General Game Structure

Greek Fire is a general set of game rules that allows speedy but 'character-ful' play in the Aegean in the era of Classical Greece. Greek Fire - the Persian War (see map) focuses upon the Persian invasion of 480 B.C.

The Aegean in the period of The Persian Wars (490 to 479 B.C.) 

The game is divided into four broad Chapters - Prelude, Preparation, Invasion and The Great battle. Each chapter has it's own distinct flavour (see Rules), but in accordance with the Greek Fire Manifesto, the rules are kept as simple as possible by embedding as much of the games mechanics into the board as possible, as along side the rules themselves, it is vitally important to understand the world in which you are battling (see Board Notes).

Prelude: Starting in 494 BC before the battle of Miletus. This means that the Greek States, who supported the Greek coastal cities of Ionia, on the Eastern coast of the Aegean, in rebelling against the Persian empire, are start engaged in Asia Minor. The battle is approaching, and the Greek states have to decide whether they stay and fight, or retreat and leave the Ionians to fend for themselves. Greek Fires is not determined by history - a brave stand at Miletus can have significant benefits, but it is likely that the Persian steamroller continues in some form - and the rest of these phase is likely to be concerned with either the Persians rolling up the rest of Ionia, or the Greeks fortifying Miletus.

Preparation: The next phase covers 495 to the Persian Invasion - historically this took place in 480 BC, but events in Ionia may accelerate or delay this. This phase focuses on preparations for war - raising troops, building ships, fortifying cities. It is when the Greek Cities must decide whether they will fight, stay neutral, of side with the Great King, so also a time of diplomacy between players. Athens and Sparta are the two most powerful Greek States, and led the Greek intervention in Ionia. Punishing them is a key aim of the Great King, and although more powerful than other states, Athens and Sparta don't have the diplomatic options of others - they cannot side with Persia, or be neutral.

Invasion: Historically, the Persians invaded along the northern coast of the Aegean, a fleet shadowing the land advance, Depending on the outcome of earlier phases the Persian may indeed attempt to do this, or they may 'island hop' across the central islands of the sea. They may even try a southern route, via Crete, to strike right at the heart of the allied Greek states. With resources gathered, defences strengthened, and plans laid, the Greeks now wait the Persian onslaught. Will they try to halt the enemy at sea, or in narrow passes? Will they allow the Persians to advance, to guard their strength?

The Great Battle: Ultimately, however, the final great battle, the battle will decide the fate of Greece, cannot be avoided - and it is that battle, whenever and where ever it comes, that marks the end of the game.