In the teachings of the Catholic Church, an indulgence was a way to absolve yourself of venial sin. In some cases, this might be by doing good works or engaging in meaningful prayer. But in the darkest of times, indulgences were sold to anyone willing to make a significant “contribution”. As the rising families of the Italian Renaissance conspired and plotted to seize control, the indulgence offered a clear conscience for many a questionable deed committed in the name of power.
Indulgence is a trick-taking game for 3–4 players. On their turn, players choose an edict that gives the rule for the hand. The other players then decide if they want to violate the edict by doing the opposite of what it commands. So “Don’t take any Medicis” suddenly becomes “I must take all the Medicis”. Committing a sin can be challenging, but a player attempting it gets the benefit of the indulgence, a token that turns one of their cards into a winning hand. Can you trick your opponents into committing sins without the indulgence? Can you avoid sinning yourself? Whoever can pull that off will end up with a pile of gems and the title of victor.
Game Components:
- 36 Family Cards
- 20 Double-Sided Edict Cards
- Edict Deck Cover Card
- 4 Papal Bull cards
- 20 Five-Florin Gems
- 25 One-Florin Coins
- 4 Jewellery Box Cards
- Indulgence Ring