Archived from November 2022
THE YEAR IS 1492
and Italy is divided into rival city-states. A young and scandalous Pope has just been elected in Rome - invested with the divine right to crown and depose kings. He has invited you and your retinue to participate in his coronation games.
But be careful: spies lurk in the shadows, capricious princes gamble with the lives of their subjects, and debauched cardinals bribe and blackmail their way to holy power. To take your place among their number you will need to choose your unique role in the court. Each position comes with its own abilities and objectives, so you will need to choose carefully.
Play the game of politics, steal glory for your principality, and win... if you can.
Combining elements of live-action role-play, social deduction games, and immersive theatre, Medusa events will transport you to another world.
HOW TO PLAY
THERE ARE MANY CLASSES TO CHOOSE FROM WHICH WILL GIVE YOU UNIQUE ABILITIES AND A DIFFERENT ARENA TO PLAY WITHIN.
The Princes, Stewards, Captains, and Spy Masters will be whisked into a game of politics - where troops and resources will decide the final resting place of power on a map of Italy.
Courtesans, Cardinals, Bishops, and and Courtiers will seek to win Papal favour in a series of games and contests, utilising their abilities to tip the odds in their favour…
In the shadows the Spies and Guards will uncover and squash scandals, doing the dirty work of the realm…
Of course, who’s to say a Courtesan couldn’t end up dictating politics, or that a Prince couldn’t catch a spy?
Finally, the Famous Da Vinci, Machiavelli, and Michelangelo, will provide the faction who acquires them with a critical edge…
Inspect the different classes below…
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The Head of State, who directs their city state. Entrusted with making the final decisions of all matters relating to their realm. They must be comfortable as the centre of attention, and a leader in their heart of hearts.
Heavy is the head that wears the crown.
Must participate in the Finale.
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Holds the highest holy office in their state, as a direct connection to Rome. Can Silence another player temporarily but cannot be Silenced themselves. Is also able to get a hint from god once only.
For the silver tongued and theatrical.
Must participate in the Papal debate.
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Those of leisure who both create and quench thirst. Perhaps the most powerful people in Rome. Can enthral others to do their bidding, if they can goad them into making eye contact.
For those who know how to get what they want.
Must tell the truth if asked by a Cardinal or Bishop, and especially the Pope.
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Handles the day to day affairs of the realm, some may say is the source of their Prince’s power - and thus has the greatest responsibility. Only they can trade resources with Rome, and their actions will determine if the realm has what it needs to play in the finale.
For those who love Catan.
Must play the game to win.
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Entrusted with the security of the Prince. Is able to strike other players unconscious and cannot be pick pocketed. They are the cure to the plague which has riddled Rome: That of the spies, assassins, and non-believers.
For those who enjoy solving problems head on.
Must answer the call if challenged to a duel.
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The eyes and ears of the Prince, entrusted with the most crucial task: to expose the misdeeds and intercept the plots of the other Princes. Can listen in to conversations undetected via means that will not be divulged here.
For those who crave intrigue and detective work.
Must not reveal that they are a spy before the game.
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Members of the Royal court, who may come from a range of backgrounds. Perhaps they are Merchants, Artists, Bankers, Ambassadors, or perhaps something entirely different - those who chose to be Courtier are invited to imagine their own Class and submit it to us for a custom ability, which you may also suggest.
For personal flare or more casual play.
Must appease their Prince, and remain loyal to them.
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Their fame was such that they are forever part of history. Da Vinci’s originality and invention, Michelangelo’s eye for beauty, and Machiavelli’s mind for human insight. Whoever can court these great figures to join them will receive a great boon…
Da Vinci is played by Harley Hefford, and Machiavelli is played by Zi
THE FACTIONS
MILAN
Surrounded on all sides by enemies, and specialising in the manufacture of silk and weapons, the strength of Milan is arrayed against the world. The mighty Sforza dukes have employed Milan’s great wealth to furnish the city not only with the fine art of Leonardo Da Vinci, but also with vast armies of vicious mercenaries. A warlike and proud faction, the Sforzas’ ambition is expansion, and their neighbours must surely be starting to grow nervous. Who knows what they will do to gain the upper hand?
Home of the visionary Da Vinci
FLORENCE
Florence is the financial centre of Italy, and its coin, the Florin, is the currency of the land. Nominally a republic, Florence has long been under the control of the flourishing Medici bank, and the powerful family who share its name. A pragmatic faction, the Medicis do not hold grudges and will align themselves with whomever they need to win. Beware: they will turn on their allies just as easily. As their famous statesman, Machiavelli once said: “Never attempt to win by force what can be won by deception.”
Home to mastermind Machiavelli
VENICE
Venice is a proud and diverse mercantile nation with strong cultural and economic ties to the Muslim world. Its naval might has allowed Venice to foster expansive trade networks that extend all the way to the Adriatic sea and are the envy of the world. Ruled over by their elected leader, called the Doge, this adventurous and vibrant republic has produced such explorers as Marco Polo, and will go on to produce such scoundrels as Giacomo Casanova. Though they may be spirited, it would do to underestimate them.
Home of the Masquerade
