Hero of Rome: Usurper 2026

Hero of Rome: Usurper is a free Low-Ink PnP, lore-heavy, high-agency political simulator, grand strategy, and historical roguelite set in the treacherous aftermath of the Great Fire of Rome. It blends tight resource management, push-your-luck dice resolution, and tableau-building into a ruthless race against time.

You play as a wealthy Equestrian from the frontiers, one of the feared and powerful Rhenani. Your goal? Use every means possible to secure the access, power and influence that will let you replace Nero with your Iberian Candidate... before his patience runs out.

You will actively manoeuvre through Rome's interconnected network of Client-Patron relationships. Choose your intrigue targets carefully: from lowly clients to the wives and daughters of the most powerful Romans. You will need to spend your vast (but limited) treasury to bribe, intimidate, negotiate, romance, marry, gamble, organise private banquets and even send your targets across the River Styx.

But beware: every client disappearance or failed romance triggers an often bloody chain of revenge from their Patrons. A successful intrigue lets you acquire the access and support of the powerful. A failed one drains your treasury or your priceless network of allies, and irritates the Gods. And every single intrigue moves you 2 months closer to the unavoidable deadline set by your co-conspirator.

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The free PnP game has few AI generated illustrations - mainly of 3 Gods. The final game will have human-designed illustrations. The UI, mechanics and lore are original and created by the designer.

—description from the designer