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Guiscard 2: The Varangian Guard
2021
Rules assistance for Guiscard 2: The Varangian Guard
Plain-language explanations of turns, card effects and disputed situations, with official source references and saved question history.
- 2–4 players
- 90–180 min
- 14+
- Complexity 2.5/5
For 2 players
Rules assistant for Guiscard 2: The Varangian Guard
What would you like to know?
Answers come from the official rulebook, with the page to check.
Guiscard 2: The Varangian Guard is a board game released in 2021 for 2–4 players, 90–180 minutes per game, and ages 14 and up. It was designed by Buxeria and its main mechanics are Variable Set-up, Grid Movement, and Modular Board.
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About the game
GUISCARD 2: The Varangian Guard is a 2-player Skirmish level board-wargame that simulates the epic conquest of Southern Italy and Sicily by the Normans, led by Robert Guiscard ("the cunning" or "the weasel"), in the eleventh century. The game features the various factions of the time as the Byzantines, the Arabs of Sicily, the Lombards, the Germans and the Normans of course, who came as mere mercenaries in the middle of this mess of conflicting interests and who decided to seize power by arms. GUISCARD 2 is intended for those who want to play Cry Havoc but can no longer get an original box. GUISCARD was originally released in 2013 and is now out of print. This new version includes all the materials of the original game, but with counters printed on much thicker boards, a new map, new additional counters and a campaign game. New scenarios feature the Varangian Guard of the Byzantine emperors. An upgrade kit for owners of the first version of GUISCARD is also available. This kit consists of: - (5) A4 counter sheets printed on thick cardboard (similar to those of AGER SANGUINIS and MONTGISARD). - The map of The Chapel - The 2 campaign maps (Sicily and Apulia). - The completely revised rulebook, with many clarifications. It is the most comprehensive version to date of the games in the Norman Saga series. - The booklet with the historical background and the scenarios: 14 tactical scenarios including 4 entirely new ones and featuring the Varangian Guard of the Byzantine emperors, as well as 4 campaign scenarios. - The 3 double-sided play sheets. -description from designer
Mechanics
Designers
Publishers
- Historic'One
Questions and answers
Guiscard 2: The Varangian Guard supports 2–4 players according to the catalogue. This range comes from the publisher’s listed player count, so the game can be set up for any group size within it. Some setups, rules and scoring details may still vary by player count, so check your edition’s rulebook for the exact configuration.
The listed playing time for Guiscard 2: The Varangian Guard is 90–180 minutes. This is the publisher’s estimate for a full game. The actual duration depends on the group, the player count and familiarity with the rules: first sessions usually run longer, while experienced groups often finish faster. Setup and teaching time are not included in this estimate.
The catalogue lists Guiscard 2: The Varangian Guard for ages 14 and up. This is the publisher’s recommendation and reflects reading demands, rule complexity and small components rather than theme alone. Younger players can often join with help from an adult, so check the age guidance on your edition and consider your group’s experience with board games.
Guiscard 2: The Varangian Guard has a complexity rating of 2.5 out of 5 from BoardGameGeek players, which makes it a medium-light game. The rating reflects how much rules knowledge, planning and decision-making a typical game demands. Expect a longer first teach for heavier games, and use a preparation guide before game night.
Guiscard 2: The Varangian Guard belongs to these categories: Wargame and Medieval. Its main mechanics are Variable Set-up, Grid Movement, and Modular Board. Categories describe the theme and setting of a game, while mechanics describe what players actually do on their turns. Each mechanic links to a catalogue hub with similar games, which helps when you want something comparable.
The credited designers of Guiscard 2: The Varangian Guard are: Buxeria. These credits come from the published game data and name the people responsible for the game’s design, not its illustrators or publishers. Designer pages on MeepleRules collect other titles by the same designers, which helps when you enjoy a game and want to find similar ones.
The catalogue lists Guiscard 2: The Varangian Guard as a base game. It can be played on its own with the components in the box and does not require any other title. Expansions, if any exist, add new content or rules on top of it and are listed separately in the catalogue with a link back to this base game.