The 16th Century marks the beginning of a new era. America is discovered, a solid trade route with India is established with the so-called Spice Route, and the exchange of goods in Europe is becoming easier. Large merchant ships and trading vessels are on all the seas. They are the masters of the seas.

The players lead the Fugger, Welsern, Vöhlin or Höchstettern families, one of the great families of the time. Through the clever exchange of goods and play of appropriate goods cards, they try to maximize their profits. And they succeed only if they also score during their opponents' moves.