Hellenes is a block game by Craig Besinque (EastFront, Rommel in the Desert) covering the Peloponnesian War between Athens and Sparta in the 5th century BC.

SCENARIOS
Hellenes includes two standard scenarios 431-422 BC and 413-404 BC, plus a short introductory game covering Sicily only 415-413 BC, and a combined 415-404 BC Sicilian Campaign game. Land, sea and siege warfare are covered, and Pillaging is a significant method of gaining Prestige, upon which Victory is based. Play is card-driven with dual-usage cards having an Event and an Action Value, only one of which can be used when played. A game-year consists of 4 seasons, each player playing one card per season. Lower action values go first (Events having zero action value). A combat phase follows each player’s Actions phase, during which field battles and Siege assaults are resolved, or Siege Attrition is waged.

THE MAP
The area-based map covers Epidamnus to Rhodes, Byzantium to Pylos, plus a Sicily inset map. Land areas may contain fortified Cities or Ports, the latter having access to a specified adjacent sea area even when besieged. Cities have a fixed loyalty to one side or the other, which affects play. Some sea areas are separated by DeepSea borders, which are dangerous to cross due to possible storm losses.

UNITS
Game units are color-coded to match their home land areas/Cities. Units include Hoplites, Light Infantry, Archers, Cavalry, Barbarians and garrisons. Units can only arrive in play or be built up when occupying a Home area. Greek units arrive as 1cv units in a home area and remain in play. Barbarian units arrive at full strength but must disband at the end of the current game year. Garrisons can be built in captured opposing Cities and arrive automatically in friendly Cities that become besieged.

GAME EVENTS
Events in Hellenes include Civil War/Treachery/Factionalism (affect siege battles); Revolts in specified regions; Leadership changes; Raised Taxation (bonus actions at a cost of more revolts); Persian Aid (bonus Actions at a cost in Prestige lost yearly and nullification of Revolt cards); Earthquake and Augury (prevent certain enemy actions).

ACTIONS
Players expend Actions to: Move a group (or form one), Build an existing unit (located at home) one step, Recruit a new random unit (in a home area), Pillage a besieged opposing city, or Maintain a unit outside a friendly city in Winter.

Playing time is 3-4 hours for the standard games, 2 hours for the short game and 4-5 hours for the 415 BC Campaign game.

COMPONENTS
# Map 25.5 x 33 (9 panel)
# 60 red + 60 blue blocks (2x2x1 cm)
# 1 label sheet (120 labels)
# 55 Playing Cards
# 4 Setup cards (8.5 x 11)
# Rulebook

Versandkostenfrei + 10 Ziplockbeutel