CA3034426A1 - Board game apparatus and method of use for "in the land of" - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention of "In the Land of..." is a timed turn-based roleplaying board game that simulates socio-political relations between players within the context of game scenarios. Players utilize character sheets to role play as important characters within the game scenario who have specific traits, altitudes and socio-political perspectives. Game play takes place both on a geo-political diagrammatic map and within the room through structured interaction between players. Player's characters are represented on the board by figurines, allowing their spoken actions to take place on the game board. Players work in teams to represent countries controlling vast territories and armies. Players collect resources from their territories and use them to purchase units to protect and improve their territorial position. Interacting with other players they plan battles, create treaties and make declarations all to achieve stars and win the game. An "Overseer" acts as a referee and judge awarding the stars.

Description

Board game apparatus and method of use for "In the Land of..."
Field of the Invention The invention pertains generally to the field of games. More specifically the invention relates to both roleplaying and board games. A field filled with a variety of genres, this game falls in with the genres of strategy, political intrigue, roleplay and fantasy.
Summary of Invention "In the Land of ..." board game apparatus and method of use contains several unique elements that make it new, useful and non-obvious from other roleplaying, board games.
The game board apparatus consists of a rectangle that folds out into a larger rectangle with a slight depth allowing for many different rectangles shaped geo-political diagrammatical maps to be placed into it, creating the playing field for the game. Combined with this board are several other elements essential for the method of play to commence, including rolling dice, character cards, country cards, secret ability cards various written instructions, rules and procedures, stars, many different playing pieces, paper currency, two time keeping devices, and a Judge/Referee known as the "Overseer".
The invention possesses numerous benefits and advantages over other roleplaying and board-based games. In particular the use of two-time keeping devices one to time each team's turn, thereby keeping the game moving fast so players attention stays on the game and another timing the whole game, keeping players from becoming too exhausted and signaling the conclusion of the game. Character and Country sheets help players understand their role in the game, making the gameplay immersive, while also interacting with other players and effecting the board and playing pieces. Secret ability cards allow players to strategize using elements not granted to them at the beginning of the game but in the game through an attentive and engaged participation. Paper resource currency is used by players to purchase units and territory improvements, increasing their performance, allowing player's countries to participate military, economic and diplomatic exercises.

2 Ultimately, the game objective is based on having the best performance in seven-star areas of faith, character, military, diplomacy, economics, innovation and pivotal events, gaining the most of these stars indicates the winning.
Detailed Description of The Invention The board game apparatus and method of play for my intervention "In the Land of..." is defined in claim 1 to 22. The board game apparatus is illustrated in Figures 1 to 9.
The board game "In the Land of..." is played on the board along with accompanying plurality of interchangeable map selections both illustrated in figure 8 numbers 1,2,3, and 4. Players start the setup for the game by opening the board and laying one of the pluralities of interchangeable map selections in the rectangle place designed for it.
A player is picked from among the other players to serve as Overseer as claimed in Claim 1 and Claim 13. Following this, the players choose their character via the sheets illustrated in Figure 2 number 1 and claimed in claim 1 and claim 8. This will provide the players with a sheet that tells them their characters name , the character's bonus ability with its effects and how it can be used by the player, a physical description of each character and a unique set of sentences containing the traits, attitudes and socio-political perspectives of each player's assigned character With this choice they are put on a team and given a Country Team sheet as illustrated in Figure 3 number 1 and claimed in Claim 1 and Claim 9. This Country Team Sheet provides them with a unique summary of the history of the team's country, its borders and territories, the Character's country and the starting location on the playing field of each character figurines.
After the set up the players are to be instructed by the "Overseer" of the rules and procedures, in addition to the objective of the game which is claimed in Claim 1, Claim 13, Claim 14, Claim 15, Claim 16, Claim 17, Claim 18, Claim 20 and Claim 22. The game begins officially by the setting and starting of the World timer and the Country Team Timer illustrated in Figure 5 number 1 and 2, as claimed in Claim 1, Claim 11, Claim 13 and Claim 14. Once the game is started the Overseer begins to time the turn of the first team to their right with the Country Team Timer. The Country team timer continues to be stopped and reset rotating from team to team until the World Timer alarms indicating the ending of the

