Legends (PBM)

Legends is a computer moderated play-by-mail fantasy strategy game.

History

Legends was created in 1986 by Jim Landes from his previous game, Epic. The original system had three paper manuals and operated by print-based turn-sheets via snail mail. In 1995, two years after Midnight Games had been acquired by a new owner, the game system underwent a major update with many major rule changes and new elements some of which were based on the suggestions of players. This new version was called Legends II and could be played via email, initially via a DOS utility called the Legends Turn Editor, and currently via the deluxe Legends Position Editor. Legends is currently owned by Sam Roads of Harlequin Games, who took over in 2002, and it is distributed in German by SSV Graz.[1]

Although many modules were produced for the system, the 2009 release of The One Ring marked a high point. An officially licensed version of Legends based on Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, it went on to win Best PBM at the 37th Game Manufacturers Association Origins Awards.[2]

The modules, or game worlds, which have been designed to run under the Legends game system include:

  • Crown of Avalon (1988).
  • Realm of the Immortals (1990), later revamped as Immortals' Realm in 2002.
  • North Island Campaign (1992), later revamped as North Island Campaign II in 2001, winner of a Game Manufacturers Association award for Best PBM.
  • Dark Domain (1994), later revamped as Dark Domain II in 2002 for a special international champions game.
  • Swords of Pelarn (1995), winner of the Origins Award for Best New Play-by-Mail Game of 1995.[3]
  • Crown of Chaos (1997).
  • Twilight Crusade (2003).
  • Hannibal's War (2003).
  • Adventures in Avalon (2004), later revamped as Avalon Revisited in 2007.
  • The One Ring, (2009) a game based on The Lord of the Rings.

Up to 200 players can participate in a single game, which can last between 18 months and 5 years.[4]

Reception

Legends won one of the 2004 Gamers' Choice Awards at the Origins Awards.[5][6] Reviewer Bruce Daniel stated in White Wolf in 1991: "If I could only play in one PBM game, my game of choice would be Legends. I can't recommend it highly enough.[7]

See also

References
  1. "The Legends Corner". Archived from the original on 2011-07-20.
  2. "37th Origins Awards". Archived from the original on 2012-12-16.
  3. "1995 list of winners". Academy of Adventure Gaming Arts and Design. Archived from the original on 2009-05-04. Retrieved 2014-01-14.
  4. Review in Flagship Magazine
  5. "2004 - Academy of Adventure Gaming Arts and Design". Archived from the original on 2009-06-04. Retrieved 2009-06-24. Academy of Adventure Gaming Arts and Design awards. 1995 Best new PBM Game. 2004 Gamer's Choice.
  6. "The 2004 Origins Awards". Archived from the original on 9 September 2013. Retrieved 23 July 2013.
  7. Daniel, Bruce R. (June–July 1991). "Legends in our Time". White Wolf Magazine. No. 27. p. 18.

Bibliography
  • Bock, Bill (May–June 1991). "Tips on Legends". Paper Mayhem. No. 48. The Paper Mayhem Association. p. 20.
  • Bunker, Robert J.; Hanson, Ronald C. (September–October 1990). "Legends Playtest Notes". Paper Mayhem. No. 44. The Paper Mayhem Association. pp. 16–18.
  • Daniel, Bruce R. (June–July 1991). "Legends in our Time". White Wolf Magazine. No. 27. pp. 12–18.
  • Dyche, David W. (July–August 1990). "Legends: A Review Part II". Paper Mayhem. No. 43. The Paper Mayhem Association. pp. 40–46.
  • Haberkern, Larry (March–April 1996). "Legends: Swords of Pelarn Module Review". Paper Mayhem. No. 77. p. 12.
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