GAME APPARATUS AND METHOD

A game apparatus and method of play using a frustum board having a plurality of attachment nodes; and, a plurality of accessories, wherein the board and accessories are comprised of one or more attachment nodes; a set of playing currency; one or more distinguishable sets of playing characters; and, a means of chance. The board may be further comprised of one or more projections, wherein each projection is comprised of one or more attachment nodes and may further include one or more functional elements. The board may be uniquely themed and decorated to appeal to a variety of consumers.

Skip to: Description  ·  Claims  · Patent History  ·  Patent History
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Games are tools for entertainment and education. Successful games facilitate or simulate social interaction, encourage strategic and creative thinking, balance skill with chance, and ultimately entertain people or individuals playing or viewing the game. Notable successful games include: Monopoly® U.S. Pat. No. 2,026,082, Sorry!® U.S. Pat. No. 1,903,661, and CLUE® United Kingdom Patent No. 586,817. Board games like these offer an experience that can be lost by other means of gaming.

Hands-on games, and specifically board games, can engage touch-senses by creating pieces from various materials, having certain textures and coloration. Such games can promote high-quality social interactions, because they tend to be played by groups of familiar people roughly occupying the same space. The sensation of physically touching and interacting with game pieces is simply not readily available in today's virtual gaming world. Video games, computer games, and games played using phones and other electronic devices lack a certain authenticity, and some are widely criticized for inducing anti-social and sedentary behaviors that may have long-term and negative health consequences.

Board games can be easily transported, and can be played indoors or at outdoor locations. Such games are not limited by energy storage, wiring, power sources, or network coverage. For at least these reasons, society would benefit from a new and exciting hands-on game.

Table games, such as pool, shuffleboard, or air hockey tables, require substantial space. Individuals and entities are known to dedicate entire rooms to these games, to allow players enough space to maneuver and appropriately position themselves during play. These tables are relatively expensive, heavy, and difficult to move. Accordingly, smaller games that are convenient to store or transport may be preferred by the average person.

There is currently a need for a new and exciting game that can be enjoyed by persons of all ages and abilities, which conveniently facilitates or simulates social interaction, encourages strategic and creative thinking, balances skill with chance, and provides entertainment to people or individuals who are playing or viewing a game.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This engaging game facilitates or simulates social interaction; one person or a group of people can play. Players maneuver around the board to arrange and collect pieces throughout the game. Strategic and creative thinking, and skill, can improve a team's odds of winning; and chance intervenes to even the playing field and contribute to the entertainment. This game can be easily stored, transported, and set-up to be enjoyed by one or more people.

The present invention discloses a game apparatus comprised of a frustum board having a plurality of attachment nodes; a plurality of playing currency; at least one set of playing characters; and, a means of chance. The game apparatus further includes an accessory or a plurality of accessories, wherein an accessory is comprised of at least one attachment node; at least one accessory is an active accessory and at least one accessory is a passive accessory.

The game apparatus is also comprised of a projection or a plurality of projections; and, a projection is comprised of at least one attachment node. One projection includes, or multiple projections include, a functional element or multiple functional elements. The game apparatus also includes at least one deck of playing cards, having positive playing cards and negative playing cards; at least one playing card is a positive playing card and at least one playing card is a negative playing card.

The subject invention teaches a method of playing a game on a frustum board having a plurality of attachment nodes; a plurality of playing currency; at least one set of playing characters; and a means of chance, wherein the means of chance determines an order of play; wherein a team assembles the frustum board to include or omit a projection, or multiple projections; and, wherein a projection is comprised of at least one attachment node; wherein a team assembles the frustum board to include or omit an accessory, or multiple accessories; wherein an accessory is comprised of at least one attachment node; wherein an attachment node of the frustum board, of a projection, and of an accessory permits their mutual connection; wherein a team receives a predetermined amount of playing currency, selects at least one set of playing characters, performs a battle break, and executes a first turn, and any subsequent turn, as follows:

    • (a) the team chooses to utilize an amount of the playing currency to purchase an additional playing character, multiple additional playing characters, an enhancement, multiple enhancements, or any combination of both playing character(s) and enhancement(s); (b) then, the team collects all playing characters that are in play and drops said playing characters onto the frustum board; if a playing character comes to rest on the frustum board, then said playing character remains in play; if a playing character comes to rest on another playing character located on the frustum board, then said playing character remains in play; (c) if a team assembled the frustum board to include an accessory, or a plurality of accessories, and if a playing character comes to rest on an accessory or on a plurality of accessories located on the frustum board, then said playing character remains in play; if a playing character comes to rest on another playing character on an accessory or on a plurality of accessories located on the frustum board, then said playing character remains in play; (d) if a team assembled the frustum board to include a projection, or a plurality of projections, and if a playing character comes to rest on a projection or on a plurality of projections located on the frustum board, then said playing character remains in play; if a playing character comes to rest on another playing character on a projection or on a plurality of projections located on the frustum board, then said playing character remains in play; (e) if a playing character comes to rest on or in contact with a surface or an object other than the frustum board, a projection on the frustum board, an accessory on the frustum board, or on another playing character located on either the frustum board, a projection on the frustum board, or an accessory on the frustum board, or any combination thereof, then said playing character is removed from play; and, wherein a team or teams will continue to take a turn in the predetermined order of play; and, wherein a team or teams will alternate taking turns until a winner is declared, or until only one playing character, or the playing characters of only one team, remain(s) in play.

The subject invention demonstrates that said method may be further comprised of at least one deck of playing cards; wherein a team executes a first turn, and any subsequent turns, as follows: (a) the team utilizes a means of chance to determine whether to draw a playing card; (b) if the team draws a playing card, then the team may fulfill the playing card or retain the playing card; (c) then, the team chooses to utilize an amount of the playing currency to purchase an additional playing character, multiple additional playing characters, an enhancement, multiple enhancements, or any combination of both playing character(s) and enhancement(s); (d) then, the team collects all playing characters that are in play and drops said playing characters onto the frustum board; if a playing character comes to rest on the frustum board, then said playing character remains in play; if a playing character comes to rest on another playing character located on the frustum board, then said playing character remains in play; (e) if a team assembled the frustum board to include an accessory, or a plurality of accessories, and if a playing character comes to rest on an accessory or on a plurality of accessories located on the frustum board, then said playing character remains in play; if a playing character comes to rest on another playing character on an accessory or on a plurality of accessories located on the frustum board, then said playing character remains in play; (f) if a team assembled the frustum board to include a projection, or a plurality of projections, and if a playing character comes to rest on a projection or on a plurality of projections located on the frustum board, then said playing character remains in play; if a playing character comes to rest on another playing character on a projection or on a plurality of projections located on the frustum board, then said playing character remains in play; (g) if a playing character comes to rest on or in contact with a surface or an object other than the frustum board, a projection on the frustum board, an accessory on the frustum board, or on another playing character located on either the frustum board, a projection on the frustum board, or an accessory on the frustum board, or any combination thereof, then said playing character is removed from play; and, wherein a team or teams will continue to take a turn in the predetermined order of play; and, wherein a team or teams will alternate taking turns until a winner is declared, or until only one playing character or the playing characters of only one team remain(s) in play.

The present invention also shows a method of playing a game on a frustum board having a plurality of attachment nodes; a plurality of playing currency; at least one set of playing characters; and a means of chance, wherein the means of chance determines an order of play; wherein a team assembles the frustum board to include or omit a projection, or multiple projections; and, wherein a projection is comprised of at least one attachment node; wherein a team also assembles the frustum board to include or omit an accessory, or multiple accessories; wherein an accessory is comprised of at least one attachment node; and, wherein an attachment node of the frustum board, of a projection, and of an accessory permits their mutual connection; wherein a team selects at least one set of playing characters and executes a first turn, and any subsequent turns, as follows: (a) the team collects all playing characters that are in play and drops said playing characters onto the frustum board; if a playing character comes to rest on the frustum board, then said playing character remains in play; if a playing character comes to rest on another playing character located on the frustum board, then said playing character remains in play; (b) if a team assembled the frustum board to include an accessory, or a plurality of accessories, and if a playing character comes to rest on an accessory or on a plurality of accessories located on the frustum board, then said playing character remains in play; if a playing character comes to rest on another playing character on an accessory or on a plurality of accessories located on the frustum board, then said playing character remains in play; (c) if a team assembled the frustum board to include a projection, or a plurality of projections, and if a playing character comes to rest on a projection or on a plurality of projections located on the frustum board, then said playing character remains in play; if a playing character comes to rest on another playing character on a projection or on a plurality of projections located on the frustum board, then said playing character remains in play; (d) if a playing character comes to rest on or in contact with a surface or an object other than the frustum board, a projection on the frustum board, an accessory on the frustum board, or on another playing character located on either the frustum board, a projection on the frustum board, or an accessory on the frustum board, or any combination thereof, then said playing character is removed from play; and, wherein a team or teams will continue to take a turn in the predetermined order of play; when only one playing character, or multiple playing characters of only one team, remain(s) in play, the team of said playing character or of said playing characters will earn a predetermined amount of playing currency; then, the team or teams begin a new round by gathering all of the playing characters and executing a first turn, and any subsequent turns, as described in (a) through (d); wherein the team or teams continue to play until a team earns a predetermined number of coins or a winner is declared.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a frustum board.

