# Council of Blackthorn

## General Info
- **Year Published**: 2016
- **BGG Rating**: 7.2
- **BGG Rank**: #6677
- **Players**: 2-6 (Best with: 5)
- **Duration**: 45-90 min
- **Weight**: 2.33 / 5
- **Designers**: Jay Meyer
- **Artists**: Alex Stone, Andrew Ryan, Chris Casciano, Joe Slucher, Matthew Sellers, Peter Wocken, Rhys Griffiths, Stephanie M. Brown, Tomas Honz
- **Publishers**: Great Northern Games
- **Categories**: Card Game, Dice, Fantasy, Medieval
- **Mechanics**: Area Majority / Influence, Dice Rolling, Hand Management, Roll / Spin and Move, Variable Player Powers

## Verdict
If you enjoy a good dose of medieval political intrigue with a touch of 'who will be the scapegoat?', Council of Blackthorn is an interesting choice. It's a game where cunning and the ability to manipulate others' perceptions are as important as your own strategy to accumulate power. The experience is one of constant tension, with the threat of the guillotine always lurking, making each move a calculated decision to deflect attention. It's for those who like games with indirect interaction and good bluffing!Innovative treason mechanicIndirect interaction and bluffingAsymmetrical player powersIntriguing medieval themeImportant tactical decisionsPlayer elimination might displeaseDice luck impacts gameplayCan be a bit chaoticRECOMMENDED

## Description
In the kingdom of Blackthorn, the once mighty king has grown old, and his council, composed of ambitious figures, now vies for true control. In Council of Blackthorn, you are one of these councilors, immersed in a web of intrigue and subterfuge. Your goal is to accumulate as much influence as possible without raising suspicion, as the king will not hesitate to decapitate anyone he deems a traitor. Rumors, bribes, spies, and poison are your tools in this dark power game. Each player takes on the role of a council member, each with their own abilities and strategies. You'll need to build influence with the various factions of the kingdom, using ally and building cards. But beware: custom dice change the conditions of each round, adding a layer of unpredictability. As you gain power, you also accumulate hidden treason points. The most influential councilors are typically those who accumulate the most of these dangerous points. At the end of the game, the player with the most treason points is summarily beheaded and removed from the game. The true winner is the remaining player with the highest total influence score. It's a game of bluffs, temporary alliances, and plenty of malice, where the ability to deflect attention onto your rivals is as important as your own rise to power. Keep your head on your shoulders, literally, and conquer Blackthorn!

## FAQ
### How many players can participate in Council of Blackthorn?
The game is designed for 2 to 6 players, making it flexible for different group sizes, from a strategic duel to a more bustling and chaotic table.

### What is the average game duration?
A game of Council of Blackthorn usually takes between 45 to 90 minutes. The time can vary depending on the number of players and the group's familiarity with the rules.

### What is the game's complexity level?
With a BGG weight of 2.3333/5, Council of Blackthorn is considered a medium-complexity game. It's not super simple, but also not a heavy-hitter, ideal for those seeking a tactical challenge without being overwhelming.

### What are the main components of the game?
You'll find a game board, ally and building cards, custom dice for each round, and pieces representing the councilors and their influence. Everything you need to dive into the intrigue!

### Who is Council of Blackthorn recommended for?
It's perfect for players who enjoy games of political intrigue, bluffing, hand management, and area control. If you like a dash of dice luck and don't mind player elimination, you'll have a blast trying to deflect the guillotine onto your rivals!

### Is player elimination an issue?
Player elimination is a core mechanic and can be a point of contention for some groups. The player with the most treason points is eliminated at the end, so it's something to consider if your group prefers everyone to play until the very end.

## Price Comparison
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