Lords & Wizards (1977) – Board Game Guys

Lords & Wizards

“Lords & Wizards” is a fantasy board wargame published by Fantasy Games Unlimited (FGU) in 1977. The game was designed by 16-year-old Adam Gruen, who borrowed components from two SPI wargames to create a fantasy-themed Risk-like game for his friends. The game has gained popularity over the years and was even a finalist for the Charles S. Roberts Award for “Best Fantasy Board Game of 1977” at the 1978 Origins Awards.

Game Components of Lords & Wizards

Map: 28″ x 22″ paper hex grid map sheet

Rulebook: 72-page typewritten rulebook

Counters: 800 die-cut counters

Cards: Time/Money card and three cards of tables

Dice: Six-sided die

How To Setup Lords & Wizards

To set up the game, each city and ruin on the map is assigned a Legend. Players choose their leader type (Lord or Wizard) and alignment (Good, Neutral, or Chaotic), each with its advantages and disadvantages. The starting place for each player is determined randomly, and players discover their starting city’s Legend and its potential usefulness.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Turn Structure: Each turn represents half a month, with the game lasting three years (54 turns).

Leader Advancement: Lords gain a level every three months (six turns), while Wizards gain a level after four turns spent studying.

Combat Resolution: Combat is resolved using a Combat Result Table (CRT) and a die roll.

Magic Items: Magic items can be used in combat.

Movement: Unit movement is affected by terrain.

Victory Conditions: The game ends if one player eliminates all others. Otherwise, the player with the leader who has gained the most levels wins, with tie-breakers including Gold Talent income, magical items, and current Gold Talents.

Player Experience

Playing **Lords & Wizards** involves strategic planning and resource management. Players must search for allies, henchmen, creatures, and magic items to build the strongest force. The game requires frequent reference to the rulebook and counter summaries, which can be time-consuming but adds to the immersive experience.

Pros

Deep Strategy: Encourages strategic finesse and planning.

Immersive World: Offers a rich fantasy setting with various leaders, allies, and magical items.

Replayability: Supports 2-12 players, ensuring varied gameplay experiences.

Cons

Complex Rules: Parts of the rules are vague and contradictory.

Counter Issues: Counters lack labels, requiring frequent rulebook references.

Balancing Issues: Some allies, Legends, and magical items can be unbalanced.

Personal Thoughts on Lords & Wizards

**Lords & Wizards** is ideal for fans of classic wargames and fantasy settings. It appeals to players who enjoy deep strategy and are willing to invest time in understanding the complex rules. While it may not be perfect due to balancing and rule clarity issues, it remains a solid choice for those looking for a challenging and immersive gaming experience.

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