Is Dukedoms based upon historical China? No, even though I have used an East Asian theme for the art and graphics, the historical inspiration was medieval Germany.

How did Dukedoms come to exist? Back in the days before the internet, we test-played a game called The Great War via the U.S. Postal Service. The rule systems worked very well, but in being historically accurate, the game presented a frustrating imbalance. Dukedoms was initially created to utilize the same systems from The Great War yet provide each player an equal opportunity for victory. Nevertheless, during the initial set of play-testing between 1992 to 2000, the rules were reshaped and today, they have little resemblance to The Great War. When I revisited the rules in 2002, I was quite impressed by the system, so I spent a some time redesigning the map and subtly modifying rules to eliminate many of the "bean-counting" aspects of the game which had been possible because it was an internet based game rather than a board game.

So, Dukedoms is a board game then? Yes, my goal was always to create a board game version of Dukedoms where six players can sit together face-to-face and play. In this digital age, there is something profoundly human about being with other humans.

When is the next game? I need some encouragement because I am being distracted by several games which are presently under development. I had hoped to spend more time with Dukedoms, but I have been distracted with Henchmen, PPP, Classical Pirates, and Revolution. Too many darn irons in the fire.