“Oath: Chronicles of Empire and Exile,” designed by Cole Wehrle and published by Leder Games, is a strategy board game that offers a narrative-driven experience with each playthrough affecting future games. Designed for 1-6 players, “Oath” allows players to shape the history of an ancient land and the rise and fall of its empires through a succession of games.
In “Oath,” players can take on various roles from a power-hungry chancellor to a seeking exile. Each role has its own paths to victory, which may include controlling territories, garnering support, or uncovering secrets. The game does not have a set sequence of events or a fixed end game, but rather evolves based on the players’ decisions, creating a unique story each time.
The innovative mechanics include an evolving deck of cards that represent the game’s laws and denizens, as well as a shared tableau that changes from one game to the next. This means the actions and outcomes of one game will influence the starting conditions of the next, making “Oath” a legacy-style game without permanent changes. This dynamic setup ensures a unique gameplay experience that unfolds over multiple sessions, with a rich tapestry of alliances, betrayals, and shifting power dynamics.
