Almoravid: Reconquista and Riposte in Spain 1085-1086 (2022) Board Game

Almoravid: Reconquista and Riposte in Spain 1085-1086 is a board game that takes place in the medieval period of Spain, specifically focusing on the conflict between the Almoravid dynasty and the Christian kingdoms of the Iberian Peninsula during the years 1085. The Almoravids were a Berber-Muslim dynasty from North Africa who invaded the Iberian Peninsula and clashed with the Christian kingdoms in their efforts to expand their territory.

Game Components of Almoravid: Reconquista and Riposte in Spain 1085-1086

Game Board: A large, point-to-point board covering 400 miles across medieval Spain, excluding areas like Portugal, Galicia, Asturias, and parts of the Basque country and Catalunya.

Lord Mats and Cylinders: Representing lords and their vassals, these are used to track their fealty, lordship, service, and command capabilities.

Markers and Tokens: Used to indicate locales such as cities, fortresses, towns, and regions, as well as to track time and victory on the Calendar.

Command Cards: These commit players to activating lords in a specific sequence, reflecting the limitations of medieval communication.

Event and Capability Cards: Influencing levy, campaign, and combat with cultural and technological details.

Roman Road Network: Aids travel and movement across the board.

How To Setup Almoravid: Reconquista and Riposte in Spain 1085-1086

Setting up the game involves preparing the game board, which includes placing the Calendar that tracks time and victory. Players must also set up the lord mats, distribute the appropriate number of lords and vassals, and lay out the command cards and event cards. The game starts with the levy phase where players muster their forces and plan their campaigns for the next 40 days.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Levy System: Players levy various lords and vassals every 40 days, backed by higher political authorities.

Command and Movement: Using command cards, players activate lords in a sequence that may not always meet the developing situation’s needs. Lords’ maneuvers are shown with cylinder pieces on the map.

Calendar System: Tracks the passage of time and the duration of lord service, influenced by campaign successes or failures.

Combat and Sieges: Battles and sieges are resolved by arraying lords’ mats and rolling dice based on the lords’ capabilities and the situation.

Taifa Politics and Parias: Players must navigate the complexities of Taifa politics and the payment of Parias (tribute) to inform their military strategy.

Player Experience

Playing **Almoravid** offers a deeply immersive and strategic experience. The game requires careful planning and adaptation, as players must manage the muster of lords, their capabilities, and the constraints of medieval communication. Each scenario presents unique challenges, such as navigating the Roman road network, sieging heavily fortified areas, and dealing with the arrival of African armies. The game is praised for its elegance and depth, making it engaging for both solo and multi-player sessions.

Pros

Historical Immersion: The game is rich in historical detail, with beautiful board artwork and thematic elements that ground the game in the narrative of the Reconquista.

Strategic Depth: The levy system, command cards, and Calendar mechanics provide a complex and engaging gameplay experience.

High Replayability: Multiple scenarios and the dynamic nature of the game ensure high replay value.

Cons

Rule Complexity: The rulebook has been criticized for being obtuse, which can make initial setup and learning challenging.

Personal Thoughts on Almoravid: Reconquista and Riposte in Spain 1085-1086

**Almoravid: Reconquista and Riposte in Spain 1085-1086** is ideal for fans of wargames and strategy enthusiasts who appreciate historical depth. The game is suited for players aged 14 and above, given its complexity and the need for strategic thinking. Despite the steep learning curve due to the rulebook, the game offers a rewarding experience for those willing to dive into its intricate mechanics and historical context.

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