Parley

About this board game

Parley is a 2017 board game for 4–6 players, with a play time of approximately 120 minutes, set in the Mediterranean region during the 16th century.

At the beginning, each player chooses one of six fictional corsair characters and receives a secret mission from one of six corresponding kings. The game board shows twenty ports across the Mediterranean Sea. Four are protected by the great admirals, while the other sixteen are connected to control by three countries at the end of the game.

• Choose a corsair and follow a hidden royal mission.
• Take part in a siege for every port.
• Vote secretly on which coalition to support.
• Use revealed missions as potential leverage through blackmail.

Each port has its own siege. In every siege, three countries attack while the other three defend, with the coalition structure randomized so that the alliances differ from game to game. Because the countries have equal power, the allies supported by the corsairs will be victorious.

The corsairs decide collectively which coalition to support by voting. However, each player must vote according to their secret mission without openly revealing it. An exposed mission can leave its owner vulnerable to blackmail from the other players, making every discussion and decision carry consequences.

At the end of Parley, the victorious country is the one controlling the highest number of adjoining ports. Players who support that country automatically receive the most victory points, while successful blackmails can also have a major impact on the final score.