...Title says: update coming 12/14/08.
I think you could have waited one more day...
Anyway, here's the first update in over a year:
Changes:
-New pieces that are easier on the eyes
-Different wording of the instructions
-Different bonuses
-Different piece layout
-Army shadows placed
There are 42 starting territories, which is the same amount as Classic. Only 4, 5, and 8 player games will start off with neutral empty squares (2 each, since they all divide into 40). Neutrals won't affect the gameplay much anyway, since it mostly revolves around the actual pieces.
I think the bonuses should be autodeployed. It makes more sense that way. I'll include it in my next draft if there are no objections (I don't always have access to Photoshop).
The new piece layout is (as far as I can tell) entirely possible in an actual chess game with skilled players. Every piece under attack has a unique piece guarding it (if a hardcore student of the game wants to double check this for me, go ahead).
Although having a one piece bonus sounds crazy (the white queen in particular is in a very powerful position), there are many pieces to choose from. Also, the autodeployment makes it a bit easier to deal with.
The pieces will start off with neutrals on them. Here's my suggestion:
Pawn-2
Knight, Bishop, Rook-5
Queen-8
King-10
I also think the territory bonuses should be adjusted so that an army is given for every 2 territories (instead of 3). Otherwise, things might start off slow.
Thoughts?