FIG. 2 depicts a frustum board consisting of separate pieces.

FIG. 3 portrays a top for a frustum board

FIG. 4 illustrates a first projection.

FIG. 5 shows a second projection.

FIG. 6 depicts a third projection.

FIG. 7 shows standard playing characters.

FIG. 8 illustrates standard playing characters.

FIG. 9 shows standard playing characters.

FIG. 10 portrays specialized playing characters.

FIG. 11 depicts an enhanced playing character.

FIG. 12 provides one example of an assembled frustum board.

FIG. 13 provides a second example of an assembled frustum board.

FIG. 14 shows a chest piece.

FIG. 15 depicts a battle barrel.

 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A frustum board 1 may exist as one piece for convenient assembly, or as multiple pieces or collapsible layers for convenient storage. To make play more challenging or competitive, the frustum board 1 may be further comprised of a manual, a mechanical, or an electrical component that causes the frustum board 1, and any projection 7, accessory 16, 17, playing character 18, 19, 20, or any combination thereof located on the frustum board 1 to move or vibrate.

FIG. 1 shows a frustum board 1 as a single, unified piece. FIG. 2 shows a frustum board 1 consisting of separate pieces or layers, which can include: a base 2, a first section 3, a second section 4, and a top 5. Preferably, the base 2 has a circumference of between 22-inches and 26-inches, and the top 5 has a circumference of between 11-inches and 16-inches. Smaller or larger layers are also conceivable. Furthermore, one or more layers may be removed from a frustum board 1, making the board 1 shorter. Additionally, one or more layers may be added to a frustum board 1, making the board 1 taller; said layers can include an additional base 2 and/or an additional top 5. A top 5 typically has two unique sides and is designed to be reversable. Distinctly embellished, interchangeable covers may also be utilized on a top 5. FIG. 3 illustrates that a top 5 may further include markings to indicate a target area 9.

As shown in FIG. 2 and in FIG. 3, the frustum board 1 and the top 5 include a plurality of attachment nodes 6. A frustum board 1 can also be encompassed in attachment nodes 6, consisting entirely or primarily of attachment nodes 6 or like materials. Attachment nodes 6 are preferably magnets, and more specifically, neodymium magnets; but, they 6 may also be Velcro, touch-fasteners, silicone(s), or any other means of temporarily and repeatedly connecting and disconnecting objects. Attachment nodes 6 may be outwardly visible, or may be embedded, seated, or sealed within a frustum board 1, top 5, or any other piece having attachment nodes 6. Attachment nodes 6 may appear as decorative vines or as rope on the frustum board 1 or other game pieces; and, they 6 may appear square, rectangular, circular, or in the form of any other desirable shape.

The frustum board 1 may include one or more projections 7, such as those shown in FIG. 4, FIG. 5, and FIG. 6. A projection 7 includes one or more attachment nodes 6 and, a projection 7 can connect to a frustum board 1 by aligning one or more attachment nodes 6 of a projection 7 with one or more attachment nodes 6 of a frustum board 1. A projection 7 most often takes the form of a ledge or a cliff, but it 7 can also be in the form of a path, ramp, or tunnel which extends through, around, or down the length of the frustum board 1, or any portion thereof 1 (the length of the frustum board 1 is measured as the distance from the top 5 to the base 2). FIG. 4 shows a projection 7 having an attachment node 6 within its inner-surface 8 to connect the projection 7 to a frustum board 1; and, a plurality of additional attachment nodes 6 throughout the remainder of the projection 7. The curvature of the inner-surface 8 of a projection 7 is designed to accommodate or match the curvature of the frustum board 1 to allow each projection 7 to fit appropriately along or around the board 1.

A frustum board 1 is capable of supporting multiple projections 7 of varying sizes and shapes, simultaneously and throughout the board 1. A projection 7 may include distinctly embellished, interchangeable covers; including an outer-surface cover 12, and an upper-surface cover 13. A top 5, a frustum board 1, a projection 7, or any covers thereof, may either or both be, or have portions that are, concave, convex, irregular, or otherwise uneven to alter gameplay or to add aesthetic value.

FIG. 5 shows a projection 7 having an attachment node 6 within its inner-surface 8, to connect the projection 7 to a frustum board 1; and, an attachment node 6 extending along the edge of the upper-surface 10, to connect an upper-surface cover 13 to the projection 7; and, attachment nodes along the outer-surface 11, to connect an outer-surface cover 12 to the projection 7. Covers 12, 13 can include one or more attachment nodes 6, to connect to attachment nodes 6 of any other game pieces. FIG. 6 depicts a projection 7 having attachment nodes 6 extending down its 7 outer-surface 11.

FIG. 7, FIG. 8, and FIG. 9 are generic examples of standard playing characters 18. FIG. 10 shows generic examples of specialized playing characters 19. A specialized playing character 19, also known as a “champion,” is advantageous in comparison to a standard playing character 18 because it 19 has attachment nodes 6 at various points which enable it 19 to connect to one or more attachment nodes 6 of a frustum board 1 and/or a projection 7. Specialized playing characters 19 can have one or more attachment nodes 6 located partially or wholly within or on the surface of any part of the specialized playing character 19. FIG. 11 depicts a generic example of an enhanced playing character 20. An enhanced playing character 20 is a standard playing character 18 or a specialized playing character 19 that includes one or more enhancements 30. Each of the following game pieces constitute an enhancement 30: a shield 21, a helmet 22, or a chain 23.

If enhancements 30 are incorporated into a game: enhancements are pieces that can be earned or purchased for a specified amount of playing currency 24 during gameplay. Generally, enhancements 30 appear as weapons or shields, and they contain one or more attachment nodes 6; however, enhancements 30 which resemble weapons are not necessarily used by one team to injure the playing characters 18, 19, 20 of another team. Enhancements 30 modify the weight of a playing character 18, 19 and/or provide a playing character 18, 19 with one or more additional attachment node(s) 6 to improve the odds that the playing character 18, 19 will remain in play during a game; giving an enhanced playing character 20 some advantage(s) over other playing characters 18, 19. Enhancements 30 can attach to specialized playing characters 19 by aligning their mutual attachment nodes 6; or, enhancements 30 can attach to specialized playing characters 19 or standard playing characters 18 by other means (e.g. lodging an enhancement 30, such as a shield 21, or tying an enhancement 30, such as a chain 23, onto a character 18, 19, 20).

Playing characters 18, 19, 20 can appear as humans, monsters, warriors, pirates, animals, aliens, objects, or as practically any other design or combination thereof. Each playing character 18, 19, 20 primarily consists of materials that allow them 18, 19, 20 to bounce when dropped; usually rubber(s), plastic(s), silicone(s) or a combination thereof. The playing characters 18, 19, 20 of a team can be distinguished from the playing characters 18, 19, 20 of another team by color, shape, or by other identifying markings. Game characters can further include a non-player character or multiple non-player characters, such as a monster 29 or a pet, which also primarily consist of materials that allow them to bounce when dropped; usually rubber(s), plastic(s), silicone(s) or a combination thereof.

If pets are incorporated into a game: a pet can be earned, purchased, or otherwise obtained by a team as teams may agree prior to the start of a game. Once a team receives a pet, the pet becomes a helpful and powerful member of said team. For example: if all of a team's playing characters 18, 19, 20 are removed from play, but that team has a pet in play, then said team can continue to play using only the pet.

