Castle And Catacombs

The King’s Last Hour

A Social Deduction Card Game for 6-16 Players.

Game Overview

Two rival factions—Red (Assassin’s Crew) and& Blue (Royal Guard)—compete in a deadly game of deception and deduction. The Red team aims to kill the King by the game’s end, while the Blue team must protect him. Meanwhile, neutral characters have their own bizarre win conditions!

Setup

Select Two Teams & Captains:

Before dealing cards, divide the players into two teams (physically or by volunteering).

Each team picks a Captain (leader). The Captains help organize discussions but have no special powers.

Deal Roles Randomly:

Shuffle the role cards and deal one face-down to each player.

Keep roles secret! (Peek at your card but don’t show others.)

Role Distribution:

Ensure the King and Assassin are always in play.

Adjust numbers (e.g., more Thugs/Knights for larger groups).

How to Play: (3 or 5 Rounds)

1. Discussion Phase (2-3 min per round)

Players (and Captains) debate, lie, or share hints to uncover roles.

The Raven (Blue) may secretly check one player’s team color (and color only! Not the role) per game. (communicated verbally. Both players at this point, must not lie. Answer can be whispered)

2. Room Assignment

Teams split into two rooms (by group vote or the Captain’s choice).

Strategy: Protect the King or hide the Assassin!

3. Resolution

After Round 3 or 5, check endgame conditions:

Winning Conditions

Red Team Wins if:

Assassin + King in the same room (unless Healer is there).

OR Seductress + King (overrides Assassin’s failure).

Blue Team Wins if the King survives (not killed by the above).

Neutral Roles win by meeting their goal (e.g., Monk stays unasked).

Key Notes

Captains help organize but don’t have special powers.

Roles are random, but the King/Assassin must be in play.

Infiltrator (Red) fools the Raven by appearing as Blue.

Special Rules

Infiltrator (Red): Shows as Blue if revealed by the Raven. (verbally communicated to The Raven only)

Healer (Blue): Nullifies the Assassin’s kill if in the same room as the King at the end.

Neutral roles don’t care about Red/Blue—only their own goals!

Tips for First-Time Players

Bluff! Claim you’re the King (even if you’re not).

Watch reactions—nervous laughter? Might be the Drunkard!

Raven’s power is key—use it wisely!

Quick Reference