Banish the Snakes: A Game of St. Patrick in Ireland

Banish the Snakes is a cooperative (or solitaire) game that simulates Ireland in the 5th century, while the Roman Empire was collapsing in the west and Ireland was turning to the Christian religion. Players represent Saints: Patrick and others (up to six of you) who set out to transform the island. You must work as a team to convert the people of Ireland before the barbarians completely overwhelm Britain-if you fail, the Irish will not be able to save Civilization in the following centuries!

The game board shows a map of Ireland in the 5th century, with four Provinces-the same as today-but no counties yet. Wooden tiles represent the People, Druids, Chiefs, and Kings, and of course the High King at Tara. It is your job to break into the interrelated influences between these factions and get your new ideas accepted. You will receive unpredictable levels of support from your new converts, as you build churches and debate druids throughout the island.

A card is drawn each turn, throwing new challenges at your team. The severity of the event is determined by the previous card, and so no two games can ever play the same. The cards introduce events and ideas of the time, new saints, and historic figures-like Neil of the Nine Hostages.

If you succeed in your endeavor, Christianity will thrive in Ireland, while paganism overruns Western Europe. The arts, writing, literature and history will flourish on the Emerald Isle! Soon, Irish missionaries will bring these civilizing attributes back to Great Britain and mainland Europe-as Thomas Cahill says in his book, the Irish will save Civilization. But if you fail, literacy and written history will be snuffed out in Ireland, and the Dark Ages will continue for hundreds of more years in Europe.

• 1 Mounted Game Board (25½" x 22")
• 150 Wood Blocks and other Pieces
• 6 Player Pawns
• 1 Custom Player Turn Marker
• 95 Cards
  
• 1 Block Label Sheet
• 6 Player Mats
• Rule Booklet
• Play Booklet
• 1 six-sided Custom Dice