Legends (PBM)


Legends is a computer moderated play-by-mail fantasy strategy game.

History

Legends was created in 1986 by Jim Landes from his previous game, Epic. The original system had three paper manuals and operated by print-based turn-sheets via snail mail. In 1995, two years after Midnight Games had been acquired by a new owner, the game system underwent a major update with many major rule changes and new elements some of which were based on the suggestions of players. This new version was called Legends II and could be played via email, initially via a DOS utility called the Legends Turn Editor, and currently via the deluxe Legends Position Editor. Legends is currently owned by Sam Roads of Harlequin Games, who took over in 2002, and it is distributed in German by SSV Graz.
Although many modules were produced for the system, the 2009 release of The One Ring marked a high point. An officially licensed version of Legends based on Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, it went on to win Best PBM at the 37th Game Manufacturers Association Origins Awards.
The modules, or game worlds, which have been designed to run under the Legends game system include:
Up to 200 players can participate in a single game, which can last between 18 months and 5 years.

Reception

Legends won one of the 2004 Gamers' Choice Awards at the Origins Awards. Reviewer Bruce Daniel stated in White Wolf in 1991: "If I could only play in one PBM game, my game of choice would be Legends. I can't recommend it highly enough.