"Commedia dell'arte", a genre of popular theater from the 16th century that heralded the first masked Italian acting troupes, inspires this first story of Killer Wink: "The Comedy of Death".

It's simple to set up, easy to understand, quickly brings game action, and entertains players rapidly.

If you're new to Killer Wink, start with this story before moving on to the others, which are a bit more complex but offer more strategic depth.

Venice, in the year 1610, at the heart of the Golden Age of the Commedia dell'Arte, vibrates with life and laughter.

King Alphonse III, a connoisseur of the arts and a great lover of theater, is enchanted by the dazzling performance of ten exceptional artists and decides to honor these masters of the stage by inviting them to his sumptuous palace, the Palazzo Aurelio.

To reward the artists' talent, he promises a considerable sum of gold—a fortune that could change the life of each troupe member.

Under the Venetian moonlight, the Palazzo Aurelio hosts an exquisite assembly of characters from the Commedia dell'Arte. Masks and costumes sparkle in the opulence of the hall assigned to the artists.

But among them, laughter fades, and smiles conceal secret intrigues when King Alphonse III, in his great generosity, unveils a chest of gold that shines as brightly as the stars in the Venetian sky.

The temptation of gold sparks secret alliances. The artists form pairs in the shadows—duos ready to share the wealth but also willing to betray to claim the entire treasure.

Unaware that the other conspirators share the same objective, the Palazzo transforms into a theater of deadly intrigues.

The dance begins. The pairs move gracefully through the palace, masked among the shadows. The sinister ritual of death plays out in the silent corridors, each assassination cloaked in the elegance and finesse of the Commedia dell'Arte.

As alliances break and betrayals are revealed, the golden comedy reaches its climax. Masks fall, laughter turns to silence. The last artists still alive face off in a final duel, intoxicated by the scent of gold.

Each player is an actor from the Commedia dell'Arte and will receive an "Actor" card for their personal character. Each player also has an "Accomplice" card naming their accomplice among the other players.

The distribution of cards allows secrets to be shared only between accomplices. The secret pairs are known only to themselves; they know nothing about the alliances between other players.

With their secret accomplice, players will attempt to eliminate others during your evening by finding themselves alone with their accomplice and a victim. A wink and a hand on the shoulder at the right moment, in the right place, away from prying eyes, and the actor caught between the two accomplices will understand they've been eliminated.

But be careful to keep the pairs' secret; players can invoke "Judgment" and condemn two players if they know they are accomplices.

When all the actors are eliminated, the last pair will engage in a final duel to determine the last surviving actor—the one who will depart with King Alphonse III's treasure chest.

The complete rules are detailed in the booklet accompanying the game.