Dragonriders of Pern Overview
Based on the novels by Anne McCaffrey, Dragonriders of Pern is a strategy game for one to four players. Participants assume the role of a Weyrleader, whose primary goal is to protect the land from a destructive force called Thread through a combination of diplomacy and direct action.
The core experience is a strategic phase where time passes in real time, though it can be paused. Here, players engage in negotiation and intrigue with figures like Lord Holders and Craftsmasters to build alliances. Diplomatic efforts can be enhanced by hosting events such as Hatchings or weddings. If diplomacy fails, players may resort to duels, which carry the risk of incapacitating a leader and damaging relations with others. The strategic landscape can also be disrupted by conclaves called after specific events, which cancel various ongoing diplomatic activities.
Thread fighting represents an action-oriented sequence that occurs annually. Players mount their dragons to incinerate the falling Thread in midair before it can reach the ground, where it causes devastation. This phase can be adjusted for difficulty or disabled completely at the start of a game.
A game concludes after a set number of turns, when a player earns enough Victory Points from alliances, or if too many Holds become infested by Thread. The balance between careful diplomacy and successful Thread combat determines victory, making the overall experience challenging as players manage both social and physical threats.
