Cursus Honorum

Setting & Theme The cursus honorum was the sequential order of public offices held by aspiring politicians in the Roman Republic and the early Roman Empire. This game simulates those career paths, with senatorial factions represented by each player, during the rise of the Republic. Starting around 241-237 BC when the provinces of Sicilia and Sardinia et Corsica had been conquered through war with the Carthaginians, each turn abstracts a generation of Roman politicians competing for offices and wielding state powers, with factions leveraging their wealth and influence to increase their reputation and legacy. Senators also serve in provincial posts, protecting and developing the expanding Republic while amassing their own fame and fortune. Throughout the game players must cooperate to ensure the public’s satisfaction with the government remains stable and the Republic remains prosperous and secure, all while competing to attain the highest status.

General Course of Play Each turn begins with die rolls triggering events in the provinces. Then an election is held where factions compete to form the strongest voting coalitions and senators claim offices in Rome and the provinces. Players then alternate taking actions that include using office powers and influencing clients, often with adverse effect on their opponents. Each turn concludes with a sequential reckoning of state and faction accounts, setting the stage for the next generation of struggle and achievement.

Disclaimer This is a prototype that has been playtested, but is still in development.