Why little chess pieces instead of little action figure miniatures?
Chess pieces work on more levels than any other figure could:
First of all, they are functional, with 6 distinct shapes to represent the 6 different players, and a corresponding darker color for when each player "turns", as they say.
Second, chess is a game steeped in history, strategy and storytelling.
Thirdly, the imagination is more powerful, when given room, than any imposed form.
And the clincher is that the character of each chess piece aligns serendipitous with each human character it represents:
Dr. Fabergé - an effective woman character without whom the rest are very much the poorer = the Queen
Grunt Stockwell - a strong, sturdy character who's unique skill becomes increasingly useful as the game progresses = the Rook
Dkembe Eto - a fleet of foot character whose ability is perhaps best suited for the early game = the Knight
Stuart Grimsby - a clever and slippery fellow who can slide in and out out danger better than most, and he moonlights as a priest = the Bishop
Ace Striker - a once great man, but is for now retired and seeking an undisturbed existence = the King
Paul Regret - the only character without a special ability. He is meek and does not have high hopes for humanity, himself included = the Pawn
First of all, they are functional, with 6 distinct shapes to represent the 6 different players, and a corresponding darker color for when each player "turns", as they say.
Second, chess is a game steeped in history, strategy and storytelling.
Thirdly, the imagination is more powerful, when given room, than any imposed form.
And the clincher is that the character of each chess piece aligns serendipitous with each human character it represents:
Dr. Fabergé - an effective woman character without whom the rest are very much the poorer = the Queen
Grunt Stockwell - a strong, sturdy character who's unique skill becomes increasingly useful as the game progresses = the Rook
Dkembe Eto - a fleet of foot character whose ability is perhaps best suited for the early game = the Knight
Stuart Grimsby - a clever and slippery fellow who can slide in and out out danger better than most, and he moonlights as a priest = the Bishop
Ace Striker - a once great man, but is for now retired and seeking an undisturbed existence = the King
Paul Regret - the only character without a special ability. He is meek and does not have high hopes for humanity, himself included = the Pawn
