious effects that affect the players’ position in other domains.

Note: The game contains elements of slavery and persecution of religious minorities/opponents. I have not wanted to 'cleanse' the history, but at the same time hope that I have succeeded in presenting it respectfully, as part of the complex history the game is trying to illustrate. Constructive criticism is welcomed.