3 game. During the game the players and teams make many decisions, agreements, declarations and actions, they will be evaluated on these things by the "Overseer". The instructions for how they are to be evaluated and on what would have been previously explained at the beginning of the game by the "Overseer" and further explained in the rules.
During the game, teams purchase units, buildings and Special ability cards.
The units and building pieces are illustrated in Figure 9 numbers 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8 and 9 and are claimed in claim 1 and claim 4. The units are used to complete actions on the board as directed by the country team members. The Overseer carries out the Countries buildings and units' actions on the board as the rules and procedures dictate. Figure 4 number 1 illustrates the special ability cards as claimed in claim 1 and claim 7. The special ability cards and the plurality of playing pieces are purchased using the paper resource currency.
The paper resource currency denominations are illustrated in Figure 1 numbers 1,2 and 3 and are claimed in claim 1 and claim 10.
The end of the game is signalled by World timer count down coming to completion.
The overseer then proceeds to award the stars as claimed in claim 1 and claim 19 via the rules and procedures as claimed in claim 1 and claim 20. This concludes the game "In the Land of'.
Background of the Invention U.S. Pat. Publication No.4061336A, published on December 6th 1977, to Lincoln Launa J, Titled "Geographic Board Game". A travel game uses a puzzle map of the United States of America with the removable states as the playing surface. Tokens reflecting different modes of travel are used to represent a player's position in making trips between a start state and a destination state, each being marked with an "S" or "D" token. Spinners are used to randomly determine a player's mode of travel and the length of his move.
Reward cards and penalty cards contain special instructions modifying a regular move.
Optional insurance is available to protect against some of the penalties. Play money is used to pay fees and penalties. Bonuses and rewards may be collected during play.

4 U.S. Pat. Publication No.5350179A, published on October 27th 1994, to Lloyd Evelyn J, Titled "Drug awareness game and method for playing". A board game apparatus (10) wherein players assume the identities of police officers and fight the war against crack cocaine. Board game apparatus (10) is divided into a first main region (24), a second main region (26), a third main region (28) and a fourth main region (30) wherein a pathway (52), communicates between the four main regions. Pathway (52) in first main region (24) has a plurality of playing positions wherein a player must obtain a plurality of prerequisite items for fighting the war on crack cocaine, such as a bulletproof vest, a task force, armaments, a police badge and a search warrant. Pathway (52) in second main region (26), third main region (28) and fourth main region (30) contain playing positions which give instructions, give information, give both information and instructions, designate barricade positions, designate neutral positions, require the drawing of cards, or the like.
Additionally board game apparatus (10) includes a set of guidance cards (14) for guiding the movements of players and a set of guilt determination cards (16) for determining the guilt or innocence of a plurality of criminals existing in the game. A police chart (18) allows players to monitor their progress while playing the board game apparatus (10).
U.S. Pat. Publication No.5954332A, published on October 21th 1999, to George T. Mero, Michael J. Metro, Titled "Role playing game". Disclosed herein is a role playing game for 2-6 players. The game is broken down into a series of class games to decide a plurality of class winners, each of said games utilizing a different game board and game pieces.
The class winners, once determined, unite to play against an ultimate final opponent, Malreath.
Game play includes game cards which are directly affected by the resulting roll of a pair of dice. In addition, every game card sold is individual numbered, certain of the cards being more or less rare than the others.
U.S. Pat. Publication No.5570887A, published on November 5th 1996, to George Christie Jr, Titled "Apparatus and method of playing a medieval conflict board game for two to four players". A board game for two to four players provides a simulation of conflict between opposing monarchies in a medieval European culture. Players each control several different types of playing pieces, with the pieces each having different movement patterns on the board. Chance elements are also provided by the random drawing of cards and casting of dice, with the dice having different numbers of faces arranged in regular polyhedral

