This is a very fun, and quick game.. usually wrapped up in 20 minutes. It's an old Scandinavian game, played in certain parts of Denmark and Norway. Two players take turns rolling the four sided dice to try and free their tokens for movement, then try to capture the opponents token before they can ambush your starting pieces or return to your opponents starting side.
The board consists of three paths, the middle one being the field of play. The two side are filled with each player's tokens. In this variation, I have used shields and axes to designate players 1 and 2. The number of tokens vary according to local tradition, typically 16 in Denmark and 12 in Norway.
The game uses a pair of special four sided dice marked A, II, III and IV. You need to roll an A to free one of your pieces, the other rolls are used to move the pegs once freed. All tokens start face down and are freed - flipped over based upon the previous rule (rolling an A). A token may never overtake your other tokens, but must keep their place in the line.
Once freed the pieces move down the middle aisle and if they manage to avoid being captured they move into the opponent's starting line, capturing their tokens.
The origins of the game are unknown but it is believed to be inspired by certain Middle-Eastern and north African games, brought back by either vikings.
The ship / board you play on is 14.5 inches long and 4.5 inches wide.
The board has two runic sayings on the top deck "not all who wander are lost" and "death before dishonor". I can modify those if request.
The back has an awesome viking seafaring scene. I can also personalize the back.
The board is made of 1/4 inch red oak wood and is secured along the bottom with a large (engraved) set of base stands. This makes for a sturdy board game while providing a unique playing experience.
You get:
- The long-boat board (fully assembled and personalized as you request)
- 12 of each sides tokens (I toss in an extra tokens per side)
- Burlap bag to hold the tokens
- Two four sided long bone dice
- Instructions, printed on rustic paper to add to that ancient theme
Please send me any questions you may have. As always thanks for exploring another ancient game from my workshop :)
