John II, the ambitious Portuguese King who has only been ruling for 11 years has recently re-established the power of the Portuguese throne. Now he faces economic problems, upset nobles, rising kingdoms, and a Queen at his door step and he is looking for a way to solidify his state as The Great King, the king who would bring great riches to Portugal and legitimize the monarchy forever. Then seemingly out of nowhere, a sailor by the name of Cristovao Colombo appears in his court and offers a gateway toward India's riches if he goes westward. After much thought, despite the advice of his council, John II agrees to this voyage, he doesn't want to miss the opportunity of a lifetime.