2010-04-01T18:48:11Z

Nairenvorbeck:

Variant Created by: Benjamin Hester 

[[Image:DarkAgesV4StartNames.png|center|850px]]

====Starting Positions====

The Gaels - Forest Green, G (in Ireland) 
The Scots - Blue, C (in Scotland) 
The Bretons - Crimson, B (in Wales) 
The AngloSaxons - Olive, A (in southern England) 
The Danes - Orange, D (in Denmark) 
The Norse - Charcoal, N (in Norway) 
The Swedes - Teal, S (in Sweden) 

====Variant Rules====

Dark Ages Variant Rules, Version 4. Homepage: http://www.dipwiki.com

The Dark Ages Variant is a historical transplant of Hasbro/Avalon Hill's Diplomacy game to the North Sea region in 825 AD.

The Dark Ages variant conforms to the standard rules of Hasbro/Avalon Hill's Diplomacy in most every way, with the few exceptions listed below. The standard rules are NOT copied here, and all players of the Dark Ages Variant are assumed to own or expected to purchase the Rules of Diplomacy (or better yet, the full game) through Hasbro/AH, as I did.

Turns move from Spring to Fall just like standard Diplomacy, and the first turn is Spring 825 AD. Players take control of one of the seven major nations in the North Sea area, the Gaels, Scots, Britons, Anglo-Saxons, Danes, Norse, or Swedes.

Please check the names feature of Realpolitik for accepted abbreviations of territory names.

Special territories:

Somerset, Jelling and Lappland are bi-coastal territories, similar to Spain or Bulgaria in Standard.

The Island of Man and Roskilde are similar to Constantinople in Standard in most respects. Armies and Fleets may move directly from Jelling, to Roskilde, to Skane, and vice versa. This is indicated on the map with the brown and black "bridges." Unlike Constantinople though, Fleets MAY move directly from Kattegat to Bay of Pomerania (and vice versa) - they may move around Roskilde. A fleet in Roskilde may NOT convoy. The Isle of Man functions in a similar manner, as do the sea zones around it.

Zetland is a single land SC depicted on the map as an island group. Everything inside the small blue circle is a single space, i.e. the four small islands and the small amount of water around them are all one space (similar to Cebu in Colonial). Zetland is bordered at sea by Scapa Flow, Norwegian Sea, Rogaland Coast, and Moray Firth. It is not adjacent by land to any other territory, though Zetland may be occupied by an army (via convoy) or by a fleet.

There are 37 total SCs on the map. Solo victory is declared when one nation has control of 19 SCs (simple majority). Have fun and happy raiding!

====Commentary====

The Dark Ages variant was released in late 2007 as part of my relentless quest to become the most prolific variant designer around. (I only have three others completed, so I’m sure I have a ways to go before I can claim that title.) Since that time, the variant has undergone three playtests (in ACD and DC) and four revisions.

Dark Ages is a simple map translation variant – meaning none of the core rules of Diplomacy have changed at all, only the map and the roles that the players assume. Which, in the case of Dark Ages, are the Gaels, Scots, Bretons, Anglo-Saxons, Danes, Norse, and Swedes, roughly as they were in the year of our Lord, 825. Some concessions to gameplay at the expense of historical accuracy have been made, but these have been limited to the greatest extent possible. The layout of the North Sea region lends itself readily to the intent of the variant – to emphasize naval action and fill the map with opportunities for convoys. This is the age of Viking and Germanic invasions by sea, and the variant is designed to capture that spirit.

The next section of this article will provide the first-time player of Dark Ages (which encompasses 99.9+% of the human race) with a brief overview of the variant and its opening strategies.

* The Gaels -

The Gaelic position is most similar to Britain in Standard. The Gaels begin fairly secure in their island home that we know today as Ireland. While they enjoy considerable defensive advantages, their early opportunities for expansion are somewhat less than their immediate neighbours.

The Isle of Man, Lancaster, and Brittany are their most likely targets for growth in the first year. The Gaels priorities for negotiations are fairly straightforward – form a strong bond with either the Scots or Bretons early, keeping options with the Anglo-Saxons open. Avoid the formation of a Scot/Breton alliance at all costs – the Anglo-Saxons are unlikely to be able to save the Gaels in that situation, especially if they are distracted by the Danes.

* The Scots –

The Scottish position is most similar to Germany in Standard. The Scots begin the game poised for rapid expansion, but will have to make concessions to their neighbors in order to secure their vulnerabilities on three fronts. Early occupation of key sea zones may carry a short-term cost in SCs, but will pay off as a deterrent to invasion from Scandinavia, and provide opportunities to gain diplomatic capital by offering support to Norse or Danish forces. Alliances with the Gaels, Bretons, or Anglo-Saxons are all strong options in the early game, though the Scot player in particular must keep a nervous eye turned east as events unfold in Scandinavia. Events in the British Isles and Scandinavia tend to resolve themselves independent of one another in the first 2-3 years, but after that, attacks across the North Sea become more common. The Scots would do well to be the first one to occupy the strategically invaluable North Sea and Zetland Islands accordingly.

