This game is based on the Hungarian rpg M.A.G.U.S. The cards represent aristocrats, the suits represent the 5 provinces of the country. Árnyékháború is a fairly simple card game with some twists. The goal is to make the largest network of alliances. An alliance is a straight, or (at least) three-of-a-kind. You can add a card face down as a secret supporter (or a betrayer if it doesn't fit). Every card has a type: sorcerer, warrior or influential lady. There are also event cards that help you destroy alliances. This self-contained game is not to be confused with Árnyékháború, one of many expansion sets for the collectible card game Kiválasztottak, a M.A.G.U.S. kártyajáték. Both are based on the world of the M.A.G.U.S. rpg.