The Scepter of Zavandor is about magic and power. Players represent young magicians who have gained possession of old magic knowledge, and with it they attempt to achieve the powerful position of archmage, symbolized by the Scepter of Zavandor.
To increase their power and influence, the young magicians enchant jewels and seek out knowledge. An auction mechanism also allows them to acquire artifacts and sentinels. Victory points are earned through active gems, artifacts, sentinels, and knowledge.
The game's rulebook includes a note thanking James Hlavaty for permission to copy the game mechanics from Outpost.
"Easy Going": The players build up to 5 individual towers, but each of only a single color. The base may be formed from more than one log, but cannot be expanded after the next level has been started. Scoring is for the highest tower in each color at the end of the game. Logs from collapsed towers are lost.
"Pyramido": Players build the pyramids with single color surfaces.
"Log Cabin": Build small houses using as few colors as possible.
Above based on Brett & Board which thanks Adam Spielt for use of the description.