If a pet and an opposing team's standard playing character 18 come to rest on the same projection 7, or on one or more accessories 16, 17 located on the same projection 7, or if a pet and an opposing team's standard playing character 18 otherwise come to rest together on the frustum board 1 (e.g. sharing the same attachment node 6), then the opposing team's standard playing character 18 is removed from play and the pet remains in play. If an opposing team's enhanced playing character 20 was previously a standard playing character 18, then said enhanced playing character 20 will be treated as a standard playing character 18 when interacting with an opposing team's pet. An active accessory 17 cannot be activated by a playing character 18, 20 that is simultaneously removed by a pet.

If a pet and an opposing team's specialized playing character 19 come to rest on the same projection 7, or on one or more accessories 16, 17 located on the same projection 7, or if a pet and an opposing team's specialized playing character 19 otherwise come to rest together on the frustum board 1 (e.g. sharing the same attachment node 6), then that pet is removed from play and the opposing team's specialized playing character 19 remains in play. If an opposing team's enhanced playing character 20 was previously a specialized playing character 19, then said enhanced playing character 20 will be treated as a specialized playing character 19 when interacting with an opposing team's pet.

Pets of opposing teams may occupy the same projection 7, or the same accessories 16, 17 located on the same projection 7, or may otherwise come to rest together on the frustum board 1 without consequence. If a pet and a monster 29 are dropped and come to rest on the same projection 7, or on one or more accessories 16, 17 located on the same projection 7, or if a pet and a monster 29 otherwise come to rest together on the frustum board 1 (e.g. sharing the same attachment node 6), then the monster 29 is removed from play and the pet remains in play.

A pet can be removed from play by coming to rest on (or in contact with) a surface or an object other than game pieces such as: the frustum board 1, an accessory 16, 17 on the frustum board 1, a playing character 18, 19, 20, or another pet located on either the frustum board 1 or on an accessory 16, 17 on the frustum board 1, or any combination thereof. If a functional element 15 (described below) is incorporated into a game, and if a team's playing character 18, 19, 20 may be removed by coming to rest on (or in contact with) said functional element 15, then that team's pet may also be removed if it comes to rest on (or in contact with) the functional element 15.

FIG. 12 shows an example of a monster 29; and, FIG. 12 and FIG. 13 each show a frustum board 1 assembled with a top 5, projections 7, a functional element 15, passive accessories 16, and active accessories 17. A game can be played without passive accessories 16, without active accessories 17, or without either 16, 17; but at least one of each of the accessories 16, 17 are encouraged to enhance the gaming experience. Accessories 16, 17 are comprised of one or more attachment nodes 6 capable of connecting them 16, 17 to a projection 7, to a top 5, or otherwise to a frustum board 1 or components thereof. Passive accessories 16 are primarily decorative and can take the form of trees, plants, rocks, and the like. Depending upon how a playing character 18, 19, 20 lands, bounces, or otherwise interacts with game pieces during play, passive accessories 16 can act as an obstacle to a playing character 18, 19, 20 by contributing to its 18, 19, 20 fall from the top 5; or, passive accessories 16 can benefit a playing character 18, 19, 20 by supporting it 18, 19, 20 on a projection 7 or on the board 1.

Active accessories 17 are activated by interaction with one or more playing characters 18, 19, 20. In other words and unless otherwise noted: all active accessories 17 are activated when one or more playing characters 18, 19, 20 are dropped and come to rest on a projection 7 containing an active accessory 17. Said playing characters 18, 19, 20 may be referred to as activating playing characters, and the teams of said playing characters 18, 19, 20 may be referred to as activating teams. A playing character 18, 19, 20 that interacts with an active accessory 17 may harm or benefit a team, or multiple teams. Notably, a pet cannot activate an active accessory 17. Each of the following game pieces constitute an active accessory 17: a cave 27, a chest 31, a statue 28, a pillar 14, a goldmine, a castle, a tower, a barracks piece, and a functional element 15.

If a cave 27 is incorporated into a game and a character 18, 19, 20 activates a cave 27, then a non-player character, such as a monster 29, is introduced to the game and included in subsequent drops along with any characters 18, 19, 20 and pets in play. Every non-player character is included in drops of any playing character(s) 18, 19, 20. A monster 29 does not join any team and it 29 cannot activate an active accessory 17; but, a monster 29 can substantially impact a game and its outcome. A non-player character may interact with a playing character 18, 19, 20 or with another non-player character to the harm or benefit of a team or of multiple teams.

If a monster 29 and any playing character(s) 18, 19, 20 are dropped and come to rest on the same projection 7, or on one or more accessories 16, 17 located on the same projection 7, or if a monster 29 and a playing character 18, 19, 20 otherwise come to rest together on the frustum board 1 (e.g. sharing the same attachment node 6), then said playing character 18, 19, 20 is immediately removed from play and the monster 29 remains in play. An active accessory 17 cannot be activated by a playing character 18, 19, 20 that is simultaneously eliminated by a monster 29. A new monster 29 can be added to the same game each time that a cave 27 is activated. If all playing characters 18, 19, 20 are removed from play and only one or more monsters 29 remain in play, then the game is over and no team wins; the monster(s) 29 win(s). A monster 29 may be removed from play if the monster 29 comes to rest on a projection 7 with a cave 27; or, a monster 29 may be removed from play in the same manner as any playing character 18, 19, 20; by coming to rest on (or in contact with) a surface or an object other than game pieces such as: the frustum board 1, an accessory 16, 17 on the frustum board 1, or a playing character 18, 19, 20 (or another monster 29) located on either the frustum board 1 or on an accessory 16, 17 on the frustum board 1, or any combination thereof.

If a chest 31 is incorporated into a game, then a deck of playing cards 26 must also be incorporated. If a team's character 18, 19, 20 activates a chest 31, then that team may draw a card, fulfill or retain said card (depending upon whether the card is a negative card or a positive card), and may also (optionally) relocate the chest 31 piece on any projection 7 on the frustum board 1. If the playing characters 18, 19, 20 of multiple teams concurrently come to rest on a projection 7 containing a chest 31, then each activating team will utilize a means of chance, preferably a die 25, to determine which team will have the option to draw a card and/or relocate the chest 31. Only one team may activate a chest 31 per drop or turn.

Alternatively, a team that activates a chest 31 may decline to draw a card and instead may utilize a means of chance to determine whether the chest 31 may become a trap to subsequent activating teams. If the means of chance is a die 25, then rolling numbers two through six will trap the chest 31; and, rolling a one will eliminate the activating playing character 18, 19, 20 from play. If a chest 31 is trapped and subsequently activated, then the team of the playing characters 18, 19, 20 that activated the trapped chest 31 may utilize a means of chance to determine whether the trap may be disarmed. If the means of chance is a die 25, then rolling a one will disarm the chest 31. If the chest 31 is disarmed, then the team which disarmed the chest 31 will earn a predetermined amount of playing currency 24, generally one coin, and said team may also select a card from the deck 26. If the chest 31 is not disarmed by a means of chance, then the activating playing character 18, 19, 20 of the team which attempted to disarm the chest 31 will be eliminated and the chest 31 will be disarmed; unless and until a team's playing character 18, 19, 20 activates the chest 31 and determines to trap the chest 31 again.

If a statue 28 is incorporated into a game and a playing character 18, 19, 20 activates the statue 28, then the team of said character 18, 19, 20 will receive an enhancement 30. Said enhancement 30 may be used immediately or, it 30 may be retained for use in a later turn of the same game. If a pillar 14 is incorporated into a game and a playing character 18, 19, 20 activates the pillar 14, then the team of said character 18, 19, 20 will receive an enhancement 30. Said enhancement 30 may be used immediately, or it 30 may be retained for use in a later turn of the same game. The statue 28 and the pillar 14 are functionally similar, but each 28, 14 are suited to retain one or more enhancements 30 in different manners. For example: the statue 28 may be better suited than the pillar 14 to hold the chain 23; and, the pillar 14 may be better suited than the statue 28 to hold the helmet 22.