* The Bretons –

The Breton position is most similar to Austria in Standard. The Bretons have a tight group of home SCs that are all interconnected, and their position lies in a veritable minefield of SCs. Just beyond that perimeter however, lie Gaels, Scots, and Anglo-Saxons – all three potential strong allies or formidable enemies. The Bretons must tread carefully – peace on one, preferably two, fronts is a must. To that end, SCs such as Deira and Lancaster must be weighed carefully – are they more valuable in Breton hands, or traded away for friendship with a neighbor? An opening stab to Hwicce that threatens Hamptonshire can damage Anglo-Saxon growth tremendously – but are you *sure* that the Gaels will stay by your side? Of all positions in Dark Ages, the Bretons offer the most reward for well-timed stabs.

* The Anglo-Saxons –

The Anglo-Saxon position is most similar to Italy in Standard. Peaceful neutral expansion is readily available, and first year growth of 2 SCs can be attained without violating neutrality – but not without opening up vulnerabilities in your home SCs. Breton invasion of Hwicce and Middle Anglia are significant threats in the first and second years – if their attacks are coordinated with the Gaels or Danes these threats have the potential for early Anglo-Saxon elimination. Gaelic convoys into Cornwall can potentially coordinate with Breton attacks on Hamptonshire. Although dangerous, Breton/Scot alliances are usually directed more at the Gaels than the Anglo-Saxons, and should be encouraged. Breton/Gaelic alliances should be disrupted at all costs. Finally, despite the threat they pose, the Bretons can also be extremely valuable as an ally against either the Gaels or the Scots – or both.

* The Danes –

The Danish position does not have much similarity to any position in Standard. The Danes are unquestionably a naval power with considerable prospects in both directions on the European coast, as well as at the expense of their neighbors in Scandinavia. The Danes form one point of the “Scandinavian Triangle” of the Norse, Swedes, and Danes. Typically, two of these will ally against the third, and barring significant involvement from the west, that third power will be eliminated early. It is very much in the Scots and Anglo-Saxons interests to prevent this from happening however, and it is not at all uncommon for a Scot or Anglo-Saxon fleet in the North Sea to prop up Danish or Norse defenses to that end.

* The Norse –

The Norse position also bears little similarity to any position in Standard – Turkey is the closest match, but that is mostly due to their relationship with the Swedes. The Norse have a simple choice of alliance with the Danes or Swedes, while remaining vigiliant against Scottish fleets heading east. This choice also entails whether the Norse will be primarily a naval power (as is the case in most alliances with the Swedes) or if they will fight on land for dominance of Scandinavia (which is the direction most alliances with the Danes lead to.) The Norse are the second point of the Scandinavian Triangle. Of the three, they are the most vulnerable to attack from the west, typically by Scots that got off to a good start. To that end, they usually have the most interest in a rapid resolution of events in the Scandinavian Triangle, which allows them to take the initiative against the powers of the British Isles.

* And finally, the Swedes –

The Swedes are the third point of the Scandinavian Triangle. Their position bears many similarities to Russia in Standard, most notably in bi-coastal Lappland. They have ample early opportunities for expansion, though most of them will be contested by the Danes or Norse. Tension runs particularly high in Varmland and Skane, and a wise Swede will guard these territories jealously due to their tactical value. The Swedish rear guard is very secure from attack, however, an alliance of Norse and Danes can launch a devastating pincer attack that can quickly reduce the Swedes. The Swedes stand to gain the most from western involvement in Scandinavian affairs in the long term, despite the inability of those powers to directly aid Swedish defenses against an attack by the Norse and Danes. The Swedes must focus more than any other power on the control of territory with tactical value rather than simply gaining SCs.

I hope this quick overview of opening strategies for the Dark Ages has piqued your interest in the variant, and whetted your appetite to pillage and plunder in the cold northern waters. Any prospective GMs or interested players that would like more information or files for running the variant should contact me directly at Screwtape777 AT gmail DOT com. Please respect privacy and limit the distribution and use of this address to Diplomacy related topics only.

Thanks!

Your humble variant designer –
B.

[[Image:DarkAgesV4StartNames.png|center|850px]]

[[Category:Variant]]

File:DarkAgesV4StartNames.png

2010-04-01T18:39:44Z

Nairenvorbeck:

2009-05-28T19:27:54Z

Nairenvorbeck:

Sengoku Jidai Variant Rules, Version 5.0. 
[http://www.geocities.com/nairenvorbeck/files Homepage:]

[[Image:SengokuRev5.PNG|center|850px]]

=== Variant Description: ===

The Sengoku Jidai Variant is a historical transplant of Hasbro/Avalon Hill's Diplomacy to medieval Japan. The Sengoku Jidai Variant conforms to the standard rules of Hasbro/Avalon Hill's Diplomacy in most every way, with the few exceptions listed below. The standard rules are NOT copied here, and all players of the Sengoku Jidai Variant are assumed to own or expected to purchase the Rules of Diplomacy (or better yet, the full game) through Hasbro/AH, as I did.

