Maria

In October 1740, Charles VI, the German emperor and the Austrian head of state, dies. Succession falls on his oldest daughter, the 23-year-old Maria Theresa. However, by Imperial law and tradition, women cannot succeed to the Imperial throne. Although the other states of Europe had agreed to Maria Theresa’s succession only a few years before by signing the Pragmatic sanction, her enemies now regard Austria as easy prey. In December 1740, the War of the Austrian Succession finally breaks out.  Seizing the opportunity, Frederick II of Prussia — himself King for only six months — invades the Austrian province Silesia. In Spring 1741, Bavaria, Saxony and France take up arms as well. Engulfed by this wave of attacks, Austria seems doomed.

However, the attackers have underestimated Maria Theresa, her strength of character, and her fierce tenacity. Against the advice of her ministers, she is not willing to give up the smallest part of her heritage ...

Maria is a game for 2 or 3 players based on the War of the Austrian Succession (1740–1748). The game can be played in 2 variants: the introductory game (9 turns to play, about 90 min., with simplified rules) or the advanced game (12 turns, 3 to 5 hours, with the full set of rules).

• 1 gameboard (22" x 33")
• 20 wooden Generals
  
• 10 wooden Supply Trains
• 2 wooden Hussars
  
• 22 stickers for Generals and Hussars
  
• 152 Tactical Cards
• 25 Political Cards
• 2 x 6 National Cards (English & German)
  
• 3 Playing Aid Cards
• 1 Political Display
• 1 Compendium for the Political Cards
  
• 5 Army Sheets
• 1 Sheet of die-cut markers
• 1 Set of Rules