Additional active accessories 17 include: a goldmine, a tower, a castle, a merchant, or a barracks piece. If a goldmine is incorporated into a game: a team may purchase a goldmine for a predetermined amount of playing currency 24, generally five coins, and add said goldmine onto a projection 7 on the frustum board 1. If a playing character 18, 19, 20 of the team that purchased the goldmine activates that goldmine, then said team will receive a number of coins as determined by a means of chance. If the means of chance is a die 25, then said team will be awarded with a number of coins equal to the number rolled. If a playing character 18, 19, 20 activates a goldmine, and that character 18, 19, 20 does not belong to the team that purchased the activated goldmine, then that team is awarded a predetermined amount of playing currency 24, generally one coin. Most often, only one goldmine exists per game.

If a tower is incorporated into a game: a team may purchase a tower for a predetermined amount of playing currency 24, generally three coins, and add said tower onto a projection 7 on the frustum board 1. No more than one tower may be added to the same projection 7. If a standard playing character 18 or an enhanced playing character 20 activates a tower, and that character 18, 20 does not belong to the team that purchased the tower, then: that playing character 18, 20 may be removed from play; or alternatively, in some cases, teams may agree that said playing character 18, 20 may be captured by the team that purchased the tower. A team that captures a playing character 18, 20 may either retain that character 18, 20 as a new team member, or sell that character 18, 20 to another team for a predetermined amount of playing currency 24. If a specialized playing character 19 activates a tower, and it 19 does not belong to the team that purchased said towner, then: the tower is defeated and removed from the projection 7. A predetermined amount of playing currency 24, preferably three coins, is awarded to the team of the character 19 that defeated the tower. If a playing character 18, 19, 20 of the team that purchased a tower activates said tower, that team receives no benefit or detriment.

If castles are incorporated into a game: a team may purchase a castle for a predetermined amount of playing currency 24, generally five coins, and add said castle onto a projection 7 on the frustum board 1. No more than one castle may be added to the same projection 7. If a playing character 18, 19, 20 activates a castle and said playing character 18, 19, 20 does not belong to the team that purchased the castle, then that playing character 18, 19, 20 may be removed from play; or alternatively, in some cases, teams may agree that said playing character 18, 19, 20 may be captured by the team that purchased the castle. A team that captures a playing character 18, 19, 20 may either retain that character 18, 19, 20 as a new team member, or sell that character 18, 19, 20 to another team for a predetermined amount of playing currency 24. If a playing character 18, 19, 20 of the team that purchased a castle activates said castle, that team receives no benefit or detriment. A castle will remain on a given projection 7 until the team that purchased said castle is eliminated from the game.

If a merchant is incorporated into a game and a playing character 18, 19, 20 activates the merchant, then the team of said character 18, 19, 20 may immediately purchase enhancements 30 from the merchant. The merchant is removed from play following activation, regardless of whether the activating team purchased any enhancements 30. If a barracks piece is incorporated into a game and a playing character 18, 19, 20 activates the barracks piece, then the team of said character 18, 19, 20 may immediately purchase enhancements 30 and/or an additional standard playing character 18. The barracks piece remains in play following activation, regardless of whether the activating team purchased any enhancements 30 and/or an additional standard playing character 18.

If a functional element 15 is incorporated into a game: a functional element 15 sits within the upper-surface 10 of a projection 7. A functional element 15 is removable and may be reversable. In some cases, the functional element 15 will appear as lava, ice, mud, a black hole, or as other similar designs. The design of a functional element 15 is often inspired by nature, but unnatural concepts are possible. It is possible for a projection 7 to hold both a functional element 15 and another active accessory 17. A functional element 15 is comprised of at least one attachment node 6 to permit its 15 mutual connection to other attachment nodes 6; such as the attachment nodes 6 of a frustum board 1, a projection 7, and/or an accessory 16, 17.

To activate a functional element 15: a playing character 18, 19, 20 or a non-player character must come to rest on or in contact with the functional element 15. For example: if a playing character 18, 19, 20 or a non-player character come to rest on a projection 7 with a functional element 15 (or on an active accessory 17 on a projection with a functional element 15), but said playing character 18, 19, 20 or non-player character is not in physical contact with the functional element 15, then the functional element 15 is not activated. An activated functional element 15 may harm or benefit a team, or multiple teams.

Teams may mutually agree, or a team (e.g. the winning team of an earlier game, or the team that assembled the frustum board) may determine to assign a positive or negative quality to a functional element 15 at the beginning of a game. If a playing character 18, 19, 20 activates a functional element 15 with a positive quality, then the team of said character 18, 19, 20 may receive a predetermined amount of playing currency 24; generally, one coin. If a playing character 18, 19, 20 activates a functional element 15 with a negative quality, and that activating playing character 18, 19, 20 does not belong to a team that determined to assign the functional element 15 with a negative quality, then: that playing character 18, 19, 20 may be removed from play, or the team of said playing character 18, 19, 20 may forfeit a predetermined amount of playing currency 24. If a playing character 18, 19, 20 of the team that determined to assign the functional element 15 with a negative quality activates said functional element 15, then either that team receives no benefit or detriment; or, said character 18, 19, 20 may be removed from play or the team of said playing character 18, 19, 20 may forfeit a predetermined amount of playing currency 24. Teams may mutually agree, or a team (e.g. the winning team of an earlier game, or the team that assembled the frustum board) may determine which alternative applies to a given game.

FIG. 12 further shows playing currency 24, a die 25, and a deck of playing cards 26. A deck of playing cards 26 includes one or more positive playing cards and one or more negative playing cards. A team that selects a positive playing card may receive a benefit or reward, and a team that selects a negative playing card may be damaged. A deck of playing cards 26 tends to include two positive playing cards for every one negative playing card. Table 1 lists examples of messages or instructions on negative playing cards, and Table 2 lists examples of messages or instructions on positive playing cards.

To begin gameplay, one or more teams will assemble the frustum board 1 to their preference; projections 7 and accessories 16, 17 are recommended, but are ultimately optional. For example: a team or teams may include or omit a functional element 15, or multiple functional elements 15. Attachment nodes 6 of a projection 7 can be aligned with attachment nodes 6 of a frustum board 1 to permit their mutual connection. Attachment nodes 6 of accessories 16, 17 can be aligned with attachment nodes 6 of projections 7 or of the frustum board 1 to permit their mutual connection. FIG. 12 and FIG. 13 each offer an example of an assembled frustum board 1.

Following assembly, each team selects a set of playing characters 18, 19. A set generally includes seven standard playing characters 18 and at least one specialized playing character 19; but, teams may mutually agree to begin a game with fewer or more of each 18, 19. Using fewer playing characters 18, 19 per team (such as three or five playing characters 18, 19), will likely increase the pace of a game and cause it to end more quickly than using more playing characters 18, 19 per team. Except where otherwise noted, each team begins a game with the same predetermined amount of playing currency 24, preferably five coins per team, and each team utilizes a means of chance, preferably a die 25, to determine the order of play (e.g. a first team, a second team, a third team, etc.). Teams may mutually agree to begin a game with fewer or more than five coins per team, to extend or reduce the length of a game. For example: a quick game may begin with three coins or five coins per team, while an extended game may begin with seven coins or eleven coins per team.

After the frustum board 1 is assembled, and the order of play is determined, a first team preforms a “battle break.” The battle break serves to shake-up the game with its potential to provide an early advantage or disadvantage to one or more teams. A battle break occurs when a first team collects the playing characters 18, 19 of each team, and drops all of them 18, 19 straight down, simultaneously and centrally above the top 5 of the frustum board 1, aiming for the target area 9 regardless of whether it 9 is distinctly marked on the top 5. If any character 18, 19 comes to rest without ever touching the top 5, then the drop was faulty and must be redone. If all playing characters 18, 19 are dropped and all are simultaneously removed from play, then the drop was faulty and must be redone.

Playing characters 18, 19 may be manually dropped, or they 18, 19 may be dropped by a dropping mechanism operated using a manual, a mechanical, or an electrical means, or any combination thereof. A dropping mechanism, referred to as a battle cannon, may be preferable when dropping a large number of playing characters 18, 19; or when playing characters 18, 19 cannot easily be contained together for any reason. Active accessories 17 and functional elements 15 can be activated by playing characters 18, 19 during the battle break.

