Magister: Rules of Noble Stratagem
Herein are presented the rules for the game of Magister, a most noble contest of wit and cunning, first devised on the island of Rulk Majier but now favored by learned minds and rulers throughout the known realms.
I. The Field of Honour
Let first a square board be crafted, five squares wide and five squares deep, forming twenty-five equal spaces.
The initial disposition of pieces shall be thus:
II. Of the Pieces and Their Powers
Each player commands ten pieces, each endowed with distinct and mystic movements:
Magister (M) Moves freely any number of squares horizontally, vertically, or diagonally.
Golem (G) Moves freely any number of squares horizontally or vertically.
Griffin-Knight (K) Leaps in an "L" shape: two squares straight, then one square perpendicular. May leap over intervening pieces.
Sorcerer (S) Moves freely any number of squares diagonally.
Basilisk (B) Moves precisely one square in any direction.
Acolyte (A) Moves forward one square only; captures diagonally forward one square. Cannot retreat.
III. The Objective
Your solemn task is the capture of your adversary’s Magister. The instant this occurs, victory is yours.
IV. Conduct of Play
The player commanding White initiates the contest. Henceforth, each participant in turn moves precisely one piece according to its ordained powers. Should your chosen square be occupied by a foe, remove said enemy from the field—this action is called a capture.
V. Forbidden Moves and Conclusion
Beware, for some moves are illegal and bring dishonour:
To move a piece off the sacred board or through an occupied square (save only the Griffin-Knight’s leap) is forbidden.
One cannot capture one’s own piece; such folly is disallowed.
To expose your own Magister to immediate capture is strictly prohibited.
The contest reaches stalemate when the player due to move has no lawful moves yet their Magister stands uncaptured. Such state results in a draw. Also, both parties may mutually consent to draw the contest.
Now you know fully the laws of Magister. Take your place, move wisely, and guard well your Magister!