Eleanor of Aquitaine

Ability
Whenever you prepare an event, you draw two military cards. Scores 1 culture For each military card you have to discard at the end of your turn.

When Eleanor is replaced, get 3 civil actions back instead of 1.

Eleanor in History
Eleanor is one of the most interesting and influential women of medieval Europe. She married two kings (a French one and an English one) and was mother to three other kings. She was one of the leaders of the Second Crusade, she was imprisoned for supporting revolt of her son against her husband, she ruled England as a regent during the Third Crusade, and even when having no official role later, she continued to have a big influence over the affairs and politics of England. Quite a lot of accomplishments for a woman in medieval times!

Designer's Note
Her main ability relates to her political role. Playing an event represents exactly that – pulling the strings and decently influencing the world’s affairs. And the bonus civil actions for replacing her, that’s her involvement even after her official reign has ended.

Although it may look like the extra civil actions you gain back is just some additional bonus added for balance purposes, it is actually the primary idea behind the card. If you have a good Age A leader long into Age I, Eleanor could be worth to grab just to help you transit to an Age II leader at no cost.

We then experimented with the other ability, until we have found an interesting and thematic one. Searching through the military card deck is useful, and that feeling when Development Politics and Strategic Territory fills your hand and you score 10 culture just in one early round is great!