Welcome to England at the beginning of the 12th century. Prior Phillip of Kingsbridge has a glorious vision. He wants to build the largest and most beautiful cathedral in the country. Phillip recruits the realm's most renowned master builders.
Together they work on the monumental task, each with the intention to contribute the most to the cathedral. The master builders hire skilled craftsmen from across the country to lend their efforts.
Hired workers collect the badly needed resources-stone, wood and sand. Their efforts are critical, for any materials they cannot find must be purchased at the market for exorbitant prices.
However, the master builders must worry about more than just the work at the cathedral. Cunning adversaries aim to sabotage the ambitious project. The nobility, particularly the King of England, will increase taxes and tariffs on a whim.
If building plans are hampered by a shortage of goods, the only recourse may be to request the favor of the King. Hopefully, the King will be sympathetic and provide the badly needed resources from his own mines. An audience with the archbishop, skeptical though he may be about the undertaking, may be helpful.
Ultimately, the most important help comes from the protection of Divine Providence, for the fate of the cathedral could be hampered by all manner of catastrophes and unfortunate circumstances.
The goal remains constant: the magnificent representation of heaven on earth in the form of the cathedral. Who has contributed to this endeavor and gained the most fame? Only the player who best utilizes his gold, craftsmen and time will win!
The Pillars of the Earth is based on the bestselling novel by Ken Follett and the 2006 game in the Kosmos line of literature-based games.