Playing characters 18, 19 are dropped from a distance of between 6-inches and 18-inches from the top 5 of a frustum board 1. Teams may measure the drop distance quickly by utilizing a battle barrel 32. A battle barrel 32 is a container that can hold a team's playing characters 18, 19. One battle barrel 32 is approximately 6-inches tall; accordingly, a team may drop their playing characters 18, 19 from a distance above the top 5 that is equal to or greater than the height of at least one battle barrel 32, and less than or equal to the height of three vertically stacked battle barrels 32. A battle barrel 32 is vertical when its opening is roughly parallel to the top 5 of a frustum board 1. Developing a dropping technique can dramatically improve a team's odds of winning and is therefore an important aspect of the game. A team may strategically arrange the playing characters 18, 19 within the chosen dropping mechanism prior to performing the battle break.

Once dropped: playing characters 18, 19 will bounce and ricochet off of each other 18, 19 and off of the frustum board 1, the top 5, the projections 7, and/or any available accessories 16, 17. In some cases playing characters 18, 19 cause projections 7, accessories 16, 17, or both 7, 16, 17 to disconnect from the frustum board 1 and be removed from play. If agreed upon by a majority of teams prior to the start of a game, a team may be awarded a predetermined number of coins if that team's playing character 18, 19 causes one or more projections 7 or accessories 16, 17 to disconnect from the frustum board 1. Accessories 16, 17 that become disconnected from a projection 7 or from the frustum board 1 during play should not be replaced or reincorporated into the game in which they 16, 17 were disconnected.

Following the battle break: any playing character 18, 19 that comes to rest on the frustum board 1, on an accessory 16, 17 on the frustum board 1, or on another playing character 18, 19 located on either the frustum board 1 or on an accessory 16, 17 on the frustum board, or any combination thereof, remains in play. Any playing character 18, 19 that comes to rest on or in contact with a surface or an object other than the frustum board 1, an accessory 16, 17 on the frustum board 1, or on another playing character 18, 19 located on either the frustum board 1 or on an accessory 16, 17 on the frustum board 1, or any combination thereof, is removed from play.

Then a first team will execute a first turn, as outlined in each of three embodiments further described below. Unless otherwise noted, the contents of all preceding paragraphs of this detailed description apply to each of the three embodiments; the following paragraphs primarily serve to describe certain distinctions between each embodiment.

In a first embodiment, a deck of playing cards 26 is not utilized. Teams may mutually agree to incorporate pets, or the winning team of an earlier game may determine to incorporate pets into this embodiment. If pets or any other non-player character(s) are incorporated into a game, then each pet and non-player character is incorporated into each drop.

A first team begins to execute a first turn with the option to utilize playing currency 24 to purchase: one or more additional playing characters 18, one or more specialized playing characters 19, or one or more enhancements 30 to create an enhanced playing character 20. Typically, an additional playing character 18 can be purchased for one coin, an enhancement 30 can be purchased for two coins, and a specialized playing character 19 can be purchased for three coins. Unless otherwise stipulated by the team(s), a team cannot purchase more than a predetermined number (e.g., seven) of playing characters 18, 19 in a single transaction.

After the aforementioned battle break and after purchasing or skipping any purchase: the first team performs a drop. A drop occurs when a team collects all playing characters 18, 19, 20 that remain in play and drops them 18, 19, 20 straight down, simultaneously and centrally above the top 5 of the frustum board 1, aiming for the target area 9 regardless of whether it 9 is distinctly marked on the top 5. If any character 18, 19, 20 drops without ever touching the top 5, then the drop was faulty and must be redone. If all playing characters 18, 19, 20 are dropped and are simultaneously removed from play, then the drop was faulty and must be redone. At least one playing character 18, 19, 20 must survive each drop to declare a winning team (also written as: a winner). As previously described and throughout the game, during each turn: playing characters 18, 19, 20 are dropped from between 6-inches and 18-inches from the top 5 of the frustum board 1 and teams may measure the drop distance quickly by utilizing a battle barrel 32.

As previously described and throughout the game, following each turn: any playing character 18, 19, 20 that comes to rest on the frustum board 1, on an accessory 16, 17 on the frustum board 1, or on another playing character 18, 19, 20 located on either the frustum board 1 or on an accessory 16, 17 on the frustum board, or any combination thereof, remains in play. Any playing character 18, 19, 20 that comes to rest on or in contact with a surface or an object other than the frustum board 1, an accessory 16, 17 on the frustum board 1, or on another playing character 18, 19, 20 located on either the frustum board 1 or on an accessory 16, 17 on the frustum board 1, or any combination thereof, is removed from play. As noted elsewhere, special rules may apply if any non-player characters are incorporated into a game.

If a playing character 18, 19, 20 comes to rest on a projection 7 with an active accessory 17, then that active accessory 17 is activated to the benefit or detriment of one or more teams. For example, if a character 18, 19, 20 activates a statue 28 or a pillar 14, then the activating team may be awarded with an enhancement 30. Additionally, if a character 18, 19, 20 activates a cave 27, then a non-player character, such as a monster 29, is introduced to the game and included in subsequent drops until it is removed from play or until or a winner is declared or no playing characters 18, 19, 20 remain in play.

If all of the playing characters 18, 19, 20 (and pets, if applicable) of a single team are removed from play, then that team is out and must forfeit its coins; except if the game involves three or more teams. If three or more teams are playing a game, and all of the playing characters 18, 19, 20 of one team are removed from play, then said team without playing characters 18, 19, 20 in play must forfeit its coins, but may continue to participate (during that team's turn) by utilizing a means of chance, preferably a die 25, to determine whether said team may gain one standard playing character 18. If the means of chance is a die 25, then rolling a one under these circumstances will allow the team without any playing characters 18, 19, 20 to gain one standard playing character 18; and, rolling any other number is without consequence.

Subsequent teams will execute a first turn, and subsequent turns, in the same manner; beginning with the option to utilize playing currency 24, and ending by collecting all playing characters 18, 19, 20, (and any non-player characters such as pets, or monsters 29) that are in play, and dropping all of them 18, 19, 20 straight down, simultaneously and centrally above the top 5 of the frustum board 1, aiming for the target area 9 regardless of whether it 9 is distinctly marked on the top 5. Teams will alternate taking turns until a winner is declared, or until no playing characters 18, 19, 20 remain in play (e.g. if only a non-player character, such as a monster 29, remains in play). A team wins when one or more of its playing characters 18, 19, 20 are the only playing characters 18, 19, 20 that remain in play.

The winning team may be named king or queen or the like, and may be afforded special opportunities for subsequent and consecutive wins. For example: a winning team may elect to assemble the frustum board 1 to their preference at the start of a subsequent game, perform the battle break, or take the first turn during later games. A winning team may also retain coins and/or additional playing characters 18, 19, 20 accumulated, for use in a later game. Furthermore, a winning team may begin later games with a pet or a similarly beneficial non-player character, and/or may assign a positive or negative quality to a functional element 15 before a next game begins. Unless otherwise stipulated by the team(s): a team that is named king or queen or the like may retain its title upon winning consecutive games, for a predetermined number (e.g. three) of games.

In a second embodiment, a deck of playing cards 26 is utilized. Teams may mutually agree, or the winning team of an earlier game may determine, to assign one or more positive or negative qualities to certain outcomes of a means of chance. Additionally, teams may mutually agree, or the winning team of an earlier game may determine, to incorporate pets into the beginning of a game or to make pets available for purchase for a predetermined amount of playing currency 24 (e.g. two coins). In this embodiment, a team may also earn a pet via one or more positive cards from the deck of playing cards 26. If pets or any other non-player character(s) are incorporated into a game, then each pet and non-player character is incorporated into each drop.

A first team begins to execute a first turn by utilizing a means of chance, preferably a die 25, to determine whether to select a card from the deck of playing cards 26. If the means of chance is a die 25, then rolling a one permits the rolling team to draw a card; and, rolling a six permits the rolling team to take a second turn immediately after their first turn ends. If a team rolls a six consecutively for three turns, then that team may either continue taking turns or may acquire a specialized playing character 19 or an enhancement 30 at said team's option. If a team rolls any other number, then nothing occurs; unless the teams mutually agreed, or the winning team of an earlier game determined, to assign a positive or negative quality to rolling one or more numbers other than the numbers one and six.

