Oath: Chronicles of Empire and Exile

Oath: Chronicles of Empire and Exile

After the wide success of Root, Leder Games introduced another game that we consider a Cole Wehrle masterpiece: Oath. Oath jumps from the familiar woodlands of Root to the all new world of empire-building and political intrigue.

Oath is a narrative board game where the actions and outcomes of past games can, and certainly will, influence how one plays future games. Players might aim to gain power, control the commonwealth, or discover ancient secrets, with each player's choices shaping the history of an ever evolving game world. 

Innovative Narrative Structure

Oath is very original in how it incorporates pillar elements without being a traditional legacy game. While there are no physical changes to the game’s components, the outcomes of one session, mostly focused on the winner, can alter the starting conditions of the next. This creates a continuous campaign feel through multiple plays, without being labeled a campaign game. This changing narrative structure keeps the game exciting and new, encouraging multiple playthroughs with its world and mechanics.

Another great feature of Oath is that solo playing is supported with the Clockwork player. This is a huge benefit to the game as past games required expansions to support solo playing.

Strategic Depth

Oath’s gameplay has many layers adding to the rich storyline being uncovered. Oath’s deep focus on strategic planning, resource management, and diplomacy makes it unique to competitors from both Leder and other game companies. Players must navigate an always shifting political landscape, making alliances and eventually breaking them when necessary. The game’s design encourages players to think several steps ahead, making every decision absolutely critical in the long-term aspect of the game’s story.

Leder Games has set a very high standard with Root and Oath. Both games offer unique playing experiences that appeal to gamers who love deep strategy with a rich storyline. Oath’s ever-evolving narrative offers a new kind of board game experience that invites players to return to its world again and again.