Turns move from Spring to Fall just like standard Diplomacy, and the first turn is Spring 1570. Abbreviations are often not at all what you might expect them to be because of the significant number of provinces that share the same first three letters (i.e. Echigo, Echizen, Shimosa, Shimotsuke, Izumo, Izu, Yamashiro, Yamato, and all those that share their name with a body of water e.g. Totomi, Totomi Sea, Tosa, Tosa Bay etc. etc.) Be sure to check the names feature on Realpolitik.

Units may be built on any vacant supply center that you have held for a fall. (i.e. all SCs controlled by players are considered their "home supply centers" for the purpose of building units - Chaos Builds.) Bitchu and Sanuki are considered land contiguous, as are Nagato and Chikuzen, and Iyo and Bungo, though they appear separated by water on the map. Both Armies and Fleets may cross from one of these territories directly to the other. Movement by fleets through the surrounding sea zones is unaffected. The three dark borders indicate these "bridges" on the map.

In addition to the 8 players of this variant, there are neutral territories, represented by White on the map. Each neutral territory is occupied by a neutral army that never does anything but hold. These armies may be supported by other players. They are disbanded immediately if dislodged, but rebuilt at the end of the year if the territory is not occupied. Treat neutral units like armies in Civil Disorder. Once occupied, the territory becomes a standard SC, and never reverts to a neutral again.

Victory is declared when one Daimyo has control of 15 SCs, or all other players concede defeat. If the players agree to a draw, the GM chooses a winner (Shogun). The criteria for this determination are as follows, in order of precedence: the player with the most SCs at the time the draw is agreed to, the player with the highest average count of SCs per year, or at the GM's sole discretion if there is no clear leader per the previous two conditions. There can only be one Shogun. Have fun and welcome to 16th Century Japan!

=== Commentary: ===

* Shimazu Yoshihia

One of the most ancient and well-established families among the daimyo of the Sengoku Jidai. Benefits from a defensible corner position on the map, but can be slow to develop. Conquest of the neutrals in Bungo (Otomo Sorin) and Hizen (Ryuzoji Takanobu) is a common objective. A full attack on Hizen by Mori coupled with Chosokabe support of neutral Bungo (Otomo Sorin) spells disaster for the Shimazu.

* Mori Motonari

An upstart daimyo, formerly a retainer to his slain master of the Ouchi family. Inherited his former master's holdings and developed them to become the strongest opponent of Nobunaga's successor, Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Must avoid cooperation between Shimazu and Asakura at all costs. Surrounded by neutrals, Mori does better to support some of them as buffers, rather than picking them off. Vulnerable to attack by Shimazu and Asakura, and to a lesser extent, Chosokabe.

* Chosokabe Motochika

Dominant on his home island of Shikoku, Chosokabe struggles to build influence on Honshu or Kyushu. Development of ground forces is a top priority. Benefits most from either the destruction of Shimazu, or a solid alliance with him, although the division of Mori spoils often tends to favor Shimazu. Tensions over the vulnerable Suo Sea and wealthy Bingo should not preclude cooperation with Mori.

* Asakura Yoshikage

Surrounded by neutral armies and resource-poor lands, Asakura must choose early to move decisively either north or south along the coast of Honshu. Splitting attentions between Mori and Uesugi leads to an early downfall. Alliance with Oda is common, but more often, the two simply agree to leave one another alone rather than coordinate attacks. Uesugi can pose a serious challenge if Takeda allows him to grow unchecked. Takeda proves to be a worthy ally, especially in an alliance against Uesugi or Oda.

* Oda Nobunaga

The first of the three great unifiers of Japan, Oda Nobunaga rose from humble beginnings in the resource-poor province of Owari to dominate the heartland of Honshu. He was the daimyo that unseated the Ashikaga Emperor in Kyoto, Yamashiro province. Like Asakura, Oda must move decisively in one direction early in the game to succeed, while using diplomacy to secure the other front. A negotiated peace with Asakura, Takeda, or Hojo usually determines the focus of Oda's attacks.

* Takeda Shingen

Perhaps the most beloved and famous of the Sengoku daimyo, Takeda Shingen led the famed mounted samurai of Kai, whose superior tactics were dominant for many years over infantry wielding the European arquebus. The frequent opponent of Uesugi, Hojo, and Oda historically, Takeda's hopes for victory lie in early aggression to restrain Uesugi and/or Hojo from claiming their otherwise easy builds. An early spoiler attack from Takeda will crush the hopes of the other northern powers.

* Uesugi Kenshin

Historically, the downfall of Uesugi was that his strength was spent on the battlefields of Kawanakajima (North Shinano) rather than focused on the shogunate. His many battles with Takeda were the undoing of both great daimyo, and so it is in this game. A negotiated settlement with Takeda is priceless, albeit difficult to achieve. Cooperation with Hojo yields significant benefit, although the two powers can do little to aid each other initially - excepting at the expense of the neutral Satomi in Musashi province.

* Hojo Ujiyasu

One of the last daimyo to fall before the mighty army of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, Oda Nobunaga's successor. If left uncontested, the Hojo will quickly rise to dominate the Kanto region of Japan. The potential for rapid initial gains can be easily negated by Takeda aggression however, and Oda poses a serious obstacle to southern conquests. If trust can be built, alliance with Takeda is potentially the most profitable.

