Single Comment

Since I first put this variant in the list of ones that I might overwrite, I've been wondering how I might salvage it. It is my only variant with a specifically Welsh element, in contrast to many variants of mine featuring the Unicorn associated with Scotland, in either its cubic or its hex form. I feel that I have still not fixed the imbalance of different number of pieces able to make trhe crossing without a Ferry and would do better to have the same number of such pieces on each side. Five aside seems better than three aside, so I wondered about having Rooks on both sides and adding Queenfilers (Queens restricted to moves that change file) to the Welsh side. This would give both players the same number of linemoves spread between their pieces, though leaving the remaining advantage for the Welsh side (the second player, after all) as regards short-range moves and not having any of their pieces colourbound. It would also mean that I could lift the restriction on non-dragons crossing and capturing in one move. I was already thinking along these lines, but the recent debate on what constitutes Chess made me realise what a constant the Rook has been.
	However, what board would suit these extra pieces? I can see that things will get a bit cramped on an 8x8 board, and I do not particularly want to get rid of any pieces. The Knight is not quite as much of a constant worldwide but it does go well with dragons thematically. A larger army would mean abandoning the 'standard equipment' tag anyway. My instinct is to add two ranks, to have a squarer block in each half of the board than addig two files would offer and lengthen possible Bishop moves from three steps to four. Two lots of five ranks would also echo Xiang Qi. Does this sound a good way of proceeding?