In Im Schatten des Sonnenkönigs (In the Shadow of the Sun King) players are noblemen in 18th century France who are trying to gain the most influence. Players collect cards representing five abilities. Also they collect power and gold (both represented by cardboard chips). Every turn, a player gets one more card (selected from 1-3 cards turned over). Players can also perform special actions (e.g. get gold, get power, exchange cards with other players, destroy cards or power from other players) if they have a) the most cards in an ability, b) a special card which can be bought in an auction, or c) pay gold. In the end, players gain points for having power, gold and certain cards.