Håtunaleken (1977)

About this game

This is a Swedish historical wargame based on Kingmaker. It recreates the historical happenings in around 1306 between King Erik Magnusson and his brothers Duke Erik and Duke Valdemar called the "Håtuna games" which culminated in the "Nyköping Banquet" in December 1317. (See Wikipedia for details.) Since this is a game it might end in different ways! The game is intended for three players, but it is of course conceivable that one player plays both the dukes or only one of them. Another interesting feature is that if one of the royal participants die married, the player continue to take part in the game through the wife - one of three princesses - of the deceased.

Does it fit your group?

• Group size. Works with 2 to 3.
• Rules load. At 2.5/5 this is a mid-weight game — expect a proper rules explanation before you start.
• Age. The publisher suggests 12 and up. That rates the rules rather than the artwork, so judge the box yourself for younger players.