Chronopia (1997)

About this game

Dark Fantasy - The world is coming to some kind of a climax, and all of the major races (Firstborn, Blackbloods, Elves, Dwarves, Devout) are bent on destruction. This is one dark, nihilistic, somber bitch of a world. Not the kind of place you'd like to live, but maybe a good place to get some gaming done, eh? Nearly one half of the lavishly illustrated rulebook is devoted to background and history, of which the condensed version is this: The world is "a wild and untamed place," until a human leader - the Firstborn, also known as the One King - founds a mighty human empire. Obsessed with preserving his empire, the One King experiments with sorcery... and may inadvertently cause what he seeks to avoid. A coalition of three peoples - the Blackbloods, Elves, and Dwarves - defeat and enslave humanity - the One King is slain. Centuries pass - the Triad coalition disbands. The Four Prophets rise, enabling the One King's soul to be reincarnated as a newborn babe. After much fighting, the One King founds the Second Kingdom, known as Chronopia the Four Prophets rebel, following the Dark One and forming the Devout.

Does it fit your group?

• Group size. Works with 2 to 4.
• Rules load. At 3.3/5 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.