FAQ: Swords & Sails, Rewrite History in 1000 AD
For the most up-to-date information about the status of our project, check our project updates on Kickstarter!

What are all these different award levels, why do you have so many?

We have several variations based off the main game. The difference are based mostly on getting the historic metal 3D coins or the Extra large Play Mat. This chart may help you decide:

Base Game:
Warrior, Knight, King, Trader’s Caravan

Base Game Stretch Goals: Baron, Warrior, Knight, Duke, King, Trader’s Caravan

Metal Coins:
Knight, king, Add Ons

X-Large Mat:
Duke, King, Add Ons

West Map Only:
Baron (only includes England, France, NSE, and HRE faction components)

Minor Factions PnP:
Knight, Duke, King

Base Game PnP (will include multiple language versions of the rulebook, German, Spanish, French):
Squire, Baron, Warrior, Knight, Duke, King

PnP Rulebook in different languages will be available to international Trade Caravans.

(Note Trader’s Caravan level can purchase additional add ons as well but as these are not in a single package, they can be sold together at a small discount)

Warrior’s Pledge Reward:

This is the main game, all the components listed in what you get in the box, is included.

Baron’s Pledge Reward:

Pretty simply Swords & Sails is an area conquest game which depicts all of Medieval Europe on two 6 fold maps. The full map is therefore split right through Poland and Hungary. The Baron’s pledge will give you just the West Europe Map which will include 4 Player factions (Kingdom of England with red components, Kingdom of France with blue components, the North Sea Empire with black components, and the Holy Roman Empire with yellow components). This version of the game is still fully playable for 2-4 players, it just costs less and you get less. The Caliphate of Qurtuba, a player controlled minor power will be usable on the west map.

Knight’s Pledge Reward:

This pledge level includes the main game (Warrior level) plus the metal historically based 3D coins. Any Stretch Goals specific to the metal coins and a Print-N-Play version of 3 Minor factions (Caliphate of Qurtuba, Kingdom of Hungary, and Kingdom of Poland) which are also a stretch goals (in which the pieces will be produced and included), bringing the number of players to 10. (Note This level does not include the X-Large Rolled up Play Mat)

Duke’s Pledge Reward:

This pledge level includes the main game (Warrior level) plus an extra large rolled up play mat (of the Map). Any Stretch Goals specific to the Large Play Mat and a Print-N-Play version of 3 Minor factions (Caliphate of Qurtuba, Kingdom of Hungary, and Kingdom of Poland) which are also a stretch goals (in which the pieces will be produced and included), bringing the number of players to 10. (Same as Knight but with the Play Mat instead of Coins).

King’s Pledge Reward:

This pledge level includes the main game (Warrior level) plus an extra large rolled up play mat (of the Map) and the historically based metal 3D coins. Any Stretch Goals specific to either the Large Play Mat or the metal historic coins and the Print-N-Play version of 3 Minor factions (Caliphate of Qurtuba, Kingdom of Hungary, and Kingdom of Poland) which are also a stretch goals (in which the pieces will be produced and included), bringing the number of players to 10. (This level will include everything).

Squire’s Pledge Reward:

Print-n-Play Only. The full color Print-n-Play (PnP) copy of Swords & Sails including printable components for all 800 full color pieces and the two large full color deluxe maps (multiple printable formats). Including Both English, German, and Spanish PnP rule books (when available French). The 3 minor factions will be available for an additional fee at the pledge manager step. (Note all pledge levels which spend $9 or more will be able to download the Print-n-Play copy. Diplomat level will not be able to download the full PnP game.

Diplomat’s Pledge Reward:

Anyone can pledge for a $1 or more to stay up to date with the project or just help out with a small donation. Pledging at least $1 will allow you access to the pledge manager and add stuff later, including all original backing levels if there is sufficient quantities but price points maybe slightly higher.

2 Player Pak Coins or other add ons pledge reward:

2 Player Pak Coins or other add ons reward is for people who would like these add ons but is not interested in the game reward levels. Pledge any amount in combinations of the 2 (40 coins) , 4 (80 coins), 0r 7 Player (140 coins) Paks of Historical Metal coins and / or for the cost of the Extra Large Player Mat. You must add up the cost of the rewards listed above that you would like and this amount will carry over to the pledge manager before shipping. Notice shipping costs will be added on in the Pledge Manager step. You can use the same technique to get additional add ons with your game level pledge. Just add the cost of the additional items to your game pledge level.

Trader’s Caravan Reward:

This reward level is only for retailers, FLGS or online stores. The minimum pledge allows ordering for 1 or more cases (4 Warrior level games including all warrior level stretch goals). Retailer Status will be verified. Addition games beyond 1 case can be added later. Final quantity defined at pledge manager step or contact us to define exact quantities. Ordering 2 or more cases for free US shipping or discounted international shipping. Add ons can be added to final order as well. Retailers can alternatively reach out to us for different terms, it is suggested that retailers which maybe interested but are not wishing to have capital hostage for so long, pledge at least at the Diplomat level and contact us privately to arrange alternative terms, as we need the quantity to manufacture as close to what demand will be as soon as possible.

Last updated: April 06, 2018 15:19

What is the Game Mat made of?

Initial version is printed on a premium heavy weight 13 oz. matte vinyl banner material. This vinyl material has a woven scrim texture for durability and also assists in preventing slippage.

A stretch goal will take this up to a neoprene material.

Last updated: April 06, 2018 15:19

What are the coins made of and how big are they?

The coins are made of zinc Alloy with other metals used for color. They are the same coins produced for the successful kickstarter: Swords & Sails Coins: Realistic Byzantine Coins from 1000 AD.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/vrsoft/swords-and-sails-coins-realistic-byzantine-coins-f

They come in 4 types

Gold 25mm coin - 5.00g Silver 19mm coin - 4.40g Copper 13mm coin - 3.20g Light Bronze 10mm coin - 1.50g

These sizes very to similar thickness of a quarter, Nickel, Penny and a dime US coins.

The Swords&Sails denominations are 250 for Gold, 50 for Silver, 10 for Copper, and 1 for the Bronze (these values are for game purposes)

Historically the Gold Solidius is worth 180 of the Bronze Follis coins (or 40 nummi M) or 12 Silver miliaresion or 1440 of the small light bronze 5 nummi (E) These values had changed throughout the 1000 year history of Byzantium.

Historically there are many more denominations and coin types which were minted by all the various Byzantine Emperors. Essentially each Emperor remade the coins with there own images. This practice in Byzantium was copied through most of Europe, the Middle East, and Northern Africa and was a continuation of roman coinage system with various changes.

Last updated: April 06, 2018 15:19

Is there any Solo play rules?

We will be including optional Solo Play rules which use all the same mechanics as the regular rules with pre-determined setups if / when the player attacks player factions.

Last updated: April 06, 2018 15:20

Shipping Updates
For the most up-to-date information about the status of our project, check our project updates on Kickstarter!
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