4x Warlord: Thaumaturge

During the post-Revolutionary War period, George Washington and Benjamin Franklin would often play chess together. Ben, a skilled player, typically won their matches. On one occasion, Franklin remarked that if the game more accurately reflected the complexities of real warfare, Washington would surely triumph. This comment sparked Washington's imagination and inspired him to create his own version of chess, which he named Warlord.

Though largely hidden by the elites, Washington’s innovative concept influenced some ‘in the know’ types to use his game design for themselves. Some even claim his ideas were subtly appropriated by early pioneers in gaming, such as Atari.

Building upon Washington's foundation, I’ve reimagined Warlord with a theme of savage sorcery and god-kings, transforming it into an immersive "beer-and-pretzels" game that combines epic strategy with thrilling fantasy. This is not just a game—it's a tribute to an enduring legacy of ingenuity and the pursuit of truth through play, and the defeat of tyranny, perceived and hidden...

My name is William James Payne. I do not lie.