In the XIII Century Italy, 3–6 players lead noble families competing to control Gradara. Each round, players play 3 Intrigue cards (Craft, Faction, Area), face down, then reveal one, and those who control them, use the Protagonists - Paolo, Francesca or Gianciotto - to block Characters. Combining the Intrigue cards, players control or bribe from another family Characters based on their Craft, Faction and Area. Controlling Characters scores point. Events are revealed and they move Protagonists on their path and assign points. The game ends when the Characters goal is met by at least one player or the movements of the Protagonists lead Gianciotto to overtake the two lovers. Families' secret goals are revealed and additional points are scored. The highest score wins.