Machinations

Machinations is a multiplayer strategy game set in a realm of kingdoms where players dispatch agents and run schemes against rivals. It presents a living world that continues to evolve between player visits, with consequences arising from others' actions even while one is offline.

Players send agents across a map to observe rivals, claim positions, or position themselves near potential trouble. They commit plots by deciding the level of coin and care invested in each scheme. The game world resolves these actions independently of whether the player is actively participating. Time passes between sessions, so returning players encounter an altered state shaped by rivals who do not pause their own activities.

The game is delivered as an online service with free signup. It remains in beta and no longer requires invitations or letters of introduction. A guided tour combines the previous tour and primer, maintained by Sable of Tidewatch, and completing it grants a banner. Players can view a leaderboard or read dispatches before joining. An associated Discord server serves as a gathering place for the community to discuss grievances and plan future games.

The service is accessible to anyone with a name and the willingness to participate. It operates on an asynchronous model that supports intermittent engagement rather than constant presence.