Feudal Lords (play-by-mail game)
Feudal Lords is a closed-end, computer moderated, play-by-mail play-by-mail game set in medieval England. It was first published by Graaf Simulations, later run by Flying Buffalo, Inc, and is today published by Rick Loomis PBM Games.
 Cover image of game. | |
| Designers | John Van De Graaf |
|---|---|
| Publishers | Graaf Simulations, Flying Buffalo Inc., Rick Loomis PBM Games |
| Genres | Role-playing, medieval fantasy |
| Languages | English |
| Players | 8–17 |
| Playing time | Fixed |
| Materials required | Instructions, order sheets, turn results, paper, pencil |
| Media type | Play-by-mail or email |
| Website | http://rickloomispbm.com/ |
History and development
Feudal Lords was created by John Van De Graaf.[1] Graaf Simulations was an early publisher of the game.[2] Flying Buffalo also ran the game.[3] The copyright date on Flying Buffalo's rules written by John Van De Graaf is 1982.[3] In 1984, Graaf Simulations had over 35 games running.[2] As of October 2021, Rick Loomis PBM Games publishes the game.[4] The game is computer-moderated.[5]
Gameplay
The game is set in medieval England after the death of King Arthur.[6] Each player controls one of the 46 feifs on the map of England, with non-played feifs acting independently.[5] Players have 32 possible orders available, but can only submit 12 per one-year turn.[5] Other limits apply, such as one military campaign annually.[5] According to reviewer Chris Frink, these constraints "make for a better-balanced, more interesting game".[5] Players must manage various aspects of medieval life, including maintaining knights, peasants, and townspeople, and accounting for economic factors such as mining and agriculture.[5] Diplomacy is critical to success; winning is not possible without alliances.[5]
The object of the game is to gain control of 23 of the 46 feifs.[5]
References
- Neal 2005. p. 22.
- Fantasy Gamer 1984. p. 44.
- Van De Graaf 1982.
- Spencer 2021.
- Frink 1984. p. 29.
- Fast 1987. p. 16.
Bibliography
- Fast, Byron (Nov–Dec 1987). "The Ins and Outs of Feudal Lords". Paper Mayhem. No. 27. pp. 16–17.
- Frink, Christopher (April–May 1984). "Simply Captivating: Feudal Lords Review". Keeping Posted. Fantasy Gamer. No. 5. pp. 29–30.
- Graaf, John Van De (1982). "Feudal Lords Rules" (PDF). Flying Buffalo, Inc. Retrieved March 25, 2022.
- Neal, Michael D. (Sep–Oct 2005). "Lordly Designs". Flagship Magazine. No. 115. pp. 22–23.
- "PBM Update: Graaf Simulations". Fantasy Gamer. No. 4. February–March 1984. p. 44.
- Spencer, David (October 7, 2021). "PBM's Newest Company: Rick Loomis PBM Games". Suspense & Decision. Retrieved October 8, 2021.
Further reading
- Carrier, Chris (May–June 1985). "Feudal Lords". Paper Mayhem. No. 12. pp. 13–15.
- Marte, Stephen B. (July–August 1990). "Feudal Lords Game 31 / Year 812". American Gamer. No. 1. pp. 5–8.
- McLain, Bob (Jun–Jul 2004). "Right of Kings". Flagship Magazine. No. 108. pp. 10–11.
- Palmer, Nicky (Summer 1984). "Feudal Lords". Flagship Magazine. No. 3. pp. 4–7.
- Van De Graaf, John (May–June 1985). "Feudal Lords Designer's Comments". Paper Mayhem. No. 12. pp. 16–18.
- Young, A.D. (April–May 1984). "Econo-Strategy for Feudal Lords". Fantasy Gamer. No. 5. pp. 30–31.