If chance determines that the first team shall select a card from the deck of playing cards 26, and said team draws a negative card, which tend to damage the drawing team, then the negative card must be fulfilled immediately. Table 1 offers examples of messages or instructions found on negative cards. If the first team draws a positive card, which tend to benefit the drawing team, then the positive card may be fulfilled at the team's option: either immediately or subsequently during that team's later turn (if one exists). Table 2 offers examples of instructions found on positive cards.

After drawing a card and fulfilling or saving said card, or after declining to draw a card, the first team has the option to utilize playing currency 24 to purchase a pet (if applicable), one or more additional playing characters 18, one or more specialized playing characters 19, or one or more enhancements 30 to create an enhanced playing character 20. Typically, an additional playing character 18 can be purchased for one coin, an enhancement 30 can be purchased for two coins, and a specialized playing character 19 can be purchased for three coins. Unless otherwise stipulated by the team(s), a team cannot purchase more than a predetermined number (e.g., seven) of playing characters 18, 19 in a single transaction.

After purchasing or skipping any purchase, the first team performs a drop. A drop occurs when a team collects all playing characters 18, 19, 20 that remain in play and drops them 18, 19, 20 straight down, simultaneously and centrally above the top 5 of the frustum board 1, aiming for the target area 9 regardless of whether it 9 is distinctly marked on the top 5. If any character 18, 19, 20 drops without ever touching the top 5, then the drop was faulty and must be redone. If all playing characters 18, 19, 20 are dropped and are simultaneously removed from play, then the drop was faulty and must be redone. At least one playing character 18, 19, 20 must survive each drop to declare a winning team. As previously described and throughout the game, during each turn: playing characters 18, 19, 20 are dropped from between 6-inches and 18-inches from the top 5 of the frustum board 1; teams may measure the drop distance quickly by utilizing a battle barrel 32.

As previously described and throughout the game, following each turn: any playing character 18, 19, 20 that comes to rest on the frustum board 1, on an accessory 16, 17 on the frustum board 1, or on another playing character 18, 19, 20 located on either the frustum board 1 or on an accessory 16, 17 on the frustum board, or any combination thereof, remains in play. Any playing character 18, 19, 20 that comes to rest on or in contact with a surface or an object other than the frustum board 1, an accessory 16, 17 on the frustum board 1, or on another playing character 18, 19, 20 located on either the frustum board 1 or on an accessory 16, 17 on the frustum board 1, or any combination thereof, is removed from play. As noted elsewhere, special rules may apply if any non-player characters are incorporated into a game. If a playing character 18, 19, 20 comes to rest on a projection 7 with an active accessory 17, then that active accessory 17 is activated to the benefit or detriment of one or more teams.

If all of the playing characters 18, 19, 20 of a single team are removed from play, then that team is out and must forfeit its coins; except if the game involves three or more teams. If three or more teams are playing a game, and all of the playing characters 18, 19, 20 of one team are removed from play, then said team without playing characters 18, 19, 20 in play must forfeit its coins, but may continue to participate (during that team's turn) by utilizing a means of chance, preferably a die 25, to determine whether said team may gain one standard playing character 18. If the means of chance is a die 25, then rolling a one under these circumstances will allow the team without any playing characters 18, 19, 20 to gain one standard playing character 18; and, rolling any other number is without consequence.

Subsequent teams will execute a first turn, and subsequent turns, in the same manner; beginning with a means of chance to determine whether to select a card from the deck of playing cards 26, fulfilling or retaining a card (if applicable), then utilizing or not utilizing playing currency 24, and ending by collecting all playing characters 18, 19, 20, (and any non-player characters such as pets, or monsters 29) that are in play, and dropping all of them 18, 19, 20 straight down, simultaneously and centrally above the top 5 of the frustum board 1, aiming for the target area 9 regardless of whether it 9 is distinctly marked on the top 5. Teams will alternate taking turns until a winner is declared, or until no playing characters 18, 19, 20 remain in play (e.g. if only a non-player character, such as a monster 29, remains in play). A team wins when one or more of its playing characters 18, 19, 20 are the only playing characters 18, 19, 20 that remain in play.

The winning team may be named king or queen or the like, and may be afforded special opportunities for subsequent and consecutive wins. For example, a winning team may elect to assemble the frustum board 1 to their preference, perform the battle break, or take the first turn during later games. A winning team may also retain coins and/or additional playing characters 18, 19, 20 accumulated, for use in a later game. Furthermore, a winning team may begin later games with a pet or a similarly beneficial non-player character, and/or may assign a positive or negative quality to a functional element 15 before a next game begins, and/or may assign one or more positive or negative qualities to certain outcomes of the means of chance. Unless otherwise stipulated by the team(s): a team that is named king or queen or the like may retain its title upon winning consecutive games, for a predetermined number (e.g. three) of games.

In a third embodiment, a battle break does not occur, a deck of playing cards 26 is not utilized, no team begins with a predetermined amount of playing currency 24, and no team can make purchases with earned coins. In this embodiment, a team may only earn coins in limited ways, such as by activating a chest 31 or by winning a game; and, coins are earned strictly as a means of determining a winner. Notably, certain active accessories 17 such as a goldmine, a tower, a castle, a merchant, or a barracks piece are not preferred in this embodiment; while other active accessories 17 such as a cave 27, a chest 31, a statue 28, or a pillar 14 are preferred. Teams may mutually agree to incorporate pets, or the winning team of an earlier game may determine to incorporate pets into this embodiment. If pets or any other non-player character(s) are incorporated into a game, then each pet and non-player character is incorporated into each drop. Each team begins with the same, mutually agreed upon, number of playing characters 18, 19, 20. For example: each team may begin with three, five, or seven playing characters 18, 19, 20 and one pet.

A first team begins to execute a first turn by performing a drop. A drop occurs when a team collects all playing characters 18, 19, 20 that remain in play and drops them 18, 19, 20 straight down, simultaneously and centrally above the top 5 of the frustum board 1, aiming for the target area 9 regardless of whether it 9 is distinctly marked on the top 5. If any character 18, 19, 20 drops without ever touching the top 5, then the drop was faulty and must be redone. If all playing characters 18, 19, 20 are dropped and are simultaneously removed from play, then the drop was faulty and must be redone. At least one playing character 18, 19, 20 must survive each drop to declare a winner. As previously described and throughout the game, during each turn: playing characters 18, 19, 20 are dropped from between 6-inches and 18-inches from the top 5 of the frustum board 1 and teams may measure the drop distance quickly by utilizing a battle barrel 32.

As previously described and throughout the game, following each turn: any playing character 18, 19, 20 that comes to rest on the frustum board 1, on an accessory 16, 17 on the frustum board 1, or on another playing character 18, 19, 20 located on either the frustum board 1 or on an accessory 16, 17 on the frustum board, or any combination thereof, remains in play. Any playing character 18, 19, 20 that comes to rest on or in contact with a surface or an object other than the frustum board 1, an accessory 16, 17 on the frustum board 1, or on another playing character 18, 19, 20 located on either the frustum board 1 or on an accessory 16, 17 on the frustum board 1, or any combination thereof, is removed from play. As noted elsewhere, special rules may apply if any non-player characters are incorporated into a game.

If a playing character 18, 19, 20 comes to rest on a projection 7 with an active accessory 17, then that active accessory 17 is activated to the benefit or detriment of one or more teams. For example, if a character 18, 19, 20 activates a statue 28 or a pillar 14, then the activating team may be awarded with an enhancement 30. Additionally, if a character 18, 19, 20 activates a cave 27, then a non-player character, such as a monster 29, is introduced to the game and included in subsequent drops until it is removed from play.

Teams will alternate taking turns until no playing characters 18, 19, 20 remain in play (e.g. if only a non-player character, such as a monster 29, remains in play), or until one or more playing characters 18, 19, 20 of one team are the only playing characters 18, 19, 20 that remain in play. If a one or more playing characters 18, 19, 20 of one team are the only playing characters 18, 19, 20 that remain in play, then said team will receive one coin. Then, the board 1 will be reset and teams will begin anew, with each team retaining any earned coin(s).

