Earthwood (game)
Earthwood is a closed-ended, computer moderated, play-by-mail (PBM) fantasy wargame.
| Designers | Bill Feild, Peter Stassun |
|---|---|
| Publishers | Game Systems Inc. (US), KJC Games (UK) |
| Years active | April 1, 1981 to unknown |
| Genres | fantasy wargame |
| Languages | English |
| Players | 25 |
| Playing time | Fixed |
| Materials required | Instructions, order sheets, turn results, paper, pencil |
| Media type | Play-by-mail |
History and development
Earthwood was a fantasy wargame published by Game Systems Inc. (GSI).[1] GSI's Bill Feild and Peter Stassun introduced it as their first game when opening on April 1, 1981.[2] The game was closed-ended and computer moderated.[3]
By 1988, Game Systems Inc. created a new version of the game called Earthwood-Sea Kings due to the popularity of Earthwood.[4]
Gameplay
Each game has 25 players who roleplay three types of characters: 16 kings, five warriors and four magicians.[1] Kings rule cities populated with one of various fantasy races such as elves and dwarves.[1] Players can encounter up to 12 types of non-player characters in the game, to fight, interact, and enlist as party members.[5] Economics was not a significant part of the game.[6] Diplomacy was a key part of gameplay, with reviewer DeAnn Iwan stating it involved "intense diplomacy".[3]
The purpose of the game was to conquer all the game's cities. This could also be done with allies.[1] Games could last 30–40 turns.[5]
Reception
Nicky Palmer reviewed the game in a 1985 issue of Flagship.[5] He recommended the game, highlighting its diplomatic aspects.[5]
Stewart Wieck reviewed Sea Kings in a 1988 issue of White Wolf. He called it "a very enjoyable game", rating it a 5 of 10 points for Strategy, 7 points for Materials and Diplomacy, 8 for Moderation, and 7 points overall.[4]
See also
References
- Palmer 1985. p. 13.
- Webber 1981. p. 30.
- Iawn 1986. p. 45.
- Wieck 1988. p. 53.
- Palmer 1985. p. 14.
- McLain 1983. p. 28.
Bibliography
- Editors (February–March 1990). "Fantasy Realms of Play-by-Mail: Earthwood; Original". White Wolf. No. 19. p. 48.
- Iwan, DeAnn (July–August 1986). "From the Scrolls of the Strategist 's Guild: Who is Really Strongest in Earthwood". Paper Mayhem. No. 19. pp. 45–46.
- McLain, Bob (November–December 1983). "Gamealog: Earthwood". PBM Universal. No. 1. p. 28.
- Palmer, Nicky (Autumn 1985). "Earthwood: The Fantasy Wargame". Flagship. No. 8. pp. 13–15.
- Wieck, Stewart (1988). "The PBM Reviews: Earthwood-Sea Kings". White Wolf. No. 10. pp. 53–54.
- Webber, David (March–April 1987). "Inside Game Systems, Inc". Paper Mayhem. No. 23. p. 30.
Further reading
- Iwan, DeAnn (May–June 1986). "From the Scrolls of the Strategists' Guild: What Every New Monarch in Earthwood Should Know". Paper Mayhem. No. 18. pp. 23, 26.