[[Image:SengokuRev5Base.PNG|thumb|450px]]

[[Category:Variant]]

File:SengokuRev5Base.PNG

2009-05-28T19:26:23Z

Nairenvorbeck:

File:SengokuRev5.PNG

2009-05-28T19:25:12Z

Nairenvorbeck:

Sengoku

2009-05-28T19:24:57Z

Nairenvorbeck:

Sengoku Jidai Variant Rules, Version 5.0. 
[http://www.geocities.com/nairenvorbeck/files Homepage:]

[[Image:Sengoku_Jidai.jpg|center|850px]]

=== Variant Description: ===

The Sengoku Jidai Variant is a historical transplant of Hasbro/Avalon Hill's Diplomacy to medieval Japan. The Sengoku Jidai Variant conforms to the standard rules of Hasbro/Avalon Hill's Diplomacy in most every way, with the few exceptions listed below. The standard rules are NOT copied here, and all players of the Sengoku Jidai Variant are assumed to own or expected to purchase the Rules of Diplomacy (or better yet, the full game) through Hasbro/AH, as I did.

Turns move from Spring to Fall just like standard Diplomacy, and the first turn is Spring 1570. Abbreviations are often not at all what you might expect them to be because of the significant number of provinces that share the same first three letters (i.e. Echigo, Echizen, Shimosa, Shimotsuke, Izumo, Izu, Yamashiro, Yamato, and all those that share their name with a body of water e.g. Totomi, Totomi Sea, Tosa, Tosa Bay etc. etc.) Be sure to check the names feature on Realpolitik.

Units may be built on any vacant supply center that you have held for a fall. (i.e. all SCs controlled by players are considered their "home supply centers" for the purpose of building units - Chaos Builds.) Bitchu and Sanuki are considered land contiguous, as are Nagato and Chikuzen, and Iyo and Bungo, though they appear separated by water on the map. Both Armies and Fleets may cross from one of these territories directly to the other. Movement by fleets through the surrounding sea zones is unaffected. The three dark borders indicate these "bridges" on the map.

In addition to the 8 players of this variant, there are neutral territories, represented by White on the map. Each neutral territory is occupied by a neutral army that never does anything but hold. These armies may be supported by other players. They are disbanded immediately if dislodged, but rebuilt at the end of the year if the territory is not occupied. Treat neutral units like armies in Civil Disorder. Once occupied, the territory becomes a standard SC, and never reverts to a neutral again.

Victory is declared when one Daimyo has control of 15 SCs, or all other players concede defeat. If the players agree to a draw, the GM chooses a winner (Shogun). The criteria for this determination are as follows, in order of precedence: the player with the most SCs at the time the draw is agreed to, the player with the highest average count of SCs per year, or at the GM's sole discretion if there is no clear leader per the previous two conditions. There can only be one Shogun. Have fun and welcome to 16th Century Japan!

=== Commentary: ===

* Shimazu Yoshihia

One of the most ancient and well-established families among the daimyo of the Sengoku Jidai. Benefits from a defensible corner position on the map, but can be slow to develop. Conquest of the neutrals in Bungo (Otomo Sorin) and Hizen (Ryuzoji Takanobu) is a common objective. A full attack on Hizen by Mori coupled with Chosokabe support of neutral Bungo (Otomo Sorin) spells disaster for the Shimazu.

* Mori Motonari

An upstart daimyo, formerly a retainer to his slain master of the Ouchi family. Inherited his former master's holdings and developed them to become the strongest opponent of Nobunaga's successor, Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Must avoid cooperation between Shimazu and Asakura at all costs. Surrounded by neutrals, Mori does better to support some of them as buffers, rather than picking them off. Vulnerable to attack by Shimazu and Asakura, and to a lesser extent, Chosokabe.

* Chosokabe Motochika

Dominant on his home island of Shikoku, Chosokabe struggles to build influence on Honshu or Kyushu. Development of ground forces is a top priority. Benefits most from either the destruction of Shimazu, or a solid alliance with him, although the division of Mori spoils often tends to favor Shimazu. Tensions over the vulnerable Suo Sea and wealthy Bingo should not preclude cooperation with Mori.

* Asakura Yoshikage

Surrounded by neutral armies and resource-poor lands, Asakura must choose early to move decisively either north or south along the coast of Honshu. Splitting attentions between Mori and Uesugi leads to an early downfall. Alliance with Oda is common, but more often, the two simply agree to leave one another alone rather than coordinate attacks. Uesugi can pose a serious challenge if Takeda allows him to grow unchecked. Takeda proves to be a worthy ally, especially in an alliance against Uesugi or Oda.

* Oda Nobunaga

The first of the three great unifiers of Japan, Oda Nobunaga rose from humble beginnings in the resource-poor province of Owari to dominate the heartland of Honshu. He was the daimyo that unseated the Ashikaga Emperor in Kyoto, Yamashiro province. Like Asakura, Oda must move decisively in one direction early in the game to succeed, while using diplomacy to secure the other front. A negotiated peace with Asakura, Takeda, or Hojo usually determines the focus of Oda's attacks.

