Machiavellian: The City of Masks

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Machiavellian est un jeu de stratégie de type « euro » au format grand format, dont l’action se déroule dans une Venise steampunk alternative du XIXe siècle. La « Doctrine vénitienne » de Niccolò Machiavelli et Léonard de Vinci a transformé la ville en cœur d’un empire mondial fait d’engrenages, de masques et d’intrigues. Les sénateurs se cachent derrière des masques somptueux, les familles mafieuses prospèrent dans l’ombre, et chaque invention est au service de l’État. Dans cet univers, le pouvoir est une mise en scène, et seuls les plus rusés peuvent atteindre les plus hautes sphères. Les joueurs incarnent des nobles ambitieux en lice pour devenir le prochain doge de Venise. Pour remporter la partie, vous devez vous assurer la loyauté d’un nombre suffisant de sénateurs par l’influence, la corruption et la manipulation. Le jeu s’articule autour des jetons « Favor », la monnaie du pouvoir dans six domaines (guerre, commerce, finance, politique, technologie et crime). Vous dépenserez des faveurs pour jouer des cartes technologie, ourdir des complots dans les bâtiments gouvernementaux, financer des guerres, soudoyer des sénateurs ou faire du commerce sur les marchés tentaculaires de Venise. Au cœur du jeu se trouve un système dynamique de placement de masques et de combinaisons : à chaque tour, vous envoyez votre agent masqué dans les couloirs du pouvoir, déclenchant des effets narratifs et enchaînant des bonus susceptibles de faire basculer l’équilibre de la partie. Les cartes « technologie » peuvent être jouées de multiples façons — défaussées pour des effets puissants à usage unique, mises de côté pour des capacités à long terme, ou réintégrées dans votre main pour une utilisation répétée —, ce qui vous offre une multitude d’options tactiques. L’objectif ultime est de rassembler suffisamment de soutien sénatorial pour s’emparer de la charge de doge. Vous pouvez remporter la victoire instantanément en réunissant la bonne combinaison de sénateurs, ou en établissant une influence écrasante à travers le Concordium vénitien. Chaque choix compte : miserez-vous sur la richesse et la diplomatie, ou sur l’intimidation et les machines de guerre ? Dans Machiavellian, les masques tomberont, les alliances se briseront, et seul le stratège le plus impitoyable sera couronné doge à vie. — description de l’éditeur

Présentation de la campagne

 

Gameplay

Each turn you will place your mask token into one of many beautifully illustrated Venetian locations, choose carefully as each has its own set of opportunities and costs for you to consider. The canals are the lifeblood of New Venice. Manipulate the gondolas to ensure the most powerful actions are available to you at your current location.

 Venice is at the center of a vast world, full of danger and possibility. Strategically place your spies into regions around the globe to build your power and manipulate the government back in Venice.

 As the world is centered around Venice, her markets are home to all sorts of wondrous and terrible things. Spend your precious coins to get hold of them.

 Ultimately, power resides with the Senators, get them to your side and you may just become the next Doge of New Venice.  

How to Play Video

Rulebook (Prototype)

Five reasons to follow Machiavellian: The City of Masks

Follow the campaign to be notified when the gates of New Venice open, and to claim some exclusive rewards along the way.

1. Claim a free metal signet ring

Follow Machiavellian before launch to receive a hefty metal Signet ring, stamped with the Seal of the Doge of New Venice. It is a distinctive piece created especially for followers of the campaign. It is an artefact from the game world of Machiavellian and a very unusual first player token.

2. Win up to two free mini-expansions by playing the Doge's Game

We have also created The Doge’s Game: a solo roguelite game inspired by Balatro and set within the world of Machiavellian. A game that would be played in New Venice’s canalside dens. Beat it once to unlock one of two free mini-expansions for your pledge; beat it twice to unlock both. You can try as many times as you like!

Note: Whilst the game can be played on mobile devices, it plays best on a desktop or laptop screen.

3. Discover a unique heavy Euro

Machiavellian combines deckbuilding, bag building, engine building and area control with a variety of other interconnected and novel mechanisms. It is heavy in weight, deeply thematic and highly interactive. It has a full solo-mode, an epic campaign mode and is full of deep intricate worldbuilding.

4. Help shape Machiavellian

We are documenting the development of the game through regular video diaries, and we would love your feedback. Follow the project, watch the latest diaries and help us build this ambitious tabletop project!

5. Don’t miss the campaign

Followers will hear the moment Machiavellian goes live and see every new reveal along the way. Including the Gamefound-exclusive extras being prepared for backers. Following is free and takes only a few seconds. Click the Follow button at the top of the page... we may be slightly biased, but it seems like a very sensible decision.

Machiavellian: The City of Masks is a game by Cotswold Games Ltd, creators of Tabletop Inc, Solar 175, Luddite and Philosophia: Floating World. We have raised more than $1 million across six previous crowdfunding campaigns and delivered thousands of games to backers around the world.

The Doge's Game

We have created The Doge’s Game: a solo roguelite game inspired by Balatro and set within the world of Machiavellian. A game that would be played in New Venice’s canalside dens. Beat it once to unlock one of two free mini-expansions for your pledge; beat it twice to unlock both. You can try as many times as you like!

How to Play the Doge's Game

Note: Whilst the game can be played on mobile devices, it plays best on a desktop or laptop screen.

Pledge Levels

The Doctrine Edition (All-In)

The Essential Edition (Gameplay All-In)

The City of Masks (Base Game)

What's in the Box

The Doctrine Edition

 The City of Masks

The Gilded Underworld

The Volari Mint

The Favors

More details coming soon! Watch this space!

The Art Of Machiavellian

Machiavellian: The City of Masks has been brought to life by artists Adam Beachey and Fadilla Rahmi. From New Venice’s masked elite to its smoke-filled canals, their work gives every character and location a distinctive look and unique personality. Here is a small selection of artwork from the game.

Adam Beachey

 Fadilla Rahmi