Production art for Inferno is well underway from artist Robert Altbauer. Volko takes us on a gallery walk, along with a little introduction to the historical setting and how Levy & Campaign brings it to life.

Two warring parties divide 13th-Century Tuscany. One favors the Pope, the other, the Empire. Inferno players muster up to six armies for each. Here, Levy & Campaign imbedded artist Robert Altbauer displays heraldry on the inside panels of the screens that hide Lord mats—Guelphs along the top, Ghibellines below.

By 1260, rich and populous Florence leads the Guelphs of Tuscany against its trade rival Siena heading the Ghibellines. The Florentine army in Inferno musters on two mats that show its forces and assets. Markers add troops such as those from the city’s six wards, Sestieri. …

Like Florence, Siena when mustered fully for war marches with its Carroccio, a sacred oxcart carrying an altar and bell tower and symbolizing the city’s independence. The Carroccio helps in battle but costs victory standing if lost.

Guelphs & Ghibellines didn’t just fight in the streets—they marched out to sieges and battles. Players in the game plan campaigns with Command cards that set the order in which armies act. Held this way before folding together, they show this order by heraldry, left to right. …

Treachery cards, unique to this Levy & Campaign volume, bring out the shifting politics of medieval Tuscany. Players must gain them by victories before adding them to their plan. Card shades help these special cards stand out. …

Players in Inferno plan the order in which Lords—stickered wood cylinders—will act on the map. In this closeup of the heart of Tuscany, the Guelph Podestà of Colle readies the Town’s defenses, as Sienese captain Provenzano Salvani considers an attack from Monteriggioni Castle.

Resistance of towns to Sienese domination helped spur Guelph-Ghibelline war in 1259-1261. Sponsoring or quashing such rebellions is one key to victory in Inferno. Below, Provenzano and the Count of Santa Fiora besiege rebel Montepulciano, a mid-1260 scenario setup. …

Strongholds are worth either 1 (Castle), 2 (Town), or 3 VP (City) — also their size for defense against Siege. Sacked Strongholds get Ruined, and armies also can Ravage lands–each such marker awarding 1/2 VP.

13th-Century troops included tradesmen and farmers: Tuscan armies did not keep the field all year. In Inferno, a Lord’s Service on the Calendar shows when his army will Disband—and shortens or extends as loot, pay, hunger, or defeat dictate. Cylinders show others await Muster.

The gameboard’s Calendar not only tracks time but victory points and, for flavor, highlights the historical course of the campaigns.

Here is a bit more about the cities, towns, armies, and captains represented by the Lord cylinders in the game—an Inferno dramatis personae, if you like:

“You thirsted for blood, now drink your fill.” – Dante

In Inferno, the bloodletting plays out on a 17″-wide map of Tuscany, shown below. The border between friend and enemy is ephemeral, but those who fail to enforce loyalty in their own land risk ever spreading rebellion.

If you’d like to see artist Robert Altbauer’s extensive portfolio prior to Levy & Campaign, you can find it here: https://fantasy-map.net. You also can follow Robert on Twitter @fantasy_map. I hope you will be impressed with his artwork as much as we are! – Volko

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