John Firer - 11:07am Oct 16, 1998 PST (#26 of 28) Reference the question about the composition of the five factions alluded to in the final issue of THE GENERAL, I would provide the following possibility. This is based upon my extensive study of the era and the game mechanics of SUCCESSORS. With a total of 10 generals available (excluding Demetrius and Cassander who arrive as reinforcements or replacements), any initial faction can include only one or two generals in order to allow an even distribution of leaders. I will exclude the option of dealing out all ten generals, as this would leave no room for chance during the remaining turns of the game. Thus five generals will be available, with five more placed in the deck. This distribution could be handled in one of two ways, either shuffle all ten generals together and deal out one per player and place the remaining five in the deck or select five generals based upon historical or game factors which will comprise the initial pool of generals available at the start. I favor the latter approach and the remainder of my proposal will deal with this method. I propose selecting Perdiccas, Ptolemy, Antipater, Craterus, and Leonnatus as the initial starting pool of generals. These individuals were the top contenders during the initial phases of the game period. In addition, their placement around the board allows for even distribution and provides each leader with a buffer zone for growth. The first four are fairly easy to justify. However, some of you may question the wisdom of using Leonnatus vice one of the other five for inclusion in the initial pool. My selection is based largely upon historical reasons but at the same time fits in with the game system. Eumenes and Seleucus are excluded for the same reasons: generally junior level and small number of initial forces, and no real home territory. Peithon and Lysimachus are excluded because of their subordinate positions compared to the gang of five and because their late arrival presents potential threats for Perdiccas, Antipater, and Leonnatus. Antigonas is harder to exclude for game reasons but historically, he did not begin to play a major role in the game until after the settlement at Triparadisus in 319. Leonnatus on the other hand was high within the companions, a member of the royal family, and a strong possibility as a marriage partner for Alexander's full sister, Cleopatra. I have played this version solitaire and I think you will find it very interesting. John ------------------------- John Firer - 05:33am Nov 9, 1998 PST (#28 of 28) [ Mark ] A kind reader from Spain responded to my earlier posting on the five player variant. He brought up some good points, especially some areas which needed additional calrification. My response follows: Antigonas: Your points are well taken on Antigonas versus Leonnatus as the fifth general. You of course can play it this way if you so desire. As I mentioned in my piece, this is a tough call. However, I will stick with Leonnatus. Yes Antigonas was an early opponent of Perdiccas, but after he fled to Antipater, he was distinctly subordinate to Antipater and Craterus (and probably Leonnatus had he lived). In addition, his forces were not very large until Antipater left him 8,000 men of the Royal Army after Triparadesos. Game-wise, with him starting adjacent to Craterus, the controlling players will find themselves with fewer options for expansion than if Leonnatus is included as the fifth general. Tyche Cards: I understand your logic but I think the designer is more interested in the five rounds than an artificial limit of 20 cards total. If you used only four cards, that could imply only four rounds. In addition, four cards somewhat restricts player options. I think we should stick to five cards per player and five rounds per turn. Automatic Victory Levels: Following the scheme provided in the four (23 points), three (26 points), and two (29 points) player scenarios, the auto victory five player level should probably be set at 20 points. Legitimacy should stay constant at 18 points. Other Changes: I don’t think there needs to be any further changes made to allow a player to play a five-handed version. Thanks for bringing up your other points.