Nomad Gods (1977) Board Game

Nomad Gods is a board game released in 1977, designed by William Church and featuring artwork by Chaosium. The game is set in a fantasy world inspired by mythology, where players take on the role of gods vying for power and control over the nomadic tribes of the land. With a runtime of 300 minutes, Nomad Gods is a challenging and immersive gaming experience for 2 to 5 players.

Game Components of Nomad Gods

Map: A 22″ x 26″ hex map of the Plains of Prax.

Counters: 252 counters representing various units and tribes.

Rulebook: A 72-page, profusely illustrated rulebook.

Scenarios: Six different scenarios for gameplay.

How To Setup Nomad Gods

To set up *Nomad Gods*, players first lay out the hex map of the Plains of Prax. Each player selects a nomadic tribe to control, such as the Bison Tribe, the Impala People, the High Llama Riders, the Sable Riders, or the Morokanth. The counters for each tribe are placed on the map according to the scenario instructions. The game also includes a counter called “The Eternal Battle,” which moves randomly across the board, affecting gameplay.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Number of Players: 2-5 players.

Gameplay: Players control nomadic tribes, each with unique combat skills, magic, and the ability to summon tribal deities. The objective is to steal herd animals from other tribes.

Scenarios: The game includes scenarios that require capturing herds of livestock from other tribes. The game mechanics involve movement, combat, and magical actions.

The Eternal Battle: A counter that moves randomly, often destroying tribesmen it encounters.

Player Experience

Playing *Nomad Gods* offers a unique and immersive experience, particularly for those interested in the world of Glorantha. The game’s detailed setting and varied tribes provide a rich backdrop for strategic play. Players appreciate the well-organized rules and the creative freedom to engage in tribal conflicts and magical battles. The game’s complexity, however, may require players to start with the prequel *White Bear and Red Moon* to fully appreciate its mechanics.

Pros

Unique Setting: Set on the Plains of Prax, offering a unique and detailed world to explore.

Well-Organized Rules: The rules are presented in a step-by-step format, making it accessible for novice gamers.

Rich Tribal Details: Includes a wealth of information on the history, myths, magic, culture, and people of Prax.

High Replayability: Six different scenarios provide varied gameplay experiences.

Cons

Complexity: The game can be complex, especially for new players, and may require prior experience with similar games.

Unbalanced Rules: Some rules quirks, such as an unfair advantage to tribes with fast bowmen, have been noted by reviewers.

Out-of-Print Components: The physical game components have been out of print since the late 1970s/early 1980s, making it difficult to obtain a complete set.

Personal Thoughts on Nomad Gods

*Nomad Gods* is ideal for fans of fantasy wargames and those interested in the world of Glorantha, particularly players of *RuneQuest*. It offers a deep dive into the cultures and mythologies of the nomadic tribes of Prax. While it may be challenging to acquire a complete physical set, the PDF rulebook and digital versions make it accessible for modern gamers. The game’s unique mechanics and rich setting make it a valuable addition to any collection of fantasy board games.

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