5 configurations. Plural pieces may be moved by a player in a single turn, according to the total number of spaces determined by the casting of the appropriate die.
Playing pieces may have differing levels of strength, and those levels may vary during the course of the game.
Conflict between two opposing pieces may involve multiple turns by the two opposing players, depending upon the pieces and their respective strengths. Trades of various articles may also be made between allied pieces controlled by any one given player. The object of the game is to conquer the opposing players' kingdom(s), by capturing or defeating their playing pieces and king(s).
U.S. Pat. Publication No.5667223A, published on October 16th 1997, to Avraham Yedid, Titled "Strategy board game and method of play thereof'. A novel strategy board game and method of play thereof is disclosed. The board game is played on a board having a playing surface arranged as a plurality of squares. The board is arranged as nine rows by five columns of squares. The squares alternate light and dark in checkerboard style. Two players each start a primary playing piece and four guards. The guards operate in pairs, with each player having two pair, and function to both protect a player's primary playing piece and attack the opponent's playing pieces. In the center square of the board sits the crown representing the princess. The object of the game is for a player to be the first to reach the princess with his/her primary playing piece. Players utilize their playing pieces to put squeezes on their opponent's playing pieces. A squeeze functions to force a player to move the squeezed piece. A squeezed playing piece can be rescued by their partner playing piece by raising the squeeze to a royal squeeze. Players rely on their skill and strategy to win, as chance or luck is not an element of the game.
U.S. Pat. Publication No.6764077B1, published on July 20th 2004, to Paul Miravete, Titled "Financial board game".Disclosed herein is a financial board game that teaches its players about buying and selling securities, about investment strategies, and about the business world. The game as disclosed includes a plurality of spaces forming a closed loop path about the periphery of the board. Many of the spaces are subdivided into subspaces. Some of the subspaces dictate the type of security available for purchase or sale and an indication of price. Other of the subspaces indicate that a question is to be answered by a player. In addition, players each receive a Portfolio Asset Allocation Card which dictates an

6 investment strategy, setting forth the securities that are to be accumulated during the course of the game.
The abovementioned patents reflect the state of the art of which the applicant is aware and are tendered with the view toward discharging applicant's acknowledged duty of candour in disclosing information which may be pertinent in the examination of this application. It is respectfully stipulated, however, that none of these patents teach or render obvious, singularly or when considered in combination, the applicants claimed process and apparatus for playing "In the Land of ..." board game.

Description Fig.i In Figure 1 numbers 1,2,3 shows an illustrative example of the plurality of paper resource currency bills as claimed in Claim 1 and Claim lo are shown using denominations of 1,5 and 10.
Fig.2 In Figure 2 number 1 shows an illustrative example of a character sheet as claimed in claim 1 and claim 8.
Fig.3 In figure 3 number 1 an illustrative example of a country team sheet is shown as claimed in claim 1 and claim 9.
Fig.4 In figure 4 number 1 an illustrative example of a special ability card is shown as claimed in claim 1 and claim 7.
Fig.5 In figure 5 numbers 1 and 2 shows an illustrative example of the plurality of timekeeping devices as claimed in claim 1 and 10.
Fig.6 In figure 6 numbers 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8 and 10 show an illustrative example of the plurality types of playing pieces in token form as described in claim 1 and 4. Shown in figure 6 number 9 is a illustrative example of the character figurine token as claimed in claim 1 and 5.
Fig.7 In figure 7 number 1 shows an illustrative example of the plurality of rolling dice as claimed in claim 1 and claim 6.

Fig.8 In figure 8 number 1 shows an illustrative example of the game board as claimed in claim 1 and claim 2. Number 2 shows and illustrative example of how an interchangeable map can be placed in the gameboard. Number 3 shows an illustrative close up view of an example of one of the pluralities of interchangeable map selections as claimed in claim 1 and 3.
Number 4 shows an illustrative example of both a land and water movement space territory on the interchangeable map selection as claimed in claim 3.
Fig.9 In figure 9 numbers 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9 show an illustrative example of the plurality of types of playing pieces and character figurines as claimed in claim 1, claim 4 and claim 5.
The previous disclosure and the showings made in the drawings are merely illustrative of the principles of this invention and are not to be interpreted in a limiting sense. As such it is to be understood that the present invention of method of playing and board game apparatus for "In the Land..." are not limited to the embodiments described above.

