Elric
- Designer Charlie Krank , Greg Stafford
- Publisher Chaosium , The Avalon Hill Game Co , Hobby Japan
- Illustration Yoshitaka Amano , William Church , Steve Leialoha , Kenn Nishiuye , Steve Oliff , V. M. Wyman
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Start for freeWhat to Expect
In Elric, players engage in war, magic, and political intrigue reflecting the balance between Chaos and Law. You move armies and individual characters using area movement, roll dice, and manage events that influence outcomes. Magic plays a key role affecting cosmic balance. The game offers six scenarios for 1 to 4 players and encourages creating your own adventures.
Who Is This Game For?
Elric targets experienced gamers and wargame enthusiasts aged 10 and up who enjoy complex fantasy worlds and strategic depth. With a playtime around 120 minutes, it demands patience and familiarity with wargame mechanics like combat results tables and movement points.
How It Works
The game uses area movement combined with dice rolling and a combat results table to simulate battles and maneuvers. Players control armies and characters, spend movement points, and respond to events. Paper-and-pencil elements help track magic and political influences that shift the balance between Chaos and Law.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Greg Stafford and Charlie Krank, Elric was nominated in 1981 for the Charles S. Roberts Best Fantasy Board Game award. It is an early adaptation of Michael Moorcock's Elric saga into a board wargame, blending thematic storytelling with tactical gameplay.
Awards
- 1981 Charles S. Roberts Best Fantasy Board Game — Nominated
Pro
- In-depth simulation of war, magic, and politics
- Supports solo and multiplayer up to 4 players
- 1981 Charles S. Roberts Best Fantasy Board Game nominee
- Combines area movement, dice rolling, and combat results table
Contra
- Long playtime of about 120 minutes
- Complex rules require learning
- Aimed at older children and experienced players
Setting & Atmosphäre
The game is set in the medieval fantasy world of Michael Moorcock's Elric novels, focusing on epic battles and magical conflicts between Chaos and Law.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Take time to learn the rules and start with one of the provided scenarios to get familiar with the mechanics.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
Yes, Elric includes a solo mode for single players.
How long does a game really take?
A typical game lasts about 120 minutes, including setup and explanation.
What prior experience do I need?
Experience with wargames and complex board games is helpful due to the detailed rules.
How does this compare to similar games?
Elric blends classic wargame mechanics with a strong fantasy setting focused on the Chaos vs. Law theme.
Is this suitable for families?
Due to complexity and length, it is better suited for older children and seasoned gamers.
What mechanic makes it special?
The mix of area movement, dice rolling, and ratio/combat results table defines the gameplay.
Fazit
Elric is recommended for players seeking a deep, complex fantasy wargame experience. Beginners may find its length and complexity challenging.
