White Bear & Red Moon (1975) Board Game

White Bear & Red Moon is a classic board game that was released in in 1975. Designed by William Church and Steve Swenston, the game has been a favorite among fantasy and wargame enthusiasts for decades. Set in the world of Glorantha, players take on the roles of different factions vying for control of the land.

Game Components of White Bear & Red Moon

Map: Originally a paper map, later replaced by a full-color game board in the 1981 edition.

Counters: Cardstock unit counters representing various army units.

Hex Pattern: The map is laid out with a hex pattern to facilitate movement.

Rules Booklet: Includes rules, scenarios, and background information on the world of Glorantha.

Allies and Units: Many smaller countries and individuals available as allies to either the Lunar Empire or the barbarian nation of Sartar.

How To Setup White Bear & Red Moon

Setting up the game involves placing the hex map, distributing the unit counters according to the scenario being played, and each player determining their starting positions and allies. The game includes multiple scenarios of increasing complexity, which guide the setup process.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Unit Movement: Players move units within the hex map, with rules governing zone of control and random movement.

Alliance Gaining: Players can attempt to gain allies during their turn.

Combat Resolution: Combat involves magic, missile fire, and melee, with results in Combat Factor losses.

Exotic Abilities: Use of magic and other special abilities.

Rallying Units: Disrupted units can be rallied.

Objective: The primary objective is to win the war between the Lunar Empire and the barbarian nation of Sartar, led by Prince Argrath.

Player Experience

Playing **White Bear & Red Moon** is an immersive experience, offering a deep dive into the world of Glorantha. The game is praised for its rich cultural and mythological context, providing insights into the religions, governments, and ideologies of the different factions. Despite some complexity, the game is enjoyable and relatively fast-paced.

Pros

Rich World-Building: Provides a detailed look into the world of Glorantha.

Complex Scenarios: Eight scenarios of increasing complexity offer varied gameplay experiences.

Engaging Mechanics: Combines diplomacy, strategy, and combat in a compelling way.

Historical Significance: It is one of the earliest games set in Glorantha and spawned the RuneQuest RPG series.

Cons

Complex Rules: The game has a steep learning curve due to its detailed rules and complex scenarios.

Luck Factor: The game involves a significant amount of luck, which can affect gameplay.

Components Quality: Early editions had lower-quality components, though later editions improved this.

Personal Thoughts on White Bear & Red Moon

**White Bear & Red Moon** is ideal for fans of deep, strategic board games and those interested in the world of Glorantha. It is particularly suited for players who enjoy complex scenarios, detailed world-building, and a blend of diplomacy and combat. While it may not be the best choice for casual gamers due to its complexity, it remains a classic and influential game in the board wargame genre.

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