Claims (22)

The Embodiments of The Invention In Which An Exclusive Property Or Privilege Is Claimed as Defined As Follows:
1. Claim 1. A board game to be played by a plurality of players comprising of a game board that folds out making room for the a variable selection of interchangeable game playing maps to be placed on top of creating the playing field for the game, a plurality of types of playing unit pieces, a plurality of rolling dice, plurality of character figurines, a plurality of secret ability cards, a plurality of character sheets, a plurality of country team sheets, a plurality of paper resource currency bills, a plurality of timekeeping devices, a plurality of variable interchangeable game playing maps that fit into the fold-out game board, talking rule procedure, role of the Overseer position, resource currency bill collection procedures, game timing procedure, action procedures and rules, unit, building and secret ability purchase procedures and rules, attack and defend procedures and rules, rolling dice rules and procedures, a plurality of stars, plurality of procedures and rules for awarding each star, winning the game rules and procedures.
2. Claim 2. A game board as claimed in Claim 1, comprising of a fold out rectangle with a length of 24 inches, height of 15 inches and a width of 1.5 centimeters, containing a second rectangle within it differentiated by a width depth of one centimeter and a length of 22 inches and a height of 13 inches, which allows for a plurality of interchangeable map selections with the same dimensions to be placed in the second rectangle found within the first rectangle fold-out game board creating the playing field for the game.
3. Claim 3. A plurality of interchangeable map selections as claimed in Claim 1 and Claim 2, that consist of a detailed geo-political diagrammatic representation of an area including both the water and land movement spaces, containing territories which are distinguished and divided up by borders creating a plurality shapes each with a specific name designation followed by a number indicating its resource currency output.
4. Claim 4. A plurality of types of playing unit pieces as claimed in claim 1, comprising of specifically factory unit pieces described as a peg with a box and a chimney stack on top or a token with an F on it. City unit pieces described as a peg with a bunch of boxes on it with varying degrees of height and widths skyscraper buildings or a token with a C on it.
   Infantry unit pieces described as a peg with a single humanoid creature on it with an object in hand of variable type or a token with the letter I written on it.
   Tank unit pieces described as a peg with a rectangle box on it with a long gun barrel protruding out of it or a token with the letter T written on it. Cavalry unit pieces described as a peg with a humanoid creature on top of a four-legged creature or a token with the letter H on it.
   Anti-tank unit pieces described as a peg with a square box on it with two wheels on each side and a gun barrel protruding out of the square box or a token with the letters A-T on it. Bomber unit pieces described as a peg with an aircraft machine of variable designs or a token with the letter B written on it. Anti-aircraft gun unit pieces described as a peg with an anti-aircraft gun machine of variable designs on it or a token with the letters A-A on it. Battleship unit pieces described as a peg with a naval vessel of variable designs or a token with the letter S written on it.
5. Claim 5. A plurality of character figurines as claimed in claim 1, character figurines consist of unique physical features specific to each character placed on a peg or a token with their name written on it as described in the Character sheets claimed in claim 1 and claim 8.
6. Claim 6. A plurality of rolling dice as claimed in claim 1, comprising of eight exactly the same dice, each with six sides, each side listing a number from 1 to 6, with no number repeated.
7. Claim 7. A plurality of secret ability cards as claimed in claim 1, each one consisting of a unique special ability to be utilized by a single player or a team, culminating with an effect on the other player's gameplay, other team's gameplay, the game pieces and the playing field.
8. Claim 8. A plurality of character sheets as claimed in Claim 1, each character sheet contains the name of the character, the character's bonus ability with its effects and how it can be used by the player, a physical description of each character and a unique set of sentences containing the traits, attitudes and socio-political perspectives of each player's assigned character.
9. Claim 9. A plurality of country team sheets as claimed in Claim 1, country team sheets each consist of a unique summary of the history of the team's country, its borders and territories, the Character's country and the starting location on the playing field of each character figurines.
10. Claim 10. A plurality of paper resource currency bills as claimed in Claim 1, each paper resource currency bill consists of a number detailing how many resource units it is worth.
11. Claim 11. A plurality of timekeeping devices as claimed in Claim 1, two timekeeping devices, one large time keeping device known as the World timer that can be set for up to a max of two hours and one small handheld device known as the Country Team timer that can only be set for up to a maximum of 2 minutes.
