Writing the Rules

Below is the introduction to the game. This is all very much WIP, and will grow and change over time. The basic outline is however taking shape.

Overall Scope

The Idea behind this game

BGPI is a boardgame that illustrates the power struggle in the early 4th century Roman Empire. It may be played as a "stand-alone" boardgame - or it may act as an operational layer to tactical games ranging from Tabletop Wargaming to digital wargames such as Field of Glory II or Total War (Attila Total War primarily, but it's possible to imagine Rome Total War with the mod "Rise of Christianity" as well).

Clashes between armies on the Map Board may be resolved "in-game" or by employing "external tools" for resolution. Guides for translating strategic situations into Field Battles are included for several Rule System as DBA, DBMM and Impetus.

The background

Constantine the Great dead, no heir to the throne appointed. The Idea behind this game. Possible strategies to employ.

What are the challenges, what are your goals?

The time is limited, soon the Senates of Rome and Constantinople will have reached an understanding with the Holy Fathers of the Church that the conflict between the imperial claimants alive should be settled at an Imperial Council. You must strengthen your position within the empire as much as possible before this happen. No methods or measures are to be shunned - be it political, military or even treachery. Anything to get you on top - preferably with as few contenders as possible left - will be reasonable. However You don't have to kill or imprison your opponents before the final turn - but the fewer that are still in the game, the fewer will be able to challenge you at the council.

Will your strategy be to make your own position as strong as possible with as few confrontations as possible or will you try to sabotage the standing of your opponents by stealing, battling and sabotaging their position? Or a combination of both? Should you try to form alliances to buy you room for action or aggressively attack the homelands of your neighbour? It's your choice and the race is on!

Kommentarer

Populära inlägg i den här bloggen

Spotlight; the dynasty of Constantine the Great - the backdrop of the Game

Patrimonium Imperii is set in late antiquity, in the immidiate aftermath of the death of emperor Constantine the great and the struggle of power among his relatives that rippled through the empire following his demise. The game lets you take on the role as one of his relatives and trick, deceive and fight your way to the position as the last claimant standing. The Constantinian dynasty is an informal name for the ruling family of the Roman Empire from Constantius Chlorus (died 306) to the death of Julian in 363. It is named after its most famous member, Constantine the Great who became the sole ruler of the empire in 324. The dynasty is also called Neo-Flavian because every Constantinian emperor bore the name Flavius, similarly to the rulers of the first Flavian dynasty in the 1st century. The family tree of Constantine the Great. Characters coloured are included among the Claimant Characters in Patrimonium Imperii - i.e. you'll be able to play as one of them.

Läs mer

Key Concepts of the Game Patrimonium Imperii

Key Concepts of the Game Patrimonium Imperii Below is an excerpt from the introduction of the game rules. This section explains some of the basic concepts to new players. Influence Patrimonium Imperii is a game where you can’t earn any money, but you compete with your opponents by achieving as high a reputation and influence as possible. This is a measurement of how important you’re regarded and will be the determining factor when the Imperial Council settles for a new ruler of the empire. During game play you will gather influence – but you will also have to use your influence to make things happen – and to be able to gather even more influence. Influence is measured in IP:s – influence points. Claimants The late emperor Constantine’s plan for succession hasn’t worked out as planned and now several relatives, in charge of different regions, will have to fight for their survival. These members of the imperial family – some rather distant relatives – are all poss

Läs mer

The Summer of Blood - the setting for Patrimonium Imperii

A few more words on the background of the Board Game... As one of the players of Patrimonium Imperii you find yourself in the tumultuous struggle for power in the summer of 337, just after the great emperor Constantine has passed away. You and your relatives (i.e. the other players) will have to fight for your claims to the throne. Think "Game of Thrones" set in the Late Antiquity! Historically, only the three biological sons of Constantine survived the Summer of Blood 337, and most evidence points to Constantius as of one the chief instigators of the massacre within the family. A thorough investigation is presentedin this fascinating thesis on the events , eminently written by R.W. Burgess. It's like looking into the details of a crime investigation! Following the death of his father in 337, Constantine II initially became emperor jointly with his brothers Constantius II and Constans, with the Empire divided between them and their cousins, the Caesars Dalm

Läs mer

Stratagem Design Project

Leta i den här bloggen