It's 44 BCE, the pinnacle of the Roman Republic. At the end of Julius Caesar's civil war, he is left holding enormous power. He has the love of many but, for others, there is only fear. This fear leads Caesar's friends and allies to question his intentions. They're stoking a fire of conspiracy. A conspiracy that will end on the Ides of March, with 23 wounds, a republic in ruin, and the birth of an Empire.
In 23 Knives, you take on the role of a Roman citizen with one of three allegiances: a Loyalist to Caesar, a Liberator of Rome, or an Opportunist biding their time.
At the end of the game, if there are 23 or more knives in the Curia, Caesar is dead and the Liberator most committed to killing Caesar wins.
If there are fewer than 23 knives, the Loyalist most dedicated to saving Caesar wins. Opportunists are those who linger, waiting to shift the fate of Caesar at the last moment, and if they do, they win as a team.
23 Knives is a game of social manipulation. Your Citizen's initial identity is hidden, as is their allegiance, but this will surely change.
Your task is to plan ahead while staying flexible - deciding which side to manipulate and strategize against, all the while maneuvering among the tides of Rome and fate itself.
