Game Overview

Game Name: Oath
Publication Year: 2021
Designer: Cole Wehrle
Artist: Kyle Ferrin
Publisher: Leder Games
Solo Mode: Included in the Base Game or Multi-Handed

This abstract sort of world slowly changes over time under the new or continuing reign of a chancellor. Sites and denizens provide the main aspects to remember, yet each character often has a surprising story to tell. With so many possibilities, each era can unfold in all sorts of ways!

The Joy of Setup

I’ll continue with the storytelling aspect in a moment, but I want to highlight how fun it is to set up each era. This process can take a little time, but it gives me many ideas.

Flipping over sites and figuring out each character’s starting adviser are huge moments. I can see some of the main landmarks and even think back to previous eras!

I don’t go into an era with a specific play style, save for the chancellor’s goal of remaining in power.

Each character evolves over play, and I try my best to make the optimal decisions… Which isn’t always easy!

So Many Possibilities

See? This is what this era looked like beyond the cradle. I had an edifice in play that could be quite neat, but there was a lot more to discover out in the hinterland.

Maintaining rulership of the provinces also seemed quite important, owing to some of the battle bonuses. This era was all about ruling the most sites, after all.

Most sites were known, owing to the strong position of the chancellor last era. But the unknown was out there!

I often set up an era before I actually play, pausing at my table to think about what kind of story might unfold…

King Bartram’s Circlet

After his early days of establishing himself as chancellor, King Bartram of the House of Caley enjoyed a superb reign. The land prospered and remained in safety.

He had high hopes for an ancient forge, restored from uncovered ruins near the salt flats and wastes. Relics had served him well, and he was quick to secure more.

But despite his strong hold on the cradle and provinces, the hinterland knew not of King Bartram’s strength.

It would take many warbands to maintain his power, yet he was determined to explore the far reaches of the land.

Of Strange Magic

Although relics dominated King Bartram’s kingdom, the study of magic was rather unknown. It was more a matter of chaos and discord that tied together the discoveries.

Far off in the hinterland, Amphillis Brudenell shunned the idea that power came from these outside objects. She was certain she knew how to harness the secrets of true magic.

Adorned in a most outlandish fashion, all knew at once that she was an exile. An exile with all the secrets, though.

Amphillis began to gather the magic of the land to her side, and King Bartram knew not of her great potential.

The Return of a Rival

Never one to rest, young Lancelot Brougham grew to be a formidable sort of exile. He bided his time in the shadows of the provinces, waiting to pounce upon power.

Sly and cunning, he was aware when King Bartram lost favor with the bandits. Hardly more than old friends losing touch, Lancelot was privy to the shift in loyalty.

Relentless in his plotting, many came to stand beside him with his grand plans to rise to the chancellorship.

Only the king stood in his way, and he already had his battles hand-picked. An era of change was at hand.

A World Left Behind

Warbands were mustered to the chancellor, and it wasn’t long before the cradle was heavily defended. While King Bartram was gone, all would be protected from invasion.

Indeed, none ventured close. This seat of power, so useful to a chancellor, held little value to exiles and enemies.

The standing warbands kept the populace and elders at ease, but not much thought was put into their upkeep.

For out in the hinterland, supplies were limited and it was a rough sort of journey. King Bartram had not thought of what he would find. Or where his enemies might strike.

Provincial Rule

It was almost too easy for Lancelot to wage a campaign against the provinces. In no time at all, he gained control of the lucrative sites and handed the mine to the bandits.

This did not challenge King Bartram yet, but it certainly got his attention. An old rival was not something he had particularly wanted after such a stable time as chancellor.

Yet again, Lancelot’s ambitions were underestimated. He looked poised to strike from this central position, and fast.

It was only a matter of time before he flew across the land, keeping the favor of the bandits and expanding his rule.

Lost to the Charms

Something happened in the hinterland, though. King Bartram was drawn to a site far away. There was no clear reason why he led his warbands deep into a misty forest.

On the other side, they looked down upon a small village set in the valley. This was a place to settle down and set out against the tiresome Lancelot. He would just rest…

Magic ran deep here, and there was the allure of hoarding all the secrets and visions. None could stand against him!

Yet for each day spent in the charming valley, King Bartram found it harder and harder to think of leaving.

An Unexpected Twist

None could say whether Amphillis was behind the magic that rooted King Bartram to the charming valley. She was rather quiet and unassuming, never leaving her home.

A wizard school sprang up, attended and expanded by her. When there were whisperings of lost secrets and forbidden visions, Amphillis was prepared. She had them all.

In a clever move, she ensured none could stand against her rise to power. The secrets would guide her.

And so it came to pass that Amphillis outwitted a king and his rival to usher forth the rise of magic and secrets.

The Art That Time Made

To quickly jump out of storytelling mode, I also want to highlight how much I love the artwork! I keep the box upright in front of me when I play so I can admire it.

There are little scenes that almost speak to the magic of history. Where have these travelers come from? Who is that peeking out of the doorway? What is he reading?

And more… Where do the signs point? Was there once a great fence here during war? What’s along the riverbank?

I’m seeing this start to come alive in my game as I see cards or realize that something has faded away. Very cool!

Session Overview

Play Number: 5
Solo Mode: Included in the Base Game or Multi-Handed
Play Details: 3-Handed Solo
Outcome: Vision Victory (Nomad Faction Focus)

This ended at probably the earliest possible moment, but it was still quite neat to see how it happened! As I started to set up for the next era, I got a glimpse of something that called back to history in a surprising way. Let’s just say that the upcoming era looks like it might bring back a footnote in a major way. Just a wonderful experience that keeps on getting better the more I play and discover!

Affordability

Price & Value

10

Functionality

Challenges & Mechanics

9

Originality

Design & Theme

10

Quality

Components & Rules

8