Z-Man Games will release The Staufer Dynasty  historic strategy board game to trade in December, after a premiere at Essen, as first reported by ICv2.com.

Designed by Andreas Steding (Firenze, Five Points: Gangs of New York, Hansa Teutonica), The Staufer Dynasty casts players into the role of travelers in the entourage of Henry VI, as he tours his kingdom and attempts to govern his empire, which runs from the North and Baltic seas south to Italy.  Players place their envoys and nobles in positions of power in the six regions of the game, attempting to gain power and influence with the King over five rounds.

The box contains 119 tokens, 53 Privilege and Job cards, 111 wooden pieces, and a game board made of 9 tiles.  The game is for 2 -5 players, ages 13 and up, and plays in 90 minutes.