Pecunia non olet (Second Edition) (2016) Board Game

Pecunia non olet, which translates to “money does not stink” in Latin, is a card game that originated in ancient Rome. The game is based on the story of Emperor Vespasian, who imposed a tax on public urinals and famously said “money does not stink” to his son Titus. The second edition of the game was released in 2016 by designer Christian Fiore and features updated artwork by Noris Spiele. The game combines elements of ancient history, humor, and strategy, making it a unique and entertaining experience for players.

Game Components of Pecunia non olet

Game Board: Each player has their own latrine board with three spaces.

Roman Cards: Representing different types of Romans (female, citizens, slaves) with details on how long they stay and how much money they pay.

Action Cards: Allow players to manipulate the queue, such as moving Romans, causing food poisoning, or changing positions.

Expansion Modules: Include special Romans, events, and career ladders that add variety to the game.

Coins: Used for tracking earnings.

How To Setup Pecunia non olet

Setting up the game involves each player receiving their latrine board and starting with no Romans. Players then draw Roman cards to fill their latrine spaces. The goal is to manage these spaces efficiently to maximize earnings.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Queue Management: Players manage their latrine queues by selecting Romans to serve based on duration and payment.

Action Cards: Use cards to disrupt opponents or benefit yourself.

Special Rules: Senators cannot sit next to slaves, and two women can share a space.

Objective: The first player to reach a set financial goal wins the game.

Turn Structure: Remove a finished Roman, collect payment, fill empty spaces, and draw an action card.

Player Experience

In **Pecunia non olet**, players take on the role of Roman latrine owners, aiming to accumulate wealth by efficiently managing their queues. The game combines strategic planning with tactical use of action cards to hinder opponents. The unique theme and simple yet engaging mechanics make it accessible to a wide range of players.

Pros

Unique Theme: The game’s premise is both humorous and original.

Strategic Depth: Balancing short-term and long-term gains adds depth to the gameplay.

Interplayer Interaction: Action cards allow for significant interaction and strategy against opponents.

Expansions: Multiple expansion modules offer variability and replayability.

Cons

Limited Player Count Flexibility: Best with 2-6 players; may not be as engaging with fewer players.

Simple Graphics: Some players might find the visuals less appealing compared to other games.

Short Playtime: Games are relatively short, which might not satisfy players looking for longer sessions.

Personal Thoughts on Pecunia non olet

**Pecunia non olet** is perfect for players who enjoy light-hearted, strategic games with a unique theme. It’s an excellent choice for families or casual game nights due to its easy-to-learn mechanics and short playtime. However, it may not appeal to fans of complex or heavily thematic games. The addition of expansion modules also makes it a good option for those looking for a game that can evolve over time.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.