* Takeda Shingen

Perhaps the most beloved and famous of the Sengoku daimyo, Takeda Shingen led the famed mounted samurai of Kai, whose superior tactics were dominant for many years over infantry wielding the European arquebus. The frequent opponent of Uesugi, Hojo, and Oda historically, Takeda's hopes for victory lie in early aggression to restrain Uesugi and/or Hojo from claiming their otherwise easy builds. An early spoiler attack from Takeda will crush the hopes of the other northern powers.

* Uesugi Kenshin

Historically, the downfall of Uesugi was that his strength was spent on the battlefields of Kawanakajima (North Shinano) rather than focused on the shogunate. His many battles with Takeda were the undoing of both great daimyo, and so it is in this game. A negotiated settlement with Takeda is priceless, albeit difficult to achieve. Cooperation with Hojo yields significant benefit, although the two powers can do little to aid each other initially - excepting at the expense of the neutral Satomi in Musashi province.

* Hojo Ujiyasu

One of the last daimyo to fall before the mighty army of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, Oda Nobunaga's successor. If left uncontested, the Hojo will quickly rise to dominate the Kanto region of Japan. The potential for rapid initial gains can be easily negated by Takeda aggression however, and Oda poses a serious obstacle to southern conquests. If trust can be built, alliance with Takeda is potentially the most profitable.

[[Image:Sengoku_Jidai_start.gif|thumb|450px]]

[[Category:Variant]]

Dark Ages

2009-05-28T16:46:04Z

Nairenvorbeck:

Variant Created by: Benjamin Hester 

[http://www.geocities.com/nairenvorbeck/files Homepage:]

[[Image:DarkAgesV3Display.PNG|center|850px]]

=== Variant Description: ===

[[Image:DarkAgesV3Display.PNG|thumb|450px]]

====Starting Positions====

The Gaels - Forest Green, G (in Ireland) 
The Scots - Blue, C (in Scotland) 
The Bretons - Crimson, B (in Wales) 
The AngloSaxons - Olive, A (in southern England) 
The Danes - Orange, D (in Denmark) 
The Norse - Charcoal, N (in Norway) 
The Swedes - Teal, S (in Sweden) 

====Variant Rules====

Dark Ages Variant Rules, Version 3. Homepage: http://www.geocities.com/nairenvorbeck/files

The Dark Ages Variant is a historical transplant of Hasbro/Avalon Hill's Diplomacy game to the North Sea region in 825 AD.

The Dark Ages variant conforms to the standard rules of Hasbro/Avalon Hill's Diplomacy in most every way, with the few exceptions listed below. The standard rules are NOT copied here, and all players of the Dark Ages Variant are assumed to own or expected to purchase the Rules of Diplomacy (or better yet, the full game) through Hasbro/AH, as I did.

Turns move from Spring to Fall just like standard Diplomacy, and the first turn is Spring 825 AD. Players take control of one of the seven major nations in the North Sea area, the Gaels, Scots, Britons, Anglo-Saxons, Danes, Norse, or Swedes.

Please check the names feature of Realpolitik for accepted abbreviations of territory names.

Special territories:

* Somerset, Ribe, Jelling, and Saxony, and Lappland are bi-coastal territories, similar to Spain or Bulgaria in Standard.

* The island of Roskilde is similar to Constantinople in Standard in most respects. Armies and Fleets may move directly from Jelling, to Roskilde, to Skane, and vice versa. Unlike Constantinople though, Fleets MAY move directly from Kattegat to Bay of Pomerania (and vice versa) - they may move around Roskilde. A fleet in Roskilde may NOT convoy.

* Zetland is a single land SC depicted on the map as an island group. Everything inside the small blue circle is a single space, i.e. the four small islands and the small amount of water around them are all one space (similar to Cebu in Colonial). Zetland is bordered at sea by Scapa Flow, Norwegian Sea, Rogaland Coast, and Moray Firth. It is not adjacent by land to any other territory, though Zetland may be occupied by an army (via convoy) or by a fleet.

*There are 38 total SCs on the map. Solo victory is declared when one nation has control of 20 SCs (simple majority). Have fun and happy raiding!

====Commentary====

The Dark Ages variant was released in late 2007 as part of my relentless quest to become the most prolific variant designer around. (I only have three others completed, so I’m sure I have a ways to go before I can claim that title.) Since that time, the variant has undergone three playtests (in ACD and DC) and three revisions.

Dark Ages is a simple map translation variant – meaning none of the core rules of Diplomacy have changed at all, only the map and the roles that the players assume. Which, in the case of Dark Ages, are the Gaels, Scots, Bretons, Anglo-Saxons, Danes, Norse, and Swedes, roughly as they were in the year of our Lord, 825. Some concessions to gameplay at the expense of historical accuracy have been made, but these have been limited to the greatest extent possible. The layout of the North Sea region lends itself readily to the intent of the variant – to emphasize naval action and fill the map with opportunities for convoys. This is the age of Viking and Germanic invasions by sea, and the variant is designed to capture that spirit.

The next section of this article will provide the first-time player of Dark Ages (which encompasses 99.9+% of the human race) with a brief overview of the variant and its opening strategies.

* The Gaels -

The Gaelic position is most similar to Britain in Standard. The Gaels begin fairly secure in their island home that we know today as Ireland. While they enjoy considerable defensive advantages, their early opportunities for expansion are somewhat less than their immediate neighbours.

