Europe in the 19th century: military superpowers trying to take over the world. Whether it is direct wars and takeover of land or acquisition of 'colonies' - these were troubled times.
In several scenarios (defined by their starting date, each representing a slightly different historical situation) or on a random map, the players each take over one of the 'relevant' (i.e. powerful) countries trying to achieve total world domination. The final step for this is to be elected by the one of the council meetings which occur on a regular basis.