RULES OF THE COURT
How to Play
One round, four moves. Scroll through a full round below to see exactly how a petition turns into a claim on the throne.
SCROLL TO WALK THROUGH A ROUND
Draw Your Hand
Draw five cards from your split deck — a mix of Verraine and Oswyn decrees. You choose which house you're playing from each turn, not at the start of the match.
WORKED EXAMPLE
Worked example: you draw 3 Verraine and 2 Oswyn cards. You can open the round from either house — the choice signals nothing to your rivals yet.
Petition the Council
Play a card face-up to the council pool. Each card adds pressure toward that house's agenda. Petitions are public — everyone sees what you've committed to the table.
WORKED EXAMPLE
Worked example: you petition “The Quiet Petition” for Verraine. The council pool now shows 1 pressure toward Verraine's agenda, visible to both rivals.
Call a Bluff
If you suspect a rival is overcommitted, call their bluff instead of petitioning. They must reveal their remaining hand — wrongly accusing them costs you your turn.
WORKED EXAMPLE
Worked example: you call a bluff on a rival holding 4 cards. They reveal 3 Oswyn decrees and 1 Verraine — you were right, and they lose their next petition.
Claim the Throne
When one house's pressure reaches the council threshold, its highest petitioner claims the throne for that round. Allegiance markers shift, and a new round begins.
WORKED EXAMPLE
Worked example: Verraine's pressure hits the threshold first. You hold the most Verraine petitions on the table, so you claim the throne and score the round.
BEFORE YOU JOIN THE COUNCIL
Frequently Asked
Is there any direct combat in Ashen Court?
None. Every conflict is resolved through council pressure, petitions, and calling bluffs — no attack values, no health tracks. The throne is won politically or not at all.
How long does a typical match take?
20–35 minutes for two players. Rounds resolve quickly once a house's pressure hits the council threshold, so matches rarely drag.
Can I build a deck loyal to only one house?
No — every deck is split Verraine/Oswyn by design. That tension between the two agendas you're holding is the core of the bluffing.
What happens if I call a bluff and I'm wrong?
You lose your next petition entirely and your rival's hand stays hidden. Calling a bluff carries real risk, so it should never be a reflex.