Hnefatafl Board Game: 19x19 square grid - historic Alea Evangelii, Anglo-Saxon game variant, Handcrafted Wooden Strategy Game, Customizable

This handcrafted wooden game features historically-inspired artwork burned into the wood surface by hand, and many custom options to make each board created a unique and functional work of art. Hnefatafl, the game of the Vikings, is a strategy board game that traveled with Scandinavian explorers, traders, and raiders alike, and was adopted by many of the cultures they encountered. This variant of Hnefatafl, with a play grid of 19x19 squares, is the Anglo-Saxon version of the game, "Alea Evangelii", meaning "Game of the Gospels". The game was conceived by the scholar Israel the Grammarian and an anonymous Frankish man, as first chronicled in an eleventh century Irish manuscript, but board remnants matching the Alea layout have been found as far as Denmark. In the original game, playing pieces were set and moved upon the intersections and lines of the grid - this more modern conception of the game conforms the pieces to play within the squares of the grid, as done with most other known variants in the Hnefatafl family. Hnefatafl is an intriguing way to learn strategy and tactics, as well as an excellent means to spend quality time with a friend or family member. Each board is created uniquely from the next and is sure to become an heirloom lasting many generations.

• MADE TO ORDER
• HANDCRAFTED with pyrographed artwork
• LEAD TIME: 6-8 weeks (from time of purchase to shipping day; timeframes can be affected by workload, holidays, etc.)
• FREE SHIPPING for domestic U.S. orders
• WOOD TYPES AVAILABLE: cherry, maple
• EDGE STYLES AVAILABLE: burnt, plain
• MEASUREMENTS: 23x23x1 inches [LxWxH]
• PLAYING PIECES: 73+ people peg-style pawns (storage bag included; extras provided in case of loss)
• ARTWORK AVAILABLE: 25 designs (sample chart included in Photos) - custom artwork requests always welcome!
• MATERIALS USED: cherry or maple hardwood, oil-based stain (for playing pieces), satin finish lacquer
• CUSTOMIZATIONS AVAILABLE: 100 possible custom variants - selectable artwork options, as well as wood type and edge finishing - custom option examples are displayed on charts located in the Photos.
• UPGRADES / ACCESSORIES:
‣Color Enhancements - add colorful details to your board:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/786439555/color-enhancements-upgrade-option-to
‣Laser-Engraved Inlays - add precise graphical elements to the playing grid:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/865368284/laser-engraved-inlays-upgrade-item-for
‣Laser-Engraved Playing Pieces - add another level of detail and personalization to your game:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/1187194263/laser-engraved-game-pieces-upgrade-item
• OBJECT OF THE GAME: There are a great number of variants utilizing the tafl game mechanics; all ultimately derived from the original historical sources and found artefacts. All the Hnefatafl variants are 2-player abstract strategy games, with opposing sides that are uneven in number. One player plays the King and his Defenders, the other plays the surrounding Attackers. The King, aided by his Defenders, must escape from his starting position in the center of the board to one of the four corners. The Attackers must capture the King, typically by flanking the piece on 2 opposing sides, though some variant rules have other conditions for doing so. This 19x19 grid game will come with artistic detail denoting the opening positions for "Alea Evangelii", as well as a slightly alternative set-up, but other variants and even house rules games can be adapted easily due to the relatively flexible mechanics of the game. A rules pamphlet with rules for 19x19 Hnefatafl is included with the game.
• ADDITIONAL NOTES / INFO: Board is laid out and constructed in the more modern concept of playing pieces within the grid squares, as opposed to the historical intersections game play. The center area of the board has a raised dais installed for the King and members of his guard; adding further depth and detail to the massive playing area.

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PLEASE NOTE: All my items are crafted by me, in my home studio and workshop. I am a one-man show, with no ‘production partners’ to help mass-produce any item (though I will source pawns, etc. from quality reputable dealers). Be assured that when you buy an item from me, you are getting a distinctive creation from the original maker. Given the inherent nature of the handcrafted work, time frames for more complex creations, whether the complexity is the art, the build, or a combination of both, can be extensive. Please be patient; I communicate and update customers regularly with the status of their unique creation(s).