Duodecim Scriptorum

What to Expect

In Duodecim Scriptorum, you move pieces across a board with twelve lines, reminiscent of Roman backgammon. The game involves dice rolling and bluffing, with exact dice rolls required to remove pieces. Matches last about 30 minutes and focus on tactical movement and betting. Expect an intense duel for two players grounded in ancient gameplay traditions.

Who Is This Game For?

This game is designed for two players interested in abstract strategy with historical roots. It is a light to medium complexity game with a short playtime around 30 minutes. Prior experience with dice and bluffing games is beneficial due to the need for precise rolls and strategic movement.

How It Works

Duodecim Scriptorum uses dice rolling and point-to-point movement mechanics. Players employ betting and bluffing to mislead opponents. Dice rolls determine how far pieces can move, and only exact rolls allow removing pieces from the board. The game progresses in rounds where players move their pieces aiming to clear the board first.

What Makes It Special

Though the designer is unknown, Duodecim Scriptorum stands out as a historical predecessor to backgammon. It combines dice luck with bluffing and belongs to the traditional two-player family of games. Its use of tetrahedral dice, predating modern six-sided dice, highlights its ancient origins.

Setting & Atmosphäre

The game is set in the Roman Empire era and known as Ludus duodecim scriptorum. It features a board with twelve markings often scratched into the ground and uses ancient knucklebone dice.

Tipp für Einsteiger

Focus on making the most of your dice rolls and watch your opponent’s moves to spot bluffing opportunities.

Häufige Fragen

Fazit

Duodecim Scriptorum offers an intriguing experience for fans of ancient and abstract strategy games. It's especially recommended for those who enjoy short, tactical dice and bluffing duels. It provides a historical perspective on backgammon-like gameplay.