12. Claim 12. A talking rule procedure to be utilized in the successful playing of the game as claimed in Claim 1, talking rule procedure consisting of the baring of all conversation between the players during the game, except under two circumstances, first being conversation between players on the same team which is always allowed but must be kept quiet, second is conversation is permitted for all team members during their country team time and anyone they talk to may respond to their direct questions.
13. Claim 13. The role of the Overseer position as claimed in claim 1, to be utilized in the successful playing of the game, consisting of the enrollment of a neutral player who acts as the game's referee and enforces all the games rules and procedures, holding broad discretionary powers of altering the country team timer and resource collection for each team as a means of punishing those who break or infringe on the rules of the game.
14. Claim 14. Game timing procedure as claimed in Claim 1, consisting of two requirements, first that the World timer can only be set for two hours maximum and cannot be extended, second that the country team timer can only be set for a maximum of two minutes and the overseer is responsible for starting the time and letting the team know when their time is almost up.
15. Claim 15. The action procedures and rules as claimed in Claim 1, refers to the specific actions each player is allowed to take using the playing pieces, the action procedures and rules details what counts as an action and how those actions can be undertaken by the players.
16. Claim 16. The unit and building purchase procedures and rules as claimed in Claim 1, refers to the specific cost to each player when using the paper resource currency bills as claimed in claim 1 and 10 for purchasing a single unit or card of the plurality of secret ability cards and the plurality of types of playing unit pieces that were mentioned in claim 1, claim 4 and claim 7.
17. Claim 17. The attack and defend procedures and rules as claimed in Claim 1, refer to specific process of using the plurality of type unit playing pieces and the plurality of character figurines mentioned in claim 1 and claim 4 in attacking and defending, when the player or team is attacking they get to chose which type of unit playing piece of their own they want to use to attack which type of unit playing piece of the defenders.
18. Claim 18. The rolling dice rules and procedures as claimed in Claim 1, refer to how the plurality of rolling dice mentioned in claim 1 and claim 6 are utilized, each of the plurality of type unit playing pieces and the plurality of character figurines as mentioned in claim 1, claim 4 and claim 5 is subscribed a specific number of dice to used when rolling to defend and attack.
19. Claim 19. A plurality of stars as claimed in claim 1, refers to seven unique stars to be awarded to the players and/ or team members at the end of the game, the first star is the Character star, the second star is the Economic star, the third star is the Diplomatic star, the fourth star is the Faith star, the fifth star is the Pivotal Events star, the sixth star is the Utility star and the seventh star is the Innovation star.
20. Claim 20. A plurality of procedures and rules for awarding each star as claimed in claim 1 refers to specific process of the Overseer awarding each of the seven stars mentioned in claim 1 and claim 19 each for unique reasons, the character star is awarded to the player who best embodies the character through use of the traits, attitudes and socio-political perspectives mentioned in the character sheets in claim 1 and claim 8, the Economic star is awarded to the player who saved the most paper resource currency by the end of the game, the Diplomatic star is awarded to the player that was the most successful in making diplomatic agreements or who made the most agreements in total, the Faith star is awarded to the player who caused the greatest impact on their religion, by converting the most characters or countries, the Pivotal Events star is awarded to the player who caused the most or greatest pivotal events to occur in the game, the Innovation star is awarded to the player who makes the best use of their position despite being obviously disadvantaged and finally the Utility star is awarded to the player who has the most tank units, battleship units, bomber units, anti- tank units and anti-aircraft units.
21. Claim 21. Resource currency bill collection procedures as claimed in claim 1, refers to the way in which players receive their paper resource currencies as mentioned in claim 1 and claim 10, players receive their paper resource currencies from the Overseer after they count up all numbers present in the territories confirmed to be referenced in the Country Team Sheets as claimed in claimed in claim 1 and claim 9 or that have been witnessed by the Overseer as being taken by force or by trade agreement during the game.
22. Claim 22. Winning the game rules and procedures as claimed in claim 1, refers to the process in which a player or team wins the game by being awarded the most stars by the overseer as mentioned in claim 1, claim 13, claim 19 and claim 20.