Khan: The Rise of the Mongols (2005)

Strategy & Tactics magazine #229.

A wargame simulating the rise of the Mongols from their origins as a minor nomadic tribe through their sweep across Eurasia, during which they conquered the prominent empires of the age and established a vast realm that stretched from China to Russia and the Middle East. The game has several scenarios, representing the initial Mongol explosion out of Central Asia, the later campaigns of consolidation in the era of Kublai Khan, and a grand scenario representing the entire era.

Khan is a two-player game. The Mongol player controls the forces of the Mongols themselves, as well as their various subject peoples. The Kingdoms player controls various independent states and rebels who are opposed to the Mongols. The Mongol player, representing a single, centralized empire, has more direct control over his forces. The Kingdoms player, representing a range of sometimes competing powers, will find the game system causes various subordinate forces to enter and exit from his control at different times. Both player's forces are represented by military units and stratagem markers. Players must use a combination of military strength and cunning strategy to expand their power or defend their independence.

Each game turn represents five years. Each hex is approximately 100 miles across. Each military unit represents 10,000 – 100,000 troops, plus pack animals, camp followers, bureaucrats, etc. Each leader represents a single great person or cadre of generals and officials, plus an elite bodyguard.

The Khan rules are part of the same series as the Charlemagne (S&T #189), Xenophon (S&T #203) and Belisarius (S&T #210) games.