Teams will continue to alternate taking turns until no playing characters 18, 19, 20 remain in play or until one or more playing characters 18, 19, 20 of one team are the only playing characters 18, 19, 20 that remain in play, and teams will continue to reset the board 1 and begin anew until a team earns a predetermined number of coins and thereby wins the game. For example: if each team began with three playing characters 18, 19, 20 then the winning team may be the first team to earn three coins; if each team began with five playing characters 18, 19, 20 then the winning team may be the first team to earn five coins; and, if each team began with seven playing characters 18, 19, 20 then the winning team may be the first team to earn seven coins. Teams may determine to play with more playing characters 18, 19, 20 or may agree that a winning team must earn more or fewer coins to extend or otherwise modify the duration of the game.

The winning team of the third embodiment may be named king or queen or the like, and may be afforded special opportunities for subsequent and consecutive wins. For example, a winning team may elect to assemble the frustum board 1 to their preference, and/or may assign a positive or negative quality to a functional element 15 during assembly of the frustum board 1 before a next game begins. Unless otherwise stipulated by the team(s): a team that is named king or queen or the like may retain its name upon winning consecutive games, for a predetermined number (e.g. three) of games.

Versions of this game may be stylized to encompass certain themes, such as ice, swamp, and dessert themes. Certain representations and embodiments were included for the purpose of illustrating this game, and it will be apparent to those skilled in this art that modifications can be made without departing from the scope of this game apparatus and method of playing it.

TABLE 1 Examples of negative card messages or instructions. 1. Contaminated Water- Sickness has spread through your army from a bad source of water! Roll the Battle-Die to find out how many Warriors can no longer fight on! 2. A Heart of Gold- You give away all of your gold to other players! 3. Against All Odds- You lose all of your coins and all of your warriors except for one. 4. In the Spirit- You find yourself caught up in the spirit of charity. Give a coin to the bank to help those in need. If you have a coin to give, give it to the bank. 5. A Worthy Cause- Donate a coin to the bank to go towards helping injured warriors. 6. Ambushed! - Your supply line has been ambushed by bandits. Lose three coins. 7. Captured- One of your warriors have been captured by the opponent. Ask a player to remove one of your warriors from the battle. 8. While You were Sleeping- It appears that during your little nap, bandits have made off with all of your treasure! You lose all of your coins. 9. Warrior Captured! - Bandits are holding a warrior hostage! Pay a coin to the bank or choose a warrior to remove from the battle. 10. Wow . . . Really? - One of your warriors lose courage and run away scared! You lose a warrior. 11. Spikes! - One of your warriors falls into a pit of spikes! Yikes! Lose a warrior! 12. Sole Survivor- The Plague wipes out all of your warriors except for one. On the bright side for the rest of the battle your team is immune to poison! 13. Booby Trap?! - One of your warriors finds a chest, but it's a trapped chest. Roll a 1 on the Battle-Die or lose a warrior. If you roll a 1 draw another card. 14. Bear Trap! - One of your warriors is unable to fight on because of injury. Lose a warrior. 15. Caution! Watch out for Hazards - Your warrior slips, trips and tumbles off the Battle Mound! Lose a warrior! 16. Stay Focused! - One of your warriors take a stray arrow in the back! Lose a warrior. 17. Warrior Captured- Bandits are holding one of your warriors for ransom. Pay a coin to the bank or choose a warrior to remove from battle. 18. Fool's Gold! - It turns out that all but one of your coins are made out of fool's gold! You lose all but one golden coin. 19. Supplies Needed- Some of your equipment is in need of repair and replacement. Pay 2 coins to the bank.

TABLE 2 Examples of positive card messages or instructions. 1. Champion Card- A warrior has risen up the ranks to become a champion! Turn one of your warriors into a Champion! 2. Treasure Hunter- You have found a valuable gemstone worth three gold coins! Add 3 coins from the bank! 3. +Medic+ - One of your warriors has been healed from injury! Add one warrior! 4. Treasure- You have found a piece of treasure! Add one coin from the bank. 5. Champion Card- For valor upon the Battle Mound you have been awarded a champion! Add your champion. 6. Champion Card- You have been awarded a champion for being great and awesome! Add a champion! 7. Reinforcements Arrive! - Add two warriors! 8. Bank Robber Card - Your special forces have made off with 10 golden coins from the bank! Add ten coins from the bank! 9. Piece by Piece - Your army grows! Add a warrior! 10. Showdown! - Both you and an opponent must roll against each other. Choose a challenger and both of you roll the Battle-Die. The highest roll claims 5 golden coins from the bank! 11. Pet Card- Your special forces have trained a pet to fight at your side! Add your pet. 12. Pick-Pocket - Take a coin from another player! If all players are out of coins- treat yourself to one from the bank! 13. Pet Card- You've stumbled across a pet that really seem to like you! Add your pet! 14. Armageddon! - One warrior from each team will represent each player. Take turns doing the Battle-Drop until only one warrior remains. Last warrior standing wins the battle! 15. Treasure Hunter- You have found a stash of loot worth two coins! Add two coins from the bank. 16. Pick-Pocket- Take a coin from another player. If all players are out of coins, you get nothing. 17. Treasure Hunter - You have found the hidden chest of riches! Seven golden coins are yours to collect from the bank! Add 7 coins! 18. Pet Card - It seems that you have found a pet that wants to fight for you! Add your pet! 19. Coin Collector! - Collect a coin from each player! If a player has no coins- you may take a coin from the bank to cover that player! 20. Treasure Hunter- You spot a strange pile of rubble, after a quick search you uncover two golden coins! Add 2 coins from the bank. 21. Take a Walk in their Shoes! - Switch teams with another player! Gold and all! 22. Treasure Hunter - You follow the clues to an old map that leads you to some treasure. Add 3 gold coins! 23. Robin Hood Card - The player with the most coins must give all their coins to the player with the least amount of coins! In case of a tie roll the Battle-Die- the lowest roll is the poorest. 24. Find a Penny . . . Pick it Up . . . - You have found a golden coin! Add 1 coin from the bank. 25. Random Treasure Chest - Roll the Battle-Die to find out how many coins are inside this amazing chest! 26. Battle Mound Juggernaut - Add 3 gold coins. Add 3 warriors. Add your Champion. Add your Pet! 27. Treasure Chest - You have found a chest! Find out how many coins are inside by rolling the Battle-Die! 28. Block by Block - You continue to build up your forces! Add one Warrior! 29. Treasure Chest - You have found a chest! Find out how many coins are inside by rolling the Battle-Die! 30. Step by Step - You take another step toward victory as another warrior joins your forces! Add a warrior! 31. Gold up for Grabs - Each player places a coin on the Battle Mound and rolls the Battle-Die, the highest roll claims all the gold coins. If a player is out of coins- use one from the bank! 32. Iron Will - An injured warrior chooses to return to the fight! Add a warrior! 33. Pet Card - Your beast is ready for battle! Add your pet! 34. Coin Collector - Collect a coin from each player! If a player is out of coins- you get nothing! 35. Champion Card - The Battle Mound falls silent as your greatest warrior arrives! Add your Champion! 36. Drop by Drop - Your army flows toward the battle- add a warrior! 37. Random Chest - You have found a chest containing some gold! Find out how many coins are inside by rolling the Battle Die. 38. From Land, Sea and Air - Reinforcements arrive! Add 3 warriors!

Claims

1. A game apparatus comprising: a frustum board having a plurality of attachment nodes; a plurality of playing currency; at least one set of playing characters; and, a means of chance.

2. The game apparatus as specified in claim 1, wherein the game is further comprised of an accessory or a plurality of accessories, wherein an accessory is comprised of at least one attachment node.

3. The game apparatus as specified in claim 2, wherein at least one accessory is an active accessory and at least one accessory is a passive accessory.

4. The game apparatus as specified in claim 1, wherein the game is further comprised of a projection or a plurality of projections; and, wherein a projection is comprised of at least one attachment node.

5. The game apparatus as specified in claim 4, wherein a projection includes, or multiple projections include, a functional element or multiple functional elements.

6. The game apparatus as specified in claim 1, wherein the game is further comprised of at least one deck of playing cards; and, wherein a deck of playing cards includes positive playing cards and negative playing cards.

7. The game apparatus as specified in claim 1, wherein the game is further comprised of a dropping mechanism which may be operated by a manual, a mechanical, or an electrical means, or by any combination thereof.

8. The game apparatus as specified in claim 1, wherein the game is further comprised of a non-player character or of multiple non-player characters.

9. The game apparatus as specified in claim 1, wherein the game is further comprised of a manual, a mechanical, or an electrical component that causes the frustum board, and any projection, accessories, playing character, or any combination thereof located on the frustum board to move or vibrate.

