Warlord: Saga of the Storm (2001) Board Game

Warlord: Saga of the Storm is a collectible card game that was first released in in 2001. The game is set in the world of Taltos, where players take on the roles of warlords battling for control of the land. With a focus on strategy and deck-building, Warlord has gained a dedicated following among fans of card games.

Game Components of Warlord: Saga of the Storm

Cards: Representing forces, equipment, and tactics.

Factions: 7 factions including Elf, Dwarf, Deverenian, Free Kingdoms, Nothrog, The Chosen, and Mercenary.

Warlord: The leader and most important character in a player’s army.

Characters: Various levels and classes such as Fighters, Clerics, Rogues, and Wizards.

Dice: d20 used for resolving attacks and other actions.

Starting Army: A set of cards that include a Warlord and other characters.

How To Setup Warlord: Saga of the Storm

To set up the game, each player begins with a Warlord, two powerful characters close but not on the front line, and three weak characters on the front rank. The deck must include a minimum of 50 cards, a Warlord, and a legal starting army of the same faction as the Warlord. Each deck can have no more than three copies of a single card and no more than one copy of an Epic card.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Turn Structure: Players take turns giving one action each, such as moving a character, attacking, or playing a card.

Combat Resolution: Characters spend themselves to attack, rolling a d20 and adding their attack bonus to hit the target’s Armor Class.

Character Management: Characters can be placed into play from the hand, perform orders, or pass.

Objective: The game ends when a player’s Warlord is killed; the last player with a surviving Warlord wins.

Rank and File System: Determines what characters and items can be equipped based on character level and location.

Decree Phase: Players give decrees in sequence until all pass consecutively.

Player Experience

Warlord: Saga of the Storm offers a fast-paced and highly variable experience due to the use of d20 rolls, which significantly influences the outcome of actions. The game is known for its quick turns and the potential for sudden changes in fortune. Games can last anywhere from a few minutes to about 45 minutes.

Pros

Fast-Paced: Quick turns and dynamic gameplay.

High Fantasy Theme: Engaging artwork and a rich fantasy setting.

Strategic Depth: Complex character management and deck building.

Variable Gameplay: High chance element due to d20 rolls.

Multiple Factions: Each faction has a unique play style.

Cons

Balance Issues: Initial versions had balance problems, particularly with rare cards and faction strengths.

Limited Warlord Availability: Secondary warlords were rare, limiting early players’ options.

Dependence on Luck: High reliance on dice rolls can be frustrating.

Personal Thoughts on Warlord: Saga of the Storm

Warlord: Saga of the Storm is ideal for players who enjoy fast-paced, strategic card games with a strong fantasy theme. It’s particularly suited for those familiar with tabletop RPG mechanics, given its use of d20 rolls and character classes. However, the game’s balance and rarity issues may deter some players, especially those new to collectible card games. With its return to retail via a Kickstarter campaign, it offers a fresh start for new players and a nostalgic return for veterans of the game.

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