Adopertus Falling - Political Intrigue Game

Greetings Senators of Adopertus!

You have recently been elected to a lifelong term as your state’s representative in Congress. As Senator, you hold the highest, most powerful position in your state. By awarding you this office, the people of your state have entrusted you with the ability to vote on bills, endorse presidential candidates, and even make your own bid for a term as President. What the public has not been informed of, however, is your secret plan to seize control of the nation...forever. Using your allies in Congress, the Supreme Court, and the national media, you will gain dominion over the United States of Adopertus. The time has come to watch democracy crumble, and the best seats are at the top.

Overview

In Adopertus Falling, players contend with each other for dominion over the United States of Adopertus. Adopertus consists of three branches of government:

1. The Legislative Branch: Adopertus has a bicameral system, meaning Congress is made up of two Houses: the House of Representatives and the Senate. These two political bodies vote on bills. Each player assumes the position of Senator at the start of the game, controlling one (and only one) seat and one corresponding vote in the Senate, no matter what, for the entire game.
2. The Judicial Branch: This branch is where the Supreme Court resides. Throughout the game, cases are brought to the attention of the Supreme Court. Senators can control Supreme Court Justices, forcing them to vote in ways that promote certain political agendas. At the beginning of the game, each Senator controls one Justice and one corresponding vote in the Supreme Court. Unlike Senate positions, influence in the Supreme Court may vary per player as the game progresses.
3. The Executive Branch: This branch is where the President of Adopertus resides. The President gets full control over appointing Supreme Court Justices and regulating immigration. The President also has the power to vote on bills. The President’s vote is more powerful in the Senate than a normal Senator. At the end of every third year in the four-year cycle, the players vote on who will become the next President.

One full round (in which each player takes their turn) is equal to one year in the game. There are 4 years in every presidential term. When the fourth year in the Presidential term is completed, the Hourglass Token is moved back to the “Year 1” spot. Each year begins with the oldest player. Every time the turn circles back to this player, the Hourglass Token advances to the next year.

Certain cards may pertain to a particular state. If a card is drawn that pertains to a state that is not represented by a player, then that card is discarded, and the player who drew it draws again. If a player resigns in the middle of the game, then their items are returned to the box. Play then continues following the player guide for a game that has one less player.

The goal of the game is to acquire the necessary amount of dominion points to seize control of Adopertus. There may only be one winner. Still, making/braking political alliances may improve a player’s chances of victory. Bribing also plays a significant role, as you may bribe other players to vote in your favor.