Forge of Fists

From BoardGameGeek:

Forge of Fists is a two-player deckbuilding card game set in the land of Almokon, which is ruled by an old and wise emperor, Manfred the Most Loved. Unfortunately, Manfred is dying (for he is old) and upon his death he knows his empire will crumble (for he is wise). To maintain peace in Almokon, Manfred must decide, now, who is to wear the crown of the empire upon his passing. You, the player, are one of many monarchs vying for Manfred's favor. Your ability to rule, to protect, and to grow your realm will determine if you will be the next emperor of Almokon. Each player begins the game with a unique monarch, city, and deck. Players then take turns playing cards from their hand - improvements, characters, cults, and events - to build up their realm and launch attacks on their opponent by land and sea. The first player to win Manfred's favor or obliterate their enemy is the winner. -description from the designer