Men & Gargoyles: The Game

Similar to the Earth game of Chess, Men & Gargoyles uses an 8x8 board with 16 pieces on each side with much the same rules. However, similar is not the same and there are quite a few differences, mainly Hit Points and rolling for damage. To help, an individual should have a basic understanding of the rules to chess. Hope you enjoy.

The History

This game predates even the dawn of the Age of Elves. Which race created it, unfortunately, has been long since forgotten. Many believe it was designed by dragons, though a more accepted belief is that is was designed by the titans. The names of the pieces, and even the game itself, have changed to fit those who play the game. Some of the previous versions have been called Dragons & Mortals, Elves & Beasts, and during the Elf-Dwarf War it was commonly called Elves & Dwarves. During the Time of Man it has become known by its current name, Men & Gargoyles.

Attacking/Defending

Each piece on the board is assigned a number of hit points for defense and an attack power for inflicting damage. The attack power is assigned to a number of dice which are rolled and then subtracted from the pieces hit points (sorry, couldn't resist temptation as a gamer). When a piece is reduced to 0 hit points it is removed from the board. Regardless of attacking or defending, if in a position to inflict damage (see below for each piece and attacking positions) damage is inflicted to both sides. This is a game or war and in war when you attack you are left open to attack in return. If only one piece can attack, then it is the only piece to inflict damage.

As a result of both pieces inflicting damage an extra element of strategy and risk are added to the game. In chess any piece can take the queen (the most powerful), but in this game it is an advantage to use a high powered piece when attacking other high powered pieces. Similarly, attacking weaker pieces means it will start to whittle down the hit points of the higher piece making each and every attack a strategic strike. Poor management of the pieces can quickly lead to a player's downfall.

The Pieces

Soldiers/Gargoylites: This is similar to the pawn in chess. The pieces can only move one square forward and attack in a forward angle up to one square away. Soldiers tend to be depicted with a shield and spear. The shield is placed in front of the soldier for defense and the spear goes around the shield (for the angle attack). Hit Points: 5. Attack Points: 1D6. Special Abilities: Any attack directed at them from directly ahead (where the shield is placed) is reduced by one die of damage (e.g. 3D6 damage becomes 2D6 damage).

Healers/Gurgoyles: An equivalent to the bishop in chess. This piece must only move and attack in an angle, but is not limited in the number of spaces as long as it has free room to move. Hit Points: 10. Attack Points: 2D6. Special Abilities: If able to attack a friendly piece it can restore up to 2 hit points of the friendly piece. This counts as the attack/move. Even if standing side by side with another piece, the player must use his/her turn to heal or not heal and take another action. Note: Some boards have this represented as a priest.

Knight/Gargoyle: As the name would suggest, this is the equivalent of a knight and moves the same (two squares in one direction and then one to a side). Hit Points: 10. Attack Points: 2D6. Special Abilities: The piece is capable of using its horse to jump over friendly troops and continue moving on the battle field.

Long Bowman/Gargoyle Mage: This is the equivalent of a rook (castle), but with a considerable amount of differences in its play on the board. First, the piece can only move one square at a time, and only straight or side to side (same as a rook in direction, but only one space at a time). The advantage here is the method of attack. It can attack up to four squares away from where it stands! This means that the bowman can attack without being attacked in return and can be a considerable advantage, but must have a clear line of sight (other pieces cannot be in the firing path). Hit Points: 15. Attack Points: 3D6. Special Abilities: See the method of attack. Note: Some boards have this represented as a wizard.

Palladins/Gargoyle Lord: The equivalent of a queen in chess this piece can move in a straight line or an angle as many squares as desired, but requires an open path. Hit Points: 20. Attack Points: 4D6. Special Abilities: This piece is immune to damage from soldier (pawn) pieces.

Kings/Gargoyle King: As the name would suggest this is the equivalent of a king in chess. It can move two squares (not one) in a straight line or in an angle. Hit Points: 30! Attack Points: 5D6. Special Abilities: The king has the power to motivate his troops. Any piece next to the king gains one die to their attack power (so a piece that normally 2D6 will now do 3D6).  Note: It is speculated by some, those who know of such things, that the Gargoyle King may actually refer to High Lord Erloc, but the name was changed or the full title forgotten over time.