| Earthwood | |
| Designer: | Bill Feild, Peter Stassun |
| Publisher: | Game Systems Inc. (US), KJC Games (UK) |
| Years: | April 1, 1981 to unknown |
| Genre: | fantasy wargame |
| Language: | English |
| Players: | 25 |
| Playing Time: | Fixed |
| Materials: | Instructions, order sheets, turn results, paper, pencil |
Earthwood is a closed-ended, computer moderated, play-by-mail (PBM) fantasy wargame.
Earthwood was a fantasy wargame published by Game Systems Inc. (GSI). GSI's Bill Feild and Peter Stassun introduced it as their first game when opening on April 1, 1981.[1] The game was closed-ended and computer moderated.[2]
By 1988, Game Systems Inc. created a new version of the game called Earthwood-Sea Kings due to the popularity of Earthwood.[3]
Each game has 25 players who roleplay three types of characters: 16 kings, five warriors and four magicians.[4] Kings rule cities populated with one of various fantasy races such as elves and dwarves.[4] Players can encounter up to 12 types of non-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".[2]
The purpose of the game was to conquer all the game's cities. This could also be done with allies.[4] Games could last 30–40 turns.[5]
Nicky Palmer reviewed the game in a 1985 issue of Flagship.[7] He recommended the game, highlighting its diplomatic aspects.[5]
Stewart Wieck reviewed Sea Kings in a 1988 issue of White 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.[8]