Conqueror (also written as conqueror[3]) is a strategic board game played across Khorvaire.[1][2]
Description[]
It is played by moving pieces on a board.[4][2] Knowledge of tactics and skill in bluffing and reading opponents aided a player.[2][5]
- the Eberron novels.
- the Dungeons & Dragons Online game.
It is played on a checkered board, and pieces include king, chancellors, generals, and legionnaires,[6][7] as well as queens, priests, paladins, archers, towers, and siege engines.[5][8] Pieces can be carved from ivory,[9] or from rosewood and ebony,[10] giving it red and black sides.[5]
There are a number of named tactics. Common openings are Jaron's Gambit and Moranna's Countergambit, followed by the complex Queen's Attack for the middle-game. These three together form Etrigani's Assault, formerly known as Moranna's Bite, as a subtle indicator of who's thought to hold the reins in Crownhome. The Dragonshard Defense is considered effective against it. Another opening is Thaurum's Offense. Sor's Sacrifice is an intricate tactic used to use one piece as bait and sacrifice another in order to take one of the opponent's, though few players see it as worth the cost.[5]
Reputation[]
It is particularly popular in Karrnath, especially on the long winter nights. It is considered a national pastime and something that every Karrn knows.[1]
- the Eberron novels.
- the Dungeons & Dragons Online game.
Karrns tend to find it relaxing.[5] Few dwarves play.[5]
Tournaments[]
Tourneys and competitions are held to find the top players. Rules ban the use of magic such as divinations to aid players.[3]
Availability[]
In Stormreach, Conqueror sets are available from Garay's Games in the Bazaar.[11]
History[]
Thought to be one of the oldest board games known,[2] it is said to have been invented by Karrn the Conqueror himself 3,000 years ago.[1][2] He supposedly used it to test the strategic skills of his subordinates.[2]
A Karrnath-wide conqueror competition in 997 YK was tarnished by some players cheating with the use of divination magic in the final rounds. Varro ir'Hatarr emerged as the victor regardless.[3]
In Sypheros in 998 YK, Baron ir'Kantarros of Karrnath, famous for his love of the game, announced a continent-wide conqueror tourney, the first ever in Khorvaire's history. The event, called the Challenge for New Khorvaire, promised prizes of gold coins, jewelry, and more, with the winner to receive a land grant in southwestern Karrnath. He sent invitations to almost a hundred people, including renowned players, distinguished military leaders, and noted experts in other fields—Varro ir'Hatarr, Jurra Nellan, Herrat Mensetain, and Col. Taruth have already expressed their plans to participate. The invitation included a round-trip passage to Korth via lightning rail. The proposal was reported in the Sypheros 15th edition of the Sharn Inquisitive.[3][6]
Notable Players[]
- King Kaius ir'Wynarn III keeps a game close to hand in his audience chambers.[4]
- The Captain plays an ongoing game against an unknown opponent aboard the Crimson Ship and will play others with a second set if challenged.[2]
- Varro ir'Hatarr[3]
- Baron ir'Kantarros[3]
- Jurra Nellan[3]
- Col. Taruth[3]
- "Immense" Herrat Mensetain[3]
- Prince Halix ir'Wynarn of Breland, a fan[6]
- Sabira "Saba" Lyet d’Deneith[5]
Appendix[]
Background[]
It is described in Five Nations and Explorer's Handbook as similar to chess.
Appearances[]
- Novels
- Blood and Honor (mentioned only) • Lady Ruin (mentioned only) The Shard Axe • Skein of Shadows (mentioned only) • The Darkwood Mask
References[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Bill Slavicsek, David Noonan, and Christopher Perkins (2005). Five Nations. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 102. ISBN 0-7869-3690-8.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 David Noonan, Rich Burlew, & Frank Brunner (2005). Explorer's Handbook. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 88. ISBN 0-7869-3691-6.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 3.7 3.8 3.9 David Noonan (2006/10/02). Invitations Sent for Conqueror Tourney. Sharn Inquisitive. Wizards of the Coast. Archived from the original on 2016/11/01. Retrieved on 2021/08/01.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Bill Slavicsek, David Noonan, and Christopher Perkins (2005). Five Nations. (Wizards of the Coast), pp. 104, 111. ISBN 0-7869-3690-8.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 5.6 Marsheila Rockwell (2011). The Shard Axe. (Wizards of the Coast), chap. 10. ISBN 0-7869-5859-6.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 Jeff LaSala (2008). The Darkwood Mask. (Wizards of the Coast), chap. 4.
- ↑ Jeff LaSala (2008). The Darkwood Mask. (Wizards of the Coast), chap. 23.
- ↑ Marsheila Rockwell (2012). Skein of Shadows. (Wizards of the Coast), chap. 25. ISBN 0-7869-6139-9.
- ↑ Jeff LaSala (2008). The Darkwood Mask. (Wizards of the Coast), chap. 13.
- ↑ Jeff LaSala (2008). The Darkwood Mask. (Wizards of the Coast), chap. 18.
- ↑ Keith Baker, Nicolas Logue, James Desborough, C.A. Suleiman (2008). City of Stormreach. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 37. ISBN 0-7869-4803-5.