| 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 |
Earthwood is aclosed-ended,computer moderated,play-by-mail (PBM) fantasy wargame.
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 wasclosed-ended and computer moderated.[3]
By 1988, Game Systems Inc. created a new version of the game calledEarthwood-Sea Kings due to the popularity ofEarthwood.[4]
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 aselves anddwarves.[1] Players can encounter up to 12 types ofnon-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]
Nicky Palmer reviewed the game in a 1985 issue ofFlagship.[5] He recommended the game, highlighting its diplomatic aspects.[5]
Stewart Wieck reviewedSea Kings in a 1988 issue ofWhite 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]