Strathclyde, Cornwall, and Brittany are their most likely targets for growth in the first year, plus the guarantee in Munster. The Gaels priorities for negotiations are fairly straightforward – form a strong bond with either the Scots or Bretons early, keeping options with the Anglo-Saxons open. Avoid the formation of a Scot/Breton alliance at all costs – the Anglo-Saxons are unlikely to be able to save the Gaels in that situation, especially if they are distracted by the Danes.

* The Scots –

The Scottish position is most similar to Germany in Standard. The Scots begin the game poised for rapid expansion, but will have to make concessions to their neighbors in order to secure their vulnerabilities on three fronts. Early occupation of key sea zones may carry a short-term cost in SCs, but will pay off as a deterrent to invasion from Scandinavia, and provide opportunities to gain diplomatic capital by offering support to Norse or Danish forces. Alliances with the Gaels, Bretons, or Anglo-Saxons are all strong options in the early game, though the Scot player in particular must keep a nervous eye turned east as events unfold in Scandinavia. Events in the British Isles and Scandinavia tend to resolve themselves independent of one another in the first 2-3 years, but after that, attacks across the North Sea become more common. The Scots would do well to be the first one to occupy the strategically invaluable North Sea and Zetland Islands accordingly.

* The Bretons –

The Breton position is most similar to Austria in Standard. The Bretons have a tight group of home SCs that are all interconnected, and their position lies in a veritable minefield of SCs. Just beyond that perimeter however, lie Gaels, Scots, and Anglo-Saxons – all three potential strong allies or formidable enemies. The Bretons must tread carefully – peace on one, preferably two, fronts is a must. To that end, SCs such as Deira and Strathclyde must be weighed carefully – are they more valuable in Breton hands, or traded away for friendship with a neighbor? An opening stab to Hwicce that threatens Hamptonshire can damage Anglo-Saxon growth tremendously – but are you *sure* that the Gaels will stay by your side? Of all positions in Dark Ages, the Bretons offer the most reward for well-timed stabs.

* The Anglo-Saxons –

The Anglo-Saxon position is most similar to France in Standard. Peaceful neutral expansion is readily available, and first year growth of 2 SCs can be attained without violating neutrality – but not without opening up vulnerabilities in your home SCs.
Breton invasion of Hwicce and Middle Anglia are significant threats in the first and second years – if their attacks are coordinated with the Gaels or Danes these threats have the potential for early Anglo-Saxon elimination. Gaelic convoys into Brittany or Cornwall can potentially rob the Anglo-Saxons of continental gains, or coordinate with Breton attacks on Hamptonshire. Although potentially dangerous, Breton/Scot alliances are usually directed more at the Gaels than the Anglo-Saxons, and should be encouraged. Breton/Gaelic alliances should be disrupted at all costs. Finally, despite the threat they pose, the Bretons can also be extremely valuable as an ally against either the Gaels or the Scots – or both.

* The Danes –

The Danish position does not have much similarity to any position in Standard – perhaps Italy, but even that is something of a stretch. The Danes are unquestionably a naval power with considerable prospects in both directions on the European coast, as well as at the expense of their neighbors in Scandinavia.
The Danes form one point of the “Scandinavian Triangle” of the Norse, Swedes, and Danes. Typically, two of these will ally against the third, and barring significant involvement from the west, that third power will be eliminated early. It is very much in the Scots and Anglo-Saxons interests to prevent this from happening however, and it is not at all uncommon for a Scot or Anglo-Saxon fleet in the North Sea to prop up Danish or Norse defenses to that end.

* The Norse –

The Norse position also bears little similarity to any position in Standard – Turkey is the closest match, but that is mostly due to their relationship with the Swedes. The Norse have a simple choice of alliance with the Danes or Swedes, while remaining vigiliant against Scottish fleets heading east. This choice also entails whether the Norse will be primarily a naval power (as is the case in most alliances with the Swedes) or if they will fight on land for dominance of Scandinavia (which is the direction most alliances with the Danes lead to.) The Norse are the second point of the Scandinavian Triangle. Of the three, they are the most vulnerable to attack from the west, typically by Scots that got off to a good start. To that end, they usually have the most interest in a rapid resolution of events in the Scandinavian Triangle, which allows them to take the initiative against the powers of the British Isles.

* And finally, the Swedes –

The Swedes are the third point of the Scandinavian Triangle. Their position bears many similarities to Russia in Standard, most notably in bi-coastal Lappland. They have ample early opportunities for expansion, though most of them will be contested by the Danes or Norse. Tension runs particularly high in Varmland and Skane, and a wise Swede will guard these territories jealously due to their tactical value. The Swedish rear guard is very secure from attack, however, an alliance of Norse and Danes can launch a devastating pincer attack that can quickly reduce the Swedes. The Swedes stand to gain the most from western involvement in Scandinavian affairs in the long term, despite the inability of those powers to directly aid Swedish defenses against an attack by the Norse and Danes. The Swedes must focus more than any other power on the control of territory with tactical value rather than simply gaining SCs.

