Triarchy

Triarchy (v0.7, 2023-1-1, Playtesting)
Designed by Josh Mauldin

Three generals use military-, economy-, and technology-based asymmetric powers in an area control race to claim a majority of provinces in an invaded country.

Count: 2-3 players
Play: 30 min
Teach: 10 min
Weight: Light
Playtest Medium: Tabletop Simulator, Physical

Triarchy is an area control game with simultaneous action selection and asymmetric powers. Even though the three players are in competition, direct conflict by attacking another player’s conquered land will not be tolerated by our liege. Player interaction will be more subtle than simply engaging in head-to-head combat. At the end of the day, we are all allied generals from the same country seeking to forcefully spread our liege’s peace through the wilds.

Instead of fighting each other directly, it’s a race to conquer the country as quickly as possible with the asymmetric tools at your disposal.

The Archon of Fire conquers with military prowess. They are efficient with their armies and plan strategic supply routes. The fantasy is a blitz through the countryside leaving conquered lands in your wake.

The Archon of Coin benefits greatly from identifying valuable provinces and making early game investments to bring an overwhelming amount of power late game. The fantasy is looking down on your opponents from your mountains of gold, buying out victory from under their noses.

The Archon of Mind is the manifestation of flexible strategy. Your technology tree is a powerful tool that will both hinder your opponents and let you outplay them at every turn. The fantasy is being a super-powered rule breaker who is riding a bicycle in a marathon.