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The Battle for England that Never Happened. (Theme Help)

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schmanthony
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Joined: 12/18/2008

I'm working on a game involving a battle for control of England. I'd like some help enriching the theme and making it more accurate.

The map of England I'm using shows the continent divided into 9 regions roughly corresponding to the Earldoms just prior to the Norman Invasion.

Point #1: This is a somewhat abstract euro/war game spanning the continent involving 2-4 players (Earls?). I know that during this period the King lost much power to the Earls who were often in dispute amongst each other for territory. But from what I understand (please correct me if I'm wrong and cite examples) the conflicts that arose were not normally violent and were more often resolved politically. This doesn't fit my theme.

The military units I have in play (and this part is pretty solidified) are infantry, pikemen, archers, cavalry, catapults, trebuchets and stone keeps.

Point #2: From what I've read the use of archers, cavalry, stone keeps and siege equipment didn't come about until well after the Normans took over. (Before that castles were mostly made of wood and were generally burned down during a siege - not busted open with flying rocks). This also doesn't fit my theme.

I'd like some help resolving these historical discrepancies, or at least explaining them. I'm open to shifting the time period, changing the roles of the players, or even moving the whole thing to a different continent if anyone could think of a different setting that my mechanics would match more closely.

Also, what would everyone think of leaving everything as is and calling this a "what if" scenario, as in "What it the Earls continued to grow in power and the Normans never invaded or were repelled?"

devin
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Joined: 05/03/2009
to bad

well i hate to say it but you were right about every thing
but move the battle forword a little and englend was concerd by wales and they used stone
castles and they foght alot

devin
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Joined: 05/03/2009
to bad

well i hate to say it but you were right about every thing
but move the battle forword a little and englend was concerd by wales and they used stone
castles and they foght alot

Katherine
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Joined: 07/24/2008
Have you read anything on

Have you read anything on Boudica? that might give you some ideas.

Darkehorse
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Joined: 07/21/2008
Why?

Just curious, why does it have to be historical? It seems like if the game was interesting enough, you wouldn't need it to be historical. In the same token, why does it have to be an actual place? Couldn't it just as easily be a fictional place?

You would gain some initial interest if you used an existing time and place, but I believe the number of people who would be interested in it would be small. Having a solid and fun game is MUCH more important than using a theme that people will hook people's interest, at least in my opinion.

dnjkirk
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Joined: 07/22/2008
Fast forward a little

...to the invasion of Scotland.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warwolf

stuka
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Joined: 01/04/2009
Lot of pieces

"The military units I have in play (and this part is pretty solidified) are infantry, pikemen, archers, cavalry, catapults, trebuchets and stone keeps."

This pretty much stretches the Euro category... if not violates it.

schmanthony
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Joined: 12/18/2008
stuka wrote:"The military

stuka wrote:
"The military units I have in play (and this part is pretty solidified) are infantry, pikemen, archers, cavalry, catapults, trebuchets and stone keeps."

This pretty much stretches the Euro category... if not violates it.

It's a hybrid. I've heard them called "waros."

schmanthony
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Joined: 12/18/2008
devin wrote:well i hate to

devin wrote:
well i hate to say it but you were right about every thing
but move the battle forword a little and englend was concerd by wales and they used stone
castles and they foght alot

What period/war are you referring to?

schmanthony
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Joined: 12/18/2008
Darkehorse wrote:Just

Darkehorse wrote:
Just curious, why does it have to be historical? It seems like if the game was interesting enough, you wouldn't need it to be historical. In the same token, why does it have to be an actual place? Couldn't it just as easily be a fictional place?

You would gain some initial interest if you used an existing time and place, but I believe the number of people who would be interested in it would be small. Having a solid and fun game is MUCH more important than using a theme that people will hook people's interest, at least in my opinion.

I agree with you that a rich theme takes second place to good gameplay. I've designed this as an euro area control game with an economic engine. I'm looking for a "pasted on" theme here - not one that I'll try to simulate with great depth. I'd just like to find a theme that fits - not one with glaring inaccuracies.

SiddGames
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Joined: 08/02/2008
I think waros are gaining

I think waros are gaining popularity the last few years, and continue to do so. I know I'm a fan.

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