I hope this quick overview of opening strategies for the Dark Ages has piqued your interest in the variant, and whetted your appetite to pillage and plunder in the cold northern waters. Any prospective GMs or interested players that would like more information or files for running the variant should contact me directly at Screwtape777 AT gmail DOT com. Please respect privacy and limit the distribution and use of this address to Diplomacy related topics only.

Thanks!

Your humble variant designer –
B.

[[Image:DarkAgesV3Display.PNG|center|850px]]

[[Category:Variant]]

File:DarkAgesV3DisplaySmall.PNG

2009-05-28T16:41:18Z

Nairenvorbeck: DarkAgesV3DisplaySmall

DarkAgesV3DisplaySmall

File:DarkAgesV3Display.PNG

2009-05-28T16:39:42Z

Nairenvorbeck: Dark Ages V3 Display Map

Dark Ages V3 Display Map

Dark Ages

2009-05-28T16:33:45Z

Nairenvorbeck:

Variant Created by: Benjamin Hester 

[http://www.geocities.com/nairenvorbeck/files Homepage:]

[[Image:Dark_Ages.gif|center|850px]]

=== Variant Description: ===

[[Image:Dark_Ages_Start.gif|thumb|450px]]

====Starting Positions====

The Gaels - Forest Green, G (in Ireland) 
The Scots - Blue, C (in Scotland) 
The Bretons - Crimson, B (in Wales) 
The AngloSaxons - Olive, A (in southern England) 
The Danes - Orange, D (in Denmark) 
The Norse - Charcoal, N (in Norway) 
The Swedes - Teal, S (in Sweden) 

====Variant Rules====

Dark Ages Variant Rules, Version 3. Homepage: http://www.geocities.com/nairenvorbeck/files

The Dark Ages Variant is a historical transplant of Hasbro/Avalon Hill's Diplomacy game to the North Sea region in 825 AD.

The Dark Ages variant conforms to the standard rules of Hasbro/Avalon Hill's Diplomacy in most every way, with the few exceptions listed below. The standard rules are NOT copied here, and all players of the Dark Ages Variant are assumed to own or expected to purchase the Rules of Diplomacy (or better yet, the full game) through Hasbro/AH, as I did.

Turns move from Spring to Fall just like standard Diplomacy, and the first turn is Spring 825 AD. Players take control of one of the seven major nations in the North Sea area, the Gaels, Scots, Britons, Anglo-Saxons, Danes, Norse, or Swedes.

Please check the names feature of Realpolitik for accepted abbreviations of territory names.

Special territories:

* Somerset, Ribe, Jelling, and Saxony, and Lappland are bi-coastal territories, similar to Spain or Bulgaria in Standard.

* The island of Roskilde is similar to Constantinople in Standard in most respects. Armies and Fleets may move directly from Jelling, to Roskilde, to Skane, and vice versa. Unlike Constantinople though, Fleets MAY move directly from Kattegat to Bay of Pomerania (and vice versa) - they may move around Roskilde. A fleet in Roskilde may NOT convoy.

* Zetland is a single land SC depicted on the map as an island group. Everything inside the small blue circle is a single space, i.e. the four small islands and the small amount of water around them are all one space (similar to Cebu in Colonial). Zetland is bordered at sea by Scapa Flow, Norwegian Sea, Rogaland Coast, and Moray Firth. It is not adjacent by land to any other territory, though Zetland may be occupied by an army (via convoy) or by a fleet.

*There are 38 total SCs on the map. Solo victory is declared when one nation has control of 20 SCs (simple majority). Have fun and happy raiding!

====Commentary====

The Dark Ages variant was released in late 2007 as part of my relentless quest to become the most prolific variant designer around. (I only have three others completed, so I’m sure I have a ways to go before I can claim that title.) Since that time, the variant has undergone three playtests (in ACD and DC) and three revisions.

Dark Ages is a simple map translation variant – meaning none of the core rules of Diplomacy have changed at all, only the map and the roles that the players assume. Which, in the case of Dark Ages, are the Gaels, Scots, Bretons, Anglo-Saxons, Danes, Norse, and Swedes, roughly as they were in the year of our Lord, 825. Some concessions to gameplay at the expense of historical accuracy have been made, but these have been limited to the greatest extent possible. The layout of the North Sea region lends itself readily to the intent of the variant – to emphasize naval action and fill the map with opportunities for convoys. This is the age of Viking and Germanic invasions by sea, and the variant is designed to capture that spirit.

The next section of this article will provide the first-time player of Dark Ages (which encompasses 99.9+% of the human race) with a brief overview of the variant and its opening strategies.

* The Gaels -

The Gaelic position is most similar to Britain in Standard. The Gaels begin fairly secure in their island home that we know today as Ireland. While they enjoy considerable defensive advantages, their early opportunities for expansion are somewhat less than their immediate neighbours.

Strathclyde, Cornwall, and Brittany are their most likely targets for growth in the first year, plus the guarantee in Munster. The Gaels priorities for negotiations are fairly straightforward – form a strong bond with either the Scots or Bretons early, keeping options with the Anglo-Saxons open. Avoid the formation of a Scot/Breton alliance at all costs – the Anglo-Saxons are unlikely to be able to save the Gaels in that situation, especially if they are distracted by the Danes.

