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Swords & Sails
The year is 1000 C.E., the middle of the medieval period. The European continent is constantly at war as competing political factions try to control Europe through military might and political intrigue.
In Swords & Sails, players control one of these factions in a bid to conquer Europe. Build armies and fleets, build more cities, make and break alliances, spy on your opponents, and go to war to conquer all of Europe.
Players have up to five armies and fleets to move and attack with on a large 38×28 inch map of Europe which accurately depicts Europe in 1000 C.E. Each army can contain six types of combat units: Knights, Heavy Cavalry, Light Cavalry, Heavy Infantry, Light Infantry or Peasant troops. Fleets can contain warships, Raider ships, or Transports for moving your armies. Every season you can build more units into your armies or fleets to have a better chance of capturing more territories. More cities can also be built to increase income without the need to capture territory. Combat occurs between armies by using a unique combat system that gives a feel of your troops lining up on the battle field and facing off. The system uses 2d6 to determine outcomes.
Will the Byzantine Empire rise again and give rebirth to the glory and ancestors of Ancient Rome? Can the upstart Kievan Rus Empire bring a new golden age of Slavic Culture and power? Or will the Fatimid Caliphate push further into Europe and create an even greater Muslim Empire?
| Ages | 10+ |
|---|---|
| Players | 2 Players, 3 Players, 4 Players, 5 Players, 6 Players |
| Play Time | 90m – 240m |
| Designer | Jason R. Williams |
| Mechanics | Area Majority / Influence, Area Movement, Secret Unit Deployment, Simultaneous Action Selection |
| Theme | Fighting, Negotiation, Medieval |
| Publisher | VRGames |
Barry Kendall
Interesting period of history. Looking forward to hearing more (for instance, can this be played with just two?).
Mirandi
I played this game at the origins game fair in June 2019 and it was fun. You play as a Kingdom or Empire and expand your empire across Europe, using diplomacy, negotiation and strategy.
Twitch870
So far only played 2 games. It feels the factions arent well balanced, the starting VP difference doesnt offset the income differences. Great game, simple to understand yet has great depth. Some rules arent properly explained (hit with a 2 is 2 damage, Buying a territory is limited to 5 city territory but not noted on the card).