AGAINST THE ODDS # 44: Vercingetorix

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His father's name was Celtillus, of a noble family and a chief of the Averni tribe of Gauls -- a people with a remarkably sophisticated civilization and tradition as warriors and craftsmen, but fiercely resistant toward having a ruler at beyond the tribal level. Celtillus tried to assert authority to organize and ally the disparate tribes against Roman incursions, but tradition and habit were against him and he was killed by his own people.

But strife with Rome worsened, and his son elected to try again for tribal unification to survive against the two threats of voracious Rome and ambitious Julius Caesar. The son negotiated, inspired, made alliances, and finally took on the traditional title of Vercingetorix (supreme warlord) denied his father. He bore the title so well that people today think of it as his name (which we do not know). No other Gaul ever bore the title again.

ATO #44 offers Vercingetorix, a new game by designer Richard Berg, that challenges players to unify Gaul in and around the 1st Century B.C.E. From 2-4 players compete for power in all three of the main Gallic areas. The Romans and Germans are NOT active players, but introduced with random and temporary control to interfere with active player intentions.

Players draw chits each turn to improve their holdings, begin campaigns, or obtain more tribal allies. Or, they may draw surprising 'Opportunity' chits that allow them to interfere with other players' turns and even launch revolts that could suppress Roman activities and elevate player esteem.

One full color 22x34-inch mapsheet, over 325 assorted full color die-cut counters, 10 pages of rules, 1 page of charts and tables, Low Complexity, Low Solitaire suitability. Game length varies with number of players. Playing time: 3 to 4 hours.

Magazine includes articles on Roman 10th Legion, Reinforcements in Conflict Simulation Design, Mapping Gaul, Leadership: Story of Lloyd Fredendall, Designer Profile: The Pantzooka Man, and more.