Over the past few months I have had a great opportunity to play Seljuk: Byzantium Besieged, 1068-1071 extensively, and as the fifth installment in Volko Ruhnke’s acclaimed Levy & Campaign series, it definitely deserves a proper set of materials to help you get into it. Designed by Justin Fassino and published by GMT Games, Seljuk takes us to eleventh-century Anatolia, where the Eastern Roman Empire under Romanos Diogenes faces the relentless advance of the Seljuk Turks under Sultan Alp Arslan, all building up to the climactic Battle of Manzikert in 1071. I decided to combine everything I have created for this title into one article, so you can easily use it both when initially learning it and when trying to master the finer strategic points of the game.
As with previous titles in the system, the entry effort here is somewhat limited if you already know the Levy & Campaign core mechanics – but Seljuk brings its own share of novelties, from asymmetric victory conditions to a fascinating cat-and-mouse dynamic between the fast, mobile Seljuk raiders and the more resilient Roman forces. Below you will find the materials in a logical order: starting with rules explanation for those just getting into the game, and moving on to more advanced strategic and scenario-focused content for those already familiar with the system. Enjoy!
First up is an overview of the game itself – what it is about, its historical background, the components, core mechanics, and victory conditions. This is the ideal place to start if you are wondering whether Seljuk is a title for you.
The next material in line will be more theoretical – detailed explanation of all the rules, sequence of play and victory conditions. If you prefer watching video to reading the book this is something for you!
Now, something for the long-time fans of Levy & Campaign system. Here we focus on all the new mechanics, solutions and ideas which this fifth installment brings.
Battle of Manzikert was a culminating moment of the conflict in Anatolia between Romans and Seljuks. In above material we will explain Battle resolution mechanics as well as play actual engagement. Would we achieve the historical result or manage to change the outcome?
I will not deny it, Seljuk enamored me with its gorgeous map and components, the tense cat-and-mouse dynamic between fast, elusive Seljuk raiders and the more resilient but slower Roman forces, asymmetric victory conditions that keep both sides thinking completely differently, and a genuinely gripping historical narrative building up to the climactic Battle of Manzikert. So I hope the set of materials below will allow you to get to know this fantastic title too!