10. The game apparatus as specified in claim 1, wherein at least one playing character is a specialized playing character.

11. A method of playing a game on a frustum board having a plurality of attachment nodes; a plurality of playing currency; at least one set of playing characters; and a means of chance, wherein the means of chance determines an order of play; wherein a team assembles the frustum board to include or omit a projection, or multiple projections; and, wherein a projection is comprised of at least one attachment node; wherein a team also assembles the frustum board to include or omit an accessory, or multiple accessories; wherein an accessory is comprised of at least one attachment node; wherein an attachment node of the frustum board, of a projection, and of an accessory permits their mutual connection; wherein a team receives a predetermined amount of playing currency, selects at least one set of playing characters, performs a battle break, and executes a first turn, and any subsequent turns, as follows: wherein a team or teams will continue to take a turn in the predetermined order of play; and, wherein a team or teams will alternate taking turns until a winner is declared, or until only one playing character, or the playing characters of only one team, remains in play.

(a) the team chooses to utilize an amount of the playing currency to purchase an additional playing character, multiple additional playing characters, an enhancement, multiple enhancements, or any combination of both playing character(s) and enhancement(s);
(b) then, the team collects all playing characters that are in play and drops said playing characters onto the frustum board; if a playing character comes to rest on the frustum board, then said playing character remains in play; if a playing character comes to rest on another playing character located on the frustum board, then said playing character remains in play;
(c) if a team assembled the frustum board to include an accessory, or a plurality of accessories, and if a playing character comes to rest on an accessory or on a plurality of accessories located on the frustum board, then said playing character remains in play; if a playing character comes to rest on another playing character on an accessory or on a plurality of accessories located on the frustum board, then said playing character remains in play;
(d) if a team assembled the frustum board to include a projection, or a plurality of projections, and if a playing character comes to rest on a projection or on a plurality of projections located on the frustum board, then said playing character remains in play; if a playing character comes to rest on another playing character on a projection or on a plurality of projections located on the frustum board, then said playing character remains in play;
(e) if a playing character comes to rest on or in contact with a surface or an object other than the frustum board, a projection on the frustum board, an accessory on the frustum board, or on another playing character located on either the frustum board, a projection on the frustum board, or an accessory on the frustum board, or any combination thereof, then said playing character is removed from play; and,

12. The method as specified in claim 11, wherein the playing characters are dropped by a manual, a mechanical, or an electrical dropping mechanism, or any combination thereof.

13. The method as specified in claim 11, wherein at least one accessory is an active accessory; and, wherein a playing character that interacts with an active accessory may harm or benefit a team or multiple teams.

14. The method as specified in claim 11, wherein a team assembles the frustum board to include or omit a functional element or multiple functional elements; wherein a functional element is comprised of at least one attachment node; wherein an attachment node of a functional element, of the frustum board, of a projection, and of an accessory permits their mutual connection; and, wherein a playing character that interacts with a functional element may harm or benefit a team or multiple teams.

15. The method as specified in claim 11, wherein the game is further comprised of at least one non-player character; and wherein every non-player character is included in drops of any playing character(s); and, wherein a non-player character may interact with a playing character or a non-player character and harm or benefit a team or multiple teams.

16. The method as specified in claim 11, wherein the game is further comprised of at least one deck of playing cards; and, wherein a team executes a first turn, and any subsequent turns, as follows: wherein a team or teams will continue to take a turn in the predetermined order of play; and, wherein a team or teams will alternate taking turns until a winner is declared, or until only one playing character or the playing characters of only one team remains in play.

(a) the team utilizes a means of chance to determine whether to draw a playing card;
(b) if the team draws a playing card, then the team may fulfill the playing card or retain the playing card;
(c) then, the team chooses to utilize an amount of the playing currency to purchase an additional playing character, multiple additional playing characters, an enhancement, multiple enhancements, or any combination of both playing character(s) and enhancement(s);
(d) then, the team collects all playing characters that are in play and drops said playing characters onto the frustum board; if a playing character comes to rest on the frustum board, then said playing character remains in play; if a playing character comes to rest on another playing character located on the frustum board, then said playing character remains in play;
(e) if a team assembled the frustum board to include an accessory, or a plurality of accessories, and if a playing character comes to rest on an accessory or on a plurality of accessories located on the frustum board, then said playing character remains in play; if a playing character comes to rest on another playing character on an accessory or on a plurality of accessories located on the frustum board, then said playing character remains in play;
(f) if a team assembled the frustum board to include a projection, or a plurality of projections, and if a playing character comes to rest on a projection or on a plurality of projections located on the frustum board, then said playing character remains in play; if a playing character comes to rest on another playing character on a projection or on a plurality of projections located on the frustum board, then said playing character remains in play;
(g) if a playing character comes to rest on or in contact with a surface or an object other than the frustum board, a projection on the frustum board, an accessory on the frustum board, or on another playing character located on either the frustum board, a projection on the frustum board, or an accessory on the frustum board, or any combination thereof, then said playing character is removed from play; and,

17. The method as specified in claim 16, wherein at least one playing card is positive, and at least one playing card is negative; wherein a team that selects a positive playing card may receive a benefit; and, wherein a team that selects a negative playing card may be damaged; wherein a team must fulfill a negative playing card upon drawing it, and a team may fulfill a positive playing card upon drawing it, or during a subsequent turn.

18. The method as specified in claim 16, wherein the game is further comprised of at least one non-player character; and wherein every non-player character is included in drops of any playing character(s); and, wherein a non-player character may interact with a playing character or a non-player character and harm or benefit a team or multiple teams.

19. A method of playing a game on a frustum board having a plurality of attachment nodes; a plurality of playing currency; at least one set of playing characters; and a means of chance, wherein the means of chance determines an order of play; wherein a team assembles the frustum board to include or omit a projection, or multiple projections; and, wherein a projection is comprised of at least one attachment node; wherein a team also assembles the frustum board to include or omit an accessory, or multiple accessories; wherein an accessory is comprised of at least one attachment node; and, wherein an attachment node of the frustum board, of a projection, and of an accessory permits their mutual connection; wherein a team selects at least one set of playing characters and executes a first turn, and any subsequent turns, as follows: wherein a team or teams will continue to take a turn in the predetermined order of play; when only one playing character, or multiple playing characters of only one team, remain(s) in play, the team of said playing character or of said playing characters will earn a predetermined amount of playing currency; then, the team or teams begin a new round by gathering all of the playing characters and executing a first turn, and any subsequent turns, as described in (a) through (d); wherein the team or teams continue to play until a team earns a predetermined number of coins or a winner is declared.

(a) the team collects all playing characters that are in play and drops said playing characters onto the frustum board; if a playing character comes to rest on the frustum board, then said playing character remains in play; if a playing character comes to rest on another playing character located on the frustum board, then said playing character remains in play;
(b) if a team assembled the frustum board to include an accessory, or a plurality of accessories, and if a playing character comes to rest on an accessory or on a plurality of accessories located on the frustum board, then said playing character remains in play; if a playing character comes to rest on another playing character on an accessory or on a plurality of accessories located on the frustum board, then said playing character remains in play;
(c) if a team assembled the frustum board to include a projection, or a plurality of projections, and if a playing character comes to rest on a projection or on a plurality of projections located on the frustum board, then said playing character remains in play; if a playing character comes to rest on another playing character on a projection or on a plurality of projections located on the frustum board, then said playing character remains in play;
(d) if a playing character comes to rest on or in contact with a surface or an object other than the frustum board, a projection on the frustum board, an accessory on the frustum board, or on another playing character located on either the frustum board, a projection on the frustum board, or an accessory on the frustum board, or any combination thereof, then said playing character is removed from play; and,

20. The method as specified in claim 19, wherein the game is further comprised of at least one non-player character; and wherein every non-player character is included in drops of any playing character(s); and, wherein a non-player character may interact with a playing character or a non-player character and harm or benefit a team or multiple teams.

Patent History
Publication number: 20210245035
Type: Application
Filed: Feb 8, 2020
Publication Date: Aug 12, 2021
Inventor: Matthew Stephenson (Alliance, OH)
Application Number: 16/785,584
Classifications
International Classification: A63F 3/00 (20060101); A63F 1/04 (20060101);