White Bear & Red Moon (1975)

White Bear and Red Moon

“White Bear and Red Moon” is a fantasy board wargame set in the world of Glorantha, created by Greg Stafford and published in 1975. The game was initially rejected by established publishers, so Stafford founded his own game company, Chaosium, in 1974 to produce and market the game. The game went through three printings with minor differences and was substantially revised and republished in 1981 under the name “Dragon Pass”.

Why is White Bear and Red Moon Popular?

The game is popular and significant because it:
– Started the Glorantha universe, which has since expanded to include numerous roleplaying games, board games, and other products.
– Was the first game published by Chaosium, which has since become a prominent figure in the gaming industry.
– Received positive reviews from prominent game critics, such as Sumner N. Clarren, Neil Shapiro, and Greg Costikyan, who praised the game’s skill, wit, and immersive nature.

Game Components of White Bear & Red Moon

Map: A hex-patterned map of Dragon Pass.

Counters: Cardstock unit counters representing various army units, including infantry, cavalry, and magical organizations.

Rule Book: Initially an 8½” x 11” booklet, later upgraded to legal-sized paper.

Units: Standard infantry and cavalry, as well as unique units like dragonewts, Cragspider, and the Pharaoh.

Heroes: Represented by runes, with distinct abilities.

Magic: Sartarite units provide steady-state power, while Lunar Empire units gain power from the waxing and waning moon.

How To Setup White Bear & Red Moon

To set up the game, players lay out the hex-patterned map of Dragon Pass and distribute the unit counters according to the scenario being played. Each player chooses their side, either the Lunar Empire or the barbarian kingdom of Sartar, and allies with various independent nations and tribes. The game includes multiple scenarios of increasing complexity, and the setup may vary depending on the chosen scenario.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Unit Movement: Units move within hexes, with stacks exerting zones of control that restrict enemy movement.

Alliance Gaining: Players attempt to gain allies from independent nations and tribes.

Combat Resolution: Combat involves comparing unit values, rolling dice, and consulting a Combat Results Table.

Magic and Exotic Abilities: Use of magic, missile fire, and melee combat.

Objective: The primary objective is to emerge victorious in the wars between the Lunar Empire and Sartar by capturing key locations and defeating enemy forces.

Player Experience

**White Bear & Red Moon** offers a complex and engaging experience, blending epic warfare with cultural and magical elements. Players delve into the clash of cultures between the Lunar Empire and Sartar, managing armies, gaining allies, and utilizing unique magical abilities. The game is praised for its charm and depth, providing an immersive experience that feels like a living epic.

Pros

Rich Setting: Set in the detailed world of Glorantha, offering a deep and immersive environment.

Complex Gameplay: Multiple scenarios and intricate rules provide a challenging and engaging experience.

Unique Mechanics: Combines standard wargame elements with magical and cultural aspects.

High Replayability: Various scenarios and the ability to form alliances add to the game’s replay value.

Cons

Complexity: The game can be highly complicated, requiring a significant amount of time and effort to learn and play.

Luck Factor: The game involves a substantial amount of luck, which may not appeal to all players.

Rule Clarity: Some reviews noted that the rules could be cleaner and more streamlined.

Personal Thoughts on White Bear & Red Moon

**White Bear & Red Moon** is ideal for fans of complex board wargames and those interested in the fantasy world of Glorantha. It is a game that rewards strategic thinking and creativity, making it perfect for players who enjoy deep, epic-scale conflicts. While it may not be the best fit for casual gamers due to its complexity, it is a gem for those who appreciate intricate game mechanics and richly detailed game worlds.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.