* The Scots –

The Scottish position is most similar to Germany in Standard. The Scots begin the game poised for rapid expansion, but will have to make concessions to their neighbors in order to secure their vulnerabilities on three fronts. Early occupation of key sea zones may carry a short-term cost in SCs, but will pay off as a deterrent to invasion from Scandinavia, and provide opportunities to gain diplomatic capital by offering support to Norse or Danish forces. Alliances with the Gaels, Bretons, or Anglo-Saxons are all strong options in the early game, though the Scot player in particular must keep a nervous eye turned east as events unfold in Scandinavia. Events in the British Isles and Scandinavia tend to resolve themselves independent of one another in the first 2-3 years, but after that, attacks across the North Sea become more common. The Scots would do well to be the first one to occupy the strategically invaluable North Sea and Zetland Islands accordingly.

* The Bretons –

The Breton position is most similar to Austria in Standard. The Bretons have a tight group of home SCs that are all interconnected, and their position lies in a veritable minefield of SCs. Just beyond that perimeter however, lie Gaels, Scots, and Anglo-Saxons – all three potential strong allies or formidable enemies. The Bretons must tread carefully – peace on one, preferably two, fronts is a must. To that end, SCs such as Deira and Strathclyde must be weighed carefully – are they more valuable in Breton hands, or traded away for friendship with a neighbor? An opening stab to Hwicce that threatens Hamptonshire can damage Anglo-Saxon growth tremendously – but are you *sure* that the Gaels will stay by your side? Of all positions in Dark Ages, the Bretons offer the most reward for well-timed stabs.

* The Anglo-Saxons –

The Anglo-Saxon position is most similar to France in Standard. Peaceful neutral expansion is readily available, and first year growth of 2 SCs can be attained without violating neutrality – but not without opening up vulnerabilities in your home SCs.
Breton invasion of Hwicce and Middle Anglia are significant threats in the first and second years – if their attacks are coordinated with the Gaels or Danes these threats have the potential for early Anglo-Saxon elimination. Gaelic convoys into Brittany or Cornwall can potentially rob the Anglo-Saxons of continental gains, or coordinate with Breton attacks on Hamptonshire. Although potentially dangerous, Breton/Scot alliances are usually directed more at the Gaels than the Anglo-Saxons, and should be encouraged. Breton/Gaelic alliances should be disrupted at all costs. Finally, despite the threat they pose, the Bretons can also be extremely valuable as an ally against either the Gaels or the Scots – or both.

* The Danes –

The Danish position does not have much similarity to any position in Standard – perhaps Italy, but even that is something of a stretch. The Danes are unquestionably a naval power with considerable prospects in both directions on the European coast, as well as at the expense of their neighbors in Scandinavia.
The Danes form one point of the “Scandinavian Triangle” of the Norse, Swedes, and Danes. Typically, two of these will ally against the third, and barring significant involvement from the west, that third power will be eliminated early. It is very much in the Scots and Anglo-Saxons interests to prevent this from happening however, and it is not at all uncommon for a Scot or Anglo-Saxon fleet in the North Sea to prop up Danish or Norse defenses to that end.

* The Norse –

The Norse position also bears little similarity to any position in Standard – Turkey is the closest match, but that is mostly due to their relationship with the Swedes. The Norse have a simple choice of alliance with the Danes or Swedes, while remaining vigiliant against Scottish fleets heading east. This choice also entails whether the Norse will be primarily a naval power (as is the case in most alliances with the Swedes) or if they will fight on land for dominance of Scandinavia (which is the direction most alliances with the Danes lead to.) The Norse are the second point of the Scandinavian Triangle. Of the three, they are the most vulnerable to attack from the west, typically by Scots that got off to a good start. To that end, they usually have the most interest in a rapid resolution of events in the Scandinavian Triangle, which allows them to take the initiative against the powers of the British Isles.

* And finally, the Swedes –

The Swedes are the third point of the Scandinavian Triangle. Their position bears many similarities to Russia in Standard, most notably in bi-coastal Lappland. They have ample early opportunities for expansion, though most of them will be contested by the Danes or Norse. Tension runs particularly high in Varmland and Skane, and a wise Swede will guard these territories jealously due to their tactical value. The Swedish rear guard is very secure from attack, however, an alliance of Norse and Danes can launch a devastating pincer attack that can quickly reduce the Swedes. The Swedes stand to gain the most from western involvement in Scandinavian affairs in the long term, despite the inability of those powers to directly aid Swedish defenses against an attack by the Norse and Danes. The Swedes must focus more than any other power on the control of territory with tactical value rather than simply gaining SCs.

I hope this quick overview of opening strategies for the Dark Ages has piqued your interest in the variant, and whetted your appetite to pillage and plunder in the cold northern waters. Any prospective GMs or interested players that would like more information or files for running the variant should contact me directly at Screwtape777 AT gmail DOT com. Please respect privacy and limit the distribution and use of this address to Diplomacy related topics only.

Thanks!

Your humble variant designer –
B.

[[Image:Dark_Ages_Names.gif|center|850px]]

[[Category:Variant]]