Earthwood (game)

Earthwood is a closed-ended, computer moderated, play-by-mail (PBM) fantasy wargame.

History and development
Earthwood was a fantasy wargame published by Game Systems Inc. (GSI). GSI's Bill Feild and Peter Stassun introduced it as their first game when opening on April 1, 1981. The game was closed-ended and computer moderated.

By 1988, Game Systems Inc. created a new version of the game called Earthwood-Sea Kings due to the popularity of Earthwood.

Gameplay
Each game has 25 players who roleplay three types of characters: 16 kings, five warriors and four magicians. Kings rule cities populated with one of various fantasy races such as elves and dwarves. Players can encounter up to 12 types of non-player characters in the game, to fight, interact, and enlist as party members. Economics was not a significant part of the game. Diplomacy was a key part of gameplay, with reviewer DeAnn Iwan stating it involved "intense diplomacy".

The purpose of the game was to conquer all the game's cities. This could also be done with allies. Games could last 30–40 turns.

Reception
Nicky Palmer reviewed the game in a 1985 issue of Flagship. He recommended the game, highlighting its diplomatic aspects.

Stewart Wieck reviewed Sea Kings in a 1988 issue of White Wolf. He called it "a very enjoyable game", rating it a 5 of 10 points for Strategy, 7 points for Materials and Diplomacy, 8 for Moderation, and 7 points overall.