Europe, Spring 1910.
The world is on the move. All across the continent, steam whistles signal the march of progress. The Industrial Revolution has moved mountains, bridged rivers, and connected continents. Now, the eyes of Europe turn to a new, grand ambition: a railway network meant to unite — or dominate — the nations.
In the majestic city of Geneva, five influential figures have gathered. They hail from the salons of Paris, the factories of Vienna, the Russian steppes, the palaces of London, and the newsrooms of Milan. Each carries a unique vision of what the railway should represent: progress, control, freedom, influence — or chaos.
The official mission is clear: connect Europe. But their agendas are not. Some pioneers dream of a peaceful, connected continent. Others seek to expand their power across steel rails. And a few have come only to dismantle the system from within.
As locomotives whistle in the distance and the first maps are laid on the table, no one yet knows where this journey will truly lead. One thing is certain: the choices you make will shape your reputation — and rewrite history.
Meet the Characters…
Maximilien DuPont – The Visionary
In Geneva, he doesn’t find kindred spirits, but opposites — and that’s exactly what fuels him. While others seek power, profit, or chaos, DuPont seeks connection. Not through words, but through action. Every route he builds, every country he links, brings him one step closer to his dream. His reward? More than just points: each turn, he glimpses the future — with open cards and clear choices. A true visionary is never surprised — he reads the world before it’s written.
Helena von Falkenstein – The Industrialist
Helena plays the game like an industrial chess master. While others dream of unity or rebellion, she calculates in steel per kilometer. Her efficiency translates into direct advantages: bonus points for every major route and a unique ability to defy the odds — constructing a megaproject with fewer resources. In a Europe still on the drawing board, Helena is determined to forge the continent in her own mold. Because those who own the lines, own the course of history.
Anatoly Petrov – The Saboteur
Officially, he represents an obscure technical commission. In truth, he listens, observes, and waits for the perfect moment. His agenda is hidden, but his conviction is crystal clear: real change doesn’t come from meetings or connection — but from disruption. Anatoly Petrov is the shadow on the platform, the silence before the sabotage. And as the locomotives of the future roar past, he wonders: how long before someone cuts the brakes?
Beatrice Cavani – The Journalist
She trusts no one fully — and rightly so, because in her world, everyone lies with a smile. Amidst hors d’oeuvres, schematics, and diplomatic speeches, she hunts contradictions, lost memos, and whispers in backrooms. Beatrice Cavani is no idealist, saboteur, or visionary. She’s the conscience who writes it all down. And those who lie… eventually make the front page.
Edmund Wallace – The Eccentric
Wallace is more than a walking curiosity. His peculiar nature grants him the ability to wield immense influence — often without realizing it. While others plot and scheme, Edmund does what he always does: amuse himself, marvel, and accidentally turn the entire board upside down. Laugh at him, ignore him, try to understand him — but underestimate Edmund Wallace, and you’ll miss the whole picture.
Reputation System
Every turn, your reputation shifts: will you take the path of the pioneer — or the saboteur? Your choices unlock unique advantages and subtly steer the game in your favor.
This story is compatible with Ticket to Ride, produced by Days of Wonder, but is not produced or distributed by Days of Wonder.
Included in this Story
Each with a backstory and personal goal
Will you become a pioneer or a saboteur?
Build your reputation or manipulate the situation
Disclaimer
This story is an independent, narrative module designed to be used alongside the board game Ticket to Ride™.
Ticket to Ride™ is a registered trademark of Days of Wonder, a subsidiary of Asmodee.
TableTop Journeys is not affiliated with, authorized, sponsored, or endorsed by Days of Wonder, Asmodee, or any official publisher of Ticket to Ride™.
This module contains no original components or intellectual property from the base game. A copy of the original board game is required to play.